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23/08/10
- URBAN BIKER CHIC
I was on the tube and read ‘S/S 2010 is so over’. Not for NZ it isn’t, the fun is just around the corner.
The look : Urban Biker Chic
Bike mania has taken over London. A hardcore car person, I never thought I’d see the day when a bike was more than a blot on my car / pedestrian world and red-light jumping cyclists, the devil’s spawn. And then biking became hip and suddenly it’s ok.
In my world however there are still rules – having an ugly bike is a massive fail. My bike brief was simple – it had to look good, it had to have a basket and it had to be light enough to carry up four flights of stairs. The Tokyo fixed gear boys did not disappoint and built a shiny green beauty.
Bike outfits are key. Forget short and forget low rise. My gorgeous desk mate Jen always looks amazing in the latest summer dresses and when it's a bit too short for comfort she ties a cardigan over her lap. Perfect. For girls with a boy's bike, as much as I love my Zara suede harems, the 'top tube' was having none of it.
I first fell in love with Swedish label Acne 5 years ago with a pair of their wide legged high waisted dungaree jeans. Even then they got it that the low-rise jean couldn’t prosper.
Acne have since evolved to become one the hottest labels today. Their jeans are the perfect fit, their dresses to die for. Celebs in particular are all over them like a rash. The recent opening of their first store in Mayfair’s Dover Street was mega. Everyone who was anyone was there and of course all wearing Acne. Why name yourself after the scourge of teenagers? Because you’re so cool you can. ‘I don’t like Acne, said the boy at work. They seem full of themselves.’ Doh.Like.Of.Course.They.Are.
Our first trip to Acne confirmed everything we’d daren’t think possible - shop assistants should be Swedish, they should be friendly and they should make you want to want everything in the shop.
One order for a grey shearling jacket I can’t afford later… See for yourselves: Acne Studios and their party:
London fashion is at best eclectic and at worst weird but that’s ok. It makes people talk and we can wonder just what were they thinking when they got dressed.
A group of South Koreans stopped me in the street to photograph my outfit and quiz me on why Brits are so excited about the new Doctor Who, Matt Smith. ‘Surely not as good looking at Brad Pitt?’ ‘Well actually yes and you know he dates Daisy Lowe which ups his hotness considerably.’ Don’t get me wrong, we don’t want our men overly styled – ok a bit styled but we certainly don’t want them to look as if they hogged the mirror face time in the morning. ‘But so thin?’ The Koreans were not convinced. ‘Yes.’ I said firmly.
It’s tough being a teen – you look awkward, your acne’s not cool, the world seems annoying and you’re a style misfit. Hey wait, um that’s like really not the case any more. Teens are cool, they know clothes n’ stuff and they all want to be Lourdes (aka Lola).
The minis’ reign continues. The cool kids in my coffee place of a Friday morning make me quake in terror. Their outfits are perfect, their smugness thinly disguised. They know they look good. I know they can’t really understand the broadsheets they’re trying to read but this doesn’t help with the intimidation. They’re 7 years old. Tops.
Bragalena’s troupe is to blame. Forget Suri. The soon to be iconic airport picture of Angelina, Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh in Japan, all wearing totally different styles, will haunt every parent who ever thought it was ok to put their kids in their brother’s hand-me-downs. Pax is the group leader, resplendent in a suit. A suit. But not just any old suit; camel coloured. The colour we’ll all be wearing but we’re not wearing it yet because we haven’t been told to. Pax is so ahead of the curve it makes heads spin. He is the male equivalent of Chloe Sevigny.
How did they do it? They started young that’s how. Check out the shopper in training below snapped at an exclusive NYC shopping event; the gold trainers pure genius. Gwen Stefani meets the Royal Ballet.
UK A/W 09 promised much with fabulous Sienna Miller (not so secret celeb crush) fronting Oct 09 Vogue with right on trend leather jacket with gold studs. So on trend we immediately wanted it. Studs, leather, Sienna. Enough said. If we could be Sienna we would be. And we’d probably take Jude back too.
The three things to remember for A/W - Studs, big shoulders and over the knee boots; actually boots period. Blake and Alexis eat your heart out, the 80s are back and so are pretty women everywhere. Batwings rule. Mix the pretty with the rock. Think PUNK but pretty punk. If you reckon Kate Moss might wear it then you’ve definitely got the right idea. All Saints, the fashion high street label du jour, is having a fashion moment and literally everyone who’s anyone is getting in on the act.
If you need any more convincing that the 80s/early 90s were genius years check out this youtube clip with Jason Priestly aka Brandon from 90210 in a Roy Orbison classic. http://www.youtube.com. Now if only I could grow those eyebrows.
The Trench: Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
It’s autumn, it’s mainly raining and only one type of coat is really going to cut it: The Trench. Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist has the best take on the trench about town with a trench photo-sharing concept teamed with Burberry. They want to know what this iconic coat means to you and who else is wearing it. How will you wear yours in 2010? Let them know via http://artofthetrench.com/
The really cool thing about the trench; it looks great on everyone.
Sonia Rykiel Pour H & M
Clever H & M once again presented us with a sure fire collaboration winner involving French designer Sonia Rykiel, whose distinctive stripes are a massive hit everywhere. The collection went in a flash and London was a sea of fluro pink carrier bags. Check out the mini WorldWear team wearing theirs below; so pleased with themselves and their collective stripy-ness, and the grown up version.
It used to be a rush to the going up, going down pages – who’s hot, who’s not. Then the designers started – they started designing for kids and the kidult was born. Not content with chocolate brown hand me down cords; skinny jeans were just the thing and accessories that matched. Matched.
Parent emulation is all very well but should we should follow the Cruz Beckham school of thought, as seen here in grazia via the daily mail, and his “Dad on t-shirt” look. Yes that is David Beckham, wore by Cruz. And is that a swagger?
We prefer the Disney version … not many boys can resist a lightening McQueen tee.
Tall, short, fat, thin. The recent trend is bespoke, tailored and who can make you what. I was overexcited about the arrival of Clemens en August, an amazing German team who make clothes with you and your bloke in mind and bring them to you from their world travelling pop up shop.
This year they were based in achingly hip East London. My fear of Hackney and possible muggings came to the fore but the lure of Clemens was too strong. Armed with black thick-rimmed glasses (very Tom Ford and A Single Man), high waisted skinny jeans with striped socks and trainer combo, I went forth and wasn’t disappointed.
For once an affordable collection that boasts super strong designs for both men and women but with a slight bias towards the men, and tailoring that’s out of this world. An ex who first introduced me to Clemens, was gutted that work got in the way of him attending. Well, having actually seen the designer, drop dead gorgeous and to die for, Alexander Brenninkmeijer, in the flesh, I can well understand how disappointing not going must have been. Smug? A little. Celeb fans: Lily Cole and James McAvoy. Check out the concept below.
So summer is here and we’re all channelling animal. Not fur - animal prints. HUGE. You can’t walk for leopard, zebra and the odd bit of tiger thrown in. It’s like The Lion King but without Simba, Pumba and gang. From Stella to Topshop - H & M to River Island– if you didn’t have an animal motif on your T-shirt. Well. Here Kitty Kitty.
This all in one leopard look may seem extreme for the newbie but you don’t have to go the whole hog. Just add one or two pieces and you’ve got the look.
It’s beach time and just when you thought Deirdre Barlow had ruined the big glasses look forever, for everyone - no wait – it’s ok. Big glasses hit London with a vengeance. And for once are practical AND socially acceptable, that’s to say won’t get you in the fashion pit of shame alongside PINK, Posh and my favourite “What was she thinking” guest star Lady Gaga; bless her and her crazy ways. Or indeed some of the truly extraordinary, often just dreadful outfits seen on the tube on a Saturday from 7pm onwards. Why do people wear sunglasses indoors…?
Check out fabulous high waisted skirt being totally rocked by the big sunglasses effect. Genius.
In fact – would the French wear it should be your daily question. One of the best things the French have done is the Breton stripe. It’s genius. It’s Coco. Whoever didn’t rush out and buy a Breton top after that film was asleep during that particular scene or (like me) already had one. The real beauty of the Breton top - it will never go out of vogue.
My new guilty “little” pleasure is mini me. Not that mini me. No Austin Powers here, just genuine kids; the trendsetters of the future, and so hip it hurts. Here in London it’s tough being out dressed on a daily basis by turbo charged tots. I blame Suri Cruise. Though I’m loving the trench coat war between Stella McCartney for GAP and Burberry, the latter ramping up their kidswear to keep up with demand.
My 2-year-old niece Charlotte, a fashionista in the making, would go crazy for Stella’s pink Mac. A colleague tried to squeeze into one. Tragically they were out of the size 12. That’s a kid’s 12 in case some of you got lost.
Men: Finding your style
The metrosexual is on the increase. They have money, they’re all on diets, they like clothes and they don’t care who knows it. Overheard recently:
“These skinny jeans? They’re great aren’t they? They’re my mothers.”
“I’m starting a line in slim fitting boxer shorts with good housing.”
“I once bought a pair of John Galliano trousers with two bottoms.” I saw the trousers and he wasn’t kidding.
But we shouldn’t forget the boys who wonder if fashion really IS for them. Like it? Want it? Get it. Why should men miss out on the best fashion in years. And your girlfriend and wife DO care. “I love it. Yup I love it” – overheard in Joseph - despairing girlfriend coaxing apathetic boyfriend, whilst trying on coats. I had to intervene. “It looks great, – actually I was just checking out the same thing for my brother.” “It probably looks better on him” the boy in question despaired.
Trust us and trust yourself. Buy it. Make everyone happy. It’s a fabulous fashion world of fun. No really.
Finding your own style.
The Jaeger Men:
The men behind the brand.
And for the guys who really do
want to dress better:
the devil really is in the detail.
And look how easy it is.
K X
15/09/09
- MIXING IT UP
London leading in being out there.
People say London is the world leader in fashion; certainly we’re the world leading in being out there. My Dad visited me for lunch in Soho the other day and was eyes on stalks. “ What made her wear that?” (super tight glitter leggings teamed with big hair and a barely there top) “She liked it?” It made me realise that we take this wonderful crazy “ I will wear that and you can’t stop me” attitude for granted.
Take for example Agyness Deyn, our new Kate Moss but blonder and bolder and bringing back the eccentricity that made British style recognisable the world over. No one knows better then Aggie how to throw everything together in that “I just threw this together in 2 seconds but doesn’t it look great” style. Want it? The rules are simple, do as Aggie does and be bold, put together interesting cuts and fun prints. Make a real statement with your shoes and your dresses.
Spring style is all about mixing it up.
I like to think that this spring was all about really mixing things together. Take one pair of gladiator sandals a floral dress, some great tights for those with less then a tan and a super funky cardigan or light jacket. I favour the military or nautical look here; there is nothing like a brass button or a white stripe on blue to really give you an edge. Rains a lot? Team your dress with a hoody, cashmere or just casual, and cowboy boots yes avoiding the big heel if you can. One can go overboard. Pair up skull scarves, any scarves but we like skulls + BIG BIG and bright handbags.
Style Tip # My pick from WorldWear to mix it up: summer singlet + cargos + smart heels
Tartan a favourite on the high street again.
The tartan look was all over the high street AGAIN and lets face it, can be teamed with most things as long as you remember that less is more. So, you might want to team your smart tartan jacket with some skinny jeans or your tartan skirt with a black tee. A flash of tartan and you’re good to go. Vivienne, Agyness, Alexander et al can’t be wrong....
Style Tip# Super Hot Tartan Flats
These red and black tartan flats scream practical yet funky and surprisingly will go with most of your wardrobe. We love them with jeans and t-shirts and for a more glammed up approach - try teaming them with skinny or cut off trousers. They say grown up but with an edge.
Whatkatiewore - most favourite website to date.
My most favourite website to date is this inspired blog put together by probably the world’s best boyfriend, photographer Joe Sinclair, who has promised to photograph his girlfriend in a different outfit every day for 364 days. Yes that’s 364 DIFFERENT outfits. 364 in case you’re still a disbeliever. Lord knows I find it difficult enough on Monday morning but if Katy Mackay can make this kind of effort then dammit so can we.
The Mail on Sunday says Joe came up with the wacky idea after Katie accused him of being as romantic as a Spiderman duvet. I love that Katie loves H & M and Zara, amongst others. Good girl. And as for mixing it up – well that’s what Katie does best.
Recession is abound and the winter fashions from the Northern Hemisphere reflected this with their vintage and recyclable quality. We don’t have the spending power we used to but damn we still want to look good.
Bring out your dead.
... or at least your granny’s old fur. Fur is the hottest comeback kid yet, with even the staunchest anti wistfully looking at pictures of Sienna Miller’s grey rabbit in the latest copy of Grazia. Don’t feel good about fur? Maybe you should.
Scarves will lift anyone’s outfit.
My ex boss doesn’t know this which is why he asked me if I was hiding something when I wore my fabulous Hermes scarf wrapped tightly around my neck. Little did he know I had adopted the new – accessorize accessorize theory. Now he does.
Think trousers.
Peg, mannish, high waisted and skinny. The trouser, once a staple of the working women’s wardrobe, can be dressed up or down. Wear it with a ruffled shirt or just a white tee.
The sweater dress is huge.
Think big chunky knit - plain or with stripes. Teamed with fabulous tights or leggings and you’re good to go.
Flats flats flats.
Running for the bus? SO undignified but less so with the ever popular flat. We’re channelling Lanvin. Who else?
Riding boots, horses not included.
Remember that cover from Vanity Fair with Carla Bruni – fresh from conquering the UK and basically having every single man want her and every single woman want to be her? Who didn’t covert those Hermes riding boots and who couldn’t imagine sliding on a pair of jodhpurs? Horses not included. Frankly who needs the hassle?
How’s your inner rock chick?
We loved leather this year and didn’t just want that leather jacket – we needed it. Pink eat your heart out but we’re not following you down the leather trousers a little bit too tight around the nether regions look. No siree. We don’t care if your husband likes it.
Winter shorts are cool.
A good pal of mine mocked me all winter for my about turn re the tricky subject of winter shorts. I admit it – winter shorts are cool – stripy, checked, short. Less short. Really short. Just make sure you wear opaques - it’s cold out there and there’s only one Lady Gaga.
Suri Cruise's wardrobe.
Another friend grows increasingly obsessed with Suri Cruise or more importantly Suri Cruise’s wardrobe - at last count worth a cool $1 million. Now I’m all for a well dressed child, but folks there is a recession on. I read this morning that Tom wants Katie to do a lie detector test for the benefit of their marriage. I think we all know he just wants to work out EXACTLY how much Suri’s little pumps cost. One in every colour. Yup that’s Suri who just turned 3. Is Suri on Facebook?
