Wardrobe Wisdom

Wardrobe Wisdom has moved!

2012-01-02T22:55:00.002Z

...Tumble on over... http://wardrobewisdom.tumblr.com/

I wish for...

2011-12-05T22:03:00.003Z

Lots of lovely luxe temptations around at the moment. My new and lovely Mulbs Polly Push Lock purse is keeping me happy for now, but there is a growing wish list in my head for some festive treats other than mince pies...

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (House of Fraser)

Jonathan Saunders for Smythson iPad Case (Smythson)

Marni Necklace (Net-a-Porter)

White Company cable knit throw and cushions (The White Company)

In praise of Zara.

2011-11-06T18:21:00.003Z

Sometimes there is a season, shop or trend that suits exactly you're looking for. The sway towards structure and the 1950s silhouette did it for me, the same way that Whistles did last autumn. This time around it's Zara, the Spanish retail giant which I have previously moaned about (the stock turnover is famously quick) and now which I can't walk into without walking out with a logo'd paper bag.

I visit Zara from time to time to see how they take on the trends once they leave the catwalk. I wasn't happy last summer when it seems to go to sharply towards voluminous shapes and the harem trouser, but this season they have it Spot On for my wardrobe wants and desires.

On a visit the other lunchtime (The Kensington branch is dangerously close to my office) I came across an armful of outfits I wanted instantly, and another bucket-load that I'll have to go back for. On that occasion I left with a pair of zipped-ankle jeggings (they fit my calves - hoorah!) a sheer black shirt with studded collar (referencing the vampy fetish trend of AW11) and a slim knit cardigan that I could have had in eight different colours. Although the sizes can be a little off; finding that I was a 'small' in the cardigan but a large in another top I tried on, the cuts are often flattering and easy to deal with. One tiny niggle would be that often the finishing isn't that great - loose threads on the zips, buttons hanging and seams that could be neater, but in some cases you get what you pay for and Zara certainly doesn't break the bank, but feels more 'right' than Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins and their ilk, which I already feel I've grown out of.

I was so happy to find the perfect mink silky maxi skirt in there the other day that if I'd written this piece then it probably would have been full of unbridled gushing, but as it was I paid another visit the following day (in the name of research, naturally) and found I was still finding treasures among the rails. Plus, a little overlooked section of Zara is the shoes - have a look if you need some office-evening-weekend heels, they have a great range. Snakeskin, studded, two-tone and sky-high, definitely of the moment and bang up to date.

www.zara.com

One Must Dash.

2011-10-23T21:14:00.003+01:00

Super cute prints on bouf.com at the moment - I was browsing with Christmas gifts in mind but actually might purchase a couple for the flat. 'One Must Dash' create cute artworks with lovely messages like 'when you dance I fall in love with you all over again' and 'I will not be annoyed by smelly socks'. Too cute.

www.bouf.com

Love leather.

2011-10-17T07:52:00.002+01:00

Sometimes 'pleather' will just about pass, on patch detail leggings for example, or a cheap dress for Halloween, but mostly only the softest, buttery finish will give the chic more than the 'eek' to a leather wardrobe staple. I. Love. This. Skirt. It's from Jigsaw, the shape is flattering, the waistband doesn't look like it will hamper my ability to have children one day and the flat zip pockets are a modern, simple touch. J'adore.

www.jigsaw-online.com

English peculiars.

2011-10-16T18:44:00.002+01:00

I love this necklace from the V&A jewellery collection. They have some lovely bits and pieces this year (always good for Christmas gifts) and these charm necklaces are some of the latest. They feature lovely English symbols and partnerships such as this 'fish and chips' version, as well as 'tea and cake' 'cups and saucers' and a solitary but statement Big Ben charm.

www.vandashop.com

Pick of the prints.

2011-10-06T08:01:00.002+01:00

I saw these prints by Bianca Gomez in this month's Easy Living magazine. I love them! So cute for a fresh flat style that isn't the standard monotone print. I love this one of the winter couple, and also the lovely London/Paris/New York versions - they have a contemporary/retro contrast to them.

Bianca Gomez prints.

Christopher Kane & Mary Katrantzou.

2011-09-25T15:31:00.004+01:00

I could fill a whole blog post with the wonder that was the Mulberry show a week ago today, but I feel I'm a little subjective on the matter. So head on over to mulberry.com and watch the show video and see lots of pretty lovely things, while I focus on two more of my favourites from LFW - Christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou.

I have been a fan of both Kane and Katrantzou since their early years, mostly thanks to some well placed fashion internships back in the early days of Kane, and spotted Katrantzou in the pages of Grazia when she hotly new on the scene. Their SS12 shows were hits for both - Kane's featuring gorgeous pale shades and print combos, and Katrantzou's a riot of bold print with flower and feather references. Above are two of my favourite looks; I'm just hoping I can pull of the flower and cricket jumper combo next spring, for a cross between Brideshead Revisited and pretty sportiness.

Read the more insightful reviews on style.com.

Peter Som.

2011-09-10T19:59:00.002+01:00

Ah ha, and here he is! Peter Som's colour-blocking sexy yet understated treats...

www.style.com

Jason Wu.

2011-09-10T19:37:00.002+01:00

I've been so busy at work gearing up for Fashion Week (from a behind-the-brand perspective) that I always forget to check in with my old favourite past-time for journalist WW days - devouring photo after review after photo from all shows. And in the blink of an eye, New York Fashion Week started and there have been two stand-out shows for me already.

Firstly, Jason Wu - my crush since Mrs Obama saw fit to wear one of his beautiful evening creations to one of the inaugural balls. In true spring form he chose the most gorgeous silk fabrics (you could feel the breeze in your skirt) and a gorgeous palette of colours. Look #1 for me was this one - a blue, multi-layered skirt and lime sleeveless shirt belted in tightly and with matching (and slightly fetish-like) shoes for a soft/hard contrast.

Peter Som had the same idea with lightweight, breezy yet sexy skirts, yet his were teamed with sheer wafer-thin tops, true to his self-prescribed aesthetic of "effortless elegance and refined sexiness." Yum-ohhh.

www.style.com

Origins.

2011-09-03T21:22:00.002+01:00

So, in a fragile state of working hard, lack of food and a Friday feeling of euphoria, I wondered aimlessly around Boots in search of new skincare, my current being lacking in any good results, smugness or loyalty on my part. I stopped in the Origins concession mostly as I had read a good review of its latest spot zapping lotion, plus friends had recommended the yummy natural smells. 10 minutes later and nearly £100 poorer (gulp) I had an entire new regime - involving the above microdermabrasion-adjacent scrub, organic lotion, toner and aforementioned spot zapper. Yes I know, as a friend I met afterwards commented, I was basically a walking target for insecure women with spots who wants some bossy reassurance and a miracle. I could have just had the cream, but instead I have an entire collection. I'm not sure if this should be a post complimenting the sales techniques of Origins in Boots on Ken High Street, or of the products themselves, but time will tell if it's the latter. I'll update you after a bit. And if anyone sees me next Friday looking dishevelled, frazzled and in need of a drink, tell me to keep the credit card inside my bag, unless I want to end up with a new haircare routine to match.

www.origins.co.uk

All zipped up.

2011-08-29T15:08:00.002+01:00

There is a lot of sartorial love for Fities/Sixties fashion and sexual glamour at the moment. Blame Mad Men, or The Hour, or the sexy old school-with-a-touch-of-fetish on the Autumn Winter 2011 catwalks at Louis Vuitton and Prada, but it's certainly there. Banana Republic have dedicated an entire capsule collection to the Mad Men silhouette, and every glossy September issue I've read this month has pronounced pencil skirts, sheer blouses and shoes with a touch of the kinky about them as the It Things for the new season. With really good underwear.

Now I like this look - it suits my figure even though it is extremely high maintenance. After all, you can't jump out of bed and straight into a full Joan Holloway look without effort, good hairspray, sheer stockings and a wiggle, but many women will be trying. My answer is to find one aspect of the trend that you love the most and work it, plus remember - pencil skirts don't suit everyone, and even if they do can be darn uncomfortable for a day at work, but there are other things that imply sexiness without being overt or too try hard about it.

My favourite example for this effect is actually a piece of hardware instead of an item of clothing: the humble and often overlooked zip. Or rather, the not-so humble zip if you see how it has been revolutionised to raise a few eyebrows with its sexual connotations recently. The visible tram line of a zip fastening is possibly one of the sexiest things to me - it says that something is being kept together, kept inside, kept hidden, but that can be tantalisingly revealed, often with someone else's help, which adds to the appeal.

Victoria Beckham's beautiful collection of dresses more often than not focuses on the seen zip - no longer is it hidden under panels of fabric or at the side of a skirt. It is there, running down the backs of skirts and dresses and catching the eye of those who want to know what lies beneath. I have recently purchased the above pencil skirt from Zara - it's not the most interesting of skirts, in fact it looks plain and fitted in an understated shade of burgundy, but turn around and the golden stamp of the back zip is there, out and proud. Plain black dresses are given a whole new lease of sexiness not from any out there cleavage or super-short hem, but from statement zips running the entire length of the dress, not to mention the draw of a pair of tight black trousers with zips running up a few inches up from the ankle. Those zips are trying to tell you something - they are hinting to the person inside whilst being the closure, the way in and keeping the modesty of the wearer all wrapped up, until she's ready.

So embrace whichever aspect of the glamour, fetish-inspired and 1950s silhouettes that fashion lets us have fun with. But remember that sometimes the least obvious things can say the most.

Pencil skirts and zips galore at www.zara.com

From the souk.

2011-08-19T17:17:00.002+01:00

Of course, no trip to the Middle East is complete without a visit to a proper souk. We took a taxi into Muscat town to visit the Mutrah Souk - one of the oldest in the region. As it was Ramadan and people was breaking their fasts during the evening, it was quieter than we were told it usually is (gaining in custom towards Eid) but it was nice as a tourist to be able to walk the little alleys without getting crushed, especially in the sometimes stifling humidity of the August evenings. If you haven't been to a souk before, prepare yourself for some friendly but persuasive shop owners trying to talk you into their shops to buy their wears over their competitors. My dad was convinced into buying Frankincense (which traditionally comes from Oman) and my mother and I both took the plunge in one of the many pashmina shops. My biggest find however was the turquoise ring, pictured, set into Omani silver. I have been looking for a ring in this colour stone for a while, but wanted one that felt a little bit different to the knock-off versions on the high street. I was so happy to find this one, with the angled, pointed setting and a smooth, large stone. After a spot of haggling, left to daddy (seasoned haggler) we had our price and the ring was mine!

Shangri-La.

2011-08-19T17:01:00.004+01:00

"The mountains gleamed around in a hedge of inaccessible purity, from which his eyes fell dazzled to the green depths of the valley: the whole picture was incomparable, and when he heard the harpsichord's silver monotony across the lotus pool, he felt that it threaded the perfect pattern of sight and sound." - Lost Horizon, James Hilton.

I have just returned from a patch of paradise outside of the Oman capital, Muscat, up in the mountains but amazingly still tracked along the sea. I was tagging along on my parents' annual Middle East trip for a spot of mental and physical rejuvenation, and Oman was apparently chosen for being a touch cooler than neighbouring Dubai (the Humphries' destination of the past ten years or so) and somewhere new to try. I was just happy to be lucky enough to be going to a beautiful, luxury resort where sun loungers trim the infinity pool as you look out to sea, dinner is a chosen feast of Moroccan, Arabic, Turkish, European and other influences and days are spent reading, sleeping, swimming and in my case drinking virgin mojitos and afternoon tea by the pool and in our gorgeous room respectively.

I have been fortunate enough to visit a fair few luxury destinations during my holiday lifetime so far, including some in Europe, the Middle East and America, as well as various spas around the UK. I can say that the service from the Al Husn hotel, Shangri-La Resort, is possibly the best I have received, combining the usual attention to detail common in the Middle East (you cannot lift your cup before someone has topped it up with tea or offered more food) with lovely, friendly personalities, happy to talk, tell us about life in Oman and advise us on everything from trips to restaurants to drink choices. My younger sister, who relishes learning new languages, found plenty of friends who were only to delighted to help her with Arabic, and the taxi driver we hailed to take us back from the in-town souk one night was happy to point out sights, potential photo spots and tell us interesting facts about Omani culture. Indeed, it was surprising in itself to find Omanis working locally, in the hotel, in the marina, restaurants and beach, as this is something lacking in Dubai where everyone is an ex-pat. It was lovely to hear stories about their families, country and history that we wouldn't have been able to easily find or understand from books.

The quote above is from a bookmark left on my pillow in the room, from the Lost Horizon by James Hilton. Apparently Shangri-La Resorts gets its name from the famous quote in the book about the utopian place high in the mountains of Tibet. It was certainly a little spot of paradise in Oman, with clear waters, warm but not aggressive sunshine, turtles, dolphins, great food and welcoming people. If I am ever in a position to be able to return I most certainly will.

I would like...

2011-07-31T17:06:00.002+01:00

To write notes, sweet nothings and musings in this. Love, Wardrobe Wisdom.

Christian Lacroix for V&A

Mods and Rockers.

2011-07-31T16:58:00.002+01:00

Love this! A nice dollop of vintage Brit nostalgia for Sara Berman's - inspired by Mods and Rockers, post-war austerity and the Bloomsbury set. The collection is full of contemporary-twisted old-school looks - tea dresses, delicate cardigans and twisted up-dos. But the stand-out pieces are those that are a little 'British Grease' - like this masculine-inspired cross between a tailcoat, hunting coat and modish tuxedo. Want!

www.saraberman.com

Gatsby on wheels.

2011-07-29T08:45:00.003+01:00

Regular readers will know about my love-affair with the Twenties and Thirties. Particularly American glamour and the Great Gatsby atmosphere (enjoyed only by those who could afford it, admittedly.) I had a 1920s-themed 21st birthday party a few years back, and would love to have it influence my wedding (if I ever get up the aisle one day.)

So I was having a bit of an 'oooh' moment when I heard about a new 1920s night on the Orient Express. I have always wanted to travel on the luxury train, it seems so much more civilised, old school and elegant than the regular associations with trains such as the daily commute or standing next to someone with awful body odour/breath. My parents have travelled to Venice on the OE, and my mother who is usually a transport/hotel snob of the highest order thoroughly enjoyed it - the dressing up, the good food, the Agatha Christie step back in time...although thankfully with no murder.

The 1920s Orient Express trip is in October this year, hailed as an evening of 'old fashioned glamour'. A four-course dinner with Champagne will be served and elegant flapper gear is very much encouraged. I am super tempted to round up my fashionable girls and don a beaded dress for the occasion.

Fine out more: www.orient-express.com

A nice Day.

2011-07-21T20:35:00.003+01:00

I was just browsing the internet, not looking for anything in particular, when I found myself on Net a Porter (as you do) and checking out some of the designers that I don't usually seek out. And aren't I glad I did! I have just fallen in love with this gorgeous black lace dress, subtle enough for day wear and yet so easily dressed up for an evening occasion. This lovely LBD is by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, the renowned Scandinavian brand from Danish Keld Mikkelsen.

The brand's designs focus on vintage-inspired touches to elegant, high-quality fabrics cut in easy shapes and wearable structures. Silk shirts, delicate embellishments, soft basics and streamlined evening wear. Lace is notoriously difficult, too much (especially in black) and you can look like Morticia Adams or the corpse bride, and if it's cut cheaply it can look, well, cheap. But the sheer arms, neat lining and sexy length of this dress would suit a variety of heights and shapes. I'm desperate for it even without a suitable occasion to show it off.

Day Autumn Lace Dress £160 www.netaporter.com

Ippolita.

2011-07-13T11:08:00.003+01:00

I love chunky cocktail rings, especially big gems like agate or onyx. This beautiful ring is from designer jewellery brand Ippolita, which is full of a gorgeous concoction of modern designs and raw, natural stones and shapes. The brand has been around for over ten years but it's just come on to my radar and I love what I see! Unfortunately the prices, whilst not all extortionate, are certainly out of 'pick up' range - I will have to dream on, or hope some dashing stranger buys me one someday.

Find your favourite at http://www.ippolita.com.

Pictured: King Ring in Black Onyx.

Flower stop.

2011-07-07T19:13:00.002+01:00

There is something lovely about buying flowers from an old-fashioned flower stall. Whether it's an impromptu loosely-tied bunch for a friend or partner, or a few stems for your home, you can't beat the original Eliza Doolittle-esque London flower sellers. The stall outside Clapham Junction is in an unlikely place for evoking Victorian Covent Garden memories, outside the ugly station entrance, surrounded by betting shops, cheap bars and the odd student comatose after a night out. However, nothing cheers me up more than buying some Lily stems for my dining table, wrapped in a sheet of brown paper and fresh from their water, not in a cheap plastic covering from the local garage. The Lilys I get are deep pink and huge, not pathetic dwindling stems who have been grown in a fake environment. They last ages, and I get to walk home revelling in one of life's little pleasures - buying flowers for yourself, for absolutely no reason at all.

My park.

2011-06-27T07:50:00.003+01:00

I consider myself very lucky to have access to beautiful parks across London. Your average capital-dweller rushes from A to B, via tubes and crowded buses, picking up shopping from M&S or Tesco metros and huffing at slow tourists on escalators. If you manage to take time out from the daily grind however, you can find plenty of peace, 'countryside' air and a few little gems in the various parks around the city.

I try to avoid Hyde Park on sunny weekends, not because it isn't very lovely (I love the Kensington Gardens side best) but because every student, tourist and passer-by heads to the centre of the park as soon as the sun comes out and it can start to feel a bit like Blackpool in the height of August. Ditto Regents Park and Clapham Common, even though the latter is on my doorstep. The problem with the Common is that not only are there smug families, icecream eating couples and the odd football game, there are also runners by the dozen, weaving in and out and charging up the straights. Not the recipe for peace and introspection.

My favourite park therefore is Holland Park, sandwiched between its namesake road at Kensington High Street. Apparently this was a favourite park of my granddads, who lived across the road above the hubris of the junction between Ken High Street and Earls Court Road. It is also conveniently half way between work and my train station at Ken Olympia, so the perfect place to pause after work. The beauty is in the little areas, hidden walkways and mixture of rough and untouched woodland and pristine lawns surrounding the Marco Pierre White restaurant or the Japanese Garden. Amongst the squirrels (and the odd peacock) it feels a million miles away from the fast pace of London life and the frantic pace of my mind whirring. I suggest a visit if you're near: pick a bench, walk the circuit or just meander around the trees. And breath.

2011-06-18T21:14:00.002+01:00

Those who know me know I have slight (read: extreme) OCD tendencies when it comes to organisation. I can't keep emails, even in the trash folder, constantly archive letters, clothes, anything left 'un-organised' and rearrange the kitchen cupboards when I'm stressed or frustrated. The cupboards have been taking a bashing recently, and I have extreme Kitchen Envy after visiting my parents' shiny new version. Kitchen 2.0 has lovely French Grey units, an expense of oak flooring and every gadget under the sun. It also has a very cool (in my opinion) pantry cupboard, full of space for almost all foodie stuff in the house. Fashionable Mother has taken this one step further and bought an array of Kilner jars to store pasta etc. I like this idea. It speaks to my inner-tidy freak and makes everything look linear and neat. I hate packets of Stuff. I like rows of glass jars. I can't quite afford pointless storage jars for everything at the moment, but in my dream kitchen it would be a toss up between the classic Kilner jar and the funky Alessi version. Or maybe I'll push the proverbial boat out and have a mix of both. Steady now.

A few words.

2011-06-12T16:49:00.002+01:00

I stumbled across this bespoke jewellery website on an Emerald Street email earlier this week. Don't get Emerald Street? It's great - set it to read about the things you're most interested in and off you go ...

This is such a lovely idea, a delicate pendant necklace that can be inscribed with a lyric, line from a book or saying etc, that means something to you. There are some examples on the website but, space aside, the possibilities are endless.

Some thoughts from my head on things I'd like:

'Reader, I married him' - Jane Eyre. Perfect for a wedding gift.

'You're the prince to my ballerina' - same as above, but also a lyric from my favourite Zero7 song.

'Oh your hair is beautiful' - from Blondie's Atomic. The song makes me want to dance.

'Dancing cheek to cheek' - gotta love a bit of Fred and Ginger ...

Find out more at Wear That There.

Da Polpo.

2011-06-07T08:06:00.003+01:00

Stop press: Wardrobe Wisdom has a new favourite spot in town - inside any one of the Polpo restaurants.

I'm kinda miffed actually, as I was introduced to Polpo in Soho quite a while ago, before all the media and trendy London types cottoned on, and now this post seems a bit of a 'jump on the bandwagon' as I've stumbled across so many gushing reviews in the last month or so. This may because the Polpo group have just opened a new and slightly larger venue in Covent Garden, Da Polpo, which has the same 'dining in Southern Italy at a friend's house' vibe as the original, just on a larger scale. The Soho version would struggle to seat a party larger than four, but Da Polpo has that extra space to squeeze in another couple of grateful friends.

I went with my usual girls, Miss Artist, Miss Champagne and Miss PR. All have very different tastes and eating habits but we struck gold with the Italian tapas-style selections on offer. Some seem a little strange in word form (asparagus and egg, pork and fennel, a Nutella-based dish for dessert) but they are all absolutely delicious and we agreed that although we tried to pick from the breadth of the menu, we could have eaten more still. The wine is served in the Italian way of from tiny tumblers, and you can order by the bottle or carafe, adding to the 'eating abroad' feel.

The whole place (and this is typical of all Polpo restaurants) feels so easy and friendly. And yummy. The staff were fantastic, suggesting favourites, attentive with the wine and amusing to talk to. After you finish you'll wish going round to your friend's house, with the myriad of social and foodie issues that come with your average dinner party, was more like this. Or failing that, just uproot the dinner and go to Da Polpo with friends, that's what it's there for.

www.dapolpo.co.uk

Crisian & McCaffrey.

2011-06-02T09:41:00.004+01:00

Yep, more shoes again, but I just had to share my newest find with you! Ok, so if you live in the UK and on a Stylist magazine route then you will have seen these already (in vivid red) but I lurrrve them. Didn’t recognise the name so did a quick bit a research and am very excited about the duo behind Crisian & McCaffrey – Crisian and Nareesha. They both have extensive shoe craft knowledge from Cordwainer (LCF) and there inspiration comes from a love of exotic leathers, the perfect shape and, by the looks of it, a killer heel.

Find out more: crisianandmccaffrey.com

Stocked at Harvey Nichols www.harveynichols.com

Something that makes my heart go BOOM.

2011-05-31T16:57:00.003+01:00

Christian Louboutin 'Viva Boom' wedges. Yummy yummy yum. I don't care that they are pale suede and therefore not suitable for London. They will make my feet happy. And people deserve happy feet.

£325 @ Matches

Hair food.

2011-05-26T08:00:00.002+01:00

You've got to give credit to any product that can tame my hair. My hair's natural state is a thick, curly mass of matter - the sort that struggled to be contained in a bun during childhood ballet lessons, and frizzes up to eclipsing proportions in any kind of humidity.

After teenage years of straightening it into oblivion, I have become more comfortable with the natural wildness of my mane, but that doesn't mean a completely natural state can be adopted. If I just 'wash 'n' go' as the adverts say, my hair would attract looks from commuters, probably because it would block out their view of their newspapers.

Over the years I have tried nearly every hair product aimed at curly/frizzy/thick hair, from those on offer in Boots to eye-wateringly expensive potions, which mostly have the same effect as the cheaper versions. I've tried scientific experiments, organic, anti-oxidant, anti-ion, plant-infused - the lot. And one range comes stealthily out on top as the most reliable (and nice smelling) of the bunch. Aveda.

Now Aveda is based on the organic plant-infused bent of product, but that's not its main selling point for me. The fact is - it does what it says on the tin. I chose a deep intensive reconstructing conditioner for a particularly bad month of blow-dries and it felt as if I had moisturised every hair follicle. And although not the most innovative of the whole range, the Smooth Infusions collection is my go-to for regular washes, it's not heavy, smells fresh and keeps my mane in somewhat controllable territory. That's all I look for in a significant shampooing other.

www.aveda.co.uk

Knackered cow.

2011-05-22T16:50:00.002+01:00

Now, I'm not one to start blindly harping on about the supposed miracle properties of beauty products. Firstly, I'm no expert and tend to choose based on how pretty the packaging and secondly, no-one sends me free stuff anyway.

Yet I do love how Cowshed products tell it like it is. The Knackered Cow collection certainly sums up how I feel most weekday evenings, and the Grumpy Cow range reaches out to me when I'm in a rage (no chocolate in the house, spilling tomato sauce on my cream chinos, all manner of Very Serious and World Ending problems). As well as the fab names, the Cowshed bath and body range is actually pretty amazing. I love the sort of beauty products that feel like a real treat, the sort that you can't just pick up in the supermarket next to the BOGOF offers for toothpaste. I've never visited a Cowshed spa, although I hear they are luxury on the proverbial stick.

I was given the Knackered Cow bath oil and body cream as a gift, and am now addicted to the lovely fragrance and funky bottles sitting pretty in my bathroom. And since my neck is currently frozen and aching night and day (left over from an ill-advised game of badminton) and I have yet to struggle whimpering to the physio, I have taken to laying in baths neck-deep in hot water saturated with the aforementioned bath oil. Knackered Cow I may be, but one luxuriating in lavender and eucalyptus has got to be the better way to be.

www.cowshedonline.com

Fresh faced.

2011-05-21T19:13:00.004+01:00

No, not me, I'm currently rocking a red nose courtesy of hay fever, and a scratch across my cheek gained by trying to crawl under the junk-filled haphazard that is Under The Bed. Wardrobe Wisdom, the blog, however, is fresh faced, thanks to the wonderful touch of fellow blogger and all-round genius website person EnglishFashion.

I'm not sure what it says about my character that the first two things that spring to mind when thinking about me are super-high Louboutin shoes and expensive Ottolenghi cookies, but never mind, I'll take it! For those who aren't blessed enough to work near enough opposite the fantastic Ottolenghi deli/patisserie on Holland Street, W8, will have to merely imagine the joy of eating one of their chocolate nut cookies. Suffice to say, they are the elixir of life, and I will do what you please if you buy me one every now and then.

As for the heels, it's hard to shrug off the tag when I'm famous amongst uni friends for braving the infamous hills of Bristol in nothing less than a good platform heel, as well as turning up for 'a long walk in the country' in 5 inch ankle-tied espardrilles. Until fairly recently, I owned only 1 pair of flat shoes, and they were my gym trainers. And the one thing on my fashion wishlist to still elude me is my very own pair of black patent sky-high Loubs. So don't lecture me on my shortened calf muscles or how perilous my platform boots are to my ankles, I know, and I don't care - heels are my weapon against a list of other insecurities and I'll until you've walked in my (high heeled) shoes you'll never know how it feels....

So - heels and cookies it is. Hope you like it.

Linen and lace.

2011-05-21T19:05:00.002+01:00

Whistles is my go-to shop for luxury high street pieces that could pass for something much more expensive. Their design team are spot on with creating things that have good shape, well-cut fabrics and plenty of great trans-seasonal basics. Even the 'fashion' bits are considered and take the best bits of a trend, rather than slavishly copy a la lower-end brands.

For SS11 they really have hit design gold, but that could just be because everything in store at the moment is things I would wear, want to wear and can't wait to wear. The lace Siri Dress is a pretty, girlie, sexy sheath, and the midnight blue lace overlay skirt (pictured) would work office to evening, work smart to wedding smart.

I have been looking for a easy, effortless spring jacket for ages, and notice that many of the affordable brands have missed the mark and either cut or fabric, and I don't dare venture into the realms of Stella McCartney et al as I know I will want something and my bank balance doesn't stretch that far at the moment (or ever). But Whistles has hit upon a winner once again, with the Lia Linen Jacket (pictured, £175). The fabric is soft and lightweight, cut to flatter the waist and skim the hips, and the front drape keeps it casual and subtle. I tried it on earlier today, and instantly felt Grown Up and Put Together. I want it for power meetings at work, I want it for girlie shopping trips, I want it for dinner dates, I want it for, well, I just want it.

www.whistles.co.uk

Orgasmic interiors.

2011-05-08T21:12:00.003+01:00

I want my dining room to be like this. I love it. That is all.

Graham & Green = my interiors and lifestyle muse.

www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Anna Lou.

2011-05-08T20:58:00.004+01:00

Everyone who knows me knows I love a good accessory. Although I try to play by the 'if in doubt, take off the last thing you put on' sometimes I just feel naked without a few trinkets dangling from my ears and neck and a bangle or bracelet clamped round my wrist.

Bangles are a favourite of mine. They weigh my wrist down pleasingly and, if all else fails and you haven't access to any other jewellery, they can be referred to as a 'statement' and worn with the plainest of outfits for that chic-girl, yes-I-totally-deliberately-placed-this look.

I love the shape of these from Anna Lou of London - I think Sleeping Beauty had one a similar shape in the Disney film. *nods with authority*. And since being princess is very en vogue, I think I'll take four.

The fashion of royalty.

2011-05-01T18:19:00.002+01:00

So, everyone is writing about the royal wedding, and you can find proper reports on the whole shebang on much more esteemed blogs than mine, so I'll just put my penny's worth in on this quiet Sunday afternoon.

1) Adored The Dress. Can't believe it ended up being McQueen - ecstatic that it was, love the vintage Grace Kelly look. Think Kate is beautiful and liked the understated hair and makeup.

2) Pippa's dress was amazing - such confidence to put a bridesmaid in a figure-hugging white silk draped-front dress, but it was spot on and will hopefully spawn a trend for bridesmaids dresses veering away from the traditional ballgown/over-styled look into something sleeker and much more suited to women once they're over 16.

3) Think we should all have respect for Camilla, who really knows how to dress a figure over 60. Think she looked chic and elegant. Much more interesting than Carole Middleton's pale blue look which came off a little bland in the face of such good outfits.

4) The less said about Beatrice and Eugenie's outfits, the better.

5) If you weren't dressed up as a fancy-dress bride and wearing a £5 imitation ring on Friday, best time you got yourself one of the above t-shirts, (www.missselfridge.com) and keep on huntin'...

Wardrobe Wisdom (in his opinion anyway...)

2011-04-25T21:32:00.002+01:00

Wardrobe Wisdom hands over the writing reins to a fellow fashion blogger and bona fide Straight Dude EnglishFashion, who works through what tickles him in women's wardrobe decisions...

Being asked to write about fashion seems a strange thing, particularly when I don’t consider myself to be that fashionable. It feels a little…well…hypocritical.

So I've decided to write about what I (and many other men) like to see women in, some of which is my own opinion, some of which I've come to know from being in my early thirties and having friends who, believe it or not, do actually comment on what you’re wearing. We just usually make sure you (or any of your friends) aren't listening.

Let’s start from the top: hats – a simple no. Sure, some women suit hats, but that doesn't mean you should wear them. I might suit canvas deck shoes but you won’t ever see me in a pair! [Editors note: we’ll see about that...]

Hats, tiaras, fascinators or whatever else you want to put on your bonce are reserved simply for the queen, or women who think it’s ok to go to the shops in their pyjamas as if no-one will know. Even at Royal Ascot on Ladies Day I’m afraid it’s become a no, no. Wearing a fascinator to a horse race does not make you classy I’m afraid.

Tops are difficult; a lot of it depends on a woman’s shape, her complexion and all the other things that you already know. I remember being in a store with an ex girlfriend and we both agreed that this white top was lovely, but yet she kept saying it wouldn't suit her. I asked her to try it on anyway, she indulged me, and I was amazed that she was right, it didn't suit her, but it was indeed a lovely top.

Generally I would say, no matter what your size, or what you think your size is, don’t cover up. I don’t mean walk around naked or nearly naked, I mean, a flash of flesh: around the neck, your upper torso, arms, back, etc...

Next, the contentious area of your legs (well, at least to you). A nice pair of fitted jeans always work well, see also cut-off trousers and pencil skirts. Something that shows off your figure and legs, or at least part of them. I have met, and been out with, quite a few women who wouldn't ever show off their legs saying they ‘weren't nice’ or they were ‘too frumpy’ or worse still ‘too white’. Seriously ladies, unless your legs are translucent no man cares if your legs are pale. Seriously, we just don’t. We’d care more if your legs were orange from oodles of fake tan – now there’s a turn-off.

Now for the shoes. Women don’t seem to realise that men pay more attention to your shoes then you may think. They say you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes and you know what? It works both ways. Shoes can make or break an outfit. I've never met a man who doesn't like a woman in high heels; let’s just get that out of the way right now. And boots, I've never met a man who doesn't like a woman in boots, be they ankle, knee or thigh (thought the latter have to be carefully though about in an outfit!). Now we know heels hurt, they’re uncomfortable and if you’re six foot tall then it simply might not be practical, so you know what, that’s fine, don’t wear them then. But if you do wear them out with your man, he should accommodate you, walk slower than usual, and take his time over cobbles and uneven pavements. That’s the least we can do. Heels just do something to a woman, they seem to give her confidence, they change the shape of her legs in a way nothing else can and they look amazing! A pair of heels can really set off even the most simplest of outfits, a fitted pair of jeans and a pair of heels – fantastic.

Accessories are a different matter, yet women seem really hung up on them. I can honestly say I've never been out with my friends only for them to turn around and say “well I really like that woman over there, but heck, that jewellery she’s wearing is a real turn-off” or “I really like that woman but man she needs a necklace!” Never happened. The rule is, I think, to keep it simple: someone once told me she takes off an item of jewellery just before she leaves the house as every woman will always put on more than actually suits. [Editor’s Note: well, actually Coco Chanel said this first but every woman should adhere to it.] Having said that though, jewellery is a nice finishing touch to an outfit and putting on, and taking off, your girl’s necklace at the end of the night is a nice thing to do. Particularly as it can start the whole kissing of the neck and who knows where that may lead...

Wedge me baby, one more time.

2011-04-16T17:31:00.002+01:00

Summer always worries my feet. They hate flip flops, gladiator sandals and anything made of that jelly-plastic material that they used to be encased in on the beach. When I was six. They like structure, height and a good platform. Nothing insubstantial and weak. Thank god, therefore, for Kurt Geiger, where aside from a couple of brogue-related blips, a nice, chunky platform is celebrated.

'Don't worry' I reassured my snobby extremities, 'I won't forget what you want!' and I headed determinedly into the fray, tights and boots stubbornly still on despite the 22 degrees outside, to see if anything could prise me from my lace up, platform 'hiking' boots*. Immediately, the above pair of wedges caught our eye (my and my feet's). Lime green they may be, but for someone who wears black and varying shades there of, a bright colour below my ankles can rescue an otherwise wintry look. And look at the chunkiness! My instep has never been so pleased; it tried flip flops, but where's the fun in plodding like a penguin?

I have temporarily been placated about summer footwear. And will be purchasing these wedges as soon as I have recovered the funds that mysteriously found their way into the shape of some Topshop sandals last month. And you can bet your ass they had a platform and super super heel. My feet demanded it.

www.kurtgeiger.com

*hiking = hike to the shops, hike back from the shops.

Summer nights.

2011-04-16T17:27:00.003+01:00

I love this sequin dress, new in at Jigsaw (www.jigsaw-online.com) - it plopped into my inbox the other day, just as the sun came out, and has me thinking of summer nights out or a cheeky get-away somewhere warm, where you can accessorise with jewelled flats or cork wedges, leave the jewellery at home and and let the sequins do the shining.

And, thinking of our unpredictable weather, it would also look fresh and modern with black tights and a cardigan / fitted jacket and platform ankle boots.

A bit of a basic.

2011-04-12T22:06:00.003+01:00

The problem with any transition of seasons, especially if you live in London, is that there is a certain amount of time when it is too hot for coats on public transport but too cold for little t-shirts and shorts. This problem can most often be rectified by layering, and the stalwart of any layering trick is a good set of jersey/cotton modal/linen basics. The best thing about a good quality basic is that it will hang nicely, add the right amount of nonchalant ease to your outfit and still be subtle enough to be worn in sixty different ways.

For the recent warmer weather I've been playing around cute jersey brights from H&M, crisp white from Zara, slightly sheer black from Cos and lusting after the ultimate 'basic with sex appeal' - Acne tanks and t-shirts in super soft linen and slightly loose cut.

Find yours - it will help your wardrobe through a whole trans-season of pain!

www.brownsfashion.com

Sunday Worship - Gwyneth Paltrow.

2011-04-10T14:53:00.003+01:00

Have been feeling a whole lotta love for Miss Paltrow at the moment. I was never a Gwynnie fashion fan in the olden days of Brad and that pink fluffy Oscar dress, but in the last couple of years since The Transformation when she revealed not only a pretty spot-on fashion sense for what suited her, but also a fantastic pair of pins and a sharp new do. And she's kept it up! This is a favourite outfit I picked out from the style.com galleries (fashion porn!) and shows her looking amazing in metallics and super-cute high ankle boots.

Gywneth, on this day of worship, we bow down to you and your fabulous legs.

Amen.

Little drops of prettiness.

2011-04-09T22:25:00.002+01:00

I haven't posted about a nice piece of neck candy for ages. Which is unlike me I know since I have various baubles hanging from me on any occasion. If my neck is naked I feel under-dressed. So very happy to have a bona fide 'oooo' moment when a fellow fashion blogger put this picture under my nose.

It's called the Mecurial Drops Necklace and is from Astley Clarke. Makes my currently bejewelled neck feel slightly green with jealousy... white, grey and peacock pearls, oh my how very Grown Up. I feel all aflutter....

www.astleyclarke.com

Make mine a skinny...

2011-03-31T14:15:00.002+01:00

Now I don't own masses of trousers. I'm more of a skirt/dress sorta girl, and the trousers I do have tend to fall into the leggings category. But recently I've been feeling a penchant for a leg-covered look, but find it hard to tread the right line between too corporate office smart and blandly casual. I'm not a fan of jeans, and am too short/not funky enough for any sort of harem/peg/draped style. But a cargo/chino style hadn't really crossed my mind (after all I'm neither a geography teacher nor a sloane), and I was surprised to see this little sexy pair of 'skinny cargos' in Uniqlo. Home to skinnies in all manner of colours, I shouldn't be surprised that the brand's love for a fitted trouser has spilled over into the usually a-sexual territory of cargo trousers, but I LOVE the skinny look of these, and think that teamed with very high court shoes or chunky wedges they would be office appropriate (well, my office anyway) as well as good weekend trick. www.uniqlo.com

Playing dress up...

2011-03-13T14:34:00.003Z

I haven't been out for ages. Well, obviously I've been out, I'm not a hermit, but I haven't had a Proper Night Out with my favourite girls for ages. Back in uni we used any excuse to dress up and go out, lectures (which as a history undergrad were so infrequent they were practically treated as a special occasion) birthdays, essay hand-ins, er, Thursdays....

But now we are Grown Up and have Proper Jobs we tend to be spending our weekends having very nice but very civilised couples dinners, or seeing the latest new baby on the circuit. And drinks after work are in upmarket Kensington wine bars, not Mahikis. But I'm determined to change that this year, if for nothing else than because I really love a good Little Dress (doesn't necessarily have to be black). I have a great version that I bought for my birthday drinks a couple of years ago, and has been gathering dust in my wardrobe ever since. And then I saw on Net-a-Porter this little beauty (pictured) by Alice by Temperley. Rouched and understated from the front, backless and sexy behind. I'm already teaming it with my new nude patent courts (couldn't help myself, had just finished in the gym and it was a delirious, post-exercise shoe binge) and a statement necklace.

Not only are the dress choices immense, but going out with your best girls is a parade of fabulous fashion moments that should always be caught on film...even the ill-advised 'let's try and be models or Madonna 'Vogue' poses.

Favourites from LFW...

2011-03-02T21:11:00.007Z

So this is one of those lame posts that don't have any editorial of merit and uses pictures from style.com (thanks as always!) but I wanted to at least entertain the idea that I saw and pondered more shows than just the one I was concerned with, even if I couldn't follow them all to the same sense that I used to.

So with that in mind, above are a couple of my favourites from London Fashion Week...from top down: Temperley London, Peter Pilotto, Holly Fulton.

Swish!

2011-03-01T14:59:00.002Z

So it's with a light and bouncing heart that I tell you that Reader, I have fallen in love.

The object of my affection is the above Lyocell skirt from Jigsaw - their latest collection really is fantastic: luxe, super-sumptuous and uber-flattering.

But after years of watching the trends, pondering the meaning of fashion and shopping like there's no tomorrow, I am somewhat jaded as to what actually suits me, which trends I will be completely ignoring and which I am being snide and derisive about.

The first time maxi skirts came around was smack in the middle of 'boho' - when Sienna Miller decided that gladiator sandals were the only thing to be picnicking in, and therefore so did we. Well, not me, you can't prize a heel off me if you try, but you get the idea. The skirts were hippish wispy things, usually teemed with a peasant blouse, long pendant and floppy hat. This was precisely the same time I discovered I liked my curves and was pouring them into various corsetry, stockings and 1950s looks (Mad Men came too late for me) so boho and its associated elements completely passed me by.

So a super-long maxi (for that is what it is no doubt) was certainly not what I was looking for on my shopping trip last Friday. I was actually looking at a silk top in Jigsaw, and then moved onto a couple of dresses, before stumbling across the skirt and letting out a little gasp. But even then, I decided it probably wouldn't suit me (as you well know by now, I'm vertically challenged). As I took it into the changing room with a chain belt to accessorise with, I was already mentally putting it in my 'nearly but not quite' clothes pile. But once on, I was transformed....

Teamed with a sky-high heel or wedge, this skirt is the most amazing piece of engineering. Smooth enough to flatter the hips (no bulk or heavy waist band) and two layers of super light fabric falling in rough edges to the heel of the highest heel for someone at my height. The best bit (which you admittedly don't get from the picture) is the SWISH created when you walk. It's like having a wind machine. On a catwalk. With a dramatic soundtrack. I. Love. It. It flatters, goes with anything and will carry me from the current freezing conditions (paired with tights and boots) into the spring (wedges and bare legs)

So there you have it - a surprising love story for my cynical WW mind. Altogether now, ahhhh.

www.jigsaw-online.com

Honey I want that coat...

2011-02-20T17:25:00.003Z

If there's one thing I love about Autumn Winter collections it's the chance to see some killer coats. I've pointed out this uber-swish one from Jaeger London's Autumn Winter 2011 collection to the expert fashion eye of Mr WW, who has nothing if not amazing taste in outerwear (the bf-gifted military coat and country tweed still going strong this winter) but I'm not sure this will be arriving as my anniversary present.

Have pointed out to Mr WW that he should reconsider, as I have now publicly thanked him for his fab fashion sense on the blog at least TWICE and he has merely raised an eyebrow at me, taken in my dishevelled post-fashion show appearance of oversized jumper and Jack Wills trackie bums.... and carried on reading. Thanks babe.

More LFW coverage when I have recovered from my own fashion week antics: coordinating an interview between two diva dogs. You better believe it: http://blog.mulberry.com

Grown up & in the middle.

2011-02-10T21:48:00.003Z

So, I turned another year older last week. I'm still pretty young comparative to friends, allies and co-workers, but older none the less. In fact, it's starting to grate that whenever I think I'm pushing away from the easily-patronised, career-uncertainty of my early twenties, there is always someone to exclaim 'Oh my god I can't believe you're that young!' and wipe the smile from my Grown Up face.

The problem is, I've never looked particularly young. And my fashion sense veers closer to the sensible (albeit hopefully well-styled) than the eclectic, whereas many of my peers who stick to the latter (the arty / post-grad types most often) tend to be reassuringly student-adjacent in appearance and so fool no-one.

The other oddity is my choice of where I get my clothes. People have pre-conceived ideas about what people your age are supposed to wear and where to buy. By fashion law, I should still be in Topshop - too broke for Rodarte and too 'grown up' for Tammy Girl. I suppose people wouldn't mind if you chucked H&M or Gap in there, and then a touch of something slightly more expensive (Louise Goldin or Mark Fast for Topshop perchance?) for when the bank account allows. It's not that I am above shopping in Topshop, or that I have the money to be exclusively buckling under the weight of Net-a-porter, it's just my style is more Whistles than Warehouse. More Jigsaw than Jane Norman. And it has been since I was at uni. However, I never realised there was a age limit (or start) for such stores....one good friend at work once exclaimed in shock when I let her in on my age: "but you have that lovely Jigsaw merino cardigan!" as if I didn't quite deserve it. Or it was too 'grown up' and I was old before my time by shunning a Hennes bandage dress in favour of blouses and pretty knitwear.

It seemed so much simpler in the olden days, back with the pre-Victorians, when ladies from 16 onwards were laced tightly into dresses that shoved their bosoms into very Grown Up proportions and left everything else to the fit of a good empire line and a nice hat.

So maybe in a couple of years time people will cease to be surprised by my Grown Up wardrobe. Or maybe I'll start going back in age and you'll find me riffling through unsuitable Ra Ra skirts in a teen store...

Globe goers.

2011-01-22T22:04:00.002Z

Gosh, all this moving house and decorating malarkey is playing havoc with my blog-time. It's the start of awards season and I haven't even produced a whiff of a judgemental blogger's prerogative - judging the dresses!

So, uber-quick run down of the WW Judgement from this year's Golden Globes (a chinese takeaway is waiting for me, not v fashion but v necessary after a day's painting).

WW muse alert - OMG Anne Hathaway - how do I love thee? Let me count the sequins. I'm partial to a bit of Ms H anyway (the complexion, intelligence, hair, Devil Wears Prada persona etc) but post-dodgy boyfriend she has consistently turned out fantastic red carpet looks. Her bronze Armani Prive was stunning, and I love the vintage, full-sleeve, high-neck understated sexiness of the style.

Similarly, had a major WOW moment with Miss Jolie's emerald green number. Similar style to Anne's which suits the lithe figure, and the green looked stunning with the Snow White complexion and made a welcome change from her usual vampy black. Brad meanwhile, stuck to looking suitably handsome and exceedingly smug.

WW loves a bit of bump-fashion watch, and now the impeccably turned out Natalie Portman is with child (and looking radiantly happy) I was intrigued to see what she would turn out, as she shuns sexy styles usually and favours interesting, flattering and sophisticatedly girlie choices. Her Viktor and Rolf dress was perfectly suited to her - strapless to flatter her petite figure and draped to suggest a hint of a bump. The colour could have looked saccharine or even cheap on someone less delicate, but on Natalie it looked fresh and young.

Oh god, battery running low and dinner getting cold.

Highly commended to Livia Firth for her continuing Green Carpet Challenge in a beautiful elegant dress and for having man of the moment (for a second year running) Colin on her arm.

Helen Mirren for the new hairstyle, sensational figure and always spot-on dresses, and Halle Berry for bringing the WOAH BABY sex appeal to the evening in true Halle Berry style - Mr WW was suitably impressed.

Stella's app

2011-01-09T21:35:00.002Z

Enjoying my new iPad by downloading various apps. Some are good, some boring, some just don't work, which seems to defeat the point for a retail app. Not naming names.

But a glorious piece of light-hearted, smiling, ahhh, frivolity comes in the form of the Stella McCartney app. It's not a shopping app, but instead has lovely videos, interesting book extracts (which cleverly link through so you can buy them) and cute insider pics. And features lots of Stella's easy, breezy, casual chic fashion. It's a like a bedtime fairytale for grown ups.

www.stellamccartney.co.uk

Gym bunnies

2011-01-06T22:22:00.003Z

Firstly, *smacks self on wrist* BAD MS WW for being blog absent for so long! I do have a teeny tiny explanation... I MOVED HOUSE! To a bona fide Grown Up flat in south west London which Mr WW and I are currently have 'fun' decorating - the inverted commas are there because painting can get tedious after a few hours and more paint in my hair than on the walls. Between the move and Christmas in the sticks at my parent's house, all thoughts of fashion had temporarily deserted me. I even went into the office during the absolutely freezing weather before Christmas in jeans, Uggs, my boyfriend's parka and dirty hair - I think passer's by would have raised an eyebrow if they knew where I worked. I even had to convince the doorman to let me in. Sad times.

But it's January, I'm back and ready to fashion, helped in no small part by the lovely gift of a military style coat and the skater skirt I have been coveting from Whistles from Mr WW. But in the meantime I totally neglected any form of exercise throughout the end of last year, so re-enrolled in my new neighbourhood gym and got cracking.

However, after using a Canary Wharf clinical, business-man-in-marathon-t-shirts gym it is a shock to the system to be using the new gym choc-full of chattering blondes in matching mini shorts and reapplying lipgloss whilst balancing on an inflatable ball.

Since when did the gym become such a fash-off? In my unsexy Lycra leggings and 'I love Paris' t-shirt I was extremely out of place against girls in full make up, hair pulled neatly into high pony tails and colour coordinated t-shirts and zip-up tops. One girl casually tossed a sweatshirt onto the mat next to mine which fell open to reveal a James Perse label. Lovely soft cotton pieces from Perse, but at approx £195 would I be wearing it to the gym? No. Think I'll leave the fashion catwalk to wear it belongs. On the station platform on the morning commute, natch.

Party people

2010-11-22T19:26:00.003Z

The high-street does love a good party. As soon as they catch a whiff of November the sparkles come out with a vengeance. Tops are cut a little lower, pencil skirts a little tighter (wouldn't want to waste some nice shiny satin) and everything catches the light. Glitter! Gems! Velvet! Yes ladies and gentlemen, it's that time again - the festive season.

Although some stores overstep the 'shiny, tight and sparkly' mark (not naming names here)... there are some fail-safe staples that always feel comforting during the holiday season. A little black dress with requisite black sequins, a silver sequinned top, a strapless dress. So - to do some of the work for you and cut out the 'wooooah baaaad' winces, here are a couple of suggestions!

It's often seen as the go-to for a bridesmaid dress or office party, but Monsoon is really throwing up some good options this Christmas. The strapless bodice dress above left is in this season's chic deep blue, with 'underwear as outerwear' qualities. The top in the middle is also Monsoon, and although it has a slight undercurrent of mermaid fashion, I think it would look great with black slim trousers and uber-high heels. Finally if your penchant is tunic dresses, try Oasis for a gemmed-up, sheer sleeve number that you'll probably only wear at Christmas but let's face it, it's sparkly and makes you smile so go for us.

www.monsoon.co.uk

www.oasis-stores.com

Jaeger Lady.

2010-11-14T18:33:00.003Z

Keeping up with my 'trust me I'm a grown up' faze, I have been scouring the web looking for inspiration for my wardrobe. In my dream world where I order from Net-a-porter daily and have unlimited access to unlimited Louboutins, I am a perfect mix of Isabel Marant (French grown up), Chloe (luxe grown up) and Calvin Klein (minimalist grown up). In reality I'm more 'steal-clothes-from-Fashionable-Mother's-wardrobe grown up' which isn't quite hitting the mark now my mother is in her All Saints de-constructed faze.

Hobbs suddenly has new relevance to me this year, maybe because I am mentally as well as fashionably growing up. It just seems to stock Proper Clothes at the moment, luxurious knitwear, stunning evening wear with proper boning and crinoline. Jigsaw also appeals to my new fashion self with its tailored jackets, sexy skirts and smart boots. But furthermore, I have found a new source of inspiration (even though the price points are more dream WW than the real life version) in Jaeger, the British brand that has been around since 1884 yet only properly on the high-fashion, luxury, fashion week, Vogue-featuring radar for a relatively short time now since the launch of the womenswear collection in 2005.

It is choc-full of lurrrvely pieces that as soon as I have really Grown Up and earn more/feel more sophisticated I would love to be dashing around town in every day. A beautiful camel coat means I can no longer think of any other alternatives, meaning that I shall once again be without a winter coat. The shoes are Proper Sexy Woman shoes, not your average slip on mid-heel office shoe. Dresses are wasp-waisted and lined, the ideal Grown Up Working Woman silhouette, and the eveningwear is super-luxe. Even the jewellery has more than a dash of exciting 'I was on the catwalk at Fashion Week' about it, but still classy enough to wear office-to-cocktails-at-Claridge's.

Moot over your own Jaeger wardrobe at www.jaeger.co.uk

The horsey look.

2010-11-07T17:21:00.002Z

Something strange is happening. After years of trying to create an 'urban chic' wardrobe and partake in various rebellions against my countryside-raised youth, I am being curiously drawn to a look that can only be described as 'a little bit horsey'.

Now the urban Sloane look has always been mostly repellent to me; twinsets, pearls and a bob on anyone under 35 is just weird, but the tweeds, boots and cashmere most commonly associated with upper crusts in the country is looking surprising on trend and right up my street (quite literally, in the case of my parent's house) for autumn/winter.

Vivienne Westwood may have cottoned on to the country-set trend in the Eighties with plenty of Harris Tweed and equestrian-shape jackets, but recently the clean lines and chic palette seen on the AW10 catwalks of Chloe etc do not seem out of place teamed with a tweed jacket (elbow patches included) and a pair of shiny black Hunter wellies.

In fact, a quick walk around West London last Monday saw a depletion in the usual 21st Century Sloane look of white jeans, flat brown boots, pasminas and messy hair, and a move towards a sexy-roll-in-the-hay country look, funked up with seasonal trends and plenty of confidence. Think black jeans, shiny buckled tight black boots, a nipped in riding jacket and a silk scarf (or chunky knitted snood). The foot staple of 2010, the Ugg, has been replaced with Hunters galore in green, black or purple, and both Jigsaw and Whistles, two of the hottest high street brands in recent months, are showcasing collections complete with grown-up shooting-at-Gosford-Park jackets, camel or black jodphur style trousers (either pegged and buttoned at the trouser cuffs or skin-tight luxury cotton).

And why do I like this? Well it all seems very Grown Up. I've spoken before about my relief that the child-woman outfits of years gone by (boho, gothy, overstyled Balmain glamour and clogs) and the luxe introduction of gorgeous fabrics and non-labelled labels from Celine, Mad Men-esque Prada and Whistles silky, styled pieces. Even French Connection has cleaned up its sparkly OTT act and produced lovely dresses, knitwear and trouser shapes for autumn. And the country look seems to be a manifestation of that. And don't think it has to be the preserve of the Notting Hill yummy mummies -tweed, black boots and skinnies and be as high-fashion as you want to make it, just don't forget the elbow patches.

Jacket pictured is from Jigsaw www.jigsaw-online.com

Snug as a bug.

2010-10-26T16:55:00.003+01:00

So it is now officially cold. Very cold. On lovely bright days a good friend of mine christen's it Sunglasses and Pashmina weather which I adore, on cloudy and windy days like today I just feel cold to the bone and have resorted to coming straight home from work and wrapping a giant fur throw around my shoulders, which is a faux fur trend too far methinks. Perhaps I wouldn't have to resort to such measures had I had one of these snugly luxe cashmere jumper dresses:This particular one is from the Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio, and whilst the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue the brand is full of lovely classic cashmere pieces in contemporary knitted styles. Other than the cashmere dress (it's already on my Christmas list) I have my eye on a lovely silk/cashmere waterfall jumper, and a stunning silk/cashmere 'Bardot' dress that I have decided is TOTALLY me for autumn/winter and that I am going to need it for snugly glamorous and silky soft evenings out.

www.cashmerestudio.com

Gordon (LK) Bennett!

2010-10-11T21:58:00.003+01:00

Wardrobe Wisdom is no stranger to shoe love. Scroll down through the years of posts since I started blogging and trip over every style from Louboutin to Kurt Geiger in my pursuit of the perfect heel. My latest favourite haven (no, it's not the Selfridges shoe hall - simply too much choice) is the clean, comforting and stylish interior of LK Bennett. Yes it's nothing new, but recently the styles, campaigns and general tone of the brand has been spot on: luxurious, chic and ladylike. The recent shoe styles are amazingly covetable, and I love the smart women featured in the campaign, I would much rather have a sexy grown-up publisher than a vapid teenage tart in my ads. And there signature mary-jane style kitten heel has been transformed over the season without loosing its tradmark (and Manolo-esque) sexy point and patent finish.

Above: Layla shoe, Lola shoe, Jane shoe.

www.lkbennett.com

From somewhere inside John Lewis...

2010-10-03T17:00:00.004+01:00

There is something about the flagship John Lewis store on Oxford Street that is reassuringly middle class. From the scones on offer in the cafe, the children's floors packed with parents-to-be road testing Stokke buggies and the preppy menswear section, to the fact that it has a haberdashery, even in 2010. But although I adore the furniture floors (living in a dream world of registering a wedding list with one of those bleep-gun things) I have always overlooked the safe and resolutely middle class middle aged mummy womenswear floor. But has anyone else noticed the lovely and newly re-styled look in there recently? I happened across it when visiting the store for a totally different purpose (furniture shopping, natch) and was drawn in by the spacious concessions, good lighting, nicely styled mannequins and roomy changing rooms. And the concessions on offer suddenly look so much more modern, happening and a la mode! Whilst I don't tend to visit Jigsaw standalone stores, for the last couple of seasons I have really liked their offerings and have a couple of pairs of summer shoes from them. And their JL concession was very well turned out, with the different colourways and styles grouped together and styled so you could actually visualise outfits together. They also have gorgeous new classic looks on offer, less Jigsaw boho and more minimalist Celine-inspired with a touch of drapy Vivienne Westwood-esque gathers and cowls (and you know how I crave anything 'esque'...)

Across the way from Jigsaw was Hobbs, full of smart dresses that I would probably have more of an interest in if I worked in the corporate environment that deserves such attire, as well as couple of gorgeous super-soft camel coats that I was itching to try on. Again, I don't tend to go over Hobbs boutiques but in the newly dark and shiny John Lewis the good bits stood out and the more average bits look chicer for the good surroundings and clean lines. The store-fit designers and the lurking visual merchandisers deserve a pat on the back.

Incidentally, the label Mint Velvet was one I hadn't paid much attention to before but grabbed my interest as I hurried to the changing rooms. Beautiful jackets and gorgeous, feminine tops under no illusions of being 'trendy' or 'catwalk' imitating. I will be going back for further research soon. And the furniture floors, of course.

Beautiful Erdem & Magical Katrantzou.

2010-09-21T08:49:00.004+01:00

Being busy with my own job through fashion week (the prep! the show! the aftermath!) has given me little chance to study the other LFW collections, but with a day off to recover from the mother of all fashion week colds today, I am curled up with style.com to study my favourites. And two have jumped out me already!

Firstly and unsurprisingly the beautiful Erdem collection. Such a talented designer, Erdem Moralioglu always creates pieces that seem as delicate as air, wisps of magic entwined in luxurious fabrics and with the most intricate floral patterns. This season he was inspired by all things balletic: a V&A exhibition about the golden years of ballet, the music of Petrouchka and the design and flair of ballet costumes. The florals were delicate and often interspersed with lace and backgrounds of white. The hemlines were flirtier, the styles less structured than Erdem has previously offered (the perfect modern designer for the Mad Men-esque figure in my book) but this just added even more 'ahhh' factor to such a beautiful collection. If I could afford it I would have chosen at least 6 dresses for weddings/Christmas/evening events: Erdem is timeless, trans-seasonal and classically modern.

I have always been a firm supporter of Mary Katrantzou - following her fashion moves for a couple of years now. Her graphic prints have taken yet another step forward, putting the setting on the clothes as opposed to the clothes in the setting. She lifted images from World of Interiors and Architectural Digest, working with 3D print for the first time, one dress had a swimming pool design, another looked like the inside of an Italian palazzo. They designs sit perfectly on the structure of the dress: I want one for winter to wear with simple black knitwear and tights, with uber-high heels. Katrantzou is going from strength to strength.

Friday Fashion Feeling.

2010-09-17T19:58:00.002+01:00

Oh gosh, another break from posting, I am terrible. But have seen lots of things to whet my appetite in recent days so here I go.

First up, an update on the elusive jeans. I tried the Levis Curve range. They were certainly not made for someone with curves. I couldn't get any of the 3 sizes I normally try over my obviously humongous arse, going by the problems I have dressing it. So there goes that then. Optimism short-lived.

I am however rather enamoured with Full Circle at the moment - plenty of Vivienne Westwood/All Saints-esque draped fabrics and nice shapes, such as the patterned wasp-waisted dress pictured. It has a touch of Mad Men / Westwood / Erdem about it which I love.

The Biba stuff is finally out and it looks good! Quite pricey but a couple of lovely dresses that would be perfect for a couple of autumn weddings I have to attend. Will try and get to a HoF to try some...

And just like that it's snuck up on me, London Fashion Week is here! I will be waiting with baited breath to see the likes of what Burberry, Antonio Berardi, Kinder Aggugini, Erdem, Christopher Kane et al have on offer.

Oh, and Mulberry has a new blog! (yes, I'm biased, blah blah) check it out: http://blog.mulberry.com.

Over and out, Friday love to one and all.

Levi's Curve - Can they do it?

2010-09-05T20:10:00.002+01:00

'it' being fit my woefully jean-phobic figure. I have tried skinny (no chance over the thighs) straight (need big size over hips and then gape at waist) bootcut (boring and make me look dumpy) and flare (too short for the flare so end up swamping me). I saw the advert for the new Levi's Curve collection a couple of weeks back, and am intrigued, if not overly excited. Jeans makers have tried this before - I know, I've been in the queue every time another brand says they can fit 'any shape'. I tried all the premium denim brands that said you should pay for fit - no such luck. I went to cheap high-street chains for fits-all stretch denim, not nice. Neither worked and instead I have remained resolutely suspicious of jeans. I wear skirts and dresses, a couple of pairs of trouser sometimes, no jeans. I have one pair. They do not fit well. They make me look dumpy round the waist. They are tight around the thighs. I only wear them when EVERYTHING else is in the wash, and even then I go for the 'tracksuit bottoms and not leaving the house' approach before I even give them a glance.

The Levi's Curve range does look well thought out. With three styles (slight, demi and bold) it aims to fit a variety of figures, and with a range of styles from skinny to bootcut in each 'fit', it does not immediately seek to stick skinnies in skinnies and curvy bottoms in boring mum jeans. I shall be trying them next week. I will present my verdict then.

Biba-licious

2010-09-05T20:03:00.003+01:00

Looking forward to the Biba collection launching in House of Fraser stores this month. Just reading the latest Marie Claire which had a sneak peak of some of the bits and pieces on offer - my favourite was a simple black puff-shoulder blazer that caught my eye, and I am now hankering after. Who's in charge of the waiting list...?

In other WW-fashion news I FINALLY bought the black Russell and Bromley platform hiking boots that I have wanted for an age and keep wimping out of buying. But buy I did and they are delectable, worn already with black skinny trousers and a oversize thin knit jumper (H&M - they're fab and available in four different colours for £9.99 - I bought two!). They are already on my 'save from a fire' list alongside my Mulberry Phoebe and Anya Maddock.

And a bit of an 'oooo' moment on Friday as it was confirmed that Lanvin would indeed be collaborating with H&M - bringing luxury to the high street chain rather than the other way around. Very exciting.

Friday Following...

2010-08-27T21:13:00.002+01:00

Haven't had time to read all of it yet but this website link dropped into my inbox and the site has some great content and is very interesting / intriguing!

http://artwednesday.com/

Aviator Jackets & More.

2010-08-23T21:03:00.004+01:00

Yikes. Sorry for the lack of posts over the last few weeks - between new job and holiday last week I have been a bit absent from laptop time! But now is the time to change that, what with the wet weather (seriously Weather Gods, it's August - give us the sun back!) to talk autumn wear. I for one am so glad the sales are over, they seemingly went on forever and didn't throw up any exciting bargains. But now the new collections are in and I my eyes on the autumn looks.

1) Aviator Jackets.

We all got excited when Burberry models strode down the catwalk in them, all warm looking and buttery soft. Then shearling started to pop up everywhere, and we knew that it was to be the fabric of AW10. Jackets are arriving in store with a vengeance (popular already since summer seems to have disappeared) and aviators are the big high street hit. But it you think that means bargain prices then think again. The Burberry one will set you back around £2000, so anything is going to look better than that, but Topshop and Whistles (pictured) have great versions for around £350. Yes it's expensive for high street (not so much for Whistles) but the trick with these jackets, as with anything leather or suede, is good quality fabric, and unfortunately if you go much cheaper you end up in the sort of leather that looks like it should be sold on a Walford market stall. If you love them then save up, if you reaaaaally love them then save up for ages and get on an inevitable waiting list for the Burberry version.

2) Navy and Camel.

A pleasingly grown-up colour palette. Just before I sat down to write this I read an interesting snippet in the Evening Standard about how being 'grown up' is en vogue at the moment, and so this is very apt for what is a very Grown Up season (see the posts on camel coats and Chloe below). I never knew how to attack navy before, it seemed the domain of preppy labels and Sloanes, but shops like Zara and the new Jaeger Boutique label have worked it very well, in soft fine-knit cardigans funked up with zip details, and in chic, simple dresses in COS. As for camel, once the stomping ground of safari looks and moth-eaten vintage coats, you know longer have to be from one of those families that stores clothes in trunks for generations in a big country pile to own a piece of camel. I personally want it in a traditional coat, perhaps a wrap or two and definitely in leather accessories - a skinny belt would be perfect.

3) Skirts.

My favourite new season shape is not too far away from the grown up theme mentioned above. I have seen flippy styles not too distant from the skater skirts of a couple of seasons ago, but this time no cheap, floaty fabric. No - skirts are fluid but heavy, in soft cotton, buttery suede or even leather. Layered skirts are good - particularly heavy lining under a softer, flippy top layer. Fifties style Betty Draper looks are my dream - shapely skirts that and flip and spin but in Proper Fabrics. I'm thinking Fendi in army green [here] or heavy nude at Louis Vuitton [here]

Bye Bellas.

To illustrate my dreamings -

2010-08-08T18:01:00.004+01:00

As a footnote to the below post - inspiration for my 'clean, simple and chic' palette (which I will undoubtedly fail at) is from Chloe (pictured) and the beautiful fabrics Hannah McGibbon used...

Damn I want that camel coat....

In the (pink-ish) nude.

2010-08-08T17:42:00.002+01:00

In my head, my entire wardrobe for autumn will revolve around classic neutral pieces, good fabrics, palest nudes and smooth black. All knitwear will be soft and bobble-free, all silk will be ironing and all dresses dry-cleaned. In reality it's a good day if I have remember to hand wash my merino wool instead of putting it through a wash cycle and not realising until it comes out twisted, wet and shrunken.

I am trying hard though to keep pieces fresh and un-snagged at least, updating bits and pieces in a sort of capsule collection I hope will lend a 'fashionable professional bent'. My latest find is this cute nude dress from Warehouse, to wear with black tights (Wolford mind you, not Primark anymore...) and court shoes. The nude is more pinky than neutral but I still maintain it fits in my 'smooth and silky' palette. Let's just ignore the ruffles.

Eudon Choi.

2010-08-01T18:21:00.003+01:00

I love excitement around hot new designers, and recently one particular designer has been getting a lot of inbox/blog time around the net, the funky new Eudon Choi. Featured in this month's Elle, a big deal for a up-and-comer, especially to be styled into the main fashion pages with heavyweights such as D&G, Chanel and DKNY. Personally I think the crisp, utility, un-starry designs are perfect for the aesthetic at the moment, and I would be very glad to own one of the oversize, mannish coats pictured. Eudon Choi has also been awarded the Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Merit Award, meaning that he will get his own sponsored fashion show in September's London Fashion Week. One to watch indeed.

But darling it goes with everything!

2010-07-24T18:43:00.002+01:00

Accessories can always sort out any outfit that lacks that 'oooo' factor. Sometimes a classic black dress, silky tunic top or well-put-together ensemble just isn't quite...there. I personally love statement necklaces, those pieces that you go to either put the final touches to an outfit or, let's face it, often to distract from less glamorous aspects of ones appearance - food down top, spots, greasy hair etc.

The lovely one pictured is a recent bargain that I spotted in LK Bennett today, which Mr WW very kindly bought to rescue my bank balance from its already dire state. At £30 down from £85, you couldn't not really.

Little Black Dress + Statement Necklace = easy outfit, happy person, nonchalant shrug about how fantastic outfit is, etc etc.

www.lkbennett.com

Giving Reiss a Chance.

2010-07-22T21:53:00.002+01:00

Reiss is a shop that I am often suspicious of. The shapes seem aimed at uber-petite women with no chest and no hips (and we all know that the 'I-don't-eat-because-I-like-to-look-fragile' vibe is out. Lara Stone rocks) and being a vertically challenged woman with both I can rarely make my usual size fit, and going up three dress sizes to get it over my bust doesn't bode well for the overall fit. Also the line between cutting-edge and chic workwear is often too blurred - I'm not sure some of the dresses would be suitable for the office environment they may be aimed at, and therefore I put Reiss in my 'eveningwear when it fits' category. Party dresses? Sure. Short/tight/bandage style? Of course.

But this season Reiss seems to have found a truer footing: chic, simple pieces that cater to the autumn/winter aesthetic for wearable pieces. The blue dress pictured would be great now the weather is warm, but also teamed with tights, chunky wedge boots and cardigan for winter. And the loose shape hopefully means it will appeal to more than just the vampy amongst us. Also on offer are soft, silky cotton looking tank tops and draped jerseys from the 1971 range.

My autumn/winter wardrobe is shaping up nicely! (in my head anyway....)

www.reiss.co.uk

Who the heck is ALICE?

2010-07-18T20:13:00.003+01:00

It was nice to see the Temperley brand extended to include a more affordable diffusion line, ALICE by Temperley. The Very English designer may not be the most ground breaking or innovative fashion brand but instead has always been based around beautiful, delicate pieces that every woman should have in their wardrobe. Sadly I can't yet afford any AT of my own, but the ALICE diffusion may be next on my list, especially because it is now available online.

I love, LOVE (capitals seem to be practically necessary with this brand) the Mini Claudia Skirt pictured, in 'blush' for an almost reasonable £165. I may even be able to afford it. Very excited. Cute dresses too!

www.alicebytemperley.com

Sassy and Boo.

2010-07-18T19:55:00.002+01:00

I'm often overwhelmed by just how London-centric one can become after moving to the capital. I have only been a London resident for two years, and yet it seems that all my attentions, work, love and life is centred around two to five miles across town. I am now all about tubes, Borough and Spitalfields Market, Covent Garden theatres and drinking on the Southbank. And I adore London like my home town, but let's not forget, I am a West Country girl and Bath and Bristol are my 'real' home towns (cities) and after a previous stint writing fashion pages for lovely local glossy Folio, I have more than a passing interest in the various beautiful and chic boutiques across both areas.

So it is in this, my West Country love-in post, that we should turn our attentions to Bath and to the wonderful Sassy and Boo boutique, which has just relocated to a larger Bath address on the uber-central Green Street. I am looking forward to my next trip back West to have a nose in. I once had the pleasure of attending a lovely salon show for the boutique in Bath, and some of the bijou labels on offer, as well as the vintage pieces and jewellery, give a fantastic fashion mix. Take your pick from Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Stills, Baby Ceylon, Angie Gooderham and Vanilla Moon.

www.sassyandboo.com

Shoe Central.

2010-07-14T10:51:00.003+01:00

Look at these fabulous shoes! And yes, they belong to me. I was looking for a pair of wedge shoes as I like their seasonal transitional quality. I wore them with leggings and tank top the other day, and when the weather gets colder again I'm thinking teaming them with black tights and skirts/shorts. I'm very excited about the prospect of some of the autumn collections, on the high-street as well as from the designer labels. Whistles looks like it will be strong once again (the swallow dress is on my wish list) and once Zara gets rid of the remainder of its sale (it's like the Battle of the Somme in there at the moment) I think the new collection will be good for the neutrals/camels/blush colours for the new palettes.

Black 'Addison' Wedge Boots £80, www.topshop.com

The ASOS fashion bug.

2010-07-12T08:25:00.002+01:00

I may one of the only fashionistas left who thrives in an online environment and who hasn't tried ASOS on for size yet. In fact, I rarely order any clothing online, although I expect I could load up a trolley on Net-a-Porter if someone gave me £10,000. Meanwhile, ASOS is in my price range most of the time, and has come along way since its collection of celeb-impersonating clothes on offer a few years back. Now you can get all your favourite high-street and boutique designer brands, including Gap (which doesn't yet have an online shop of its own).

I'm feeling the urge more recently to order something: I have seen skirts and dresses that would be very cute for my summer holiday and they are merely a few clicks away. WW's muse, Becca, recently took the ASOS plunge and purchased, among other things, a fab stripy maxi skirt, which she is pleased with (other things that she bought that weren't quite right can be sent back with free returns...also handy).

I have a couple of hours before I have to be at work, so I think I'll have a quick browse and see what I can find....

www.asos.com

A Bright Future for McQueen.

2010-07-02T07:44:00.002+01:00

I am so pleased that Sarah Burton has delivered a confident, sexy and all-over McQueen worthy Resort collection, her first complete collection for the womenswear side of the label (she showed menswear last week as well). Burton had a huge set of expectations from the fashion world on her shoulders, and she overcame any fears with beautiful pieces with the same tone of sexiness and sculpture that defined Alexander McQueen's most inspirational work.

Burton used the hardness of samurai imagery (corseted waists and flowing fabrics) to give an edge to some of ladylike and polished pieces such as tweed jackets and flared trousers. There was a focus on more daywear, but this could be attributed to the commercial viability of a Resort collection instead of reflecting what will happen in the RTW shows. But maybe Burton will extend the McQueen aesthetic for glamour and sculpture into more daywear pieces as well, come September. We will have to wait and see. The dresses, both cocktail and full length, were my favourite pieces of this collection - included the beautiful black dress pictured. There were also stunning cream and nude lace dresses with sculputed skirts and a stylish grey tweed jacket dress, invoking images of post-war Britain and the chic, womanly aesthetic. There were also more directional pieces, strong shoulders, the use of black and gold to create a soldier-like statement, and shaped waists and embellishment. The eveningwear dresses were frankly amazing, a keen indication of where Burton's strengths lie. A waterfall chiffon red and black dress had beauty in its simplicity, and a black and gold patterned strapless dress with bustled skirt was, for me, the star of the show.

Fantastic images and review on www.style.com

New twist, old classic.

2010-06-28T07:20:00.004+01:00

Mulberry's Mitzy range has been around for a few seasons now, adding its slouchy, easy cool to the core range of more formal Bayswaters and Somersets. As a short person (sorry, vertically challenged) I could never quite get on board with the Mitzy Hobo, which was practically half the size of me, and I was all geared up to get the Mitzy Tote (two bags in one people! - what's not to like!) until I saw, wait a minute, the Hobo but smooshed up and elongated into the 'East West Mitzy Hobo' above, voilà! I. Want. It. It sits on my shoulder nicely, has a lovely slouch (a specific style that I'm yet to purchase to go with my structured and formal Mulberrys and Anyas) and has that effortless nonchalance that we all love as a Mulberry stamp.

Mitzy 'East-West' Hobo, £495 www.mulberry.com

More good shoes....

2010-06-22T10:01:00.002+01:00

After the wedding shoe post I got in a shoe mood (Kurt Geiger sale looks good btw) and thought I would post a pic of my favourite shoes of the past few weeks: they are platform, suede, fringed, high, and belong to London-based designer, stylist and all-round fashion person Emma Savill, who was also at the wedding. Ms Savill has sported many a good fashion moment recently, even whilst dressed as a sailor in Marbella, which from experience, is hard to pull off.

If anyone actually sees these shoes in a Zara near them then I must know about it. I need these in my life.

The Bridal Jimmy Choos!

2010-06-22T08:18:00.002+01:00

My beautiful friend Laura got married on Saturday, and as a designer we all expected great things from the wedding dress and accessories - and we weren't disappointed! Pictured are her fantastic Jimmy Choos, which peeped out from under her gorgeous lace dress. She also had some amazing accessories from Jenny Packham: a silver, pearly and sparkly cuff and hair slide which complemented the sash detail on the front of her dress. Carrie Bradshaw in Vivienne Westwood? Pah - not a patch on Laura Gough in sparkles and lace!

Ready, Sale, Go!

2010-06-15T07:01:00.005+01:00

Why oh why do sales start at the point of the month where I am umming and ahhing over whether I will actually get to the end without going broke? Ergo, not much justification around to spend a fortune in the Selfridges sale. As it stands I will have to wait until nearer the end of the month, and therefore be left with the cast-offs: shoes in size 2 or 9, garish dresses and one lone leather jacket that looks a fantastic bargain until you realise that the lining is ripped.

So it was with a heavy heart that I trundled down to Selfridges yesterday, for the purpose of a bit of 'first day sale atmosphere' research for the blog, and saw so many pretty things that I had to leave before weeping in the corner under the Stella McCartney dresses. After dragging my sorry arse home, I loaded up the Selfridges website, the first time the store has had online shopping during sale. There is quite a choice - McQueen pumps (above) for almost half price (SO unfair - I need black pumps for work! And they'll be gone in a few hours I'd put money on it!) and a lovely DVF cream knot dress (also pictured) for £275 (from £450!). I can just see me in that dress wafting around Rome on my summer holiday, teamed with esperdrilles and huge sunglasses. Except I won't be, someone else will. Grumble grumble.

It's hard to pin-point a good time to hit the sales, as it depends on which shops you favour. I feel that most high-street and designer brands should be on sale by next week, and many are already - LK Bennett has some lovely shoes/dresses on offer, French Connection has most of there shop stock at the moment in the sale, and H&M (if you can brave a sale scrum of 14 year olds) is also marking down a lot of stock. House of Fraser starts this Thursday, and next Saturday I predict a mass shopper descent on Oxford Street - beware if you dare. But other stores, Jigsaw and Whistles for example, tend to set their own sale period a bit out of the masses timetable, so keep an eye on the windows - both shops don't heavily advertise and you may find all the best stuff gone in, oooo I don't know, about an hour once they do decide to crack out the red signs.

I will be looking for an elegant pair of black pumps in the sale (does anyone know if/when Pretty Ballerinas have a sale?) as well as a couple of summery things for holiday, that should be satisfied by Whistles if I hold out for long enough. I also need a new purse/wallet, so if anyone sees a lovely one at a tempting price then shout and I'll be there with my elbows out.

www.selfridges.co.uk

www.frenchconnection.com

Pretty Statement.

2010-06-10T22:26:00.002+01:00

Out of the all emails that drop into my inbox, it's rare that I find something that I immediately love (or even want to read about) but as soon as I saw this necklace I went 'ooooooo'. It's totally extravagant for a summer piece (pick up one of these babies for £695) but oh so statement - perfect to go with the clean lines and basics that we all wearing for ss10 (I practically live in COS at the moment...)

I'm picturing the necklace with my new Zara dress (Grecian style linen-cotton, midnight blue, should you want to know) and also to funk up casual day outfits like my Gap chinos/Banana Republic silk top combos.

I've actually just come across Kirsten Goss, the designer of this fabulous piece, but she works with amazing materials and there are some lovely pieces on the website, www.kirstengoss.com, and she seems a really interesting person. Any other up-and-coming accessories designers I should be mentioning?

Rachel Weisz at the CFDAs.

2010-06-10T08:35:00.002+01:00

So I've just got back from Spain. I survived! But saw very little fashion-of-note to report on, aside from some snappy dressing from a couple of members of our party - the rule for the majority of women in the area seemed to be Brits Abroad - orange, sunburnt, fake and more fake. Oh dear.

So it was refreshing to come back, rev up the internet (no wi-fi in the hotel - can you imagine!) and find that the CFDAs had happened. My fashion calendar must have been all out of whack for me to forget! But trawling through various images, I picked out a few favourites:

1) Rachel Weisz in Jason Wu. Love Weisz, love Wu - 'nuf said.

2) The fact that Wu won Swarovski Award for Womenswear.

3) Lara Stone, befitting of a new face, wearing Calvin Klein - damn that woman gives good body.

4) Gwyneth Paltrow in Michael Kors. Funky Gwynnie is much better than GOOP Gwynnie.

5) SJP in Alexander McQueen. I have to admit, she isn't always my favourite dresser, but recently the McQueen wearing has been touching and well-done.

Fashion at the Museum of London.

2010-06-02T21:31:00.002+01:00

On a very rainy London day yesterday, Mr WW and I thought we would have a dab of culture and visit the newly opened Galleries of Modern London at the Museum of London, Barbican. The new galleries have taken 3 years to complete, and include fantastic artefacts, images and video from all London events and iconic moments, from the Great Fire to WW2 and beyond. Although as a history graduate I do find the general history fascinating: photographs of the suffragette movement were particularly poignant, on a slightly lighter note I always pay attention to any new fashion inclusions, from Victorian to present day. The shoes are so small and intricate! Tiny silk slippers that barely look like they would fit a six year old. And the fantastic dresses - the bottom image in the above montage (apologies for the shoddy quality - taken on an Iphone in dull museum lighting) is of a Victorian dress with such a large skirt that women couldn't always get through regular doorways. Puts some of the poor challenging sartorial choices these days into perspective.

My favourites, as always, were from the Twenties and Sixties collections. I am so enamoured by 1920s fashion that I based my 21st birthday party around the theme, and love to look at the intricate details of beaded flapper dresses. And the fabulous Beatles dress (pictured bottom right) is now in my fantasy party outfit list -I might have to look for an imitation.

Aside from the fantastic historical fashions, I have decided to channel my inner-vintage fashionista into the 1950s for summer. The flared skirts suit my figure, and I am hankering after a 1950s style bikini, like the one from Ted Baker with oversize bottoms and rose print: very cool. All I need are huge white sunnies and espadrilles and I'll be sorted.

http://www.tedbaker.com/women's/beachwear/82428-poppy_print_bikini_shorts/detail.aspx?pfm=browse

I'll be away in Spain from tomorrow until next week, sunning myself with a bunch of Hens for my oldest friend's wedding. I will try and remote-blog from the beach with everyone's fashion hits and mishaps. Don't worry, I'll have a cocktail for you all.

Makeover!

2010-05-31T21:42:00.003+01:00

It's bank holiday, I was spring cleaning the flat and so thought the blog deserved a tidy-up as well. Let me know if anything doesn't work, if anything does, or if anything should be added!

Watching series 2 of Mad Men: yes, we know we're behind. WW muse #2 Joan Holloway looks as fabulous as ever.

Crisp and Clean.

2010-05-31T09:36:00.002+01:00

We all know that the neutral palette was hot on the SS10 catwalks. We all know that editors, bloggers and fashionistas all love the basic cleanness that such a palette creates (perhaps it makes us look more serious? Like 'real' fashion people?) Every editor who could afford it bought out Phoebe Philo's Celine collection, all based around clean separates and good basics. Finally, many writers (including myself) have been extolling the virtues of the 'anti-trend' aka clean separates on the high street, as opposed to big prints and overt trend-following. Everyone who used to hang out in the catwalk worshipping aisles of Topshop, Mango and Ted Baker are now to be found in Cos, Banana Republic and Gap.

In my opinion, the neutral palette works because it looks effortless. I've always had a problem working colour with my skin-tone, the weather, what shoes I'm wearing, lipstick colour etc, but I've always gone straight to black before all else. The problem with black, however, is that it can be too gothy for warmer weather, and well, it's black. There are no differing shades of black that can be worn together, not without looking like your top has faded in the wash anyway. And it can get a bit dull. So neutrals have been a welcome addition to my wardrobe, and it is nice to know that they can be found in good quality on the high street, as poor WW isn't quite at the level of shopping at Celine just yet.

On the high-street I'm hankering after the nude jacket (pictured above) which, although from Topshop - a place I usually avoid for making me feel old at 23, would look great with jeans or denim skirt. I surprising love the shoes above as well, from Pied A Terre at John Lewis - if they were in black I think they would look a bit cheap, but the neutral works, and I can see them worn with my new cream Gap chinos and a Cos T-shirt. Also pictured is a fab skirt from previous WW mentioned Carven (available at Net-a-Porter) and the catwalk image of a gorgeous Donna Karan dress that would be fantastic with a tan, chunky necklace and metallic sandals on my Italian holiday this summer. Oh well, I can dream.

Find your neutral palette at:

Plane sailing.

2010-05-26T21:47:00.005+01:00

So here it is: next week I'm off on a hen party in sunny Spain and am already having a wardrobe crisis. Firstly, the airline which I shan't mention by name, is cheap and chavvy and making me pay to check in my baggage, so I am only travelling with anything that fits into my wheel-along Mulberry travel suitcase. Secondly, since the weekend will invariably involve poolside, cocktails and late nights, I need outfits that can transition from day to evening, and can be tweaked by different accessories (I feel lots of necklaces and silk scarves will be travelling with me).

The first worry any fashion-packer has is what to wear on the plane. Now, since I am a lowly fashion blogger who can't afford the Net-a-Porter wardrobe she hankers after, I have put together my fantasy flying outfit, on which my real version is based.

I have chosen the striped, light-weight oversize top from Vince to solve the ever-annoying problem of cold plane/warm destination. Otherwise you end up wearing tiny camisole (Yes! Going to Spain! Must not wear too many clothes!) and then freezing on the plane and digging out some skanky cardi from the bottom of your hand luggage that you were convinced you wouldn't need until arriving back in Blighty. Shoes are equally tricky, you don't want to end up packing anything too bulky and so wedges/espardrilles should be worn and flipflops and Converse should be packed. The fantastic wedges pictured are from the delectable Mr Louboutin, and I can only dream. Mine are nautical versions from Next. Not quite French chic but you can't go wrong with a navy stripe on holiday.

Trousers can also be a problem. I say trousers because unless you are very high-maintenance or Victoria Beckham then skirts are a no-no. For those of us who can't fly First Class we end up with wrinkles in places we don't need them, and will probably spill the cheeky glass of in-flight wine down the front during a period of turbulence. In which case, black trousers win. You could do trackie bums but you'll have to live with the risk of looking like Coleen Rooney circa 2005 if you favour Juicy, or Bristol University rahs if you choose Jack Wills. To strike the balance between fashion and comfort, this season has been kind in that harem and jogger trousers are still hot. Jogger styles are everywhere, from Whistles to Primark, and this pair are from the newly crowned Net-a-Porter addition J Crew.

Finally, leave your expensive handbags at home - they'll be too heavy and who wants to risk having it stolen from your beach lounger. Instead, go for a canvas tote - they are roomy, double up as beach bags and can be stuffed full with magazines and chocolate for the plane. This one pictured is by street artist Ben Eine for Anya Hindmarch, she of the Perfect Tote (choose from loads of designs, as well as the Eine versions, including Shopping, Fruit and Veg, Homework and Beach. If you want to keep your valubles together inside, pick up a pouch - most brands do them now, but the best come once again from Hindmarch, or in cute leopard print leather from Mulberry.

Anyone else off abroad? What will you be wearing?

www.net-a-porter.com

www.mulberry.com

www.anyahindmarch.com

Cannes: full marks Salma Hayek.

2010-05-18T07:47:00.002+01:00

Yummy scrummy. That could be applied to many outfits on the Cannes red carpet (seriously, where were these stylists during awards season?) but no more so than Salma Hayek, who proved that she has the best set of curves in Hollywood in a set of fantastic outfits. And she's so beautiful! And poised! And comfortable with herself! Total role model material, WW thinks it has found a new muse to go alongside Becca Hutson and Christina Hendricks.

The gorgeous plum dress Salma is wearing in the pic is also from an interesting 'new old' house, Gucci....but couture Gucci. The collection is called Gucci Premiere and was apparently inspired by creative director Frida Giannini's love for Gucci's luxury roots. And from what we've seen so far (Kate Beckinsale has also walked the red carpet in it), we likey.

Cannes in general has proved the antidote to all the 'try-hard' dresses on the circuit from the Oscars to the Met Ball etc. Everyone bar a handful has been in elegant, old school glamour dresses and floating down past the photogs serenely, as if the luxe-French air of Cannes is exactly where they really belong.

Salma looked as stunning in a gold mini dress (from Gucci Fall collection) as she did in full-length, maybe this is the label du jour for movie star looks these days? I don't usually feel overawed by much of Gucci's collections, and often instantly forget who was wearing it on the red carpet in favour of the newer designers, but I won't make that mistake now. I think, aside from trends, we will be going back to the early Nineties for a Gucci glamour revival.

Good pics from Cannes at www.instyle.co.uk

The Fantastic Sarah Brown.

2010-05-12T06:41:00.003+01:00

As an out-and-proud Lefty, I was saddened by the resignation of Gordon Brown yesterday, and am wary of the new ConDem coalition. But this is not a political blog and I have enough rants on Twitter for you get the gist of my feelings, so I am dedicating this post to the fantastic, elegant and intelligent Sarah Brown, former Bristol University graduate (all the best people go there....*cough* me too *ahem*) and formidable career women turned mother. Fashion wise, she wasn't as confident in the early years as wife of chancellor, but became much more ready to experiment once in No10, and she was an ardent supporter of British fashion. She sat front row during London Fashion Week and appeared at the British Fashion Awards without conceding her strong charity position for the White Ribbon Alliance (often linking with glossy magazines and super models to promote her cause).

I have been trying to find a good picture from yesterday, of Sarah looking amazing in a teal long-sleeve dress and chunky necklace (and nude heels - anyone know where from?) but as yet I can't find a non-copyright issue one, so will keep hunting. She looked amazing though (p.s. the children are adorable!). The two images I have chosen are Mrs Brown wearing Erdem (left) in which she looked beautiful, relaxed and confident, and wearing a chic all-black daytime work look for her charity work, holding her own in a sea of super models. I love the use of her skinny belts to accessorise and define an outfit.

Sarah Brown was stoic and elegant yesterday, and I hope she continues her charitable work in the public eye, as she has been an admirable and respected British first lady. I will miss her in No10 - let's hope she keeps twittering!

White House Chic.

2010-05-04T09:16:00.003+01:00

I was up bright and early this morning trawling through the images from the Met Ball last night, and needless to say there were some fabulous (and a few not so fabulous) outfits on parade. For my coverage of the event, hop on over to www.thecollectivereview.com where it will be magically appearing later today.

Meanwhile, I skimmed over the photos from the White House Correspondents Dinner from my parent's home in the countryside, where internet and phone signal is at a minimum and so work is far from my mind. But since arriving back in London and been smacked with the cold from hell, I spent last night looking over the photos in more detail and realised that it warranted a blog post, mainly owing to two women: the always-fabulous First Lady Michelle Obama and my SATC fave Kristin Davis.

I loved Kristin's outfit! So chic! Everyone is saying it was very Jackie Kennedy which I totally agree with. It has a 1960s feel, but from the elegant old school vibe instead of the much-referenced psychedelic faze. I also love that it totally flatters her figure - there has always been much discussion on how her body type is more pear than the usual Hollywood skin and bones, but she is still incredibly petite, she just has curvy hips. Those that say she has 'big' thighs need their heads checked. But still, she has worn dresses or outfits in the past that are not so flattering, but recently, on the SATC press trail and on the red carpet, she has looked young, fresh and beautiful. She is also sitting pretty on the cover of the latest issue of Red magazine, which I shall be perusing later. But back to the dress: it was Balmain Couture, pretty simple in its make up but with the netted slip over the top of the bodice. Simple hair and make-up completed the elegant look - bravo.

Now, I feel awful that Mrs Obama has not made an appearance on WW for a while, especially when I was starting to be accused of over-gushing during the Obamas first few weeks in the White House. But although she rarely puts a fashion foot wrong, at the Correspondents Dinner she put it VERY right, in a red Prabal Gurung ruched bodice gown with fabulous gold and diamond cuffs (I LOVE cuffs - she must have known!). I may even go as far as to say she was the best dressed of the evening.

Fashion Musings.

2010-04-25T11:05:00.000+01:00

A few fashion-related thoughts keep swirling around my oft-frazzled head, so I thought I'd air them on here to see if anyone has an opinion on the subjects.

1) I'm quite impressed with Gap at the moment. Went in to the Canary Wharf branch the other day with Mr WW and came across some very nice silk-cotton shorts, lovely merino wool pastel/neutral colour knitwear and some very nice khaki slim-leg chinos. I feel I may have to go 'classic preppy' this summer, which is not my usual go-to. But between Gap and Banana Republic I'm not sure what other look I could go for....maybe I'll chuck Cos into the mix and see what happens.

2) Veering dangerously close to hat territory for summer. Now one thing to remember: I look ridiculous in a hat. There is no style that I have found that suits me - so why is it that I keep seeing panama style hats and finding myself wanting one of them? This one to your right is from Jigsaw, and it can be said now will not look like that on me, for one thing I don't have great 'hat hair' like the girl in the picture, neither do I have doll-sized features to cope with the style. But nevertheless I find myself thinking about summer hats, which I'm putting down to the style equivalent of writer's block.

3) Speaking of Jigsaw, I really like this mac: http://www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1000870/J09856/womens/coats-and-jackets/coated-linen-mac

4) Not sure what I think of the new Elle subscriber cover of Kylie - keep thinking I have blurry eyes when I look at it. Have seen four pairs of great shoes inside the fashion pages though, which more than makes up for it.

5) I thought we would be over-saturated with election wives fashion discussions over the past week, but I haven't seen nearly enough! Yes we know SamCam does a pregnancy dress well, and Sarah B looks great in Erdem, but what is Mrs Clegg wearing? Do we like it? Should I even care?

6) Pay day tomorrow. This is good for my wardrobe, which in turn is not so good for my overdraft.

Image from www.jigsaw-online.com

Carven.

2010-04-22T08:37:00.000+01:00

I have to say, I'm slightly trailing the bandwagon on this one, having read an article in Grazia about the fab designs coming from Carven.

The label has actually been around since 1945, established by Madame Carmen, a French couturier who created figure-flattering clothes made from luxurious fabrics. But as these came at couture prices, the Carven label has gone relatively unnoticed until recently, when Guillaume Henry (previously at Givenchy as Tisci's right-hand man) created the first ready-to-wear collection last year. Earlier this year Net-a-Porter announced that they were launching Carven on their website, so an international fashion audience can get their hands on the fantastic, easy-to-wear pieces, which Henry said were influenced by Madame Carmen in her Thirties, when she was a stylish party girl. And the cocktail dress pieces are the best bits - including this black shift dress with an intricate floral-textured bodice. There are also mini-dresses in draped fabrics that flatter the figure (sticking to Madame Carmen's foremost ideals) and a lovely suede satchel bag that Grazia featured a couple of times and that would be fabulous in spring. Even the silky scarves are cute! I may have to save up for an NAP Carmen spree.

www.net-a-porter.com

Muse Alert: Becca Hutson at Columbia Road.

2010-04-19T07:21:00.000+01:00

Wardrobe Wisdom makes no secret of its huge fashion crush on one Miss Becca Hutson, who popped up for brunch yesterday in uber-trendy Spitalfields Market. With fantastic spring 2010 styling, she was easily the best dressed person in East London.

Full length skirt: totally on-trend, skirts are either maxi or mini, nothing in between, and a full-length is perfect for a spring Sunday. The dark colours stop the look from becoming 2005 'boho' and instead make it 2010 'vampy boho'.

The most fantastic bit was the amazing fringed jacket: Fringing is everywhere this season (both Elle and Stylist have featured Mulberry's hit fringed jackets and shoes) and this H&M version is, again, chic but TOTALLY up to date. The girl really can do no wrong. What will she wear next?

Short and Sweet.

2010-04-12T08:42:00.000+01:00

I have never been a huge fan of trousers. Perhaps it's because they don't suit my figure very well, or maybe because I want to be six feet tall to wear most styles (at a dumpy 5"3 many 'in' trousers look faintly ridiculous, anyone tried a peg style under 5"10? Let me know how it went....) So basically I'm a skirt or dress kinda gal, which is great for taking you from winter (thick grey or black tights) to spring (coloured or sheer tights, I'm not quite in bare leg season yet). But recently, the skirts on offer haven't really inspired me, and dresses are proving to fall into two categories: pretty, boho summer things (not my bag) or silky, flippy things (not warm enough yet). So I've decided, after digging out a black pair from my wardrobe yesterday, that shorts will be my find for the summer. I teamed the black ones (slightly tailored but loose fit) with grey tights, a white Cos t-shirt and blazer, and satin Jigsaw pumps. I am now after a pair for day/evening but that don't fit into the chinos/khaki/utility bracket.

I think I've found some pretty cute ones from Reiss:

Reiss has a few interesting things to say this season, from the striped culottes that I (whisper) actually quite like, to a few cute dresses. But I think these shorts will hit the spot, although I have yet to see them in the 'flesh'. They look silky, light-weight and loose, so I'm seeing them with coloured tights and an array of slightly sheer Cos or silky Banana Republic tops. Shoes can be versatile too, Converse style pumps or ballet flats with tights (or even ankle boots) and nautical sandals and peep-toes with bare legs. Check out the shorts selection at reiss.co.uk

On the wishful thinking note, how about these for daywear:

These linen lovelies are from Balenciaga at Browns (www.brownsfashion.com) and therefore not feasible for my meagre fashion budget, but I can just see them with black tights, lace-up platform ankle boots, a blazer over Wang style sporty tank and big sunglasses. Bugger, now I really want them.

On a virtual stroll through Net-a-Porter....

2010-04-05T10:18:00.000+01:00

I saw these amazing boots:

Aren't they FABULOUS? And I mean to say that in the capital letters, hugely hyperbolic fashion way it just came out. Very Patsy from AbFab.

I actually saw a version of these boots in Liberty the other day (can you believe I had NEVER been in Liberty before then? It was like falling down an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole full of fashion treasures!) and even Mr WW was so taken by them he declared that they were the most fantastic boots he'd ever seen (he probably used the word 'fantastic' as well) and that he would buy them for me if it wasn't for things like, oh I don't know, rent payments and having food. But the sentiment was there.

I then realised I hadn't been on the wondrous Net-a-Porter for a while to have a look at the new stuff, and whilst browsing shuffled on over to the McQueen section just to have a look if they were there. I promptly fell in love with them all over again and since there is no hope of my affording them, I did the next best thing and whacked them up on here, for all your pleasure.

I'm obviously on a boot thang at the moment, as I'm still waiting for the call from the lovely ladies at Russell and Bromley on Regent Street to tell me my fantastic (there's that word again) lace-up boots that have been featured here, there and everywhere this month (which left me in dismay as I Saw Them First and then couldn't get them for love nor money) are finally in. It turns out, with a bit of love and definitely some money I could reserve a pair from the warehouse and wait, as if waiting for my adopted child to come to me, for them to arrive in store. I'll keep you posted on their (hopefully) imminent arrival.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60635

The new basics.

2010-03-29T06:50:00.000+01:00

If there was one thing that came out of the autumn/winter 10 shows and trends from the February catwalks, it was the importance of good quality, basic cuts and classic, easy-to-wear lines. Everybody raved about Celine, and creative director Phoebe Philo told Vogue that she admired menswear for the 'capsule collection' make-up of a man's wardrobe: few key pieces and no fashion waffle. Celine was full of chic pieces, lightweight tapered trousers, funnel-neck jackets, plenty of black and white contrasts, with no-fuss hair and black tights. Sarah Mower, of style.com, said that Philo had restored the status of 'rational, classy daywear' and this is exactly what the overwhelming aesthetic of the season was.

Whether it's due to the recession, or merely over-saturation of whimsical, in your face, one season fashion, there is definitely a shift. This started on a smaller scale on the spring/summer 10 catwalks, and has already filtered through to the high street. Even hardened trend shoppers are moving away from the 'have it now' trend based fashion of giant high-street chains, and moving towards the 'good basic' theory of being picky about your fabrics, cut and what it can be worn with. Although I have never been one for the Primark fix, I have shifted from buying 12 t-shirts in different colours from H&M to buying better quality, simple t-shirts in slightly sheer loose-fit (and in black or white) from the likes of Cos. I love Cos - it's the 'Celine' of the high-street, nothing crazily trend-led, nothing in wacky prints. Good t-shirts in a variety of lengths, simple dresses in black or white and fabulous accessories such as chunky bracelets and simple long necklaces instead of fiddly, over-accessorising.

Other 'good basics' found on the high-street are: the silk-cotton knitwear from Massimo Dutti, nautical-inspired t-shirts and skirts from Reiss, silky tank tops from Banana Republic, cashmere from Uniqlo or Gap, black or grey slim trousers from Whistles. You get the idea.

Tamara Fogle.

2010-03-24T09:30:00.000Z

Yummy Fashion Mother has been looking for a new handbag for months. She is undoing her reputation as a YFM by carting around a tatty old thing that would be better served as a beach bag. We've gone to Mulberry (nothing as good as her old one), Anya Hindmarch (too much embellishment) and Longchamp (doesn't like the shapes) as well as many boutiques in between.

But finally we had a result! And it managed to attract my attention as well, hence the posting. It is by designer Tamara Fogle and was purchased in the beautiful 18 boutique in Clifton Village, Bristol (make a visit if you're in a area). The bag she chose was made from antique German flour sacks (fulfilling the YFM requirements for something 'that wasn't like everything else out there) and had beautiful soft leather panels and handles. Check out the 'antique textiles' section on www.tamaralovesleather.com to see the sort of thing she does with unorthodox bag fabric. YFM loved the fact that it was like no other, apparently each sack bag is unique, and has repairs and markings that are totally original to the sack and therefore bag. The rest of the bag is finished to luxury handbag standards, butter soft leather, studs on the bottom and lovely striped lining.

Also on offer from Fogle in the boutique was cute leather old-fashioned purses, in a variety of colours. I'm hankering after one for the summer to use as a little clutch.

As for Fogle herself, she has a background in antiques and interior styling which has strongly influenced her use of antique fabrics in her bag designs. All the bags are made in the UK (few air miles - eco sound!) The fact that the antique fabrics are being re-used is both a style aesthetic and also creates much less waste, as well as carbon footprint. The leather is apparently sourced from Italy, where 'you get the best but from close by'.

For a list of where you can buy the bags, see the stockist information on the website.

Whistle while you shop.

2010-03-15T09:19:00.001Z

Ok, huge high street shop of the month shout out to Whistles. I am counting down the hours to payday so I can hit the store with a vengeance. I may not have the biggest budget but I will scrape my pennies together in order to pick an outfit from the new collection, but ho! So much to choose from!

Whistles has, in the past, veered too close to boho territory for my liking, but since the fabulous Jane Sheperdson stepped up to the challenge, the aesthetic has played around with soft, jersey basics, loose-fit silk dresses with a touch of sexiness and plenty of heavy, good quality trousers in this season's jogger and harem shapes.

After much deliberation (just got side-tracked once again, this post is taking much longer than usual to actually finish) I have picked my top items to try on this weekend:

1) The pale pink light-weight t-shirt and black cuffed harem/jogger bottoms (pictured left)

2) The Heidi scoop back thin knit top, great cut-out detail, could be worn over a body.

3) Oversize drawstring cardigan -totally fab, want to wear over tuxedo trousers/leggings.

4) Jean Paul skirt (pictured right) - although this is in the sale now and don't have my size left (boooo).

5) Cut-out jumper (pictured centre) love the detail on the top and back, and available in 3 different colours.

See them all at www.whistles.co.uk

Very Much A Shoe.

2010-03-12T07:01:00.000Z

With all the fashion week, Bafta and Oscar hoo-ha dominating the fashion news for over a month now, I haven't had the time to go through the websites for a dream outfit creation. But when I was virtual shopping I kept coming across so many pairs of beautiful shoes that I wanted, that I scrapped the outfit and kept the focus on the footwear.

For starters, I adore a good platform shoe: I have blogged on this subject before, and will gladly risk a twisted ankle to tramp around town in my favourite grey ankle boots with a solid sole platform and cone heel. They are actually more secure and comfortable than many lower but thinner heels, if there is no platform 'padding' the sole you get bruised feet much more easily, trust me. Take the Michael Kors shoes in the middle for example, I tried them on last night (resisted the urge to buy them, just about) and the lovely Kors girl told me that the slightly curved up toe gave the foot more support and allowed for a more comfortable gait when walking around, whilst the platform on the sole reduces the overall bend of the instep, making the shoe much 'lower' in terms of arch. Technical stuff! But I do like having research to back up my obsessions...

The second problem I've been facing is the new trend in the mags for kitten heels. Apparently the good, safe heel choice of First Ladies and the Queen is hot on and off the catwalks, and we should all be following suit. But not only do I find the often pointed toes and complete lack of platform uncomfortable, despite the low actual height, but I am of the Proper Heel brigade who subscribes to the Platform or Nothing mantra: I will either wear a good platform heel or flat brogues/pumps/ballet shoes. I just can't get behind a shoe type that makes me feel like a bridesmaid at a country wedding.

So here you are, dear readers, some gratuitous shoe images to drool over when you know you can't actually bring yourselves to buy such a heel to go around the city in. But wouldn't it make the tube commute so much more bearable if you could be wearing the beautiful Proenza Schouler boots (above right) or the delectable Fendi creations?

Proenza Schouler and Fendi @ www.net-a-porter.com

Michael Kors @ www.michaelkors.com

And the best (dressed) Oscar goes to....

2010-03-08T07:47:00.000Z

Ah, Helen Mirren. I always know when a red carpet award is worth commenting on when Ms Mirren is out in couture, looking radiant in front of the cameras, this time in Badgley Mishka. Yes, it is the Oscars 2010 and I was up at the crack of dawn this morning to check out the reports as they rolled in. There's nothing like looking at beautiful, polished women at 6am to make you feel good when you're sitting in your flannel pajamas with bird's nest hair. Hmph.

Back to the women (and men) and I have to say, many of the gowns get my vote this year, with only a small handful of 'eek' moments. First up, Cameron Diaz (who seems to be off the red carpet/fashion radar atm? Or have I just misplaced her?) was looking radiant in Oscar de la Renta gold, complete with red lips and waved, styled hair. Love!

Next, Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock, who is usually the 'cute and quirky' Hollywood red carpet gal, trying to play with the pros, but this time she hit jackpot (and looked coincidentally very much like a human version of her Oscar statuette) in pale silver/cream Marchesa, totally vintage with lace and high neck, no cleavage flashing or thigh glimpses. Even her hair looked vintage, shiny and fabulous, and like Diaz she completed her makeup look with red lips.

A noticeable trend on the red carpet this year was the absence of an overload of jewels. Other than one key piece (earrings were key) many dresses were elaborately detailed and so the ladies did well not to over-ice the cake with too many gems.

Kate Winslet started the vintage award look last year, raining in the years of bare skin and 'oomph' dresses with a collection of beautiful, understated gowns, and this year she kept up her own theme with silver YSL and matching clutch and shoes. She also had waved, set hair and topped off the ensemble with one fabulous accent: a Tiffany and Co. yellow diamond pendant.

Sarah Jessica Parker was there, and since she has been filming the latest SATC, is back to her fashion best without being too 'Carrie quirky'. She was in Chanel couture (made personally for her by Mr Karl) and the loose silk shape looked great on her petite figure where it may have been unflattering to anyone else. She also managed the challenging task of looking healthily tanned without looking bronzed or orange, perfect with the pale gold silk.

It could have gone either way with Diane Kruger, the actress with the best access to Chanel in the world. She is into her fashion and knows her stuff, but often chooses catwalk looks that can look a little overkill on the red carpet. But this year she went for Chanel ruffles in pink and black, with a deep back. Again, on everyone else this would look 'too pretty' and a maybe a little cheap, but now Diane has basically a wardrobe full of the stuff, she can wear Chanel with an air of insouciance that the rest of us could never do.

I couldn't finish without mentioning Carey Mulligan, who wore a black Prada number with tiny scissor/knife/fork embellishment on the front. (sounds weird, but worked well). WW thinks it will be a bigger hit than the Vionnet number from the Baftas, mainly because it seemed to fit her personality better, cute and quirky, rather than the Very Grown Up blue floral number from a couple of weeks back. She also stuck to the One Key Piece rule: huge chandelier earrings made with 19th century diamonds. Wooo.

There were many other fab dresses (and not quite as fab ones, but I'm not in a mean mood this morning) so the best of the red carpet critiques are:

www.gofugyourself.com the girls did their annual fashion watch for NY mag, as acerbic and sarcastic as ever.

www.myfashionlife.com great round-up of the best looks.

www.guardian.co.uk great for the actual ceremony blog (winners, gossip etc) and a gallery of images to pore over.

I think I misjudged the Banana....

2010-02-28T18:49:00.000Z

I don't quite know why, but back when Banana Republic opened on Regent Street it just wasn't on my radar. Perhaps because I associated it with Gap, and assumed it would be more of the same: chinos, knitwear and plain shirts - all very well and good but, you know, I had Gap for that already. So I defiantly headed past it every time I was shopping in the West End, heading to Massimo Dutti or Zara instead. But yesterday, on a retail-oriented day out with Mr Wardrobe Wisdom, I decided to head on the basis that I was, would you believe it, actually on the look out for some chinos.

But once inside it wasn't the chinos that caught my eye. For starters it is a beautiful store, all marble staircases and spacious rails. Even on a tourist-crammed Saturday it feels open and airy. Even the changing rooms are nice: roomy and with good lighting and vases of flowers. And back to the clothes - they are a revelation! I know I'm coming late to the game, what with me 'finding' Cos only about a month ago, but since finding a more confident personal style in recent months I'm realising that I favour delicate, good quality pieces rather than fashion hit bits from Topshop. And Banana Republic is definitely a place for this sort of attitude. The top I purchased is pictured above, but really looks much better in reality. It is silk, trimmed with a very fine black gauze, slightly racer-backed and with an uneven hem. I tried it on with black skinny trousers, which looked very chic, and am looking forward to trying it tucked into a tulip shape skirt. It could even be worn with good quality leggings, as the hanging quality of the top would off-set any tightness on the bottom.

As well as such silky pieces in a variety of colours, there are loads of fantastic dresses as well, all effortlessly chic and perfectly plain to be accessorised at will. The black one pictured is on my 'to purchase' list for when my credit card has recovered. My on-going crush on Mad Men's Joan shows no sign of abating either, and there was a lovely, thick stretch dress in charcoal that had the potential to hug and create Fifties curves, and for under £100.

The silky scraps of loveliness are from the BR Monogram line: a collection 'defined by the use of exquisite fabrics and modern silhouettes'. Me likey.

Oh, and there are plenty of chinos too - for those who need some with a little extra European lift than Gap can offer.

Pride of London!

2010-02-26T08:07:00.000Z

Head on over to t5m.com for my review of the best London shows. My computer is a mess of reviews and images at the mo so I will clear out and update WW with some shopping news on the weekend. Heading to Cos tomorrow for a spot of browsing (read, try everything on).

www.t5m.com/carli-humphries

Aquasctum - English Class

2010-02-22T21:47:00.000Z

"Pure modern English with a classy accent", said Sarah Mower, of fashion online portal Style.com. Heritage brand does sleek, chic lines, says me of, er, here.

Feeling very Gosford Park.

2010-02-18T23:20:00.001Z

Carolina Herrera's pieces were beautifully 1940s. I want to be wearing this outfit (sans real fur) as Kristen Scott Thomas at a country manor shooting party. Very trad, very chic.

An A* from the editors....

2010-02-16T18:41:00.000Z

Marc Jacobs proved why he is feted as a fashion god with a unanimously praised collection. Either the editors are getting soft or he really is that good.

Soft greys and beautiful cosy-chic coats: definitely a trend to replicate next winter. Or now, since it is that bloody cold and wet.

NYFW: Ladylike woo from Wu.

2010-02-13T19:04:00.000Z

The New York Times' Cathy Horyn may not have been a fan, but I thought Jason Wu was interesting. I've loving this ladylike look. The collection was inspired by portraits by Irving Penn, which worked in some pieces better than others. I didn't like the collection as a whole as much as last season's, but it definitely had some stand out looks.

My full reports for my favourite shows will be up on my www.t5m.com page soon -and as always, if you want to bone up on all your shows, www.style.com has the fairest, easy-to-read reports and great pics.

www.t5m.com

www.style.com

Fashion Legend: Alexander McQueen RIP.

2010-02-11T22:12:00.000Z

I, alongside the entire fashion world, was struck into shock earlier today by the awful news that Alexander McQueen had taken his own life.

How the fashion industry has come together in the hours since the news broke has been touching: tweet after tweet expressing shock and sadness, high-fashion websites suspending their usual hunt for news and fashion tip-offs to focus their energies on producing glorious tributes to the fashion legend and showcase images of his beautiful work. Alongside the likes of John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood, McQueen was one of the iconic forces of the British fashion industry- coming through the realms of fashion college, shows and beyond to seal his status as one of design's greats. His aesthetic was always slightly off the fashion consensus-either the themes, structure or texture of garments, some with almost couture-like quality, were considered totally McQueen - not worrying about making the garment 'trendy' so much as making it artistically and tecnically stunning. His shows at one point were also legendary - who can forget his show in 1998 where a model was spray-painted like a car on an assembly line, or the autumn/winter 2007 'witches of Salem' themed catwalk.

But as opposed to showmanship, it was tailoring at the core of McQueen's work. Trained as an apprentice on Savile Row, he was often credited by those in the know as 'technically brilliant'. Alongside his penchant for Scottish tartan and dark, moody Celtic themes, the clothes during his first few seasons had the gothic, glamorous look that could have jumped from an opulent painting.

Since the 1994 St Martin's graduate show, when Isabella Blow purchased his entire first collection, (earning the title of McQueen's 'discoverer' at the same time), the rebellious and imaginative designer had sought to use his technical skills alongside a sense of daring to push the boundaries of 'normal' catwalk fashion. His most recent example was in the 'McQueenadillo' 10 inch platform boots, worn by fashion doyenne Daphne Guinness, and the equally fashion rebellious Lady Gaga. The latter loved the shoes so much that she wore them in one of her videos, and her love of the avant-garde and her constant parade of millinery creations has prompted more than one comparison to the late Isabella Blow, who was a close friend of McQueen's.

But whether it's for the tartan, the gothic creations or the uber-shoes, McQueen will go down in fashion legend history as one of the most versatile and exciting designers to come through the British fashion circuit. The tragic ending of his life may have cut short our enjoyment and anticipation of his fabulous work, but we will always have the pleasure in what was created before.

London, Paris, New York, Milan: Alexander McQueen RIP.