All in the detail

In some respects I feel sorry for lots of retailers as this weather has probably put paid to impulse buying or buying of any kind. How pointless have many a summer purchase been unless you are off to sunnier climes. Anyway I'm no longer concerned with this season as I have the Christmas press shows to go to starting this week. Yes folks in fashion magazine copy terms we are talking Christmas.

I keep meaning to do a post on the Louis Vuitton press day I went to back in April I think but keep forgetting so it remains on my to do list, which is a constant battle. I would love to complete my to do list but ..then again the sun might shine! I took images and concentrated on the detail. I have to confess the Louis Vuitton A/W12 collection is a bit Downton Abbey for me. I love Downton but have no desire to dress in such a manner. However the detail in the garments, the buttons and bags are wonderful. True quality and fashion craft.

My favourite show was Valentino although as usual I loved Prada and Marni. I freely admit to being a faux Italian and when the shows arrive at Milan I'm happy. Valentino has been an incredibly successful transition with  the dream team of Chuiri and Piccioli - not names that trip off the tongue - and whilst Valentino isn't for the masses (i.e. me and my budget!) there are details which always inspire.

The shoes were my kind of shoes. Elegant but enough of a detail to make them wearable in many ways not confined to dramatic status on the catwalk. Differing heights, heel styles and finishes in one simple design. Perfect for when you feet want to walk and hit a style note rather than a scream of agony. Make mine 2 inches please.

 All images Style.com

The Look for Much Less

For those of us who love a flat shoe then the coming season is a joy due to the wonderful Chanel collection and the sublime Valentino one. Both shows gave us flatties a get out of jail card to eschew the high heel fashion brigade, although I am mightily tempted by some mules.

 Chanel S/S12

Valentino S/S12

The fact the minimalistic and strappy flat sandals were worn with formal suits and dresses changes the nature of wearing this style of sandal which typically has been a casual option. 

Now the chances of me getting my mitts on a pair of Chanel or Valentino flats is nigh on nil so the high street will be scoured for options that fit the flat bill with a nod to the catwalks. You need to look for an element of black, strappy and a metallic detail. It will be a few weeks yet before the options get going but for now I'll kick off with these pair of sandals from M&S.

M&S Limited Collection Block Heel Sandals £29.50

The best dress

I love dresses. If funds permitted I would buy one for every day of the week. Indulgent, frivolous but true. Of course I would probably not be so extravagant if I bought this dress from Valentino as I might take on a Miss Havisham persona and wear it every day. At £2,500 it is in my dreams!

Even though I have no money I always go in to all the designer shops in Sloane Street, Bond Street, Mount St, the concessions in Harrods and Selfridges everywhere. I love to see how the garments are in reality. In truth I'm am often disappointed by the reality but Prada and Valentino never disappoint. However this year Valentino steals the show. The Valentino shop in Sloane Street is beautiful in respect of interior, layout but mainly the clothes. And the staff are always very nice and well mannered in there, something I suspect Valentino has insisted on.

Arrival of snow, Valentino & dog

I love it when things happen in threes! My gorgeous, gorgeous skirt arrived last night by my trusty DHL man. It fits (although it is a bit snug) and it is beautiful. I will not enter a long and boring monologue about the quality of the garment but all I will say is, it well worth every penny. One of the best bargains I've ever had.



Then we all woke up to snow, a light smattering but it is still falling. Although in central London it is turning to sleet, in the suburbs it is still proper snowfall.

The petit garcon went straight into full loving the snow mode. He made angels in the playground and was so happy. Kids never tire of snow.



And my third delivery was a dog. A really cute shiatsu called Alfie. We're looking after my in-laws dog whilst they go off to Barbados. Yep, I feel slightly galled.





Although what with my Valentino skirt and a dog I actually think I'm in fashion accessory heaven.

Fashion Maths and Fate

Late yesterday afternoon I finished my wardrobe sort out and purge. It left me requiring a skirt. If I'm honest I really do/did have my heart set on the Valentino for Gap one at £69.95. I love Valentino and thought it would be a good way to get some but I also felt it was breaking my year long challenge. Technically it is only a designer collaboration and Gap is high street. Then I thought could I really be bothered to haul myself to Dover Street Market first thing Saturday morning - as at least Dover Street Market isn't a high st retailer!

Bit by bit I managed to convince myself that it would be a bad idea and would be breaking my challenge. I'm sure if I had put it to the public you would have voted me OFF, mind you Wagner keeps staying on X Factor despite abominable performances.

My next step was to check out skirts on Net A Porter and Matches. I'd looked at My-wardrobe the day before. Nothing grabbed me in my price range. Then I thought I'd look on the Outnet. I'd tortured myself earlier with a Valentino red dress. I filtered my search to skirts... you know where this is going don't you ... and I stumbled upon an f****** Valentino, in my size with 80% off and in black at the length I wanted and the level of detail I wanted too. I quickly checked my bank balance and worked out the math.

Then I bloody well went for it!



And here is my new baby to be. At £136 down from £680 I'm in Valentino heaven. It hasn't arrived yet but fingers crossed it will be perfect. Okay it is double the price of the Valentino Gap one but there the comparison ends. At unit cost per wear it will pay for itself in 12 months. Oh the joy of it!

This is why...

... I prefer quality to quantity. Okay so I love a red dress and I love Valentino. I'm currently weeping over all the rubbish things I bought, if only I'd saved my money for this moment!! Discount Valentino available on The Outnet

More Life Laundry to come when I've stopped weeping!