Mornings Lost to the Clouds

Introduced by Christian Dior in his first collection in 1947. A modern, radical idea originally, this avant-garde silhouette brought out to replace hobble skirts have now evolved into an indispensable element in every woman’s wadrobe. Can you guess?

Vogue 1950

I have a fondness for 1950s fashion, but the rediscovery of the pencil skirt for my own wadrobe was really prompted by its plentiful appearances on catwalks this winter. Particular inspiration for me sprung from Preen’s psychedelic-geometric printed silk pencil skirt.

50/50

Recent excursions to the movies always seem to be a series of unfortunate events (HA!). Following constant average-to-poor (and expensive!) viewings, I have lost hope. It was utter carnage; either my ability in choosing decent movies semi-permanently impaired, or movies have just declined in quality. Needless to say, I was in dire need of some movie magic.

After last month’s disappointing visit to see “We have to talk about Kevin” at Everyman, I did not have high hopes for my monthly visit to Odeon to see 50/50. Well, it turned out to be fantastic – to say the least, I was blown away.

50/50 could have easily been too sentimental, too sappy, or too melodramatic; but honestly, it was light-hearted, sobering and realistic. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me laugh and cry, at the same time. Based on a true story, it was not only sobering but truly inspiring, without being banal. Joseph Gordon-Levitt completely, and utterly delivers his witty one-liners with style and more (I’m in love with him). Gordon-Levitt and Rogen together makes the film wildly entertaining from start to finish.

The movie portrays Adam (Gordon-Levitt) dealing spinal cancer with 50/50 chance of absolute recovery. Paired with his loud-mouthed obnoxious best-friend, he attempts to tackle life with the “best odds if he was a casino game”. Together with equally winning performances from the fantastic cast, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Angelica Houson, 50/50 is unpredictable, and head-spinningly amusing.

Without doubt, one of my favourite movies this year, and definitely worth a quickie trip to the cinema.

Onyx and Charcoal

Black, grey, navy. The colours that everyone seems to be wearing all the time now that the darkness of the winter-months has descended. But, honestly, who can avoid this faultless, effortless trick when dressing in gloomy morning-darkness? I’m guilty of dressing in monotones too.

Fear not, though. We don’t all have to walk around as winter-clichés. Take inspiration from “Par-delà Les Nuages” shoot – by David Sims – in Vogue Paris (Octobre 2011).

Should Tumble and Fall

Stand By Me, Stand By Me.  If the sky that we look upon, should tumble and fall.

John Lennon gets me through most Mondays, and The Beatles too. Hope your Monday isn’t too manic. Rewind 48 hours to easy Saturday afternoon, however, is my frivolous gander in Winchester. It’s really lovely there. Even with the Christmas-shopping crowds descending into the shops and on the High Street.

My constant favourite for Winterwear for easy-going strolling and rambling, roming and gallivanting is my tweed skirt. Warm and colourful. Definitely a worthwhile winter investment.

 

It’s such a feeling that my love, I can’t hide, I can’t hide, I can’t hide.

T.G.I.F

I’ve been somewhat capricious this week with my blog. Though from my less-than-bountiful (but much appreciated!) readership, I hope there was minimal antagonism. Lazy oaf that I am, this week I was genuinely working hard, helping to paint the set for the school musical (I now have new-found respect for painters, “handymen” and other such manual-labourers). All I can say is: THANK GOODNESS IT’S FRIDAY!

A consolation of sorts for a mundane, but carefree, comfortable Friday evening: a dose of online “window-shopping”. My autumn wishlist:

Unattainable, but a girl can pine, right?

Have a good weekend folks!

Man Up!

I am an ardent devotee to classic Menswear – which makes me absolutely cuckoo for the androgynous look of this season. My particular inspiration this week however, dates back to Autumn/Winter 2010. Bottega Veneta’s Men Collection for Milan Fashion Week. Buddy Holly-esque boxy blazers, curly haired quiffs, patent loafers – I’m in love.

bottegaveneta.com

 Thence, with a nod to Jigsaw’s new Autumn collection, here’s my tribute to “geek-chic” masculinity (appropiately attired with a skinny grosgrain-ribbon tie!)

Shirt: Vintage, Dress: Uni qlo, Shoes: Oasis

 

Fun, Frolics, Frivolity

“Fashion does not have to prove that it is serious. It is the proof that intelligent frivolity can be something creative and positive.” Karl Lagerfeld

Capes, Cloaks and Ponchos

No longer reserved for Superhero costumes at Halloween, or even HarryPotter-themed parties. It’s been ‘in’ and it’s been ‘out’, but me, I have total loyalty to cloaks, capes and ponchos.
Perfect to drape over a little sequin dress, or even skinny jeans and a casual jumper. It could be woolen, or tartan, or even tweed. A bold statement for Autumn 2011. (See “Spirit of Albion” in Harper’s Bazaar – October 2011 for inspiration!)

Irksome

Despite my love for fashion, there’s no doubt that executing a zestful and orignial ensemble every morning can sometimes be frustrating. Ergo, I have much appreciation for the staple-pieces in my wadrobe. My new uniform: little black dress and wool blazer.

Who said uniforms had to be boring?

Blazer & Dress: Zara, Belt: H&M, Brogues: Aldo

Let Your Colours Burst

Remember, remember the Fifth of November.

Guy Fawkes Night is the best – bonfires, sparklers, fireworks. Much much better than Halloween. And, certainly I had a good wholesome night in Winchester.