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.

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

The joy and whim of hats

What is it about wearing a hat that boosts your ego, makes you feel great, and makes you stand taller? Is it the fact that it makes you stand out, or the connotations of real elegance and the need to show off the oldest, and most delightful, erogenous zone- the neck?

It seems the bigger the hat, the better we feel. The wider the brim, the more mysterious and alluring we appear.

Perhaps the joy we gain from wearing a hat comes from it's year-round appeal: come rain or shine, an accessory that is placed atop your head will prepare you for the day ahead.

Yesterday I met the man who first supplied the milliner Philip Treacy with his luscious materials, and has continued to do so ever since. In our conversation, he told me that their business relationship grew out of Mr Treacy's search to find the perfect white tissue paper to add to his creations. It seems that what we place on our heads, whether for decorative purposes or practical, there will always be someone at the root of production who gives a damn about the difference between pure white and off-white. It surely goes to show, then, that hats are, always have been, and always will be important.

Only recently have I, myself, started wearing hats. Never before did I consider myself a 'hat person', that infamous fashionista that wouldn't dream of leaving the house without finishing the polished look with a hat of some sort. Yet, here I stand, the conforming creature that only ever reserved hat appearances for weddings, now breaking free into a new territory of the chapeau type. Now, as far as I'm concerned, every day is Ascot.

Here are some looks to get us all in the headspace of the haute hat-wearer.

 

 

 

 

Photo credits: Goody Two-Choos, Purple, Rex, Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, Brigitte Bardot, Harper's Bazaar

Nailed it!

My week in nails... (as you can tell by all the bright colours, I've been very excited for Springtime sunshine!)

Nails Inc 'Notting Hill Carnival'

OPI 'Sweet Heart'

OPI 'Miami Beet'; Rings (Top to Bottom) vintage, Saint Laurent

OPI 'Hot & Spicy'; Rings vintage

MAC 'In the Limelight'



No7 'Poolside Blue'; Rings by Freedom at Topshop

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Gilt set - go!

I love anything that glitters, glimmers and shimmers. It's true, and I am willing to bet that somewhere in there I am part magpie.

Here's why...

Lanvin

My favourite flats are, without a shadow of a doubt, the best way to inject some gold into the everyday menial tasks. They are well worn- and well loved.

I love black, and wear dark colours all year round. So, to brighten me up and to add a dash of gold dust to the sea of black, navy and grey, I will throw on something like this jacket here (a new addition to my wardrobe). The boyfriend shape stops it being to 'showbiz' and brings it into the sphere of insouciantly cool. There are a pair of matching gold shorts that I purchased also, and you will be seeing them shortly in my summer edits!

Carvela

 Yes, more shoes, but then this is written from a shoe addict's point of view... #PerfectPartyShoesEverInventedForThePartMagpiePartLiberaceShoeGirl

So you weren't a huge fan of glitter? Well, you are now. Case closed.

Photo credits: Goody Two-Choos

Closet envy

If, like me, you like nothing more than spending an evening stalking ultimate super-closets thinking 'why isn't this mine?', then you will certainly enjoy these...