boy und schwester

Birthday celebrations!

2010-04-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my birthday this year I am forgoing drinks for ice-cream. Super childish, age-denying ice-cream. I'm talking knickerbocker glories.

At the seriously swish, rather retro ice-cream parlour at Fortnum and Mason.

I am going to wear a dress that makes me feel like Grayson Perry and possibly even ankle socks.

ps - no vintage as generally they're all too close fitting for the amount of ice-cream I plan to consume

It's my birthday!

2010-04-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday today! Yay! Happy Birthday me!

I would like this please! Or a frosted brownie from Hummingbird Bakery. Since I work about 5 minutes away from the Soho branch, I know what's going to be on my plate at lunchtime... ;)

And no, don't ask how old I am!

More images from the vintage fashion photo shoot!

2010-04-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another image from the photo shoot, this time taken outdoors.

The dress actually belongs to my friend Charly, I gave her it for Christmas and she kindly lent it back to me for the shoot. Doesn't it look good? I'll put some photos up of Charly in it too when we went to the Grand Vintage Ball at the Rivoli Ballroom last year.

The photographer was Ray Morris-Hill and the model was Rai Quartley.

ps the bag's for sale too, it's on eBay here

pps - the Grand Vintage Ball is happening again! 8th May at the Rivoli Ballroom! Ooh, I want a ticket! More info here, under What We Do.

ppps - and there are a few other things ending on eBay today, check them out! :)

New stock: vintage shirt - silk, Italian and handmade

2010-04-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

I love this shirt. It's so beautiful. I'd keep it but I just don't need things this smart in my wardrobe any more.

The colours are perfect for this spring, totally on trend for the Celine shades of beige, camel and taupe trend beloved by Garance Dore et al. I think it would look great over capris with a pair of big heels. A vintage twist on the trend of the season.

I found the shirt in Glasgow and the girl I bought it from got it in Italy. It's handmade, or at least at hand finished and is silk. I think it could be as early as 1940s.

Happy bidding! Here's all the other stock available at the moment too.

ps - even my photo looks like Celine!

New stock: super sweet summer vintage dress

2010-04-17T02:00:00.000-07:00

This vintage dress is so lovely! I found it in South London earlier this year. It's around 1950s or 1960s. It's a white knit fabric, with contrasting pale cornflower blue strips and a belt. It has a matching cardigan/jacket, which makes it very useful. The hem has been turned up too, so if you're tall, there's another few inches it could be let down (I'm 5' 5").

On sale now on eBay! Happy bidding :)

Blogs of interest: The Girl Can't Help It Vintage Blog

2010-04-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

I prefer to put blogs up here that are starting out but I couldn't resist 'The Girl Can't Help It Vintage Blog.' Along side posts about vintage, there are some brilliant random finds. For example, check out handerpants...

Yup, that's handwarmers made to look like y-fronts. I kid you not. I think they might actually be real, they have a website and everything.

Full of treats like that!

The great stocking debate

2010-04-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I am a dedicated wearer of stockings at every opportunity.

In vintage clothing this presents no problem. But the reality is that I don't wear vintage daily and modern clothes reveal stockings/suspender belts much more easily. I spent all of yesterday terribly conscious that when the wind blew it revealed the outlines of my suspender belt.

Solution: Henry Holland for Pretty Polly. These are GENIUS. Ok, so I'm about 6 months late but I got pair of last seasons' Super Suspenders and the look like stockings but are dark tights! (That's the other problem with stockings, ever tried finding a pair thicker than 15 denier?!)

Problem: this seasons are much lower and potentially more visable under skirts. Great, if that's your look, not so great for the vintage lover.

Why didn't I buy more pairs at the time they were out?!

This seasons are available at lots of retailiers, including ASOS.

More vintage accessories!

2010-04-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

A lovely vintage handbag from the 1960s and a beautiful 1980s vintage belt.

I found them in South London this year. The bag is in very good nick and is a nice size, big enough to be useful (measurements are on the listing.) The belt is brilliant and if it was bigger, I'd be keeping it!

And here's a link to my other stock, more is being transferred from Etsy this week, as part of the ongoing Etsy/eBay.

More images from the vintage fashion photo shoot

2010-04-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's Rai wearing one of my favourite dresses, the 'Ike Dress.' I adore this dress - it's from my personal collection - but I've only worn it once as it's rather delicate. We went with a rather pin-up feel for this shot, with the little sailor hat too.

It's American (obviously) on printed cotton. I'm not 100% sure about the age, I feel 1950s.

The model was Rai Quartley and the photographer was Ray Morris-Hill.

Shoe storage ideas

2010-04-13T02:00:00.000-07:00

Loving these shoe storage ideas from one of my favourite blogs! I have soooo many shoes... they regularly spill out from under my bed in an attempt to take over my room!

I like the idea of displaying them on the wall. They certainly deserve it! Maybe just my favourite pairs on artfully arranged on a shelf with a vintage handbag or two? And a beautiful cut glass perfume bottle? I can dream ;)

Do you have many shoes? How many do you have? From memory, I've counted 32... how many is too many?!

ps - and none of them are vintage shoes, do you know how hard it is to find large vintage shoes?!

And a few vintage accessories...

2010-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the final few things that are already up and listed on eBay that finish on Monday. The vintage handbag is a little hard to date but it's around the 1960s I think. The vintage headband is much easier - clearly the 80s! Both are really fun! I hope whoever ends up with them enjoys using them.

Oh, and this shirt too! I nearly forgot it! :)

And here's the remainder of my stock :)

Fabulous vintage 70s maxi dress

2010-04-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love this dress and am slightly surprised it hasn't sold earlier. It's really lovely, a gentle cream colour, full length with slightly puffed sleeves and a high neck. Definitely 70s, it's a cracker of a vintage dress! Here it is on eBay, happy bidding!

And here's my other stock, if should wish to peruse it too!

Awesome vintage jackets

2010-04-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

Lots of stock on eBay at the moment. Here are a few of the jackets. Most of the auctions are ending on Monday but more stock is being put up today...

First images from the photo shoot...

2010-04-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons this week has been quiet on the blogging front is that I have been working on my first ever proper photo shoot!

Just for the photographers' and model's portfolios, we were able to have a lot of fun. I provided the vintage dresses and the styling, such as there was.

Here's the first image, as yet untouched, but looking great! I just love this dress.

Taken by Ray Morris-Hill, his website's got more of his work on. More photos to follow!

Blogs of interest: Small Town Vintage

2010-04-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

I often find vintage blogs can be a bit twee (hence the black background for my blog!) but I think Small Town Vintage has got a great balance. Not overly about vintage fashion itself, although the owner has an etsy shop, it has a nice selection of vintage things, food and her pets.

How cute is the picture! So spring like! And finally, apt for London! Woop woop!

And don't forget to check out my stock on eBay, there's lots of bargains to be had!

how I feel today

2010-04-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

How I feel today (for no real reason)

What might solve this (yup, that's the world's largest Easter egg!)

And, I have to prepare for the first ever photo shoot I'm styling for! Excited but nervous! Anyone got any tips?

And they're off!

2010-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

So, the election has been announced and the fashion race is on! SamCam v. Saran Brown. My money's on the Cams to win the war but Sarah Brown to fight a strong resistance. Just think of the Osman Yousefzada gown at the Elle Style Awards. One thing's for certain, it's going to make entertaining spectator sport!

Photo from The Daily Mail.

The great eBay trial

2010-04-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

Given that the majority of people reading this blog are British, I thought I'd try selling via eBay for a while, as Etsy just doesn't have the reputation yet in the UK.

So, I've transferred a selection of items to eBay (by hand I might add, what a fun Easter Monday!)

Now I shall watch with bated breath to see if more is sold this way...

Happy Easter lovely readers!

My stylish family - real vintage fashion

2010-04-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Sartorialist's vintage fashion photo series and My Mom, The Style Icon I thought I'd post a picture of my family.

Here's my grandfather, grandmother, aunt and mother (she's the youngest) walking along the prom in St Helier, Jersey in 1961. Look how swaggeringly cool my grandfather is! And glamorous my grandmother is. And how cute my aunt and mum are? Just look at those white ankle socks. And the handbag my mum is toting. It was the start of a life long love affair.

Vintage fashion from real life not fashion photographs.

Have you got any photos you like submitted? I might do a little series. The other side of my family deserves an airing too!

New stock: Vintage headband 80s velvet

2010-03-31T02:00:00.000-07:00

boy und schwester vintage brings you this fab vintage velvet 80s headband. You can't help but love it! It makes me smile every time I see it. And, it's only $10/£5. What more could you ask? :)

Available on boy und schwester's etsy shop here. And don't forget to check out our other stock! :)

What I'm wearing: Walter Sickert colours

2010-03-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

I posted last week about Walter Sickert's use of colour and here's an outfit inspired by his palette. The eagle eyed amongst you will recognise the necklace - I changed the cord for the ribbon to inject more colour.

Dress from H&M

Necklace Accessorize with ribbon from MacCulloch & Wallis

Tights M&S

Shoes Zara

I really want some teal and green-y greys to take this further. But I must resist, it's been an expensive month!

Under the weather :(

2010-03-29T04:21:00.000-07:00

I've been day dreaming about wearing some of my vintage dresses this week and I wish I looked like this today (another favourite Walter Sickert painting)

but in reality I am wearing old jeans and my brother's jumper and am developing a deep and meaningful relationship with my Kleenex.

New stock: beautiful summer vintage dress

2010-03-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous dress brought to you by boy und schwester vintage clothing! I found this little gem in South London a few weeks ago. It's in very good condition with no staining. It's white knit fabric with a gorgeous cornflower blue stripe running through it. There's a matching cardigan that's very cute and makes it very versatile. It's mid 1950s but is still a bargaineous $50/£25!

On sale here, at boy und schwester's vintage clothing shop on Etsy.

Blogs of interest: My Mom, the Style Icon

2010-03-26T02:36:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I come across a blog which makes me realise just how awesome they can be! On My Mom, the Style Icon readers submit images of their mums looking stylish. It's vintage fashion heaven! I can get lost in it for hours. Enjoy!

My current favourite - what a perfect photo.

It reminds me of the competition the Sartorialist is running to submit old photos of your family and he'll publish the best. Give it a go! Details under the Celine Book Contest post of 24 March, can't link to it directly, sorry.

Inspiration: Walter Sickert's Venetian palette

2010-03-25T02:47:00.000-07:00

Are you finding the weather hard to dress for too? I have this huge sense of spring coming. I want to wear bright colours, light fabrics and be outside but the weather swings from sunny to overcast to rainy to cold to sticky at the drop of the hat.

I'm finding solace in the colour palette transition. Beautiful tones of grey, blue and green but mixed with shots of gold and yellow. I love Walter Sickert's work, I hope you find his colouring inspiring too!

Photos from The Telegraph, Country Life and The Independent.

Etsy: the Etsy edit and random search terms

2010-03-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

Because the fine people of the UK are less familiar with the wonderfulness that is Etsy, I thought I'd do a series of posts on them to introduce it.

Etsy is a hand-made, vintage and supplies version of Ebay. It's based in America, hence all the prices are in $ but you can buy from the UK easily.

One of my favourite Etsy activities is 'the random search term browse.' For example, today I was eating raisins so I entered raisin and here is a selection of the incredibly, randomly brilliant stuff I found on Etsy...

Here's an American artist's amusing yet serious comment on the current situation of farmers in the US. On sale here.

Or how about a vintage 1940s raisin bran cereal box? Yup, a vintage cereal box. You gotta love the dedication.
This has to be a winner... a Sun-Maid raisins light switch cover!

And that's the genius of Etsy!

New stock: lovely cream handbag

2010-03-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

I do like this handbag. Sometimes you find small treasures where you least except them! I found this beauty in South London a few weeks ago. It's listed for $25 - that's about £12.50, so a bargain for a piece of late 1950s-1960s loveliness!

The rest of my stock can be seen here.

Vintage fashion dichotomy

2010-03-22T03:24:00.000-07:00

When I wear vintage clothing I am torn between two looks.

1. Bettie Page
Photo from moviestill.

2. Icy, covered up, composure.
Photo from My Vintage Vogue.

Resolution: it's all about what's underneath. Bettie has the answer for everything.
Photo from Threadless Tees.

ps - the film, The Notorious Betty Page, is brilliant. Full of the most amazing outfits, watch it!

Blogs of interest: Klswan

2010-03-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

So my very stylish and lovely flatmate Katie has just started her own blog, reviewing films. We're very 21st century and social media aware here!

It's a great blog and has round ups of films being released soon and reviews. Have a look!

And since I write a fashion blog, here she is, surprised this morning on her way to work! Katie would win the Olympic gold medal for stylish layering. And here's a great example.

Hotty McTotty spotting!

2010-03-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

I really don't think my 100 or so Twitter followers were excited enough about the fact the I saw David Gandy in the street on Monday.

Then I realised the name might not mean much so I thought I'd post a picture of him. He is the Dolce & Gabbana model.
Ok, I just could not resist posting this.

And to top it off, on Tuesday, the day after I saw Hotty McTotty number 1, I saw Hotty McTotty number 2, Dominic West in Soho! Dominic West of The Wire, 300 and The Devil's Whore. I am a lucky (and very happy) woman.

Oh, and they are both as attractive in real life.

Beyonce's yellow Telephone video dress

2010-03-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

So we've all watched Telephone by now and had a What the Gaga? moment at it's 10 minute length and general mind-boggling crazy fabulousness. There's been plenty of talk about the fashion it but I'm not sure the source of Beyonce's yellow dress has been much identified. Well, here it is, brought to you by boy und schwester! It's made by Atsuko Kudo, a couture latex designer, whose designs are regularly featured in high end fashion magazines.

If you want your own, it will only set you back £230. Not bad for a piece of music video and fashion history.

Vintage gold leather frame handbag with matching mirror and purse

2010-03-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

More new stock! Wow, I'm on fire this week! :)

Lovely vintage evening handbag in soft gold leather. It has a matching coin purse and a mirror, which is original.
On sale now for $18! Bargainaous! Click here to buy it.

Vintage bedroom ideas from vintage fashion photography

2010-03-16T06:04:00.001-07:00

Vintage Vanities and Old Hollywood Glamour, a post on the blog Love Your Place, has lots of inspiring vintage bedroom ideas.

Here are some defining features:
1. A striking, sculptural chair for your dressing table (or in my case, Argos desk...)

2. Plenty of mirrors, even mirrored furniture. Marks & Spencer has some nice examples that aren't too twee. They're in the sale too!

3. Stylish lighting, all the dressing tables have lamps. Investing in a statement lamp will transform the look. It's easy to pick up vintage lighting on Etsy and Ebay, just get them safety checked!

4. It's all about the careful accessorisation (is that even a word?) Silver backed hair brushes, beautiful perfume bottles and a very few casually strewn jewels.

Here are my favourite images.
Greta Garbo looking incredible in a beautiful 1930s bedroom. Note the mirror, lighting and accessorisation!

Beautiful lamp here, the stem is filled with fake flowers. And there's a mirrored bedside table.

Sculptural chair and lots of mirror!

And finally, it's not just a 21st century thing to have too many shoes!

New stock! Beautiful 80s belt

2010-03-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

New stock! Finally!

A small string of accessories will be put up over the next week and here's the first item, a lovely 80s belt. It's navy and beautiful. I wish it fitted me, but it's too small :( I hope someone out there fits it and can enjoy it! A bargain at $18.
Look at it here and the rest of it my shop here!

Brogues and braces

2010-03-13T00:55:00.000-08:00

I was feeling inspired by Kleidsam yesterday when I got dressed and so I whipped out my brogues and men's trousers and wore one of my favourite looks 'girls in classic men's clothing.' You can just about see the braces too, which I'd not worn before. I love them! So pleased I finally wore them.

At my mother's house, with a suitable back drop for brogues and braces.

Blogs of interest: Kleidsam

2010-03-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this blog via, erm, I'm not sure... either What You Wore (the reader's part of What Katie Wore) or another German blog. I've been reading a few as practice to improve my German. I figure German fashion blogs are legitimate practice!

His blog Kleidsam is in English though and features Dennis, an extremely dapper guy from Hessen. I love what he wears: classic gentleman, brought up to date. It reminds me of a more conservative What's James Wearing? That's another favourite man's style blog!
Love the flash of orange and double jackets. So well brought together.
Brown check on brown check with blue check? Click for a bigger image to see it better. It's serious pattern matching. Masterful!

It's all in the details - like the cuff turned up on these jeans.
And the purple and brown. A favourite of combination of mine!

1950s dress with incredible strip skirt

2010-03-11T01:48:00.000-08:00

Photo from MyVintageVogue.com
This dress is incredible. It looks so modern yet it's old. Does anyone know anything more about it? It reminds me of Prada Autumn/Winter 2009.
Photo from Style.com
I think the idea would lend itself very easily to a DIY project. You could even just buy a leather pencil skirt and slice it up. Simple.

Alexander McQueen's last collection

2010-03-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

The last collection Alexander McQueen ever created was shown yesterday. It's unbelievably beautiful, like all his work. I think everyone feels a little like McQueen's clothing speaks to them, but this one feels very personal to me. He combined my love of the medieval world with his beautiful clothes.

Click here for full size shots from Style.com

Look 13 is my favourite, if I had to pick just one.

More vintage interiors...

2010-03-09T02:43:00.000-08:00

I thought the last post I wrote on vintage interiors was fairly rubbish to be honest! I surprised anyone read it at all! So here's a better one...

I don't know about you, but it can be easy to get into the habit of thinking the past was always nostalgic and twee. For example, the imagined 1950s often look this:
When in reality, it was a decade with as much cutting edge design as now. The Royal Festival Hall was built in 1951 for the Festival of Britain (note that the shell centre hasn't even been built yet!)
The 1950s also gave us numerous awesome pieces of Ercol furniture. These tables were designed in 1956.
Funnily enough, these tables are still on sale at the Royal Festival Hall, at their shop on Festival Terrace. I'm lucky enough to have a couple of my own Ercol chairs - the spindel back kind.

This reminds me of the modern Bang and Olufsen phone shaped like this.

A really great place to get vintage interior style ideas is from vintage fashion photography. A great way to combine two passions - vintage fashion and vintage interior design! Here are a selection from My Vintage Vogue, a website with a brilliant selection of vintage fashion photographs.

Vintage fashion photographs all from My Vintage Vogue.

Now you can lust over vintage clothes and vintage interior design!

An incredibly well dressed Oscars 2010

2010-03-08T01:41:00.000-08:00

The world and his wife will be blogging about Oscar dresses today but who cares!

My hands down favourite was Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Couture. Kudos for wearing something a little different on the red carpet that was unusual, up-to-date and a beautiful colour. She looked incredible. I'm sad that not everyone else agrees. Photo from Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

I loved Vera Farmiga's use of colour. Her Marchesa dress is stunning. It could have drowned some people but she looks so composed in it. Oh, for an ounce of that poise! Photo from the LA Times, who also have a lovely selection of photos of the dresses.

Anna Kendrick, co-star of Vera Farmiga from Up in the Air, also looked lovely in Elie Saab. Romantic and soft without being frilly and girly. I love her hair too. Photo from My Fashion Life.

Yay for Tina Fey! She looks hot in Michael Korrs! Proving clever, funny women are attractive and stylish! Modern feminism at work?! Photo from My Fashion Life.

Kate Winselt simply glowed last night in Yves Saint Laurent. Photo from LA Times.

She's my age so I can't really say she looks sweet, but Carey Mulligan does look so excited to be at the Oscars! I like her Prada dress a lot but don't love it. More colour perhaps? The sequin details are little scissors and other fun things. Photo from the LA Times.

One of the best dressed on the red carpet was Meryl Streep in Chris March, she looks modern and stunning. Photo from LA Times.

Maggie Gyllenhaal also looked great. A lovely use of print and colour. She looked modern and un-princessy, which so many others went for. Isn't this picture of her and her brother Jake lovely? Photo from The Telegraph.

Kirsten Stewart looked the best I have ever seen her on the red carpet in Monique Lhullier. I think it's mainly because she's smiling! Some earrings would have made it perfect though.
Photo from The Telegraph.

And wait for this one, Miley Cyrus looked nice. A little orange perhaps, but what a lovely dress from Jenny Packham.
Photo from The Telegraph.

I really like the thought that went into Robert Downey Jr.'s teal bow tie. None of the men on the red carpet were going to do a 'What James Wore?' but I like this bit of interest. Apparently it matches the colour of his wife's dress but you can't really tell that from this photo. Photo from the LA Times.

But, for interest, just note the difference in how the bow tie sits in the shirt collar in these photos of Robert Downey Jr and Tom Ford... Photo from the BBC.

Tom Ford - the manifestation of perfection in detail. And don't you love the leather white rose? The details make the man.

Very expensive trousers similar to cheap ones I have for sale...

2010-03-06T04:04:00.000-08:00

Ha ha, a totally blatant bit of self-advertising, for which I make no apologies, but how similar are these £300 trousers from Liberty to the red harem/peg ones I have on sale?!

Best of all mine are only £18 including postage! I've even shown you a good way to wear them. And you can guarantee that no-one else will have them, as they're vintage. You also get to say something along the lines of 'oh, I discovered them at this darling little vintage shop online... oh no, I couldn't possibly give you the name, best kept secrets and all that.'

ps - please actually tell them the name! :)

Blogs of interest: TokyoFashion.com

2010-03-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

TokyoFashion.com

It's only in part a blog, but you can subscribe to the key section, which is the brilliant collection of street fashion photos of what people are wearing in Tokyo. I think street fashion photos are my favourite kind of blog. Is it the nosiness? Who knows?! But it's great!

Here are some favourites...
I just love what this guy is wearing! On the website, there's a close up which shows that the trim on his jumper is gold tassels. Brilliant! Or what about these girls? I can't even begin to describe their look. Maybe a sort of 90s sportswear crossed with 80s colour and 'ghetto' chic?! Maybe. And wait until you see the nails... Ok, so I sound like your mum, but how on earth do you do anything with those nails? I can guarantee you that she doesn't use a computer for a living.

I love the Edwardian school girl vibe going on here. One thing's for certain, there's no mistaking historical or childhood references in Japanese fashion. And this has a really sweet vintage vibe, which could be seen anywhere, but is perhaps cutsier than elsewhere? Interestingly, it's all modern. And finally this look. Check out her nails on the website. Beautiful. Very Indian looking.

Vintage fashion

2010-03-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed from my posting, while I proclaim a love for vintage clothing, I don't wear vast amounts of it on a day-to-day basis. Most of the time it's just vintage jewellery or vintage accessories.

There are number of reasons for this.

1. I'm not into rockabilly or anything similar and don't like feeling as if I am an extra in a period film.

2. I don't have the lifestyle requirements to wear my favourite vintage dresses, which are all smart and tailored. I walk to work and can wear jeans. If I tottered about every day in heels and a wiggle skirt, I'd look stupid.

3. I like to look modern and fresh at the same time as wearing vintage clothing. Here's a perfect example of what I mean:

Photo from the Style Scout.

This girl's complete outfit is vintage. Yup, even the trousers. Yet because she's combined up-to-date colours (the pink is very this season) with an interesting variety of silhouettes, she looks incredibly modern. An inspiration to us all, especially if we want to wear vintage clothing but not look like we're about to take our pinny off to freshen up before our hard-working husband's get home from a long day at the office.

Having said that, I do wear older vintage clothing but it does tend to be saved for more special occasions. I'll post pictures separately.

Tom Binns and Alice in Wonderland

2010-03-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

How I love Tom Binns! I would adore any of his jewellery - see my earlier post on him too. I just love the colour and the size of it. I've never actually got my sticky little paws on any of it, but it must be amazing to handle too, all those layers and textures. Heaven.

Naturally, this leaves me very excited to hear about the collaboration between Tom Binns and the new Alice in Wonderland film. The news came out about it some time ago and the pieces will be sold in Selfridges' Wonder Room, where they have a dedicated Alice in Wonderland section. He's designed 40 pieces, working around five key areas and characters of the story: the White Queen, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, the Tea Party and the Cheshire Cat. The creative process was so inspiring that he told Vogue UK 'I could have easily made 200' pieces.' What a shame he didn't!

The Smashing Time necklace is brilliant but it's pipped to the post by my favourite the Long Keyhole necklace.

The Smashing Time necklace

Long Keyhole necklace
Photos from Vogue.

You can see more of Tom Binns' collection here and more of what's on offer in the Alice in Wonderland special section of Selfridges' Wonder Room here.  Everyone from Stella McCartney to Alice Temperly to Bebaroque have contributed something.

Vintage interiors - living the whole life?

2010-03-02T03:14:00.000-08:00

Vintage style doesn't just have involve clothing, interior design is another area where a vintage look is increasingly popular. See my lovely friend's blog room envy for her advice on the trend.

I say vintage because I don't want to conjure up ideas of staid old house full of antiques but something that feels much younger and modern. Currently this is inspiration rather than reality, as I rent, but here's some ideas for vintage bedroom inspirations and a small peek into my bedroom.

Hammershoi is one of my favourite artists and I love his vintage interiors. So calm and full of light. The furniture is all really strong, with a very clear design asthetic. It's one of my favourite periods for design across the board - furniture, art, clothing.
I love the yellow curtain here, just a perfect pop of colour in the room. And that sofa is incredible. It's featured in several of his paintings, as is the white chair with that beautiful back. (There are enlarged images if you click on them, the bottom one comes up especially well, even the drawings propped on the desk are visable.)

I love this vintage bedroom from the Rug Company for one of their adverts. In my memory it was far more yellow and warm. I love that my mind clearly noticed the colour of the dress the girl in the portrait is wearing and fixated on that... obessessed? Me? Never!
The mix of periods here is done really well. I'm fairly certain the furniture is Victorian, the portrait is 1930s from the look of the dress but the stool and rug are moden. I actually have an 1840s maghony chest of drawers sitting in the garage at my mum's house. I found it in a thrift shop for £40. It's heavenly and just needs French polishing to be perfect again. A perfect example of acheiving a vintage bedroom without sucumming to the paint peeling look which is definitely getting a bit tired now! Ha ha, no pun intended!

And now for pictures of my room - they're not amazing, it's really hard photographing rooms well. I have much more respect for interiors photographers now!
A mixture of vintage and modern! A pale blue Roberts Revival Radio, blue sheets from Cologne and Cotton (worth the money, I've had them 5 years and they look exactly the same as when I bought them)and turn of the century painting. Complete with copy of Love - I have the Lara edition. I'm not the most massive fan of the fluffy lampshade anymore, but it was free when I was a student and I haven't changed it yet.

The painting is probably one of my favourite possessions. Here's a close up:
It's of a vase of wysteria blooms, which is one of my favourite plants, and was painted in 1902 by M. E. Leader. I know that she's a woman but that's about it. If anyone knows anything else, do let me know! I love the tones, it reminds me of Hammershoi.

Finally, I have piles and piles of photos and trinkets displayed on my chest of drawers (yup, two, because I have too many clothes!)
A bit cluttered perhaps but I think it's looks better in real life. The dish on the lower chest is a Murano glass ash-tray that my grandmother gave me from when she visited in the 1950s. There are also bits and pieces from my travels - a fan from China, a vintage picture on bronze from Berlin, a postcard of Texas (I used to live there.) And lots and lots of photos of my family!

Saturday night and I feel the air is getting hot...

2010-03-01T02:13:00.000-08:00

A little post about what I wore on Saturday night for the RAAAAVE I attended. Seriously, if you'd told my geeky 16 year old self that I would ever end up going to a rave I would have laughed in your face. But there you go, even the most studious of us can end up raving.

My fashion memories of raves are limited but specific. Mainly the few girls at school who thought it was cool to turn up in their raver gear straight from a night out and wear it for the school day. The looked like this:
Except considerably rougher by lunchtime the following day and even more stupid, given that the sixth form dress code was 'work experience.' Nothing like fluro furry boots to make you stick out in a room full of Next suits.

I am not fully into the 'scene' - you know what I mean! - and despite habouring a childish love of tutus, I drew the line at wearing one. Here's what I wore for pre-Rave drinking.

Looking grumpy in the full length shot... don't know why! I shouldn't be, as it's a little outfit tribute to Alexander McQueen. The shoes are the only thing I own that's McQueen. I bought them years ago, in a sale for £35. Yup, £35. I love them. I just wish they weren't pale pink suede so I could wear them more. But hey, they'll be perfect for this summer's pastel trend!

The top and leggings are from Topshop, the jacket H&M, the shoes Alexander McQueen (I think it might be a competition with myself to see how many times I can say I own Alexander McQueen shoes in one post), jewellery - vintage jade necklace that belonged to my Great Aunt Peg, Accessorise charm necklace with a stone added that my mum brought back from Australia when she was 15 and my favourite SE1 leather bracelet from East Berlin.

More photos on Picassa here.

Given my fear of the Alexander McQueen's getting damaged and the fact they're 6 inches high, I changed before we actually headed out.

Don't you love the eyelashes? I had such fun with them! I changed into M&S hot pink tights, H&M shorts and white trainers. Oh, and stacks of fluro jewellery including shag bands. Do you remember them?!

A big thanks to my lovely friend Chris for taking the photos of the outfit before we left, they're the best quality I've had yet! And to Emma, for allowing me to use her photos of me out. I must remember my own camera...

If I wasn't selling it, I might have worn this out too. Check out the shop for similar things!

Blogs of interest: The Fashion Forecast

2010-02-27T02:45:00.000-08:00

Another blog I'm enjoying is The Fashion Forecast by Hanna Heichler (the address is actually hannaheichler.blogspot.com.)

It's a fun fashion blog with lots of news and updates. Chanel's Particulière nail varnish? It's back in Selfridges! It's on Fashion Forecast and there's even Selfridges telephone number on there to help you get it!

Another great story is that Erin O'Conner is the new face of Hovis. Yup, the face of a loaf of bread. Actually, more truthfully, Hovis are supporting a sandwich designed to feed models healthly over fashion week at The Model Sanctury, which Erin set up. The full story's here. She also recommended Miss Kitty Litter Vintage, which I will second, for it's thoroughly awesome name!!! It's got a nice selection of vintage and is in it's early days so have a look and support it. I love this brooch - such a shame it's gone! It was perfect too - really big, about 12cm long. I would have loved wearing it.

Zoolander film (and a small-ish rant...)

2010-02-26T01:58:00.001-08:00

I love Zoolander. I think it's healthy to appreciate it, it shows you're aware of fashion's occasional (ha ha) vapidity... A new Zoolander film is in the pipeline and is currently being researched at Paris Fashion week. The director is Justin Theroux, who is attending Paris Fashion Week to "immerse himself on what is current in fashion."

What do you think Zoolander might include? And do you think they can top Magnum?
I mean, I know it will be difficult to top the staggering and unique beauty of Magnum, but they can at least try.

Perhaps the new Zoolander will deal with the curvy debate which is still causing waves? Or what about the tiny proportion of models who aren't white? Only 16% percent of models who walked in New York Fashion week weren't white. 16%! At least it's better than 2007 when apparently almost no models were white.

And while we're on the issue, why hasn't Vogue Italia's launch of Vogue Curvy and Vogue Black caused more of a stir?

I'm trying to work out why they thought this was a good idea. I mean, is there anyone else who's either curvy (i.e. not a size 4) or not-white slightly offended at the singling out going by Vogue Italia? Why on earth are there separate websites for (please read this with very much sarcastic quotation marks) 'fat' people and anyone who's not white but still interested in fashion? It's as if they're putting a giant label on you that says 'you're not quite right for the main stream but we recognise you have money to spend so we'll court you anyway.' It's insulting.

It feels as if anyone who isn't size 4 and white has to be singled out and given special treatment. Why aren't people more up in arms about this? Seriously, their quotation about Crystal Renn is 'When charm is at the top, size doesn't matter.' Are they really trotting out that old chestnut that personality makes up for a big bum? Because that's what it sounds like they are saying to me. 'She's an interesting person, so we'll forgive the fact that she's not super skinny.' Come off it!

Crystal Renn looking HOT HOT HOT for V magazine in an issue not dedicated to size - yup, she's in an ordinary, 'we're-not-making-a-big-deal-out-of-the-size-thing' photo shoot. Shock horror.

And as far as I can tell, the blogs on the matter seem to be happy about it. Why?! Why aren't they integrating curvier and non-white models into their mainstream website? Now that would be revolutionary.

ps - comments would be appreciated, I feel I could write much more about this!

pps - the free shipping offer runs out on Sunday so get in there and buy!

My favourite Sartorialist photo ever?

2010-02-25T02:45:00.000-08:00

Photo from The Sartorialist (sorry, hope he doesn't mind!)

I adore this photograph. I think it comes close to absolute perfection. My favourite from The Sartorialist so far (although to be fair, I haven't gone through all of the archives yet, I save them for treat days!)

The lighting in this is just so, so good. The colour, the pose, the clothes, the lighting and the back ground remind me of vintage fashion photography. Maybe 1950s or early 1960s. Yet it looks totally modern and fresh.

Genius at work.

ps - I saw Scott Schuman and Garance Dore the other day in Berkeley Square. They look every bit as gorgeous and put together in real life. It made my week. I'm not kidding.

A little bit of what I'm wearing...

2010-02-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

For some reason I was immensely pleased with yesterday's outfit. I think mainly because it was a day I wasn't doing anything and could have got away with zero effort - i.e. an old t-shirt and jeans. Somehow the whole thing just came together really easily. It was very comfortable but felt rather effortless and chic - or would have done if the shirt was ironed. I really need to buy an ironing board.

A Reiss jacket on sale about 6 years ago, H&M blue grandad collar shirt (btw, who else is massively excited that H&M will be selling online soon?!), Accessorize flower necklace on sale, Zara jeans, my current Converse trainers and some Cath Kidson red fingerless gloves (they don't stock them anymore, but I found these ones on Etsy which I love.)

The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that's none of it is vintage... that's right, I love and sell vintage clothing but don't wear it all the time. Shock horror! Well, I don't wear vintage all the time, and I'm not ashmamed of it! It's something I intergrate into my wardrobe but it's not a way of life or dressing. More on this subject anon, for there is plenty to say.

The gloves were a final touch, I liked the extra shot of colour they added. I wore them all day - they're brilliant, on a string, like children's gloves. Very useful for sitting at a cold computer when your blogging!

Thanks to my lovely flatmate for taking the photos.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the shop, the free shipping promotion only lasts until the end of February! That's Sunday!

Another day, another red carpet event: Elle Style Awards 2010

2010-02-23T01:54:00.000-08:00

More loveliness on the red carpet last night. Here's my pick of the best...

Naomi Campbell looked stunning in Alexander McQueen. But then, so has everyone who's worn this collection. Remember Anna Paquin at the SAG awards? Or Daphne Guiness in those armadillo shoes? Crazy but hot. Photo from The Fashion Time Magazine.

I thought Dannii Mingoue looked lovely in her yellow dress, from Australian designer Lisa Ho. Photo from The Fashion Time Magazine.

It pains me to say it, because I love the outfit, but I thought that Carey Mulligan misplayed last night. Her look was far too daytime. It's still beautiful though!

Photo from The Huffington Post.

Having said that Carey Mulligan was too daytime, I still love Erin O'Conner's choice for the evening. She looks very British and cool. Photo from The Huffington Post.

Likewise Nicola Roberts, who also looked great. I love the colour and I even like the shoes, which haven't gone down so well everywhere else. Photo from The Fashion Time Magazine.

I love Paloma Faith's outfit! I wish I could find a better photograph of it but just look at that hat!!! Genius! I would love to know who/what she's wearing. Anyone know? Photo from The Huffington Post.

Also, Sarah Brown, who is probably the only good thing about the current government, looked lovely last night. I really like that she has come out of the wood work and is revealing her stylish side. There's not enough fashion in politics. Power and glamour don't mix yet, whatever this month's Vogue argued (I'll scan the article in tomorrow.)
Photo from The Daily Mail.

And finally, will someone please feed Alexa Chung? What's happened to her? She looks like skin and bone! And why has no-one else commented on this yet?! Photo from imnotobsessed.com.

As ever, the best round up is on Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

Bafta loveliness!

2010-02-22T01:51:00.000-08:00

I thought the Bafta outfits were generally superb. There were some really great dresses but here are the people who stood out for me...

Again, I really liked Edith Bowman's dress. She often gets a lot of stick for the way she dresses, but I really like her style. I think she looked gorgeous last night, something a bit different and very modern. Not everyone is keen on her hair but I like it up and pulled back from the dress.

Pictures from Zimbio.

Best actress winner Carey Mulligan also looked amazing. The dress was perfect for her. Quirky and interesting without being weird or too out there. Such a hard line to walk but she does it so well. Vionnet is a really interesting brand. Originally run by Madame Vionnet from 1912 it's been refounded more recently. She was known as the Queen of Bias and vintage dresses of her's sell for thousands of pounds.

Picture from Cosmopolitan.

Finally, a word for Romola Garai, who looked fabulous in Erdem. I loved their last collection and have been pleased to see a fair amount of it on the red carpet. I do wish she'd worn a different colour of shoes though. Maybe a blue to pick up the dress. Otherwise, lovely!

Picture from Cosmopolitan.

And of course, for the best round up as ever, Red Carpet Fashion Awards has all the info. And doesn't the lady behind it look stunning herself?

How much do I wish I was in Berlin next week!

2010-02-19T03:03:00.000-08:00

Florence + the Machine, who I have listened to almost too much, are having a free after show party after their gig in Berlin next Friday. How jealous am I?!? One, of anyone in Berlin generally and two, of the afterparty!
Fingers crossed when I'm in living in Berlin later this year there are equally ace things going on.

Blogs of interest: Matisse Forman

2010-02-18T03:43:00.000-08:00

I thought I might start a weekly feature on interesting vintage fashion blogs I come across.  For the first one, it's an Australian blog called matisseforman.blogspot.com.

Matisse Forman is a model and stylist based in Brisbane who together with a creative team express their 'passion of creating beautiful images that are visually delicious through fashion, art and photography.'  And they certainly are lovely images!  Mainly using vintage clothing, they create images with a slightly dreamy, nostalgic flavour that are saturated with colour, keeping them modern and fresh.  One to watch in my book!

A few favourite images...

How beautiful is this image! I love the hair and flowers. It reminds me of Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2008 'candyfloss hair.'

The smoke in this picture is just so atmospheric.  I'm not encouraging you to smoke now mind you!

The Brit Awards 2010

2010-02-17T04:10:00.000-08:00

Hmm, a little disappointed with the red carpet looks at the Brits. What do you think?

Lady Gaga looked brilliantly crazy as ever. I loved the tier dress she wore on the way in but her lace cat suit definitely stole the show. The detailing on the mask was exquisite. Even the lace above her eyes juts out. Such attention to detail!
Photo from CBS.

Other people's outfits I really liked: Edith Bowman, Courtney Love, Florence Welch in Roksanda Ilincic and Katherine Jenkins in Alexander McQueen (which incidently, she's worn before.) Not many from such a big night. I can't seem to find any photos of them to put up here, but they are all on Vogue, so have a look there!

Update: Apparently Lady Gaga's headress is Philip Treacy.

Vintage adverts

2010-02-16T02:06:00.000-08:00

So this isn't strictly vintage fashion related but it's vintage related and made me laugh!

This is my favourite vintage advert from a great post on PBH3. I rather think that buying the wrong coffee may end up being quite good fun! ;)

Picture from PBH3. Check out their post for more great adverts.

Winter Olympics Ice Skating costumes

2010-02-15T02:04:00.000-08:00

Have I told you that I ice skate? Not well mind you, but I have just passed my Level Three ice skating test. Ooh, get me, I could be at the next Winter Olympics! Not!

I love the sport - I love the glamour, the glitz, the lycra, the sequins, the costumes, the dancing. All of it! Blades of Glory has to be one of my favourite films. It's also the reason I took up ice skating. Much more so than anything like White Boots or that Tiffany advert where the couple are ice skating in dinner dress at the Rockefeller Centre.

So naturally I am extremely excited to get to watch the Winter Olympics and the skating competitions. There should be some extremely good costume moments. Will Jonny Weir wear fur again? Maybe not after the whirlwind of controvesy last time! He's staying in the Olympic Village because of the number of threats made against him. What do you think? Are you pro or anti-fur?

The offending costume - and an alternative view point

Evan Lysacek is wearing Vera Wang!  Did you know that she used to be a figure skater too?  And a really good one, she nearly made nationals.  You see, fashion is everywhere!

What the Gaga?

2010-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm coining a new phrase: 'what the GaGa?'

It's to describe an outfit so bafflingly brilliant that either Lady GaGa wore it or someone else is taking their inspiration from her. Rightly so.

It was inspired by a comment on Red Carpet Fashion Awards, which I thought said 'What the GaGa?' but after searching every blog I read for the post, actually just said 'What the...'. So I claim full creative ownership!

Now get out there and start using it! Here are some of the best Lady GaGa outfits to get you inspired...

I would love to know what the Queen thought of this!

Only closer inspection, I'm not entirely sure this isn't actually Lady GaGa's hair that's been made into a hat... does anyone know?

How awesome is this china doll look? I love the touches that bring out the story.

Keeping warm with a vintage vibe!

2010-02-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Oooh, it feels so different writing this knowing that even a very few people might read it! Say hello and tell me what you think :D

I thought I'd have a little 'show and tell' session about what I've been wearing over the past few weeks as it's been so bitterly cold. I do find it really hard to look like I'm wearing something interesting when it's bundled up under a coat!  Have you tried looking cool trudging through the snow in wellies or walking boots?!  I have no idea how all these people photographed in places like Stockholm go about with so few clothes on.  Now I sound like my mum.

I love this outfit and I never thought I'd say that about any outfit that involves a parka!

Ancient wellies, H&M socks, M&S tights, Massimo Dutti shorts, Zara shirt, Gap parka and vintage jewellery.

I love this outfit so much! This hat makes anything cool. I picked up the shirt at a market in Glasgow last time I was there. Poser? Me? Nooooo!
Massimo Dutti shorts, M&S boots (from their first ever Limited Collection), Accesorize broach, Max Mara hat, my great-uncle Paul's ring and vintage shirt from Glasgow.

I love wearing trench coats, I'm just getting into them. I like wearing so it looks like you've got nothing on underneath except, perhaps, some hot underwear. Obviously here I'm wearing more.
Massimo Dutti trench and shorts, Accessorize outlet top, Oasis cardigan, my boss's old James Smith & Sons umbrella (they're awesome, check them out!), a lizard skin Mapin & Webb vintage handbag, my dad's old Burberry cap and my mum's old Liberty print scarf. And my super attractive walking boots. When you walk to work in the snow, they are a necessity.

So, the slight theme in what I'm wearing at the moment is looking like a member of the Bloomsbury set - I'm going for happy Virgina Woolf. Can you tell?
Shoes LK Bennett, trousers charity shop that I altered, belt Max Mara, shirt Zara, coat with fur collar detached Episode, 1920s necklace from my mum and locket was a present I got when I was born. Oh, and the ring is my great-uncle Paul's again.

Hope you enjoy! What are you wearing at the moment? I want to do features on friends and readers so do email to tell me!

Susie Bubble wears the Etsy seller I posted about!

2010-02-09T01:36:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely readers! And now I know I have some, thanks to google analytics - hello people from Finland, Norway, the US and India - gosh, you're a lovely international bunch! Thanks so much for reading this :) Say hello in the comments, I promise I won't bite!

Just a little post today to say that Susie Bubble, author of style bubble, one of the UKs most famous fashion blogs, has done a post where she's wearing the necklaces of an Etsy seller called Giia that I posted about too. I didn't buy any as I have no money, but see, they are great pieces! Other people agree!

Apparently Giia is an Etsy favourite, so maybe that's why I came across it. I can't remember where I did now. Anyway, here's a picture of Susie Bubble looking lovely wearing several of the pieces...

(The photo is obviously from style bubble...)

Superbowl Sunday!!!

2010-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last night we celebrated Superbowl Sunday in style at Bodeans and watched Saints pull off an amazing victory! Geaux Saints! Fashion and football aren't two things you'd normally put together (although I do wish more men would wear American football trousers - they do very good things to the wearer's bum!) but when Rhianna peforms pre-match, you know the two will combine.

[Let us politely ignore Carrie Underwood's outfit.]

What an awesome outfit from Rhianna though! It will be controversial no doubt, but you have to give it to here - she's got some balls. Nothing about this outfit should work but she still looks good. In a fierce, hot way.

I love that she wore white shoes with ankle straps to pick up on the white banding on the body suit. Perfect touch.

It's a Victoria's Secret cat suit - image and reference from Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

Fashion timing

2010-02-03T03:35:00.000-08:00

Remember I posted about the fashion quandry I was in thanks to having to sport a backpack for my German lessons?

Well, look what was in Vogue's Spring/Summer 2010 runway report as the accessory of the season.  Backpacks.  Yup, you guessed.

That's me, always ahead of the fashion trends.  And interpretting them in a vintage fashion way with my classic vintage Jansport.  Is mid-1990s old enough to be retro vintage though?  I hope so!

Although I fancy a bit of the Ashish paint splatter back pack.  Maybe I could do a home project with tipex for geek-chic?

New stock

2010-01-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

Ooh, I'm excited about the new stock we have in! And, not only that, we have better photos of the old stock. Can't ask for more than that.

Red harem trousers

Spotty red shirt 

Remember I made the What Katie Wore t-shirt? Here it is again! Multi-coloured blazer

Awesome 80s blazer

Green 80s jacket 

Acorn jumper 

 Denim shirt

Mustard shirt (on a side note, I don't know how many of you will remember the last time wide leg trousers were cool, but these grey ones are from them.)

 I'm not exactly fond of this photo of myself, however, I do love the trousers.

 Mustard coat 

Yup, those are Alexander McQueen heels.  They're NOT for sale.  The almost equally awesome cardigan is.

 Getting inspired by the latest Prada and Celine campaigns with headless models.  A lovely 40s silk shirt.

 A lovely 70s/early 80s shirt.

Sage advice on finding a man

2010-01-15T02:34:00.000-08:00

Models are known for their pearls of wisdom (see Kate Moss's recent wise words on 'nothing tastes as good as skinny') but here's my personal favourite.

LOVE magazine asked Ana-Beatriz, a Victoria's Secret model, on her tip for finding a man in 2010.

The answer: walk down the street in a white bikini and heels - 'it can work wonders!'

A philosopher for the modern age indeed.

Yesterday's outfit tribute to What Katie Wore

2010-01-14T02:51:00.000-08:00

Having been overwhelmingly excited about appearing on What Katie Wore, I decided I should express my love for their blog and my gratefulness with a little project for a celebratory outfit.

I've been wanting to do something along these lines for ages (look out for similar for sale soon) and this felt like a good time to start.

Off I trotted to buy spray paint and a plain, very large man's t-shirt and here is the result! (I can put up a little tutorial if anyone is interested in making their own I heart NYC etc spray paint t-shirt?)

Here's me wearing it - you can't tell from the photo but my leggings are some awesome lace H&M leggings which are far too see-through for standard day-wear, worn over another pair of leggings, great texture. With wellies for the snow and a little half length zip jersey jacket thing, also from H&M.

Sorry about the picture quality, I'm having camera issues at the moment.

Bye!

I AM ON WHAT KATIE WORE!

2010-01-12T02:18:00.000-08:00

Massively exciting news is now revealed! I am featured on What Katie Wore! In their 'What You Wore:The Second Installment' section!

How exciting! I've loved their blog since it started, in fact it was one of the few I read before I needed to start reading blogs for the business. It's awesome, check it out and check out me on it to!

And just look how much press they've had - Grazia, Sunday Times, Independent, Telegraph, Guardian, Times, ASOS, My, The Scotsman - to name not even half of it!

Amazing! It's made my year I think!

Oh, and here's the outfit I wore:

I wanted pink tights for it but I don't own any. I've now found the perfect ones in Accessorize (more of a cerise than hot pink in the end) so I may re-post it when I have a chance.

Want to win a prize?

2010-01-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

The first completely random person (i.e. not a relative or friend) who decides to follow my blog will be awarded a prize.

I don't know what it will be yet but I will decide when I get one.

Got plenty of time then.

UPDATE:  Maybe a I <3 WKW (what katie wore) t-shirt, as I hope a few people may stumble across this blog because of me being on it!

Things we're loving

2010-01-10T02:51:00.000-08:00

We're love-love-loving the new Alicia Keys song about New York.  It's so dramatic and glamerous and full of possibilities. We love New York, we love this song.

Because we also LOVE London, here's an awesome song, equal but very different, expressing that very emotion.

 

It came out by last year and is by Crystal Fighters, who should be huge this year.

Enjoy.

Oooh, an Etsy seller I really like!

2010-01-08T05:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Etsy stuff can be a little twee but this stuff is amazing!

Giia is a great shop and it's full of the kind of fabulous things that make you wonder why the person making them isn't more famous.  Oh, and it makes you wish that people were braver and wore that kind of thing more often!

Some favourites...

Seriously exciting news...

2010-01-08T04:15:00.000-08:00

...which I'm not sure I can reveal yet (just deleted my facebook status and managed to restrain my instant twitter impluse) but am ludicrously happy and will get to share it next week!

Am going to go off on Cloud 9 for the rest of the week!

I want

2010-01-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

The Olympia Le Tan book clutch soooooooooooo much.  How totally, amazingly awesome are they???

Steps to get one:

A.  earn/win another £1000 - ACTION:  bought lottery ticket and debating crash diet so I can become a stripper

B.  work out how to make one myself - ACTION:  day dream on bus and several hours research on vintage book covers.

Likelihood of either succeeding - slim to none.

Her website is here, and the photos are from these two lovely blogs - left, right.

BREAKING NEWS - DRINKING DOESN'T GIVE YOU WRINKLES

2009-12-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

My lovely friend from NYC has sent extremely reassuring news.  Apparently her dermatologist, who is well respected, has said that drinking doesn't lead to wrinkles!

Smoking's the arch-enenmy of your skin so to be gorgeous and wrinkle free, lay off the cigarettes!  But bring on the booooooze! 

Things I'm loving

2009-12-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Type a random word into your iTunes library and see what comes up.  My favourite playlist at the moment comes up when you type in 'street'.  I was searching for StreetHero (see earlier post) and iTunes gave me this beauty!

Backstreet Boys (admiting publically I possess their music - thank goodness no one reads this)

Dancing in the Street, Martha and the Vandellas

The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy), Simon & Garfunkel

Brooklyn Boys, StreetHero

End of the World, StreetHero

Black Girls and Jesus, StreetHero,

Momental (sic), StreetHero

14th Street, Rufus Wainwright

Street Fighting Man, Rolling Stones

We Love The Disco Sound, Streetlife DJs

Street Fightign Man, RATM

Down on the Street, RATM

The Sunny Side of The Street, Tommy Dorsey

What else can you come up with?

i LOVE this

2009-12-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

How awesome is this?  Anyone have a dog they'd volunteer for this?

Ruck sack

2009-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

For my German lessons (so I can move to Berlin next year) I have so many books and papers and rubbish to carry about the place that I've taken to using a ruck sack.  The same Jansport navy blue classic ruck sack that I used at school some, oh, 7 years ago (that LONG ago?!  arg!!!!).

My question is whether it's possible to wear a ruck sack without looking like Bella Swan?

Answers on post cards please.

I've been a very good girl this year... honest ;)

2009-12-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

I want these.  Badly.  I promise to wear them for whoever buys them for me.

Hotty McTotty.

Things I'm loving at the moment

2009-12-16T02:04:00.000-08:00

In amongst copious amounts of Christmas music, here's a new band that I'm listening to.

StreetHero are New York based and with a sound they describe as 'a distinctive mix of high-energy dance rock, modern rhythms and electro-soul.'  That doesn't mean much to me but I like them.  The Brooklyn Boys video has its roots in '60's pychedelica, 70's porn and 90's club culture.'  Got to like that.

They have a new EP out, which you can download for free here.  

Go do it.

Well that's no surprise

2009-12-16T01:36:00.000-08:00

According to a new survey, women are more likely to remember a pair of shoes than a boyfriend.

Seriously, who's surprised?

Shoes are invariably awesome and you can always tell if they're going to give you blisters when you first try them on.

The same can't be said of men.

No brainer.

I love boxie too

2009-12-15T01:57:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite blogs ever What Katie Wore just showed the lovely Katie wearing the awesome 'What Joe Wrote' t-shirt from I Love Boxie.

They have a great range, check them out!

I want the Miss Not Mrs Robinson t-shirt.

http://www.iloveboxie.com/index.html

Note to self...

2009-12-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

...stop doing the 'styled' photo for Etsy.  Especially as it's with your own clothes.  It makes you want to keep everything you buy as you just know it would be awesome with that shirt/skirt/top/pair of shoes and that's not the point.  You have to SELL them.  Not keep them.

Not keep them.  Right.  I'm on it.  Honest.

I've lost my girl

2009-12-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

This is what I'd like the boy I can't stop my stupid brain from bringing up regularly to be thinking.

The only question is just how far is that from the reality of what he's actually thinking?

Evidence of how proud the French are of the couture industry

2009-12-08T02:57:00.000-08:00

Christian Lacroix needs a whopping great investment to keep it going otherwise it's going to be pared down to a skelton staff to manage licenscing.  The most interested buyer, Ajman sheikh Hassan Bin Ali al-Nuaimi of the UAE, failed to submit the necessary documentation on time so it looks like the house will be shut down.  But wait, the French government are stepping in! 

According to The Cut the French Industry Minister Christian Estrosi is on the case.  He's using France's diplomats in the UAE to chase up the sheikh.

As The Cut puts it 'Dubai's in the hole, but a legendary couturier needs saving. Priorities, please.'

It appears France will bail out the couture industry as well as the banks. 

Underrated areas of the body: the back

2009-12-07T02:56:00.000-08:00

 I came across this photo on the myvintagevogue flickr stream.

It's just so chic.  Look at her back!  It's such an intensely sensual picture.  Very sexual but in the least obvious way.

Perfect.  It could have been taken 50 years ago or 15 years ago. 

This week I am mainly...

2009-12-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

...trying to find time to actually make some things!

I want to do a pearl necklace or two.  I've got some awesome skull beads coming my way for them soon.

And I need to go and find some more stock!  That's going to be the big challenge now, keeping enough stock so I can always have a few things to sell but having little enough stock that I can actually move about in my bedroom.  Oh, the travails of running one's own business...

Polar bears obsession

2009-12-03T02:06:00.000-08:00

Have I told you about my polar bear obsession?  It started recently, mainly due to the awesome song by Ted & Francis called 'I wish I was a Polar Bear.'  To be honest, who doesn't?

Anyway, here is a selection of brilliant polar related items for Etsy that I love and am trying to work out if I can justify purchasing in anyway.

What a beautiful card!  So cute!  The small child in the plane is slightly wrong though.  And who has ever had time to send a separate New Year's card to Christmas???

I'd actually wear these earrings.  It would look like I had two mini-polar bears worshipping me.

A polar bear locket! Just what I need to express my love!

This is just plain weird though.

Apparently it is a collectable vintage Japanese cake candle holder of a clown on a polar bear circus act.  Right.  Umm.  I am a little lost for words.

Although, I'd love to see a circus which had polar bears.

Ted & Francis MySpace; Spotify link to the song.

I love this, someone buy it for me for Christmas

2009-12-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

I want this broach so much!  How cute is it?!

Anyone wanting an easy present for me can buy it here...

Lovely new dress

2009-12-01T01:58:00.000-08:00

I love this dress.  If I was a size 8 I'd probably not be selling it.  I find it so difficult selling the clothes I buy (damn my emotional reaction to inanimate items of clothing!) that I might make it a policy to only buy items of clothing that are too small for me.  Too large won't work because I wear 'over-sized' clothes all the time.

Anyway, here is the beauty!  Enjoy!

Click here to view it on Etsy.