Do I Really Need Electricity?

Had my lovely email update from Shopbop yesterday for their newest lookbook....

Mmmmm.

Also had a rather extortionate leccy bill too... Until the next quarter then Theyskens' Theory Ying Western Booties

Light's Out

Who needs petrol anyway? Tomorrow night, stay in, light the candles and support Earth Hour

Cut n Paste

Have just come across this great column from an even greater blogger. Kristin Knox, editor of Clothes Whisperer – a brilliant blog which is more about content that just inspiring, pretty pictures – although there are plenty of those there too. Do check it out.

But her column for the Huffington Post was a real goodie....

from Sign of the Times: The Kooples V. Carrie Bradshaw

"... It's not that I'm saying women have regressed, because we haven't. But when people dawn upon their recognition of Miss Bradshaw in me, the looks in their faces register SATC 2...the movie, rather than the glory days of the small screen. We no longer live in a world where monogamy (according to Samantha) is an "airborne" disease. Now, it's a coveted prize to be won at the end of the reality show rainbow, dispensed in lieu of shiny new convertibles or jetskis at the hands of Chris Harrison.

But the harsh reality is that we live in a world where it's hard to find (and subsequently keep) a job, where benefits are shrinking, mortgages defaulting and rents and inflation are ever on the rise. We need to couple up, to lean on one another for moral support, not to mention split rent and utilities. And that's the thing about the Kooples campaign, as Maud and Alexandre (a koople for four months, FYI), whiz passed you down Oxford Street, you can't help but identify with them just as much as you envy them.

They're standing on the street instead of a studio (just like you), dressed super cool (not just like you), but casually (back to just like you again). Nothing flashy, no overt branding, no bling-- just deft layering, slouchy t-shirts, the odd leather piece and some damn good looking skinny jeans. They're just regular people navigating this increasingly complex and harsh world (just like you). 

So I think, if Carrie were still strutting about in her single stilettos today, instead of basking in bitterness as the Kooples bus drove by, she'd remind us of some wisdom dispensed in the series finale: "[the most] exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." While the zeitgeist and current social climates these days may not be as kind to us single gals as when the Fab Four clinked their cosmos at the Meatpacking's latest and greatest, Carrie's message of female solidarity still rings true.

Even if you can't rush out and buy yourself a stubbly chinned, v-neck clad Julien of your very own, you canbuy that biker jacket. And that slouchy cardigan. And those studded boots. If Carrie taught us millenial girls anything, it's that the most rewarding relationship of all is being in a healthy (and, hell, why not, hipster) koople with yourself.

Read the rest here

Cheers to these Campaigns

Today Vogue picked out their favourite S/S 12 campaigns – some I agree are rad like Dolce and Gabanna's  Sicilian Don-a featuring the goddess that is Monica Bellucci – others I just don't get the hype, like the Mulberry shoot. Love the bags, don't really get the irony behind the sickly sweet campaign. But it looks like that's just me as the bloggers have gone positively orgasmic about it. 

My mother always asked why I bought Vogue or Harpers saying that half the magazine was made up of ads but how can you call a double page spread by Annie Leibovitz merely an advertisement?

Here are some of Miss Vogue's choices, but I really love The Kooples and the Rag & Bone shoot so I've inserted my own little Likes.

Dolce & Gabbana

Hanneli Mustaparta for Rag & Bone

The eyes in this Kooples ad are TO DIE FOR

Kate Moss for Mango wearing MY trousers

Mulberry

Stella always gets in right – whatever the Olympic uniform critics say

Admittedly Giselle could sell ice to the eskimos but she looks better in Versace

Miranda Kerr and her tiny bottom in Rag & Bone jeans

Want to be one half a Koople couple, but want their super slim blazers even more

 Credit where credit's due: Vogue

Blooming Gorgeous

I don't wish to jump on the blogging blossom bandwagon but it really does show that spring is here! (At least until the weekend that is...)

Blue Jeans, Bluesy Voice

Cannot get this out of my head. I have mixed feelings about Lana, but her album is STUNNING! (As is the model which she keeps using in her videos. Y.U.M)

Credit where credit's due: You Tube

Terry's Mine

An oldie but seriously goodie has been recently reworked and shown at a gallery in London town named the Rook and Raven.

The brief was to take some of the works from one of the 20th century's most influential photographers, Terry O'Neill and reinterpreted by 'the image makers of today'.

Bad timing on my part is that the show is about to close. It finishes the end of this month so nip along to W1T 1HN ASAP.

Spotting these pieces by Pam Glew and James Dawe, gave me a perfect opportunity to revisit Terry's work. Amazingly most of the iconic images that I love have been clicked with Terry's index finger. You must check out his website, only to read the  'About' bit in his own words. 

Bridget Bardot reworked by James Dawe

Pam Glew works their magic on Jean Shrimpton & Terence Stamp

The Originals

One of my favourite images: Faye Dunaway the morning after she won her Oscar. Increible!

More heart-in-your-mouth pictures after the leap...

I'm not sure I'm the next Parky...

At least on screen that is... Had so much fun with Colin at Cotswold TV at Gatcombe Horse Trials at the weekend. Unfortunately I can barely look at a picture of myself without cringing so to watch a video may be a little much. And I'm on Day Two of not drinking so I can't even have a taste of Dutch Courage to see me through... 

Lots of fun though, and definitely keen for take two – this time I'll remember to not look like SUCH a pillock when I'm interviewing!

Thank you to Chris King, Jo Aston & Ben King who were my interview guinea pigs and to Mr Cotswold TV himself who has the patience of a saint.

Cotswold TV Presents Gatcombe Park in Video from their Channel within the areas leading online televisionI

J'adore Doré

Yes, Garance Dore, you're so right. These Prada pumps are perfection.

If you're not already following this gorgeous blog, what on EARTH are you reading?

Not only beautiful shots, but she signs everything with 'kisses' so you feel a little bit loved.

Credit where credit's due: Garance Dore

Stars in their Eyes

We actually had some proper sunshine today. Actual. Sunshine. 

Accompanied by a little warmth.

Which means everyone was rockin' their best dressed to 

impress sunnies. 

I always think it's amazing how a pair of Wayfarers can instantly up the cool factor. Really would a rockstar be a rockstar with out some blacked out Ray Bans? They're part of the uniform, much like skinny jeans and tousled hair.

Here's some of the best sartorially sunnie wearers out there...

The Cool-er King, Steve McQueen

Breakfast at Tiffanys – & if you're just coming in at silly o'clock in the morning you need a serious pair of peeper covers

Guitar? Check. Insouciant cigarette? Check. Super sexy shades. Check, check!

Jackie O-h-my-god you've got gorgeous glasses

Good point Ray Ban, good point

On The Budget

As the Chancellor, George Osbourne trolls off with his little red briefcase, I have my own budget problems to contend with. But if my pockets were very deep I'd go with the following...

Nicholas Kirkwood, you God, you. These are like little works of art

THE Chloe boots - anyone know of a size 7 going free?

Isabel Marant A/W 2012 Dear Santa, just giving you the head's up for this year's list

Bjorg bangles. Please, pretty please!

Maserati Granturismo S. I even like the colour

Credit where credit's due: Maserati, nadarine, Nicholas Kirkwood

Looking Down The Lens

Fortunately nobody was asked to make love to the camera during the photoshoot for 

Suit the City, but we did get a few choice quotes from Gloucester Rugby poster boy (their words, not ours...), Freddie Burns. 

The shoot was such a giggle and not half as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be (mainly because everyone was lovely and because the photographer's assistant, Hollie uses Prickly Bush as her Twitter name. Good gag.) 

Waiting on the pics for the Cotswold Style spread, but here's a couple 

behind the scenes numbers...

Smiling at the camera... but mainly deciding how I was going to run off with the jacket

Who would've guessed a Gloucester fly-half would rock a purple tweed jacket? 

The lovely location, The Corse Lawn Hotel 

Sallie Belton is the nimble fingers behind these stunning creations  

Make up Artist, Sophie Chamings had the task of making me lose my bags and should've-drunk-more-water complexion. Here she is with Sallie who was a much easier candidate! Check out Sophie's blog here

My beautiful waistcoat. Jealous much?! 

Man behind the lens, Rob Wheatman 

Slightly concerned that I won't look like this Suit the City chick in the shoot...

Credit where credit's due: Me and point n shoot & Suit the City

There's Nothing To It

Striking a pose for a shoot for Cotswold Style magazine today. Thinking that my apres racing excess wasn't the best preparation for Photograph Monday. Thank God for photoshop. 

I'll let you know how it goes...

"Don't just stand there, let's get to it/ Strike a pose, there's nothing to it" Thanks Madge. 

Credit where credit's due: madonna scrapbook blogspot