Jean-Pierre Braganza A/W 2010-11

Now that my hand is finally starting to heal and I can type a little bit more, its high time I wrote about my LFW experience!

The crowd was crazy, but being a New Yorker, I've always walked straight to the front like and it works for me! And who was next to me but the lovely Liberty London Girl, Sacha! (For all my barging tendencies I was too shy to introduce myself!) There was some idiot with his camera equipment smack dab in front of me and kept knocking me in the head! After much protestation, the guy finally got the hint and split. That's when the line finally moved.

Inside it was packed, Pixie Geldof, Roisin Murphy, and I think I spotted Erin O'Connor. Even Colin McDowell was smack dab in front of me. As a first time LFW newbie, I couldn't have a better taste of the best London has to offer. And I have to owe it all to Queen Michelle who pulled strings and got me on the list (she really rocks and I'm proud to count her and Queen Marie as friends!)

Gosh I couldn't avoid Pixie as she was dead across from me!

Okay on to the show -- it was Felder+Felder, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Hannah Marshall. MY fav was definitely JPB, he has such an amazing way of cutting clothes that make you just want to jump out of your seat to touch them. Sadly my first 7 pics do them no justice, but I did find a few floating around the Internet (please let me know if they are yours so I can credit or take down if you wish.)

Oh look Colin McDowell's head!




This was the finale.

Now for the "good" photos...


I adore this print and the dress itself!

Same here, very classy.

These last two are my absolute favs, so very me!

It was a wonderful night, filled with gorgeous covetable clothes that I dream of one day owning! Thank you again to Queen Michelle and to Jane Gorley, as well to the talent of Jean-Pierre Braganza. I wish you much success!

Cheers and I hope I get to attend again next year!

Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow Review

On our first visit to Glasgow I had no clue of where to stay, the Queen's gave me the advice of the area best to stay in and a site that listed hotels (Glasgow Guide) so clicking under "hotels" I scanned the list putting in our dates to see what's available. I never look at anything with less than a 4 star rating as I usually find the price difference between a 4 and 3 star hotel negligible. Blythswood Square popped up and looked intriguing, so I went to their website for a closer look.

The hotel overlooks Blythswood Square.

PGP in front of the entrance to the Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa.

A luxury 5 star hotel and spa newly opened. It was the former site of the Clubhouse for The Royal Scottish Automobile Club (RSAC) from 1910 until it was sold to developers in 2002. Purchased by the Townhouse Collection in 2006, and recently opened as the Blythswood Square hotel and spa late 2009. The photos looked stunning, and the special Internet rate was spot on our budget, so I booked a "Wee Classic" room for the Punk Glam Princess and I as we only had a two night stay.

The biggest chandelier I've ever seen! Taken from the lobby looking up the incredibly beautiful staircase. I can just imagine the gorgeous wedding photos that could be taken there.

PGP and I in one of the bordello red velvet alcoves in the lobby. There were about three of these alcoves (with tables and chairs in front of each) which really lent an exotic air to the lobby!

Lounge area.

Well, to my surprise, they had given us a free upgrade to a suite! Which was absolutely perfect not only in decor but for our needs, as it made the gabfest with Queen Marie and Queen Michelle that much more comfortable. Little touches like a fruit and biscuits (Oh those Tunnock biscuits, just like Mallomars, but all milk chocolate!) board left for us, a personalized note wishing us a great stay, robes and slippers (you don't realize just how much you miss those until you have them provided for you) and bottled water made the experience into one we'll never forget and will be quick to repeat on future visits to Glasgow.

The view as you entered our room. The closet contained a kettle, selection of teas and coffee, a safe, and mini-bar. Not pictured to the left of the door to the bath is a huge double closet, which contained extras like an iron and board. Notice the great motoring rally mural on our wall.

Our room on our last day. Slightly messy after two days running around! Note the PGP and her new red leopard motorcycle jacket (styled in her inimitable style with "invader Zim" -- or is it "Gir"? -- hat!) This was taken from the window looking back towards the lounge and bed.

This was taken from the bed looking towards the windows. Note the large flat screen TV, and to the left the desk and a pass-through to the bath. (You can see our robes hanging in the bath.) Sorry for the glare from the open curtains, it was a bright, sunny warm day -- of course when we're leaving!

The bath view through the pass-through by the desk. I tired to get a shot of the sink -- the water cascaded out of the faucet like a waterfall! It was fascinating, and now I want one like that for our home bathroom! To the right of the teacup is a standing mirror which had a magnified side; another very thoughtful touch as it's so useful to those of us with poor eyesight!

The luxurious bath, which included the aforementioned amenities, as well as a selection of organic and vegan-safe toiletries handmade in Scotland by Purdies of Argyll. (I loved that the labels were also written in Scots Gaelic!) Another little luxurious touch was a red organza bag filled with bath salts. Such a relief at the end of the day to soak tired bones and sore muscles after a plane ride or touring a city in a hot tub filled with luscious bath salts!

As I was wandering about taking photos (the staff was very accommodating considering they had a conference going on at the time) a gentleman next to where I was taking a photo asked if I knew the history behind the hotel. It turned out that Mr. John Sinclair was a former member of the RSAC, and was so gracious to offer me extra information as well as tour of an area usually reserved for private meetings.

The photos throughout of the hotel are a vintage motor enthusiast's dream. I have a love of cars and motorbikes instilled in me from my father who has refurbished vintage cars as a hobby. (Actually anything he can tinker with that has a motor, which includes boats and airplanes. Yes, you heard that right. Imagine trying to explain to friends as a teenager that those things hanging in the garage that are being hand-sewn by my father are the wings to a vintage airplane.) So wandering around taking photos I got a little carried away with the selection provided.

Mr. Sinclair informed me that all of the photos were donated by former RSAC members. What a delight, it was like being in a motoring history museum!

This is a photo taken in the old "smoking room", covered in beautiful mahogany wood paneling. The painting above the mantle was from when the clubhouse was one of the starting points for the Monte Carlo Rally. This was the crowing jewel tucked away into the lower level of the hotel that Mr. Sinclair was keen to show me, and that I was thrilled and grateful that he did, as I would've otherwise missed it!

Closeup of the painting. The RSAC was one of 8 official starting points for the Monte Carlo Rally in 1955 .

The Blythswood Square has 100 guest rooms, boasts a spa, restaurant, bars (including the historic Rally Bar), and private event areas. My only regret was that our time was so short that I couldn't take full advantage of these (plus traveling solo with a child doesn't allow for much boozing, and they're picky eaters!) Next time will be a different story!

A vintage motor enthusiast's dream upscaled to modern luxury whilst keeping true to the integrity of the original architecture the Blythswood Square Hotel is a true 5 star hotel. I've stayed in many 5 star hotels over the years that honestly couldn't hold a candle to the Blythswood Square. Please do consider Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa for your next visit to Glasgow, you will not be disappointed! (Don't forget if you live in Glasgow they also will host your special event!) It's conveniently located (we walked everywhere, which I love as you miss so much otherwise) and a short inexpensive taxi ride from the airport. Go directly to their site for the best rates and selection, and I can assure you that the staff is keen to please and answer any questions you may have to make your stay memorable.

A warm and special thank you to Suzan Horswell and Murray Thompson for making our stay so enjoyable and allowing me access to photograph.

Cheers!

Holiday Time!

A few weeks ago we went on holiday to London and Glasgow, and as luck would have it was in London for the first two days of London Fashion Week. I managed to attend one show, which I'll write about in another post. For now, I'll talk about the Punk Glam Princess and my adventures.

It was a bit of a whirlwind, trying to fit everything in, but we did manage to see most everyone. And most importantly we made our way out of the vortex called London that usually sucks me in (hey, its hard to get out of such a great city filled with so many good friends) and took our first visit to Scotland. Glasgow to be exact. Even more specifically to see Queen Michelle and Queen Marie of "Kingdom of Style". I knew we'd get on like old friends, but what I didn't expect was to fall in love with the beautiful old city of Glasgow. Staying in the luxurious 5 star Blythswood Square hotel added to the magic. (The hotel is deserving of its own review post and will be coming soon, promise! I'm still typing one-handed and can't wait until this ulnar neuropathy is finally healed!)

Our first night in Glasgow was spent having a gabfest at the hotel, which I wanted to go on forever! The Queens are the best and lavished us with such thoughtful and yummy gifts! Day two we met up with Queen Michelle and she took the PGP and I around shopping. My favourite shop was the lingerie shop Boudiche, where I purchased the most beautiful pair of Bebaroque "Myrtle" tights. Back in the '80's I designed lingerie and I still have quite a weakness for it, and Boudiche was a scrumptious sight to behold. The staff was so sweet, offering tea, and helping when needed. They also told me that when you order from the US via their website, the VAT is automatically deducted, and the shipping charges are quite reasonable. I know there will be more shopping from them in my future -- I had my eyes on some beautiful Bebaroque stay-ups and tights that were sadly out of stock but should be in soon and I will definitely be ordering from them. Queen Michelle tried on a gorgeous Lascivious Candy bodysuit from their Showgirls collection in hot pink that made us think of super heroes, so a super hero shot was in order!

It's Super Queen Michelle!

Not to leave out the PGP, Queen Michelle found a gothy/punky type shop called Osiris for her to find some goodies. She came away with a grey, black, & white short tutu skirt, and a red leopard bondage style motorcycle jacket that she hasn't removed since! (And that mum will be borrowing as well!)

It was sad to say goodbye, but hopefully it won't be for too long!

Back in London, the scramble started. I was taking the PGP down to Brighton to stay with her bestie L-Belle, and my bestie Barbara. We also decided to get haircuts at Rush since the last experience was so great. The lovely Esther (see my post from last summer here) wasn't in that day, but Brooke was suggested. So the PGP got her very first salon cut and I must say it looks gorgeous! I also got a fabulous cut, so here's another recommendation for Rush in Brighton -- different stylist, still a great cut! I left back for London solo as the next day was the first day of LFW.

The lovely Brooke at Rush, Brighton.

The Punk Glam Princess with her new 'do and L-Belle.

My new 'do much later that evening after rain! It actually looks much better, or will do once my hand is fully working again!

There was a total mess-up with my invites, I was assured they had been sent to the hotel, yet nothing arrived. The concierge even checked with the other hotel with "Bloomsbury" in its name as he said sometimes things go there by mistake. But no luck, it still remains a mystery. Thankfully a very magical pixie (you know who you are!) was able to make a mad scramble to get me on the list for the Felder+Felder, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Hannah Miller show. I'm so grateful as I really enjoyed the show, which will I'll also feature in another post.

I must also suggest The Bloomsbury Hotel on Great Russell Street (very close to the British Museum and Oxford Street as well). The hotel has had a total renovation and was preciously a Jury's hotel. Its now stunning as well as accommodating. We'll definitely stay there again.

The PGP at the entrance to our lovely room at the Bloomsbury Hotel.

Our room at the Bloomsbury Hotel which was quite spacious although it doesn't look so in this photo!

I love staying in Bloomsbury as its so convenient for me to get to other parts of London. For example, the tubes were a mess while we were there, and on our last night we were headed to the Angel to meet up with some friends at our fav restaurant S & M Cafe (mind out of the gutter, Sausage and Mash, great traditional British food) but realized the tube would have stopped far below. However, just around the corner from the hotel there were loads of buses on New Oxford St. that took us directly there.

Wandering home after a meal at the Stockpot in the West End, we came across this at Centre Point. What sort of fancy sports car was this?

A Smart car! Pretty snazzy, no?

On the second day of LFW I decided to get some shopping done. I had to meet up with Barbara who was bringing the PGP back to London, and we decided we needed to go to the Alexander McQueen store. As mentioned previously, the scene was somber as was to be expected. I Love my new sunglasses but was a little disappointed that the boots and ring I wanted were out of stock in my size. (No matter, I remedied that once in NY, post foreshadowing heehee!) Barbara got a lovely ring as well.

My dreamy new sunglasses.

Barbara's new ring by the condolence book and flowers inside the shop. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

Barbara and I reflected in the window, trying to take a photo of the tribute. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

I loved this photo of Alexander McQueen.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I had to work on it piecemeal and it turned out a bit longer than planned! I still have posts coming, so as my hand slowly heals they'll be coming along so stay tuned for more!

Cheers!

More Original Retail Price Gouging at Beyond The Rack

Currently they have an Emilio Pucci Sunglasses sale on with sale prices listed at $169-$199. Original retail prices listed at $365-$625. This particular pair is listed with an original retail price of $465, sale price $199. However a two second google search found them at Nordstrom with the retail price of $295.

Photo from Nordstrom.com click to be taken to the item page.

But wait, it gets better! Nordstrom has a price matching policy. If you brought a computer print out of this to a Nordstrom store, you would get the sunglasses for $199!

The only point I can see to BYR price gouging on the original retail prices is to mislead customers into believing they're getting a much better deal than they actually are. What's worst is that when Nordstrom has a sale, their price will be less than the Beyond The Rack price.

I've so had it with these price gougers.

Cheers!