Animal Crackers

Sometime ago now, I inherited a fur coat. Yes, readers, that’s right, a fully fledged, non PC, non faux, caramel coloured, rabbit fur coat. I was terribly grateful at the time and at 19, on a student wage (pocket money from the parentals), I was delighted to be receiving free vintage clothing regardless of where it came from or who/what was hurt in the process.

Now, however, in my wise old age, there is no possible way that I can plead ignorance to the protestors outside Harrods on a Saturday morning (out of my way damn it I just want to get to the Mac counter). Nor can I disregard the infamous Anna Wintour tofu pie scenario. How could we forget? These past events have proven that fur and clothing are two items that struggle to mingle without conflict. I will admit though, that apart from these over publicised moments, my education on this very topical issue is limited. None the less, my opinion is inextricably strengthening.

I can’t pin point the exact moment that I decided the right thing to do was to part with the coat or the reasoning behind it. I guess it came out of nowhere really. I am not an activist of any kind or even an animal lover for that matter (stems from never having a pet), but as a human being who simply values life, I just feel it’s the right thing to do. This may be somewhat hypocritical considering my carnivorous ovo-lacto diet and the fact that I wear leather coats, shoes and bags. Some may say I’ve fallen for popular cultural beliefs or that I’m jumping on some type of anti fur band wagon. I honestly can’t tell you the ‘whys’, but whatever the reason, I figure it has to be a good one right?

For what it’s worth, I’ve never worn the coat in question (for superficial reasons: its too big and boxy) and I have many great (well fitted) fauxs in my wardrobe so it surely wont be missed. Wearing a faux, means I can relax knowing I’m doing my bit for the fauna but those around me will be none the wiser. I mean, lets be honest, a great faux is hard to separate from the real thing. I figure, if I ever have the hankering for the warmth and luxury of an evening fur, I can throw my faux over my LBD for a little glamour minus the conscience.

Without too much reasoning, I’m simply sacrificing my inherited rabbit fur to the fashion gods. At this point I may not be able to give an in-depth analysis as to why (although I feel that my recent visit to Australia Zoo may have something to do with it) and I may not be able to save the precious life that brought me the coat. I cannot make tofu pie statements, douse people in red paint (huge in the 90’s) or even have the time to stand around chanting with a placard. I can, however, part with the coat as my little bit towards this great cause. One small step towards the bigger picture I hope.

Ps. Any ideas about who the fashion gods actually are? Ebay? Maybe not - making money out of one’s guilty conscience?….. There's another whole issue/post in that one.

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.

Hey There Delilah

I realised at a very young age that I was attracted to creativity and talent: At the tender age of 12 I stumbled across the grade 7 geek playing guitar in the music block and instantly developed a major first crush. Prior to discovering Jeremy’s hidden talent I simply saw him as that skinny dude, who didn't say much, had bad floppy hair and awkward stubble.

In the past I have been known to have celebrity crushes on the most average looking men, simply because they own an amplifier - I secretly believe these crushes stem from 2 things:

1) I’m a sucker for talent
2) I secretly find the whole “we trash hotel rooms, I don’t give a *&%$ attitude” a turn on

I therefore pose to you this question: Why do musicians/rock stars gain instant street style cred simply because they can strum a guitar or belt out a tune?

Let's be frank, their ability to coordinate an outfit is quite limited to a retro AC/DC shirt, some type of leather jacket, faded denim often of the skinny variety and their accessories restricted to a head full of out of control fuzz and a grubby 3 day growth. I often wonder whether these Indie Punk Rockers put a major amount of thought into this T-shirt and jeans combination or do they truly roll out of bed with a dirty hangover and throw on the first thing they see on their bedroom floor? I know they would like us to believe it’s the latter, (it works better with their laissez faire attitude) but I have my doubts.

Oh and I’ve also always had this stupid dream of being itched into musical history with my name appearing in the title of a hit song – how do you suppose Eleanor of the Rigby fame or Sally who apparently drove a Mustang got their names on the back of a record sleeve? Slept with the band maybe? Now that’s Rock and Roll (if not kind of dirty and uncouth).

The Boys Line Up

I seem to be gathering quite a high contingent of male readers - who would have thought?

A theme that seems to be popping up often is "Where can we go in London for Vintage one off items?" I have a few haunts up my sleeve, however, I wanted to open the poll and see if any of my ridiculously fashionable audience have any secret vintage/second hand spots they could throw my way?

Drop me a comment below or send me an email and I'll put together a top 5 list.

You're The One That I Want

The leather jacket can be tricky. The “what’s hot” trend, cut & style changes almost monthly and don’t even get me started on colour; Black too biker? Brown too common? Blue/Pink/Green too 1982?

It’s a tough look to pull off and needs to always be balanced appropriately or one runs the risk of giving out the “I just arrived on the back of my dirty, bearded, foul mouthed boyfriends Harley”. Unless this is the look you are after (each to their own) I’ve put together a kind of “How to.......” list:

Mud Rules For Successful Leather Jacket Wearing

1) Try to limit other leather items to shoes (less is more) and handbags only – not sure the Oliver Newton John leather trousers from her Sandra Dee days will work with your new leather jacket, oversized leather clutch and knee high leather boots. Screams OTT!

2) If purchasing a brand new and therefore pricy leather jacket be sure to choose carefully – go for a classic (some may say safe or even boring) style and colour (i.e. Chocolate Brown Blazer) rather than splashing half your pay packet on the cut and shade of the moment. On the other hand If you find the perfect ‘bomber’ for a £10er at Portobello Road go for it, if bombers are out next week you can easily recover.

3) If you must have a black biker leather, balance the look with a soft dress underneath. Choose frills, lace, pastels or florals to counteract the toughness a biker brings to an outfit.

4) If possible purchase leather abroad – some of the best leather comes out of South America especially Argentina. My recommendation is to never skimp on the manufacturing cost, this means buy in a cheap country but go for the most expensive one there. If you are traveling on the pound all the better.

5) Always spray your jacket with leather protector – people tend to think protector spray is for footwear only, I use it on all leather handbags and jackets. Especially here in London with the emotional weather we seem to have to deal with daily.

Happy Leather Jacket Wearing.