BLUE MONDAY

I'm not quite sure if it's been writers block that deterred me from posting outfits, or perhaps just the fact that I am not quite comfortable in my summer wardrobe after having indulged in all the sinful delicacies of slow cooked winter food during our recent holiday in Europe. Being quite a gourmand, I succumbed to the temptation of many different flavours during our travels, (and packed a few more than reasonable amount of carbs) hence my current abstinence from creative dressing. Lets face it, being a little slimmer makes dressing up so much more fun. In the meantime a full skirt tends to hide many faults, and does it seem to be the only item of clothing one can find shelter in when a little bulk accumulates around the hips. Spots and stripes would have evoked much criticism a few years ago, but has since become such a hot combination that I would grab any opportunity to mix the two. Slip your feet into a pair of two tone or colour blocked shoes and off you go. The Cobalt Blue is  a energising colour to ad to Black and White stripes. Now I just have to throw away the keys to the chocolate cabinet. 

Jacket - Hobbs

Skirt - Studio W

Shoes - Studio W

Tote - Michael Kors

Sunglasses - Dior

TARTAN, ROYAL SALUTE

This post is dedicated to London Fashion Week starting today, and in true style of Highland Fashion.

 

Had it not been for King George IV who popularised Tartan after his visit to Edinburgh in 1881, Tartan would probably never have become a fashionable commodity. After his visit to the city, the Monarch's keen interest in Tartan led to it being widely documented,  in turn leading to different Scottish clans adopting it's own unique design, each with a distinctive print. Queen Victoria developed the Victoria Tartan, and Prince Albert, the Balmoral.

 

The Queen's fondness for it contributed towards Tartan becoming  fashionable for women, a great departure from the concept considered to be reserved for men at the time.  It's  resurgence to the fashion scene has been seen on numerous occasions, and even worn by a pop cult as a sign of revolt at some time.  It has become synonymous with Scotland, one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. The Isle of Skye has been nominated the 4th most beautiful island in the world, and hosts landscapes that leave you breathless, indeed a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

 

Needless to say, my wide leg trousers were inspired by the travel destination, which just moved up to the top of my bucket list. I am in dire need of shopping for print.....

 

 

Images of Scottish Highlands, Island of Skye & Tartan courtesy to www.jrstextiles.com, www.airtransat.ca, www.eriksimonic.deviantart.com, http://alumni.umich.edu, www.redbubble.com

 

Trousers - Belle Epoque

Shoes - Gorgeous Feet, New Look

Jacket - Milan

Cross body bag - Chanel

Sunglasses - Dior

Leather belt - Hermes

 

CASHMERE COVER UP

Why is it you think we so love the luxurious feel of silk and Cashmere? Perhaps because the feel of Cashmere on our skin is not only silky soft, but it can be worn without having to kill the animals. The Cashmere goat is dual purpose and was discovered in Persia in the 14th century by one Ali El Hamdani. Imagine the cheese one could enjoy form it's milk! What a delight that we do not have to kill these sweet little things to be able to sport their pelts! My goaty coat is a Cashmere and Silk blend from the British label, Precis, and a work of art in my collection-indeed a collectors piece. It takes a special kind of dry cleaner to maintain it's beauty, and one has to be careful where you drop your coat to have it cleaned! It's one of the most versatile items to have in your wardrobe and should be stored with care to protect it from the invasive pincers of moths! I am told that Sunlight soap deters these monstrosities and keep them at bay, so if you have any delicates made of any kind of wool, grate a bar of Sunlight soap and scatter it generously in your closet. A Winter White coat is my "go to" item this season, reviving the classics once more...... How do you wear Winter White and what do you to preserve it from season to season without it being devoured by moths?

Cashmere Silk Blend Coat -  Precis

Bodycon Dress-  Truworths Collection

Shoes - Valentino 

Handbag - Fendi

Sunglasses - Dior 

KALEIDOSCOPE

The brighter the better..... looking on the bright side of my wardrobe, I was faced with the challenge of wearing print that is not only bright, but rather bold and loud. The print is inspired by a tropical garden, allowing it to be worn with a multitude of rainbow colours. I chose to wear a dress that toned the look down, balancing it with shoes that picks up and reflects on all the colours of the print. This coat is a marvellous item to dress up jeans, and to spruce up a simple pair of cigarette cut pants, perhaps with heels a few inches higher....... after all, the sky is the limit. The twist in the dress works it's magic in slimming down the waist, and the rouged effect leads the eye to the middle. This is a great style if you want to elongate the appearance of the body, and distract from the midriff, particularly after a month of many celebrations.....

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Coat - D & G

Shoes - Valentino Rock Studs

Wristwatch - Gaga Milano

Sunglasses - Dior

DEFYING THE RULES

A little effort goes along way, and if you're bored with your look or think that your appearance detracts from your creativity, add print on print, it's as good as a makeover! I have no formal meetings today, no court appearances and no round table discussions, which is quite a breather allowing me some more style freedom, dressing a little less seriously. Excitement at last, so I slapped together different prints, my favourite combination, sporting a little adventure.  And yes, I am defying the rule against wearing shoes that are lighter than my seam! My grandmother would turn in her grave. Rest in peace, it's become acceptable! Thank goodness. Next step is to let my hair down, but that would be to much excitement for one day! O, before I forget, the top was sourced from a bin sale at a weekend market in Bangkok, what a great find, does a bargain resonate with you?

Jacket - Martvisser Couture, Amsterdam

Pants - Belle Epoque

Top - thrift find in Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market, sourced from a bin!

Shoes - Valentino

Clutch bag - Asos

Sunglasses - Dior

Neck Piece - Sass Diva