So in complete non-sensical fashion, I made myself feel better by popping in to Mango shop on Regent street. That too was nutty but I snagged a few deals. Most were long tops or basics as I call them these days. I wore them to work later that week.

Here’s a few shots of my uniform these days.

Reflections

My new shopping bag bought in South Africa

Necklaces Up Close and Personal

Lapel Pin

My uniform of late

My new love ....

What I wore?
Boots: my new love bought with YYZ at Holts sale on Dec 30th. They’re by Stuart Weizman
Tights: believe it or not, I bought these tights a year ago at the Cologne airport. I had the flu that day and needed something comfy to wear.
Top: Burgundy/Wine Jumper or Sweater by Mango (the purchase)
Jacket: worn almost daily these days, BCBG bought in SF a long while back
Jewellery: 2 vintage necklaces I’ve had forever and a lapel pin I’ve also had forever. I’m sure they were given to me by my wonderful relatives but I can’t remember anymore
Bag: My new leather shopping bag. It’s MASSIVE. It fits my laptop, shoes, everything. I bought it in Capetown at LIM

I had the cami straps all hidden, but couldn't manage to get a photo where they didn't show...

A Gatsby-inspired get-up to build on LHR’s Midnight In Paris post.

I wore this last week and it got rave reviews. Which is odd. Here’s why: I have had this skirt for a few years. I got in in the post-Christmas sales on a mall extravaganza with LHR. It is too big. At the time, I was wearing stuff low on my hips, so the too-big-ness was not an issue. But now it is. Now I find that the fact that the skirt sits so low on my hips not only precludes me from wearing it with most of the tops I own (because my tights come up a good 4 inches above the waist of the skirt…makes for a super sexy look, I assure you), but it also means that the skirt looks, well, too big.  It looks kinda shapeless and baggy and like I am wearing a skirt belonging to someone else.

So, you are wondering, why don’t I just donate it to charity? Gentle Reader, here’s the thing: I like the potential of this skirt to be fabulous. IF it fit me properly, it would be a Very Useful and Timeless Item. Which is why I trot it out one or two times a  winter; I wear it in honour of the skirt it could be, of the outfit it could create.

And then I see the photos of it. And swear to myself that I will bin it.

And then I lack the strength to follow through. I think of the ways in which it could be perfect, the Cute Looks of which it could be part, and I just can’t let it go.

This is totally counter to the ruthless advice I give my mother, LFS, everyone else.

Physician, heal thyself.

Skirt: Jacob
Tights: Erm, Costco.
(Yeah, yeah, I KNOW, LFS. Cut me some slack– do as I say, not as I do.)
Lace Top: Zara
Cami: Smart Set
Necklace: Accessorize
Shoes: Rodarte for Opening Ceremony 

This one is here for the background scenery- playful P!

 And now, for your Friday post-related flashback. You can thank me later.

]]> http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/yyz-doctor-doctor/feed/ 0 YYZ IMG_8510 IMG_8514 IMG_8506 IMG_8518 http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/lhr-yes-mark-bridges-is-the-artist/ http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/lhr-yes-mark-bridges-is-the-artist/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:00:45 +0000 LHR http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/?p=6382 ]]> In the last few months I’ve seen a few movies where the styling and art directing of the times made me want to jump up from my seat and try to walk right through the screen in to another time and place. I thought I would blog about the one I saw last week and I’m sure everyone is very familiar with – The Artist.

J and I wanted to see a movie at our local cinema – Rio in Dalston. I was keen to see The Iron Lady as ads are everywhere, but it wasn’t playing at our local. The Artist was playing there.  J was thrilled. At the time, I had no idea what it was. He described it to me as a “silent movie”. Snore pie with yawn sauce went through my head. Then I searched on YouTube and saw the trailer.

I was sold. It was fantastic. It was captivating, beautiful, styled to the nth degree. The gags and emotions were crazy-good. And, the clothing of the times made it my kind of a movie (did I mention there was dancing?) So, if you’ve been hiding under a rock and haven’t heard of  The Artist by Michel Hazanavicius and are wondering if you should see it – SEE IT!

Mark Bridges, the costume designer did it right. You’ll love the clothes. Who doesn’t like a cloche? And Berenice Bejo makes everything look stunning. You’re in for a treat.

A little netting never hurt anyone

What is that hat called anyway? I say Gorgeous.

She wore heeled slippers to breakfast - love it!

And the finale is of course my favourite with a big dance number

Are you still wondering about the other movie I wanted to bring to this fashion blog. Well, it was Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen. If you haven’t seen it and like me, you love the 20s and the 20s in Paris no less – do it! The movie is OK but the styling, the fashion (costume designer is Sonia Grande), the je ne sais quoi – it’s all there. Here’s a few pics of that movie to get your heart racing.

Notice the detailing of the room, her dress, her headpiece... awww.

Transported to another time

Yep, back to work on Monday. Here is what I wore. (The skirt is a little snugger than it was pre-holidays, so it’s time to get back into the habit of eating the occasional vegetable and passing up the occasional chocolate. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.)

Top: Jacob*
Skirt: Comrags
Belt: Joe Fresh
Shoes (they’re called “Gatsby“! I’m getting ready early!) and Wooden Bangles: Top Shop

*Sadly, I discovered a bleached-out bit on the back, likely the result of a run-in with some liquid detergent. I wore it anyway, as I had no time to come up with a Plan B and I just espoused LHR’s old philosophy: she used to iron only the front of her shirt, figuring that her sleeves and the back of the shirt would be under her blazer all day, so who would be any the wiser? I figured, since I can’t see what’s on the back of my shirt, I would just act like all was well. You know what, not one person pointed out to me that there is a big ol’ faded blotch on my left shoulder blade….

Let me explain. On Tuesday this week, I started back to work. I was bright-eyed and  bushy-tailed as it was my first day back to work in 2012. Just like high school, I was eager to wear some  of my purchases from my recent Christmas trip to Canada where I was able to shop with YYZ. Unfortunately, the weather  was terrible = pissing with rain and gale force winds. So, in all my wisdom I chose to wear my brand new hat to protect my hair. Bad idea.

I had purchased this grey felt hat at the Holt Renfrew’s sale. I think I bought it because It reminded me of my Grandmother’s hat from the 60s. (Mum, can you scan me that photo of Gramma so I can post it here?) Anyway, I wore my new hat on Tuesday. Within half a block of my house, it flew from my head. It landed in the dog park close to my house. Luckily, I quickly caught up with it and it was still in pristine condition despite its proximity to dog shit ….

I tempted fate and put it back on my head. I held on to it with one of my hands. Unfortunately, as I was 100 feet from the tube station, my grip loosened and my hat was caught in the wind. It flew in the midst of Dalston Kingsland Road. My natural reaction was to run after it. I took a few steps and then realised I would soon be a nasty statistic if I didn’t let it go. So I did.

After the stream of cars cleared, I saw my poor hat sitting upright in the middle of the road. It was a MIRACLE, it wasn’t squashed by the multiple cars and buses that drove over it. However, it was clearly much dirtier and greasier than it had been moments before. Well, at least it wasn’t squashed out of recognition.

Now on to the HOW TO element of this post. As soon as I got to work, I sent out an SOS to the 4 people in my life who I thought could help:

• Andrew McDonald – my Millinery teacher
• YYZ as you know she is a milliner-in-training
• My Aunt Barb who is an amazing seamstress and made  her fair share of hats in her day
• My Mum who just knows stuff like this.

I got great responses from three of them (my Mum has not yet responded – Mum?) I felt it only right to share their tips with you. But first, here is the hat.

my hat post incident

Dirt and grease marks on the hat after the incident

Here  was the first response. It was from Aunt Barb.

now  the hat   looks like felt …wool felt  ?  just dirt ?  or grease ?   I  would let it dry !!..   vaccuum   & then brush with a brush ( stiff ).  Nanny Carr  used to clean fur by  putting corn starch in a pillow case with the fur & shaking.  Then shaking it  outside the bag.   Anyway maybe a little cornstarch might help?   ( how about a tie on your hat?  an old scarf ???

Here was YYZ’s suggestions:

A clean toothbrush is where to start. Gently brush the felt while both hat and brush are dry. That should help. You might also put a bit of baking soda on the brush to absorb any oil from the street. I think with gentle perseverance, it will come clean. What a drag, though.

Finally, here’s Andrew’s suggestions:

Happy New Year and I hope it’s a lot less windy for your sake and your poor old – or new hat.

It is typical isn’t it. The best thing to try is a damp cloth with a little bit  of detergent and wipe away at the dirt to remove it. Another thing to try when the hat is dry is soft white bread and use it like a rubber to absorb and sponge up the marks.

If you have time you’re welcome to drop it in to my studio and i’ll have go at it.

If you have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments and I’ll share it above. You never know I might not be the only one with this problem.

Hi, Interweb. Happy New Year! Sorry for the absence (did you notice?), but things got a wee bit crazy around here.

LHR was here for a few wonderful days– yay!– and so we did what we do best: we ate, we drank and, of course, we shopped. Man, did we ever shop! I blame LHR and her quest for the perfect black boots. (‘Cause it’s nice to have someone to blame… )  She found them and will, no doubt, post them soon!

In the meantime, I have this outfit for you. M’s family is coming for dinner today, so this is Casual Hosting At Home. It is also Mutton-Dressed-As-Lamb.

Lace Top:  Zara
Cami (under lace top): Smart Set
RED Jeans: H&M
Wooden Bangles: Top Shop
Shoes: Rodarte, Opening Ceremony (oh, yes I DID!)

Okay, Interweb, before I go, I have a Very Important Question for you. What the HELL should I do with the horror that is my hair??? I like it for about 2 days when it is first coloured– it’s pale and icy and funky I feel quite fashion-y. Then it starts to go brassy. The roots, which were the impetus behind this colour change, are much better, as they just look dark, rather than black-and-white when they start to grow back. But I just feel a little too much like this most days. (Thanks, M, for putting the image into my head, whence it can now never be expunged. Helpful.) And I wonder if it might not be better to commit to some darker, more me-ish colour and just spend a couple of hours every other week touching up the roots with drug store hair colour….  Please give me your suggestions for a new hair colour in the comments below. Thanks, Interweb!

All in Grey

My cool cuff makes this rather grey day.

What I wore:
Trousers: Grey Culottes seen here
Shirt: burgundy ironless shirt by Banana Republic
Sweater: Grey short sleeved (acrylic – I’m sure) sweater by Banana Republic
Cuff: crazy decopage number from YYZ (worn last year too)
Boots: over the knee black leather boots bought at specchio about 7 years ago

Out here in the interior of B.C., 30 cm of snow does not count. Everyone we meet bemoans how snow-less it is. M and I are all, “Are you kidding?!”

Packing to come out here, I realized that my (favourite) ski jacket had a broken zipper, the result of a run-in with a closing closet door. This sad state of affairs led to some ill-fated MacGyvering by my brother and M, ending in a much MORE broken zipper…. Thus, the need to spend more money than was strictly necessary on a NEW ski jacket. It even has an avalanche transponder-thingie built in. To wit, it is far more ski jacket than a city girl like me will ever need. EVER. M thinks I will never wear it again. I am determined to prove him wrong.

S & S can REALLY ski/board!

Lovers of the 80s, fasten your seatbelts– my new jacket is all very Sun Ice, circa 1984! I got lots of good feedback at the hill, though!

]]> http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/yyz-its-a-marshmallow-world/feed/ 3 YYZ DSCN6777 DSCN6779 DSCN6770 DSCN6775 http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/lhr-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/ http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/lhr-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:00:09 +0000 LHR http://fashionisdanger.wordpress.com/?p=6314 ]]> I have been telling YYZ for weeks that I had a few posts up my sleeve. However, I just needed to get my arse in gear. Turns out I need to be heading off to Canada to feel the real pressure. So, look at me 2 posts in 2 days. Whoohoo!

My post for today was actually a post from November. I also have a lot of photos from my trip to South Africa, but if I can throw in a shot of my new hat, I might be able to sneak it in as a fashion post. Stay tuned for that post and another post featuring Christmas lights and windows in London from 2011. Then I’ll be sort of caught up.

OK now to a recent, but actually quite 80s (Michael Jackson) inspired outfit. Plus, you’ll see why I entitled this post Rudolph (yup, the nose – really should touch up make-up before I get my pics taken)

Adjusting my sleeves

Buttoned Up

Unbuttoned and Nose Exposed

What I wore:
Trousers: Gray, Zara
Top: Gray (anti-iron – don’t believe it) shirt from Banana Republic bought in NYC
Vest: Burgundy, from the early 90s by anon, who was a friend of Margot’s (my Ogilvy friend).
Jacket: BCBG, purchased in San Francisco on a whim. Great decision. I find BCBG is very expensive, but the 3 items I own I wear over and over. So, I find they’re winners in the end on a cost per wear.
Earrings: Vintage, rhinestone
Brooch: Vintage, rhinestone and black glass
Socks: Burgundy
Shoes: You’ve seen these silver brogues many times before. They’re Office and YYZ has them too.

I kind of thought the short trousers, socks and brogues were a bit MJ. Do you agree?

Plus, I thought I would get you in the Christmas mood with some shots from last year’s decorations. We took these shots when YYZ was visiting us here in London. Enjoy and happy shopping! Here is YYZ and the Tiffany’s display at Somerset House

Outdoor tree designed by Tiffany's at Somerset House

YYZ sporting her cute little hat and the shoes featured in this post.

Cupcakes in the Tiffany Box

A really BIG little blue Tiffany Box

I believe YYZ and I went to the bar in the Town Hall back in May. So, she can attest to its total coolness. I love EVERYTHING about it. This hotel/restaurant/event space was once the old town hall of the area, and the interior is Art-Deco speckled with intriguing art curiousities (check out their photo gallery and virtual tours to understand the goodness). The event took place in the council chambers.

The Council Room

The Screening Room. We sat on the right hand side.

Yummy, yummy drinks to be enjoyed while watching the wonders of YSL.

Before I get in to the main event – L’Amour Fou (Yves St. Laurent Doc) – here are some shots of this gorgeous space.

Town Hall Lobby

clock in lobby

Old dentist chair with tailor’s closet

Enjoying the dentist chair

And, on to the main event – the film. L’Amour Fou is a documentary about Yves St. Laurent as recounted through his business and life partner, Pierre Bergé. Yves’ story, designs, life, inspiration is told by Pierre as he prepares to sell their mutual collection of art and furniture. Christie’s auction house would host one of the century’s biggest sale. Here’s a trailer for the fillm. Watch it.

The Christie’s Auction was an art installation in itself. The sheer number of lots and the excitement from the art and fashion communities was immense.  Add in investors who felt it was best to put their money in art rather than the wobbly stock market, the auction was probably the sale of the century. Check out this section to see which of Yves and Pierre’s prized possessions were sold. The entire collection fetched  $483 million. I also think seeing what YSL surrounded himself with helps to show where he got some of his inspiration.

The film  itself (not surprisingly) reminded me how incredibly talented Yves St. Laurent was and how early he achieved so much. His collections for the House of Dior were all incredible – every single piece I would love to own and put on Judy even if it didn’t suit me. (yes, YYZ, Judy one day will come home)

Later on, under his own label, he really proved to be a pioneer in fashion from the styles/designs to the idea of couture houses becoming accessible (and ultimately relevant) via ready to wear collections. Brilliant.

This film is beautiful. I loved every minute of it. Seeing snippets of YSL’s collections from years gone by and seeing how his life and the world around him influenced the collections. His love and time in  Morocco can be seen clearly in his collections. It also reminded me that I had the privilege of visiting his garden in Morocco.

Seeing the connections between his life and his designs made me appreciate the detail, the fabrics and the styles even more. Designs which were a mystery to me in the past, were put in to perspective understanding the stages of  his own life, the world around him and how one fed in to the other.  All I can say is I would be mighty impressed if a designer could create one dress/outfit on the level of YSL, but 200 in a collection – year after year. That’s sheer brillance and art.

Seeing this film brought back the memories and the feelings I experienced as I walked through the YSL retrospective at the de Young gallery in San Francisco. I was so incredibly lucky to see such a collection of his work in person. I remember wanting to gaze at the pieces for hours and hours. I wanted to be the person who could create such amazing pieces.

Alas.

I sell business cards Oh well. We each have our paths. If you have the chance, find a way to see L’Amour Fou if nothing to be lost in his brilliance and see YSL’s designs and the art  that he chose to surround himself with. (warning: it’s sad too – obviously – but that adds to what makes the film so captivating. It’s real life – ups and downs)

PS I’m forever thankful for YSL and the trapeze dress which hide’s a multitude of sins.

PSS YYZ, I know this is filled with poor english and grammar – feel free to edit. Too tired, but had to post and now to Christmas shop on Regent street (really looking forward to the champagne at the end of the day in Liberty’s)