Retro maps and dashing old dogs

You’ve probably noticed that psychogeography’s in fashion, but did I mention the psychogeography inspired designs by Fake London at ShopCurious? This really comfortable and easy to wear apron style dress, for instance, features a fabulous print of an antiquarian map and the English rose (and there's a scarf in the same fabric too).














Also just in are some new super-soft cashmere cardigans for men, featuring Fake’s trademark Union Jack logo. This cardie definitely qualifies as a timeless modern classic and is a great investment, as it’ll keep you warm for years to come. Something to consider for Fashion's Night In next Monday...



Talking of menswear, I recently produced some of my own DIY design men’s waistcoats, with suede at the front and vintage silk on the reverse side. One of these is made using retro tourist silk scarf fabric featuring a map of Italy. The simple waistcoat style, updated using upcycled offcuts of exotic fabric, looks flattering on everyone from cool young dudes to dashing old dogs.







Which reminds me of the typically quirky Fake London video, showing a British-looking dog getting up to all sorts of curious mischief. Come to think of it a book on the psychogeogaphy of dogs is rather a novel idea. A sort of four legged tour of trees and lamp posts… Might be rather amusing, don’t you think?

Do you?

Wardrobe scents make style sense

You might leave clothes in your wardrobe thinking they’re perfectly okay, but it takes a surprisingly short time for pesky little moths to nibble their way through rails of expensive woollen coats and layers of fine quality knits. I’m not sure that anyone really likes the moth-eaten look, though apparently filigree designs are destined to be a major new fashion trend.




I was planning to show you some pictures of the sneaky flying creatures at work, but they look so disgusting - and they make me feel rather sick, so I decided it’s probably not the best idea. In London, we have a particular problem with moths – they’re an unavoidable hazard and you’re well advised to learn how to deal with them effectively - especially if you want to wear that beautiful vintage silk dress next year too. It’s curious that something so innocent looking can be so scarily invasive - and most annoying when, somehow, unobtrusively, it manages to gnaw a tiny hole in the sleeve of a beautiful jacket or jumper, rendering a treasured, luxury item unwearable.




I’ve tried most things to combat marauding moths, but remain convinced that good old fashioned floral scents like lavender are the most effective, and by far the most natural way to ward off the fateful, fluttering pests. Just fill a few gauze bags (the sort sometimes supplied as dust covers for jewellery are perfect) with dried lavender flowers and hang them in your wardrobe.






If you haven’t the or the time or the inclination to grow and make your own lavender bags, I can recommend another really stylish way to fragrance your wardrobes, drawers and anywhere else that the disagreeable flying foes may be lurking:







I suggest you try these beautifully presented Catherine Masson scented parcels, available from ShopCurious – each adorned with a pretty floral embellishment, and supplied with a divinely perfumed, top-up room spray.









They’re great as gifts too. What’s more they seem to charm the moths into abeyance, so you can bring out your favourite cashmere cardie year after year - and indulge in the sensible practice of seasonless style.

Do you?