Pining for Pins

I've never had a day like today. All started well - I woke at 6:30 and had a cup of tea (Taylor's of Harrogate for hard water). So far so good. I then went into my dressing room to get dressed. I had Alan Mendoza’s culture class (World in Politics) at 9:30. No problem there then.  Ah ha! That's when it suddenly went downhill very fast. I tried this on, I tried that on, this combination, that combination… Lots of different ideas but nothing seemed to work and a huge pile of clothes was spreading over the floor. What had gone wrong?! I'd Pinterested myself into oblivion (you all know it's my new crush). Well, it well and truly crushed me. Picture after picture of women wearing millions of different combinations all looking just amazing! Remember - it never rains in Pinterestland, and no one suffers from having to walk too far in high heels (no pained expressions at all) and I think there's someone out of shot carrying a huge handbag with their daily life essentials. So all is wonderful in Pinterestland!

Different tops, blouses, jumpers, jackets, furs, cardigans, skirts, dresses, shoes, boots… and on it goes. I was OK before all this - American Vogue was my bible and all other magazines and newspapers in the hairdressers or beauticians. But now I've maxed myself out on fashion and style so much so that nothing worked. In the end I looked OK, but if this is a sign of things to come I'm going to have to wean myself off Pinterest. See what I've always said, “For me, too much choice is a bad thing!"

Sorry, sorry, sorry I had to check out Pinterest!! OK I'm going out soon and wanted to get a little inspiration. Well, we all need a little but just don't OD! And let me tell you, all the women look wonderful, with perfect hair. I look at the young women because the women's fashion my age is actually awful. My mother doesn't dress that old! See I still think I'm 35, and actually there's nothing wrong in that (just remember Francine - no leather legs) As if! Luckily, Pinterest worked for me tonight. What I've started doing, instead of tearing pages from magazines, I pin to my own board various looks that I like. One of them was a look that I'd already pinned - full winter white trousers with a black blouse and soft gold/silver shoes and a black belt. Are belts having a moment? A very good look for dinner at George. See - sometimes Pinterest works. Just not always!

The things I do for you. Fashion police at the Golden Globes. Firstly, I wish they'd police themselves! At least they were able to recognise the truly beautiful red Dior that Jennifer Lawrence wore. The rest… meh. Second, as we're between fashion seasons there's lots of fashion pages to fill with not very much. How to look good on the slopes, Pyjamas, what handbag you should be carrying and if not why not?! And last but not least, have you lost that extra weight from all the festivities? Going with the bag theme I saw a lovely yellow bag in the Dior Sloane Street window. It's four weeks since I've paid (no pun intended) them a visit. Did anyone say withdrawal symptoms? Not so - Shoe Heaven in Harrods! Anyhow, I've been looking around to see what we're wearing. Nothing remarkable so far - skinny jeans, biker boots, loose cashmere jumper, fur Parka or Gillet. Does this uniform strike a chord?

Polo necks! Yes, they’re having a moment. How do I know? I read it somewhere related to the Business of Fashion. Now that is a good read. This article even had pictures of how to wear them! As if - I mean, a polo neck?! Really?!!

Rodarte! Yes, you’re all familiar with the Mulleavy sisters. Kate and Laura who produce absolutely wonderful clothes (that I wish I could wear) have produced a film! Actually they’re not the only Designers to do so. Tom Ford and Tara Subkoff (late of Imitation of Christ) have all sat in the director’s chair. I'm always interested in a fashion film, be it about clothes or just the well-dressed and I can't wait to see these productions. Of course King Karl of Chanel had been filming shorts to accompany his spectacular shows, and now Alessandro Michele is presenting video for Gucci. Instead of MTV, we soon could have a video channel dedicated to fashion films, not just the shows. I'd watch it!

It's really, really cold now so dressed very warmly and checking my Pinned Lookbook I came across these lovely embellished socks and I thought, “Yes, this is what I'd like.” The only missing piece of information was the year these socks were produced. So I went on the Internet (which is meant to make life easier!) Well I can tell you I've just spent the best part of two hours (two hours I'll never get back) looking at tights, stockings and socks. Not one thing like these anywhere! I can't find anything, and boy have I looked! So now I'm going to head to Fenwicks in Bond Street. Maybe they can help…

Am also liking the seamed stockings or tights (or whatever they are).

Delpozo! You've never heard of them? Well, Fashion Friends, this brand is a sleeper to the wider public but when Olivia Palermo wears one of their dresses to the Golden Globes you can be sure this brand is on the up. I was speaking to an extremely knowledgeable fashion friend of mine yesterday and we were, of course, discussing who might be the next Dior designer. Which is when Joseph Font (of Delpozo) was mentioned. Not such a strange thought if you look at his shapes and sensibility. We'll just have to wait and see… Just remember, you heard it here first. Well OK, maybe second, but now you know!

And lastly but definitely not least. I applaud all of us that continue to cross fashion frontiers in whatever small way. We shouldn't follow the herd but strike out for real independence. Liberate the black skinny jean! Step away from dispiriting uniformity! I won't claim that saying - Anna Wintour in American Vogue, initiated that phrase. I just borrowed it! You know you'll feel better…

Happy Shopping

F   XX

PS: Fur news! The strawberry red Mink in Dior will have to find another face. I looked too terrible in it! Maybe it's the blonde. Did anyone say pale pink Mink?…

PPS: White! Shoes, handbags, clothes… See if I'm not “Wright”.