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?

Little Boots??!!

Google Image

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.

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!

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.

Marc has made his mark

Google Image

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.

Google Image

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.

Google Image

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.....

I Have Never...

Google Image

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.

Google Image

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.

Google Image

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...

And now for some Other Stories

Google Image

I am excited by the name, I have already picked out pieces to buy from the collection, all I have to do now is visit the new & Other Stories store on Regent Street which launched just two days ago. The idea of a new store only really 'wows' me when it is combined with being a new brand to discover and fall in love with.

Google Image

From the folks who bought us H&M comes a store with a more expensive price tag which appears to focus on more minimalist pieces with less emphasis on throw away fashion. Finally high street shops have realised that cheap does not always sell to the most savvy stylistas out there.

H&M will always have a special place in my heart - but only mainly for producing the modern collection in its stores. It sometimes feels like a double edged sword when I take a trip there because you feel you are getting a a great separate for a bargain but then a surge of guilt rises when you realise that you a getting a great separate for a bargain. It is like gorging on a McDonalds meal deal. A great moment followed by regret.

& Other Stories will hopefully have more cache and make feel like a less hollow individual when I walk through its doors. We will have to wait and see whether the shiny and new wrapper has longevity.

http://and-other-stories.tumblr.com

Juergen tells it

Google Image 

Photography is an integral part of the business that we call fashion. It is so glaringly obvious that even a lowly fashion writer takes a backseat. Pictorial fashion blogs are instagraming their way into the public's consciousness so fast that people forget that before the camera there was the inkwell and quill. Who am I am to disagree with this 21st century way of communicating the trends? What better way to capture an outfit or new SS collection than with a click of a button?

I was reminded of this fact when last Sunday I visited Juergen Teller: Woo at the ICA. His raw images pemeate like none other, as you turn the pages of your latest copy of Vogue the trademark Juergen Teller advertorial stands out for not being ultra slick.

The Victorial Beckham legs out of shopping bag image for the Marc Jacobs reveals another side to the normally never-seen-without sunglasses and Birkin tote brand. In a world of retouching and camera wizardry it is refreshing to come across a more 'warts and all', backstage door to the underbelly of the fashion world and gain a little bit more access to the 'VIP' area.

Google Image 

His latest Vivienne Westwood campaign is no exception, with his favourite muse Kate Moss staunchily staring into the camera. At the Woo exhibition I discovered the iconic image of Moss in a wheelbarrow was the product of a nightmare trip with the model. Teller describes his legs becoming so sunburnt they swelled up and rubbed together and being woken up by huge grotesque toads making love in the middle of the night. I did wonder if this anecdote seemed fitting as there is motif of sex that reverberates through his work, the full fontal shot of Westwood as you enter the space testifies this, however I feel the naked appendages are more about uncovering the person's soul than they are about sexiness.

Google Image

Juergen Teller: Woo is on at the ICA until March 17 2013

Oh Yes O!

In fashion, at one time or another, or in January everyone is looking for the new, 'new'. What is the newest trend that is so fresh even the designers have not drawn it yet? The casting for Autumn 2012 was that black was the new black. It appears that we have tired of some fashions to the extent that they have come full circle and we are reinventing colour.

Google Image 

I will be the first (and rubbernecking to the front of the queue I literally mean this) to admit I like to sniff out the latest designer or item to be seen wearing. Donning my earcuff, singing along to Destiny's Child's latest offering and leaving my house in at least one item of leather upon my person I found out about an understated yet pretty lingerie brand. It is called Oyosho. 

Just as I am beginning to fall out of love for Zara I discover I am crushing on a new bra sensation who is owned by the same company, Inditex. I am still in full honeymoon haze wanting to own everything on the website and at around £6 for a dainty black lace bra I could almost reach that goal.

Even the advertising campaign has echoes of early 90's supermodel casting, so for the moment, in effort to stay in the new, I mean now, I say:"Oh yes to Oyosho!"

Google Image