Trousers That Make Me Think of Wine

All of a sudden spring is well and truly here - with the lighter evenings and radiant days it has officially sprung. In my eyes though, it didn’t evolve with a subtle rise in temperature or give warning with a dip in the evening chill. Instead, spring jabbed me on the shoulder and when I span around, shouted BOO in my face.

Argh, I’m not ready. I need to have a panic-pedi. My legs are milky white and in no way ready for public viewing. I’m still sorting the jumpers from the jeans of my autumn/winter wardrobe, let alone the spring/summer one. The latter is currently wedged into a couple of vacuum-sealed storage bags under the spare bed (the ones that no matter how tightly you seal the little bugger a hiss of air will still seep out) and needs a cull.

On the streets, plastered over Instagram and popping out of fashion magazines though the S/S trends are out in full force, and I absolutely love all of them - like pastel and khaki hues , those amazing Paperbag-waist tapered twill trousers by Stella McCartney and flirty off-the shoulder tops in gingham, the super check of the summer. Despite its surprise arrival, spring is by far my favourite season. The promise of the new, of rejuvenation and even personal transformation should you so wish. Time to reveal shoulder, leg and ankle which have been concealed under hosiery and baggy jeans and act out your own dress rehearsal, ready for the main performance; summer. The block colour palettes are dreamy, the fabrics are swishy and light and soft florals and statement sleeves are ready for weddings, race meets and al-fresco dining.

There’s a real sense of everything flowering, but for me there’s a real sense that I hate everything in my wardrobe. I’m still wearing ankle boots as (*see panic-pedi*) I’m not ready to brave cold toes in sandals or chilly heels in mules. I want frills and puff sleeves, but I’m still playing it safe in long-sleeved tops. I need inspiration…

These statement trousers from The Finery might just save the day.  When I clapped my eyes on them in the concession section in John Lewis the other day on a very rare shopping trip and gently ran my hands over their soft viscose fabric, I was momentarily overwhelmed. I hadn’t had that reaction about clothes for a while. They are called Argent Contrast Panel Trousers in Lilac Vines Print (is it me or does Lilac Vines sound like wine?) and I love them.

With side pockets, a high waist and contrast hems, not to mention a bold but beautiful print, they are too floaty for the office, too in-your-face for the Toy Library and I’m struggling to picture where I might wear them but, right now, I don’t care.

I am revelling in the sheer beauty of them and have literally just impulse-bought them, gulp, and snapped down my laptop lid before I had time to change my mind.

In your face, spring. Let’s do this.

When I grow up I want to be Carine Roitfeld

When I grow up I want to be Carine Roitfeld.

Along with Julia Sarr-Jamois, Taylor Tomasi Hill and Jenna Lyons she is way up there with people I aspire to dress like, and ACTUALLY WANT TO BE IN REAL LIFE.

Carine Roitfeld is a global fashion icon - model, muse, writer, stylist, magazine editor, visionary. Having spent 10 years at the helm of Vogue Paris, in the much coveted Editor-in-Chief post, she moved on from her impressive tenure to create her very own magazine, CR Fashion Book. Her fashion tome 'Carine Roitfeld - Irreverent' is an opulent visual history and is desperate to be seen on my coffee table (hint hint, anyone who is reading). Karl Lagerfeld once said that 'If you close your eyes and imagine the ideal French woman, it would be Carine Roitfeld' and I concur with Karl.

For me personally, Carine made it perfectly, unapologetically acceptable to wear a faux leather pencil skirt with stilettos in broad daylight - but mon dieu, does she do it with class. She knows the art of balancing sexpot with cult fashion figure is to pair the leather with a cashmere jumper, a snug fitted t-shirt, or mannish tailoring - rather than a deep V which, let's face it, can take the look to whole different level.

CR is back on my radar because she has turned her talented hand to collaborating. It may seem an unlikely association but the 40-piece Carine Roitfeld for Uniqlo collection is unleashed at the end of October 2015 and je suis trés excité.  This is her first collaboration with a brand, and the Japanese giant with its affordable prices, smart casual wear and advanced approach to fabric technology creates a befitting partnership.

The ad campaign, shot by Steven Meisel, provides delicious insight into what we can expect from the range. It mirrors Carine's impeccable elegance perfectly. Simplicity, sleek lines, super chic proportions - all interweaved with CR's magic. She explained in a recent Grazia article - 'I'm very picky. I want my skirt this length, my sweaters are this neckline, the coat is to be a bit shorter than the skirt... My skirts have pockets... I have these little tricks'. Oh to be in the know with these little tricks.

The pieces are to be worn TIGHT FIGHT. The collection is predominantly black (natch), features bountiful punky studs and eyelets and includes the requisite Faux Leather Skirt (£39.90). The fit of the rock'n'roll Carine Faux Fur Coat in leopard (£129.90) is stunning. May I have it now please? My other favourite pieces are the saucy Carine Flocky Printed Long Sleeve Blouse (£39.90) and the snuggly fitting Carine Wool Blended Tight Skirt (£29.90).

I really, really want the Carine Graphic Short Sleeve T-shirt which features a striking illustration of CR's face, but fear it will become a cult piece and at £14.90, will go in a flash.

The accessories are a sure-fire way to add a touch of Parisian insouciance. The Carine Tights are monogrammed with CR at the ankle and the Carine Eyelet Belt - depending on whether wide or skinny is your belt-style of choice (for me, it's wide) - have chunky eyelets as the name would suggest and come in at £14.90. I am all over the Carine Silk Tie - presented in polkadot, leopard print or Cami also at £14.90 and will be nonchalantly sweeping one around my neck.

I have fallen for this collection in a big way. I am awaiting 29 October 2015 with nervous, bated breath. Carine Roitfeld for Uniqlo offers people who are not CR the chance to be a bit CR; to waft down the road in something alluring and pretend to display some fabulous French equanimity. It is liberating, chic and on-point.

It will sell out, and I'll be left with the tights, I know, but a girl can dream. See you in the queue.

Carine Roitfeld for Uniqlo is available from the Regent Street store, London and online at uniqlo.com from Thursday 29 October 2015.

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Dressed up in all your finery

As the years roll by and I ricochet towards my, ahem, more advanced 30s, it is time to face facts that some high street shops just aren't age-appropriate.

Don't get me wrong, and to use the first example that springs to mind, Topshop will always hold a dear place in my heart. I still get a little giddy when I descend the escalators at the flagship store in Oxford-Circus-hell and mildly panic at all the goods ripe for the picking, but, Kendall Jenner I am not and in my early twenties I no longer am.

More recently I find my eye drawn to a beautiful top and then on closer inspection release it is smaller than my bag. Skirts have been discarded on sight because I know the slightest movement will cause bum-cheek exposure, and quite frankly no one needs to see that. You'll find me instead poking about downstairs in the concessions area (Oh My Love is a fav), drooling over the Topshop Boutique delectables, or perusing my most favourite section, Topshop Edited. Here, it's calmer and a provides a haven from the baying O-Street crowds and I feel at home here. There's wearable colours (oh, hi navy) that don't scrimp on style, STATEMENT PIECES (my wardrobe loves a statement piece, I'll tell you) and specially selected items that offer something a little bit more subversive.

However, despite my age and reservations about neon laser-cut crop tops, I am not ready to be carted off to some of the more 'sedate' high street shops. I won't name names as that's a little bit mean and I'm very much a champion of the British high street; but they are the kind of places where they generally cater for professional women in their 30's-50's, the price tag is extortionate but the goods leave a lot to be desired in the style stakes if you catch my drift.

Therefore, this can create a bit of a problem when you need (want) a wardrobe overhaul, fancy a treat, have blown your Net-a-Porter budget on christ knows what as there sure as hell is nothing to show for it but you realise there's nowhere really to go. At times I feel I'm stuck in fashion no-woman's land.

Then The Finery London was brought to my attention and my fashion dilemmas were answered. Hallelujah.

Any label founded by a team of former Topshop and ASOS big players was always going to be a winning fashion formula, but the pieces I have seen so far are even better than I imagined would come from such a style-fusion.

Described as 'luxurious, concept-driven design at a genuinely affordable price point' and 'a combination of contemporary-modern with a more vintage, feminine feel' by Brand Director Caren Dowie, the designs are utterly covetable and the look feels grown up and chic without a whiff or dowdiness, swagger not stuffiness; up there with my other high street favourites COS and & Other Stories in terms of affordable, sophisti-cool fashion. Pieces that have the 'forever' feel rather than fair weather trends that come and go.

The debut collection presents some lovely pieces; the Hemming Satin Trapeze Dress in dusty pink satin, the Sumner Striped Shirt with in a semi-sheer fabric provides a subtle but classy 'reveal and conceal' look, proving that sensual doesn't always have to mean flashy.

Emilia Wickstead recently said she loves women to dress where 'sex appeal can come from wearing something fitted without showing off so much skin' and as someone who has always remained firmly in the 'boobs or legs, never both' camp, The Finery London does sexy in classy way. A kind of I'm-in-my-30s-and-fabulous way.

So far, I've ordered the Capella Funnel Neck Tee in Ivory and the Corruna High Waisted Trousers in Pink and I await their arrival with an excited anticipation.

I fell in love with the Knox Camofleur Print Cami Dress at first sight, but alas, someone else in my size must have got their greedy mitts on it and they've run out. I emailed The Finery London Care Team to enquire when it would be in again, and I was super impressed when I got a reply (at 1.43 am no less, they must be shattered) to say it will be in stock again towards the end of the month. Hurry up the end of the month, I have a party to go to.

So, ladies (all the ladies) of a certain age who love great fashion and aren't ready to pack it all in just yet, but don't want to flash your bum cheeks, you'll do worse than heading to The Finery London.

I can't wait to be age-appropriate in my new finery.

Finery London's pop-up store at 35 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials

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Kate Moss x Topshop - A Mossoholic's point of view

"The British high street has always been one of the strongest in the world, and I love that the Brits are not scared to experiment". 

Kate Moss, Company Magazine, May 2014

Brace yourselves fashion fans (and any unwitting pedestrians in the Oxford Circus area). The fifteenth collection of Kate Moss x Topshop will soon be upon us. *squeal!

London's Evening Standard tonight reports of 'The great Kateover'. Magazines have been giving us a nudge for weeks and Topshop's social media campaign has quite rightly gone into overdrive, building Moss Mania to a thundering crescendo causing Hysteria! and Panic!...Kate's back!

I absolutely, 100% have been swept up in the frenzy. Every time a mention or a peek of the collection appears in a magazine or pops up in my Twitter feed, I get a bit panicky, my stomach lurches noticeably. I am gloomy already at the thought of missing the chance to secure a Kate-style frock, a star-sequined cami or THAT fringed leather jacket, or anything for that matter from the new drop inspired by her favourite pieces in her own wardrobe. (Sometimes at night I am kept awake with thoughts of that wardrobe. How big is it? Is it organised by colour? By defining era? Do things get lost?)

The most coveted items are expected to sell out in hours and so I am not hopeful of adding a piece to my existing collection - a black vest and delicate sequined dress from the inaugural 2007 collection.  Regular Material Whirl readers will know I Look to Kate and that my success in securing designer/high street collabs has met with mixed success. Versace for H&M in 2011? Not a chance. Isabel Marant Pour H&M in 2013? Two hopes (Bob Hope and No Hope). Peter Pilotto for Target? Yes!

Time Out recently featured a fantastic piece by Miriam Bouteba with tips gathered from Topshop staff, insiders and whistleblowers on how to get a piece of Kate. I take matters of fashion very seriously and so I have done my research and worked out what I want. I have read and studied all the articles. I have watched the videos. I am prepped and ready.

I am unable to camp outside or spend the next few days in queues or with my elbows out (I have a job). I simply cannot face the scrum and furore at Topshop's flagship Oxford Street store tomorrow, where the launch of the collection will take place before other stockists and sites launch the next day. It is rumoured Kate Moss will make a personal appearance. Which makes me feel a bit funny, but alas I cannot be there.

Instead I will be safely and securely ensconced in a pub with my best friend. I will, however, attempt to follow the live streaming launch event on Grazia Daily and I will be online shopping from 8.00 am on Wednesday 30 April from the comfort of my own Macbook Air.

The collection is super-cool. I particularly love the Pyjama Dressing collection - Delicate Prints and Soho Silk - and rock-influenced pieces; the fringed leather jacket is amazing (reportedly her 'gig' jacket that she has worn to three Rolling Stones concerts).

My favourite pieces I hope to get my hands on are below.

I still look to Kate. I still am keen to covet her inspirational wardrobe, her unbeatable style, her presence. The way that her collections are always music-focused. She is fabulous at 40 and still culturally relevant.  Tell me your success stories. I'd love to know how you get on.

For all the hoo ha, forgive me.  I'm unashamedly a Mossoholic.

The collection will be available online and in-store at Topshop, as well as Nordstrom, Nordstrom.com and Net-a-porter.com for the first time from 30 April 2014. 

You can see every piece from the hotly anticipated collection here by visiting Vogue.co.uk 

References:

Time Out London No. 2274, April 22 - 28 - A big piece of Kate by Miriam Bouteba

Look Magazine, 14 April 2014 - 'My Hot Picks from my New Topshop Collection by Lucy Wood

ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M

I am plagued with anxiety this week about a looming deadline. THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER. It has been sitting, waiting patiently for a while now in my diary. Written in huge scrawling letters, in blue pen no less - not pencil, as indicates its significance. It is even double underlined.

It keeps me awake at night, images fluttering around my head and unnerving thoughts of how I can make it possible, how I can achieve this seemingly impossible feat. It is not directly associated with my day job, which itself is jammed full of deadlines and dates and the like, nor thankfully does it have a direct impact on my health or relationship with my husband, family or friends. Debatably.

Yet, it is nearly here and I am nervously perspiring a little more each day as it looms and will finally reach its climactic end.

Isabel Marant's much awaited collaboration with H&M finally hits stores and online this Thursday.

What? Me? Dramatic you say? Your heart was racing for nothing? Pah! You may consider me theatrical, perhaps roll your eyes upwards to heaven, but believe me when I say this is a huge, huge deal. Gargantuan. It has been firmly in my diary since the news first broke back in June and in my eyes all November days lead to Marant.

Isabel Marant is arguably the most influential womenswear designer of our time. She has singlehandedly changed the way we dress. As the fabulous Mimi Spencer recently said, No one has done more to author the look of the decade than Marant. I would bet my entire collection of Vogue that you wear at least one of the following items: Printed trousers, ankle boots, a studded something. Bashed-about leather. Skinny jeans with an ankle-grazing cut. A beautiful embroidered jacket, a grey marl T-shirt and of course the ubiquitous wedge-heeled trainers that have been imitated so widely but never beaten. Yes? Well, you have already been touched by the power of Marant, and its rock n’ roll bohemian edge has snared you in its fabulous trap.

Marant, born and raised in Paris, started her eponymous label in 1994 after graduating from the acclaimed Studio Bercot and working her way up through the fashion line. The A/W 2010 collection saw the hit python print pattern while S/S and A/W of 2010 brought us leather motocross trousers and fringed cowboy boots. The collection for H&M edit of the key pieces taken from her archive. So in effect you can get your hands on a reinterpreted piece of fashion history.

That effortless, casual insouciance and very Parisian way of dressing has always remained firmly in my head / look book / magazines but devastatingly never ever in my wardrobe due to its significant price tag, despite the diffusion line Etoile being a slightly more affordable option (if I forewent food).

However, an affordable way to channel Marant / Carine Roitfeld / Lou Doillon and those other French hotties is now all but a finger’s grasp/click away. Plus there is a menswear debut for the Parisian brand, which is exciting in itself, and a campaign that features Milla Jovovich, Doillon, Daria Werbowy and Saskia de Brauw, as well as male models Guillaume Macé, Clément Chabernaud, and Niels Schneider. Zut alors!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ci7JMO-YrI&w=420&h=315]

Yet, is it a case of so near yet so far as I fear? To purchase a piece of Marant presents the following dilemmas:

1. Going to my nearest participating H&M store. Gulp. Queuing at dawn, or perhaps camping out and sleeping in a sodden tent, sharpening my elbows, pushing other hungry fashionistas keen for a piece of the Marant magnificence, tussling over a printed sweatshirt or chainmail cuff. Plus, the last time I visited the flagship Oxford Street store to buy something from the Paris Fashion Week Collection, they had an in-store DJ. She was dancing. It was 2.15 pm in the afternoon. Time, energy and age are not on my side - I know only too well what determined twenty-somethings can be like, I used to be one. In addition, I have a very busy day job and thus kicking myself for not booking the day off in advance. There is also The Queuing System in place specifically for the ladieswear collection, which sounds terrifying. There are coloured bracelets, allocated to groups of twenty customers, and the colour determines when it is your time to shop/fight. So I am hoping positively there will be something left post-5pm as opposed to a solitary jacket in a not-my-size size.
2. Being alert and ready online at 09:00 on the dot, and super sharp with my clicking to purchase via the website. After all, I have done my research, I have planned and plotted and prepared for this deadline. I have studied every single one of the fifty-two iconic pieces, deliberated and subsequently selected what I want, saving ferociously. When it comes to fashion I am a certified Grade-A geek and I hope my hard work will reap the rewards. Should be easy, right? No website crashes, no other clever clogs with the same idea? Reasonably (tut) purchases are limited to a maximum of one item per person ‘so that everyone can buy something from Isabel Marant pour H&M' so this makes my head kind of spin. I also have an afore-mentioned day job that I love and do not think shouting PLEASE WAIT I AM BUYING ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M will cut it.
3. Purchasing on eBay, although there is talk that the collection has already found its way on to the online auctioning website thanks to some people buying pieces at a preview sale and sneakily putting them online at hugely exaggerated (example). How business savvy. How impertinent.

So it looks like I am going to have to work hard for my fringing and my tribal prints. I am having dreams (nightmares) about the trophy jacket with beaded embroidery (£199) selling out - but I am going to try my damnedest to get it even if I cause myself an injury, a Marant malaise if you will.

I am not sure my nerves are quite up to this but I'll keep you posted. It will be brutal.

Good luck out there…

Isabel Marant for H&M launches in-store and online from November 14.

http://www.hm.com/gb/isabel-marant#see_all

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/isabel-marant-h-m

http://www.isabelmarant.com/en/

I consider this collection a gift to my lovers...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmzRLasJpp0&w=420&h=315]