Monday, 31 January 2011
Metropolis Moments x
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
I hope that you all have embarked on your respective weeks with charm and ease - both words which were not entirely befitting of my bed-bound struggles for snoozes prior to 9a.m. class this morning!
As is the norm for Fash-Pack School Mondays hit us hardest, with classes all day and reading all night, leaving little room for decorative-dress - chunky knits all-round come Monday morning!
Any fatigued feelings were quickly subdued today however by a fleeting survey of our surroundings - namely our gorgeous - if not a little hustle and bustle filled - Capital City. The Sun provided the most serene blanket over the City-scape roofs this Monday afternoon serving to appease the commotion momentarily and capture the most beautiful of metropolis moments.
Any fatigued feelings were quickly subdued today however by a fleeting survey of our surroundings - namely our gorgeous - if not a little hustle and bustle filled - Capital City. The Sun provided the most serene blanket over the City-scape roofs this Monday afternoon serving to appease the commotion momentarily and capture the most beautiful of metropolis moments.
Oversized Cardigan: United Colours of Benetton, Jumper: Zara, Boyfriend Jeans: Miss Selfridge,
Red Quilted Pumps: French Sole, Patterned Scarf (worn on bag) Vintage, Suede Bag: Zara
Happy Monday evening all.
Love, MB x
P.S. The Elgin Avenue will have been up and running for 1 whole month tomorrow - Celebrations due! x
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Beautiful People, Proud Night x
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very happy Sunday evening to you all. What a wander to have been graced with a little winter sunshine today; there are scarce few things more soothing than a Sunday paper/ cappuccino/ hazy sunshine combination to knock the weary weekend cobwebs off of one's shoulders.
Today my Sunday-snoozes were to be blamed (although not regretfully so) on last night's escapade into the deep depths of London's stormy night life to celebrate my beautiful friend Emma Topolski's Birthday. Not only is Emma achingly gorgeous she is also an extremely talented singer who's been accumulating rave reviews on the London and Paris (oui she's also fluent in French!) music scene -money's on it for Miss Topolski to tip on over into infinite stardom in the near future.
As such, Emma, a huddle of select friends and I were fortunate enough to attend a Birthday celebration of truly befitting grandeur. Festivities began at Miss Topolski's gorgeous West London home, with an array of mesmerising nibbles and salad selections (edamame, pomegranate, butternut squash and bacon anyone?!) followed by home made Birthday cupcakes fashioned as a special gift by our culinarily-gifted friend Charlotte. The whole ensemble of such delicious treats accompanied by a near-bottomless supply of pink champagne made for a rather heady combination; one which lay the foreground for the nights' subsequent antics.
Incensed by our earlier indulgences, we proceeded to make our way along to Proud - one of Camden's most bustling nightclubs, frequented by an abundance of scenesters, fash-pack and celebrity faces alike - although you'd be hard pushed to recognise them in and amongst the throngs of gorgeous guys and girls decked out in their very best party frocks! There is little better ways to truly have a good style perve than trudging the streets and locations du jour of our wonderful Capital City.
A truly wonderful miscellany of the most gracious, dapper and dashing the Big Smoke has to offer.
Silk Jumpsuit: French Connection, Black Coat: Vintage, Black Pumps: French Sole,
Cranberry Lipstick: Estee Lauder
With London on the cusp of Fashion Week, such delicious vogue-savvy tasters are only going to get all the more, well, tasty!
Have a superb evening all.
Love, MB x
Friday, 28 January 2011
Cashmere Evening & Keira Cover x
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A delightful Friday evening to you all! What bliss to find ourselves headed over the edge of the working-week perimeter. Fridays fortunately, for me and my fellow students, moonlight as Fash-Pack School's first day of the weekend; with this in mind today I took absolute delight in putting on the brakes a little and indulging in some R&R. After having a wonderful lunch with Mr.G's Auntie (who incidentally is THE most wonderful cook and hostess) I returned home late this afternoon to the new March '11 issue of ELLE which so deliciously awaited me on my doorstep.
One late night too many this week has left a necessity for early sleeps today; I'll leave you with a little snippet of Knightley and Mr.Ford's fashion-mashup for ELLE for now - check back tomorrow for a full mag-review.
The results of the Ford/Knightley collaboration I think you'll agree are unreservedly scrumptious!
Knightley by Ford.
Peppermint Cashmere Jumper: Cash CA (Gift), White Cotton T: HnM,
Watch: Burberry, Bracelets: Collection
Have a super evening all; I hope you all enjoy your Saturdays as much
as I enjoyed my fraudulent one ; )!
Love, MB x
Mini-Knot Turban-Tiara x
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very happy Thursday to you all. As per usual today played host to Fash-Pack School's final day of the study-based week. Snow flakes littering the leaden London sky I turned to my over-spilling collection of toasty neckware to soothe my chilly bones. Whilst my favourite black cashmere throw provided my fail-safe snug for the day, having taken the time to route through my silk-scarf treasury this morning I found myself inspired to fashion one of my favourite uses for such items - the Mini-Knot Turban-Tiara.
Read on for my step-by-step guide:
1: Pick a print of scarf which will compliment the outfit you'd like to wear it with. As a general rule a simple outfit looks lovely with a patterned scarf and vice versa. The scarf should preferably be silk and reach just below your navel when worn around your shoulders.
2: Place the scarf to the crown of your head, ensuring that both lengths on either side are even
3: Pull both lengths forward and fold over into a knot (above and below)
4: Pull the scarf lengths to the back of your head and tie in a small knot, aim to tuck the knot underneath the fabric to create a neat finish.
5: If necessary secure further with kirby grips.
6: If so desired a bright costume-jewellery brooch looks lovely fastened to centre of the knot. It draws focus to the fabric turn-over and creates a more ornate dressy look.
Silk Scarf: Vintage, Turquoise Brooch: Vintage, Earrings: Tibi at Coast, Fine-Kint Jumper: Zara
7: As a further note matching earrings can facilitate to sync the accessories together.
Et Voila! The perfect Mini-Knot Turban Tiara!
With regards to hunting down unusual silk scarves, charity shops and vintage fairs are always my favourite haunts. They are normally relatively inexpensive and can add a beautiful addition to any outfit.
Have a wonderful evening all,
Love, MB x
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Exhibition Review - Fashion Art Identity x
Dear Elgin Avenue Readers,
My oh my how mid-week rolls on round faster than the Spring/Summer store drops (NB HnM's new collection is dream!); as luck would have it the stars were looking down upon my Wednesday-worn self and blessed me with an afternoon of free-rambling which I quickly filled with a wonderful visit to The Royal Academy of Arts London.
Jeans: Top Shop, Pea Coat: Vintage, Gold Hoops (just seen) M&S,
Clutch Bag: Vintage Gucci, Quilted Pumps: French Sole
The RA's current exhibition AWARE Art Fashion Identity is a compelling visual compilation of a select group of designers and artists speaking through the medium of fashion in one way or another. Whilst the collection was relatively small, it filled 3-4 rooms, the selection was carefully and precisely edited in order to facilitate a manageable, yet potent collection. Click here for a link to the RA's programme.
Below are my top picks from this superb exhibition:
Susie MacMurray Widow 2009
Astonishingly the fabric of this figure appears fluid and malleable at a distance, yet on closer inspection the true vastness in the craftsmanship of the piece becomes apparent as incredulously the ensemble is constructed from thousands upon thousands of rigid metal pins. The wariness and sensitivity which one undergoes when viewing the hazardous metal material is (according to RA reading material) intended to belie the pain of grieving.
Yinka Shonibare MBE Little Rich Girls 2010
Commissioned for the exhibition.
The gorgeous saturated colours of Shonibare's 'floating' dresses provided welcome relief from some of the more sombre items in the collection.
Hussein Chalayan Son of Sonzai Suni 2010
This was truly the most breath-taking piece in the entire collection. Unfortunately it is nigh-on impossible to convey the staggering beauty of Chalayan's installation in an inanimate photograph due to the animated nature of the piece. Essentially Chalayan's erthereal white dress billowed from the stagnate model whilst inanimate black figures held to the outer-tips of the fabric. A gentle air current was flew towards the mannequin thus allowing for the heaving fabric folds pictured. The true magnificence of Chalayan's piece however lay in the poppy-print projection strewn over the white-sudo 'blank canvas' fabric. Furthermore the mannequin also was blessed with a woman's face also projected onto it which unnervingly blinked like a real person! The overall effect genuinely left me at a loss for words, none seeming truly befitting of Chalayan's creation.
The Exhibition inclusively is a wonderful spectacle however Chalyan's piece alone is worth the trip.
Much recommended.
Love, MB x
P.S. The columns to the back of the RA were all painted with these gorgeous floral colour-saturated prints (seen above). The most wonderful antithesis to the bleary London pavements! x
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Winchester Fashion Week Launch Party x
Dear Elgin Avenue Readers,
Happy Tuesday to you all, I hope that you’ve all managed to side-step the ever growing puddles plaguing the pavements today! I was cheered up in the dismal weather by recollections of my wonderful evening last night attending the launch of Winchester Fashion Week!
Trench Coat: Uniqlo Menswear, Yellow Scalloped Top: HnM, Indigo Jeans: Topshop, Black Velvet Stilletos: Vintage, Earrings: HnM
As mentioned in my post on Sunday 23-01-11 I was fortunate enough to be invited by the charming Poppy Koumis and Vikki Weston of the 6-strong Winchester Fashion Week (WFW) team, to attend the launch night of this innovative fashion festival scheduled for July 2011.
I sat down with Poppy and Vickie to have a little tet-a-tet about their newest endeavor.
MB: Why did you chose to start WFW?
P+V: We were both members of Triptych Art Exhibitions, an initiative founded by Winchester’s local Art College departments in order to allow a platform for students to show case their art in a professional space; as a celebration of Triptych’s 5th year running we hosted a fashion show, a representative from Winchester City Council attended and was impressed enough to approach us to start a new fashion initiative in Winchester, and so the idea for WFW was born.
MB: What do you feel a small town initiative such as WFW has to offer as an alternative to international Fashion Weeks?
P+V: We were keen to create something which was accessible to everyone, something which didn’t feel fashion-elitist. International Fashion Weeks are fantastic but we were keen to harness a local ethos, encouraging prestigious Winchester-based stores and brands to participate and show what our town has to offer.
MB: What can we look forward to as the highlights for WFW?
P+V: We have a number of really exciting facets to the Fashion Week which we can’t wait to share. We will of course be hosting a 3-night fashion show in Winchester’s prestigious Guildhall, during which we will also be featuring local street performers and artists. Workshops with the likes of Julian Roberts (also available at the Barbican this Friday), Frock Swaps and Studio Tours will also provide a number of entertaining avenues to explore within Winchester’s creative scene.
MB: What do you see as the long-term prospects for WFW?
P+V: We are hoping to grow WFW year on year, passing on our knowledge of the event to students and those who have a passion for the event. We hope to provide mentorship in the future, hopefully we'll see how it goes in July but we see it going from strength to strength.
The Lovely WFW Girls
L-R: Vikki Weston, Anna Ackroyd, Poppy Koumis, Gracie Hawes, Becky Lawrence, Vicki Lampard
Some of the evenings' Gorgeous Models
If last nights' wild Cirq-du-Soleil themed launch party, with exclusive WFW cocktail created for the evening celebrations (think cosmo with a twist - delicious!) was anything to go for as a precedent for summer's celebrations, I suggest we all pencil in the 25th-31st of July as a Week to Watch! I certainly will be.
Love, MB x
Excuse the unfortunate hand - the feathers got to me! Ring: Miss Selfridge, Fathered Clutch: Gift
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Round 3 x
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very happy Sunday to you all. I hope that you have been spending your day of rest doing just that, snuggling up warm with a leisurely breakfast, good conversation and great knitwear (it's got very chilly of late non?).
Yesterday I was treated to some father-daughter time with my much-adored (by me!) Paps prior to hosting my 3rd round of Birthday celebrations. As is tradition for pre-easter chocolate devouring my lovely father sneakily bought me a Cadburys Cream-Egg - my absolute seasonal favourite - which I quickly devoured alongside a soothing Green Tea.
Faux Fur Coat: Vintage, Crocodile-Skin bag: Vintage, Watch: Burberry
Thankyou to Mr.G for the gorgeous flowers pictured xx
Thankyou to Mr.G for the gorgeous flowers pictured xx
In recent days frequently I've found myself catching glimmers of conversation remarking that this time of year, namely the months of January and February, are the most sombre and dismal of the year; and whilst I have my own reasoning for enjoying January (my Birthday month over which I try to celebrate in weekly increments!) there are a number of other factors I think we, as a nation, overlook.
See below for my list of January and February pick-me-ups:
1) New Year = Clean Slate. All baddies from the year gone by are erased and all but a gorgeous glimmering white blank page is left for new scribblings.
2) The Sales! Hello previously un-touchable goods which we can now afford. Our true seasonal treasure.
3) Fashion Week(s)! THE most exciting bi-annual event of the fashion calendar. Those who are not excited are fashion-heartless.
4) Awards season. The Golden Globes, The Baftas, The Oscars! Red Carpet means gowns galore; watch and sigh at the beauty.
5) Step by step we are inching towards Spring/Summer dressing and I for one can't wait!
Tuxedo Jacket: Zara, Black Vest: HnM, Red Cigarette Pants: Zara, Swarovski-encrusted heels: Kurt Geiger Fashionistas Collection, Crocodile Skin Bag: Vintage, Watch: Burberry, Bracelet: Menorca Collection
As mentioned above I have my own reasons for enjoying January, and this time round in particular I have saturated the month with celebration upon celebration, last night being no exception! My wonderful family, Mr.G and I dropped into my favourite home-town eatery to devour pure heavenly cuisine. Mouth-wateringly delicious risotto, mushrooms, sea-bass and chocolate gateu made for a wonderful combination; coupled with outstanding company and beautiful wine I could not have made for a happier Birthday Girl - third time round!
Burberry Watch: My favourite Birthday Gift! Thank you Mum and Dad xx
May the Winter-Months' outlooks become a little brighter : )
Love, MB x
P.S. I am very much looking forward to attending the launch party of Winchester Fashion Week tomorrow evening! A truly entrepreneurial idea from some very talented ladies. Click here for further information.
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