When in Rome

OK so I wish I was in Rome and yet I’m in Southern Germany to see my family over Christmas.
It’s freezing and I can’t be bothered to dress well.

Dress like Gaga

I like Lady Gaga. I think she has talent and I love her style – although her outfits do stray into the ‘attention seeker’ category a bit too often for my liking. If you’ve ever felt like dressing like the lady herself then head over to the NJAL’s shop to stock up on a ‘Paparazzi’ eye patch, protection shield cape or fringed hat. Add killer heals, plenty of red lipstick and off you go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would love to be a femme fatale

I just refound this picture, which was taken in May this year by my friend James.

Simple shoes?

A while ago eco shoe company Simple Shoes got in touch and offered me a free pair of shoes. Hell, I wasn’t going to say no to that and chose the fabulous Pinwheel in black, it’ll be perfect for all the swing dancing I am planning to do next year.

I was ever so slightly confused when I opened the parcel and found one Pinwheel and a non-matching shoe. The included instructions explained that I’d have to go on a wild treasure hunt via Twitter to locate my other half, which had been sent to another, unknown blogger. I like games.

As it turned out the fabulous Queen Mary from Kingdom of Style was my shoe swapping partner, and now, after a quick exchange, I have a lovely matching pair.

I rather like the idea of connecting bloggers through a social network game, beats the usual soulless ‘here’s your freebie’. Although it would have been nice to be matched with someone a bit closer to home as London – Glasgow was just a tad too far to meet for a coffee.

I’ve been fooled

I am not normally a big fan of Oasis, but their new Trompe L’Oeil range – meaning to trick the eye, is rather nice. However I’d rather go for the real deal and invest in a vintage Twenties Schiaparelli knitted Trompe L’Oeil bow-effect jumper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

images: oasis.com

Nothing beats old Schiap!

 

Now you know where to look!

Thank you fab fashion site For Details, See for printing my Christmas wish list. Now my darling brother, if you are reading this, it’s a hint…

Nothing gets between me and Sonia

Not even the prospect of having swine flu (I’ve got every symptom on the list) could stop me from leaving my death bed and going to H&M to stock up on the special Sonia Rykiel range they’ve launched today. Risking life and health (mine and others – although I took my germ gel, must have accessory of the moment) was well worth it, as this range is easily my favourite H&M designer collaboration so far.

I could have easily bought the whole lot, from pink lingerie sets to a black velvet bow dress. Sadly, the prettiest underwear only went up to a c-cup, which, I found rather frustrating. In the end I settled for black velvet pyjama pants and a matching jacket, perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons and so very 40s Hollywood. I also bought a light pink, floor-length silk dress, which can be dressed up – 30s hair, deep red lips- or down – a bit of black leather- as I feel like.

I can’t wait for the spring collection, which will feature Rykiel’s trademark kooky knitwear.

Paris, je t’aime

I’ve been daydreaming about a long-overdue trip to Paris. Gosh, now that I think about it, I haven’t been once this year, how could I! If I had some serious money and could spend my dream weekend in Paris, here is what I would do:

My friend Tara who runs the fabulous, Paris-based  Oh La La Vintage has invited me so many times to spend a day with her, attending one of her vintage masterclasses and just spending the afternoon rummaging in her enormous treasure trove of vintage delights while sipping some champagne. Last time I saw her in London she gave me the most fantastic Forties red vintage dress (which I wore to Rhythm Riot), so I’d love to find out what other amazing gowns she has unearthed.

I could also do with a trip to my favourite Parisienne shopping mecca, the Marais. Free P Star (on 8 Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie), is supposed to be one of the best vintage shops in town, and affordable at that.  Come on Eileen (16-18 rue des Taillandiers) is another must recommended by my friend Lucie, who said it was like a fashion museum rather than a vintage shop. I just adore YSL and am dreaming of owning some Courrèges – not even mentioning Chanel – so I just must go there and check out their designer vintage section.

The Sant Ouen flea market is also top of my list, it’s the most enormous place stuffed full of antiques and vintage. Considering how much I love art deco (which originated at the Paris World Exposition), I’m sure I could spend a fortune there.

I also like the sound of the Passage du Grand Cerf, which has tons of craft stores and design shops.

Lastly, I’d love to just sit in a cafe, sip on a coffee, read the New York Herald Tribune and imagine I’m the terrific Jean Seberg in Breathless or the adorable Virginie Ledoyen in 8 Women

New favourite label alert

I came across Italian label Vivetta in Italian Vogue and have been ohhing and ahhing at their shop for weeks. The striped harlequin dress is so amazing I might just have to buy it (sorry Mr Mastercard).

images: www.vivetta.it/shop.php 

I am broken hearted myself

And yet what would cheer me up is this fab cape by DJ duo The Broken Hearts, available from Beyond The Valley

images@beyondthevalleystore.com