A story about a hat

One day shy of Ascot and I still needed a hat. What I really needed/wanted was a cloche and not just any cloche; I needed an authentic, 1920's, black, velvet (if possible), cute as a button, cloche. I was not settling for any type of flower fascinator with a spray of feathers, I wanted a cloche and I wouldn’t rest until I found one.

With that, I set out to scourer the dark, grey streets of London town. I visited every thrift, charity, vintage, second hand shop and market in my beloved city, alas, none of the above was found. With one day left to find this elusive commodity, I had just about lost all hope when it finally appeared. There it was in all its glory, I had found it. A stones throw from my office, displayed in the window of a tiny little second hand shop was a black, authentic, 1920's cloche (not felt but beggars can't be chooser right?). I snatched it immediately from the window display (this stealth move is often frowned upon by shop assistants) and took it to the point of purchase.

After a little inspection, the shop owner, let's call her ‘Olga’, declared that "On second thoughts, accessories from the 1920's are extremely rare and I'm not quite sure I want to part with it (inspects condition once again, pauses for effect) actually it's not for sale at all". At this point, I swallowed slowly and became very still. All of a sudden I began to sweat and then panic slightly - "But you must sell it to me, I must have it, I must have that cloche, if I can't have it I will have to change my entire outfit again, head to toe, 24hours prior to the event, that can't happen to me, I don't have the time or the strength for that, you must help me!". I fear at this point the middle aged, eccentric shop owner, wearing a smokers coat and an embellished turban of sorts began to fear for her safety. I’m guessing she decided the best way to deal with this crazy consumer was to negotiate. Olga decided she would hire the cloche to me for a swift 10er if I left her a £50 deposit. Was I in a costume shop? I decided Olga would hire the cloche to me for a quiet 10er and I would leave her only a £20 deposit (I needed that extra 30quid for pimms and champagne). Priorities ladies.

I then left Olga and her smokers coat, super chuffed; believing I had some how won “The Great Battle Of The Cloche” and set off for a fabulous day at the races. Deluded, I tell you, deluded.

Negative Ghost-Rider... the pattern is full

Due to the pure awesomeness of the weather here in London this week I have begun the summer search for the perfect sunglasses. Quite similar to the winter coat hunt really, considering it becomes quite a high use seasonal item you really do have to be super happy with your choice, bearing in mind that in 6 months you will detest the item due to its everyday requirement and general over use.

I believe eye wear choice can tell you a lot about a person. Glasses belong in the same category as belts, wallets and shoes, a quick glance south of the shins and I can generally pin personality type, job description and post code – so much for living in a classless society.

There are 2 categories of sunglasses:
1) Cheap, on trend, breakable and easy to replace
2) Prescription ergo expensive ergo break your heart when you sit on them

I unfortunately belong to the latter of the 2 groups and therefore spend a good month (generally May) contemplating size, shape, colour (lens & frame) and price. I’m not fussy when it comes to label however tend to shy away from massive D&G style branding & sparkle on the arms. Eeek.

Due to my prescription requirement I’m limited when it comes to frame and style. The outer rim must be strong and the manufacturing sturdy to hold the thicker than usual lens and the shape can not be too rounded or “wrapped” or my optometrist will refuse to fit the lens. This unfortunately was my problem in the summer of 2007 leaving me with my tortoise shell, over sized, pre baby, Nicole Richie themed sunglasses. The Rachel Zoe days were so yesterday.

I’m just dying (how very dramatic & not at all accurate) to find the perfect pair of aviators (aren't we all?) and was advised yesterday that the best place to find them is in the kids range of Ray Ban. Apparently they are smaller, catering for children’s faces and sturdier catering for children’s clumsiness – perfect. Only problem is aviators are impossible to fit prescription lenses to (rim too thin and shape too tricky) – not so perfect, considering I’d prefer to see the approaching bus, giving me time to step out of its way before it actually hits me.

Yesterday saw me donning my mates vintage R.B aviators circa 1987, complete with warranty and classic old school case, love love love them, the only problem being I can’t see a bloody thing when I wear them – quite a big problem really. I could opt for contact lenses all in the name of fashion but tend to get a severe case of ‘red eye’ after a few hours of wear, prompting parental questions such as “are you smoking pot?” “should we be worried about you Francis?” – also quite a problem. I could simply let the aviator dream go and continue the search for the perfect summer accessory; however, its just such a drag, try on, take off, try on, take off etc etc and so forth…..

Maybe I’ll take a gamble and buy online this year, it’s a risky purchase considering glasses are such a personal statement but considering the sun seems to only make guest appearances here in the UK, a bad, expensive sunglass purchase has nothing on wearing an unfortunate non returnable winter coat for 7 long, cold months.

Aphrodite

The Met Costume Institute Ball brought us quite an array of glamour this year, there was a slight nod to theme of superheroes, however; generally we saw meters and meters of soft draped fabrics in silk, satin and chiffon. I’m just loving the way folds and pleats are falling with this popular Grecian draped trend, it's giving me an excuse to wrap up and cover all those winter curves.

We also saw numerous one shouldered neck lines (also a Greek influence) bronzed skins and hem lines bunching on the floor, just beautiful for those gifted with height and Mediterranean blood.

Considering I meant to post this yesterday (my day job seems to be getting in the way) I won’t keep you and simply post a visual of my favourites.

Hot off the bakerloo line

In keeping with my "everyday london discoveries" byline (is that what its called?) I discovered a 5 pound discount in the LondonLite this afternoon. I was; however, slightly disappointed that the small print disclosed that the discount was for menswear only but with current trends screaming boyfriend blazers, boyfriend trousers, boyfriend blar blar blar* why not let your fingers do the walking and log onto asos enter LITE08 as the discount code at checkout and until 4pm tomorrow 5 pounds off applies to all menswear orders placed over 50 quid.

If you don't fancy a boyfriend blazer for yourself why not splash out on your very hip and cool dad or your 'needs a stylist real bad' brother, spoil your best male mate or the hot guy you fancy from accounts (so cliche) but have never had courage to talk too - actually that may be a bit weird.

Just thought I would share today's London discovery and spread the online retail joy that is asos.com.

* p.s.what happens if you're feeling a little down and out because you currently don't have a boyfriend? I bet the copy writers down at arcadia group don't give a flying saucepan about that do they? Insensitive really.

Wrap It Up

Head scarves are a bit like hats – it takes stack of confidence and a really bad hair day to walk out of the house donning one.

I'm quite a fan and over the years I have acquired lots.... many, hundreds even. Silk, cotton, striped, patterned, spotted. Ridiculous I know. They currently live in the top drawer of my bedside table and only get out and about now and then, but when they do they always seem to have the most fabulous time.

The correct shape is super important and separates the high use scarves from the sad, back of the drawer scarves. The old school square shape (very popular in thrift shops and markets - never pay more than £1 for these) are just too difficult to scrunch and tie. I much prefer the long rectangular shape that are made specifically for head or waist wrapping.

Another problem can be width, too much fabric and they become too heavy and the scrunching too wide. Ive done a bit if research and the perfect width when spread out flat should be approx 11cm (head size relevance is also important here). I tend to like them long, I favour the tails hanging out from underneath it gives me that “I have really long hair” even though I don’t feeling.

Now with a bucket full of self assurance and a killer kick ass attitude pull your hair back, shake off your shyness and take a step towards joining the head scarf brigade. Its totally hot right now (apparently).

Clutch It

It just never dies. Our mums carried them, our grandmas carried them, their grandmas grandmas carried them - they are legendary and classic and I have quite the collection lining my top drawer. I’ve over heard and read a lot of late that the clutch is very ‘ON’ trend this season but between you and me I don’t think we ever got over this chic under arm handbag; therefore, I'm not quite sure how we can all of a sudden be ‘on’ it again.

Over time the size may have differed slightly and the shape sometimes twists to give us a more up to date silhouette; however, generally the clutch remains rectangle and closes with a clasp, magnetic button (often used with the envelope style) or as seen with the more modern versions the use of the zipper seems quite popular (quite like a pencil case really).

I do, however, struggle with space limitations and the piling/pulling of fabric underneath the arm (especially when the dress fabric is delicate and the clutch fabric beaded or raw i.e snake skin’s a killer). For best results always carry the clutch in your hand when your dress is made of sheer or fine fabric and where possible get yourself a handsome, well dressed date, there are multiple hidden pockets within the suit jacket even if they always tell you they are full. They are lying. Always limit clutch contents to the bare essentials – nothing screams WAG more than an over packed clutch.

An apple a day

They’re back. Easton Pearson returned to the runway at SAFW after quite sometime off (terribly busy and important in Paris it seems) with the most magical collaboration I’ve seen in quite some time.

With a nod to the hand painted fabric obsession we have seen so much of in Europe this year these BRISBANE girls brought us a mystical, rainbow palate of colour and extravagance. Layers of jewel coloured silks, satins, dipped feathers and hand sewn embroidery accessorized with the most extraordinarily head pieces of flowers, fruit and fernery. Some might say just too extreme and some what fancy dress (ah la Carmen Miranda), I say, simply stunning and let's raid grandmas fake fruit bowl (have I lost the plot? Possibly yes).

The highlight for me was the bouffant, pink, bubbled hemmed organza gown with the prettiest soft, printed black sheer overlay (above) – Get Thee To The Ball…….

The trouble with hosiery

As this bonkers weather continues here in London I am confronted daily with the following quandary: to don tights or not to don tights?

I’m not a big trouser wearer so when skirts are ones staple how does one cover the pins when one is unsure if the day will bring sunshine and glory or bitterly cold ‘freeze your bones’ wind. Its a hard one, I know.

I currently own 23 pairs of black opaque tights, 2 pairs of black wool/thermal tights, 3 pairs of grey, I cant even begin to count the ribbed varieties and lets not leave out the lonely cream pair featured here earlier in the month.

What really sucks is when mother nature tricks you into believing that finally you can leave the house in the am in a summer dress and bare legs to only find yourself in the pm bolting to the tube from the office before your legs turn a nice shade of ocean blue. I do truly believe she sits up there in her lovely garden, her thermostat set at a perfect temp of 21 degrees and gets a major amount of joy out of watching me sit in front of my tights drawer debating morning after morning. If that isnt enough fun for one day she then twists the knife when I’ve finally decided it's a bare leg day and swiftly turns her dial down and pumps some serious wind chill factor my way, she’s mean I tell you, the majority of women at the top of their field are. *

I figure the solution maybe to meet her half way – stockings (of which I once believed should only be seen on the legs of Jazz Ballet Dancers) could be the solution to all my woes, very popular with flight attendants and secretaries, readily available at Boots for emergency supplies and come in packs of 5 for a record £4.50. I’m high fiving myself to congratulate the brilliance and heading out to Boots to purchase a multi pack...and for those of you who have been stepin' out in sheer nylon for years - why wasn't I told about it?

* Please note my careful use of the word majority – I know a lot of really nice female heavy weights also.

Our Diggers

The use of medals in New Zealand designer Kate Sylvester’s SAFW show this morning has caused an up roar "This demeans the whole purpose of the commemoration of Anzac Day," the national secretary of the RSL, Derek Robson said this afternoon in the Sydney Morning Herald.

This is a tough one – fashion week personnel have retaliated that Sylvester would be “devastated if people said there was a lack of respect."

I’m as true blue as they can get and although I don’t find it particularly disrespectful I can see where our servicemen are coming from. I could imagine Kate would have spent under 30 seconds considering all of the above when putting her collection together and I took more of “An Officer and a Gentlemen” inspiration over a Gallipoli theme from the show. None the less she has caused a stir and so close to Anzac Day the timing is truly unfortunate.

Your Thoughts?

Whose line is it anyway?

I figured there was no real point to a day by day break down of Australian Fashion Week (SAFW SS08/09) here on MOMTD for 2 reasons really:
1. By the time I have had the chance to cover a show my loyal Aussie fans will have seen (if you're one of the lucky ones) and read all about it 10 hours prior to it reaching me.
2. I haven’t lived there for nearly 2 years so my opinion is based solely on what I read on line, Australian Vogue when I can get my hands on it (a rare find) and what my Mum sends via care package (handy hint: can be risky, I advise to always give the mother a style code, they can’t go wrong this way).

What I’m really interested in though is the front row? Who’s in it? How they got there? And most importantly what they are wearing? Let’s hope those super impatient official photographers get right in there and send some inside scoop over to their expats here in the UK.

I do however wish all those involved the very best for what I’m sure will be yet another super successful week of home grown style and edge.

Let the show (& "constructive" criticism) begin....

Seek & you will find

Before I moved to London I didn't really ever have the need for a coat let alone spent any time considering coat specifics i.e. winter coat, spring coat, summer coat, in between coat, evening coat, water proof coat, easy to travel with/all seasons coat............... this is the stuff that migraines are made of I tell you.

Now that the London sun seems to be making a genuine effort to stick around longer than 5 minute intervals I have begun to think about the all important wardrobe essential known to us locals as 'The Transition Coat'. This indispensable piece of outerwear is required in between the very unpredictable seasons we experience here in Greater Britain.

The safe option is always the standard beige trench (safe, smart but also done) so in keeping with the Military/Nautical theme that I and the rest of London seemed to be a channelling of late I’m looking for the perfect Spring Pea Coat. Over the years I have purchased so many ‘just not right’ transition coats so SS08 will see me holding off until the prefect one makes itself available to me.

The fabric and colour are the most important elements when on the hunt for this seasonal specific item. I’m looking for a heavy drill, not too heavy as to encourage heat but not too light that it creases as soon I hit the underground. I’m thinking a nice Royal Blue over the popular Navy shade – just to shake it up (crazy I know) as Winter saw me donning quite a bit of Navy, ode to my sailor obsession.

The lovely Rhianna of Liebemarlene teased me with my dream pea coat a few weeks back, I was hoping and praying she would put it in her Ebay store, alas, she kept it for herself (a somewhat selfish but wise fashion decision on her behalf). The always over rated Alexa Chung also sported a sweet coat at the launch for The Elle Style Awards a couple of months back and then there are the Moschino “I can only dream” about coats, however, since they are RTW AW08-09 they seem to be a little heavy on the fabric & embellishment front. Note: the frills & bows - be still my beating heart.

I’m convincing myself patience is a virtue with this purchase I just hope the ever elusive transition season stays around long enough for me to seek, find and wear. Here’s hoping.

Just for the smell of it

Last night I wandered past Hoss on Regent Street, a very sweet, pretty, high street chain (one of two) I had no intention of purchasing but the smell of the store was just too hard to fight. From the dirty, polluted street path of Oxford Circus I was drawn in by the sweet aroma of what I can only describe as raspberries, cream and marshmallows. The combination of this yummy smell, the pretty display of art deco mirrors and the super lovely assistants who wore ribbons in their hair were just too much to resist on what was a glorious Thursday Spring evening.

All of a sudden, out of no where I was immediately overcome with an uncontrollable consumeristic (did I just make that word up?) urge, I just had to buy something, anything, what could I get my hands on? what could i have? I needed to take a piece of this loveliness home with me. I then spied a super cute navy and coral spotted cricket jumper, it was the deal breaker. It was surrounded by an array of what seemed like hundreds of other spotted combinations - racing red and yellow, grape and bottle green, dusty pink and chocolate it was just so beautiful and somewhat French - I was super chuffed with my find.

Although, when I returned home with my new purchase it all seemed to change, the jumper sucked, it was boring, nothing special and kind of plain - why? Maybe because its new home didn’t smell like raspberries, maybe because my room is kind of dusty, my wardrobe old (and only has 3 sides) my carpet an off shade of mustard and my duvet due for dry cleaning - cue ‘I hate London standards of living’ moment.

I got to thinking, why do items always seem more alluring in the shop? What is it about the retail environment that enhances our senses, draws us in, makes our hearts beat faster and injects us with the "I have to have it or I'll die serum”? Is it the trick lighting? The skinny mirrors? The often loud, terribly hip background music? or does the item simply look nicer when it is complemented by its mates? Or maybe its like dating - the thrill of the chase, once we have it in our hot little hands we lose interest and don’t want it anymore.

Needless to say the spotty cricket jumper is returning to its original home, where it belongs and where it will be happy amongst all the other spotty cricket jumpers - thank goodness return policies exist and our statutory rights are not being affected.

Hair To The Throne

Okay so it’s a bit extreme but oh god its so damn pretty.

Some seriously high dos were spotted in Milan during the AW08/09 show at Moschino earlier in the year and what I’m wondering today is: can this look be taken off the catwalk and placed in the streets of London?

It’s so soft and romantic and will accompany the pale pastel frills and florals that summer is insisting we wear this year perfectly. Big M used the curls to soften a harder, edgier approach with this collection and brought a feminine feel to the military look that made such a mega comeback and by the look of the high street doesn’t seem to be going anywhere either.

I believe the tools required to create this masterpiece are:

1) Hot Rollers (the old school 'belonged to your Mum when she was 19' heavy rollers are the best ones, they are illegally hot hot hot)

2) One large can of TRESemme Salon Finish Natural Hold

3) Some serious back combing skills

4) 40 slide/bobby pins

5) A kick a** ‘I’m Amazing’ attitude

.... and when the boyfriend says "what’s with the birds nest?" come back with "it’s all the rage in Milan" cause let’s be frank - it is.

Who Is Fashion? Us or Them?

Photo via The Couturist Records

I'm not into this "Model of The Week "/"Fall 08 Model of the Moment" bizzo simply because to me, these unbelievably tall women all tend to look the same after a while - really long appendages, a really low BMI and those ridiculously high cheek bones (I'm surprised some of them can actually see). I did, however, think this young lady was just lovely. Her name is Georgina Stojiljkovic, she's Serbian (all the good ones are) and is apparently seriously hot property. They also say she's quite the intellect - Not just a hat rack eh?

Those in the know tend to believe these catwalk models 'are' fashion but I'm not quite sure, all you have to do is take a quick peek at the sart and I think you will agree, 'we' the everyday fashionista is what fashion is really all about. Power to the everyday girl who wears a perfectly scuffed pair of cowboy boots and carries a fabulous over sized carry all, I say.

Photo via Frillr