A while back I saw Cat Deeley wearing a pair of really cute shoes, the type that I just couldn’t get out of my head. I found out that they were by a beautiful cobbler (fancy word for shoe maker) called Camilla Skovgaard (she has the looks of a model and the legs to match!).
The shoe is question was called Zaha and it had a high heel, side zippers and a side twisty buckle-I was truly smitten!
I raced to Harvey Nichols-at the time the only London stockist of Camilla’s shoes-and even called Camilla’s press people. I had no luck what-so-ever-the shoe was sold out and they had no more stock nor had they any plans to produce this model again. Sadly, I gave up my search but kept a picture of the glorious shoe in my ’stylists’ folder-kind of the look book of sorts.
This week I was browsing through my weekly update from the Outnet and what do I see? I rubbed my eyes and placed an order, almost refusing to breath until I received the order confirmation. Ok, they didn’t have Zaha in grey, my original choice, but black works equally well and after all, who looks a gift’s horse in the mouth? Within less then an hour the shoe was sold out.
Yesterday morning my DHL box arrived and I skipped and hopped before trying the shoes on-nothing short of perfect and at a fraction of the original price. So you see, shopping dreams do come true and they don’t anger the husband or the bank manager .)
Some might say that diamonds are the girl’s best friend but I would dare to say that underwear is a better friend and if you are lucky, just might lead to a diamond ring.
For those of us who pay attention to how our clothes not only look but fit, good underwear is essential. It holds us in, makes us feel sexy and makes our outlines more mysteriously alluring.
Some of us like M&S, others prefer Agent Provocateur to Carine Gilson or La Perla to Elle McPherson or Aubade to Calvin Klein but what if you want something for every day, yet still making you feel sexy and sure of yourself ? Until recently I went to Bodas but now there is a new girl on the block for me and I adore her.
The beautiful lady in question is former model Ivelin Giro and she started the underwear brand called Touche Muah last year. Ivelin, who is originally from Cuba but is currently Miami based, couldn’t find the underwear to satisfy her needs, so she developed Touche Muah. ‘On a personal level I’ve always had the need to find a comforting and natural feeling (a feeling of freedom and almost naked) for lingerie and Touche Muah’s designs incorporate all these qualities. I love the feeling of the natural aspect of the fabric and its organic properties’, says Ivelin when asked how she ended up designing underwear.
She felt the connection with the word ‘TOUCHE’ (which means ‘to touch’ in the language of love that is French) ‘because that’s the feeling between the fabric and the skin. It gives a desire to be touched by the fabric and its design and ‘MUAH’ (the sound of a ‘kiss’), so, it’s as if your skin wants to be touched and kissed by the line.’
Having started to wear the underwear I can vouch that it feels very soft and comfortable on the skin-it’s so light you can hardly feel it, so it definitely gives you an air of freedom unlike many underwear brands, in which you might feel itchy or restrictive.
I was wondering why Ivelin has chosen a snake as the logo for her brand and she told me that she was always fascinated by reptiles-so much, in fact, that she even has a tattoo of a snake on her lower back. And her eldest son Samuel, knowing his mother well, suggested that the snake be made into the logo hence giving it a more personal touch for Ivelin.
Ivelin did extensive research into various fabrics for her underwear, choosing ‘organic bamboo for its sustainable fibres’ and ‘antibacterial and antimicrobal properties as well as an amazing water absorbent capacity’.
For now you have bras and low cut thong or short panties for women, two styles of underwear for men-a longer ‘gladiator’ or ‘wilder’ briefs and two styles of boy boxers in ‘highjump’ or ‘rockshop’ for teen boys.
Another added benefit is that her underwear can be worn as lounge wear or by pregnant women-just see the pictures on Touche Muah’s internet site and you will understand what I mean.
Ivelin does have plans to extend the brand, including more styles and colours plus baby clothing and sleepwear and hopefully will be sourcing some European stockists soon too. And I, for one, will be keeping an eye on anything new by Touche Muah, because once worn, you will view sexy and comfortable underwear in the new light.
Waiting lists seem to be everywhere now. My knowledge of waiting lists started with a friend of a friend bemoaning the fact that her father had to wait a couple of years in order to get his custom-made boat and he soooo hated waiting. Then there is the mentioned in hushed tones Hermes waiting list, for Birkin or Kelly bag. Depending on which one you want, the size and the grain of leather and hard-wear it can be anything from one year to two, if you are lucky to be actually put on one. But with boats and Hermes I can understand the work it takes-don’t get me wrong, two completely different categories, but still….
You also have waiting lists for good schools for kids and I remember well how one friend was urging me to put my yet unborn baby down for several primary schools in the area and me refusing, saying I actually needed to deliver a baby first. True, good schools are hard to come by and unfortunately there are no good state schools in our area, so my husband has to work hard, as we won’t compromise on our son getting a good education-after all,he is a boy and will need to support his family one day.
Now there is a waiting list for my local Mini Mozart baby class that we have been attending since my son turned one. It used to be pretty easy-just come on time, pay £8 and enjoy live music, stories and interaction with other kids. Recently I found out that one has to subscribe in order to attend ‘terms’ for that class. I asked for a form, was promised that one will be mailed for me-which never materialised in my mail box and yesterday I was told that there is no place for us but we were put down on a so-called ‘distribution list’ and will be notified when the payment and enrollment for next term will become due. You know what? I think we can live without this class, if one has to subscribe to it. I will just look for alternatives or another, maybe new class, where I can drop at our convenience-after all, you can’t predict if you are going to be able to attend sometimes due to travel, other plans or sickness.
Then there are the waiting list for clothes-seriously, do I want to put your name down for let’s say a dress and then find yourself at the party with another girl wearing the same outfit? That happens too, you know and not everyone can put a smiling face on the situation.
But wait, there are also the waiting lists for make-up. Chanel for example, is really up there on the pedestal in terms of their nail polishes. Every season the PR goes into overdrive, journalist write about the ‘must-have’ colour and the waiting list opens. Ok, last year there was a shade of Chanel’s grey that I really wanted and I chose not to go on the waiting list. I couldn’t find it in any of the Chanel boutiques in London, or Selfridges, Harrods or Harvey Nichols for that matter. On the off chance and annoying my husband in the process, I took him to various Chanel outposts in Paris (and no, we didn’t come to Paris just for that, I am not that crazy!)and actually managed to score the last one available in Paris-no waiting list wait, just some active leg work and pure stubbornness combined with a bit of luck
Last week I popped into Selfridges, hoping to get a new blusher from a well-known brand. I love their products because they are truly fantastic and deliver a flawless perfection-if correctly applied and their make-up artist, who does fashion shows make-up and is an encyclopedia of great advice. I was told that there is a delay in delivery-it was originally scheduled for release in April and oh, there is a waiting list for it…. Did I want my name to be put down for a specific shade ? I laughed, said I don’t go on waiting list for make-up and decided to wait when the blusher eventually goes on general release. Patience is a virtue and I need to practise it more often.
I understand the notion of limited edition pieces (Lanvin porcelain figurines, anyone? They are so pretty!!!) but make-up waiting lists? Seriously, why do we need waiting lists? It’s all being hyped up, for us to be cocooned in the sense of exclusivity when it’s just a clever marketing plot to sell more items and make more money for the brands. Maybe I am growing up or maybe I am just becoming less vain and silly, I just think waiting lists are just not cool and one can always find a suitable alternative. OPI colours are really good, they are cheaper than Chanel and the ‘wear & tear’ of their nail polishes is equally good. Maybe it’s time we went against the marketing grain on all fronts?
There are so many jewellery brands nowadays that it is extremely difficult to choose-and I am not talking here about jewellery worth thousands and thousands of pounds, let alone millions.
I am quite level-headed when it comes to jewellery and do know what I like and dislike but sometimes even I can be swayed by the sheer beauty of a certain piece.
I remember very well walking through Somerset House a few years ago, in a complete trance, through the JAR exhibition. Every single piece was amazing and I wanted so many pieces-luckily for my husband none was for sale .)
Recently I was walking on Bond street and popped into Pomellato store, a few steps away from Claridges hotel. Pomellato is an Italian brand and their pieces are beautifully crafted and unlike any other jewellery brand.
Olga Grant, one of the sales assistant, was answering my endless questions and then, she asked me if I wanted to see something rare. Of course, the curious me, said ‘yes’ straight away.
I was taken upstairs, where 12 or 13 lacquered boxes were lined on the table. Each contained an extraordinary piece of jewellery, a ring or a pair of earrings made of gold and precious and semi-precious stones like moonstone or coral. Each piece was one of a kind, quite ostentatious and I wish I could buy some of them on the spot. The exhibition has been travelling around the world and is in London for April, before going back to Italy and France and then might be coming back to London for a few weeks later in the year. If you have the time, I strongly urge you to go and feast your eyes on the beauty of the craft that is jewellery making.
Swedish stylist Ulrika Lundgren started her label Rika not so long ago, but it seems to be gaining loyal fans pretty quickly.
Over the weekend I popped into the Shop at Bluebird where Rika has a pop-up store. It is full of pictures and the clothes and bags are pretty cute. There are soft t-shirts with slogans, butter soft leather jackets, cool leather skirts (with two zippers instead of pockets but it’s a detail that sticks to mind), softly draped tie-dyed dresses, colourful leopard-print jackets and of course, bags of various shapes and sizes, which carry Ulrika’s trademark- the stars.
The clutches are very girly and the satchels and holdalls are tougher looking but very cute when hanging off your arm. There are small details, like the stitching or studs that combine the cool factor with the modernity, so they will probably become even better as you carry them around.
I read about Joseph Altuzarra’s designs on the blog of Garance Dore, went on his site and realised that I was looking at the work of a very strong and talented individual.
In London his spring/summer’10 collection is only stocked up at Liberty on Regent street and he is so new to them, that the sales girls were frowning and sending me in different directions until finally, I came on to one railing holding his clothes. There was a pretty, light purple dress with very beautiful twists and pleating, an asymmetrical khaki skirt that will hang sexily on the hips and a very light, beige suede trench. On the centre of the floor there was a few mannequins dressed in his long, unusual dresses, that will flatter your figure and make you stand out. If you like fashion, I would highly recommend that you go and have a look.
http://www.garancedore.fr/en/page/4/
http://josephaltuzarra.com/collections/
It is great to be a woman but often it requires a lot of money to put ‘looks’ together and times are hard, so what can one do without compromising the style? My answer to that, is shop around.
Last year I saw a beautiful pair of towering heels at Guiseppe Zanotti Design, which had beads and bracelets going around the ankle. The price tag? Not cheap. Recently however I came across a pair of sandals at Aldo that looked very similar and only cost £40. I bought them on the spot and can’t wait to wear them, once it gets a little warmer.
Like cute underwear, without breaking the bank balance? Then check out Collette Dinnigan’s underwear collection at M&S, which is going to hug you in all the right places and not cost you an arm and a leg (in stores at the end of March).
I would also recomend to keep an eye on River Island, which recently collaborated with MA students. Check out cool heels by RCA’s graduate Sophia Webster.
Women in every country have their own style and the one that French women have we are often keen to follow, but how? Nowadays there are plenty of shops on our High streets that bear French names, like Zadig & Voltaire, Comptoir des Cottoniers, Paul & Joe or APC among others. Z&V, for example, is great for jeans, leather jackets and soft, cool cashmere, while you have to browse more carefully at Comptoir but you will inevitably leave with a pair of trousers or a soft pretty blouse that will stay in your wardrobe for a few seasons, without losing style credibility. Lately many fashionistas & journalists seem to talk or write about Isabel Marant. She has been lovingly building her label since 1994 but in the last couple of years her clothes started flying off the rails and the hype seems to only be getting bigger (and deservedly so!).
I was in her shop in Paris last year and even though the clothes, in my opinion, are more suited to slim, elegant women of different ages, one can find something stylish to fit. Her clothes are pretty, but quiet, speaking of comfort and French chic but you feel ‘edgy’ when wearing them. I remember a pair of woollen trousers that I bought at Aimein Notting Hill (until recently the only shop in London selling Isabel Marant collections). They felt rough to the touch, were dark grey and looked like a mix of low riding pants and jodhpurs yet they felt sexy, edgy and cool. Now you can buy her at www.net-a-porter.com or there is always an option of going to Paris, to her shops and asking the pretty French shopping assistant for advice.
P.s Isabel Marant is married to Jerome Dreyfuss, who is a bag designer (he used to design clothes too).He is inspired by the furniture and modern architecture but he thinks of women’s lifestyle when designing the bags that are bound to end up on our shoulders or in our hands.
Winter is almost over (well, I want to hope so!), so why would I want to write about cashmere? Well, because Banjo & Matilda kept me stylishly warm all winter but they also make beautiful pieces to wear in spring and summer.
This Australian brand was started by Belynda Macpherson in 2008. I read about it last year, went to have a look at B&M’s internet site and the rest, as they say, is shopping history.
Until recently I would buy an occasional cashmere sweater but to be honest, I preferred wool for its warmth, practicality and the lack of ‘bubbles’ that one tends to accumulate wearing cashmere. B&M cashmere broke my prejudice barrier-its pieces are warm, so comfortable to wear you wouldn’t want to take their clothing off (I swear I ‘lived’ B&M’s sweaters through this horrible winter) and are beautifully made with attention to the smallest detail.
Belynda also goes a step further while working on collections, by hiring a ‘Guest designer’ and last year it was her Glamazon sister-in-law Elle Macpherson. I have it on good authority that the next guest designer will be another well-known Australian export .)
The new collection, that recently went ‘live’, is called ‘Ultra-fine series’and consists of feather light cardigans, sweaters, tanks, camis & dresses in pretty colours (reds, blues, heather greys,camel etc. )that are going to make you feel blissfully happy in your own skin. I just received the sailing sweater (have a look, as it is selling up very fast, Belynda tells me).
At the moment Belynda is still considering the UK based stockists, but she does ship to the UK via DHL, so all you have to do is make up your choices and order. And when your items arrive, they will be wrapped in tissue paper and enclosed in a pretty brown box tied with printed ribbon. Inside you will also find a cotton bag and a cedar ball to keep your cashmere happy while you are not wearing it (told you-the little details !). I am a big fan and hope you will fall in love with Banjo&Matilda too.
Summer is not that far away and smart girls are already planning their holidays. And what is one of the most important items for the summer vacation, apart from the sunscreen? You guessed it, swimwear.
Key Leaf swimwear was started by two Colombian-Italian sisters, (sounds glamorous already, doesn’t it ?) Adriana and Claudia Chaparro Pignalosa, and their first collection was launched in 2007, followed by Floating Leaves collection in 2008, Solar Keys collection in 2009 and their current one is called Ornithology 2010.
Adriana has the architectural design background, having also worked as PR for Chopard and Claudia, who studied at Central St. Martins, worked for Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen. They enjoyed their jobs but felt that they wanted to do something else, using their own creativity. Adriana was drawing from the early age and when she saw that Claudia did some prints during her studies, the seed was planted and the end result was the creation of Key Leaf.
I came across their bikinis last year and I can honestly say that theirs are the cutest & most vivid that I have ever seen.
Key Leaf produces one collection a year and even though the general theme of things is inspired by natural beauty of seashore, the 2010 Ornithology collectionis inspired by birds (puffins, peacocks, parakeets, spatulatails) and their beauty in being in tune with nature and freedom.
Each collection’s prints are hand-painted and are never repeated afterwards, giving you the luxury of individuality and uniqueness. Girls only use high-tech Italian fabrics which are of highest quality and are fashioned in Mauritius. When your swimwear is of high quality, you will wear the designs that you love and that suit you for years to come, building them into your favourite vacations, thus fashioning your life story.And they pay attention to the smallest detail, making even block colours look interesting and the fit comfortable but sexy.
But wait, there is more. Claudia & Adriana are not just creative, they are very smart too. When you are on a holiday, you have your swimwear, what else does a woman want? A dress or a blouse to match-a tall order? Not according to Key Leaf ! They do the prettiest, colourful, vibrant dresses and blouses that you can wear not only to the beach but to the party or while out and about with shorts or jeans. And if you have a daughter, you can even have ‘a mother and daughter’ matching bikinis/dress combination.
Until recently you could purchase Key Leaf from Augustina boutique in Belgravia or Heidi Klein boutiques in London but Claudia & Adriana recently opened a cute showroom in Notting Hillwhere you can browse their gloriously colourful collection, try things on and if you are lucky, have some delicious herbal tea and cake baked by Adriana (oh yes, I was that lucky!). Claudia & Adriana, who are very in tune with each other and can finish each other’s trail of thought, also showed me how one can wear the blousons (yes, there are different ways, and Latin American women know the secrets to being sexy) and were honest about what suited me and what didn’t.
I can’t wait for the warmer weather, so I can start wearing my new additions to the wardrobe. And I can see Key Leaf going from strength to strength, because its run and designed by two formidable, smart, pretty women who balance family and career and make it look effortless and us sexy.
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