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…

Is there anything that you can't get at Topshop? Is there? Okay, we all know about the clothes and the shoes and the accessories and I love the pick-and-mix candy selection but, Christmas cards? And with artwork by Julie Verhoeven...

50p each...how can something this chic be so cheap?

And the mantra is..."saving for NY, saving for NY" ...will...not...buy...things...on...sale... So, a curse on the people at Net-a-Porter for the e-mail I received about their 40-60% off sale (open only if you are currently registered to and shopping from the U.S. website). It's taking every ounce of willpower I possess but I am turning my back on...

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Dunbar flecked wool coat, a charcoal single-breasted flecked wool coat with a wide button down lapel, epaulettes on shoulders and button fastening flap pockets on front. The coat has a waist panel on back, button fastening cuffs and a pleat on back - down from $850 to $510
Chloe zip fastening cardigan, taupe cropped knit cardigan with a silver zip fastening on the front. The cardigan has four zip fastening pockets on the front, zip fastening at cuffs and wide ribbed waistband - down from $505 to $303

And the "wow" dress...

Alexander McQueen cowl-neck tweed dress, brown tweed below knee length dress with a cowl neck. The dress has long, fitted sleeves, is gathered at the side at the waist (which is fastened with a brass brooch) and a zip fastening on back - down from $1,075 to $430

Repeat after me, "saving for NY, saving for NY"...

I have to start off by saying that I am not a J Crew fan, mostly everything is way too preppy for my tastes. Having said that, I received a J Crew catalog in the mail and I was surprised by some of the pieces. They had definite possibilities...

Tartan Tuxedo shirt	Wool-cashmere mitten gloves
Felted wool skirt	Cabochon charm bracelet

My urge to romanticize travel is once again taking hold and a trip to New York in February has turned into a mini-version of one of the “Grand Tours” so popular with gentlemen of the 18th Century. Though I know it would be faster and cheaper to fly I will, once again, be spending the 18 hours or so (each way) necessary to do the trip by train.

And why? Well, apart from my fear of flying and the fact that the current state of airport security makes me feel paranoid rather than secure, the train is rather a nice way to make the trip. A cabin for two with chairs that turn into bunk beds…”provisions” for the journey (bottle of wine or portable bar, snacks, backgammon set, and a good book)…and the constantly changing view from the window. It’s like an extension of the vacation rather than just a way of getting from A to B.

Okay, it’s a long way from the stylish train travel in North by Northwest or one of the Thin Man movies but it does have a certain charm. Plus, as an added bonus, I don’t have to check any purchases that I make in New York…they can stay safe and sound in the cabin with me on the return journey…try that on an aeroplane.

I was waiting for a bus recently and noticed a new ad on the side of one as it passed by. A bright pink background with a black lace overlay the ad was for...La Perla. Now I can't help but notice a dichotomy here...the other advertisments are for McDonalds, or car insurance, or requests for volunteers to test new experimental drugs...but La Perla? A store where you can easily spend a few thousand dollars on lingerie and nightgowns.

What group of people are these ads marketing?

a) Businessmen who need to buy gifts and are desperate for any suggestion
b) Random heiresses who can't decide between a cheeseburger or a push-up bra
c) Katie Cruise nee Holmes

Answers on a postcard, please.

I love a good, smelly, bath product and had to share about Kiehl's limited edition (through Christmas) body cleansers. The five scents are Pear Tree Corner, Amber, Cherry-Almond, Forest Rain, and Wisteria. I'm not sure how these fragrances tie in with the festive period...the only link I could think of was for the pear...Partridge in a Pear Tree (Corner)...but I'm probably just missing something with the others.

The Cherry-Almond is lovely though a little too sweet and sugary for my tastes but the Wisteria is gorgeous...green, floral, clean-smelling. At $15 this is a great stocking-stuffer...or treat for yourself to help unwind after battling through the Christmas crowds.

I admit it, I'm a terrible person to shop for. I tend to know what I want and I hate anyone to waste their money so surprise gifts rarely work. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of surprises...unfortunately the reality is usually a let-down. So, each holiday I put together a wish list. After all, it may be better to give than to receive but isn't it also nice to receive something you actually want?

So here, in no particular order, are my current fancies:

Repetto Paris - Metallic Bow 'Chignon' Ballerina
Repetto Paris - 'Bardo' Ballerina
Macrame tote - knotted cotton lined in black canvas and outfitted with three inner pockets
Buckled ankle-wrap sandals
Fred Perry - ruffle placket collarless shirt

This picture of Kate Moss chav-ing it up in the name of comedy got me thinking about so called "comfort dressing". Everytime I go out on the weekends I see numerous women in brightly colored, shapeless, tracksuits and I just cannot understand the appeal. Personally I haven't worn either half of a tracksuit since I was in school. I thought it was a hideous piece of clothing then and I was wearing it somewhat for the purpose it was originally designed (I've never been an athlete so I can't say I was giving it my all but I was jogging round a playing field and that has to count for something).

But enough of my reminisences, the question is...why choose something so uniquely unflattering? Bad in its basic form, even worse with wording on the derriere. There are plenty of clothing options that are comfortable and look good...jeans, cords, skirts, dresses...so many choices.

Just say no to the Juicy!

I seem to have a recurring issue...coats that I love but that happen to only be available in another continent. The latest is this funnel necked, mohair, punk princess number from Topshop. I think this would look wonderful if everything else in the outfit was very "dressed up" and this was the one louche element - the necessary twist.



When there’s no future
How can there be sin
We’re the flowers in the dustbin
We’re the poison in your human machine
We’re the future
Your future
God Save the Queen

The Sex Pistols, “God Save the Queen,” (1977).

Yes, this post is yet another suggestion for "things to do with magazines"...maybe I should just throw them away but...these things are expensive and, in the main, inspirational so how could I be so cruel?

The backstory is that I have been toying with the idea of making our Christmas cards this year (though I have yet to think of an idea that I actually want to use and time is ticking by). I found this kit at Paper Source...

...with decorative paper, cards, and a reusable plastique envelope template!

So, I'm thinking, wouldn't it be great to send a friend a letter in a Vogue envelope? Or pay your bills in a shoot from I-D? The possibilities are endless.