Go classic

Now this is nothing to do with the Middleton gals and more to do with Miuccia(Prada), Margaret (Howell) and Marni. I find the Middletons have too a high a heel preference for my liking and I know they are never going to step out in ankle socks or thick tights. It is that NYC bare legs thing or a good old fashion Sloane 10 denier thing for them.

Instead I prefer to mix my M&M's in a different way. I take a blend of Miuccia, skirts, ankle socks, design with a dash of Margaret, simple, sensible, easy to wear and a slug of Marni, more ankle socks, classic with a twist. Which gives me the Edie shoe from Kurt Geiger in Navy Blue

Prada - I died!

Funny how the last Prada show felt a bit of a let down. Now the dust has settled, I can appreciate it for its influence I knew it would provide is for all to see on the high street.
This spring summer Prada collection will not be one I coveted but there are some nice touches to admire especially the shoes.

The recent A/W 11 collection was a different matter. Pure spectacle and pure admiration for the design of the collection, the styling, the setting and the show. It was slightly annoying it was so late for those sat there I'm sure but it was well worth waiting for. Miuccia reworked her favourite aesthetics the sock became part of the shoe to make a boot, the early sixties was reworked with new materials and colour ways but with some nod to her idol Yves Saint Laurent.

Equally the femininity was coltish, a liberating view of womanhood with out the need for overt sexualisation. I didn't like the use of snakeskin as print as I loathe snakes but you can't have everything! It felt light and refreshing even with the inclusion of a beautiful red dress. Ah, all is well with my world again when Miuccia is on top form!

my favourite

Sublime & beautiful

If only I had the funds!!

Normal service will resume...

Well as normal as I can get that is. It has been a right hectic few weeks and I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Soon I will be doing a big push on finishing the film script meanwhile I have to juggle styling, fashion copy deadlines and pushing skincare and cosmetics. Not to mention the petit garcon.

Last week due to writing I mainly looked liked a pile of jumpers with legs poking out. I went in to a rationing policy due to the gas and electricity bill, deciding it was better to work in layers rather than waste another penny on heating in the day. There is nothing worse than looking like a bag lady in your home.



As I started the week on a low I thought why raise the standards, go mad instead. So with all copy filed by Thursday night I needed a swim on Friday after the school run. I spent the day annoying people with my Welsh flag miniskirt. It was a great talking point for good or bad and proof that what you wear does count.


Obviously the next day after suffering defeat in Cardiff (not me personally but the Welsh rugby team) at the hands of England, I had to carry on with my life in England so in a steadfast fashion I focussed on budgetary matters. I set about planning our meals for the month and then worked out our shopping list for the month. This was a brilliant move as it saved pounds and still allowed a cheeky bottle of champagne in the trolley for Valentines night. This is the evening I give in to Mr MDS and join him in a steak. Feeling a mix of organised and batty due to full on birds nest hair, I channelled Helen Bonham-Carter (it seems quite topical) for my shop. I shoved up my hair any old how, added red lipstick and decided on a Kate Moss for Topshop maxi skirt rather than skinny jeans to go with sensible attire on top. I felt I broke out of the supermarket run look and intend to dress up even more the next time.



My best read of the week was the Vogue interview with Miuccia Prada written by Lisa Armstrong. I'm glad now I've still got a Vogue subscription on the basis of this interview. I decided that Lisa Armstrong, Katie Grand, Miuccia Prada and Hilary Alexander would be my dream dinner party guests if the Guardian Weekend were to ask. My worst read was The White Company catalogue. I realised that apart from putting the petit garcon in decent pyjamas in all other respect my domestic life was wanting. I long for that housekeeper look order that eludes me.



Today, I'm of to be interviewed on my specialist subject fashion and film. And I promise I will focus back on style matters rather than me, as I shape the blog back in to ...well, shape. Bit like my endeavours with my fat hips.

Big stripes

I'm trying to ignore the slowly brewing Prada fashion fix of big stripes. I love Prada and whilst the catwalk collection was not to my taste I can see how the effect is trickling down and the execution from catwalk to shop floor looks different when you can put your own spin on it.

Love it or hate it (I did at first but am now leaning more to the accepting!) big stripes are going to get ya! I like the pink and orange number below once you minus the hair, make up and freaky accessory thing.


What do you think and are you going to pair your big striped number with a sombrero!

Prada - I cried!

Never before have I wept tears of disappointment when it comes to a fashion show. Now I have. Every year since well as far back as I can remember I've looked forward to a Prada show. There's been some highs and some lows but on the whole when Muiccia talks I'm usually listening.

I know the show is a spectacle and well yes being bold is interesting but oh please what was that. It is so not great even Style.com haven't listed it in their previously in Milan category. It is hidden in the All Shows bit. Prada is usually top 5 billing.

It wasn't just the clothes, but the shoes and the bags. I felt cheated. I will wait to see the show to store translation but so far I'm out.

I've picked three item I would wear and of which the first two I could knock up in a jiffy!

images: style.com

I might be being harsh or 'not getting it' but I have relied on Muiccia for her eye for print and detail and this sort of makes me feel a bit cheated. I will digest with the help of Andrews Liver Salts...

What I learnt about shoes

Truly a good pair of shoes maketh an outfit. If there are two things you should 'invest' in - a good pair of shoes and a coat. These two items will dress up everything else. I still need a good coat.

Yesterday I wore a M&S black cardigan and a Ted Baker black dress, neither were anything special although the Ted Baker dress is a lovely style and the cardigan felt v. luxe. It was the Prada shoes that made the outfit. I refrained from a photo. It was a funeral after all. Even a blogger wouldn't go that far.

Take a Peek

When you've got a moment click on the Prada website and view their new collection. The trailer and visuals of the collection are wonderful. Makes me miss Mad Men though.

Summer Fall

I know the sun has suddenly started to seriously shine and the planes are back in the sky again so all holiday options look a sure bet...but I'm not really hearting any of the summer looks. I often wonder if one gets season fatigue due to working in fashion and being over something before it's happened. I'm sure I'll be embracing my summer soul in a day or two but today I've got Autumn/Winter (Fall) wander lust.

These two images from the Prada Fall 2010 collection say transitional and now to me. Do they speak to you too?

images: Style.com

Oh to be Grace

Looking picture perfect in To Catch a Thief Grace Kelly is wearing my favourite style of sunglasses. Only wish I had a pair to wear tomorrow to the V&A exhibition.

The nearest available style is the Prada Postcard collection all priced £160. I actually like the Ivory Sixties style ones at £190 as well!

Prada sunglasses

From Lace in London to Knickers from Milan!

I know LFW was all about the top trumps Burberry show/party/Anna/slash et al but in the background was a really wonderful show by Erdem. Glorious print, cut and colour, sigh, it was a joy.

image style.com, view complete collection here

Now over to Milan, where the first few images of the Prada collection are being drip fed by the fashion editorial pages on line. It seems Miuccia has embraced palm tree prints and a mix of sportswear and 50s glam fabric. Mmmm I seem to have written about sportswear and glam already this week. Anyway, it looks like silk knickers are Prada's new turban!

image The Daily Telegraph

I'm sure Style.com will have the full collection on line by now. The Milan Fashion Week will be a glut of fast action packed shows over 4 days due to last minute re-organisation for the main shows.

PS Updated click for the Prada Ready to Wear collection here on style.com

Blackberry picking in style

Every year I pick blackberries. I've started earlier this year as the hot June and the rainy July have contrived to create the perfect blackberry harvest.


I find the colours of berries in stages of green, red and black with white flowers and green leaves truly inspiring.
But most of all the blackberries are so delicious. It is early on in the blackberry harvest and I've picked enough to make blackberry jam. I'll get some more to freeze for a late September early October crumble and then my pickings during the week will be for breakfast and nibbles

Good Housekeeping blackberry jam recipe from the The Cook's Classic Companion edition
I save Bonne Maman jars to use (I love their marmalade and jams).
But I can't help but wish I was foraging in one of these numbers. Truly perfect blackberry picking attire!

Lanvin

D&G

Prada

All images style.com

Perfect pins at any cost?

If I were a man, I reckon I'd be a leg man. I just love a perfect set of pins. The sort of legs that really look good in dresses and skirts. Think Elle McPherson or Giscelle. Good thighs, toned and shapely, long slim calves and defined ankles. You have to know the shape of your legs so you can wear the right skirt, (although pencil works on many levels for all) and get your leggings postioned in the right place for showing off your legs. Then there are shoes, got to make sure ankles look good in them etc... I could go on.

I'm not a leg sizeist, just admire good legs, that was until I saw the Prada Resort/Cruise collection. It is a gorgeous little collection that is pure Miuccia Prada. You know she wants to or wears every little item - it is her expression of self and it is delightful. The clothes, the jewellary and the shoes need no thought. It is a simple well structured collection for women. Yet... why has she selected models whose legs remind me of being 9 years old. I had sparrows legs as a child and the knobbliest knees to boot. It was ok as a 9 year old and yes it was a shock at 15 to get thighs but believe me I wouldn't trade my female thighs for that of a sparrow.

I have to say I was appalled when I saw this shot because this models calves are thicker than her thighs. I don't believe for one minute these legs haven't been produced by some starvation programme but that's all I'll say on the matter.

I loved the black shoes throughout the Prada collection. Two quite similar pairs of which I spotted in M&S in the Autograph Weekend and Autograph section. Now, M&S shoes ar not crafted by Italians but they are certainly a make do option.

This mid heel pointed court retails at £39.50 - someone please explain the 50p.

It actual looks good on and flatters the foot.

The next pair are shown in nudeish colour but are available in black.

These are clever little numbers borrowing a trick from the Italians of nice shock absorbers on the sole.

Autograph Weekend Bow detail Driving Pumps £35 - the title is very Cruise/Resort - get these little critters now in black for S/S2009.