Grenson - Jessie Boot

I recently had a shoe-based epiphany. I discovered Grenson. It’s one of those brands that I just want to share with everyone, as I’m so impressed with the quality, style and customer services.

It all started when I was on the hunt for a well-made pair of brogues for my boyfriend’s Christmas present. I can’t keep secrets (and more so, I hate dealing with Christmas returns), so I took him to the Hanbury Street store to look at styles and try-on. It was at this moment that I saw a very chic Gallic woman trying on a pair of Jessie Chelsea boots. After weeks of calling up the store, I eventually got my hands on a pair.

What’s so great about Grenson? Apart from the informative customer service and beautiful designs, the sheer quality of each item is incredible. Each shoe follows a strict shoemaking process, which ensures its durability, meaning that they can be re-soled on multiple occasions. What’s not to love, eh?

Dover Street Market - Cardboard City

Dover Street Market are hosting a pop-up 'Cardboard Market' offering a clear out of their highly covetable stock, with discounts up to 75% off. The cool London department store is offering archive collections of Comme des Garcons as well as its much-lusted over collections that it has stocked over the past nine years.

Thankfully, for those of you with an office job, stock will be replenished daily, so get down there!

Dover Street Market, Market Market Cardboard City, 21 - 24 November 2014, 10am - 7pm, The Biscuit Factory, V22/F Block Halls, Clements Road, SE 16 4 DG

Ally Capellino Sample Sale

Ally Capellino

Sample Sale
Men's and Women's Bags and Accessories
Thursday 14 November
11am - 8pm
£2 Entry
St Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, E2

Ally Capellino is renowned for designing high-quality and utilitarian leather accessories for both men and women. Thankfully for us, she is having her annual sample sale tomorrow so you can bag a design or two ahead of Christmas. Friends have been in the past and say that it really is worth the wait as a wide selection of designs are usually on offer at great prices.

A.P.C. Sample Sale

A.P.C. Sample Sale
Saturday 23rd November 2014, 11am - 6pm
Sunday 24th November 2014, 10am - 5pm

Up to 70% off womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories.

The Old Truman Brewery
London
E1 6QL

A.P.C. have perfected that nonchalant, minimalist look synonymous with Gallic style. The brand continue to bring out easy-to-wear and understated designs for both sexes each and every season. I for one am certainly looking forward to getting my elbows at the ready and picking up some great buys.

Cos Masculine Coat

I've been waiting for this masculine coat to drop in Cos for weeks, so much so that on the weekend I even fought the crowds of weekend shoppers and ventured to Regent Street. Sadly, it hasn't dropped so I'll be keeping an eye out for weeks to come. This is fantastic high-street coat (with cashmere mix) similar to that of the Stella McCartney designed numbers. It also comes in a beautiful deep red, which will separate it from my grey/black/navy winter wear.

Jana Reinhardt - Hummingbird Necklace

My fascination with Jana Reindhardt's jewellery continues. Jana is renowned for her charming, often animal inspired pieces, and she's designed another covetable collection this time featuring hummingbirds. I've been wearing mine solidly for the past week and love how simple and easy-to-wear it is. Roll on the next collection!

Eighteen Rabbit Interview

I recently discovered Eighteen Rabbit, a stylish fair trade retailer based in Hay-on-Wye. It allows us to shop with the peace of mind that all of their suppliers receive a fair wage and are hand-picked from all corners of the globe on the strength of their designs.

It's not just a great way to support these talented local suppliers as a way of social change, but it's also a fantastic place to shop from jewellery to clothing, home furnishing to ceramics.

I spoke with co-founder Louise to find out a little bit more...

Where does the name Eighteen Rabbit come from?

We get asked this a lot! Eighteen Rabbit was a King who ruled the Mayan city of Copan. When we visited Copan on our travels, we learnt that he was also a great patron of the arts and creativity.

Tell us a little about Eighteen Rabbit and your Fair Trade policy?

We're aiming to challenge perceptions of fairly traded products with a range of stylish, contemporary apparel and gifts. All producers are required to complete detailed information about their working conditions, staff well-being and wages. In line with the World Fair Trade Organisation’s principles, producers are often paid up front with an additional premium offered to allow for investment in training or tools.

Which areas of the world do you work with? 

At the moment we have items from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Nepal, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Kenya and Ethiopia - and the list is growing rapidly!

Do you have a personal relationship with these areas?

In many cases we do. Our beautiful rugs, mirrors and hand-crafted figures were sourced in person on a recent visit to Mexico. We're dealing directly with the producers in Cambodia and Nepal who produce our exclusive range of jewellery made from bullets and bomb casings (above), bags and wallets from recycled sacks, and stunning copper vases. We try to deal as closely as possible with the end producers, but in some cases we work with UK, European or American wholesalers to source a range of products which is unique in the UK.

How do you source your artisans/projects?

We're always researching new possible product lines, and in an ideal world would spend several months a year directly sourcing from around the world (we can dream!). For now, we conduct a lot of online research and it's surprising how many small producer groups have a web presence. We've also had some great producers who have found us via unusual routes: a local couple were living in Argentina and put us in touch with a lovely family company who produce our soft toys, and another past customer is currently in Ethiopia and has sent us samples of some really unusual jewellery which we hope to be selling soon.

You're based in Hay-on-Wye, do you have any projects based in your twin town, Timbuktu?

Links with Timbuktu are quite difficult at present following the recent occupation of Mali by Islamist rebels. However, we are hoping to develop a project with a group there who create wonderful patterns with natural dyes. A Welsh designer is going to help with designs - possibly accessories and homeware - and we'll stock the items here. (You can find out more about Hay's link with Timbuktu here, of which I'm a trustee of in my spare time!).

You've got some really unique and inspiring products in-store, what's your personal favourite?

It changes on a daily basis! I'm loving this simple vase, designed by Piet Hein Eek (Dutch eco-designer) and made in Vietnam. It reminds me of a traditional milk jug but with a modern shape.

What's next for Eighteen Rabbit?

Well, believe it or not, we're looking forward to Christmas! Our winter range includes some gorgeous knitwear designed in Dalston and made in Nepal and some lovely kitchenware made from bamboo. Beyond that, we would love to expand our shop to other sites in the UK... who knows what 2014 might bring!!

If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning the flower earrings made from bomb casings found in Cambodia then check out the T-Shirt and Tails Twitter.

Maria Francesca Pepe Spiked Ring

Despite having a self-imposed shopping ban this summer, I seem to be doing quite well on the buying front. From studded high tops to summer sandals, high-waisted jeans to heels I can barely walk in. However, the highlight for me is something much simpler (and intimidating); a Maria Francesca Pepe gold spiked ring from her S/S13 collection.

I love the toughness of this statement piece and it's also pretty handy should I ever get in to a bar brawl.

Jana Reinhardt - Wings

 In recent weeks, I’ve seldom been seen without my new much-loved winged friends. Like all Jana Reinhardt’s pieces the studded earrings and chain necklace are easy-to-wear, contemporary and whimsical. The pieces are so clean and minimalist that I can mindlessly put them on in the morning and not worry about whether the go with what I’m wearing. Plus, they fulfil my new obsession for all things silver.

Rupert Sanderson, Sample Sale

Clear your diaries and set your alarms as it’s that time of year again when we all wish we didn’t have an office job. Next week will see the return of Rupert Sanderson’s annual summer sample sale. Prices start at £50.

Wednesday 5 June: 10am – 8pm

Thursday 6 June: 8am – 8pm

The Music Room, 26 South Molton Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5LF

Nearest tube: Bond Street

Cash and credit cards only. No Amex

Stella McCartney for Adidas, S/S 2013

 Stella McCartney has done it again! She’s managed to achieve the impossible in sportswear by making a collection that is both utilitarian and also fashion forward. In my opinion this collection for Stella McCartney for Adidas is the best yet; it has found its feet in term of the perfect equilibrium between sportswear and fashion.

One of my highlights of the collection is the white and neon leopard print waterproof (pictured above), which is perfect for when I run in the rain, inevitably in this country it happens far too often. I also love the use of leopard print and neon colours throughout the collection, which can be seen most effectively in the running and weekend wear.

Another key area of the collaboration is the yoga wear which combines both minimalist and well-cut designs with chic muted colours. If Phoebe Philo were to do yoga (which I’m sure she does), this is definitely what she’d wear.

Overall, a striking collection for anyone wanting fashion forward yet utilitarian clothes for working out.  It’s been a pleasure to see the evolution of Stella’s designs for the sports giant and I can’t wait to see what they next have in store for us.

Linda Farrow Sample Sale

 The Linda Farrow Sample Sale is perfectly timed ahead of the British summer (or for your holidays abroad if you’re less optimistic). The sale includes shades from the Queen of Sunglasses herself, Linda Farrow, as well as other hot names such as Alexander Wang, Charlotte Olympia, Oscar de la Renta, The Row, Matthew Williamson and Dries Van Noten. Students get an additional 20% off with a valid NUS or ID card. What are you waiting for?

Linda Farrow sunglasses sample sale

5 – 8 June 2013, 11am – 8pm

51 Calthorpe Street, WC1X 0HH

BitchingandJunkfood Sample Sale

 

Roll up, roll up! BitchingandJunkfood have a sample sale on Saturday 25 May with prices starting from £5.00. You can find it at: Arch 379, Geffrye Street, E2 8HZ. Cash and cards accepted.

Keira Knightly Plays Coco Chanel

 Keira Knightly is no stranger of being directed by Karl Lagerfeld for the iconic French fashion house Chanel. This time Keira steps in to the life and soul of the brand by playing its creator, Coco Chanel. The short film entitled ‘Once Upon a Time…’ includes a plethora of fashion’s finest from Stella Tennant to Lindsey Wixon and Lagerfeld’s model of the moment Baptiste Giabiconi. The film celebrates the brands 100 year anniversary of the opening of the first Chanel boutique.

Victoria Beckham is Back! NYFW A/W 2013

Victoria Beckham has truly cemented herself as both a credible and extremely talented designer with her latest A/W collection at New York Fashion Week.

The collection was a masterclass in tailored knitwear, structured coats and how-to-wear-black. She has proved that she can compete with the best on the global stage and can finally ditch the celebrity designer nametag

The highlight for me, other than David Beckham sat next to Anna Wintour on the FROW, was the sleek and sophisticated menswear influences which could evidently be seen in cut and fabric. Beckham has managed to combine elegant silhouettes with delicate volume and I one for can’t wait to see the evolution of her next collection.

Images sourced from Guardian Fashion.

One To Watch: Alexis Barrell

If there's one designer to watch in fashion this season, then it has to be the South African womenswear designer, Alexis Barrell.

Alexis has just launched her third collection for SS13 and the results are incredibly striking, consisting of silk dresses, embroidery and clean lines. The collection was inspired by her uncle's Victorian botanical prints, which can be held responsible for her easy-to-wear, whimsical and ethereal collection. It's no wonder that My-Wardrobe.com have snapped her collection up.

Kenzo SS13 Ad Campaign

Ad campaigns don’t get much more vibrant, garish and loud than this Kenzo SS13 effort. The campaign shots have a very 90s feel with their clashing colour schemes and brash fabric prints. We can thank legendary artist and photographer Jean-Paul Goude for this statement piece, and what with Kenzo’s AW12 already under his belt, we hope to see much more of him.

& Other Stories to Launch London Store

In the past we’ve only been able to gorge over online images and compliment our Scandi counterparts on the beauty of their minimalist outfits. Now we can experience & Other Stories ourselves with the launch of a flagship store on London’s Regents Street.

The store is part of the latest brand rollout by the Nordic powerhouse, H&M. & Other Stories is hugely well-received internationally and H&M are obviously investing heavily in to the brand as they are launching stores simultaneously in all of Europe’s left-field fashion capitals incorporating Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and naturally the Queen of minimalist utilitarianism, Stockholm.

& Other Stories is due to open in spring and being an avid supporter of Cos, I can’t wait to see what its younger sister has to offer.

Alexander Wang S/S 2013 Ad Campaign with Malgosia Bela

Last seen on the 90s grunge scene, androgyny has made a resurgence; I for one am immensely pleased with this prospect. Sorry Mossy, but there’s no better example that Alexander Wang’s latest advertising campaign for his S/S 2013 collection.

The shots feature the Polish model Malgosia Bela who follows in the footsteps of Casey Legler and Saskia de Brauw with brooding androgyny. The ad will feature in all our quirky favourites from Interview Magazine to LOVE Magazine. Even Carine Roitfeld is buying in to the trend, with Wang appearing in Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book.

This is yet another thrilling development for Alexander Wang who has excited every fashionista worth their 2.55’s with his first Balenciaga collection rumoured to be launched in next month’s A/W shows.

Cara Delevingne, LOVE Magazine Cover Model

The fashion world’s love for Cara Delevingne continues to blossom as she secures yet another cover. This time it’s the turn of the purist fashionista’s magazine of choice: LOVE.

As we know, Cara is the Queen of the onesie, the Elvis snarl and the perfect off-duty model wardrobe – certainly if her Instagram is anything to go by! It’s no surprise that editor-in-chief Katie Grand has bagged her for the latest issue of LOVE, and shared with us all this sneak preview of Cara on the cover of the ‘Clean Issue’, released on 4 February.

Cara has certainly pleased her fashionable fans with this teaser of what’s to come in next month’s issue. She is certainly working the wide-eyed doe look to perfect, combined with a beautifully fresh face, her trademark brows groomed to perfection and a pair of elegant jewelled stud earrings.

It’s been quite a year for Cara with several huge ad campaigns under her belt, from Burberry to DKNY, she also became a Victoria’s Secret runway model and was crowned the British Fashion Council’s prestigious ‘Model of the Year’. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in 2013.