Dainty Disposition

Behind the scenes

2011-05-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the super chic Riviera themed shoot in Friday's copy of The Sun?

I was lucky enough to assist stylist Saskia Quirke as she recreated Cannes cool right here in London with the help of a very suave yacht and some sunny spells.

Here are a few shots of our model Christina glamming up for the camera

With special thanks to stanleycharters.co.uk for letting us set up camp on their beautiful yacht, it really made the Riviera theme come to life!

Ethereal photographs

2011-05-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some beautiful photographs I sourced pieces for, all shot on location by Phillip Panting. The light really bounces off the sequinned texture of the tops and pierces through their sheerness, creating an almost ethereal glow around the model.

ASOS 2011 preview

2011-04-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today online fashionista favourite ASOS.com unveiled their Autumn/Winter offerings.

We have a timeline of the most gorgeous coats from the last half a century to look forward to, including this mustard yellow 60's style coat,

The collection's been split into style segments and inkeeping with the retro 60's vibe is this great colour block shift dress,

Moving on from the swinging 60's was the luxe 70's, with these velvet palazzo trousers that shouldn't work but are actually oh so very right.

My favourite trend section had to be the Revival collection, inspired by vintage chic and designed by ASOS, Revival captured every stylish decade perfectly,

With the ultra glam footwear to match

And from decades past to the future, the ASOS inc collection uses futuristic materials for its bright and bold pieces, almost a bit Fifth Element-esque?

Not forgetting the gorgeous heels in all shapes and sizes; platforms, wedges, blocks and the bags to go with them!

I know Summer's only just rolling around but judging by this lot, is it wrong that I'm looking forward to Autumn already?

Welcome to Boux Avenue...

2011-03-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was lucky enough to attend the launch of brand new lingerie brand Boux Avenue. Sketch bar in Mayfair was the setting that played host to beautiful models showing off the collection. From pretty pastel sets to dramatic basques, the Boux experience was tantalising yet far from trashy.


Decadent pearls and hair do's on strategically placed models


Mini sweet treats and champagne on arrival


Debut collection modelled by burlesque dancer in main show

Dancers showing off sultry lingerie for equally sultry soundtrack 'Roxanne'

Boux is an online venture from Theo Paphitis' (He of Dragon's Den fame) and will have stores in all major cities in the UK including Bluewater and Lakeside. The label may be set to rival high street favourite La Senza which Theo quit in 2009 but Boux stores will have a more boutique - like atmosphere. Snapshot previews showed stock tucked away in drawers giving a neat and uncluttered feel opposed to the 'off the rail' layout of La Senza.

This could attract customers who want high quality and personal customer service but are on a modest budget, as Theo himself promised tonight 'if you can afford to shop at M&S, you can afford to shop at Boux.

Boux clad dancer perfomed an acrobatic finale.

BouxAvenue.com launches April 1st with its boutiques opening in succession across the country, including Bluewater April 3rd and Lakeside April 8th.

What a difference a day makes

2011-03-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

The question posed yesterday about the uncertainties surrounding Galliano's future have now been answered. Today Dior announced that they have terminated their alliance with the designer but their show at Paris Fashion week will go on. The future of his own show which is due to take place on Sunday is still unclear as both 'Dior' and 'John Galliano' are under the same luxury fashion umbrella LVMH, a group owned by the Bernard Arnault, reportedly the richest man in France.

The fallout has split opinions in the fashion world, with Oscar winner and face of Miss Dior Cherie perfume Natalie Portman speaking out against Galliano 'As an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr Galliano in any way.'


Natalie Portman in the ad campaign for Miss Dior Cherie

Portman with Galliano before his outbursts

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue thinks the future of the designer as ambiguous saying "I think Galliano made a terrible mistake and such offensive behaviour could not be ignored. It is all the same true that he has a huge talent and has contributed enormously to the resurrection of the house of Dior. Who can predict what the future will bring?"

Another future which is in question is that of Dior. The fashion house is reportedly looking for a big name to replace Galliano. LVMH owner Arnault is in charge of deciding who will fill Galliano's flamboyant shoes and the rumoured frontrunners are Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci, who has been with the brand for five years. Marc Jacobs who currently designs for Louis Vuitton is also in the running as is Celine designer Phoebe Philo, both brands are under Arnaud's LVMH. Outside of Arnault's luxury umbrella is Lanvin's designer Alber Elbaz who has previously worked with YSL.

The question is will the fashion world forgive or forget? As one retweet by blogger Bryanboy said today 'I love how the whole give jumps on Galliano. In a year he'll apologize & revive another sinking fashion house & everyone will love him.'

With it being the hottest topic in the fashion world aswell as the twitter-sphere, we are sure to find out soon.

What will Dior do next?

2011-02-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

John Galliano is currently suspended from his role as Creative Director for Dior after he was arrested for making antisemetic remarks on Friday (25th Feb). A quick web search confirms that this has been covered by every major newspaper/ blog out there and Twitter is awash with opinions that range from mockery to outright anger.

His knee jerk reaction on his arrest was to counter sue the couple he allegedly insulted last Thursday on grounds of defamation. Alas his case can't be looking too good after video evidence of him declaring 'I love Hitler' emerged this morning. The recording is of a seperate incident in which he rants at table of three people in the same bar that played host to his first tirade. (Can't be very good press for said bar La Perle)

What I'm going to find interesting is how Dior will deal with this catastrophe, after all the fashion house can't be seen to forgive and forget Galliano after his repeated outburts, but will they be willing to terminate their 14 year collaboration with him?

Galliano couldn't have picked worse timing for his outbursts, as he was supposed to show the Dior ready - to - wear collection at Paris Fashion week, but for now it's unclear whether he will be present to take his bow at the end of the catwalk.


Galliano arrives for police questioning 28/2/11

Many a celebrity has fallen from grace, notably Mel Gibson for airing his antisemetic views. However others such as Kate Moss after her 'cocaine Kate' scandal, have managed to bounce back with more lucrative contracts than ever before.

A few from the fashion world have articulated their reactions to the arrest, mogul Hilary Alexander says his demons must be confronted 'But one thing is certain: he needs help. I am not for a moment excusing his behaviour. But, right now, this is a moment in his life when he needs support and love from the industry he has given his life to.'

Vogue.com reports that designer Giorgio Armani understands that Galliano must be going through a difficult time and adds that he feels sorry for Galliano because he did not know he was being taped at the time. Should that matter?

It will be interesting to watch the reactions of those around Galliano as the case against him progresses. Will he be abandoned by the fashion world or will it find a way to excuse his behaviour and stick by him?

London Fashion Week, or #LFW.

2011-02-22T15:25:00.000-08:00

Today Somerset house drew its curtains on London Fashion Week with this year’s event celebrating the re emergence of Cool Britannia.

Our first lady Samantha Cameron kicked off the four day event last Friday with a party at Downing Street which saw every self respecting fashionista in attendance. Even the once anarchic Dame Vivienne Westwood RSVP’d to number 10.

Sam Cam with Vivienne Westwood at LFW launch party

‘Sam Cam’ has been made an ambassador for British fashion and said at her opening party ‘Fashion is one of our most important industries, full stop. It sends out a really powerful message about creativity - and employs hundreds of thousands of people.’

And she has been teaching a lesson in frugality by wearing the same shoes! Sam Cam has been leading by example by being pictured in the grey Zara heels at least twice in the last four days, and they’re not even designer, or British! The apparentely versatile pair in question are from Spanish high street brand Zara, whose PR must be busy somewhere jumping for joy.

The shoes on the front row at the David Koma show.

The Daily Mail has been speculating that Mrs Cameron doesn’t approve of the particularly slender model used by Erdem, she is reported to be looking ‘stony faced’ and ‘unimpressed’...True the model is extremely slim, some may choose to say ‘gaunt’ but how can anyone you get all of that from Sam Cam’s face? (Look for the hint of beige in the background).

'stony faced' and 'unimpressed' at Erdem

This will undoubtedly reignite the ‘size 0 debate’ which has become so much of a catchphrase within itself that it makes you wonder if it even still exists, let alone ever be solved. LFW 2009 saw the UK editor of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman write to designers to ask them to start creating sample clothing in bigger sizes. Her plea must have fallen on deaf, or just indifferent ears as two years later models and clothes are still miniscule. Designer Maria Grachvogel told The Guardian this week that she has had to make her samples in a size 8 instead of 10, as she can’t find any size 10 models to fill her clothes.

Sounds like a case of the proverbial chicken and the egg; what came first, the size 0 models or the size 0 samples?

Awards season

2011-02-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the season to be...glam! The last three days have been choc-a-bloc for the celebs and fashionistas alike. The beautiful people were out in force on Sunday with the BAFTA’s in London and Grammy’s on the other side of the Atlantic.

Yesterday saw Emma Watson pick up the ‘style icon’ award at the Elle Style Awards which were hosted by Alexa Chung, and tonight the fashion crowds meet in London for the Brits.

Leading the way for fringes everywhere was newcomer Jessie J in thigh skimming emerald rock chic with killer heels, complete with varnished black toes.

Critic's choice winner Jessie J


Cheryl Cole presented the award for Best International Female to Rihanna


Rihanna on the red carpet in Christian Dior Haute Couture


Fearne Cotton, wearing Temperley, presented the Best British Breakthrough act to Tinie Tempah

Vivienne Westwood designed this year's Brits statuette which was draped in the British flag and three starlets draped themselves in the Dame's designs.


Katherine Jenkins in green Westwood

Paloma Faith in floor length Westwood, she later closed the show with Cee Lo Green

Nominee and last year's Critic's Choice winner Ellie Goulding matched her Westwood to her hair.

Two time winner Tiny Tempah stood up for the boys, pulling off the kind of geek chic usually only seen in the faux underground bars of East London.


Tinie Tempah wearing Dolce & Gabanna, picked up awards for Best Single for 'Pass Out' and Best Breakthrough.

Plan B wore Armani to pick up his award for Best British Male Solo, and told host James Corden listeners should expect a return to his hip hop roots with his next album.

The winners:

Best International Male Solo - Cee Lo Green

Best International Female Solo - Rihanna

Best British Female - Laura Marling

Best British Group - Take That

Best British Album - Mumford & Sons

Best International Group - Arcade Fire

Best International Album - Arcade Fire for The Suburbs

Best International Breakthrough - Justin Bieber

Style Icon title holder Emma Watson must have chosen to have a quiet night in after being out two nights in a row at the Bafta's and Elle style awards.

Vivienne Westwood admitted not knowing who Emma Watson was when presenting her award!

There was also no sign of Lady Gaga or her egg.

The only way to travel. Gaga arriving at the Grammys on Sunday

I wonder if Rihanna, Arcade Fire, Justin Bieber and Cee Lo Green were on the same flight? They all hot footed it over from LA after performing at the Grammys on Sunday, can’t get my head around that time difference maths.

New season, new catwalk

2011-01-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

The new year signals a new season and the catwalks of Milan and New York proved that the 70's theme that was ever present in AW10 has transcended into SS11.

In New York Marc Jacobs has gone super glam with volumes of decadent pinks, reds, purples and golds. The cascading dresses and high wasted/ wide legged trousers are teamed with the extra wide brimmed floppy hat, you can just picture these ladies lounging by a poolside in tinted sunglasses, sipping a martini.

In Milan Alberta Ferretti channeled the decade's delicate feminine side with soft toned maxi dresses and skirts in floating chiffons and wide sleeve shirts in romantic lace.

Also in Milan, Miuccia Prada contrasted Ferretti's delicate tones and fabrics with bold and bright South American inspired prints. Clashing images of monkeys, bananas and heavy stripes adorned midi flared skirts and tailored shirts. With the statement hat making an appearance once again, this time sporting a sombrero influence.

The talk of the Paris was always going to be the Alexander McQueen show, after the British designer's death last year it fell to his assistant Sarah Burton to carry on the label's dramatic hard hitting signature style. The new collection is baroque, elegant, opulent and oh so rock 'n' roll.

But my favourite catwalk of all came from my hometown London because of the sheer diversity of the designers that used our city to showcase their collections. I love the 'bad girl' image provided by Burberry Prorsum, with its combination of studded biker jackets and animal prints. I love the English eccentricity of Christopher Kane's neon ladylike twin sets and the pretty pastels by Jonathan Saunders. What other city used both Joan Jett and Princess Margaret as inspiration?

Christopher Kane; if Princess Margaret went to an East London rave.

After giving us the Trench and Aviator, Burberry Prosum gives us the Biker.

A mullet wig clad Marios Schwab model showing the tattoo inspired pattern

The pretty pastel pleats of Jonathan Saunders

Kicking off 2011 with a bargain

2011-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of sales, that is to say you wouldn't find me camping overnight outside of M&S armed with a flask, a portable stove and a tin of beans. This year however I did find some bargains, be it from the comfort of my living room; this dress from Asos will serve as my birthday dress which I plan to wear to a 'black tie and debauchery' themed party I'm throwing.

I also bought a khaki jumper with faux fur shoulder detailing and that feather cape I've been lasting after from Next, both of which aren't available online anymore or I would post photos!

I've been in hibernation over Christmas but I'm going to face Oxford Street later this week and hopefully live to tell the tale.

Happy Shopping!

To spend a penny...

2010-12-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow sees the grand opening of a new online hotspot for your vintage fix. PennyFarthingVintage.com is unleashing its debut collection of old school finds and all for a reasonable price. It follows in the footsteps of vintage motherships like Beyond Retro and Rokit by hosting its collections online so now one doesn't have to scavenge through side street thrift stores, the best bits of times past come delivered straight to your door.

Pennyfarthingvintage.com goes live bright and early tomorrow morning but here are a few sneaky peaks to entice your tastebuds!

Here's a hat trick...

2010-11-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Just because it's chilly with the promise of snow doesn't mean one has to hide behind a woollen beanie 'til March, the humble tea cosy is making way for a more glamorous breed of headwear. The gates have been thrown open for everyone from the fourties inspired fedora to the floppy felt sun hat.

Alexa Chung modelling a leopard print floppy hat in November's Elle

Fearne Cotton in another leopard print felt sun hat


Both are much akin to this offering from Urban Outfitters for £40

Kate Moss makes her getaway in a Trillby


Daisy Lowe tops off her sheer outfit with a Fedora


I love the deep Maroon of this Trillby from Topshop £25

I really like the idea of a Trillby or Fedora adorned with feathers on the band, almost reminiscent of a 1940's journalist's hat where they would tuck their notes into the band.


Like so

I do like the above offering from Topshop, but I prefer my feathers to be a little more eyecatching. This is how I gave a simple £7.99 felt fedora from H&M a bit more kick..

Add peacock feathers bought from Ebay to said fedora by tucking into the band

And you have your own feather adorned fedora!

London loves Lanvin!

2010-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

By now the dust has settled, the tills have been shut and the lights turned down in the country's many H&M stores. For today was the premier of the Lanvin collection for the high street store, and this is what the queue of eager shoppers looked like at 8am outside of the Regent Street branch..

But those who chose not to brave the cold and shop behind the comfort of their computer screen didn't fare well, as they were greeted with a message declaring "sorry we're really popular right now please try again later" then slapped with a "sold out" sign come 7:10 am.

Despite the restrictions placed in store to discourage fashion touting, including only being able to buy one of each item in one size, Ebay is full to the brim of people taking one's love of a Lanvin bargain for advantage. You can now buy the yellow one shouldered dress which was originally priced at £99.99 at a mere inflated sum of £210.

Wasn't the point of this highstreet / couture collaboration supposed to be the ability to afford a name that would usually be out of reach? Unfortunate that a few greedy ebayers snapped up the collection just to squeeze some money out of the fashion hungry.

(I liked the black ruffle sleeve more anyway, a snip at just £300 on ebay!)

The complete collection, not that you can get your hands on it or anything...

Where are your manners?

2010-11-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Being ladylike is all the rage this season. Think demure knee skimming hemlines that give a fun and girly silhouette. I found just the place for all things girly and pretty at the Corsellis stall on Saturday...

To see that flash of red dress in more detail, click here

Click here for some refined inspiration

Today I'm coveting...

2010-11-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

This feather collar from Zara

I'm really into feathers right now, and have just ordered some beautiful peacock feathers to customise my black bowler hat with. I'd love to add this collar to my collection of plumage, it would transform a high neck dress coat or a LBD, maybe I'll stick it on my christmas list...

Best place in town to pick up vinyl

2010-11-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

I recently invested in an old and beautiful record player and am working on my record collection. The Music & Video exchange shop is the best place around for secondhand vinyl. I'm treating myself to a record a week, the best collections progress with patience!

Leather shorts on a Monday afternoon..

2010-11-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

Shorts are a big hit this winter; think neutral colours in heavier winter fabrics such as mixes of wool and tweed. For an edgier look though, it's all about leather.

The lovely Elise teams her Topshop leather shorts with opaques, snowflake mittens and that all important Mulberry bag for a casual daytime look.

How to wear...

2010-11-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

MUSTARD YELLOW!

There is absolutely no reason you can't brighten up this season's greys with a flash of colour. I love Mustard yellow and find it a really easy colour to dress up or down.

If you want to go all out bright then team it with rich autumnal jewel shades such as deep auburn red and luscious forest green. If you want to make a statement then team your yellow with a flash of leopard print but if you want to dress it down then pair it up with charcoal accessories.


In all photos: Mustard yellow top £7.99 H&M, Hiker boots £74.99 River Island. 1) Maroon cardi £35 Topshop, Olive tights and bowler hat both £7.99 H&M, Pashmina from a selection at Camden Market. 2) Leopard print tights £7.99 H&M 3) Faux fur stole £25 Topshop, Grey tights £7.99 H&M

Who's in town today?

2010-11-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Saturdays always draw in the crowds so I weaved inbetween the masses to scope out who is wearing what this blustery weekend!

Samuel is a film student at Greenwich uni and I'm loving how he co-ordinated the brown suedette patches on his Zara shirt with brown cords!

Student Alexandra is combining this season's colour; camel, shape; the cape and trend; military with this piece from Dorothy Perkins.

Martin's a writer who isn't scared to make a statement. He stood out in the sea of greys and browns with these amazing orange trousers from Jigsaw, we both agreed to call them Vintage as they are over 15 years old!

I spotted this cool couple queuing for lunch at the food market, Nicholas' coat is vintage from Camden market and Katie's is from Portobello. Both amazing places to visit if you're a fiend for vintage and quirky bits and pieces.

Welcome to Greenwich Fashion Time

2010-11-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Greenwich is South London's quaint well kept secret. It's seeped in history and it's stunning naval college now houses the University of Greenwich whose grounds never fail to fill me with awe when I wonder through on a clear crisp morning.

Greenwich  also has its own signature trends, yummy mummys clad in fur lined parkas share the pavements with students exhibiting their latest vintage finds. At the weekends  those same streets burst with visitors from all over the world.

Here I'll be documenting the best characters and clothes to be found on these cobbled streets.

Coats from Flash Trash Fashion, one of the best vintage stalls around on Fridays. I'm loving the matching belt and bag on the white coat!


Mouthwatering collection of shoes and handbags from Flash Trash Fashion again.


Very cute yellow polka dot dinner set from a bric - a- brac store that's in residence every Friday


I want a jukebox! 50's nostalgia with Elvis from the same stall

Don't these just make you melt! Adorable hand knitted baby clothes from Little Knitz.

The cutest way to keep the little ones' ears warm this winter! I'm loving the Christmas pudding hat in the back row, you can find them at www.littleknitz.co.uk if you can't make it to the market.