How to be Red

The Oscars. I've just read the Times review of the clothes at the 2015 Oscars and I'm somewhat surprised that Marion Coutillard's Dior dress was not mentioned. Now Friends, even if I didn't like Dior (you know I do) it would be hard not to enjoy the difference this dress made. Did you see what the reviewer on the E! Fashion Channel, Giuliana Rancic, looked like? Truly awful! In red net and flowers on her super-skeletal frame. I fail to understand where she finds these creations. Maybe some catalogue for prom night dressing... Emma Stone looked pleasant in beaded Elie Saab, but not Earth-shattering. J-Lo - we know you like wearing slash necklines and are also a fan of Elie Saab, but for goodness sake! Shake it up a bit please! I applaud Reece Witherspoon's sentiments about, "We are more than our dresses", but if that's how you feel, Reece, wear something from your own wardrobe. As one commentator suggested (and I must say I agree) then they could say more about you as an actress. But that's not what these super-stylists employed by Studio and Star are about. They're about commerce, hand-in-hand with Fashion Houses their choice of never-before-seen-in-public dresses can give huge amounts of column inches and photos around the world, sending sales of the associated brands - perfume, cosmetics, handbags and other items into overdrive. So I see no end to this - it has unfortunately become a sideshow of the talent on the red carpet. And there's no way of stopping this juggernaut!

North and South. I've just been to a breakfast for the clothes line Bamford. I wasn't familiar with this label as I'm not of the British/American, Chelsea/Brompton Cross set (although the brand is English and has many merits). But what interested me was my observation of the people there - we women north of the Park look so different to those from the south. I was one of the only ones over a size 2 (American). That's not to say that we girls north of the park are Porkers - far, far from it! They had (to a man) long, loose, skilfully waved hair, very well thought out outfits, very little makeup but don't be fooled! Well polished and highly groomed...

As I finished this breakfast I was greeted by (what do you think?) - rain. Actually, it was pouring down. Of course, I was wearing suede shoes and (you guessed) long, long trousers (at least they weren't white). I'd had the foresight to take my umbrella out of my car when my Weather App says rain... you think?! Sometimes before now I've actually looked at the sky, looked at both my weather Apps (I always like a second opinion) and thought, "I know better" only to be drenched a few minutes later. I feel that if I schlep my big umbrella out and about it won't rain. Really Francine?...

Black Dressing. OK. A black, Black Tie Dress has been purchased (yes, yes - after everything I've said over recent weeks about black dressing, and it still goes on). I've been thinking about how long it is since I bought a black dress... Amuse yourselves - I'm thinking... At least five years. So there you have it! If you can't beat them, join them. Just one thought - will I look like everyone else? I don't think so. I hope to get a lot of wear out of this dress. I may even try a red lip, but not red nails. Never together! This will be reported on...

Note to Self: Must continue to remember to think outside the box. What do I mean by this, I hear you ask? Since it began in January I have been present at the weekly openings of Fig 2. OK, OK - I'm going to tell you all about it - just wait. Fig 2 was born out of Fig 1, which was an art event that happened 15 years ago in a small room in Soho. Every week the curator, Mark Francis, put up a show of then up-and-coming artists now household names (Bridget Riley, Grayson Perry, Wolfgang Tilmans and Anish Kapoor to name but a few), were given a week-long exhibition space. Now Outset Director Candida Gertler has revived this blueprint and each week a different contemporary artist is given the studio at the ICA to showcase a new work. Anyone with a curious mind and time can visit this space and be part of this history. The artist/poet Simon Welsh who performed at my birthday was discovered at Fig 2. I find the whole exercise completely inspiring. I see things expressed in a way that I would never have imagined. It's like fresh air is continuously being blown through my imagination. I drove past a tattoo parlour recently and if (I'm not, but if I was) of the mind to spend money inking my body (do you know how expensive a good tattoo is?!) after the obligatory Love/Hate, loved one's names and a flower picture, I'd have inscribed "Always Try to Think Outside the Box". I'll leave the ink to those who continue to think it's a good idea, and continue with prayer as my vessel... World Peace, Happiness, Health and a New Husband (no, not yours. One of my own. If you can help with this, don't hesitate to contact me - you know how). 

Shoe Heaven or Hell? Build it and they will come. Dolce & Gabbana have produced a gold and crystal (no diamonds) shoe costing £62, 500. And I said that with a straight face! I remember two or three years ago when Roger Vivier did a couture shoe with a real diamond clasp and that was only £28, 500. Cheap! If only I'd known. Which brings to mind the fable of the old woman who lived in a shoe. House (not in London, but certainly possible) or shoe? You decide...

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

How to be Red