Enjoy this video of Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame!
My V&A: Barbara Hulanicki from Victoria and Albert Museum on Vimeo.
Cheers!
Mon Idée Fixe=My obsessions. Professional author, writer, blogger, ghost writer, mother, wife, and lunatic. I write about what I want not what I must. If something catches my fancy I'll write about it here & hope it catches yours too! I have a wide range of interests & write about about it all! I hope you enjoy my blog and stop by often!
28 September 2009
24 September 2009
Christopher Kane for Top Shop Arrival!
Yesterday my Christopher Kane order arrived from Top Shop! I'm absolutely thrilled with the two pieces I chose: the Crocodile Dress, and Embellished Leggings. Top Shop also included some fun crocodile stickers (which my Punk Glam Princess has already laid claim to!)
The dress (as seen in my previous post on Top Shop's FNO) fits perfectly and gives me a lovely lean look. Being petite, sometimes length is a problem, but not this time, its perfect! And I actually prefer the cut to the higher priced simian versions.
The dress (as seen in my previous post on Top Shop's FNO) fits perfectly and gives me a lovely lean look. Being petite, sometimes length is a problem, but not this time, its perfect! And I actually prefer the cut to the higher priced simian versions.
Christopher Kane Embellished Leggings, click to purchase at Top Shop (photo courtesy of Top Shop)
After I placed my order I started getting a little worried about my choice of the leggings, not sure I could pull them off. My worries were completely unfounded, as the fit is just right, and they are really very special. The mesh fabric is the same fabric I used to use when I designed lingerie, essentially its girdle fabric -- the same fabric you will find on the sides of bras and in modern bustiers and corsets. Back then I had made myself a pair of leggings as well as a waspie corset (essentially a waist cincher) entirely out of this fabric (without any embellishment) because I loved the look of the mesh especially over something either textured or of a different colour. The beauty of these is that they really do act like a very fancy pair of super-duper Spanx! Every single bulge is smoothed and sucked in, and even the Punk Glam Princess commented on how trim they make me look! I'll wear them as a layering piece, like tights under a skirt or dress. The embellishments are lovely and are reinforced and very sturdy (another concern as grommets do have a way of popping when stressed.) Honestly they weigh a good 2 or 3 pounds from all the hardware! The asymmetrical design created with the mirrors and grommets makes a very flattering silhouette. I'm so glad I didn't drop them from my cart in a panic over whether I could wear them or not. The past few days have turned hot again, so the last thing I want to do is play with layering but as soon as it cools down again, they are definitely going to get some heavy wear! Since it is so warm I can start wearing my crocodile dress right away, I adore my new goodies!
Cheers!
Cheers!
17 September 2009
Links à la Mode ****for week of September 17, 2009****
Links à la Mode
****for week of September 17, 2009****
Beyond Fashion Week
Edited by Ashe Mischief
There’s a certain amount of irony in the fact I edited this week’s Links a la Mode, as it’s New York Fashion Week– because it’s something I’ve never actually covered before. Style moves on– whether it’s fashion week or the holidays, or the worst day of your life, and for that, we’ve got a bit of coverage from NYFW, some great posts to challenge your mind and body, and a bit of eye candy to tide us over through the weekend.
Links à la Mode : September 17th
- 39th and Broadway – Designing Divisions
- Anywhere but here – Inspired by: Elton John
- awakened aesthetic – I Got Tatted!
- Denim Debutante – Denim Store Review: ECBC (and Giveaway!)
- Denimaniac – Interview | Philip Goss for Ijin Material
- dramatis personae – South African Street Style
- Fashion Pulse Daily – Blogging Live from Vivienne Tam S/S 2010
- FashionHippo – Best Fall 2009 Top Trends: Draped, Ruffled, One Shoulder and More
- girl friday – DIYLeather Necklace I’ve been thinking about…
- HiFashion – Successful Online Shopping
- Individual Chic – 7 simple steps when shopping for swimwear
- Oranges and Apples – Diversity in fashion and style for all ages
- Rags to Reverie – Give Me A Hint!
- Retro Chick – Make Do and Mend
- Style Symmetry – Symmetry Seven ~ Doe Deere
- sweetarchivia – The Lighter Side of Olive Skin Tones
- THE COVETED – Backstage and on the runways at Matthew Ames SS10
- The Demoiselles – Body Type? What Body Type?
- The Greyest Ghost – The Day I Met Gwen Stefani…Twice
- The Sideshow Scrapbook – have to have……….Knuckle duster clutch
- Think Thru Fashion – One Scarf, Tied 5 Different Ways
15 September 2009
Exclusive: Top Shop's Fashion Night Out!
A very blurry pic of Top Shop's exterior on FNO.
Top Shop's fab greeter's at the door.
As you entered Top Shop, there were makeup artists from Sephora doing free makeovers.
DJ Lissie Trullie was spinning killer tunes from the first floor mezzanine.
However, first stop for me was shopping business which when it comes to me and Top Shop generally means up to the top floor shoe salon. Lo and behold the shoes I'd been lusting after, had missed out on online, and had my husband checking for at least three times a week, were in stock! The Ashish Zebra wedges to be precise! They had just arrived the day before, and I was luckily able to find my size.
Anthony Archer and Samantha Tonge holding my gorgeous hot new Ashish Zebra Wedges!The fabulous service by Anthony and Samantha couldn't be topped. These guys know their shoes, Anthony even remembered the name of the shoes I was wearing that I purchased when they first opened way back in the spring! I will definitely be calling on them in the future to get my shoe fixes -- one of the best things about Top Shop shoes is that no matter the height, I find them to be the most comfortable around!
Next stop the second floor "Vogue's Edit Shop" to see the Vogue editors do their thing, discussing key Top Shop trends for A/W.
Vogue Editors, Top Shop Senior Style Advisor. (Note Christopher Kane dress to the right.) Behind the editors was a display of key trends including... a Christopher Kane crocodile dress. I happen to be of the mind that these animal prints are going to be somewhat of an iconic Christopher Kane look owing to the previous (much more expensive, I might add) incarnations, and wouldn't be surprised if this is not the last of them (actually I do hope it isn't, I love them!) I was thrilled to see it in person, a week previous to the launch.
Close-up of Christopher Kane Crocodile dress and Grommet handbag. Looks like the croc is eating the handbag!
There were also free cookies from Eleni (and they were so incredibly delicious -- this being said from a woman who goes for savoury over sweet any day), and free Fiji water passed out by the lovelies pictured above.
This was also where you could pick up your Fashion's Night Out Tee. 40% of the retail proceeds went to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Something many of you many not realize is that Top Shop's Style Advisor service is free, and well worth it if you are looking to add some key pieces to your wardrobe. Make an appointment by asking in store on the 3rd floor, or going to topshop.com/styleadvisor
The Vogue Editors Car and Driver parked outside.
Senior Style Advisor (on left) and Top Shop PR (on right)
On the third floor the gals from Dermologica were doing free "face mapping" and handing out samples of Dermologica's skin care line.
Senior Style Advisor (on left) and Top Shop PR (on right)
In all, although I was covering the event I still had a great time! Thank so much to my magic pixie who made this happen, as well as the gracious Top Shop PR department!
Cheers!
06 September 2009
A Great Cut -- Age Appropriate Vs. Personal Style
As I mentioned previously, part of our holiday was visiting with friends in Brighton. My friend and I got ourselves new haircuts at the Rush salon in Brighton. The lovely Esther pictured below did an amazing job and really listened to, and executed exactly what I wanted. I told her to think "Brigitte Bardot as a Rocker Chick" and got exactly that. Yay!
The lovely, talented Esther from Rush Salon in Brighton
I was a big fan of the Lee Stafford salons as they seemed focused on giving great cuts, and was told by my friend in Brighton that Rush does similar training. Esther formerly worked at Lee Stafford, so I new I'd be getting a great cut. If you are in the Brighton area and looking for a great stylist, please do consider going to Rush and requesting Esther. She's got two happy clients I know of, and I'm sure all of her clients are as well!
Rush Salon,
160 North St,
Brighton,
Sussex BN1 1EZ
01273 730 456
http://www.rush.co.uk
As a former hair stylist, I know exactly how important it is to get a good cut first and foremost, and once I have one, I can easily give myself regular trimming to keep it looking great. Whilst this can be difficult, its a sad fact that when I try getting a cut here at home I always come home in tears. Yet abroad, I get exactly what I want. They seem to "get" me better abroad rather than at home (if that makes any sense.)
Admittedly, I am fast-approaching my 50th birthday, but my style is hardly what you would call "suburban housewife mumsy". Which is what I get here, even though I show up keeping as close as possible to my "normal" look and stress how much I want my hair choppy and messy, with an edge. I've always disliked being pigeon-holed and labeled, and now dislike this simply based upon my age. I've not given up on style simply because I'm married, have a child, and live in the suburbs; nor do I wish to look as if I have. I want to look like myself: my crazy who-gives-a-fig-about-age self. I've noticed so many women -- much younger I might add -- who do exactly that. They seem as if they're beaten down and have given up on looking like themselves and conformed to what is considered "the norm". Not me. Not ever. My young daughter is proud her mother looks stylish as she is very interested in fashion and is a budding Punk Glam Princess.
I plan on looking as wacky as possible as I age, and even have a crazy hat collection I intend on wearing once I hit 70 or so. No "age appropriate" dressing here, I have my personal style, and I plan on letting it continue to evolve as I age. If I fancy something intended for a 20 or 30 year old, you can bet I'll find a way to make it look "age appropriate" for me!
(Look under my previous post "Photographer Extraordinaire Barbara Taylor to see pics of my new 'do.)
Cheers!
The lovely, talented Esther from Rush Salon in BrightonI was a big fan of the Lee Stafford salons as they seemed focused on giving great cuts, and was told by my friend in Brighton that Rush does similar training. Esther formerly worked at Lee Stafford, so I new I'd be getting a great cut. If you are in the Brighton area and looking for a great stylist, please do consider going to Rush and requesting Esther. She's got two happy clients I know of, and I'm sure all of her clients are as well!
Rush Salon,
160 North St,
Brighton,
Sussex BN1 1EZ
01273 730 456
http://www.rush.co.uk
As a former hair stylist, I know exactly how important it is to get a good cut first and foremost, and once I have one, I can easily give myself regular trimming to keep it looking great. Whilst this can be difficult, its a sad fact that when I try getting a cut here at home I always come home in tears. Yet abroad, I get exactly what I want. They seem to "get" me better abroad rather than at home (if that makes any sense.)
Admittedly, I am fast-approaching my 50th birthday, but my style is hardly what you would call "suburban housewife mumsy". Which is what I get here, even though I show up keeping as close as possible to my "normal" look and stress how much I want my hair choppy and messy, with an edge. I've always disliked being pigeon-holed and labeled, and now dislike this simply based upon my age. I've not given up on style simply because I'm married, have a child, and live in the suburbs; nor do I wish to look as if I have. I want to look like myself: my crazy who-gives-a-fig-about-age self. I've noticed so many women -- much younger I might add -- who do exactly that. They seem as if they're beaten down and have given up on looking like themselves and conformed to what is considered "the norm". Not me. Not ever. My young daughter is proud her mother looks stylish as she is very interested in fashion and is a budding Punk Glam Princess.
I plan on looking as wacky as possible as I age, and even have a crazy hat collection I intend on wearing once I hit 70 or so. No "age appropriate" dressing here, I have my personal style, and I plan on letting it continue to evolve as I age. If I fancy something intended for a 20 or 30 year old, you can bet I'll find a way to make it look "age appropriate" for me!
(Look under my previous post "Photographer Extraordinaire Barbara Taylor to see pics of my new 'do.)
03 September 2009
Links à la Mode
Links à la Mode
****for week of September 03, 2009****
Style Within Means
Edited by Debutante Clothing
As the summer winds down and I start planning my Fall wardrobe, I’m overwhelmed by thoughts of how to create a wardrobe on a budget. This week, we have a ton of posts on how to find great style within a budget. Fashion Pulse Daily gives us the top denim looks under $50 and The Recessionista is reporting Anna Wintour is heading to Macy’s for Fashion Night Out. Enjoy!
Links à la Mode : Sepetember 3rd
- 39th and Broadway – - The horrific treatment of young girls working behind the scenes in the fashion industry!
- A typical Atypical - – a summary of vintage eras and style history
- Bonne Vie - – Bamboo: Eco-friendly, or Green Disaster?
- Confessions of a Fashion Editor - – Interview with alternative model, Khrist!
- Debutante Clothing – Q&A with Fashion Scholar and Historian Heather Vaughan
- Decline Designs - – Can you go a week without wearing any black?
- Fabulous Finds and Co. – - Lily Cole is ready for her close-up
- Fade to c5c5c5 – - fashion, art and interpretation
- Fashion For Writers - – feel good fashion from the Clothes Closet
- Fashion Pulse Daily - – Need jeans for fall? Check out Fashion Pulse Daily’s top picks, all under
- Fasshonaburu – - ponders exactly why September is the most important month in fashion
- fête à fête - – Givenchy’s romantic Les Poetiques Fall Le Makeup Collection
- Friend in fashion – A Sydney Story: a bridge climb, shopping and a proposal!
- Grechen's Closet – Why I support independent designers
- Idiosyncratic Style - – A Fit of Inspiration: John Bender – Stealing style from the Breakfast Club’s resident bad ass
- Jewelrywhore – - Reviews Anna Sheffield for Target
- Retro Chick - – DIY Jersey Spaghetti Scarf Necklace
- Style Margarine - – 9 Reasons why we need to over dress
- Stylist Diva - – Unique, Modern Plus Size line with an Edge – Carmakoma.
- The Coveted: – - Review & Makeup Lesson Video of Guerlain Fall Collection
- The Recessionista – - Anna Wintour a Recessionista? She’s Heading to Macy’s Queens for Fashion’s Night out Sept. 10
Photographer Extraordinaire Barbara Taylor
"The Kiss" photo copyright by Barbara Taylor.Barbara got her BA in Editorial Photography from University of Brighton, and is currently pursuing a Photography MA in the same place. Her work has been included in exhibitions in Brighton, London, Barcelona, Majorca, and New York City, and used for live recording CDs officially released to fans by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. Her work is featured on the University of Brighton Faculty of Arts website Barbara Taylor, which shows her series titled "Beds".
She's unique in her technique as she doesn't usually have something in mind when taking a photo and in her words: "I don't usually approach a subject with an agenda. I connect with the spirit of the place and follow my intuition, telling both my story and the story inspired by the place. Although I do not specialize in portraits, I do love photographing the people close to me, as I feel I have an insight into their essence which I am looking for."
While portraiture isn't a regular part of her work, as you can see from these photos, she aces that as well. I'm so happy to have such lovely photographs of myself and my family, and done so candidly without the fuss of a formal sitting! (Where the photographers do indeed catch me at my worst as I never learned how to pose, my daughter however has it down pat!)
All of these photos were taken by Barbara in Brighton while visiting and enjoying her gracious hospitality, and I'm in dept to her for giving me such beautiful memorable pictures.
If you are interested in her work and wish to contact her, please email her at barbarataylor3@mac.com If you own a gallery, I suggest you consider her for an exhibition!
Cheers and many thanks to Barbara!
02 September 2009
Retro Shops the UK's Answer to Buffalo Exchange
When visiting London a few weeks ago, the knowledgeable and fabulous (seriously) Jeanne Suica (seriously, if you are looking for specific fantastic vintage, Jeanne is the one to contact -- the woman knows her stuff and has connections worldwide) introduced me to a few of the Retro shops in Notting Hill Gate. Apparently these are the UK's answer to the US' Buffalo Exchange. You can bring your items to sell, and will get either cash back or a store voucher which can be used in any of their shops (as with Buffalo Exchange the store credit is the much better deal.) They have quite a few different branches each specializing in various areas such as designer clothing and accessories (Retro Woman and Retro Man), housewares (Retro Home) Vintage (also Retro Woman) and even CD's and DVD's, comic books and magazines. Best part is that their shops are open until 8pm every night, which anyone who lives in the UK knows is unusual and quite handy when you feel like having a wander after most shops have closed for the evening. Most are centered in Notting Hill Gate, with a few in some other areas like Soho and Camden.
I was only able to have a look at a few of the shops in Notting Hill Gate, but I was very impressed with the quality and selection. I swear next time I go for a visit, I will bring over some of my vintage to sell to them just so I can get a voucher to use in one of their shops!
Here is a list of each of their shops and their specialties:
Retro Woman
20 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Designer & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7565 5572
Retro Woman
32 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
High Street, Designer,
Retro & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7598 2233
Retro Man
34 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Men's Designer, Retro,
Vintage & High Street Clothing
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7792 1715
Retro Clothing
56 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Men's & Women's High Street,
Designer, Retro & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7229 4805
Retro Clothing
28 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Men's and Womens's Bargains
On Two Floors
Tel: 020 7598 2220
Retro Clothing
75 Berwick St,
Soho, W1
Men's & Women's High Street,
Designer, Retro & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7287 8904
Retro Home
30 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Bric-A-Brac. Glassware.
Ceramics & Collectibles
Tel: 020 7460 6525
Book & Comic Exchange
14 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Books & Comics,
Also Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7229 8420
Book & Comic Exchange
The Basement 75 Berwick St
Soho, W1
Books, Comics, Graphic Novels,
Magazines, Computer Games, Posters
Tel: 020 7287 0492
Stage and Screen
40 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Film, TV, Shows, Books, DVD's,
Videos, Soundtracks,
Posters & Memorabilia
Tel: 020 7460 6716
Music and Video Exchange
38 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Rock, Indie, Folk & Blues
DVD's, Videos
Tel: 020 7243 8574
Music and Video Exchange
208 Camden High St, NW 1
Rock & Pop, Indie, Folk & Blues,
Techno, House, Punk,
Drum 'n Bass, Metal,
DVD's Videos, 7" singles
Tel:020 7267 1898
Basement: Soul, Jazz
Hip Hop, Funk, Reggae, R 'n B
Tel: 020 7267 0123
Music and Video Exchange
23 Greenwich Church St, SE10
R0ck & Pop, House, Techno,
Indie, Hip Hop,
DVD's Videos & 7" Singles
Tel: 020 8858 8898
Music and Video Exchange
95 Berwick St, W1
Rock & Pop, Indie, House, Techno,
Soul, Jazz, Hip H0p,
Drum 'n Bass, Folk,
DVD's, Videos, 7" Singles,
Also: Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7434 2939
Classical Music Exchange
36 Notting Hill Gate, W1
CD's & Vinyl, DVD's Videos
Also: Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7229 3219
Soul and Dance Exchange
42 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Soul, House, Techno, Hip Hop,
Funk, R 'n B, Drum 'n Bass, Reggae,
Jass, Garage, 7" Singles
Also: Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7221 2793
And just for fun, here's a pic of Jeanne and I at the V&A cafe where we met so that my daughter could see the clothing exhibits. Ironically the exact Chloe dress we saw on display was available for sale at one of the Retro Woman shops!
Cheers!
I was only able to have a look at a few of the shops in Notting Hill Gate, but I was very impressed with the quality and selection. I swear next time I go for a visit, I will bring over some of my vintage to sell to them just so I can get a voucher to use in one of their shops!
Here is a list of each of their shops and their specialties:
Retro Woman
20 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Designer & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7565 5572
Retro Woman
32 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
High Street, Designer,
Retro & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7598 2233
Retro Man
34 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Men's Designer, Retro,
Vintage & High Street Clothing
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7792 1715
Retro Clothing
56 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Men's & Women's High Street,
Designer, Retro & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7229 4805
Retro Clothing
28 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Men's and Womens's Bargains
On Two Floors
Tel: 020 7598 2220
Retro Clothing
75 Berwick St,
Soho, W1
Men's & Women's High Street,
Designer, Retro & Vintage Clothing,
Jewelry & Accessories
Tel: 020 7287 8904
Retro Home
30 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Bric-A-Brac. Glassware.
Ceramics & Collectibles
Tel: 020 7460 6525
Book & Comic Exchange
14 Pembridge Road,
Notting Hill Gate, W11
Books & Comics,
Also Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7229 8420
Book & Comic Exchange
The Basement 75 Berwick St
Soho, W1
Books, Comics, Graphic Novels,
Magazines, Computer Games, Posters
Tel: 020 7287 0492
Stage and Screen
40 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Film, TV, Shows, Books, DVD's,
Videos, Soundtracks,
Posters & Memorabilia
Tel: 020 7460 6716
Music and Video Exchange
38 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Rock, Indie, Folk & Blues
DVD's, Videos
Tel: 020 7243 8574
Music and Video Exchange
208 Camden High St, NW 1
Rock & Pop, Indie, Folk & Blues,
Techno, House, Punk,
Drum 'n Bass, Metal,
DVD's Videos, 7" singles
Tel:020 7267 1898
Basement: Soul, Jazz
Hip Hop, Funk, Reggae, R 'n B
Tel: 020 7267 0123
Music and Video Exchange
23 Greenwich Church St, SE10
R0ck & Pop, House, Techno,
Indie, Hip Hop,
DVD's Videos & 7" Singles
Tel: 020 8858 8898
Music and Video Exchange
95 Berwick St, W1
Rock & Pop, Indie, House, Techno,
Soul, Jazz, Hip H0p,
Drum 'n Bass, Folk,
DVD's, Videos, 7" Singles,
Also: Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7434 2939
Classical Music Exchange
36 Notting Hill Gate, W1
CD's & Vinyl, DVD's Videos
Also: Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7229 3219
Soul and Dance Exchange
42 Notting Hill Gate, W11
Soul, House, Techno, Hip Hop,
Funk, R 'n B, Drum 'n Bass, Reggae,
Jass, Garage, 7" Singles
Also: Bargain Basement
Tel: 020 7221 2793
And just for fun, here's a pic of Jeanne and I at the V&A cafe where we met so that my daughter could see the clothing exhibits. Ironically the exact Chloe dress we saw on display was available for sale at one of the Retro Woman shops!
Cheers!
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