April 1, 2015

Joseph’s Coat x

This is not an April fool, but one of my purchases from the South Bank Classic Carboot…a rather vibrant 80’s number picked up for a pleasing £10. Some would say there’s a reason it was so cheap..

But I think it has potential for a bit of alteration and a re-dye..I love the collar, the padding, and the shape of the arms..

At the moment I’m thinking dyeing it a midnight navy blue to knock back the yellows to a dark green and the pinks to a purple…here’s hoping..I’ll post the result tomorrow..

Laters, Kate x

March 31, 2015

Do you Dream?

And then when you do, can you select your thoughts with silver tongs?

I thought this was the way that everybody dreamt – it was only speaking to a friend last week that I realised what I took for escapism and wishful thinking was in fact a unique state of mind and has a name: Lucid dreaming.

(All pictures from pinterest)

It’s that moment when you become conscious in a dream – sometimes it’s that time just as you’re waking up and you’re reaching out for a mood that’s disappearing fast over the horizon and you’re trying to catch it’s tail, because you know if it goes, you’re going to sense it’s loss, but you don’t know why. But you know if you can catch it..it’s a magical, mythical beast…

And then there’s the dreaming you do with your eyes open..for me it’s a similar state and The Husband can spot it a mile off…I can run a list through my head and see all the actions so clearly, I can convince myself I’ve already completed the tasks. Or falling asleep when you’re the architect, director and star of all you see, softly slipping into a timeless world of controlled infinity where anything is possible…I think I’m going to have to explore this some more…in a quiet corner, somewhere..

Laters, Kate x

March 30, 2015

Against Captain’s Orders..

On Sunday we took a family trip down the Thames to Greenwich. Growing up in London the kids have no idea how lucky they are..we live 30 minutes from Waterloo, which is a short stroll from the London Eye, which sits over the pier where you catch the boat..

Just opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben..

Charlie opted for a outfit of utility chic. Honestly, he looked like a road sweeper.

The boat journey down the Thames is magical, from the drama of Shakespeare’s Globe and Tower Bridge, to the violence of the Tower of London and the old warship, HMS Belfast. It’s a spectacle. Unfortunately for us, it was all seen behind rain splattered glass as the heavens well and truly opened. Although by the time we reached our destination, the World Heritage Site of Greenwich, the sun popped out, if only for a minute..

Greenwich is a remarkable place to visit: There’s the Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line to hop over, The Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College all seeped in romantic, baroque architecture..but we were there for a reason..

To see Against Captain’s orders at the National Maritime Museum, a groundbreaking theatre experience bridging the gap between museums and drama, thought up by the one and only Punchdrunk Enrichment, stars of immersive, interactive theatre.

The golden laws of interactive theatre mean I’m sworn to secrecy and therefore can’t tell you very much…except this is how it starts – and it’s not a stage set – you sit in the boats wearing life-jackets…before you are led away into a fantasy world where you are very much part of the fast-paced action in a behind the scenes experience in the deep, dark bowels of the museum. It’s brilliant, innovative..and an experience I know the kids will remember for a long, long time. It’s designed for children aged 6-12..and you don’t want to take any younger – it’s pretty heart racing…you’ll find little hands reaching out to find yours! Performances continue till the 31 of August..but take note: they do an adults version as well in an after-hours exclusive…if you can..GO!

Then it was off for lunch and wandering through Greenwich Market..yet another reason to visit…

Passing the Cutty Sark..

Before stopping at the nostalgic Hardy’s sweet shop to spend pocket money. I made Charlie buy popping candy..

Neither he nor Bella had tried it before..

I think it was a success..

Then it was time to run for the return boat home, before the storm clouds caught us..

Laters, Kate x

March 27, 2015

Inspiration..

It’s rapidly heading towards crunch time for our proposed building works – the builder is coming to quote on Tuesday which means all the big structural decisions have been made. Now thoughts can turn to the decorating..but rather than hoarding pictures of perfect rooms, I’m finding myself drawn to the opulence and layering of faraway cultures…

(All photos from Pinterest)

Whatever happens…it’s going to be a journey.

Laters, Kate x

March 26, 2015

Made to Treasure..

Remember Loquet?

Well it looks like they’re going to be doing bracelets..charm bracelets.

(All pictures Loquet and Garance Dore)

And so the heavenly lust list gets longer..

Laters, Kate x

March 25, 2015

Ray of Sunshine x

The end of term is creeping up and, as ever, it can’t come soon enough – I’ve got both mine off school today with sore throats – they’re really just knackered. And I can relate – I’m still feeling like I’m living underwater since last week. Which is why it’s rather lovely to find (thank you cousin Claire) humorous, supercool art like Rainworks!

Invented by Peregrine Church in Seattle, these street art pieces are the proverbial silver lining only appearing when it’s wet.

The designs are stencilled onto concrete using hydrophobic, environmentally friendly spray (for details check out the website – it’s literally stuff you can pick up yourself) which last for up to 4 months, depending on weight of traffic. Effectively, the spray keeps the concrete dry.

Genius. Now….where’s my nearest piece of concrete??

Laters, Kate x

March 24, 2015

Delicious Denim x

Delicious denim is having it’s moment and even the classic jacket is being taken for a creative ride…say hello to Sibling bling..

Acne (still such a dodgy name..) boggles with toggles.

Preen explores the bomber…

and the traditional.

(All jackets and photos from Net-a-porter.com)

Whilst Maison Margela wants you to pay for deconstruction..

Which one floats your boat? Or will Levi’s classic always have that place in your heart?

Laters, Kate x

March 23, 2015

Fashion Warrior x

A style icon is someone with the power to dazzle by simply being themselves and Gwendoline Christie, (best known for playing the part of Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones) is as bright and compelling as any of the celebrity fashion role models regularly spoonfed to us by the synthesised, visually generalised media. But with added spice..there’s something powerful, complex and original about her..made all the more special when you take into account her six foot three inch size..

As someone who has at times felt genderless because of her height, it interests her to challenge our assumptions of femininity and what it is to be a woman.

The role of Brienne – unfeminine in appearance, an object of scorn, clinging naively to the idealised concept of knighthood but always being treated with contempt and resentment for her gender, despite her considerable skill – is a role she relishes as a gift and the most extraordinary opportunity to portray the type of feminine outsider we rarely see in the mainstream.

It’s a part that crosses the invisible line between an actors vanity and personal vanity..you have to be prepared to be displayed as unattractive, large and masculine..and for people to believe that’s what you truly are.

When the reality is very different..

This is a lady who knows how to dress and is unafraid to push boundaries.

(All photos Google and Pinterest)

It must be rather satisfying to hear the crushing sound of misconceptions crunching under the designer soles of her stiletto clad feet every time she walks…

Laters, Kate x

March 20, 2015

Eclipse x

As I’m writing this we’re close to a partial eclipse in London – unfortunately the weather is not co-operating, the clouds are thick and low. With minutes to go it’s definitely darker…the sort of dark that precedes a cracking thunder storm..or the moon cutting out the sun..and I can just imagine these boho babes from Etro SS15 somewhere green and verdant, dancing barefoot in the grass..because the green is always brighter on the other side..

Laters, Kate x