The Generation Game

Instant gratification. Once the genie is out of the bottle can it ever be pushed back in again? When was the last time you made a meal from scratch? The last time you lived in a home that you took your time to decorate? The last time that you gave a relationship time to develop? Pirates stream films before they hit the cinemas. You can download straight from the Internet without having to wait for the album release. All these things that 20 years ago took time, are now available almost instantly. Fashion is just part of this global race. It's as if our time is running out. I've never had a ready meal but if I wanted a Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding supper one evening, followed by Tiramisu, all I'd have to do is go to the freezer cabinet in my local Waitrose. Microwave the beef and defrost the Tiramisu. Instant supper! Full of preservatives and who-knows-what. But who asks that question? It's what I want and can get it instantly. And that, my dear friends, is where we are with Fashion. You used to send letters to say Thank You (some, but very few, still do). Now we text or Email, but how lovely it is to receive a letter? I know it's a generational thing and although the telephone is quicker than a horse to deliver a message (Wolfe Hall) Henry VIII would have probably had who knows how many wives if he lived in our times. In fact the only thing they haven't managed to speed up is the time from conception to delivery of our next generation. I wonder if they're working on that?...

The True Cost. This is a film due for release at the end of May. As we speak I am hoping to get an exclusive preview for Beyond Art/BFAMI (more of that later on). But back to the film - I saw a preview and it's Fashion Dynamite. Now, you all know I'm not one to bang on about Fast Fashion but we all have a brain and when that building collapsed in Bangladesh two years ago, exposing the fashion sweatshops, one man took more notice than others. His name is Andrew Morgan and he is the Director of the film. Fast Fashion has been with us for about 20 years, but I feel that apart from the cost issue it's also a generational thing. Poetically it's almost the flip side of Dior & I (the last film I previewed for Beyond Art). But make no mistake - this is the brutal truth about your £10 jeans, your £2 t-shirt etc. If I can get a preview screening I hope that as many of you that can come along, will. But even if that doesn't happen it's absolutely not to be missed. Those 80 minutes will alter your shopping forever, I hope!

Is art sexist? Do men have more to say? I don't know the answer to this but in general I think we women have plenty to say. But in the art world are we being heard? In other words are the female artists being paid the respect they deserve by art collectors and museums. The prices they garner in the sale rooms says not, and I'm wondering why not? I'm going to look into this very carefully for you and of course report my findings.

"Women in our society are compartmentalised so that we start to feel like we're cut flowers, and after a while we will wilt" - Charlize Theron urges people to stop judging women by their age.

Great minds think alike! Just flicking through May's Instyle magazine and have come across a very interesting jewellery shoot. They have used some very attractive women they describe as "the coolest older ladies" and my thought is "Why state 'Older', when it's very obvious from the pictures that these are not the artist Cindy Sherman in one of her many disguises. But beautiful women whatever age! We don't need the "Older" title...
I was invited to preview the Fur and Fall collection by Dior in the wonderful surroundings of the private apartment at the Connaught Hotel. Let me say this - I have very rarely seen a collection that I relate to so much! I felt this when I saw it as "Esprit Dior" in Tokyo a few months ago - remember my sequinned sleeves? But to see it in the flesh - it's so beautiful and wearable!

This has been my worst week for flying stains ever! White trousers - suddenly a mysterious black mark on the leg. Pale yellow jumper - tea drips from a saucer. My White Blouse - makeup. I could go on and on. I'm absolutely sick of shlepping to South London to the dry cleaners (I heard on the grapevine they may be coming to central London). OK, I could bike them but then it becomes a very expensive activity, and as you know I'm all about saving where I can. Scoobies - please open a store in central London!
(Of course Francine. Just for you!)

Is it me or do you ever get stuck in a rut? Maybe that's not the correct term but I do tend to do the same things I always do (I'm very much a creature of habit.) But I've found out how shortsighted this can be. I nearly turned down a big dinner for fear of going by myself, but when persuaded to go, I had the best time with new people who were very friendly. Make no mistake - going unaccompanied (without my circle of friends) to any social event can, for me, be an extremely daunting task!

One last thing - Necking! No, not the kissing you did in your teens, the body part to decorate this season! Whether a jewelled polo or a beautiful necklace, this is the place to highlight. So I've saved money on that neck lift now! How much are the real sequinned sleeves?!

Happy Shopping

F XX

Fashion Dynamite!

Talking Body Parts

Gemma Atherton at the Olivier awards! Kate Winslet at the premier of the film A Little Chaos. What do these two fine actresses have in common? Both employed the "let my breasts do the talking for me" rule of dressing! Why Oh Why would either of you go this way?! I suppose Gemma can say, “it got me on the front of many newspapers.” I don't know about Kate - she was only on page ten of The Times but may be in other papers that I didn't see. And there's no such thing as bad publicity. (Really?)

As promised - an update on the Harvey Weinstein story. He will not be facing charges over the "alleged sexual assault" (but we can look out for a former Miss Italy contestant, Ambra Battilana, In one of Harvey's upcoming films - what do you think? Just a thought…) But all is forgiven as he sent his wife a big bunch of flowers for her birthday. You think?! A bunch of flowers?!! Really?!!! Doesn't he own a large percentage of her business? Ah, so that's OK then. A fumble perhaps, equals flowers. And "she feels protective towards him, and doesn't read the bad things about him." Nothing like putting your head in the sand. Just saying… (Francine, you’re so cynical). 

Just for the blog I'm watching CSI New York. KKW - who knew she could act?! (sorry, I've just had a sherry - "the new summer drink"  - and I'm drunk). I think KKW can act. Well, you should see her angry, lip glossy pout! In America as we speak there is some wonderfully talented actress who can't get a break. So sad... But the producers got me to watch (just for you, of course) a show I'd never watch. So there you have it - success on a plate!

It can't have been one small sherry, but I woke with a monster headache. It wasn't bed-inducing, so this morning I went to a very interesting event which took place at a friend's home. A current affairs class delivered by our own Conservative candidate for Brent Central and the Director of the Henry Jackson Society, Alan Mendoza. This morning he looked at the political manifestos of the four major parliamentary parties. Unfortunately, by the time the class was over I was definitely in need of very strong medication and my bed. Later on, after a long sleep and complete rest and with the headache almost gone, I decided to bring in my summer dresses to my dressing room. A good idea in principle, but in the last wardrobe (which houses the really, really old stuff) I saw an old trouser suit, so I thought I'd try on the trousers. Then a skirt from an equally old skirt suit. Guess what I found out? Neither fit. Either that or being in that wardrobe has shrunk the waists of all my clothes…

I must have been so, so slim. Well, as I already know, when I'm upset I don't eat. Let's just call a spade a spade - I have middle-age spread! What's to be done? I'm definitely going to investigate this phenomenon. Maybe a Mr Pearl basque corset will train my waist to what it once was? But then, where does the fat go? Answers on a postcard… Drum roll please! I know what's happened! It’s the HRT! So it's hot sweats or the above? Anyone who has had bad hot sweats will understand. Middle-age spread every time. And believe me, no-one's ever complained about it!

What do Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights have in common? Just watched both on TV - 19^th Century romantic fashion. Now I know what Raf Simons of Dior was watching 2 years ago. There is definitely something gorgeous about this romantic feeling, and talking about gorgeous… I mentioned this skirt some weeks back. A few days ago I tried on the full back bustle skirt from Dior (which I spoke of when talking of big backsides, remember?) It comes with an underskirt that is so stiff and padded it stands on the floor by itself (which is no problem). This, with a very fitted jacket. So very romantic, but where and when I would wear it I've no idea. Any more of these big skirts and dresses in my wardrobe and I'll definitely have to do the loft extension or move! But I love this shape so much. I taken to wearing my Oscar de la Renta full padded skirt. Just loving it and such joy - no Spanx required!

Just one last note. They'll never see the diamonds from the Hatton Garden heist again, but whoever has them, I've always felt that a little tiara, earrings, necklace, bracelet, broach and a ring goes a long way in the romance stakes. Just watching the program "Our Queen." She knows a bit about romance. Just saying… And of course my lips are sealed (only you and I will know where they came from…) 

Happy Shopping 

F   XX

Where it all began

Scandinavian Roots

When No Is Not Enough. The man in the movie industry, often referred to as G-D (Harvey Weinstein) has been accused by a 22-year old model of groping her breasts and private parts (that's how the report described it). His reasoning was to find out if her breasts were real. It seems our Italian model (who had been involved with Silvio Berlusconi - obviously no stranger to powerful men, then) didn't know who Harvey was. Why that should make a difference I don't know. If she had recognised him, would that have advanced either of their prospects? This just doesn't seem to ring true to me. I'm going to watch this story for you and report if any more information becomes available.

The Boiler Suit/Jumpsuit/Onesie. Why didn't I think of this earlier? I used to be a huge fan of this garment. Fashion Editor Luke Leitch in April's Instyle magazine called this "part of the Man-Repeller" range. The last time I had them in my wardrobe, they were by Norma Kamali or Kenzo (that's a very long time ago). But let's get back to the new crop of suits. I must confess this idea has come from the magazine pages, rather than having actually tried one on. But I can see much mileage in this - even more than with my previously-mentioned flirtation with Denim. Just have to find one that I like and doesn't make me look like an apprentice plumber. Not trying to make it difficult, but I fancy one in khaki, or maybe the flowered one in Dior (but that one's a tad too expensive for me). I just saw one by ASOS (£45) but where's the shop? Yes, I know it's online only! Haha just kidding. Well, only just... At this rate I could go through all the major trends in my head and save a fortune by dismissing them and wearing what I've got. Nooooo!! So who has the telephone number of ASOS then?

For the recent festivities, I was up North. Please, will someone let me know when the weather decided to be hot in Leeds? Yes, you know what I'm going to say now - I have brought absolutely nothing to wear for Spring Heat. And what I have brought up, well I can make do with (have to) but this will make you laugh. I've not brought the right shoes! How is that possible, I hear you ask?! I really don't know. And now all my trousers are on the floor. I must try to get this travelling wardrobe thing right! I think it's the timing issue to packing (haven't I complained about this before?) At least I didn't forget my Spanks...

Went to the MacArthur Glen outlet in York and, as always had huge fun. I bought three - yes, three! - tops. One from Adidas and two from Ralph Lauren. What with my £12.99 top from the sale rail in Marks & Spencers' I've updated my spring wardrobe for under £100! I have mentally checked them all with my existing clothes and Hey Presto! they all work. Except... OK, we're waiting for it... I need either one other pair of trousers or an all-in-one and some Spring Flats. Somehow a pair of Stan Smiths has crept into my subconscious as well. So that's just a bit of High/Low fashion for me. See what I did there? Totally didn't take any advice of what I said only a few weeks ago.

Is it a new Boy Band? A new hair colour? Or some kind of exotic vegetable? None of the above. The term I'm referring to is "Scandinavian Roots". As in, is there any Scandinavian blood in your family? I'm not going to assume you all know me - let's start at the beginning. Polish/Russian descent, brown eyes not blue, nothing Nordic to be found at all. So why the possible mistake? I'm blonde. Very blonde. And although it's a wonderful colour, the only natural blondes my colour are about three-years old! (This is very important to my story). Whilst I was in Leeds, some friends introduced me to a possibly suitable candidate (they thought). Everything was going quite well until a comment was made about my blonde hair. He obviously liked blondes and I thanked him and then talked about the different perception people had of me as a blonde. His face expressed shock! Was I not a natural blonde!? Did I not have Scandinavian Roots? (lots of laughing from my hairdresser as well). To which I replied, laughing, "No not at all. I'm naturally dark brown." But my height, my slim build, he exclaimed (seems he's used to slightly plumper women). Then he said (wait for this - it's a doozy) "How much does your hair cost?" I could not believe this question! Since when is this second-date material? I laughed, said nothing... and he tried to figure it out! And I let him. "It must be thousands! Five to Six K a year!" he gasped. As far as I'm concerned it's absolutely none of his business. You will not believe what he said next. His next exclamation was, "Is this my largest expense?" To which I laughed some more! Need I continue?... NEXT!!

I've just taken the plunge (I don't quite know why) but after I bought my new mascara, a few moments later I decided to try the new red lipstick and gloss by Dior, "999". There I was - red lips, red coat. I didn't buy the lipstick and gloss. Thought I'd see how we go until I got home. When I got home, I still liked it. So I've gone back and bought them. When you next see me, I will be Scandinavian Blonde (it's in the genes, apparently), smoky eyes, red lips, natural nails. And I know what will happen. You'll all think I look like a cross between Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron. Ha! How fabulous is that? All I'll have to do then is go from a size 40/42 to a 34/36. Not quite sure that's really possible, but the red lips are. So no stopping me now!

Happy Shopping!

F  XX