A winning wardrobe

I haven’t watched any of the Paralympic Games yet, but I hear we’re winning lots of medals. On the night of the opening ceremony, I was out at an event launching something entirely different – the new BuyMyWardrobe pre-loved luxury designer fashion website.

I stayed long enough to hear owner, Kai's speech about the "luxe recycling revolution," and to do a little bit of networking.

I met the lovely shoe blogger Sabrina Johnson of Sabrina Suggests and bumped into Stella of Stella’s Wardrobe (check out the cute new illustrations on her blog).
 

 

In honour of our paralympic athletes, I thought I’d wear my Union Jack dress, teamed up with a recycled vintage bag from ShopCurious. I wasn’t the only one dressed patriotically: A curiously charming kilt-wearing milliner insisted on having his photograph taken with me.

Then I dashed home to catch the remainder of the Paralympics opening ceremony. Read my review (including views on the Paralympic uniforms) in today’s post at The Dabbler.

Will you?

A curiously British Jubilee

It wasn’t jolly boating weather, but we made the most of it. In true British style, and with stiff upper lips, we partied in the rain and battled against choppy waters to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The River Pageant was a colourful spectacle, though I can’t imagine what it must have been like down there on the water. Fortunately, we were able to enjoy the proceedings from some of the best seats in town – in an apartment overlooking the River Thames.

We didn’t have huge flags (unlike some of our neighbours), but I hung up some bunting, and wore an original vintage Union Jack flag fashioned into a dress – plus my nails were painted red, white and blue…

 Even the men dressed up in patriotic colours.

Foodwise, my Coronation chicken (see ShopCurious post above) was a great success. Mounds of sandwiches were consumed, cake stands emptied, and Scotch Eggs scoffed by the dozen. Curiously, my token tin of Spam remained unopened.

Towards the end of the party, I was flagging as much as my dress. I was so relieved to eventually take off my shoes. Unfortunately, unlike the Queen, I hadn’t had anyone wear them in for me. And I’d creatively customized them with red rose hair accessories, which cut horribly into my toes…

 

But it must have been a good party, because when the flag-waving masses departed I was still smiling… just like Her Majesty.

I’m left thinking how lucky us Brits are to have such a wonderful (and reassuringly resilient) monarch.

Are you?

Papal power dressing

On the last Papal visit to Britain, The Queen wore a regal blue dress by Hardy Amies. But this was no match for the Pope's regalia - even without his formal robes (let alone the Papal Tiara).

This time, although The Pope dressed down once again, The Queen still looks rather pale in comparison, according to recent photos in the press. The style advice from ShopCurious is that the veiled black velvet and lace look she wore on a visit to The Vatican in 2000 works so much better, and seems somehow more appropriate. 

But I suppose the Pope could outdress almost anyone - even Lady Gaga...

Do you?

Exhibition in right royal fashion

Not only is the House of Hardy Amies the pinnacle of stylish decoration, but it also has a wonderful energy and a lovely staff - with the potential to be the source of inspiration to aspiring Amies’ of the future. Moreover, to celebrate the first visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the house in July 1950 (when she was still a Princess), a new exhibition in the Archive Room at No.14 Savile Row features previously unseen sketches, documents, original pictures, letters and garments belonging to members of the House of Windsor. When I took a sneak preview, I found myself signing the visitors’ book directly after members of the Windsor family...





‘The House of Windsor in the House of Hardy Amies’ was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra at the end of June 2010 and can be visited until the end of the year, by appointment only. The exhibition features rare sketches of creations produced over 40 years of collaboration with HM The Queen as well as original and duplicate items made for The Queen and other members of the Royal Family – including HRH Princess Michael of Kent (a muse to Sir Hardy Amies), Lady Diana and the Duchess of York. A photograph of the house’s latest muse, Lord Frederick Windsor, is also on prominent display.

One of the main highlights is an incredible giant-sized album, in which Amies collected images and swatches of the various outfits worn by The Queen over a period spanning several decades. This provides a curiously fascinating history of royal dress though the years, as well as an insight into the media coverage of fashion and social reporting during the period.






Amies’ interest in maintaining the photo journal appeared to wane in the latter years, as evidenced by the increasing dearth of photographs in the oversized album...









and the replacement of carefully handwritten pen and ink italics beneath old fashioned cuttings from the daily press by haphazardly placed Post-it notes, atop picture stories from the likes of Hello Magazine.



What I really love about the Amies house is that’s it’s a place of real character. It also seems to reflect the essential character of its clientele – even HM The Queen: The warmth of her personality, along with genuine sincerity and kindness, positively shine out from the letters exchanged between Her Majesty and Sir Hardy Amies.

The house is full of quirky curiosities, like the collection of royal biscuit tins, similar to the ones available at ShopCurious, celebrating HM The Queen’s Coronation in 1953, royal weddings and other regal occasions. Apparently, the heirloom tins were used by Hardy Amies’ couture seamstresses to store their buttons and sewing threads – and now they take pride of place amongst the exhibits.









If you’re able to a secure a place on one of the exclusive private viewings, I’d highly recommend a visit to this extraordinary showcase of our national heritage. What’s more, this retro royal fashion extravaganza is bang on trend.

Are you?

New blue vintage style?

I wasn’t expecting to be writing a blog post, so forgive me if this rushed affair is full of typos and strange sentences you wouldn’t normally expect me to utter.

I’d imagine my sentiments - probably yours too - are much akin to those the political parties are having to deal with at this very moment. For some it’s a feeling of bereavement, for others a marriage (made in heaven or hell, who knows..) For the majority it’s whole new image – and what on earth will that look like?

Whatever, it’s a change. Just let the voter beware. And leave the marketing men to grapple with the coalition logo… let alone the curious colour combo (suggestion below).






I must say I found Gordon’s dress sense as dour as his personality (photo above courtesy of Personnel Today). As for his children, (sadly roped in), I thought the choice of clothing for their final farewell was totally inappropriate. Who on earth would dress their kids in baggy, rapper style jeans with shirts hanging out to address the whole world, when the very quintessence of British style is surely what's called for on such occasions? Smacks of the Beckhamisation of politics to me...







On this day, when the Evening Standard’s ‘Fashion, Style and Sex’ section featured ‘Blue Sky Dressing’ (aka ‘double denim’), I say, please, no more dumbing down! We deserve and need something a little more formal. So, how about this vintage blue Mrs T style number from ShopCurious? Should make ‘sex outside’ curiously thrilling.








Of course, I’m looking forward to more responsible times. And more appropriate dress.

Are you?

With congratulations to David Cameron (and Nick Clegg I suppose?)

Multi-functional madness?

What is this multi-functional madness? From printers to mobile phones and modern home furnishings: contemporary design is obsessed with the all-singing, all-dancing, all bells and whistles, multi-purpose answer to everything.

I was just reading about a device from BMW that’s a remote locking ‘smart key’ – so smart, in fact, it can also be used as a credit card - and can store electronic information, such as radio stations and contacts' phone/address details. I guess it’s not nearly so smart when it’s stolen?





Multi-functionality does have advantages - for instance, you’ll probably save money by investing in one multi-purpose item, rather than buying several things for separate jobs. The down side of multi-style products is that they often look clunky, or just plain weird, like the ‘hat bag’ or ‘bag hat’ shown here.





The fashion world is responsible for a whole host of curiously creative multi-purpose garments, like the incredible ‘multi-functional cleaning dress’ – perfect if you enjoy wiping your bum across the floor… You never know, it might catch on as a new (though somewhat sartorially inelegant) form of 'statement' exercise?

At ShopCurious, we think we’ve come up with the ideal solution to stylish multi-function dressing, with our reasonably priced range of unique dress-coat-skirt-cape-top-thingys.




Each garment is made from just one piece of fabric that can be worn however your mood takes you. The variety of ways each piece of clothing can be arranged is purely a function of exactly how innovative are...






And, there’s no need to worry about getting in a twist if you’re not feeling particularly inventive, as each design comes with its own instruction sheet for styling options. By the way, if you’re looking for some matching accessories, how about this multi-strand charm necklace, which also doubles up as a belt?



What’s so great about these items is that they’ve all got style with brains.

As for multi-functional madness, do share your thoughts and experiences.

Will you?

Matriarchs of tribal style

Now here’s a novel idea for Mothers' Day – especially if your Mum’s a fan of President Obama, or just likes to dress in a unique and individual way: ShopCurious is offering a range of stylish silk tops and dresses in Obama commemorative fabric, created by talented US-based designer, Lola Faturoti. (Click on pics to enlarge).








In case you didn’t know, Lola’s the one with the yellow hat (left) in these pictures. You can also see her face famously depicted in profile as the logo (right) of her original hand printed t-shirts.







Whether or not your 'Mom' is a matriarch of tribal style, or perhaps just one of the many followers of Barack Obama, she'd definitely make a real fashion statement by wearing one of these authentic designs. These unusual tops not only combine comfort and style, but are timeless and collectable pieces – and they’re simply perfect for passing on to future generations too:

Something of historical significance to keep in the family (or at least the human tribe).

Will you?