Spring clean

It's time to detox that life and soul of yours, new year, new start and all. If you're anything like me, it's a big task, so where better to start than your wardrobe?

Clean up your habits and get those drawers neatly folded, and the hanging goods all neatened up. If that means unleashing the inner OCD and having everything in colour order, by length of hem, by category, or by all of the above at once, then so be it. Knock yourself out.

Be realistic about what to keep, what to throw, and what to sell. Is it a classic or on trend this season? Have you worn it in the last two years? Has it ever been worn? If the answer is no to any of the above, get it out of your closet, and out of your life. Don't kid yourself, you won't be losing any extra weight just to fit into those trousers. Even if you do, chances are you'll be so happy with your new bod, you'll just go out and buy another two pairs of trousers just to reward yourself, anyway.

I was never a seller. Too much hassle, too many friends vying over the cast-offs, might aswell donate to a charity shop that won't realise what's landed on their doorstep and price up your pieces scarily low, but nevermind it's all for a good cause, right? I'm out of breath already. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? SELL IT. I can't even begin to describe the high you get from watching people get excited about the prospect of buying that dress you never really liked but bought for the hell of it. Do it. Just once. It's like opening up a tube of Pringles crisps, I promise.

You know the saying: out with the old...

ph: HBO

Shoe know-how

There are certain things you must always consider when trying out a shoe.

Do they actually fit you?

We always press down on the front to find our toes, but why do we actually do this? The positioning of my big toe has not been beneficial to me since my feet stopped growing past the age of 11 years old. What I mean by 'fit' includes everything we never consider checking: instep, width, narrowness of the heel, the placement of our ankles... the list goes on. When you are telling yourself the shoe will stretch to accommodate those lovely bunions caused by years of high heel-induced abuse, you are lying to yourself- and the shoes. Don't buy a pair of shoes thinking all you need is a heel grip or an insole. It's all lies, I tell you. Get the fit right, and your feet will love you back. What's more, your shoes will last longer as you will be walking in them correctly (think of this like a well inflated tyre on your car... get it right, and your fuel consumption will take you the extra mile).

Are they too high?

Do you need a platform beyond 90mm? Whatever height you can walk on COMFORTABLY, stick to it. If you need to go higher than your natural 'set' heel height, wear it in a wedge or platform capacity. Nobody enjoys watching a girl strutting like a duck in a shoe she can't move in. Don't waste your money on shoes that make you break out into a sweat with every step.

Are they appropriate?

Do they scream streetwalker? If so, in a good, or a bad way? Are they good for office, bar, or pavement pounding? Or all of the above? None of the above?
Take stock of your lifestyle. If you've recently moved from the city to a more refined country living, cease buying those stilettos, and start considering the ankle boot. Nothing depresses you more than being unable to wear your favourite shoes. Instead, take the money you would have spent on them, and buy yourself a weekend away with the girls/your other half/the one you've been dating/your family. Make memories.

Don't be a fool, buy the right tool.



ph: Hogger & Co

Desk to dusk

Some of the best socialising there is to be had usually occurs straight from work, where you have neither the time nor the will to put thought into changing into a completely new evening attire, including blow-dry, nails, jewels, and so on.

This is a weekly challenge for me, where I find my diary booked out with dinners and drinks from 7pm, and I have to negotiate my way from Richmond through trains, tubes and the cobbled streets of Soho before I even step through the threshold of the destination bar or restaurant.

The requirements of a desk to dusk outfit must therefore read like a who's who of practical yet stylish underrated glamour.

Try these hero pieces to recover your stress-ridden body from raised cortisol levels and missing your grand entrance due to lateness.

1. Leather

Trousers and skirts cut in leather, real or faux, is a really easy way to update your look from office to bar. just change up the knit for a silk blouse, and half the battle is already won.

Trousers by Sportmax, knit by Carven, boots by Jil Sander, bag by Givenchy
Trousers as before, silk blouse by Veronica beard, bag by Alexander McQueen
-all via matchesfashion.com

2. The printed dress

A simply cut, printed sleeveless dress can be transformed with the help of a crisp shirt and knit. By day, swaddle yourself in a knit over the top of your dress, so it looks like you have separates on. By 6pm, whip off the knit, or take off the shirt you had on underneath the dress, add some heels et voila.

Dress by Antonio Berardi, knit by T by alexander wang, lace-up shoes by Lanvin, heels by Chelsea Paris, bag Valentino
-all by theoutnet.com

3. Lipstick

A high-gloss, deep berry lipstick will make even your tailored suit look a little less conservative when worn with a killer heel and embellished clutch. Wear the below look with Mac's 'Living Legend'.

Suit by Maison Martin Margiela, heels by Balenciaga, bag by DVF
-all at matcesfashion.com


Photo credit: Net-a-Porter, Matches Fashion, The Outnet

A dedication to Mr. de la Renta

The legendary Oscar de la Renta passed away last night, a family member has confirmed. While it will take many years to truly understand the sheer gravity of the fashion industry's loss, it is forever that he will be remembered.

Part of the trail-blazing era, Oscar de la Renta dressed women in artistic, beautiful and elegant creations that are as timeless as they are exquisite.


"I always tell the girls to smile, because I hate sad faces"
Oscar de la Renta, 1932 - 2014.

 

Video credit: Richard Kaufman

Topshop X Marques' Almeida

We seem to have once again hit the season of a collaboration hysteria, with the promise of Alexander Wang for H&M and the already successful Marques' Almeida for Topshop range that was released this month.

I managed to grab a slice of the action, and was surprised with how good the quality actually is. That sounds scathing, but when I have already worked with Marques' collection in Matches, the bar is set remarkably high. I therefore didn't go crazy with the buying, and just went for low-key pieces guaranteed to delight me through to spring.

Two weeks later, I am scanning the remaining stock online, and am surprised by how much is left. It could have been more successful, perhaps, if Topshop had pushed the PR as much as an H&M collab. Maybe it comes down to Marques' being still too under the radar for mainstream shoppers... either way, it remains that I will be having a second hit very shortly.

The '90s are back, baby.

GT-C.

Photo credit: Cropped Magazine; Elle

Bar Boulud-y brilliant

Saturday night was your average post work social scene. Picture three girls, Knightsbridge lit up at night, and some fabulous French cuisine. We went, of course, to Bar Boulud, the French restaurant at the foot of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

If the sommelier selects a fine tasting wine on a Friday night "to wind down the week", then Saturday night must be for the young hot things of London. While it was packed, it never got uncomfortable, and the waiting staff were attentive and very professional in their manner.

The restaurant is deceivingly large, with walls positioned perfectly so you can't see the full expanse of the space, making you feel a part of the cosy backdrop. I was seated in the Lounge directly by the window which had a more relaxed atmosphere and looked directly across the rad to Harvey Nichols and beyond. Perfect people watching position, indeed.

The food was excellent, I ate the Paleron Carbonnade and I can quite firmly say I have never had beef so tender that it takes a touch of your knife to fall away. Where the carrot puree lacked some flavour, the horseradish pulled it's weight in kick. Very well priced, considering the quality of food and service.

I will most definitely be revisiting this slice of France in the middle of the city.

View the menu and more information via the website here.

Photo credit: Mandarin Oriental

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.