The Daily Handbag Crush: Our Lord and Saviour

Some might say we are going straight to hell for loving this purse and others may say that we are the picture of angel perfection for displaying our faith on our handbags...whichever way you want to swing we'd like to present you with a bag we fell in love with on the spot - The "Our Lord and Saviour" Clutch. We have a collection tray we're passing around so we can call one into the office. The cost of this pretty little number: $8,695!

Speaking of Liberty of London....the shopping didn't end in the Liberty for Target pop-up shop

Liberty for Target now available at Liberty London store

The Liberty of London for Target line might be sold out across America but there is a fresh stock available in the Liberty London store now! On the way home from the Sketchbook Pop-Up Store launch last night we decided to stop into Liberty and nearly fell to our knees in front of the store when we saw the Liberty for Target line pulling us in through the windows! Our credit cards ran in terror. Wellies, garden gloves, frames, hats, jars, cakestands, mugs: you name it and they had it.  Now our floors are decorated with Liberty bags and we thought we were just headed out for an innocent night of celebrating a magazine's success. How could we have been so naive? 

Twiggy takes over on the Home Shopping Network (HSN)

Get ready Ladies, Twiggy is coming to your television with her brand new line at the HSN and she is taking absolutely no prisoners! We aren't usually television shoppers but we're learning to grow and adjust to new shopping trends. That's set to include Twiggy's line debut for Spring Summer on April 2nd.  The clothes and accessories are fab throwbacks to the sixties era that she dominated! Want to hear the best news? It's all under $100. Oh how we love a recession when price points fall to their knees. And...the sizes go all the way up to a size 20. So whatever the size of your wallet or your rear-end, there will be a piece that you won't want to live without!
We'll be tuning in on April 2nd to HSN. Where will you be? Make sure and visit the site now to take a quick look at some of the items currently available.

Daily Style Snapshot 31st March 2010

1. Kim Kardashian in Los Angeles.
2. Victoria Beckham in Los Angeles.
3. Lauren Conrad in Los Angeles.
4. Jennifer Aniston in Madrid.

Harper's Bazaar April 2010 gets it so right!

We are overwhelmed this season with the fantastic pics in the Spring magazines. So much fantastic styling and so many great ideas for using pieces we already have in our wardrobes!

Presenting The Fabulous Sketchbook Pop-Up Shop

 

For the past 48 hours we have followed the building of new Sketchbook Pop-up Shop with great enthusiasm. We weren't the only ones either. Thousands of followers on Twitter and via the Sketchbook blog were able to view pictures of artists at work  painting, creating and generally turning a boring old shop into a design mecca.  What a fabulous way to celebrate 50 years of fashion and music in the Newburgh Quarter of Carnaby and truly no other group of individuals could have done it better.

 

For those that aren't familiar with the magazine, Sketchbook, it's time to wake up and smell the fashion roses! This is the future. We are witnessing change and Sketchbook is guiding the way. Vogue, who? Elle, isn't that just a French pronoun? Sketchbook gives us what is happening right now in OUR world...not in a photoshopped virtual reality. They are a quarterly publication with a print run of 10,000. They aren't about making money. They are about making magic. They offer so much to young readers in the form of inspiration and guidance. They send a message that says, "we have a voice too, so let's use it." Sketchbook, if you haven't figured it out yet, we love you guys!

So why a Pop-Up shop? Well Sketchbook is choosing to channel its own success in the world of fashion onto young creatives who are just starting out in this rather competitve marketplace. From the 31st of March through to the 19th of April Sketchbook will provide workshops and lectures aimed at youngsters who want advice from some of the best in the business. And here's the truly awesome part...

 

As you know, Sketchbook is what it is today because of the fabulous internet fashionistas.  They realize the importance of reaching out and they've clearly demonstrated their grasp on social media. So what's the awesome part? If you can't attend the workshops and lectures in person, you can view them all live online. Hello, gorgeous! 

 

Guest speakers will include Susie Bubble (seen on the cover of the first issue of Sketchbook to the left), bloggers Leon Bailey Green and Style Salvage Steve, fashion designers Maria Francesca Pepe, Yan To and Ara Jo, editor of TWIN Magazine Becky Smith, founder of luxury e-commerce site Dia Boutique, Rasha Khouri and many more.

Discussion Panels include:
- PRINT VS ONLINE: WEEK 1
Explore the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of print and online publications. Confirmed guests include blogger Susie Bubble.
- E-COMMERCE: WEEK 2
Come in and learn what sets online-only stores apart from the
in-store.  Confirmed guests include Founder of online store Dia Boutique, Rasha Khouri.
- BLOGS & BRANDS: WEEK 3
How can bloggers build a relationship with brands, while maintaining their integrity and credibility as a blogger. Confirmed guests include blogger Leon Bailey Green. 

 

 

Since the shop is actually a shop, there will also be limited edition prints, illustrations and one-off art pieces on sale throughout the three week time period. There are some absolute gems available. We've featured pictures of a few of the initial prints displayed herewith. And for all you young artists who dream of one day designing the cover of a magazine...it's time to make your dream a reality. Sketchbook will run a competition throughout the three weeks looking for the next front cover of their magazine. So get in there, show them your goods and make us proud! We love spotting new talent and we'd love to see some young gun on a future cover.

Oh and there will also be live bands playing every Sunday in the shop!

 

Shop Details:

 

10 Newburgh Street, Carnaby, London W1F 7RN.

Wednesday 31st March – Monday 19th April 2010
Monday to Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sundays: 12noon-6pm

To reserve seats or request more information please contact: rsvp@sketchbookmagazine.com

 

A Spring Clean is on the horizon

It's a four day weekend for most of us this weekend and for me this is always the weekend that the Spring/Summer wardrobe comes out of storage and the Autumn/Winter collections are packed safely away for next year.  While most sane individuals are vacationing on beaches or skiing in the Alps during this little minibreak, I am at home deciding what to keep and what to chuck - for both seasons. Trends change so quickly that I rarely choose to pack, or unpack, all that I own.  I have garbage bags at the ready and they are filled to the brim with clothes that might have been ok last season but just won't cut it this time around.  

Usually I visit the local charity shop and make their day with some designer duds they can put high pricetags on.  However, this year is a different story. Times are tough for everyone and I'm not embarassed to say I need the spare cash. If my Spring/Summer wardrobe is going to be up to scratch I have to make money off the pieces I'm pitching.  So it was like some sort of message from above when I received an email in my inbox about a company called The Closet Bureau. 

Picture this...you clean out your closet, fill bags with items of unwanted designer duds, send an email to the Closet Bureau and they will come and pick the clothes up themselves (which, hello! I love) and if they need dry cleaning, yup, they'll take care of that too.  They'll then take professional pictures of the items, list them on eBay, answer all questions about the item, ship it and...you have to do nothing! Just accept a nice envelope of cash at the end of the whole experience. How can it be that easy? I've just fallen in love all over again with resale because I don't have to do a damn thing.

And for those of you that have no clue what should stay or what should go...you can hire a Closet Therapist for the day! That's right! You can hire a stylist to come in and tell you what you need and don't need. How fab is that? Forget the girlfriends as you really can't trust them. They'll be too nice to you. A Closet Therapist has no mercy and will deliver the whole truth!

Oh and here's the other part I love. You can shop their ebay store to see if another woman's trash is your treasure!

Alright...now I am just sounding like an obsessive...but I like bringing you guys the best!

Stella McCartney's new line for Gap Kids is now available to buy online!

There are some supremely cute pieces in this collection for boys, girls and infants. Here's a quick look at our favourites. Stella...a plea! Please, please make a collection for us grownups. We want to wear your clothes too and at the moment the largest size for little girls just isn't quite working...something about the sleeves being too short! If you are lucky enough to have gorgeous children to dress, or you have the body of a twelve year old girl...visit the website to shop now!

Honestly, a timeless beauty...Cindy Crawford covers France's L'Officiel April 2010

A little Tuesday smile factor for you...DKNY Men

The new ads from DKNY by Nathaniel Goldberg. My God! If only all men looked as clean cut as this bunch. What's the lesson learned here, guys? Take time to think about what you wear. You'll get results for the effort you put in, trust me!

Anthropologie Europe online shopping is live!

It's finally here! click here to shop now online!

Ah Carla...when will you learn to keep your thoughts to yourself?

-Courtesy of the lovely Carla Bruni.

This is a good lesson in "thinking before speaking."

Elle France showcases plus size models...style perfection!

In fact...they gave them an entire issue. Here's a look at one of the shoots. To view the entire spread click here. And can we just say we love the way that this was styled. Finally showing a beautiful curvy woman in curves that flatter her, rather than making her look fatter! Hoooray Elle France...you are the last country we would have expected this from!

Sophie Dahl...a younger Nigella Lawson?

 

We've seen her on just about every magazine cover there is (especially Vogue) and now she has her own cooking show. She's gorgeous and we can't help but love her. Who cares if she's using her sex to increase viewership. What do you think Nigella Lawson did people? Sophie, we adore you and your cooking and we'll keep tuning in when we have time. Thank god for TIVO!

A Top Model explains how to look good in every picture....

(stole this from the Cult Beauty Blog -thanks girls!)

Henry Holland releases the "fan scarf" for H! by Henry Holland at Debenham's

Now I've been promised a look at the autumn collection when it comes out but as I'm about to give you a little inside peek at an awesome H! by Henry Holland scarf I thought I would also throw out a few recommendations from his Spring line at Debenham's. The three pieces above are perfect for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. You have the blazer for the preppy look, the bustier for the "underwear as outerwear" look and the boyfriend jean that you will be seeing on every single city street this summer! All are very reasonably priced and available to buy either online or in store.

And now to the big news....

You may remember that I covered a story a number of months ago on Henry Holland in which I announced he would be creating a scarf featuring the faces of 36 lucky fans...?

Well the first images of the scarves have been released and here's your sneak peek -

What do you think?

And look who's on the cover of the latest issue of Sketchbook...this man is everywhere!

Kensington's Enchanted Palace is a must see for fashionistas and families

Having lived in London for over seven years now sometimes I take for granted the incredible history that exists in this city. There is history hundreds of years older than even my home country on every street corner. Each and every cobblestone that remains could tell tales that would no doubt fill an entire book and leave us all in shock and awe. However, I don't have the time or patience these days to sit down and enjoy a good book on the foundation of this wonderful town I call home. So when I heard about an exhibition that was opening at Kensington Palace that had Vivienne Westwood, Stephen Jones and Boudicca as contributing designers, I knew I had to take an afternoon to indulge myself with two great loves: fashion and princesses (yes, I used to play princess a lot as a child).  So, the exhibition is called "Enchanted Palace" and it just opened this weekend in the Palace, in Kensington Gardens.  Now, I am sad to admit that I knew very little of Kensington Palace other than the tales of Diana, Princess of Wales, living within its walls. And what was meant to be a morning of visiting the Palace turned into an entire day of absorbing all that I could read from the books in the bookshop! Kensington Palace is not only a feast for the eyes but also a Smörgåsbord for the historic soul.  I know, I know-this isn't a place for history. But this is a place for fashion, beauty and gossip. All of these things are absolutely spilling out of Kensington Palace.  The "Enchanted Palace" is an exhibition that is overflowing with gossip from the best place to get gossip really – the Royal Family.

The acclaimed UK theatre company WILDWORKS has taken over the palace while a £12 million restoration of the Palace is completed in preparation for the 2012 Olympic games. We , of course, have to make sure to put our finest foot forward as we welcome our guests to the capital! But the good people at the independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces, didn't want to close their doors to those of us that are here now, hence the fabulous exhibition in the State Apartments.

Each room was designated a different designer. The designers drew inspiration from Kensington Palace and the princesses that once lived within it walls - Mary, Anne, Caroline, Charlotte, Victoria, Margaret and Diana. Six designers were chosen to team up with WILDWORKS and Kensington Palace for the project. The list is pretty phenomenal and runs as follows: Dame Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest, Stephen Jones, Boudicca, Aminaka Wilmount and Echo Morgan. Not too shabby, right?

As if having six big names in fashion wasn’t a big enough deal I have an interesting factoid for you. Did you know that the palace is actually the home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection? I would chop off my left arm to get into that Closet! Can you imagine? Apparently there over 12,000 items that have been worn by royalty  and courtiers from the seventeenth century to the present day, including clothing worn by George III, Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret, The Queen, and Diana, Princess of Wales.  The huge restoration currently underway is being completed with the intention of showcasing this fabulous collection more for public consumption in the future. However, the “Enchanted Palace” exhibition makes a good start at doing just this! There were a number of items on display that helped in making the exhibition truly haunting. You can see several items of children’s clothing, including a beautiful pair of fur trimmed red boots and Princess Beatrice’s kid gloves, displayed in the Duchess of Kent’s Dressing Room. Then in Queen Victoria’s bedroom the display of her slippers at the foot of her bed is an image that will stay with you throughout the day, if not the week (see picture above).  The crème de la crème for me was seeing two gowns, one belonging to Princess Margaret and the other to Diana, Princess of Wales, in the Council Chamber. I am trying to be as vague as possible here because I don’t want to ruin the experience of seeing these things with your very own eyes for the first time. It is moving in a way that I could not have predicted. 

I am pleased, however, to report that this is an exhibition that is made for not only twenty-something dreamers like myself, but also for entire families to enjoy.

I was particularly taken aback by the two very talented actors wondering around the rooms in the middle of the exhibit. I couldn't quite tell you what they were but I believe them to be some sort of scientists from the eighteenth century. When I walked into the room they had a whole group of children hanging on to their every word as they examined a glove up close and personal.

They spoke as if they had never seen such a clever article of clothing and you actually believed them! However, that wasn't the only acting taking place in the Palace for the children to enjoy. 

There is a room that stands out with the rest and it is a room that will keep your little boys busy for hours. As you enter the great King's Gallery you are drawn to the far end of the room where two uniformed men are setting up toy soldiers and then knocking them down. They are playing war and they want you to play with them.  As the little boys, and some girls, were setting up the bit sized soldiers, the two actors were telling the children tales of how William III would play this same game for hours with his nephew. Honestly, what a clever way for your children to learn some history. 

So you've seen how easy it is for me to get off topic here. Ladies and gents, this is a London exhibition not to be missed. Ladies, it is worth the price of admission just to see the gorgeous Vivienne Westwood gown up close and personal.  Gents, you get to play war games...hello, heaven...and kids, you get to learn a thing or two while you are tricked into thinking it's a day out for fun. And I nearly forgot to mention that each of you also has the opportunity to sit on a golden throne and feel like a king or queen. What would you wish for? As I sat on the throne I thought a closet that could fit 12,000 garments. Oh, how that would be heaven.

There are a few events coming up that you might be interested in attending if you are planning your trip.  First off, the Palace will be open late for "Some Enchanted Evenings- the Enchanted Palace at night". The dates for this are 21 May, 18 June, 16 July and 20 August.  On these nights the Palace will remain open until 9 pm. I must warn you, however, that things are scary enough in the day time. I'm not sure I'd have the guts to go in for an evening showing. 

For you Americans in town you can celebrate fourth of July this year in a different way.  There will be a Ball at the Palace on the third and fourth of July.  On these two days there will be a full schedule of dance performances, activities and workshops.

And here's a tip for all visitors: don't miss out on taking tea in the Orangery behind the palace. This is an absolute must! The building is gorgeous, the tea divine and the food to die for. So go ahead and put aside a sunny afternoon to sit on the terrace and dream about what you would do if you lived in such gorgeous palatial surroundings. I certainly did and ended up losing all track of time. The whole experince gets a two thumbs up from me. Let your Manolos clickety clack on palace floors next weekend. You won't regret it!