Rumi

"The rose's rarest essence lives in the thorns" - 13th century poet and theologian Rumi

Bugs on Bags

I am not sure how I feel about this collaboration between Prada and Damien Hirst. I know that Prada has some of Hirst's 'vitrines', those with hooves of solid gold. Don't like animals in boxes. And certainly don't like insects. So I won't be buying, not even ogling, those new handbags covered in bugs, some of them real ones encased in glass. Amber with real fossils is one thing; this is something different altogether and a bit disturbing. Okay I won't mention the butterflies again...

Shoes for A/W 2013

Still going with boots and booties! All kinds...pointy toe, round toe, open toe...especially the open toe, ankle or mid calf or thigh high...

Many boots with studs out there but I may go without them. I do like studs on the chunky heels of shoes though.

Colour Theory for A/W 2013

My bets are on:

Dusty rose with lots of wooley greys
Deep burgundy or even better, oxblood with black leather
Lots of black leather
And red, cherry red as a great accent

And the animal prints are the new neutrals, it's fantastic

Ready for autumn!

Black is the new Black

I didn't mind going back to work today after a long week away on business where the climate was still so warm - not that I don't like the sun but I am so tired of seeing people in capri pants and flip flops.

My morning bus ride is usually interesting because I like to people watch or if the other riders are boring, then I stare out of the window and ogle the beautiful shop displays on Sloane Street.

But today was fantastic! The toney Sloaney boys and girls were dressed to kill, ready for autumn. Smooth, thick black leather jackets with lots of hardware; the best studs were black and covered huge lapels. Cute wool skater skirts, full length leather skirts, and everyone had studs on their shoes and boots. It was incredible. Now I'm actually excited to wear tights as the weather cools down this week....ohhh what to wear, what to wear....

Style Icon

I just read that Iris Apfel and I share a birthday. She's one cool chick. If only I can be as unique and stylish as she is when I'm 92.

VIRGOS RULE!

Post-holiday hibernation

On this, a beautiful sunny day in London, I've been laying around indoors, not particularly productive, getting some rest but not fully caught up on sleep yet after a pretty much perfect holiday week in France.

Yes, this is what I typically do after a really great break away. I used to do this after every vacation to Europe when I lived in the US. That was every year. I do it almost instinctively. In my mind, the food after coming back just can't compare. Nights out just aren't the same. I tried to keep the celebrations going and it's been a blast but to be honest, I really just can't drink any more. I know! Horrific, right?

In time, in time. But for now, I will continue to hibernate and catch up on online episodes of New Girl, pin on my most excellent Pinterest boards, and curl up and read the book that I was meant to read on my holiday.

Style-less summer?

Hello my name is Rose-Coloured-Glasses and I am a shopaholic. I believe that this is the first step as I am acknowledging that I do have a problem and need to stop. This year has been extraordinary.  But this is not the first time. I have been a life-long addict. (I believe that I have a coffee mug at my parents' house that is over 30 years old with a picture of a purple Shopasaurus...what does that tell you?)

I do think I am able to take a break for awhile and just window-shop. I have tried to do that lately. And the fact that the inventory on offer hasn't been very good helps quite a lot. There are way too many prints out there. I know and can understand some prints can go well with other prints when done correctly - for example, Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou. But all the knock-offs and High Street copies are driving me nuts. Not only are they blinding but many are true fire hazards.

While I am on the topic of trends, this summer I am seeing far too many men and young boys in espadrilles. When was this considered cool or attractive?  And I thought male capris were bad!

Bling Ring

I recently saw Bling Ring and would go against the current tide to say it was a good film. I thought the young actors were very good. But Gavin Rossdale should probably stick to singing. I saw Bush play the other weekend in Hyde Park and they were awesome, like it was the 90's and they haven't been off for so long.

Sofia Coppola makes an excellent commentary (based on the Vanity Fair article and real life events) and reflection on our current society where brands and commerciality and being famous for doing nothing or worse, doing illegal or immoral or disrespectful things, are most highly valued. It's quite true and saddening actually.

I enjoyed the film and found it pretty funny - and it was incredible and dare I say, almost thrilling, to see all the closets full of clothes and shoes and bags and sunnies and jewellery - and thought it unbelievable that there wasn't more physical security on people's homes and cars. Do people really keep car doors and sliding glass doors open? Really? True events, I kept telling myself. 

Anyway, the best parts were the clothes and bling and the kids putting together their new outfits. Best line was the guy who was styling his friends, telling one of them, 'you can't wear leopard and zebra, you must pick one'.

Bradley from Philly

Saw another bad film...Limitless. Thank goodness I didn't see these films at the cinema. Even though he's a Philly boy and I should support, Bradley Cooper isn't really a big draw for me to see a film. Not sure what it is about him. I mean, he's a decent actor and seems to be a genuinely nice guy, but just not that exciting to watch. In this film, he narrated and walked around with all kinds of bad hair. He only really looked good in the Hangover film...the first one. I don't intend to see the other two. Am I really missing anything? Should I see Silver Linings Playbook? Really? If I do see it, it's to see JLaw's performance. She was excellent in Winter's Bone. Now that was an interesting film.

King Henry

Been watching more telly lately. Catching up on my fave crime drama and some old films. Saw The Other Boleyn Girl again. Liked it better this time. Maybe it's because I was more in the mood or I'm just not as bothered by Scarjo anymore. Maybe it's because I actually paid attention to all the actors who had bit roles and are now quite hot in Hollywood like Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch; although I never actually saw Andrew Garfield even though he's credited. But someone needs to tell me why Jim Sturgess is so special? I am clearly not getting what the fuss is about... And I often get him confused with Tom Sturridge who is Sienna's baby-daddy. After the film, the BBC showed two episodes of the Tudors. I have never seen the show but friends raved about it so I had bought the first season on iTunes. It's still on my iPad...never played. I watched the two episodes and can honestly say that Jonathan Rhys Meyers, although a good actor (remember Velvet Goldmine?) and once very cute (Bend It Like Beckham), just didn't do it for me as Henry VIII. I actually preferred Eric Bana as Henry in The Other Boleyn Girl. Much more substance...in more ways than just the weight. Aussie comic has done well.

Ciao Guido

Seriously? How bad was Nine?! Watching it on tv. I knew there was a reason I didn't see it when it came out 4 years ago. Daniel Day Lewis's accent was terrible. Kate Hudson played the 60's version of her mom. And Fergie didn't have to stretch too far for her role. Ugh! The singing was unbearable! Like Moulin Rouge. Ugh.

I do have to say Penelope Cruz stood out from the rest. Best part of the film were the scenes of Rome and the Italian coast. And I think I saw Dolce and Gabbana as priests on set in a very early scene.

Gatz!

Hey Sport, 'Gatsby' opens next week in London and the much hyped, much anticipated film by Baz Luhrmann is expected to be one of the hottest, most stylish films this year with a young, beautiful cast and the amazing Prada costumes. But I can't do it, I refuse to watch Leo with his annoying, nasal voice playing Jay Gatsby. And that mousy Carey Mulligan really gets on my nerves. I read that Toby Maguire was 'perfectly cast' as Nick Carraway, but no, I just can't do it. 

This is one of my favourite novels, so succinctly and well written by one of my favourite authors. And the original film with Robert Redford, Mia Farrow and Sam Waterston is an absolute classic. Really shouldn't mess with perfection.

Last year, I was able to catch Gatz, a six-hour play staged by a New York theatre ensemble called Elevator Repair Service. It's an interesting take as the novel was read out loud, verbatim, while the actors played out the drama, linking reality with the written word. The narrator was impressive as although he seemed to be reading from the book, he actually memorised every word. Believe it or not, the six hours flew by.

But I can't spare the two for the new film, no matter how pretty and sparkly it may be.

Shoes for S/S 13

A friend asked me what type of shoes I plan to wear this season...pointy toe or not?

I suppose I prefer pointy toes generally as they really elongate your legs. But this season and the chilly weather we still have in London, I plan to stick with tights and booties...round toe, open toe and pointy toe booties. Booties in biker black leather, glam grey suede with leopard, distressed soft taupe, even white elf boots (my first vegan purchase) that look better on than they sound.  

But fearing that I may never get to wear sandals this year...

Double Dutch

I happily came across an amazing brand while browsing cosmetics at one of my favourite stores, Liberty. The brand is called Ellis Faas and hails from the Netherlands. Ellis Faas was a makeup artist and photographer and has worked with the best designers, photographers and magazines. 

I was attracted to their very cool display and was given a quick introduction to their line for lips, eyes, and skincare. I wanted the whole lot but opted for one of the lipsticks in a gorgeous silver bullet container, choosing the creamy lips in their signature colour called blood red. 

Because blood rushing to your lips when kissed makes them even more kissable. So hey, why not? You can wear it alone or under another colour. I swear it does look like real blood. 

And their packaging is so cool. I can't wait to try it all.

Check out their website 
http://www.ellisfaas.com/#

Colour Theory for S/S 13

Vogue Festival the past few days. Sundance Film and Music Festival too. I decided to plan my wardrobe in hopes the weather continues to get a bit warmer.

First, colour selection...

Green (emerald, not lime). 

Yellow (more mustard, less neon).

Mauve (pink blush, not bubblegum). 

Orange (blood orange, not so keen on peach or corals anymore).

Turquoise (a summer staple). 

White (is the new black).

 

Not all at the same time of course. Only as a single block or accent; no more than 3 colours max per outfit. Ever. (unless it's Pucci)

Neutrals: taupe, beige, ivory, caramel, grey, periwinkle - 

and less navy, chocolate, charcoal, black. 

All ready for spring and summer!

And after all that...I end up buying another black dress this weekend. So much for planning. 

David Bowie is...

electrifying.

amazing.

trend-setting.

famous. 

Ziggy Stardust.

entertaining.

unique.

controversial.

awesome.

pushing the envelope.

Major Tom.

totally far out.

intelligent.

sexy.

creative.

revolutionary.

collaborative.

the Thin White Duke.

artistic.

brilliant.

mind-blowing.

provocative.

mesmerising onstage and on film.

one-of-a-kind.

a living legend.

an Icon.

an incredible influence on five decades of music, fashion, art, film...and continues to influence future generations.

a magnificent sold-out exhibition at the V&A.

a very moving, uplifting and totally rockin' experience.

a must-see for all music fans. 

You can get tickets on the day but queue early and go before it closes in August.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/david-bowie-is/visitor-and-ticket-information/

Say No to Pastel

I am completely underwhelmed and occasionally horrified by the amount of pastel on display in shops and malls on both sides of the pond. I want the real Spring to come! 

Untouchable

Everyone should see the French film 'Intouchables'. It's absolutely fantastic and makes you feel good all over. Loved the actors and all the music! And the fact that it's based on a true story makes it that much more heartwarming. 

Go see it! 

P.S. Although Harvey Weinstein distributed this film, I read that he wants to do an American version. Ugh...why? Why mess with a perfectly executed film? It won't be the same and it won't be as good. $tupid question I know...

January Blues

New year. New job. New boss. New work space, albeit temporary due to the dramatic growth of our company. But so far, it's a lot of the same. The only thing that makes me happy at the moment is shopping...well, also sleep, when I can get it. Yes sleep, which is free. And retail therapy which is not. So my daytime solution doesn't work when funds run out.

I was very disappointed in the retail therapy offered in the US when I was over for the holidays. I had a lovely, quiet, relaxing week with family. I slept a lot too. And usually there are many good bargains to be had...but this time, all the good shops had British brands! Couldn't believe it! And not even the good ones. Bloomingdales actually had Ted Baker, Karen Millen, All Saints and even Topshop! Ugh...What happened to finding cool new design talent?? Are the buyers getting lazy?? I had to come back to UK to get my fix of Vince, Theory and James Perse. It's a bit reversed...They're going gaga over here for Michael Kors. I mean really nuts for his stuff...which I find is getting a bit too glitzy and cheesy. Don't get me wrong, I love MK but not all that gold and fake snakeskin. The sales here have been pretty good, some too good...I have not been able to refuse the temptations of Pauric Sweeney and Rupert Sanderson and the many glorious Italian and French brands that I covet. Good thing I didn't give up shopping as a New Year's resolution. But I must stop for now.

So it looks like Green is the colour of the season. I have seen a lot of pink and purple as well. Orange and yellow are still in but mostly this dark forest green which actually looks rich and lovely. 

Tonight's the Golden Globes so let's see what shows up on the red carpet. If anyone wears green, it may look like Christmas again! But this will be my fashion fix! I'm hoping the celebs dress better than at their film premieres this past year. My money is on the lovely and endearing and funny Emma Stone to be the belle of the ball as she has been in past awards shows...hope she doesn't disappoint. But I'm sure we will be highly entertained by several disasters. Can't wait!

Well, as a friend said to me...Have an Epic '13. Cheers!