The rise of the flat

Yes, I love heels. Like, REALLY love heels.

It wasn't actually that long ago that I would spend all day, every day wearing them. At work or at play, there they would be.

Lately, however, I find myself returning to the days before the 100mm became a permanent feature of my feet, as the selection of flat shoes on the market have become wilder, more attractive, less frumpy and somewhat less orthopaedic.

via thecoveteur.com

At this very moment, I have a very attractive pair of ponyskin pointy points on from the Spaniards at Bimba Y Lola, uplifting my spirits- and my otherwise rather mundane outfit. I'm starting to feel less Marilyn Monroe, and more Audrey Hepburn.

While at work, I am very firmly of the flats bandwagon. My uniform repertoire is now completed with a very attractive pair of Christopher Kane slippers in velvet (see my Instagram feed, people), and an admiring-comment-provoking pair of patent oxfords from Russell and Bromley. The men I have found are particularly jealous of this 'party in the back' spin on officewear.

Russell and Bromley, via Getty

They say life is too short to be taking such limited strides as you do in heels (i presume someone, somewhere does). Though it is an utter joy to be so liberated, I still lust after that explosion of joy to be found in being four inches taller. The solution? The lunacy of heels are kept for when you are ready to let loose and go out for a great time. After all, that is what the weekend is made for.

GT-C.

Autumn leaves

Why is it that the minute the leaves start turning I begin to look at the colour red and think 'hey, yes, I like the look of you' ?

Let's get one thing clear: I do not suit red. I have tried all shades, from blue-based to golden hues, and have failed to find anything more than a mere smattering of rust that does not bring out my red-toned skin into the realm of hyper-saturated-on-the-verge-of-lobster. Let me reiterate, I do not suit red.

And yet, here I am, flicking through the ad campaigns on the pages of Wallpaper Magazine, Vogue and Tatler, hovering and gawping at the Prada shearling coat and the editorial shots of Dior. I convince myself that yes! This will be the year! This time, I'LL DO IT- I can wear THIS type of red. Alas, I fear this is just a mere pipe dream that has been wrongly fed to my impressionable self by the advertising team at Vogue HQ.

If, however, you are able to wear this very seasonably appropriate hue, I beg you to indulge in one of the most regal colours this month.

GT-C.



via Prada

I have to be successful because I love expensive shit

My favourite season is Autumn, by far. Not only do the leaves start to change and the wind gets a chill, and all that poetic business, but the clothes are far better, too.

For once, you can wrap up and pile on the layers instead of panicking about toning up as the layers come off and clothes get sheer and wispy.

The only problem, so far as I can see, is that I simply don't have the funds to indulge in all that AW14 has to offer. So, if there are any kind takers out there who wish to support my indulgences, just holler...

Outfit: Isabel Marant at Matchesfashion.com

Outfit: Tibi at Matchesfashion.com

Outfit: Preen Line at Matchesfashion.com
 

...yeah, I thought it was a long shot.

GT-C.

The one with all the apologies

It is the 20th anniversary of FRIENDS, and it feels like it's been 20 years since I last posted. So, my apologies for being a) useless b) easily kept busy and c) completely boring.

All I can do is promise not to leave you all on your own for so long again (although I have been writing this and then abandoning multiple times over the last week. I am a terrible and inconsistent liar.)

Having missed many key milestones in the sartorial calendar (Fashion Week, mark one, two, three AND four), I seem to have missed the figurative boat.

However, this may play to your liking, as you are all probably sick to the back teeth of watching the re-runs of catwalk shows, backstage shots, and editor's key looks. You may, even now, be spending your lunch hour mindlessly scrolling through Tommy Ton's street style snaps, without really taking in what you have been watching.

So now I beg you to forgive whilst I try not to forget to type, type, and type once again.

This is where I normally say goodbye and sign off, but I think it is more fitting to sign off with a hello.

GT-C

Parisian perfection

I have often admired the French woman's prerogative of laid back, easy elegance. For a maximalist, materialist Brit like me, peeling back the layers and ridding my wardrobe of the non-classic pieces doesn't come easy, and so makes their style (and mind-set) even more desirable.

Whilst I'm not ready to trade in the make-up and hair products for a bare face and blow-dry, I am ready to learn a few sartorial tricks from the oft-quoted Parisians. So, farewell paillettes and bon voyage towering heels, and hello to sweet ballet pumps, classic trench coats and Le Smoking de Saint Laurent...

Photo credits; all via vogueandcoffee on Pinterest

London's secret and not-so-secret Hot Spots

To eat...

Galvin at Windows is the Michelin restaurant atop the Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair. Great food, incredible service, and a guaranteed memorable meal. I'm a fussy eater, so this nomination truly is high praise, indeed. TIP: Don't be afraid to request the best seat in the house, and the Cornish lamb Is. To. Die. For.

White chocolate mousse, poached Yorkshire rhubarb,
ginger & rhubarb sorbet dessert

To sleep...

Our suite at The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych offered peace, relaxation from the hustle and bustle, and the BEST mattress I have ever had the pleasure to sleep on. It sent me into a deep and dreamless sleep within 35 seconds. My boyfriend was not impressed at its sedatory effectiveness but, has since, called them to ask where we can get one for ourselves.

To drink...

"Eat, drink, be merry and party hard" is the mantra of Clapham's Adventure Bar, where the menu is to be found on the inside of a Tom Cruise- adorned video box (remember that thing called the video tape?) and the Basil Grande doesn't disappoint. A good time to be had by all (evident by the photo of the empty cocktail glass). Hit Tip: Book a table or get there super early as seating is very limited. Sign up to their mailing list to get discounts and deals that will take you nicely into Happy Hour.

To do...

Go people watching at Piccadilly then wonder along to the best cinnamon bun outlet in Soho... the Nordic Bakery, 14 Golden Square. Although you will probably have to walk along to Liberty's to burn a few extra calories afterwards. Pity.

Photo credits: Goody Two- Choos, Nordic Bakery

Times are a-changing

It's been a little while since my last post, for which I am feeling terribly guilty. The truth is, I am in the middle of a shift: in life, job, house and geography (not to mention emotionally, mentally...). Devon is being switched for London, family for boyfriend and housemates, and bijoux boutique for Matches. Nobody said life had a rhyme or reason!

Time to swap this...

You may now call me the Matches girl, as I enter the world of real luxury fashion, where I will be working alongside names like Max Mara, Givenchy, Valentino... it's a tough life, no?

...and this...

So, on to the next chapter of my life. I'm glad you're coming with me for the new adventure!

... for this.

Love, GT-C xx

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos