séduire

A lot can be said for a frustrated pair of hands. I'd been hoarding copious metres of fabric in those stereotypical expensive-looking-extraordinarily-boring shades for months (you know, a mundane crusty fawn masquerading as a divinely chic steel or camel, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet) in the hope of creating a little capsule collection of simple, functional yet wearable pieces. Ultimately, to prove my creative ability and adaption - my movements have become quite stale to date, organizing the next two years of ones life (for the second time. I can honestly confirm UCAS is a system never to be trifled with, grin and bear it. Karma - thats all I have to say) is possibly the most odious, unsatisfying and unfruitful task i've had to undertake in a while, the last one being dropping out of University, the little nugget of honesty that got me into this pickle in the first place! I must admit, as mind numbing this process has been, I have also found it as a sort of awakening. The puzzling adolescence is falling into place - fantastic opportunities have begun to surface; talents have the time, peace and inspiration to cultivate; relationships thrive and flourish with everyone and everything. Aged 19, you're too old for enemies. Its time to eat, love and sew. 

So enduring a full plate (more of a engorged, swollen tableful) of sorting, organizing, emailing and fitting (clothing, not epileptic), I felt my inspiration resurface after a few months. Time to finish what I had yet to start.

I'm inspired by everything. The simplicity and clinical sculptures of Jil Sander, brooding Dries (what else is Van Noten if not brooding? I simply cannot describe it any other way. Maybe moody would do?) but something I feel indefinetly passionate about it moving with the times. Any old cad can badger on about the current climate, overspending blah. In all wholesome honesty, it hasn't effected my spending pattern one bit (sorry dad), I believe the point has now become focused on multi-functional pieces to be worn in different ways and treasured. Those designs I eternally lust after are those that have the power and balls to stand alone in any guise - the Complex Geometries dress, the All Saints wrap - individual pieces, almost tailored by the wearer. These are the clothes that come alive, and allow the girl inside to shine. Put it on back to front? No problemo, it still looks damn hot. 

toights

During the lengthy proposal of attempting to reinvent ones self for the winter months, I decided it was time to address a problem that has affected me since my early teens - my aversion (from wearing, yet 'surprisingly', not from buying in bulk) these fantastically bedazzled, jeweled and shredded selection of legwear, that has slowly been filtering through catwalk collections, to the humble highstreet. What was once a commodity, a grey marl on a Chloe leg, has expanded into a force of its own, editions including leopard print and tartan. Usually, these brash designs do not feature in my day to day wardrobe, (favoring my Velvet De Lux Walfords with absolutely anything) however I felt it time to branch out and inject a little pattern and colour into my uniform of black on black. However leg-lengthening and flattering the black tights and black heels combo can be, I felt I was relying a little too hard on the fail safe trick, and a nice little push into unchartered tight-territory was just what my pasty, post-tan leggies needed.

So thats what I did this evening.

Oh, and my Cosmo Patent Wedges arrived today. MADE MY WEEK I SHALL HAVE YOU KNOW. I was teetering around the kitchen in my PJ's this morning, in the most terribly non-chic sense I hasten to add. These were not Prada silk lounge pants, rather Gap threadbare trackpants. I am so bringing sexy back.

Paul Smith camisole; Vintage leather skirt; Topshop tights; Zara shoes.

The rip in the simply patterned black tights adds a little something, don't you think? I was fretting about photographing them with the hole showing, although now I think paired with the leather, it looks pretty damn bad-ass. I'm all for some hole. Tried a red flower in my hair, quite liking red on red with the lippy and nails. Come on, red goes with anything.

Ralph Lauren Shirt; Gap tights; Topshop Boutique platforms; Topshop headband.

I'd been dying to try out this gorgeous colour for loooong tiiime. I don't think I can quite carry off a wild colour clash, so I opted for old faithful, Dads shirt. I love you daddys shirt. You go with everything. You're like the ketchup of clothing.

Topshop dress; Topshop tights; Cosmo Paris shoes.

In case you hadn't guessed. I dig Topshop.

This dress is FABULOUS, I've worn it once and plan on doing so again. Definitely a rarity in my wardrobe. Paired it with some silver tights and my killer wedgies. I think this look has converted me to a serial tight wearer. Arghh!

The one issue you gotta have with tights - when you whip off your dress to reveal a bizarrely bandaged crotch to an unsuspecting male, lets face it. They are going to flee to the hills. I have unfortunately yet to meet a boy who will fully embrace the tight. Unless they're crotch/bumless, but that's a whole other kettle of fish, my dears.

So stick to socks, dunno what it is about them. I usually go for the all black but I found these little things in my dressing up box. I think they were part of my Dorothy ensemble!

And my other staple - Marks and Sparks bodysuit. Seriously sexy.

l'Autre Chose

http://www.yoox.com/item.asp?cod10=44166337&TP=11227

CHRISTOPHER KANE HAS ENTERED THE BUILDING

Collection is finally included on the T.S. site, about time! Sadly, I felt it necessary to cut my lusting after the croc dresses, due to the fact I guarantee they will be gracing the torsos of practically every 'edgy' teen on the planet. It's one of those trends that will make a killing no doubt. Firstly, T.S. very rarely puts a foot wrong in the eye of the young spender (take my sister for example, she literally has a panic attack if she exits our local branch without buying at least one item, no matter what it is, she will buy it, force it on for a day, then hurl it to the dank lair of the under-bed), and secondly, Christopher Kane can definetly not put a foot wrong in anyones sense. Seriously, who wants to argue with what the Kane has to offer?

After seeing en Vouge throwing the doors open to her New York apartment, Julia Roitfeld in that divine Kane long sleeved gorilla dress, I was in love. Whether it was my ultimate girl crush slaying the look, or just the gorgeousness and subtly of the shocker paired with black tights, it was just the look of perfection. C'est incroyable, baby!

I myself plan on investing in one piece.

Sexy, with a bodysuit underneath? I think I'm in love again. Sorry Jules.

oh anna anna

What is this pose? Legions of loyal subjects under her rule rely on this woman to lead the way in terms of style, belonging, faith and love. But please love, I really have no clue as to what is going on right now. Awkward? I was just so utterly disturbed by this, I just had to post it to vent my anger and shock. 

Is it just the dress and 'do, but is she starting to morph into a turtle?

bootay

Look at those cheekbones! I would very happily live on sticks and stones for a week to cut glass like that. She clearly isn't though..

Plus size models? Does the phrase strike bouts of horror deep in your corseted soul, or is this the new frontier in modern fashion?

On the cusp of my second fashion show, I felt it apt to dive into the most highly regarded story to date, surfacing post Mark Fast, who was one of the myriad of designers starting off the week with a bang! (..or a pair of bangers. Too far?).

It seems that the argument seems to have merged into two central points - those who believe that clothes ALWAYS look more elegant and refined on undernourished skeletons, sashaying down the runway. Pretentious as this may be, I must digress that I was a firm believer in the model career focusing on those with minus amounts of body fat, something to aspire to perhaps? Or just the beauty of these girls being handpicked from obscurity, in the hope of defining an age, like Naomi, Cindy and Seymore achieved in their day.

Another point to consider includes these supermodels of a bygone era, but, wait. Bygone? Naomi, at 39 years young, pounded the runway this week in a swimming suit, putting the waifs seething backstage at the amazonian princess putting them to shame. It is safe to say our ideas of beauty have morphed into the personification of skin and bones, from a healthy shape with much more than a couple of bee-stings protruding off their emaciated breast. Could it ever be regarded as a good thing?

The models of today have been supported by designers by stating that they are real women. And people who are going to spend thousands of their dollar on a Lanvin sheath, do not want to see it paraded on a plus size model with orange peel skin and cankles. Well, this I can slightly see clearly. But please, God of couture, give us a halfway point!

This dispute has taken the attention from the tailoring and onto the clothes hangers wearing them. That is all there job description should contain. 'Clothes hanger'. Because, that is their job right? Not to start global wars between Burberry and Balmain (fashion has always been a fierce force to be reckoned with - well, it is religion that causes all the hate in the world). Either bring back the supermodel, a girl to look up to with curves to envy, who your boyfriend fancies the pants off (to your oh-so hidden envy). Or continue with the new wave of beauty, just keep the focus on the clothes, please.

vint

Goodwood Revival Festival of Speed - attended on Sunday. A fantastic day out the house, divine vintage stores and of course, the classic car aspect (sure, I went for the cars). Picked up a snakeskin clutch, can't quite place it with anything right now, but it was just yelping to be bought. No soldier is left behind! So the theme of the weekend is 'Revival', harking back to the conception of the Goodwood Festival itself, so every attendee is invited to wear 40's, 50's and 60's inspired outfits. It was a crazy sight, although it is a fact that people looked for more glamourous and attractive at the time. Lets all ditch skinnies and bring back the fedora!

Outfit is predominantly various vintage, however the fur stole is one I nabbed off an old Calvin Klein coat of mine and Zara heels. Red lips - compulsory. This picture was taken in Jaguar Hospitality, 60's inspired, it held a miniature antique collection. Fave was clearly without a doubt the lips. UHHH.

Ok, and just watching GMTV at exactly 25 to nine, what in holy hell is Peaches Geldof doing reporting for London Fashion Week? The world has clearly reached new heights of stupidity. Why does she continue to act as if she rules the world? I have yet to see an inch of credible talent. Please, BBC for a start, I implore you to rid the screens of her filth. Argh who am I kidding. Jealousy rears its ever too frequent face.

LOL

Shot for the Rankin Live exhibition arrived today after leaving it at the Champagne and Oyster Bar in St Pancras. So unbelievably typical. I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on straight (although I'm delightfully sure it isn't). I think I'm happy with it, it was just more of a privilege to be in an exhibition with such great portraits as company; The Queen, Micheal Jackson, Kate Moss. Fantastic place, check it out if you can - Rankinlive.com

tried on Dads shoes. latest victim of envy. aren't they precious?

Lunch at Ottolenghi in Islington with mum yesterday. Seriously, I finish my shoot for Rankin Live and all I can do is harp on about the godly spread at this decanent foodie mecca. When normal service has resumed in my starved brain, I shall let you know and perhaps post the Rankin up. 

It's simply chic establishments like this that make London the greatest city in the world. It's such a sad, sad thing when I risk panic attacks whilst deliberating over what to order. Every morsel unearthed onto its glistening platter is voluptuously fresh, practically rude. Naked, curvaceous, dripping, tender. THIS IS FOOD PORN. If only I could find a picture that did the cakes and pastries justice; I guess you'll have to see for yourself. Those cakes are my God damn crack.

EDIT

Geez, I wasn't lieing. Some bint wrote a poem about them. Why does every other person in the entire world manage to be more coherent with emotions than I? 

The Easy Cakes of Ottolenghi

‘food that is closer to the source … emanating from genuine instincts’

In his salad days of skins and caves, man

gave chase. He slaughtered buck, swallowed

the heart. He knew adrenaline, hauled woman

after woman by the hair. That’s all gone.

Now there’s money and a new ache every day,

sags in unexpected places, a loss of collagen

and desire. Hunger’s always knocking

at the edges, just the tongue that’s jaded.

The waitress leans into the table:

Sorrel sir, or salsify? The soft salt melt

of sea-bream, halibut, a thrill

of salsa, quince and pomegranate.

Then dessert: the easy cakes of Ottolenghi

drip their syrups, glisten in the night, secrete

fresh tones of apple, grenadilla, rose.

come together over me

pants, Topshop; polo, Ralph Lauren; shoes, Zara

as above + top, Diane Von Furstenburg

Planned Goodwood Festival outfit, theme is 'Revival' so something through the ages. Don't really know what to wear. Guess this will do. 

dress, Whistles; trilby, Comptoir des Cotonniers

Fantastic shoes (sorry Emma, I put them back where I found them)

seaquinned shift, Vintage; mesh dress, American Apparel (who else?); sexy Topshop shoes. Break your back. Severe warning to all those who attempt walking.

dress, Urban Outfitters; leather, H +M

Combination as previous. Shoddy attempt at emulation. 

Apologies to Ashley. I think thats her with the shorter hair. Damn they've switched heads. MK has definetly had a little fiddle with A's wardobe of late. Way edge. Like.

skirt, Diane Von F.

Nominated Paris Fashion Week outfit. + the obvious essentials (black on black tights and shoe boots; naturellement!) 

skirt, Armani.

sophies choice

I have decided that on this fateful day of new beginnings and fresh starts, I should in turn sort out my online persona; pictures, websites, inspirational stories and the like - not only for my shamefully scatterbrain's privilege, but also in order to share my discoveries with others. I'm not one to keep things to myself (although in the case of the aforementioned Stella McCartney knickers, I must bow down to the wantonly desire that only pants can ensue - some have it with shoes, some with bags; I however get my kicks from horrifyingly overpriced snippets of cloth draped around my nether regions). Hopefully I will remember to update this post steadily through time. If not, lets hope i've moved onto more insightful projects. 

The following have in some, be it in a minute or monstrous way, evoked inspiration.

http://www.builtbywendy.com/

http://www.i-am-bored.com/

http://www.thewolseley.com/

http://www.atelier-mayer.com/

http://www.nordljus.co.uk/en/new-summer-favourites

http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/blog/

http://www.thedeliciouslife.com/2006/04/carrot-muffins-with-cream-cheese/

sophie seething

...with jealousy and greed. I'd say I'm pretty much an embodiment of all known deadly sins this grey monday afternoon. Spirits of vintage lingerie have been exorcised! After around a year ago when Stella McCartney first unleashed her tiny slips of heavenly silk on the fashion hoards to ecstatically girly acclaim, I was still storming through my neon, spandex, american apparel sheer two pieces, spearheading the eighties revival with aplomb. Finally (and long overdue) I believe its time to embrace the understated. The pictures speak for themselves, cute separates in even cuter colours spanning from delicate champagne to deep autumn berry. They should come with a warning.

you can leave your beret on

Last night I was inaudibly grateful to have had the opportunity to model the most breathtaking clothes at an event promoting the new Camden and Mayfair limited edition Minis that are being sold in the coming year.

Chic, ja? I could never complete this blog free of guilt unless I did un petit shameless plugging for the ride itself, its a fabulous model. Everyone, please go out and buy them and in turn you shall be funding my living and decadent spending expenses!

Now to the good stuff. When I was called to attend my fitting about a week ago, I was actually rendered breathless after setting my eyes onto what I was proposed to wear. The shop sponsoring the fashion show for Mini was 'Young Ideas', a little boutique in Ashborne - Derbyshire - England - UK (for those of more exotic persuasions) - basically a tiny almost-hamlet in the rustic countryside. It is renown for being the only establishment in the East Midlands for having the most extensive and divine glut of designer and couture clothing. Brands featured in my show wardrobe included the Autumn/Winter 09 collections for Dries Van Noten, Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg, D&G, Missoni, Paul Smith, Belstaff, Pringle, Moncler, Armani... the list goes on. I will forgive you for seething with desire that this point in time, these are the designers I would happily sell my soul to for a winter coat.

This is me in one of my favorite looks - (again, a little more shameless, guilt-free plugging) Joseph leopard print fur jacket £750, J Brand jean £165, D&G black silk top £185 and D&G black patent shoes with bow £255

The coat was divine, possibly the most coveted piece from the show by the ladies I spoke to post show. When I saw it on the hanger, at first glance I screamed! So much so, in horror, the dressers asked me;

"Oh, do you have a problem with wearing fur?"

"Good GOD no!"

Imagine, I would have ran right off the runway to the exit with that jacket in a second.

The jeans were also fabulous, J Brand fits so perfectly.

Now THIS is what I live for. These are not clothes, it is a characterisation, I put on the beret and crombie coat and hopped off the train in central Paris circa 1948. No introduction, just fabulous. I cried a little when I had to take this ensemble off. Back to trying so desperately to emulate the pieces with vintage and trollop. 

Paul Smith grey blouse £229, Paul Smith city skirt £399, Ralph Lauren court shoe £450 and Paul Smith crombie coat £785.

UKHDIHUQWIUHQWHD&@@!HUHU@!HU@H

The perfect LBD -

D&G D&G D&G

all £475 of it.

Similarly, was physically disturbed when forced out (note - quite literally forced) out of this. 

Drop by later for a few more snaps of the other models, get ready for some fabulous Ralphy capes and boots. Its going to be a long, sorry winter. Please just give me the crombie?

PS Oct Vogue just arrived, thats a tome and a half, save it for tonight in a comfy chair with a peppermint tea. Turned into quite a tradition. Ideas for any variants on my rut will be greatly appreciated.

PPS OMFG WTF opened the Vogue supplement - 'Real dressing for real life' - page four - River Island black feathered ankle boots?? £80?? The worlds gone barmy. Shotgun those being backordered until shoe boots are no longer in. So C.L. This must fashion lust is damaging.