What Alice saw

FNO: We ♥ you

2010-09-09T11:36:00.010+01:00

Phew, what a night! The mission: 226 shops, 308 designers, 44 DJs, 6947 cocktails and one city: London. Vogue's Fashion Night Out was here, and we were about to do it justice. With my fashionista partner in tow (Felicity by name, super-chic by nature – otherwise known as the fashion assistant at my sister magazine) we set out on the Louboutin-clad streets of London's West End and hit the shops. First was Cos. After being warmly welcomed with a chilled glass of bubbly and some delicious candy coloured macaroons (two? Why not!) we oooohed and ahhhed our way around the store. I fell in love with an amazing thick wool red bubble dress (the perfect eye turner for a bridesmaid or evening soiree) and silky khaki shirt (perfect with a vintage leather belt to nip in the waist), while Miss F couldn't keep her mitts off a knee length cornflower blue dress complete with drawstring hood. Very Cheryl Cole in her urban video years.

After a cosmopolitan and jewellery coveting at Banana Republic, next was Ted Baker, just over the road. Enticed by the pumping bass and party atmosphere we headed upstairs with a scrummy G&T in hand and caught the band, the uber cool Laurel Collective, playing nonchalantly sprawled out on the sofas – very rock n roll. Here we found rails of lovely dresses - silky prints, maxis, minis… great for any occasion – as well as these suuuuper cool black studded ankle boots that we used in a fashion shoot in Aruba a few months ago (check them in the Oct/Nov issue of Cosmo Bride out now!)

With 20% off everything brought at the night, French Connection was next. We were sorely tempted and I almost (almost...) parted with a large portion of my pay-check for a stunning nude, vintage-inspired dress… while Felicity was squealing over an amazing long navy duffle coat – the perfect winter steal.

We then we headed off down Conduit Street to swoon over the high-end designers. Moschino, Issey Miyake and Vivienne Westwood were top of the list, and we had just had a sneak peek when I got the call from Sally, my fashion director. “KATE MOSS AND GWYNETH PALTROW ARE AT STELLA MCCARTNEY!!!!!” Without a moment to lose, we sprinted down to her Bruton Street store, where the paps and fashionistas were swarming like flies. Standing in the queue for a hope of a glimpse of fashion royalty, we waited... and waited... but to no avail. We weren't getting in tonight. So instead we headed next door to have a nosy at Matthew Williamson's beautiful store, which was bursting with glamourous, floor sweeping gowns and masses of twinkling sequins – before seeing the designer himself! We then nipped into Juicy, which was covered with pretty pink balloons, before sipping sugar sweet mojitos in Selfridges to finish the night. Not bad for a Wednesday!

[Images: Evening Standard]

The manor

2010-09-09T10:24:00.000+01:00

Erin Wasson shot by photographer Nan Goldin for Australian label Scanlan and Theodore's spring/summer look book. I WANT TO LIVE IN THAT HOUSE ♥ ♥ ♥

[Images: Trend Land]

Fairytale

2010-08-06T12:04:00.003+01:00

Kate Bosworth attending the Chloé LA boutique opening party at Milk Studios in April last year.

Sooo pretty ♥ ♥ ♥

{Images: katebosworthonline.com via Alice's Wardrobe Wonderland}

Lennon's Muse

2010-07-21T20:00:00.005+01:00

Kemp Muhl. Perhaps the coolest girl in fashion at the moment...

[Images: Google]

Star-struck

2010-07-15T18:36:00.007+01:00

I am looooooooving this photography by Elisha smith-leverock! Saw some pictures in a magazine ages ago, then lost it on the train (typical me, I am a fool when it comes to keeping belongings), lost all hope of finding it again and then, lo and behold, I do.

She also does these super cool fashion videos. The way fashion photography is going?? You decide...

[www.smith-leverock.co.uk]

Sky high

2010-07-15T18:06:00.006+01:00

I haven't blogged for ages. Lord, I feel like the world has gone in quadrouple time. Zip, zip, zip and then it's gone; another week bites the dust. So much to contemplate, to daydream over, to adore. For now though, these McQueen-esque beauties will do. Created by United Nude for Iris van Herpen’s A/W 2010 collection, word is they'll soon be available in limited edition...

[Image: Dazed]

[End note:]

What is this life if, full of care

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

[William Henry Davies 1871-1940]

Deep south

2010-06-18T16:55:00.012+01:00

I'm off to Aruba tomorrow for a week-long fashion shoot. Eeeeeekkkkk!! SO excited. Spent the whole day stuffing about a million dresses and shoes into 4 suitcases - a mean feat I can tell you. I dread to think about the clothing explosion that will happen when we open them at the hotel...

Here are some amazing pics of Bregje Heinen as Miss Oklahoma in Numero magazine #111 that put a smile on my face today. I looove the colour green, it's my absolute favourite, and never has a proud, emerald cactus looked so good next to a pretty blonde cowgirl and a whole array of Miu Miu delights. Ride 'em, Cowboy!

Speak again upon my return xxxx

[Publication: Numero, Issue 111, Model: Bregje Heinen, Photographers: Luciana Val and Franco Musso, Stylist: Capucine Safyurtlu, Image source: Trendland]

Siren

2010-06-14T21:05:00.009+01:00

Eva Mendez for W Magazine. I looooove the bold colours and sultry undertone. There's something so compelling about every shot. It really draws you in.

[Publication: W Magazine, Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Images: TFS]

Gold dust

2010-06-10T12:51:00.008+01:00

Naoya Nakayma's extraordinary creations were one of my highlights of the London College of Fashion Bachelor Graduate Show. Mixing futuristic archictectural shapes with classic staples while interjecting flashes of brilliant gold - such as a show-stopping trench that dripped with metallic cubes - it was nothing short of brilliant.

"Frozen moment object's creation and destruction process."

[Images: LCF and Dazed Digital]

Catch the light

2010-06-01T18:48:00.009+01:00

[Publication: Vogue Australia, Issue: September 2009, Title: Come As You Are, Photographer: Greg Kadel, Fashion Editor: Naomi Smith, Models: Abbey Lee Kershaw and Catherine McNeil via Alice in Wardrobe Wonderland]

Rain, rain, go away

2010-06-01T18:34:00.006+01:00

Tuesday evening. The sky is tumbling down with pregnant raindrops; the sky an eerie yellow. Wondering where my bank holiday disappeared to?

Jean Shrimpton

[Image from: Tobacco & Leather via thefashionspot/icons of the past]

Darling

2010-05-27T09:22:00.006+01:00

Such summer romance by photographer Henry Moshizi for Danish magazine Costume. I feel like I need to lie down and sunbathe among the blossom trees just looking at it!

[Publication: Costume, Photographer: Henry Mosizi, Stylist: Maiken Winther, Hair/Makeup: Lasse Pedersen, Model: Iza Olak, Producer: Thomas Wadensten]

Quill

2010-05-25T21:25:00.005+01:00

Leigh Viner.

Painter.
Fashion illustrator.
Make-up artist.
Exquisite.

[www.leighviner.com via Trendland]

Viva Cuba

2010-05-25T20:30:00.007+01:00

"Sultry Havana is the ideal backdrop for a season of impassioned style. Cue seductive hues of hibiscus pink and sky blue, racy prints and lots of leg...Get ready to fall in love with summer's new exotic mood." I'm already head over heels for summer's new exotic mood. And I'm forever smitten with Tom Craig and Bay Garnett. Take me there. Please?

[Publication: British Vogue, Issue: June 2010, Photographer: Tom Craig, Fashion Editor: Bay Garnett, Model: Angela Lindvall]

i see you

2010-05-25T07:53:00.013+01:00

Another sunny Tuesday evening. I love all this warm weather! The days feel so long and put a massive, cheesy smile upon your face. I've been dancing on stars even more so since I started my new job. Fashion assistant, eeeeeek!

Here's some Kate Moss at la 2005. What a way to procrastinate when I should be selling clothes on eBay... My overdraft's going to EAT ME if I don't do something about it soon.

[Publication: i-D, Issue: September 2005, The Name Issue, Photographer: Tesh, Fashion Director: Edward Enniful, Model: Kate Moss]

Alice/Craig: 1; Volcano: 0

2010-05-18T11:49:00.008+01:00

I'm hooommmmeee!! After a mere 8 hour delay at the airport (thanks, Mr. Volcano) we were finally cleared to fly back to sunny blighty last night. Awesome trip! From the craziness of Marrakech to the beautiful seaside town of Essaouira... We ate and ate and shopped until we popped. Feel like I haven't slept for a week! Man, it feels good to be home.

Maroc Maroc

2010-05-09T16:34:00.006+01:00

The whole of the fashion world has gone gaga for exotic prints and embellished, floatly numbers of late - think intrepid backpacking explorer mixed with the twinkling sparkles and timeless glamour of designers such as Matthew Williamson, Roberto Cavalli and Marc Jacobs.

I fly out to Morocco with my boyfriend in less than four hours - volcano ash permitting - so will have my peeking tom eyes out for some wonderlust prints of my own. This may be the last holiday I have in a loooong time (SEVERE lack of monies scuppering any future plans, *boohoo) so I'm going to make the most of it. Soooo excited!!!!

Disco shoes

2010-05-06T11:48:00.007+01:00

As if I didn't love their S/S'10 shoe collection enough already - beautiful swallow, kitty and flower power prints dancing upon silk with chunky wooden soles - these illustrations by French illustrator Janelle Burger have re-awakened my lust. Fun, quirky and delightful, just like Miu Miu itself, perhaps a print out of these babies will have to do until I can afford a the shoes themselves...

[Illustrations: Janelle Burger, via Deelightful]

VOTE DAY!!!!

2010-05-06T10:00:00.008+01:00

Politics, politics, politics... That's all that's been passing peoples lips for the last few months and with one of the most hyped-up elections in recent history happening TODAY it's impossible to get away from it. It's fascinating. Will we "change"? Will we continue as we are and get out of the depths of recession? Or will we all refuse to vote, jet off to a tropical island and re-inact Lord of the Flies until we die a grizzly, untimely death? (Ahh, someone's sleep deprived!!) So as the last 12 hours of voting looms, who's got your vote??

Tories

Labour

Lib Dem

[Videos: All courtesy of Vice Magazine]

Tux Chung

2010-05-04T12:12:00.004+01:00

MET Costume Institute Gala, 2010. Among the glittering floor skimming gowns, glossy decolletage and dazzling jewels, Alexa Chung stood out a mile in her Philip Lim tux and ruffled, velvet ribbon-tied shirt. Along with her berry berry lips and highlighted tips, she looked da bomb.

Annie Hall, eat your heart out!

[Images: Zimbio]

WowWW!

2010-04-29T10:04:00.006+01:00

Saw Marina & the Diamonds play last night... She was wearing this amazing tough-shouldered top covered in scarab beetle shells and sequins. My gosh, that girl is beautiful!! My friend's in the band too so it was extra special. (Shame we didn't get a free bar though...)

I am not a R.O.B.O.T.

SHOUT IT!!!!

2010-04-28T14:17:00.004+01:00

I f***ing love glitter. And mussed-up hair. And bare shoulders. And pink (sometimes). Bring on the bank holiday weekend parties. Only TWO.FIVE days!!

[Images: Eight, 10th Muse]

Days gone by...

2010-04-28T13:43:00.008+01:00

So, just a week left until I officially say goodbye to my editorial assistant job, then a trip to Morocco with my lovely boy, and then I start a new job as a FASHION ASSISTANT. Can't wait!! So excited.

My mood at the moment is something like this:

♥ Dreamy
♥ Celebratory
♥ Nostalgic
♥ Smiley
♥ Amazed

Much like these photographs by Yvette Inufio...

[Image source: Trendland]

Pool; water

2010-04-23T11:11:00.006+01:00

Subime photography by Jason Lee Perry... With more than a touch of seventies nostalgia.

[Images: Jason Lee Perry]

Girls...

2010-04-22T11:12:00.003+01:00

... Who are (mostly) boys. So pretty ♥ ♥

Summer skin ★

2010-04-20T10:22:00.008+01:00

I'm going sunshine crazy, I love it. These images by Carlos Nunez are really making me jealous of anyone not stuck in an office. Fingers crossed the volcano stops spewing out ash and I get my flight to Morocco so I can bask in it first hand. Only two and a half weeks to go... Come on clear skies!!!!

[Images: Carlos Nunez]

Golden

2010-04-19T17:23:00.009+01:00

Another weekend of fun, sun and lazing in the park... Oh, lordy. I don't ever want this weather to stop! If only I had a polaroid to capture all those moments in time.

[Images: The Singular]

Sultry

2010-04-14T12:36:00.006+01:00

Gemma Ward in a vintage edition of POP.

[Publication: POP Spring/Summer 2006, Photographer: Nick Knight, Stylist: Jonathan Kaye, Model: Gemma Ward wearing Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2006 Ready-to-Wear by Nicolas Ghesquière, Photo Source: Alice's Wardrobe Wonderland via ilovegemmaward.com]

Strawberry shortcake

2010-04-14T09:55:00.015+01:00

Anyone remember Strawberry Shortcake? The iconic, cuter than cute cartoon figure of the 1980's who along with her sugary pals became an icon of cool for girls across the land... Well, for Lula magazine's 10th issue, Damon Heath has photographed models dressed as each character - each gracing the cover as a different star. I picked up Lemon Meringue... Spring like and yellow for April I thought! There's a lovely interview with Strawberry Shortcake creater Muriel Fahrion in the mag too. Good enough to eat, non?

Starring...

Kim Noorda as Strawberry Shortcake
Charlotte Di Calypso as Lemon Meringue
Liu Wen as Plum Pudding

Chanel Iman as Orange Blossom

Giedre Dukauskaite as Lime Chiffon
Kate Somers as Raspberry Tart

Addison Gill as Blueberry Muffin

[Publication: Lula, Issue: 10, Spring/Summer 2010, Photography: Damon Heath, Styling: Leith Clark]

Head candy

2010-04-12T17:11:00.008+01:00

A new version of What Katie Wore has popped into my radar, but this time instead of kooky, rainbow bright fashion it's all about headbands. Adorably cute, handmade headbands to be exact - ones I imagine Zooey Deschanel would coo endlessly over. In Little Fille’s latest project, 30 Days of Headbands, designer Mari Santos has taken it upon herself to create a brand new, one-off headband for every day of the month, showcasing them each day on her blog. Each original piece would be the perfect accessory for summer!

www.little-fille.blogspot.com/

[Images: Little Fille]

Fingersmith

2010-04-12T09:44:00.006+01:00

Central Saint Martin’s MA graduate Laura Mackness has made a name for herself with her bold use of colours and witty, pop-referencing prints. Now, one year after graduation, Mackness has teamed up with Swedish label Weekday for a collection that sees her signature wandering hands and face prints transported onto covetable leggings and t shirts. I adore it all! So casual and cool.

See the full interview on Dazed Digital.

[Images: Dazed Digital]

Sunshine, lollypops and... SUNGLASSES

2010-04-09T09:15:00.006+01:00

Hello, World. The summer is here! These are my pick of the (dream) bunch...
I predict cats eye sunglasses are going to be HUUUGE this summer.

Eley Kishimoto

Charles Anastase
Alexander Wang

The Row

Linda Farrow Luxe

Alexander Wang

[Images: Off the runway]

Glitter army

2010-04-05T18:03:00.006+01:00

So I've finally moved house and it's LOVELY! Just spent my day vintage shopping (literally on my doorstep) and walking around the park before for sneaking into a characterful pub for an obligatory springtime Perry. The sun is beaming something beautiful today. Bliss.

Going away on a secret adventure for my boyfriend's birthday tomorrow too. Soo excited. It's hard to keep where we're going hush hush but I hope he loves it! And with an already dancing and giggle filled bank holiday weekend, what a month this has become already. And can I smell the sweet scent of English summer in the air?

Here are some glitter and sparkles from the latest British Vogue. So pretty and eclectic, I love this shoot!

[Publication: British Vogue, Issue: April 2010, Title: Private Dancer, Photographer: Javier Vallhonrat, Fashion Editor: Lucinda Chambers, Model: Guinevere van Seenus]

Happy happy happy!!!!

2010-04-01T14:14:00.003+01:00

Such a beautiful song...

Lazing on a Tuesday afternoon...

2010-03-30T14:28:00.011+01:00

My magazine's gone to press and there's nothing left to do until the pages to come back from repro... So I'm letting my fingers work their exploratory magic in the big wide world of the fashion/photography web. What a day ♥ ♥

[Images from all sorts of places, including By Darre (bydarre.blogspot.com, a lovely fashion blog, check it out!)]

Misty

2010-03-30T11:08:00.012+01:00

I love the wistful, yet still powerful aesthetic in Jenny Porkka's shots for Swedish designer Simon Ekrelius' Autumn/Winter 2010-11 collection. The iridescent light and misty slate and teal tones are punctuated with raspberry and a subtle canary shadow, providing a striking, timeless quality.

Here's what Dazed Digital said about the collection...

"Simon Ekrelius studied fashion at Stockholm’s Tillskärarakademin. Though the education he received there provided him with great technical skills, he felt his creativity was stifled since students weren’t allowed to use materials such as leather and plastic. Breaking the rules he made a collection using plastic and moose suede and ended up winning an award at a local competition. From then on, refusing to conform became his motto and, when it came to start his own label, Ekrelius first settled on haute couture, moving onto ready-to-wear only four years ago.

His Autumn/Winter 2010-11 collection, entitled 'Stardust', proves a design can truly shine like a precious stone even when it’s not covered in sparkling crystals: indeed, Ekrelius’s organza skirts remind in their silhouettes the geometrically complex crystal shapes of minerals, while the configuration of diamonds reappears in the graphic black and white prints and in the body panels and reinforced shoulder pads of his jumpsuits."

[Images: www.cargocollective.com/jenni, Photographer: Jenny Porkka, Art Director: Sasha Rainbow, Text: Anna Battista]

Stripes

2010-03-26T12:59:00.002Z

Sweet like rock candy. Lady gaga, Zooey Deschanel and Cindy Lauper obviously have a sweet tooth...

[Photographer: Ellen-von-Unwerth, others unknown]

Light fantastic ★

2010-03-26T11:28:00.000Z

Mikrokosmos by Bigert & Bergström. Wowsers. I want to do a shoot like this!

[Images: Trend Magazine]

She & Him

2010-03-25T10:42:00.004Z

Everyone needs a sweet song on a sleepy Thursday morning...

Style crush #1

2010-03-24T12:26:00.009Z

Mary Kate-Olsen: One stylish ladyeee. Now I'm desperate for a matt magenta lipstick...

[Images: mary-kateandashleyimages.com]

Granny chic

2010-03-23T15:30:00.009Z

Forget about the purple rinse, mothballs and baggy hosiery; granny chic is back and with a rose-scented vengeance. For the last few years dressing like someone of pension age has made its mark as a major trend in young, edgy fashion circles, with nightclubs and cooler-than-thou hotspots of London filled with an eclectic – if not a bit shabby – mix of fashion from decades past. It’s all about dressing like you’ve raided your Nan’s wardrobe after a sherbet binge, adding a playful ladylike elegance and a touch of costume to an otherwise humdrum noughties wardrobe. Young twenty-somethings can be seen proudly in pretty floral tea dresses, fox furs, nylon stockings, fishtail pencil skirts, lace-up shoes and 1950’s box handbags, their hair wafted up into pompadours and pouts smackered with pillar box red lipstick – the perfect attire for heading down the WI for a jive masterclass or a drink at the Black Gardenia. And let’s face it, what lady doesn’t want to dress like Diana Dors circa 1958?

And the catwalks have followed suit. Old-lady friendly staples – herringbone, paisley, hairnets, pearls and knee-high socks – are everywhere. We’ve seen tweed twin-sets, cat-eye glasses and netted gloves at Luella, pastel coloured dresses and quasi-orthopedic shoes at John Galliano and Betty Jackson, the fairy god mother of whimsical grandma chic, had a collection splattered with cheery ditsy blooms, a touch of lace and 1920’s inspired accessories.

Although today it’s practically impossible to miss this thrift-chic aesthetic, vintage only really began to get style status a decade ago with Kate Moss bucking the ‘current season’ trend and dressing her supermodel self in incredible designer one-offs – a beautiful one-shoulder canary yellow frock being her first foray. And now models, actresses, musicians – girls all over the world – are all over vintage like a rash. Alexa Chung is forever adorned in her little 1940’s floral tea dresses, doily cardis and tortoiseshell spectacles, a bright coloured pop sock zipping the look back to the 21st century, while Mary-Kate Olsen, with her floor-length crushed silk and velvet dresses, fur coats, backcombed bouffant and cascades of vintage jewels is practically grandma re-incarnate.

Lorraine Candy, editor of UK Elle, is not at all surprised by this resurgence of old, seeing it as a byproduct of our current financial climate. “You could see it as a make-do-and-mend reaction to the economic crisis. Or you could see it as simply beautiful investment clothes at a time when women need some convincing to shop. Either way, vintage featured in some of the season’s best collections.”

And if you like a bit of vintage, why not try these…

1. Pin up your Victory rolls, draw on your stockings and head to East London’s air raid shelter for a 1940’s Blitz party. You’ll be swaying to the Swing music in no time. www.theblitzparty.com/

2. Head to the Prince Charles or Electric Cinema for a nostalgic film in finest monochrome or sepia. www.princecharlescinema.com/,www.electriccinema.co.uk/

3. Embark on a course of lindy hop dance lessons. Jazz shoes at the ready… www.swingdanceuk.com/

4. Take a glimpse into the fairytale life of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars of the 1950s at the Grace Kelly exhibition at the V&A Museum. www.vam.ac.uk

5. Head to the Black Gardenia or Bourne & Hollinghurst for the finest retro tipple – Campari and orange is a must.

6. Treat your chum for afternoon tea at The Ritz. With freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream to nibble on, ooops, there goes your 1940’s nipped-in waist in no time. www.theritzlondon.com/tea/

Swooooon

2010-03-23T10:43:00.006Z

I can't stop poring over the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-to-Wear Look Book (I nabbed it while work experiencing at The Times, hoping one day I will able to afford such beautiful garments). The blogisphere's going crazy for their pretty as pie, kooky and delicious pieces too.

♥ ♥ ♥

[Images: Alice's Wardrobe Wonderland]

Animal magic

2010-03-22T09:54:00.005Z

Party photos from Cobra Snake. I wanna be there!

Uppin' sticks

2010-03-16T11:53:00.006Z

It’s four days until I move house... Upping sticks from scruffy, arts collective filled south east London to the (slightly less grubby and equally eclectic) Stoke Newington – Dalston is only a short bus ride away after all. Hurrah! It’s a heinously stressful situation all round – coming home after work to clean and pack for a week does not make a happy Alice – but with a brief two-week stay at my boyfriends in between, by Easter I will be all happily moved in. Let the springtime fun (and drinking pear cider on the park) commence!

A homage: Alexander McQueen Spring 2001 RTW collection

2010-03-11T10:18:00.009Z

One of the late, great fashion designer's most iconic shows.

The bastard child of Peter Weiss’ play Marat/Sade, a power-dressing city wardrobe and the witchcraft aesthetic of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the show was momentous from start to finish. Set in a starkly illuminated cube – which immediately became apparent as the holding cell of a mental asylum – bandage-clad models moved awkwardly around the space, their backs arched and arms flinching demonically as they peered out through one-way mirrored glass. With such an immediate shock effect it would be easy to gloss over the clothes, but to do that would be a tragedy.

The collection itself was spectacular; a mix of confident suits, easy separates and breathtaking dresses that would be perfect for a decadent ball or to shimmy down the red carpet. It was all about texture and embellishment in the most surreal of ways. A statuesque Erin O’Connor was swathed neck to toe in nothing but washing line pegs, while another model glared out at the audience; a headpiece of birds of prey circling above her head casting ominous shadows. Cascades of silvery mussel shells adorned skirts, a medieval castle rose dramatically from a shoulder and a top dripped with crumbling jigsaw pieces, exposing nothing but bare flesh behind. Feathers too were a major theme, bustling under skirts, cocooning necks and jutting out of trouser seams, becoming more extravagant and gratuitous near the end of the show with a giant Cinderella-shaped ballgown of plumes of feathers in jet and blood red.

Yet within this spectacle there were bounds of beautifully tailored, wearable pieces. In a palette of dusky pink, duck egg blue, stone, soft lilac, and chestnut we saw chic, oversized blazers, slim waistcoats, sleeveless shirts, pencil skirts and floor skimming suit trousers that created a modern, feminine silhouette. Androgynous touches – ties, wide-leg trousers – were off set with floral embroidery and garlands of appliqué flowers that looped and twisted upon tops like a helter-skelter, while halterneck cotton dresses stood out as perfect summer attire. Of course, some pieces were inevitably distorted in Alexander McQueen’s signature way – a blazer was worn as a skirt and a pair of trousers was smeared with paint rendering them and ugly and ruined – but predominantly they were chic, functional pieces for the confident, modern woman. Ordinary made extraordinary to breathtaking results.

Here are some highlights...

Iconic fashion in film – Marie Antoinette by Sofia Copolla (2006)

2010-03-11T10:00:00.011Z

“Let them eat cake!” was what Marie Antoinette is said to have uttered before her autocratic downfall, and this must have stuck in Sofia Copolla’s mind when she directed the film. Put simply, it's good enough to eat. Decadent, coquettish and in a rainbow of delicious ice-cream hues – pistachio, cream, rose, coral and baby blue – the fashion is the star of the show.

A romantic, impressionistic vision of eighteenth-century France, the film captures the beauty and sumptuousness of the era through Marie Antoinette’s eyes. As soon as she enters the court of Versailles we are transported to her world of staggering richness and grandeur – gluttonous feasts, exquisite decor and the airs and social graces of France’s elite. Heavily structured court dresses – as required by Louis XIV – with their tiny corseted waists, voluminous hips and bustled bumrolls were enriched with rich, tactile fabrics the colour of sweet macaroons – a modern twist to traditional regal shades of royal blue, deep red and gold. Quirky prints such as strawberries, floral and gingham peeked through too, while décolletages were lined with ruffles and appliqué blooms; bows, ribbons, lace, fur and twinkling embroidery adorning the remainder of the dress.

The accessories were equally lovely. Marie Antoinette’s strawberry blonde curls were adorned with flowers, butterflies and giant feathers, while precious stones and hand-tied ribbon looped her neck. And the shoes – oh, the shoes. Each exquisite heel was a work of art. You wanted to reach forward and touch every piece; wear it; play dress-up and twirl around your castle imagining you're your very own Dauphine of France.

Even the men had a New Romantic twist, with full-sleeved, ruffle-front pirate shirts and brocade style jackets and over-the-knee boots. Gold braiding and guilded buttons finishing their decadent look – very Adam Ant.

Alex in Wonderland

2010-03-10T07:52:00.007Z

Exquisite. Extraordinary. Breathtakingly beautiful. As Dolly Jones from British Vogue puts it: "A moment of poignancy that it is difficult to put into words.". Alexander McQueen's A/W 2010-10 Paris show. 15 spellbinding looks. Each piece as unique as he. Here it is in it's entirety:

[Images: Catwalking.com, Christopher Moore Limited]

Oh, Kate!

2010-03-09T22:43:00.010Z

Just got back from (another) evening househunting and was greeted with a beautiful candy and white issue of British Vogue at my door - with none other than an exceptionally pretty Kate Moss gracing the cover, all mussed-up Bardot hair and dripping with Prada chandelier crystals. My god she looks beautiful in the fashion shoot*. The Kate that time forgot. No longer the ravaged, roughed up version we have become accustomed to of late. No, she's back... For now at least. No wonder Jamie put a ring on it.

*These pics are enormous so click click to make them big!

[Publication: British Vogue, Issue: April 2010, Feature: Basic Instinct, Photographer: Willy Vanderperre, Fashion editor: Miranda Almond, Model: Kate Moss]

Balmain A/W 2010/11

2010-03-08T14:29:00.003Z

You can always tell a Balmain collection from a mile off. The sharp, structured shoulders, second-skin leather leggings, micro dresses, and edgy, sleek haired models with check bones that could slice through walls. The French fashion house’s A/W show has a Renaissance, almost New Romantic quality about it, with opulent textures, brocade style embroidered jackets and lashings of gold. Divine.

Sonya Rykiel A/W

2010-03-08T13:50:00.007Z

Bold colours, kooky tailoring and voluminous ruffles were the name of the game at Sonya Rykiel’s A/W show. Alice bands with pom poms – reminiscent of preened topiary bushes – bobbed upon heads, the figures underneath cocooned in chunky knit dresses, oh-so-cosy cashmere coats and sheer, body-skimming silk dresses in electric blue, scarlet, ochre, black and blush. There were plenty more quirky touches to come. A stripy, knitted full-body suit was teamed with aviator goggle style glasses and a top hat, while ridiculously puffy dresses that looked like marshmallows bounced happily down the catwalk – the models clearly enjoying themselves and providing an effect that was infections. The accessories too only added to this charming, eccentric English aesthetic. Gorgeously tactile fluffy totes, retro-inspired leather belts, cosy woolly tights and daring platform heels – with the ubiquitous platform wooden sole that next season is all over – striding the looks down in style.

[Images: tfs]

Gareth Pugh A/W 10-11

2010-03-05T09:13:00.006Z

Paris Fashion Week started with a tour-de-force yesterday. Here's Dazed Digital's take on Gareth Pugh's tougher than tough A/W collection... "Soft lines and hard materials evolve Pugh's aesthetic". Indeed. Matrix anyone??

"Strong and precise chevron lines marked out the inklings of what Gareth Pugh was going for in his latest collection that in some ways fortified the shapes of his last collection. Replacing wispy grey chiffon though was the armour of neoprene-backed leather that fitted the body in a flared out coat. The menswear ensemble that ensued though marked out a vulnerability and subtle glamour nor seen in before by way of Cuban heels, softly flared trousers and later on, voluminous pleated ones. This was Pugh once again playing with pre-conceived notions of the tough by unexpectedly contrasting his choice of materials and palette with silhouettes like an obi belted coat that drapes at the back or bias cut floor length gown with an attached shawl. Essentially the movement that Pugh created in his last collection was also evident here, emphasised by newly introduced materials such as a crochet and the draped chains that hung from both long and short dresses, dripping with intent."

[Images: Dazed Digital by Morgan O'Donovan]

Spring fling

2010-03-04T11:18:00.008Z

It's British Summer Time in less than four weeks... Eeek, there goes my lie in. But hello sunshine! Feminine florals and ditsy blooms have taken over our garments for the past few seasons, adorning clothes, accessories and handbags with a liberal scattering of oh-so-pretty petals. And in an ode to their staying power (S/S '10's catwalks were littered with a smattering of blooms) - and the sun that is ever so slowly losing its coyness and peeking out from behind the clouds(!) - here are some lovely pics for us all. *

*Ps. I want that balcony on my new house!

Ilovethis

2010-03-01T13:18:00.009Z

I adore the juxtaposing textures in these images. Vintage fabrics worn with edgy, modern pieces = divine. Leopard print suede platform boots with a fraying chiffon mini-dress; crushed metallic fabric with the sheerest silk top; antiquated lace dress with heavy leather biker boots... Each look is yummy to the extreme ★★★

[Images: The Contributor via Knight Cat]

Home

2010-03-01T10:17:00.007Z

I always have such a lovely time when I go home. This weekend my boyfriend and I were utterly spoilt. It was a countryside extravaganza. We fed the baby calves (teeny tiny fluffy things that sucked and pulled on our fingers), had lunch in a lovely pub with a New Orleans jazz band playing, ate MOUNTAINS of delicious food, snoozed in front of the fire, ate again, slept some more, and even though it poured with rain for the whole weekend, the sun shone so brightly as we drove back to London this morning that our dampness melted away. But now the house hunt is on again like a speed-freak juggernaut. I think I need another holiday.

Flashbulb

2010-02-25T23:44:00.009Z

Just had the best night! Front row fashion show seats, goodie bags, lovely company, oodles of gorgeous clothes and jewellery, including some of the most beautiful vintage dresses and 50's handbags - Ossie Clarke, Zandra Rhodes, Jack Byran, yummy - plus a freeeeee bar in the Waldorf Hotel afterwards. Reminds me why London is the best city in the world! (Although now I can't walk due to my ridiculous 6-inch platforms. And I inexplicitly managed to my mobile phone into German on the way home...)

Pics coming soon.

Night.

♥

LFW-nd

2010-02-25T17:34:00.007Z

Phew, what a day. I'm e.x.h.a.u.s.t.e.d. But fun times ahead now. Going to London Fashion Weekend tonight (thank you, Jemma!) and then homeward bound to the countryside with my lovely boy on the weekend. Happy days!

Asia

2010-02-24T22:25:00.015Z

Sometimes I look at these pictures and forget it was me that took them; me that is in them. Life's too short not to embrace every single day and chase that beauty that can so easily be forgotten as our working lives take over. As amazing as life is at the moment, I can't wait until I can go travelling again.

[Pics from Thailand 2007 and my trip to India last year with my lovely, lovely boyfriend]

Noir

2010-02-24T13:19:00.006Z

London Fashion Week is almost over, but what DELIGHT it was from start to finish. Here's Mary-Kate at Burberry looking fierce in black...

[Olsens anonymous]

Blonde {ambition}

2010-02-22T23:31:00.001Z

I may not be blonde, but I can sure as hell appreciate honey tone locks.

[Publication: LOVE, Issue: #3 Spring/Summer 2010, Title: Wash Your Face In My Sink, Photographer: Angelo Pannetta, Models: Lily Donaldson, Natasha Poly, Kasia, Pixie Geldoff & Raquel Zimmermann, Fashion Editors: Victoria Young, Sally Lyndley & Pheobe Arnold, {Photo Source: TFS via Alice's Wardrobe Wonderland} ★★★]

Betty Jackson A/W 2010/11

2010-02-22T23:19:00.003Z

Opening the third day, a bright but freezing Sunday morning, Betty Jackson gave our chills a reason to be happy with her feminine, cosy-than-thou collection. It was a move away from the romantic dresses in ditsy blooms of rose pink, baby blue and lavender we know her for, striking through instead with guilded metallics, burnt terracotta, slate, olive, tangerine and mahogany – shades taken from dappled autumnal woodland. But vintage belles and boho princesses needn’t worry; it was divine.

English Rose models with teased, flowing hair took to the catwalk in covetably snugly knits, calf-length coats and lightweight cotton separates that were perfect to accessorise with woolly tights, lace-up boots, and, of course, the ubiquitous Dutchie bike. It was a collection made with real women in mind. A slate and pepper fair-isle knit chunky jumper with oversized roll neck was worn with city shorts that stopped flatteringly just below the knee, a boxy waist bringing a chic, modern twist. While a bronze-gold full length jumpsuit with peephole front and the oh-so-popular tapered trouser leg looked deliciously comfortable and stylish – and would look fierce with cascades of chains and glossy noir nails for the evening.

Delicate, feminine tailoring with nipped-in waists created a soft, hourglass silhouette for the modern woman. The detail, too, was infectious. Multi-layering in a swathe of different textures – wool, leather, cotton, ruffles and silk – added to the sumptuous charm. While the colour combinations – midnight and bronze, tangerine and alabaster – were equally striking.

All-in all, a beautiful collection for those inevitably icy winter days.

[Images: Elle]

Punk & studs

2010-02-22T17:07:00.006Z

It’s now day 15 on my quest to find a new dwelling and it’s not going well. Safe to say, this moving house malarkey is becoming the bain of my life. A MONSTER in the otherwise carefree, giggle-filled existence I have taken to love quite muchly. I’m tired, stressed, hopeless and feel illogically angry at people for not moving out of their pretty houses so we can live there instead, feeling like I’ve spent every last evening and weekend of my life trudging round estate agents to visit crumbling, mould-infested flats that are to small to even hold my wardrobe – let alone my bed and shoe collection.

We’ve got a viewing at Dalston tonight then two in Stokey tomorrow… Fingers crossed we find something lovely, liveable and cheap as chips.

WISH. ME. LUCK.

Xxx

Ps. Moschino ’s A/W collection will really make you smile. Gimme a punk-luxe howl…

[Images: FASH ON]

Bora Aksu A/W 2010/11

2010-02-20T16:33:00.004Z

Although inspired by folklore, fairytales and fantasy, there was nothing elusive about Bora Aksu’s Autumn/Winter ’10 collection. Romantic and haunting, the catwalk flowed with an enchanting array of his signature texture-laden creations. Futuristic dresses with full hips gave way to structured shouldered blazers, billowing trouser suits and underwired tops in a swathe of textures.

There was detail and architectural interest everywhere you looked. Flirty mini dresses were adorned with delicate bow necks, ruffled shoulders, exposed zips, cut-out holes and giant pockets – one dress even had a voluminous pocket puffed out the front made from complimenting satin fabric. Woollen rope twisted and looped its way around dresses made of soft gauze – perhaps alluding to deadened roots creeping up to constrict their prey – while delicate capes and lightweight blouses bounced in the air. It was a collection of contrasts, which became even more evident when the sweetest pieces – such as the raspberry sweetheart neckline prom dress – were paired with buckled, punk-luxe leggings in tough black.

The palette was just as interesting. In muted tones of lilac, rose, oyster, mahogany and jet he gave an eerie twist to Spring/Summer’s love affair with sorbet shades, while metallic shocks of gold – in the form of lame trouser suits and puffball mini dresses – punched through with alarming force. All in all, a fairytale fantasy.

[Images: Zimbio]

My favourite shoe

2010-02-17T22:30:00.006Z

In a wardrobe littered with vintage heels, peep-toed courts, platforms and ballet flats, my Converse All-Stars stick out by a mile. Dirty, holey and on the brink of death, they’re the scruffiest shoes I own – and the ones I love the most. I remember the first pair I ever brought. Growing up on a farm I was desperately uncool as a kid – dungarees, woolly ‘animal scene’ jumpers and matching t-shirts and leggings being the sum of my wardrobe. But that soon changed (thank GOD).

As an angst-ridden teenager of the 1990’s, I idolised grunge bands like Nirvana and Incubus and hankered after their wardrobe of dishevelled jeans, plaid shirts and, of course, the ubiquitous All-Star trainer. Chuck Taylor may have given it superstar status way back in 1917 – before it rose to cooler than thou fame again in the rockability 1950’s and punk era of the 1970’s – but to me, as the shoe of my youth, those moody days of the late nineties was where my love affair started. When I slipped my feet into my very first pair – black high tops with gleaming white laces – they felt so amazing I practically bounced on paving stones made of clouds all the way home. They were comfy, lightweight, and without doubt, the coolest things I owned.

All-Stars have been a barometer of happy memories throughout my life. First gigs, first dates, first days at college... I even fell in love with my boyfriend over a pair. But perhaps one of the greatest things about them is their versatility. Anyone can own a pair of Converse All-Stars. They transcend age, gender and wealth, and there’s not one snoot of snobbery about wearing this sports trainer as a shoe in its own right – unlike sister athletic brands of say Adidas or Nike. They’re in a league of their own and their style potential is boundless. Equally great teamed with a floral tea dress and some pop socks than a lumberjack shirt and skinny jeans, they’re the perfect finishing touch to an outfit come summer, winter, rain or shine. You could even go all Florence Welch and team yours with a pair of glittery gold hot pants and a lace bolero.

And there are just so many styles to choose from you’ll never get stuck in a fashion rut. A never-ending rainbow of candyfloss pink, metallic gold, mint green, sunshine yellow, stripes, stars, spots – even ones emblazoned with colourful cartoons. Converse All-Stars; they’re their very own walk of fame.

Ring ding-a-ling

2010-02-17T22:15:00.001Z

I went and did it! After lusting after beautiful rings like this for what seemed like IONS...

... I sneaked into a wonderful vintage shop in Stokey while out househunting this morning and brought a clatter of pretty, bright and pearlescent rings to scatter over my fingers like an old cat lady.

Ali G, take that!

[Image: Fashion Canvas]

Rant

2010-02-17T22:14:00.006Z

Call me old fashioned, but isn’t anyone bored of Herve Leger bandage dresses yet? Yes they’re sleek, glamourous and enough to get any man’s eyes bulging out of his head like the “awooooga” dog in The Mask (if so inclined). But come on. They make anyone who doesn’t have a figure like Bar Refaeli look like a human tire stack on legs. And they may claim to be the high-end version of Spanx, but last time I checked, if you have tubby bits it doesn’t just go away if you squeeze something tight over it; it gets bulged out of some other unforgiving part of your body. And a muffin-top back or roly-poly knees isn't a good look for anybody.

And aren’t they just a bit boring? Strips of lycra sewn together to create, in essence, a human-shaped inner tube. Yawn. I’ll admit the designs have recently become more creative, moving on in terms of colour and print and even experimenting with texture – a streak of sequins here, a plume of chiffon there. And Rachel Bilson looked adorable when she teamed her caramel design with boho hair and a vintage clutch. But she’s the exception to the rule. For the rest of us they’re fundamentally an elasticated cylinder you squeeze into before spending the rest of the evening sucking your tummy in and hoping to God you don’t get wind.

To add to my infurity, the body con dress is so overdone. Victoria Beckham’s worn one, Lindsey Lohan’s worn one – hell, even Beth Ditto’s pulled and tugged her voluminous curves into a flurry of rainbow bright designs. And away from the starry lights of celebrity land it’s the uniform of the chav. Just look how many cheap, knock-off designs are slicked upon ex Big Brother housemates in Whisky Mist and you see my point.

Herve Leger bandage dresses, I implore you. You’ve been around for 25 years. That’s long enough for anyone; most of all me. So bow down gracefully (careful not to pop a seam) and let some other sucker have a go.

Lustre

2010-02-17T00:03:00.004Z

Alexander Wang A/W '10

It's a whole lotta cut outs and twists.

[Dazed Digital, photographer: Morgan O'Donovan]

10 things every girl needs in 2010...

2010-02-15T20:49:00.017Z

1. A pair of chunky platform heels. Preferably purple, velvet, skyscrapingly high and with a giant bow on the front.

2. Gossip girl. Box set + bag of crisps = Perfect cheap night in. True, by the end of it you’re pouty, over-analytical and flicking your hair all over the place a la Serena Van der Woodsen, but it’s a small price to pay. And of course, there's Taylor Momsen's style...

3. A Dutchie bike. Picnics in the park just wouldn’t be the same without your wicker basket to carry the rug and scotch eggs.

4. Lula Magazine. For every girl that loves fashion, photography and daydreaming, this beautiful bi-annual will sweep you away from your tumultuous life in a cloud of rose scented fairy dust.

5. Rose wine. Sweet, delicious and a pretty blush colour – plus it gets you tipsy after a couple of glasses.

6. A pair of floral harem pants. Ok, so you might get MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This” sung to you everywhere you go, but ditsy blooms in candy colours are tipped to be one of summer’s hottest trends.

7. A vintage turban. So, SO cool.

8. A Blackberry. How else are you going to be able to put the winning bid on those Chanel clip-on earrings you’ve been stalking on eBay whilst on the bus to work...?

9. Tickets to Bestival. If music was love, you would’ve been wooed a hundred times after this fanciful four-day dress-up festival.

10. An umbrella. We live in England; rain is what we do.

Jessie Craig

2010-02-15T16:39:00.006Z

Another photographer crush. I love the muted colours and sepia tones with the cheeky raspberry blushing through.