Monday 16 December 2013

Beyonce is a clever bonce with Yonce


Never one to miss a marketing opportunity, Beyonce released a 'secret' album last Friday just in time for Christmas. No humility for this clever star with the self-titled album selling over half a million copies over the weekend.

Jay Z's wifey has again used her musical talent to promote awareness of black models, taking the baton from Noami Campbell. In her latest video Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls and Jordan Dunn reveal their midriffs and pout in true model fashion.

A worthy cause to champion and a super smoking video to boot, but is it just me or is Beyonce morphing into Rhianna? The cut off denim hot pants and mixed leather biker appear to be a homage to the twenty five year old pop singer. Is Bey fearful of her crown? Or could there be a pop collaboration on the cards?

Monday 30 September 2013

Little Boots??!!



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I am going for the minimalist vibe this aw/13. My blog posts headlines have been shortened considerably. No pithy pun this time, just one word is enough. I do believe one word is underrated - it can say more than 50 such regurgitated waffle of mine.

As every woman in her right, or indeed, wrong mind will agree, boots are must buy autumn purchase along with a new coat (I update every year which does mean I have a few coats at home keeping warm in a wardrobe). This year I have to admit that I am loving the thigh high.

Okay it means you need to have the legs of Alexa Chung or Kate Moss's body double in the new Stuart Weitzman video campaign: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG10319674/Kate-Moss-struts-her-stuff-in-Stuart-Weitzman-boots-made-for-walking.html

And side bar here, why does Kate Moss need a leg double? Why did Julia Roberts in the Pretty Woman film poster?  Both women have better pins now than I did at fifteen years of age. It beggars belief.

And there is the unwanted prostitute association/look to contend with when wearing said boots to local pub. But just take one look at Olivia Palermo at Carven's ss/14 show and it is undeniable that I just must have a pair. Soften the slutty connotations by teaming with skinny jeans and peter pan collar girlie blouse.

My words have been shortened but my boots have been lengthened. Kisses.

Friday 30 August 2013

Do the Shop-Bop

Google Image of Freja Beha modelling her new collection for Mother
Being quite the traditionalist that I am it can often take me awhile (ten years or so) to catch onto a new trend. The cynic inside me asks questions and takes a dubious approach regarding said new trend's credibility. I wait for a safe amount of time for it to be thoroughly vetted. But if everyone is online shopping now I think I might give it a go.

Don't get me wrong, I have had the odd flirtation online. A pair of western boots from boohoo.com and a promotional offer on a pair of Swedish Hasbeens. But that is as far as it has gone. Until now.

As I have decided to unofficially re-name September Denim month due to the fact that Selfridges have got a new wall dedicated to denim and Karlie Kloss has collaborated with the brand Frame Denim. Now Danish model Freja Beha has created a line for American jeans brand, Mother. A grunge rock type infusion of style (my favourite fashion fusion), the collections include a stonewash skinny entitled The Muse, diamante embellishment called The Crystal Cove and the Foxy Boxy for high-waist lovers.  10% of all proceeds go to the Médecins Sans Frontières charity so guilt free fit jeans. It is available on shopbop.com in September... like two days away!

Sunday 4 August 2013

Frances Ha laughs longest

Micky Sumner and Greta Gerwig in Frances Ha, Google Image

Incredibly funny, down-to-earth and instantly likeable is how I would describe Greta Gerwig and that would almost be a disservice to her on - screen talent. Described as 'undateable' playing the lead role of Frances Ha in the same titled film, she gives ample opportunity for the audience to think the exact opposite. As a person who strives for a polished Golden Globes appearance every time I step out of my front doorstep, I could only admire Sophie (played by Micky Sumner) and Frances's (Greta Gerwig) effortless chic.

Diane Keaton and Woody Allen in Annie Hall

With echoes of Woody Allen's 1970's cult hit, Annie Hall, the black and white shot film showed how to look like a hip New York creative; meaning your clothes are a denotation of your philosophy on life rather than being a slave to the pages of a glossy fashion editorial. It was a joy to behold that girls who wear glasses and layer dresses over leggings could be seen as modern style icons. Real, cute and very clever.




Tuesday 2 July 2013

Marc has made his mark

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Being the sharpest pencil in the box, I have not overlooked the Marc Jacobs collaboration with American stationery giant, Sharpie. Nothing quite makes a point like a Sharpie and what is the point of a pen without a designer seal of approval? I have always shown respect for the brand since taking the writing instrument out of the box and transforming it into a must-have accessory on a key chain.

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On the other side of the pond, cosmetics retailer, Sephora is launching a make-up line with the fashion designer due to hit their stores in August. It will be the whole shibang from foundation to nail lacquer. Sad to say the range will not be hitting our shores until Spring 2014, but it is guaranteed that I will not be drawing a line under a chance to grab 'The Magic Mac'er' eyeliner pen.

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Saturday 20 April 2013

Gasp as Gatsby swing's into town

The Great Gatsby 2013 film, Google Image

Fashion adores tortured men: Don Draper, Harry Gordon Selfridge and of course, Gatsby. It is the unwrapping of the seductive layer to find the deep, dark secrets within. No outer shell can look so good without some skeletons in the closet and as we all know that is exactly the allure.

The Great Gatsby must be the most over - hyped film of the last year, especially since its release date was put back (only to gain momentum on the hype) with fashion expectations simultaneously reaching fever pitch.

The Great Gatsby 2013 film, Google Image

I hate to be the one who is a cynic here, but how exactly will Gatsby fit into the SS13 trends? I thought 1920's flapper had already been revived, worn and discarded as a fleeting flight of fancy? Maybe it is just that I am channelling sportswear luxe to the max I can hardly imagine dolling myself up to the nines, then hottrotting myself out the door in a feather boa and sequins.

That said I am partial to a gin and tonic.....

Sunday 31 March 2013

I Have Never...


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Did you ever play that game when you were younger, "I have never.." It was usually followed by a garbled confession while simultaneously knocking back a shot of vodka. Pah! I can almost taste those shameful bygone days. I must confess: "I have never ... stepped foot in Harrods". But I really never have gone into Harrods. I am not sure why this rite of passage in a shopaholic's life has passed me by, I am a London and one from the West, it seems an easy distance.

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At Christmas time my mum and I marvelled at the Selfridges shop window and visited the Santa's grotto in that department store. I see Liberty's as a thing of beauty, traditional with an English eccentricity and charm, feeling a wonderous amount of pleasure entering its doors. Harrods, however I have been able to resist.

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Do I morally object to the Harrods Zoo? I don't think so. The strict regulation of not wearing jeans (is this still a rule? Google entry needed) Perhaps. Whatever my reasons, the embargo now needs to be lifted. Dior has colloborated with the upmarket store.

It is understandable that Harrods feel they needed to bring in the big guns as focus as been on Selfridges, with the Andrews Davis adaptation of 'Shopping, Seduction & Mr Selfridge' being cult Sunday night viewing (already looking forward to the next series). I could just gaze at the window displays from outside, but inside there is a House of Dior exhibition where you can marvel at vintage dresses from the designer. Lots of other treats are in-house for a month including the most fashionable looking fairy cakes with Dior handbags glazed on the icing. It could be a vertiable house of cards but it has got to be done. This time next week I will be confessing, "I have never visited Harrods" with a shot of vodka in my hand. Purchasing an item, now that is a different matter...