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.