As we're almost into 2007 I thought I'd do a flashback to the 2003 Murakami/Louis Vuitton collaboration. I realize that not everyone was (or is) a fan and the line is thought of as a joke by some. I can only say that, personally, I love Murakami's art and though I didn't buy one of the bags I did get a silk headscarf (which I have got a lot of wear out of) and a smaller cotton neckscarf.

I was living in London when this line hit the stores and I remember standing outside the windows of the Bond Street store transfixed by the flat screen monitor in the window and the special "cartoon" that had been created...I just found it on YouTube and was so excited that I had to share. So, belatedly, but showing no signs of age...is Murakami's "Superflat Monogram" for Louis Vuitton.

I was in American Apparel yesterday...not for myself you understand (perish the thought, no) but my husband had been eye-ing up a cardigan in the window everytime we went past and the time had come to take a look at it. The cardigan was not quite what he was looking for, but I managed to pick something up...in my own defense I would like to say that the Weekender Duffle Bag (in swamp grey/black) will be perfect for our upcoming trip to NY...lightweight for the trip there and spacious enough to carry all my "finds" on the way home.

On the way out I noticed American Apparel's "Looks No.1" which bears a striking resemblance to Harvey Nichols' "small"...both being bite-size chunks of fashion and lifestyle coveted by many but attained by few...in HN's case this is due to price...in AA's it's their too-cool-for-school aesthetic. Having said that, both are entertaining hors d'oeuvres before a fashionable feast.

At this point it's probably self-evident that I consider Jalouse magazine one of the best there is and my only concern is the fact that there is such a delay involved with actually getting my hands on it...tomorrow will be January and I still don't have December's issue!

In desperation I started poking around their website and discovered the Heritage section...an incredible online catalog of Jalou magazines...editions of l'Officiel from 1921 to 2005, Jalouse from 1997 to the present, l'Officiel 1000 Modeles from 1996 to 2006, and all the other publications that fall under the Jalou umbrella...every page from each of the issues can be viewed and the website can be searched for keywords.

Unfortunately this kind of comprehensive fashion library does not come cheap...after a free two-hour trial there are three options...24 hour access for 10 Euros, 1 month (25 hours) for 100 Euros, or 1 Year (400 hours) for 1,000 Euros. For the time being at least it looks like I'll just need to sit tight and wait for December to arrive...

I've either been having a Wizard of Oz moment recently or the grey days of winter are making me long for a little color. Either way I seem to be developing a red shoe fixation. I just got these metallic red ballet flats from Me Too which are possibly the most comfortable shoes of this style that I have ever worn. Now I'm casting covetous glances at these pointy red slingbacks from Miu Miu. I think they'd be so chic in the summer with a shirtdress or pencil skirt or jeans or...darn it, just about anything.

Admittedly red shoes are not for the faint of heart...each time I've worn them I've been the subject of several jokes...but, do I care? No. I just click my heels and walk away.

According to Wikipedia, New Year’s resolutions date back to 153 B.C. and Janus, the mythical king of early Rome. “With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.”

Subconsciously, perhaps this is why I am a firm non-believer in New Year’s resolutions…I don’t want to be two-faced. It seems like the majority of people break theirs by January or February…is this really how we want to start the year, feeling like we failed at something? Naturally, I would love to lose a few pounds, drink less, eat a little healthier (I’m not going to say start going to a gym because I know that’s not going to happen)…but I’m not going to motivate myself through guilt; if that worked I wouldn’t keep buying expensive handbags.

Plus, wouldn’t life be very dull if we all lived in such a state of perfection? As Oscar Wilde said, “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it”.

The last piece of Christmas arrived today...yes, I'm dragging it out but this was ordered pre-Christmas and just didn't make it by the day itself. The book's title, Look Portraits Backstage at Olympus Fashion Week, pretty much gives the game away. Fascinating pictures of the people we're used to seeing, and some that we're not, all dressed in their finest for Fashion Week...okay, to be honest some people didn't dress up at all and some went way over the top but that's part of the fun, right?

Designers, models, press and industry types, and the group labelled "The Front Row" (a wide-flung net...from Lady Bunny to Salman Rushdie...from Alan Cumming to Lou Reed...and Parker Posey to Rufus Wainwright). A little fashion voyeurism to curl up with during the dark winter months...

I think that I have mentioned previously my reluctance to use a white bag. Nothing to do with any dictats related to the seasons...more that fact that I am a klutz, acknowledge the fact that I am a klutz, and realize that the combination of white bag and klutz is not a match made in heaven.

Then I saw the Balenciaga Four Bags video featuring the Giant, Matelasse, Whistle, and Coffre-Fort. Four bags...all white...against the backdrop of Paris, train stations and art galleries.

I am still a klutz, but now I want to be a klutz with a white bag.

Even though it's Boxing Day and I have been besieged with e-mails and mailers...35%...50%...75% off!!! I actually managed to steer clear of any stores today. I have to say, it wasn't painfree...and a mild intervention was needed...

My husband: Want to walk home? Me: Sure...you know, we could check out the sale at Club Monaco on the way...75% off and they sell men's clothing (the sneaky double whammy) My husband: No, that's okay...I don't need anything right now Me: Ah...

I am trying to be good though and save some money for our trip to NY. Plus, sales are so insidious...something that you only marginally like becomes magical because it's cheap. Okay, I have managed to get some major deals...a Chanel cardigan, Lucien Pellat-Finet sweater, Balenciaga bags...but, in the main, sale items tend to be things that I wouldn't have bought at full price. And, if I don't like them enough to spend the money on them in the first place, why am I suddenly drooling over them? If I resisted the impulse I could have bought something I really was lusting over.

No, I'm going to try and ignore the little devil on my shoulder...angel wings are sprouting...but, we'll see...you know how it is? Sometimes being bad is fun...

What's Christmas without games? In the spirit of the season I put together this "fashuku"...same rules as Soduku but with some Cruise items from Net-a-Porter instead of numbers.

The nine images are Mulberry Bayswater bag, See by Chloe banana print dress, Fendi leather B belt, K Jacques Parys gladiator sandals, Tom Binns skull bracelet, Graham & Spencer bubble hem top, Marc by Marc Jacobs Clara trapeze jacket, By Malene Birger Debrah tulip skirt, and Marc by Marc Jacobs Nan Stripe print umbrella.



Ready...set...go!

I don't know what it is, I used to be a silver girl...and I still am...but recently I've been having some serious Goldfinger moments. I can't even justify these feelings by saying that gold will look good against a tan as I am so pale that I become invisible against a sheet of paper...it must just be pure greed.


Dries van Noten shoes, La Jeunesse Doree t-shirt by Skism, Oui necklace from Dior, Chanel cuff (my collection)

So, I can't make the shoes or the necklace but a t-shirt from American Apparel and some iron-on letters and...I should be golden.

I thought I was done with the Christmas related posts but couldn't resist just one more...French Vogue has posted pictures of the Christmas windows from various stores around the world. My favorite is Lanvin in Paris, followed closely by Dover Street Market in Tokyo. If, like me, Christmas windows put you in the holiday mood you should definitely take a look.

May your fashion wishes be granted and everything you wished for be under your tree...

I've always been partial to hats...sailor's hats, straw hats...you name it, I've stuck it on my head at some point. If I didn't know that it will be staggeringly expensive I would be channeling Spike the bulldog this Spring and buying this incredible Alexander McQueen hat.

It's been a while since my last ABG&S post so….in the spirit of the holiday season…here's the "Snow Bunny" bag by Paul Smith. I originally saw this image only on small bags and I didn't think that did it justice (ok, the price of the bags had something to do with it too). Then, a couple of years ago, I was in the Paul Smith discount store, just off Bond Street in London, and spotted this shopper...vastly reduced. Isn't it wonderful when that happens? You lust over something, don't get it, regret it, and then suddenly find it again like a long lost friend…flowers bloom, birds sing, and all is right with the world.

The cons on this bag, apart from the color (me + pale bag = accident waiting to happen), were the weight of the bag when it's empty and the lack of any kind of closures. On the pro side, and outweighing almost all other considerations, was the Vargas-style girl. So much do I consider this art-before-bag that I had it on my mantelpiece for a while. It's spent more time as a still-life than it has for its actual purpose…now I feel guilty, I need to take her out more…perhaps a little sunbathing in the snow...

Fashion that tries to convey a political statement can be very hit-or-miss...okay, generally miss...having said that I love this Peace in the Middle East shirt from Built By Wendy Yes, I am on a "Built by Wendy" kick and no, I can't help it!

All I want for Christmas is to be this girl...

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while will know that I have had an ongoing quest for a new trench coat. There were a few criteria that I was working with but the main ones were classic (with a twist) and knee-length. I was also looking for something relatively inexpensive...at some point, when I'm in London, I'll spend some serious money and buy an Aquascutum trench. Until that time I want a raincoat that I can wear into the ground (as happened with my Joseph trench which was once black and is now a dirty grey...every time I pull it out of the closet my husband asks me to "please throw that away and buy a new coat"...but, I can't help it, I love my Joseph trench...should a love be discarded because it's a little shabby?).

Anyway, with a little luck, the trench quest has ended...thanks to Built By Wendy and her plaid-lined, slim-fit trench.

It will soon be a new year, and that year will bring (amongst other things)...Prada cellphones. I don't have an image of the phone but the press release promises an "avant-garde design" and an "advanced touch interface which eliminates the conventional keypad"...thrilling stuff. Europe will get their hands on the phone first, followed by the Asian market later in the year...no word on U.S. distribution dates.

I realize that the following admission will forever remove me from "cool kid" status but...I just don't like Jeremy Scott's work. I think it's possible to be edgy, funny, irreverent, avant garde (call it what you will) and still create clothes that actually make people look good. Scott's clothes just seem to be out there for the sake of it, with nothing more than that to back them up. And even if you find them amusing surely they're overpriced for a joke?

His latest collection takes its inspiration from the popular press...in his words...

"I was thinking about how these tabloids just pile up once a week, more than fashion magazines do, and I thought what if you did a collage with them and you made them into a trenchcoat so you're wearing the tabloids, and the chased starlet is turning it around on them and throwing it back in their face in a way. The whole idea originated with the trench for me from the get-go."

Trench - $515	Backpack - $205
Dress - $160	Pants - $140

While this isn't my idea of a good read it may be yours...if so, the pieces are available at Yoox.

I found this picture on my hard drive and it rekindled my longing for a pair of gold men's style shoes (brogues or Chelsea boots)...not bronze or dull gold, but a true, shiny gold…

I'm trying to not make this blog a constant, dull musing on what to wear...having said that...I just got invited to an ice hockey game...

Now, this will be the first ice hockey game that I will be attending and I'll be going straight from work. I'm not a fan of taking a change of clothes to work because, no matter how hard you try to say "oh, this old thing" you still come across as trying way too hard (posting your neurotic tendencies online is so much more preferable). I should also mention that the venue for the game is in an "up-and-coming" area of town and this is a work sponsored event. So, the criteria is...office-ish, sporty-ish, with comfortable shoes in case I need to make a quick getaway.

My current thinking is...

Cardigan by Edun and plaid shirt by H&M
Fair-isle skirt from H&M
Badge made by my husband and Scotch pebble brooch

Does this say "pucks away"?

Growing up in Scotland it was pretty much a given that I'd learn to play golf. This wasn't from any golf lust but, let's be honest, the options for other activities were slim so I gave it a try. I never enjoyed the game though; who was it said that it ruined a good walk? However, when I saw these golf club covers from APC it almost made me wish that I played...almost.

We have a few short trips coming up...and I think I just found the ideal winter travel bag. To help combat all that grey outside, Colette has these travel essentials by LeSportSac featuring the work of Fafi (who you may remember from an earlier post). A limited edition collection with two sizes of duffels and cosmetic bags...plus a backpack but I'm not really a backpack kind of girl...

Functional and girly...and basically guaranteed to make travel a little bit more fun.

I just finished my first pass of Vogue Collections and realized that something's missing...yes, there's no Eley Kishimoto. I don't think their Spring/Summer collection is as strong as some prior seasons but there are still certain looks that I would love to have in my closet.

I envy their ability to mix these strong patterns and colors to such wonderful effect. The thing is it's just as impressive in person...I saw a show of their clothes at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London a few years ago and even though there is a lot of pattern the overall effect isn't overwhelming...just very chic and co-ordinated.

There's nothing like a lazy Sunday. A cold wind is blowing outside but do I care? No...and it's not just the glass of chilled white wine at my elbow...I just got Vogue Paris Collections issue 3, Spring-Summer 2007...332 pages...130 designers, 2600 looks, and 1100 accessories...I may be in this chair for the rest of the day.

My husband did have a partial stroke when he saw the $29.95 pricetag for a "mere magazine" but (as usual) I have a justification. The similar publication by L'Officiel is split up into various editions...Milan/New York or Accessories or Haute Couture...and each issue is $25. Admittedly the L'Officiel magazines do have additional designers but Vogue Paris has a nice selection of all of the main designers and some smaller ones from Paris, Milan, London, and New York. A comparative bargain (at least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it).

Deep in the darkest recesses of my closet resides a thick, cotton Ralph Lauren navajo cardigan that belonged to my mother...I seldom wear it, mainly because it's too bulky to wear under a coat but also because it invariably looks dated when I try to work it in with other pieces. However I just came across this picture of a girl in Paris and I'm thinking that maybe I'll give the cardigan another try. Instead of trying to squeeze it under a coat it's going to become the coat...I know, this shouldn't be a major lightbulb moment but you know how it is? It's a sad but true fact that you have something in your wardrobe long enough and familiarity breeds contempt.

I was in my local American Apparel store recently and was standing at the register when I noticed a rack of narrow elasticated headbands. Most hairbands of this type are too wide for me so that when I put them on there's suddenly a lot of forehead...not a good look...but the narrowness of this band avoids that issue nicely. Available in a wide choice of colors, all with a touch of shine, and a mere $3.50...the only downside is they don't seem to be listed on their website at this point.

As I posted yesterday I am party bound and trying to avoid hypothermia (okay, my ankles will be freezing but apart from that...)

This is the winter conundrum...and tomorrow there's another party...and this time it's black tie optional...I sense impending frostbite.

This morning began with a dilema...we have a party to go to tomorrow night but today's temperature was going to be -13 factoring in the wind chill and I didn't hold out much hope that tomorrow was going to be any better. That meant that any outfits I'd even been considering were out of the question...unless I wanted to accessorize with frostbite. A quick perusal of my closet and I decided that this dress by Hengst would work...it is a summer dress but I think it has possibilities as part of a layered look. I really wanted to bring out the greys in the dress and I have a grey felt and black jet "faux Prada" necklace that I made (pictured in an earlier post) that would add a little party spirit.

I'd initially been considering stopping off at American Apparel after work to look for pieces to layer under the dress but luckily Club Monaco was my first stop...I picked up a dark grey, thin wool turtleneck with slightly batwing, three-quarter sleeves. It should be great under the dress and should add some interest to work outfits as well (I love a piece of clothing that's a multi-tasker). An added bonus was that the sweater was on sale...always a good thing. Next stop was Anthropologie where I bought some grey woolen leggings...also on sale.

I'll update this post tomorrow with a picture of the complete summer/winter (hopefully warm) party combo.

We've all heard the story...the heroine yearns for her prince and searches near and far and then one day (just when she's about to give up and take up stamp collecting or competitive badminton) he turns up. Much like that Snow White hussy and the seven men she lives with I've always been suspicious of the way the prince habitually turns up right on cue. Is he stalking her? But now, I've realized, the prince does exist...in this case the Prince de Nîmes.

Yes, I'd heard the story of the jeans. You know, the ones that fit to perfection and make your legs look about three miles long...but I'd always assumed it was another fairytale. Sure, I'd searched, and bought jeans that were okay but it never felt like true love. That was until today when I tried Joe's "The Cigarette" jeans and realized my prince had arrived.


And the best part of this story? They were half price at Anthropologie.

I loved the Pierre Hardy messenger bag when I first saw it, and kept casting covetous glances at it whenever I visited Aloha Rag's website. It didn't help that it seemed to be in every issue of Jalouse for a while...but I remained strong and didn't get it.
Then I saw a picture of the Spring/Summer 07 version...for some reason this color combination makes me think of Hogan bags...but, even looking past that, I think this style worked so much better as a shoulder bag. Maybe it will grow on me but, at the moment, I'm just not feeling this.

I posted a little while ago about an auction of some of Steve McQueen's effects...and I was a little shocked that some sunglasses made $60,000. If you had a similar reaction hold on to our hats...because the Givenchy dress made for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's just sold for $921,857.


Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorite films and (as rarely happens) I also love the novel...but the price that was paid amazes me.

Forget the Christmas cards that were in the mailbox...lying on the floor was an envelope that looked familiar...yes, Prada has sent Christmas greetings (I think Miuccia is spending way too much on mailings but that's just my opinion). A thick, navy envelope embossed with the same oval Prada logo as some of the bags which contained...

An embossed silver catalog of Christmas gifts

An embossed navy catalog with reduced sized catalog pictures and the all important prices

An embossed navy catalog containing the addresses of all Prada stores worldwide

I have a wonderful image in my mind of a very wealthy husband handing the silver catalog to his wife and asking her to pick something. Such is the solicitude of Prada that they place the sordid monetary and purchase location information in two separate booklets for him to work from later.

My personal favorites...two-tone, jewel-colored ballet flats, a gold leather headband, gold ballet flats and various fur bracelets resembling small animals.

First off, apologies for the worst title pun I have come up with yet...it's a Monday, what can I say?

Not just any Monday either, tonight was my much dreaded bi-monthly haircut. I’m not sure why it is...I love to go to C.O. Bigelow or Kiehl’s and load up with smelly, gunky treats...but the thought of getting my hair cut is about as appealing as a visit to the dentist. The time had come though and I was starting to resemble one of those shaggy Old English Sheepdogs so I dutifully made the appointment and braved the cold weather.

I should say that my feelings have nothing to do with the hairdresser. My current cutter is Italian, realizes that my lack of conversation isn’t personal, and kisses my head when he’s done...things could be worse. Side note – I’m not a chatty person during all this...when someone’s wielding scissors or standing behind a blowdryer I just don’t feel the urge to strike up a conversation...I just close my eyes (hope for the best) and move my head whichever direction it is nudged...this silence can be too successful though, a former hairdresser told a friend of mine that I was the only person she’d ever known who fell asleep in the chair...

But back to this evening, the snipping and drying was over...I opened my eyes...looked in the mirror...and realized, I look like a blonde Emily Strange but, you know, things could be worse...

Everything inside me is screaming that I should hate these looks…too contrived, too many designers it too small a space, one “it” item over the edge…and yet…

Maybe it’s because their clothes and hair are so simple that they’re acting as a backdrop for the accessories. Maybe I’m just an accessories addict. Maybe I’m just jealous that someone could actually walk in those Balenciaga boots…

Bag fiend I may be but I came to the staggering realization that when it comes to evening bags I am sadly lacking. Much as I love it the only bag that I own which falls into this category is a fringed wool, punk bag by Junya Watanabe which obviously doesn't go with everything.

So now, the quest? To find a bag that I can wear to all the upcoming holiday parties but can also work into daytime outfits after the last martini has been shaken.

This navy blue clutch from Marni is a great option. The tortoiseshell clasp and diamante detailing on the brooches have an evening element but would be just as good with jeans. Plus, the fact that the brooches are detachable is an added bonus...I can remove them and wear them on a sweater or jacket...thrifty little me.
I love the subtle luxury of this black, woven leather wristlet from Bottega Veneta but, like the Watanabe this has a punk feel, so it's probably out of the running...there's no point in getting a new bag if it doesn't broaden the possibilities.
The final contender (and the least expensive by far) is this yellow leather mini-messenger bag. Not only would it give an outfit a punch of color but it would free my hands...necessary when you have to hold a glass and try to eat something.

A leak in the ceiling of one of our closets caused near panic yesterday morning. Luckily no clothes were damaged, though the closet isn’t doing too well, but it did raise a question that I continuously go back to…is it shallow of me to care so much about inanimate objects? And, even if it is shallow, do I care or should I just wallow in my shallowness like a hippo in a mud bath?

Personally, I think this is one of those things that society conditions into you and then you spend a lifetime feeling guilty about. It’s the twin-sister to those nagging pangs of guilt that sometimes appear when I buy something expensive…though I do believe that fashion can be an investment. True, I don’t think that something from H&M is going to go up in value but interesting designer pieces have the potential to. That’s a side issue though, as I’m not buying clothing as an investment strategy but because each specific item appeals to me and becomes a part of me…the me that I choose to be each day as I face the world. Surely that is something that is beyond price…