The Great Scot Awards – Some Official Snaps Posted by Unknown |

Ok, ok, I just couldn't resist posting a few of the official photos (dress by Georgia Hardinge as you probably know by now!) from the Great Scot Awards evening. So proud of my clever and talented hubby for receiving the music award. (He has only recently joined Twitter so follow here, or his Facebook page here). Lots of good things to come! Oh, and he's even promised me a Christmas mixtape for the blog, so, you never know!

mylo.tv // Facebook // Twitter

Boohoo Press Day SS13 - Boutique, Botanical, Nineties Neon & Harlequin Posted by Unknown |

I was really impressed by all the fun-loving colours, prints and designs on display at the Boohoo SS13 press day this week. The second Boutique collection was pretty adventurous with pastel brocades, studded white leather, bold reds and net skirt dresses (could easily double up as a bridesmaid dress – if you're into that kind of thing). The main line featured crazy floral botanical prints, nineties neon, harlequin monochrome, studs and stones detailing and Aztec prints. Plus some kick-ass studded high heeled ankle boots. Bring on the spring!

boohoo.com

What Is She Wearing?! Fleur MacIntosh Posted by Unknown |

Fleur MacIntosh, owner and manager of Edinburgh's independent fashion boutique Godiva Boutique, wears a grey swallow scarf from Appletree Boutique, chiffon and Aztec tee by Mollie Brown (similar here), vintage black cardi with pearl buttons, black skinny jeans and vintage Victorian style ankle boots. All clothes from Godiva Boutique. I'm afraid I can't take credit for the lovely photos, they were taken by the very talented Jenny Hazel, an old school chum, who also works at Godiva. 

godivaboutique.co.uk // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest 

British Fashion Awards 2012 – Cara Delevingne Acceptance Speech Posted by Unknown |

Last night wasn't just the Great Scot Awards, it was also the British Fashion Awards with Stella McCartney winning Designer of the Year and Designer Brand and Erdem winning the New Establishment award. Here's the very sweet and crazy model of the moment Cara Delevingne accepting the Model Award. So that's where Pam Hogg must have dashed off to after accepting her Great Scot award! 

The Great Scot Awards 2012 At London Restaurant Boisdale Posted by Unknown |

A few fuzzy snaps from last night's Great Scot Awards. Hosted and organised by Boisdale restaurant in Canary Wharf it was a quite hilarious Scot and Aberdeen Angus steak heavy night. At the top is a painting by Andrew Marr, one of the charity auction lots (the top prize was a new painting by Jack Vettriano of a lady smoking in the bath), in the centre my lovely hubby having just received his music award, and yes, that is the quite fabulous Pam Hogg (and very sweet boyfriend) who received her award for fashion. Beneath them you will see a real Olympic medal (amazing and so heavy!) which belonged to one of the Olympic canoeist three-strong team. Plus, of course, the obligatory fashion blogger shot of macaroons and little cakes. And once again, a big thanks to the lovely and very talented Georgia Hardinge for lending me a dress for the evening. We had a ball!

What I'm Wearing: Georgia Hardinge & Dries van Noten Posted by Unknown |

Ok, let's get one thing straight. I am not the height designed for when it comes to this dress – the designer's ideal clients are the likes of Grace Jones, Skin from Skunk Anansie and Erin O'Connor (who is already a big fan of London designer Georgia Hardinge). Let me add to that list Florence Welch, who was recently photographed wearing this very AW12 print in a coat and top combo. Anyway, the point is, these are tall women of grand bearing more than capable of carrying off strong colour and print and more importantly lengthy, flowing materials. As I explained in a previous post, some of Georgia's dresses were trailing on the ground on my 5"2 frame at our try-on sesh, so really, this dress is a winner. On a model it's more of a knee-length affair (I'm not going to link to the catwalk version of this look, it's too much for my little heart to bare) on me, as you can see, it's coming in more mid-calf. Moving on, as previously discussed, I have added a pair of Dries van Noten heels (bought in sale), a vintage Oroton mesh evening bag (identical here, though I bargained the price at Spitalfields much lower than this!), an ASOS faux fur jacket (you've seen this in an outfit post before) a vintage/costume jewellery necklace and ring (family gifts, no idea of origin). Plus a dash of red lipstick by the now discontinued Ruby & Millie. And this, my friends, is about as damn glamorous as it gets around here. (In case you're wondering, the do I'm off to tonight is the Great Scot Awards where my hubby will be receiving a music award. :) Very proud!)

This Vintage Necklace by London Label Cinderela B Posted by Unknown |

Nothing like the onslaught of Christmas parties to justify some full-on statement bling. Spitalfields jewellery designer Cinderela B (the label, founded by Rachel Jackson, started out as a stall at Spitalfields market in 2006 and now, with a team of young fashion graduates, sells from New York to Tokyo) has a beautiful line in reworked vintage handmade pieces, just like the Electra necklace above, which means you'll also be getting something a little more one-off. Tis' the season to pile it on. 

cinderelab.com / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest 

What I'm Wearing: h by Helen Bullock for Anthropologie - Part 3 of 4 Posted by Unknown |

Yes, I know I look slightly crazed in this photo, but, you know, just trying to mix things up a bit. I love the yellow and blue of this print broken up by the bold black and pink strips. This is a daydreamy creation with a wonderful silhoulette perfect for moseying around the house on a rainy day. It's the Citrus Strokes dress from the new h by Helen Bullock collection for Anthropologie. The shoes are Swedish Hasbeens and the bracelet is Bakelite by, I don't know who, but I bought it in a shoe shop that no longer exists.

See Part 1 with the Sweeping Maxi and Part 2 with the Flower Field Dress.

Christmas Gift Guide – 20 Prezzies For Under £30 Posted by Unknown |

1. Grace – A Memoir 2. Love Rocks earrings 3. V&A sequins purse 4. Large Hamam towel  5. V&A cream collar 6. Toast long knit sock 7. Lucia organic shea soap 8. Boohoo onesie 9. Tamasyn Gambell notebooks 10. Monki bobble hat 11. Anthropologie rings 12. Pied a Terre creamer 13. Diane von Furstenberg earphones 14. Alice Rose Lewis pin cushion 15. Penguin's Poems For Life 16. Christian Lacroix journal 17. Moore & Moore faux fur hat 18. V&A art & crafts bracelet 19. Dose nail polish 20. Paddywax tin candle Jane Austen

What I'm Wearing: Outfit Planning With London Designer Georgia Hardinge Posted by Unknown |

Recognise the print? Gorgeous, right? It's from London designer Georgia Hardinge's AW12 collection – I've blogged about Georgia before here and here; her amazing designs have been worn by everyone from Florence + The Machine, Lady Gaga and Erin O'Connor to Beyonce, Alesha Dixon and fashion blogger Susie Bubble. Anyway, last night I popped round to her east London home to do some outfit planning for a do this week. Not a massively major do, but the first one I've been to in yonks, so I figured I needed some help. Georgia helped me try on five of her fantastic designs (1. full disclosure: I'm such a shortie two were sadly too long on me despite the mega-heels and clever tricks with belts and 2. note to self: when a designer offers to whip you up something floaty over the weekend, say YES!) and after a few mirror poses and snaps (plus me moaning about how my figure is not what it once was) it was soon quite obvious which was the right one. Full outfit post featuring the dress we chose to come. 

I'm quite pleased with my choice of shoes, I think the geometric detailing goes quite well with a Georgia Hardinge design. So these are a pair of Dries van Notens I've hauled out of retirement; they were bought in a Christmas sale at Harvey Nichols at least three years ago. Can you believe I used to wear these out to clubs and dance all night? Oh, how times have changed.

And this is the bag, it's a vintage Oroton made in west Germany (Australian brand founded in 1938 but some of the older pieces were also made in west Germany, which is what is says on the inside tag making it quite a cool piece of sartorial history). Bought after some extremely hard bargaining in Spitalfields market. I didn't want to get too fussy with statement jewellery so I thought the metallic gold would bring the right amount of measured glitz to the outfit.

What do you think? Do you like the combination of pieces? How much time do you spend planning a big night out? 

What Is She Wearing?! Phoebe Frangoul Posted by Unknown |

Phoebe, co-founder and editor of style and culture zine Pamflet, wears a cafe au lait (there's a better colour to describe this, isn't there? Beige, tan, sandstone? A really obvious one I can't think of right now) coat by Oasis (similar in navy here), wool jumper by Benetton, trousers by Jaeger Boutique (part of a suit), pink socks by Falke, brogues by Russell & Bromley, watch by Swatch and the amazing car clutch is actually a men's washbag by Paul Smith (excellent styling tip there!). If you haven't come across Pamflet (started out as a cool girl zine, featured in Vogue and moved online) then check it out. Now! Photo was taking in Victoria Park's Loafing cafe – see yesterday's post.

pamflet.co.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram 

East London Love: Loafing Cafe in Victoria Park E9 Posted by Unknown |

I popped into very sweet cafe Loafing in Victoria Park Village this week for tea and cake. Fine china crockery, an impressive chandelier, shabby chic decor, sponge cake, brownies and an extremely friendly and accommodating staff (read, let me snap a What Is She Wearing?! and vey help with baby stuff) made this a one-to-go-back-to. Especially as some pieces (the china teacups, antique mirrors) are for sale – look out for the price tags. Where do you like to hang out in east London? Do you have a favourite cafe? And are you the brownie or sponge cake type of girl or guy?

loafing.co.uk

Interview: Jewellery Designer Rachel Boston Posted by Unknown |

stylonylon interviews rachel boston

Jewellery designer Rachel Boston's new collection 'The Protector' has been featured in Vogue.com, Dazed & Confused and i-D. A 2011 Central St Martin's graduate, Rachel makes her jewellery out of casts of beetles and scorpion stings. Her studio is based in east London.

Could you describe your favourite piece of jewellery and tell us why it is so special to you?
My favourite of my own designs is the gold scorpion sting necklace, I love wearing it because it has a lot of movement which makes the stings look like they're alive. My most sentimental piece though is a name necklace saying ELVIS my parents had made for me based on a necklace I had when I was 8. I've been a huge Elvis fan ever since I bought my first CD which was a greatest hits collection so it was just a really special gift and I'll treasure it forever.

Why do you think animals and insects re-invented as jewellery is so popular at the moment? What does it mean for you and this collection?
I wrote my dissertation when I was at Central Saint Martins on Insects' Impact on Western Culture – which is profound! Insects in adornment goes from the Magdalenian era – where ornaments in the shape of beetles were found constructed from anthracite – to Bottega Veneta's beetle inspired accessories last year. Beetles have always had a huge cultural impact and I think they've been such a strong influence in my work because of that, their history with mysticism and religions as well as their forms – which fascinates me. They're the most successful animals to have evolved for 230 million years, their diversity of shapes and colours never fails to amaze me and recreating them into wearable and beautiful jewellery is a fascinating process involving me collecting real beetles and scorpions and casting them into metal.

Have you been shopping for your autumn wardrobe? 
I love autumn fashion, it's by far my favourite time of year to dress for as I love leather gloves and winter coats. I think my Acne brown leather jacket (Ed's note – similar here) is my favourite autumnal purchase – although it's getting a little bit cold to wear it I'm trying to persevere. Otherwise I tend to buy alot of vintage or thrift so I've been searching for a good cable knit jumper all month.

What key pieces of clothing and accessories can't you live without?
I couldn't live without my Cole Haan Air Nike Chelsea boots, they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned so I'd feel lost without them. I also couldn't live without my jewellery collection, of course, as I wear at least one piece from it every day.

What is on you shopping wishlist right now?
I'm a big fan of nuji.com where you can make your dream shopping list online; you can view my list at nuji.com/Rachelboston and see everything my greedy clothes-obsessed heart desires.

rachelboston.co.uk / Facebook / Twitter

1. Elvis – Greatest Hits 2. Cole Haan Chelsea boots 3. Monki Else bag (nuji) 4. Nebula 3 iPhone case (nuji) 5. Carven linen & silk-blend skirt (nuji) 6. My Theresa Valentino gloves (nuji) 7. Monki Hildur bag (nuji) 8. Aubin & Willis wool sweater (nuji) 9. Karen Walker Perfect Day sunglasses (nuji)

What Is She Wearing?! Toni Caroline Ogle AKA Fashion Your Seatbelts Posted by Unknown |

Fashion blogger Toni Caroline Ogle of Fashion Your Seatbelts wears embellished shift dress by Fashion Union, Skye sparkle jumper by Boden, navy colour block bag by Next and lace-up shoes by Topshop. Very Alexa, don't you think? Like most fashion bloggers Toni's not so keen on smiling, but I think she looks absolutely stunning here - more smiling fashion bloggers please! The photograph was taken against a slightly shady wall on the night of the Boohoo blogger's Knitb4Xmas event outside the ICEBAR on my iPhone 4s (I actually had my DSLR with me for once but my refusal to use flash on my cameras is not proving great for night shots – hence the graininess on this one). Two gorgeous huskies are just out of shot.

See Toni's blog Fashion Your Seatbelts.

Get Your Studs On - Designer & Highstreet Edit Posted by Unknown |

Studded shoes and boots are absolutely everywhere right now and they will be come Spring/Summer 13 as well, so not a bad purchase really. Rock n' roll shortcut if I ever saw one. So, take your pick. 

1. Nelly.com 2. Aldo 3. ASOS, 4. See by Chloe, 5. Chloe, 6. KG by Kurt Geiger, 7. Topshop, 8. Guiseppe Zanotti  9. Steve Madden 10. Isabel Marant 11. Topshop 12. Boohoo 13. Truth Or Dare 14. Boohoo. 15. Chie Mihara

What I'm Wearing: Topshop Duffle Coat & LFA Sheepskin Boots Posted by Unknown |

Ok, there are a few things going on here. Firstly, I've been wanting to do an outfit post on this Topshop duffle coat for a few weeks now. It fits like a dream and feels and, I think, looks much better quality than its £89 pricetag; which is why it is probably so popular – last weekend a newspaper fashion journalist friend was wearing the same (and Uggs! more on them in a minute) and out and about I've seen loads on other people. (I actually contacted the Topshop press office for sales figures to back up my anecdotal evidence but they don't give those out I was told.) Next up, this photo, which is a bit of a first on this blog, as it wasn't taken by me, but my lovely but camera un-friendly husband. I really am quite envious of all those bloggers who have boyfriends/best friends/mothers who are not only willing but a dab hand with the camera. And thirdly, yes I am wearing ugg boots. Not Uggs with a capital branded "U"; these are by Love From Australia (the brand Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Grace were recently papped in) which, I hasten to add, I bought two, maybe three, winters ago. So I'm going to stick my neck out here, I am a big fan of ugg boots and have been ever since I was first able to get my hands on a pair (remember when it was practically impossible to find them in the UK?) nearly a decade ago. They are warm, cosy and comfy and come autumn, if it's not raining and I'm not going anywhere too special, I will be wearing them. Confession made. I await my fashion ex-communication with a bowed head.

What I'm wearing: Topshop duffle coat, LFA sheepskin boots, Free People jeans, Boohoo.com wristies, Rayban (RX5248) glasses, Butter nail polish

Weekend Recipe: How To Make A Really Quick & Easy Rhubarb Chocolate Tart Posted by Unknown |

Ok, another first. A really simple recipe for rhubarb chocolate tart which I made yesterday (listening intently to Absolute 80s on the radio and keeping an eye on little cookie while he played) to take to a dinner party – first adult dinner party for a long time, and yes, we took the babe and put him to bed there, bliss. Of course, I forgot to take the final photo of the sliced up tart ready for serving up with a dollop of creme fraiche, but it looked great and tasted great. Not too sweet and the rhubarb adds a nice tang. The rhubarb just needs to be heated and will turn into a mush after about 10-15 minutes. Also for the amount of chocolate – the 110g above – I actually used 100g which is what's in a packet of Green & Black's. Enjoy!

What I'm Wearing - h by Helen Bullock for Anthropologie - Part 2 of 4 Posted by Unknown |

Another of the gorgeous silk dresses, so aptly called the flower field dress, from the new h by Helen Bullock collection for Anthropologie. Ankle boots are old favourites – Encke by Hudson, current suede version here – and gold locket and rings are all vintage pieces from family. I know this isn't very weather appropriate but so easy to add a pair of tights and cropped cardie.

See Part 1 here.

Boohoo.com's Blogger Event #KnitB4Xmas At London's ICEBAR Posted by Unknown |

It was with a little trepidation that I headed out last night to, gasp, my first blogger event hosted by boohoo.com at the -5°C (with ice brought from the frozen Torne river in northern Sweden, no less) ICEBAR. Thirty plus fashion bloggers were already schmoozing, sipping cocktails, nibbling nibbles and getting Christmas photos taken (fun cheesy backdrops plus props – mine was a bit of a fail which is why it's not in this post... vain, moi?) and checking out the new Boohoo Christmas knits (including jumpers above, hat & wristies below and cosy onesies – available soon, but I need to find out when exactly available from next week) and Boohoo Boutique party wear while waiting to be escorted downstairs to the actual bar made of ice. While we waited I got chatting to Birmingham's Fashion Mommy, Lithuanian but London-based Edita from Pret-a-Reporter, TDRheartsNY, Mademoiselle LaLa and the lovely Toni from Fashion Your Seatbelts (keep an eye out for a forthcoming What Is She Wearing?! with Toni). So I snapped a few photos, chatted and then – full disclosure here – dashed off before we actually made it down to the icy bar below. Don't ask, something to do with the little cookie being tucked up in bed and me having missed his bedtime for the first time ever. Hmmmm. Though when I say dash, it was more of an awkward gambol weighed down with a quite fabulous Christmas gift box courtesy of Boohoo. So there you have it, first blogger event done and dusted. Shop the Boohoo Limited Edition Boutique collection here. And see all the knitb4Xmas Twitter action that went down here. 

     

Anthropologie Spring 2013 - Fashion & Home Preview Edit Posted by Unknown |

Managed another press day, this time a preview of Anthropologie's Spring '13 collection where there were some really nice surprises. A fabulous quilted black jacket with just the right amount of bead and sequin shoulder detailing; some very Illesteva round sunglasses by Copenhagen-based clothing and accessories brand Han; a cool grey marl sweat shirt (this collection is the first to include plainer block colour pieces to mix in with the usual brighter prints), some extremely covetous printed satin booties, gold sandals and paisley bomber jacket. And then the bright and colourful home line, which I couldn't keep away from as I'm a complete sucker for all things cushion and quilt shaped, and just look at those cute measuring spoons – luckily you can buy the current season measuring spoons right now, perfect Christmas presents. Shop more current season accessories and homeware below.