For the Love of The Things We Love

I thought really hard before writing this post and adding the accompanying images - me faffing about in a t-shirt, appearing not to have a care in the world. I was so worried it would be seen as insensitive and out of touch.

After yesterday’s atrocities in and around London Bridge and the loss of life and injury which has once again shaken this beautiful city, the country and the world to the core - who cares about clothes? Nothing matters more than our loved ones and the safety of our country, so why on earth would I choose to write today about art and fashion?

Because in times like this, the things we love matter a lot. They are a comfort and a release and they serve as some form of uniformity when the new normal seems to be fear of attack. I don’t know why the evil bastards did what they did yesterday and I don’t want to face up to their motives and ongoing intentions. Last night as news of yet another terrorist horror unfolded on the news and spread like wildfire through social media, I shook and cried and gripped my husband’s hand even tighter. I watched my baby sleeping and when he woke up at 2am I held him and whispered that I loved him.

This morning in the light of day though, I felt frightened and heartbroken for those who had lost their lives or been injured in the name of terror but also really, really angry. How dare they try to prevent us from enjoying our freedoms, to constrain or change us. To stop us doing the things we love and feel passionate about. The things that make us, us.

We all need a creative outlet and for me, that’s fashion. Yesterday afternoon, hours before it felt like the world had turned in on itself I popped into designer Simeon Farrar’s store near my house in Walthamstow, East London. It’s a creative, fluid space with art hanging on the walls, clothes suspended boldly on rails and next season’s stock amassed and ready to be dispatched.

I spotted this amazing, super fashion-y t-shirt and it made me grin. Members of fashion’s coolest gang, like Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Lee McQueen and Paul Smith, brought to life by Farrar’s charming illustration.

He is a British illustrator, artist and designer and founder of label Blackscore. As well as an architect of his own respected collections, Farrar has collaborated with fair trade fashion pioneer People Tree and his infamous Kate Mouse t-shirt raised funds for Save The Children’s 2011 emergency earthquake appeal. He worked with the Gynaecological Cancer Fund and TopShop to create the Lady Garden range of hoodies, t-shirts and sweatpants to raise awareness of gynae cancer symptoms and the campaigns were fronted by eminent models and fashion influencers. I met Simeon and his partner yesterday, and they were warm and down to earth and I left feeling encouraged and inspired.

So, in the grand scheme of things, of course clothes don’t really matter. As the postcard that came with my purchase quips, ‘this t-shirt will make you look good, get dirty and be cooler than all your other t-shirts’. This t-shirt will not, though ‘let you down, lie to you and it won’t save the world’.

Right now, I don’t know what will save the world and that worries me very much. But we shouldn’t stop doing the things we do, the things we enjoy or from expressing ourselves creatively. These are our privileges, our values and the sheer beauty of living in a vibrant city such as London.

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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.

A Sentence a Day - 20 February 2017

In 2017 I will be writing A Sentence a Day. You can read more about why here.

Today is the 20 February 2017.

Question:

On my wall hangs...

Answer:

My favourite Vogue prints (their neighbour on the opposite wall is an old Upton Park Bus Roll belonging to my husband Alex which creates an interesting juxtaposition - our interests collide).

BORN AT DAWN: FOCUSED, EFFORTLESS, PERSONAL STYLE.

I’m an adopted East Londoner, having lived in Walthamstow since 2008 (when I announced to my long-suffering husband, then-boyfriend, that I would be moving in with him for two weeks until I found my own place and NOT A WEEK MORE).

Fortunately for me, I never left and eight years later I’m still rinsing the life out of E17 and discovering exciting new things. Spaces including The William Morris Gallery, Central Parade and The Mill E17 have created a hub for creative thinking and working, and with the continued expansion and redevelopment it looks like the innovation just keeps on coming.

I thought I knew the ‘Stow quite well but I didn’t realise just how many creatively-minded folk actually hung out here. By the power of Instagram and my love of all things sartorial, I recently stumbled across womenswear website BORN AT DAWN and was excited to discover that (a) its founder, Lucy Knights (@magpie_fashion), is based in Walthamstow after migrating from the North of England (b) there were so many things about her style, her creative outlook and the impressive way she balances motherhood, work and general life that I could relate / aspire to and (c) the concept and thinking behind the brand is right up my street.

So what is BORN AT DAWN? It’s a multi-brand e-commerce website launching in early 2017 that promises to offer rising fashion and accessible luxury. With the current deluge of womenswear websites available - but with differing and sometimes questionable price, quality and style - BORN AT DAWN heralds the beginning of a new way to shop.

There’s lots of things that made Lucy’s brand stand out for me and piqued my interest in its launch next year…

• It will be focused. As a busy working parent herself with limited time but a desire to be on trend, Lucy knows all about the importance of maximising the time available to you. So BORN AT DAWN will be carefully curated to ensure only desirable, must-have items are stocked and align with women’s busy lifestyles.

• It will be effortless and represent go-to, easy to wear pieces that we all want hanging proudly in our wardrobe. Lucy promises to hunt down pieces that are beautiful but versatile, and also allow us to glide effortlessly from day to night - always a winner. The collection promises items that can be worn ten times or more which in turn helps to decrease the cost per wear and justify the investment. Plus, they’ll match many of the staples most women already have lurking in their closets -  a huge bonus.

• It will be personal. Lucy is offering a personal shopping element to the collection (available in selected areas) where customers will have the opportunity to book an evening to view the collection and receive expert saying advice, and host a trunk show in the luxury of their own home with friends round for a ‘Born at Dawn Night In’. (I hear prosecco corks popping).

Lucy has spent the majority of her career specialising in luxury fashion retail, and having worked with Harrods on their womenswear sales and strategy prior to conceiving BORN AT DAWN, it’s safe to say she’s an authority on all things elegant.

So it comes as no surprise that one of the most exciting elements of BORN AT DAWN is the range of brands that feature as part of the collection, many of which are Scandinavian and French inspired and so naturally exude that timeless, effortless look.

Brands include Samsoe & Samsoe, Selected Femme and Mads Norgaard and the very cool Maison Scotch - based in Amsterdam and known for scouring the globe to discover unique pieces - which has me particularly animated. Eager shoppers can expect beautiful shirts, soft sweatshirts, easy embroidered kaftans and summer dresses when the brand launches for SS17. Also, 2NDDAY, the Danish progressive womenswear label whose foundation is denim, leather and tailoring and part of the Day Birger et Mikkelsen group features as part of the BORN AT DAWN collection for SS17 and will offer special leather pieces, jumpsuits and perfect boyfriend jeans. Simply heavenly.

BORN AT DAWN and what it stands for spoke to me on many levels. I've reached a point where in my *ahem* mid-late 30s, I seem to be busier than ever and juggling a huge mound of stuff. This doesn’t mean my enthusiasm for fashion has dissipated, quite the opposite, but I simply don’t have time to embark on long shopping trips or spend hours browsing loads of websites. Sometimes, I’m lucky if I can have a wee.

I still want to be on trend but sometimes outfits need to be versatile as I mostly have a wriggly, dribbly baby attached to me and dash around at full pelt. I’ve always had a preference for the experimental and as I’ve got older and wiser my sartorial choices are (hopefully) a little more refined. I’ve never been a fan of the over-done look and favour a minimalist, clean aesthetic that labels like The Finery London and & Other Stories offer, or Jenna Lyons and those super cool Scandi girls radiate. Crucially, on a maternity leave budget I need mid-range prices but with undiluted quality and need to feel that by dipping into my savings to buy the odd piece it’s at a price and quality I can justify.

Lucy explained that the brand's woman is “…a strong, down to earth, creative, social individual. She is confident, accomplished and successfully balances the many different roles she has in her life”. It’s like someone has tapped into my brain and discovered what I’m aspiring to be.

BORN AT DAWN and Lucy’s vision could not have come at a better time for me. My little baby boy is now six months old and whilst he keeps me completely on my toes, I think I’m...gulp...ready to fully embrace fashion again. Yes! Bloggers like Dress Like A Mum and Mother Pukka have realised that many new Mums, like myself, struggle with their identify after having children and are striving to change the bad reputation of Mum dressing. The struggle is real - I’ve lost my nerve and am stuck in a uniform of feeding-functional, easy-to-fling on garb but I'm starting to rebel.

So, here’s to the power of creativity and accessible luxury. Wishing you all the best Lucy and I can’t wait to experience BORN AT DAWN when it launches next year.

I’m excited to dress like me again.

BORN AT DAWN LAUNCHES IN FEBRUARY 2017

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VB takes me back to 1997

When Victoria Beckham was pictured leaving a hotel in NYC a few months back* in bold summer brights, two words immediately sprung to mind.

(*Apologies, being a Mum-that-blogs means I operate on a time delay. I’m either way ahead of the game after a night-feed Twitter sesh or miles behind).

Those two words were Electric Angels.

Electric Angels was the acclaimed debut collection by designer Matthew Williamson who had graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins college in 1994 after studying a BA in Fashion Design and Printed Textiles. Williamson had launched his own fashion label, Matthew Williamson Ltd, with his business partner Joseph Velosa.

In 1997 a cold call was made to Plum Sykes, who at the time was the Fashion Assistant at British Vogue. This led to a meeting with Sykes where she placed an order with Williamson for some of his self-designed silk scarves. Encouraged by this reaction, Williamson focused on creating his first ever womenswear collection for SS98, which was to be shown at London Fashion Week. The rest, as they say, is history.

Picture the scene. It’s September 1997, LFW is in full flow and Electric Angels is illuminating the catwalk. The show featured only fourteen looks, but they were hugely impactful pieces, including bias cut dresses in a zingy palette of colours such as tangerine, fuchsia, magenta and aqua. The collection was an ode to the dragonfly, with hand-embroidered organza dragonfly wings swooping across shift dresses and sitting on the shoulder of cardigans.

Perhaps most memorably, the models included Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger. Williamson’s catwalk debut received widespread acclaim and deservedly made him a luminary of the British fashion scene. The early '90s had seen the introduction of grunge and minimalism thanks to Marc Jacobs’ historic and very cool (but at the time criticised) grunge collection show for Perry Ellis in 1992. In stark contrast, Williamson’s show was an outburst of spirited brights, sensual exoticism and intricate details which caught everyone’s attention and would define his signature style.

So, back to Victoria Beckham and the reason I’m writing this. It was VB’s bright aqua trousers and fitted red sweater that reminded me of the bias cut dress that Kate Moss wore. Trust VB to reference one of the most important moments in fashion history, a show that made a huge impact on the style world and paved the way for an illustrious career that continues to stand the test of time. Williamson’s signature aesthetic remains vibrant with patterns, textures and kaleidoscopic colour.

Electric Angels lasted just seven minutes but was the starting point for the label, which under Williamson and his business partner Velosa, has continued to grow.

The show without question remains one of my all-time favourite fashion moments so far and the beautiful models and exotic pieces had an enormous impact on me. It was magnetic.

OK Ladies, Now Let's Get in Reformation

It is not uncommon I realise, but the change in season and a taste of what sunshine actually looks and feels like makes me feel buoyant.

I allow myself to daydream about what I will be wearing in the months ahead when (a) I might actually fit into something that isn't capacious (b) we can bare shoulders, go sans-jacket and flash an ankle or calf with reckless abandon (c) it is balmy.

Hopefully, my repertoire may include one or two pieces from major cult eco-label Reformation - which not only creates exquisite designs, but seems intent on revolutionising the fashion industry.

Created in 2009 by dynamic designer and environmentalist Yael Aflalo, the Downtown LA based brand offers style with a conscience, with their mission being to lead and inspire a sustainable way to be fashionable. To ensure their creations come at a fraction of the environmental impact of more conventional fashion, all Reformation pieces are produced by either responsible manufacturing partners in the US or overseas using sustainable methods and materials. They also source natural fabrics and materials like Tencel, repurposed vintage pieces and recycled 'deadstock' fabric while incorporating better practices throughout their supply chain.  In summary, they make killer clothes that don't kill the environment.

It may officially be my new obsession but Reformation is by no means a new label; it has been knocking about since 2009 and has been adorned by those cool LA girls and a heap of famous faces since then. It has been on my personal radar since Sienna Miller started wearing it circa 2014 - like the beautiful Felice Jumpsuit below - but it's at the top of my wish-list again right this minute. I have spent an inordinate amount of time hungrily poring over the Reformation website and planning what I might treat myself to if the budget stretches (and when my belly stops stretching).

Reformation is great for a number of reasons.

• They make bold, factual statements about the Impact of Fashion that make you stop and think. Like Fashion is the third most polluting industry in the world, and the second largest consumer of water. Making fabric uses water, energy, chemicals, and other resources that most people don’t think about, or ever see. We think knowledge is power, so we talk about resource use, climate change, and other impacts of fashion. This made me stop and think. It's facile to preach about LOVING fashion (which, sincerely, I do) and to casually affix #fashionlover to your Tweets and your Insta pics without giving any real thought to how lovely things are actually produced and what they might be doing to destroy our planet.
• They use a tool on their website called RefScale which tracks the impact each of their garments has on the environment. For example, if I were to purchase this sunshiny Caftan Dress (can I, please?) I would know that this garment required 252 gallons of water versus the industry standard of 1832 gallons of water and therefore I would save 1580 gal. This makes me feel happy.
• Reformation Founder and CEO Aflalo is Making Earth Day her Every Day. The concept is that while most of us might be a bit cynical and assume we can’t individually make a big difference, Reformation have the data to prove that, hell yes, we can. For the lucky people who bought some Reformation stuff in the past year, they saved 250 million gallons of water - a number that will surpass 1 billion next year.  To celebrate, they're launching a new super sustainable Earth Day Collection, which is really lovely. Power to the People.
• The clothes have the wow-factor and are undeniably sexy but it's not in-your-face sleaze which I'm not up for. It is confident and multifaceted. Their design mission is to make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure. I'm always up for this.
• It is reasonably affordable and they offer free worldwide shipping. This is attractive but terrible news for my bank balance which will soon be maternity-leaved. 
• Their Addilyn Dress in Barnyard is not only jaw-droppingly gorgeous, it is advertised as engineered for easy access and currently on the home page features a pretty lady breastfeeding near a tree somewhere verdant and lovely. Hurrah! I would like to think this will be me in Walthamstow in the coming weeks. It won't, but I can dream.
• Their Instagram account actually made me salivate. Then want to be on holiday, all year. Or living in LA. Neither of which will be happening anytime soon, so for now I'll Insta-stalk.
• The website is a design feature in itself - you could spend hours looking at it (oh no I didn't!). It has ornate Fabric Swatches, designs have lovely names like Moonshadow, Fruitcake and Rose Dazzle (how beautiful is that? Hi, potential baby name!*) and there are also Stories - a kind of inspirational moodboard with selected pieces that have great titles like Delicate f*cking flowers and Keep that effortless thing going. I'm certainly not a delicate f*cking flower and I'm not sure I have that effortless thing to even keep going, but by the grace of God I WILL FIND IT - and keep it going. 

In the meantime I am seriously considering the following pieces when the time is right:

Labels like Reformation make me feel hopeful. They are doing great things for the planet, they produce beautiful clothes and they make me believe there could actually be life after maternity wear.

Amen.

*I'm joking, Alex.

I think...

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AV Robertson for ASOS BLACK, and what I really want for Christmas.

Anyone stuck for what to buy me for Crimbo? In need of help / a gentle nudge?

OK, I'd really like this dress please. It is A V Robertson for ASOS BLACK and simply glancing at it makes me feel happy. Will you just look at that craftwomanship? It is luminous.

The dress is the creation of Amie Victoria Robertson, a 2014 Central Saint Martins graduate who bases herself in London town and specialises in iridescent embroidered womenswear and bold, beautiful accessories. With an internship CV to shout about (Christian Dior Couture and Alexander Wang anyone?), and a stint at Marc Jacobs in New York and Paris as a Design Assistant, the experience has clearly stood her in good stead. Her debut collection, created in homage of the great British Summer, combined oversized black polo necks with cut-out sections and beautifully hand-crafted opalescent flowers with Swarovski crystals and pearls - and caught the attention of Vogue no less.

I saw it first in LOOK Magazine, where a model stood like a beautiful glamazonian against a backdrop of neon (God's Own Junkyard, just round the corner from my gaff). The royal blue colour is striking, I love the thickness of the woven fabric and a bit of futuristic shine and metallic is always good for the season that was made to sparkle. The 3D floral embellishment makes the price tag worthwhile and the loose fit, although appearing to fall loosely over the body, is given a slick and dressy look with applique.

The dress is part of a clothing and accessories selection for A V Robertson for ASOS BLACK, based on her graduate collection, and was launched in early November just in time for Christmas. It features her signature 3D embellishment, tunics and A-line miniskirts and prices start at £85.

So, A V Robertson for ASOS BLACK V-Neck Mini Shift Dress with Embellished Detail, all I want for Christmas is you.

Seasons Greetings.

AV ROBERTSON

AV ROBERTSON FOR ASOS BLACK

Monki-ing Around

The other weekend. There I was, happily pootling about, catching up on the new Alabama Shakes album and returning a gigantic pile of clean washing to its rightful wardrobe when a startling realisation hit me mid-hang.

Someone's nicked all my plain clothes and replaced them with a great big jumble of print and colour!

That someone being me of course. Bar a sprinkling of denim, a smattering of faux leather, generally speaking my wardrobe is a riot of print, deck chair stripes and elaborate designs. When I'm searching in haste for day-job-appropriate or in need of a basic top to fling on with a jazzy skirt, pronto, I'm clutching the closet doors and shaking my head in puzzlement. I'm battling through a cacophony of colour. I'm looking for a plain white tee that's not there.

It's entirely my fault. I'm a sucker for a bold, beautiful print and a lover of vintage patterns and blooming floral bouquets. Often I get the urge to make like the experimental street styling girls and work a print clash with swagger - but bottle it at the front door because (a) I'm a great big scaredy cat and (b) there's a fine line between chic and clown.

All that confessed, I greatly admire women who sail through life in a minimal grey Sandro tee. Those clever girls who purposefully build capsule wardrobes based on stripped back white, navy and black separates from Cos. That use nothing more than a colour pop accessory, a killer heel, or a citrus clutch to make a sensational impact.

A recent Stylist magazine offered some welcome advice in their New-Season Update. 'Stock up on crew necks to wear with wide-leg trousers or a suede skirt', they recommended, and I nodded to myself and thought, yes. Yes you're right. It's time to get minimal. I shall take your advice (and ignore the vibrant trouser from Stella McCartney leaping off the page. Which to be fair at £485 a pop wasn't too difficult). I will cleanse my colour palette with a slouchy tee or two. I'll chuck on a taupe coat in a nonchalant manner. Hell, I'll condense all my stuff into a navy backpack if that's what it takes! This is the year I become MINIMAL and unembellished.

Then cheeky Monki reopened on Canarby Street after a refurb and all thoughts of minimalism went out the window. 

My eye was turned once again by a flirty print. I fell in love with Swedish womenswear brand Monki a couple of years ago. They've been in London for three years now and Monki is the cheeky sibling in a family of other cool brands including two of my high street faves, Cos and & Other Stories and the formidable Cheap Monday.

The products are excellently priced and unique and fresh. Monki doesn't take itself seriously but maintains credibility with forward thinking yet wearable fashion. It's a festival chicks haven, but working girls will succeed too with perseverance; trousers and shirts offer Scandanavian minimalism with edge. Smart with a cheeky wink.

Monki runs the gamut from clothes, underwear and accessories and all in a rainbow of colours. The newly added denim area brings fresh blue ideas in dungaree, jeans, jumpsuit and dress form. The sunnies come in 25 different designs so I hear - from classic wayfarers to kooky cats' eyes - so if you're feeling gluttonous you can knock yourself out and get a few.

Monki is one of the shops where, on arrival, I roll up my sleeves, inhale a deep breath and take my time to scour every.single.item thus ensuring no potential gems are overlooked. Don't take it personally, but I quite like going on my own. Absorbing the colours and styles that whizz past my eyes, slowly gathering a load on my weighed-down arm to take into the changing rooms and secure in the comfort that anything I buy won't shatter my bank account to smithereens.

One of my favourite dresses ever is from Monki - a long-sleeved patterned creation that accompanied me to Latitude Festival in 2014. It proved versatile for the roasting hot/freezing cold combo that England loves to chuck at us all in one day thus making it REALLY EASY TO DRESS FOR (NOT). I found it also went well with glitter and beer and withheld some tipsy dancing in fairy light illuminated woods and being bashed into while hanging out of the overspilling comedy tent.

My most recent Monki haul included the Rinda Shirt, the Beata Blouse and the eye-catching Moa Shirt Dress.

So, on reflection, maybe it's not so bad to be a bit barmy in print. Putting the smile back into fashion with something a bit more flamboyant.

Let this brilliant brand be your sartorial guide, and have some fun along the way. Maybe you'll also find yourself bewitched by some Monki magic...

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*Oh, Monki does plain stuff too. It's terrific.