British bulldog days

London Fashion Week got off to a sparkling start today, with everyone really curious to see what the brand new venue looked like.






The size and grandeur of the Natural History Museum was always going to be hard to beat, but the awesome backdrop of the River Thames and the London Eye from Somerset House is simply breathtaking. The sun shone too, which made it even better.

Delicious canapés were served by pretty and polite waitresses - though some hip, happening folks (see left) took the less healthy lunch option.


The furnishings had a retro feel. Seeing this TV took me back in time to the days when I watched Andy Pandy in front of a flickering black and white screen. I can’t ever recall seeing a Bush television quite this large, though – could this be a newly assembled imitation version … oops, sorry, a quirky piece of design art?



This 1960s table, right, looks pretty authentic though, in fact my parents had one almost exactly the same.



The courtyard is a fabulous location for the LFW tents – whilst you’re waiting for the shows, you can also indulge in a spot of al fresco champagne quaffing – it’s simply de rigueur daaaahling! But best of all, in my opinion, is the view of the river - I was constantly drawn to it, despite the clothes .





Even though the hedonistic days of the bull market are long gone, there’s still the odd doff of a hat to the good old days (see above right). As well as the new generation of designers, I was pleased to see that there were some old faces too - including one of my all time favourites, Zandra Rhodes.





However, it tends to be eco-friendly fashion that attracts the most attention these days ... and the Chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman, launched Estethica - the ethical exhibition - this afternoon, to a flurry of interest from the press.

Whilst I’ll miss the old LFW site, I’m really impressed with the new setting – it somehow seems a touch more homely and inviting than before. It’s slightly academic though, as I’m off to California for a few days tomorrow.





I might even meet up with Timmy Woods, the Beverly Hills based designer of this limited edition British bulldog bag that’s now available at ShopCurious. There are only ten of these original hand-painted bags in the whole world … and Michelle Obama has one of the other nine. I think the Swarovski crystal studded Union Jack is very appropriate, though I have a feeling that our Great British bulldog days may be numbered.

Do you?

The race for Ascot hats

Just thought I’d make a brief diversion off course in case you’re in the running for Royal Ascot this year. Not suggesting that you choose a nautical theme for your day (or days) at the races, but here are some ideas for Ascot hats that will definitely make heads turn – though what type’s your best bet may well depend upon the weather.

Last year the rules were relaxed slightly, allowing fascinators at Royal Ascot for the first time ever, but I noticed that some members of the Royal Enclosure managed to gain access without any hats at all – and others with seemingly little regard for the official dress code.



In case you do want to follow the new trend for fffffascinating headwear, ShopCurious has a selection of fabulously minimalist titfers by British designer Gil Fox. Of course, we also have a larger selection of more substantial hair accessories to choose from, ranging from quirky hairbands and floral headpieces by talented young milliner, Sandra Bamminger, to vintage Philip Tracey and elegant 1940s feather numbers. All of these hats are perfect for summer weddings too.


If you’re looking to save a few bob, we’re also offering our timeless raffia hats at a bargain price (I seem to recall that LK Bennett were selling the same in some rather odd colours last year at £69 a pop). These hats are also great for holidays and travel to hot climes, since you can scrunch them up and shove them in your suitcase – so you’ll turn out looking shipshape, however far-flung round the world you’ve been...



And they're also plain enough to dress up with your own choice of floral corsage, or even add a fascinator for more of an individual look.


Ultimately, it’s the unique accessories that really make an outfit. How about a statement hat that's also a work of art - like one of the curiously collectable stamp hats by Laura Wellington.





By the way, I think this stylish lucky horse shoe of a bag by Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills is simply perfect for a day at the races.

Odds on it's going to rain, so don't forget to take your brolly too.

Will you?

Collectable curiosities

A present shouldn't just be for Christmas ... think of the recipient's regard for you, think of the memories that would be associated with something really special, think of the future investment potential and the lasting value of an heirloom for generations to come ... a Christmas gift should be for life.

Okay, now we're done with the marketing spiel, here are some ideas of collectable curiosities you might like to bestow upon your loved ones to help them remember you forever:




How about this original 1960s Swoboda pendant (above right) with semi precious stones? It's one of a kind and it's also kinda cool, don't you think? We've also got an iconic vintage Fiorucci Minnie Mouse sweatshirt at ShopCurious that might need taking out to celebrate boyfriend Mickey's recent 80th birthday. What's more, we're offering this rare retro rediscovery at a special recession conscious price.







If your friends are into designer names and unique accessories, we've some ultra-desirable vintage Versace shades - that's sunglasses to us Brits - in two separate shades (sorry, am I repeating myself?) and these are also supplied with their original cases.






Other stateside curiosities include an exotic selection of bags from Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills - including a stylish and somewhat surrealist telephone bag - and a masterfully minimalist version of the Eiffel Tower (held by Carrie Bradshaw, left) ... I guess that's how big the famous French monument looks to Americans?







If you're not buying for a handbag-worshipper, you could always settle for a limited edition sculpture, expertly carved by Hacene Sadoune. Or perhaps you'd prefer a more classically inspired piece, in which case we've just the thing.







Finally, if you know any fashionistas who are trying to quell their portable property habit in these financially strained times, why not consider investing in the fashion of art in the form of a limited edition signed sketch by legendary British fashion designer, Bill Gibb. You won't be able to wear it, but at least it's not going to be consumed by moths in your wardrobe and one day it could be worth a lot more than you paid for it. We have some tips on how to look after your clothes by the way, of which more later ...

Just a few ideas. I hope you are at least mildly curious?

Are you?

French style

At ShopCurious, we've created a little enclave of French fancies to delight you, as we transport you in style on our alternative Silk Route. Le style francais is often talked about in relation to furniture, food and fashion. Where better to start than with a vintage silk scarf depicting the world famous city of fashion and romance itself, and les ponts de Paris: bridges to time honoured passion, style, art and culture...






Of course, you might also be interested in an earlier history of Paris, where the ideals of liberte, egalite and fraternite first emerged during the Age of the Enlightenment. We've also got an original limited edition Hermes silk scarf commemorating the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution in 1989.




For more recent evidence of the art of fashion from the French capital, take a look at these wonderfully elegant silk dresses by Madame a Paris for autumn/winter 2008: Simple, chic, sophisticated, curiously French and newly available from our eclectic online emporium.


In a city where fashion and art vie for premiere position, how appropriate that the elusive French designer, Monsieur Bonnet ,should have combined the two in this fitting Eiffel Tower dress (below left). How stylish! We're veering off the Silk Route a bit with this cotton number and, likewise, with this amazing hand painted, carved acacia wood sculpture of the great French monument by Timmy Woods (below right) - which is in fact a handbag that originates from Beverly Hills and was worn by Carrie in the Sex and the City film. It's currently available in the UK exclusively at ShopCurious.


Our journey to Paris has almost come to an end and I'm feeling in need of a little rest before our next adventure, so I don't think I'll be sampling the delights of Parisien nightlife. I'll be off to bed now, but I'm already looking forward to the next stage of our travels...
Are you?

Hot lips

Girls, it doesn't really matter whether you're braving out the depressingly damp weather in the UK for your hols, or searching for sunshine elsewhere, so long as you look glam and have fun. Here's Diana Dors looking curiously chic in Cannes - a rather stylish place to hang out. And Marilyn Monroe, romping amidst the waves, definitely appears to be enjoying herself.



The 1950s was a very glamorous era, when the fashion was for ladies to look like film stars at all times. Hollywood sirens of the day probably knew about the original colour change longstay lipstick called Magic Lips - a secret formula lipstain that changes colour according to your individual pH level. It's been available to the public now for over 20 years, but how it exactly works remains a mystery. If you're curious to discover what hot colour they'll make your lips, I suggest you invest in a set of 8 colour matching lipsticks from ShopCurious, where they're available at a very special price.


Believe me, this rather eclectic mix of colours will turn into hot shades of pink, red, peach or plum when applied to your lips - and will make them curiously kissable too - what fun!



We've got another magic pair of lips as well, in the form of this unusual red lips bag by Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills. At the moment ShopCurious is the exclusive UK stockist of this uniquely pouty party piece, which was carried by Carrie (excuse the cheesy pun) in an episode of Sex and the City.




Talking of movie stars, I think that Sex and the City's Samantha could also do with a red lips bag - when she's on holiday in the film she looks ever glamorous in her vintage style swimsuit, but she could definitely do with a bit of cheering up.

Smile and say cheese...
Will you?

Racy lady

I hear they are clamping down on the dress code in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot this year - better put the ra-ra skirt on hold and get out a bolero to cover those naughty shoulders.


'Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable.

Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and / or mini skirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour.





Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat which must be worn at all times when you are in the Royal Enclosure.'


So if you're wanting to look special and stand out from the crowd, how do you find something suitably original that isn't going to scare the horses?


Kate Middleton pushes the code to its boundaries with her ffffffffffffascinating hair accessories. It used to be the case that one had to cover the crown of one's head. It seems that this rule at least has been relaxed.




I suggest you play it safe on the dress front and express yourself with curiously quirky accessories. - like this horsy handbag, available in the UK exclusively at ShopCurious. I took one of these to a polo match recently and got photographed by Country Life, who zoomed in on my handbag... let me know if you see the pic.






Or perhaps you could wear an unusual pair of shoes - but do make sure you choose a pair that you can walk comfortably in on a variety of terrain - from soft to firm depending on the weather. You don't want to be having to ditch your shoes half way through the day... Not sure if it even mentions footwear (or baring shoeless feet) in the dress code though?
Are you?