h by helen bullock for Anthropologie Posted by Unknown |

Featuring long flowing swathes of fabric treated as canvases for bold abstract colour-bright designs in her SS12 and AW13 collections, Helen Bullock – a Central St Martins graduate who was spotted by Vauxhall Fashion Scout and has worked with Ossie Clark London and Galliano – has teamed up with the print obsessive Anthropologie for a capsule collection launching late November, the 20th to be precise. Rather than screen print repeated patterns (Bullock is not a huge fan of digital or screen printing) all the original artwork was hand-painted and stencilled. Here are the collection illustrations to give you an idea of what to expect. Watch this space for more on the collection pre-launch.

What I'm Wearing: Floral Denim & Faux Fur Posted by Unknown |

So here it is, the promised outfit post featuring my brand new Free People daisy print jeans that, joy of joys, actually fit (took a punt ordering online in my old size). Teamed with last winter's ASOS faux fur (similar here) (so realistically reddish – is it faux fox? – people always wonder if it's real; not really a good thing as you end up getting all defensive and apologetic) a cat intarsia knit from Topshop (yes, I love cats, yes, that is why the internet was invented etc etc) and a pair of sort of cracked-like-old-paint kitten heel ankle boots (no idea where these came from!) that always make me feel so 80s. So I basically love everything about this outfit – picking out the white of the flowers with the booties and basic H&M white vest worn underneath the jumper (see pics 3 and 4), the in-your-face burnt orange of the fur toned down by the dusty rose of the jumper and, of course, the cat burglar motif.

Update: The Free People UK website has now launched.

Style Postcard: Last Days of Summer Posted by Unknown |

We've been chasing the sun in Portugal, but it finally gave out and we had to bid a sad farewell to the last days of summer – making those final sunsets all the sweeter. The other day, I was followed on Twitter by amazing French-Canadian actress Karine Vanasse and she tweeted about having met Serge Bensimon, the designer of the iconic Bensimon tennis shoes – of which I have several in different colours (of the pictured elastique style) – which got me thinking about end of summer essentials. TTFN.

1. Wildfox baggy beach jumper
2. Ksubi Albuquerque denim shorts
3. Bensimon tennis elastique
4. En Shalla fringed leather bag

Two For The Boys - Peregrine & Hentsch Man Posted by Unknown |

Some men's fashion for a change. Mainly because these gorgeous coloured plum chinos with the lovely cross-over waistband button reminded me of the trousers worn by Mark Ruffalo playing Bruce Banner / The Hulk in Avengers Assemble (which I LOVED btw). Hentsch Man Joe Chinos & Peregrine Nordic jumper both available from Wolf & Badger.

What I'm Wearing Preview: Floral Print Jeans Posted by Unknown |

Jeans to combat wintry days with. Finally these Free People (soon to launch in the UK) floral sweeties arrived (trust me they've been on my mind for a while) and I'm pretty pleased for a number of reasons:

1. They fit. Quite a big deal when you're buying your first pair of post-preggers jeans in your old size.
2. They are non-stretch, which adds to the joy of point 1. Also my first pair of non-stretch jeans in a long time. Non-stretch feels so much more authentic in a cowboy out on the range kinda way. If you know what I mean? Maybe not. That's cool.
3. They're cropped, which on me means they fit just right, no turning up or slicing off the ends completely cack-handedly. In fact, I own very few jeans that are just the right length.
4. They fit.

So, the plan is to style them up with a jacket, a blazer and a cardigan and see how they look. So keep your eyes peeped for the forth-coming What I'm Wearing post.

Rebecca Minkoff AW12 - Fave Looks Posted by Unknown |

colour palette

I was quite gutted not to make the Rebecca Minkoff Spring/Summer 2013 Preview earlier this month, but to make up for it I had a good look back at the AW12 collection and here are my three favourite looks. I'm a little bit obsessed with the slouchy blazer, mini skirt and skinny legs silhouette and it's very comforting to see black opaque tights taking centre stage – makes autumn seem somehow more manageable. I also love the easy-going side swept fringes, pinky eye shadow and the tweed/mustard combination looks good enough to eat!

colour palette

colour palette

Style Postcard: Spirit of The Eagle Posted by Unknown |

Ever feel like just cutting loose and setting off free as a bird, spirit of the eagle fuelling your soul? Today's style postcard from somewhere innermost in my mind. Photograph from the last day of summer.

1. Chan Luu beaded leather bracelet
2. The Kooples Eagle Wings T-shirt
3. Hudson Naos Tan Ankle Boots
4. Free People Embroidered Leather Jacket

Florence + The Machine Wears Georgia Hardinge Posted by Unknown |

How amazing does Florence Welch look in this outfit? She's wearing my fabulous friend and super talented designer Georgia Hardinge. I'm also completely in love with this look below from Georgia's SS13 collection, which you can see the rest of here. Also check out her Facebook page with lots more snaps of celebs wearing her designs. Happy weekend!

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Topshop Autumn Shopping List Posted by Unknown |

I haven't had a good splurge at Topshop for yonks. So with autumn and the urge for wrapping up nice and cosy well upon us, here is my wish shopping list plus a little edging out of my style comfort zone.

NB: For those for whom it matters, all the clothes are from the Topshop petite section.

 1. Navy Duffle Coat I've never been sure about duffle coats but there's something quite wonderful about their never-changing style and full-on navy; navy is so sturdy, reassuring and yet, always cool.
 2. Cat Burglar Jumper Animal intarsia, cats, cats on the internet, cats on jumpers is probably what this decade and the last will often be remembered for.
 3. Splodge Tie Dye Leggings Ok, these leggings are so not out of my comfort zone, the shape and paint-splattered/tie-dye print feature so often on this blog so yes, I confess to a style rut.
 4. Croc Frame Crossbody Bag Super structured handbags, I love to ogle them but have never successfully worn one. But this is lovely and hardens up the duffle coat and bobble hat.
5. Fair Isle Bobble Hat Got to love a bobble hat (though maybe not on guys?). But girls yes, and a Fairisle knit to boot. Again the cuteness hardened up by the boots and bag.
6. Glitter Chelsea Boots Love the flat heel and simple shape of these boots and the glitter is so understated. But still I wonder would I ever bite the bullet and splash out on glitter boots. How much use would they get??

If I Designed Jeans... Afternoon Delight Capsule Collection Posted by Unknown |

Print pants being all the rage right now, if I designed jeans they'd look like this. Today's photo walk combined with learning to use the clipping mask in Photoshop – last night I came across this fantastic blog Pugly Pixel with tonnes of brilliant blog design ideas and tutorials. Watch me get all creative!

What Is She Wearing?! Sandra MacPhee Posted by Unknown |

Sandra MacPhee, a teacher from the Isle of Skye, wears a floral skater dress from New Look (similar here). Flats also by New Look. (Similar here.) Gorgeous late afternoon light – that magical time – the last shot was taken when the sun had almost disappeared. Happy holidays. :-)

Celebrate Wool Week 2012 – 15th to 20th October Posted by Unknown |

In honour of Wool Week 2012 here are some of my favourite places to buy yarn. (Yes, I too, am looking forward to seeing Harvey Nichols wrapped in 100 metres of illuminated wool this Monday!)

Loop
I remember when Loop first opened on Cross Street in Islington, it was divine. It's also where I learnt to knit socks with Jane Lithgow, a class I highly recommend. Check Loop's fine selection of sock wools. This hand-painted Peace, Love & Misti alpaca is one of my favourites for sock knitting. The store quickly grew and has since moved to Camden Passage to a bigger space. It's always bustling.

Knit With Attitude
A sliver of yarn heaven, Knit With Attitude opened fairly recently in Stoke Newington and stocks wonderful handspun yarns. Owner Maya B introduced me to Ravelry showing me how to search for patterns for specific types of wool. Super helpful. Recent purchases include this plant dyed Dazzle from The Natural Yarn Studio and Knit Pro Double Pointed Needles.

Liberty
I can never pass up popping up to the knitting and haberdashery section in the empress of all department stores. Since relocating floors, the wool section has grown and become even more enticing.

K1 Yarns
I discovered K1 Yarns last Christmas while in Edinburgh. Owner Katherine Walker stocks some of the most gorgeous (and yes, irresistible) Orkney angora and hand-dyed Selkie cashmere blends.

Purl Soho
Almost ten years ago a good friend and fellow knitter introduced me to New York's Purl Soho when she roped her brother into bringing back the most beautiful silk blend yarn for us. We then began ordering online and sharing the postage. To this day it remains one of my biggest incentives to visit the Big Apple (I've never been!).

Scandinavian Knitting Design*
I can't remember how I stumbled on SKD but so glad I did. Online catalogues of free patterns, tutorials and of course, lots of different types of yarn, with regular sales.
*The website seems to be down just now, but will post links to yarns and patterns once it's up again.

L'OisiveThe et Tricot

This French yarn store was the only place I could find the whole set of Koigu yarns needed to make the Babette blanket – a crochet project I started earlier this year, and am about two-thirds of the way through... getting there.

Lana Del Rey: Ride Posted by Unknown |

Actually, it's kinda wierd on some levels, but I think I kinda love it. You?

What I'm Wearing: Biker Jacket & Espadrilles Posted by Unknown |

Nabbed this black biker jacket for the afternoon from my sister-in-law who is just my size. Love it, with cross over zipped jersey at the front it fits so well and is super comfortable. It's by New Look and just £39.99. Rest of the outfit is pretty easy oasy taking the edge off the jacket – American Vintage black vest, peasant blouse, Wellicious yoga trousers and Kato espadrilles.

DIY Super Shabby Chic Patio Seat Posted by Unknown |

I can't take any credit for the building of this lovely outdoor seat (huge thanks to the my lovely husband, his bro and bro's girlfriend :)) for making it all happen but I'm so proud of the finished result just had to post. I found some random instructions here and they were loosely adhered to – the whole job was done with a power saw, electric drill, screws and old green doors.

Handmade Cashmere Scarves by Orwell + Austen Posted by Unknown |

I'm a sucker for beautifully soft scarves with eye-catching prints and the first collection from Orwell + Austen are just the ticket for autumn. With animal inspired prints, hand woven and hand printed in Nepal and either 100% cashmere or a mix of cashmere and silk. Available from the end of October. Check their Facebook and Tumblr.

Bombay Cafe Dishoom Opens in Shoreditch Posted by Unknown |

I haven't been to the Covent Garden Dishoom but I sure wanna try out the newly opened branch on Boundary Street in Shoreditch. Based on Bombay's Irani cafes – opened by Persian immigrants;  during the 60s there were nearly 400, now less than 30 remain – the menu also comprises dishes inspired by Bombay street grills and south of Bombay. Open all day serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in the courtyard, bar, bakery, cafe and kitchen dining room. Sounds and looks like fun. Can't wait to check it. Also there appears to be 50% off until the 18 Oct – see below. Find out more on their Facebook here.

What I'm Wearing: Nylon Snake Print & Neon Posted by Unknown |

Ok, apologies for the photo quality, I can only blame the old wardrobe mirror for the speckles. But I really wanted to show the nylon snake print and neon detail, which I think have both come through alright. Python print tote by Jerome Dreyfus from mywardrobe.com, Nike x Liberty trainers, American Vintage tee from mywardrobe.com, Zara jeans and House of Holland SS13 iPhone case.

This Wolf Print Marl Jumper by Simeon Farrar Posted by Unknown |

This jumper. By Simeon Farrar from Liberty. Totally feeling wolves on jumpers this autumn. See my earlier post. Possibly best worn while listening to Oh Land's kinda wonderful Wolf & I.
 

Organic Beauty: Priti NYC Nail Polish Posted by Unknown |

It's fantastic to find toxic-free brands doing decent nail polish – something that for a while seemed to  lag behind on the eco credentials. But not anymore. Priti NYC (founded by former model Kim D'Amato while she was pregnant) does a super polish – fulsome with a great brush that slides the polish on nice and easy. This is Flamingo Flower. Two coats give a nice, rich ruby red. See below. (Yes, I know, testers usually post pictures of their finger nails but I rarely paint mine, it's always my toes! So, hope you don't mind the foot shot.) The little sachets are biodegradable soy nail polish remover. Available from Cult Beauty.

What Is She Wearing?! Annabelle Wallis Posted by Unknown |

Gorgeous actress Annabelle Wallis (The Tudors & Pan Am) wears black tee by COS, patterned pants by Tucker, lace-up boots by River Island, bag by Mulberry and necklaces by J. Crew and Mawi. Follow her on Instagram @annabellewallis and on Twitter @WallisAnnabelle. (Can you believe my camera battery died the minute I arrived?! Classic error. So photos were taken with iPhone. :)) 

Stylon Shortcuts: Zigzags, Polka Dots, Studs & Spikes Posted by Unknown |

Splendid polka dot top @ Net-a-Porter
Anton Heunis necklace @ mywardrobe.com
Chloe ankle boots @ Net-a-Porter
Free People rust jeans
Mulberry Lily handbag