Real or Virtual High Streets?

The wind swept through the desolate street. Grass and weeds blowing in the breeze where once there were pavements and people. Now there was nothing but rubbish and vermin... What a picture. This could be the High Street near you, very soon. In 2090 people in SkyPod tours looking down on what was once the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, being told over a tannoy how we once lived and shopped. A step too far?… We've lost BHS, Austin Reed, Nicole Farhi, and it's not mid-week yet! What's going on out there? It can't all be the Internet, can it? Is it all Primark and the cheap disposable rubbish they peddle? Is it the greedy buccaneering tactics of people at the top? Is it the financial crisis? Who knows?… But the opening of my blog may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

The Shape of Shopping to Come?...

Do we want a High Street? Well, yes I do. I don't want to sit at home with no outside contact while I wait for my UPS delivery. Yes, that has created other industries, but soon we'll forget how to interact with other humans and shouldn't social interaction be a priority in today's insular world?…

I mentioned Austin Reed earlier on and this slightly surprised me. Although I've not been in one of their stores, I did venture to York Designer Centre this weekend and where once there was a 50-50 mix of women's and menswear, now the percentages have changed. The menswear now accounts for 75% of the clothing on offer. So men are shopping. They are buying fitness, casual, sporty/outdoor pursuits stuff and a smattering of suits, shirts and ties. So what happened to Austin Reed? Maybe they didn't move into the ’00s. Maybe they didn't anticipate the Dandy Man or the Sporty Casual Man. They stuck it out at the office?...

I know I don't shop like the young do. I watched my niece troll through Asos and other clothing sites looking for a dress. Thumbprint picture after picture. Page after page...  Only to exclaim “Oh it's after 9! I've missed next day delivery!” For the time-strapped I get it, but let's not forget the real shop and the bliss of discovery, trying on in a changing room and the joy of a new look in front of us in the mirror.

Has anyone seen my glasses?

Was it kismet? Was it fate? Was it just plain old coincidence that this week the BBC showed a program “Inside the Billionaire's Wardrobe” and what was it about? Fur, snakeskin, alligator, crocodile skin. All extreme luxury materials and Dior hosted a lovely afternoon Fur show! The TV program could have been sponsored by PETA as it showed how the rare skins were farmed, trapped or hunted for the extremely wealthy to wear and then hang in their extremely expensive wardrobes. It certainly didn't want to show the fur industry in a good light and that's a shame, as in my view there was no need to go to the lengths this program went to.

Fun with Fur at Dior!

Back to the beauty of fur... Today saw red, pink, blue, dusky orange, mink, sable, chinchilla and all the horrors of the program were forgotten. By me at least.

Not to sound like Lord Kitchener but remember “Your High Street (wherever it is) needs You”.

Very.
Happy Shopping.

F    XX


Lust of the Week:

My niece in this wonderful ghetto-fabulous top that I bought for myself but, on reflection, how much better it looks on someone in their early twenties (but still curious as to when I would have worn it)

Passing out or Passing over?

Does letting the world see you smiling in your Instagram photos at various parties mean you’re happy, enjoying yourself and having a good time? I go out a lot, but the last thing that I want is documentation for all and sundry on where I was, who I was with, how I looked and what I did. The thing is now it seems I'm alone in this thought, call me old fashioned. "Francine - you're old fashioned" See, I knew I was. But isn't privacy better than voyeurism? Does collecting Likes add to people's self-esteem? And what if the “Likes” diminish? Is this a way to live in 2016? Validation by others? I hope not... Well, not for me. I will continue to keep my private life, private (and enjoy myself). Well, just between you and me, as I always know you can keep a secret!…

See what happens when the World watches?

I read an article posted by Harper's Bazaar entitled “Confessions of an OCD Fashion Addict”. Since the inception of my blog I have read a lot more which is good for me and even better for you! Back to the article. In it, Our Writer states how, on returning back to her home, she empties her handbag, puts tissue inside to keep the shape then it goes into a dust bag. Same with shoes, and 'obviously' hangs up her clothes. Etc etc. Then she goes on to talk about maintenance of her wardrobe. This is where I come in. She talks about it feeling like a full-time job. Cleaners, alterations, cobblers. OK, I'm not quite that OCD but I must state that from my south London dry cleaners (only for my most delicate pieces) to my cobblers...  Classic Cobblers (Brecknock Road in Camden - the only ones to trust your sole to). I can also spend a good portion of time in wardrobe maintenance. So it gladdens my soul to know that:
A. I'm not alone in this, and
B, actually I'm really just like you (except I share these thoughts with you).
So I don't empty my handbag every evening but I do hang everything up 9 times out of 10. I think that makes my wardrobe maintenance excellent! What I really would like now is a bigger dressing room. Oh… such a First World problems!

Could this be the answer to a First World problem?...

Regarding record prices for handbags, forget my paltry £90,000 one from last week. We now have a world-record for a handbag. An anonymous buyer in Los Angeles bought a 35cm Birkin from 2008 in rouge braise croc with 18-karat white gold and diamond hardware for... $298,000 (£207, 900)

Bungalow or bag?

I know you like to know what's going on in the fashion world... OK , you're not that bothered but I am. I heard something this evening that may surprise, shock or fill you with dread! What is it? Well I heard (nothing has been mentioned in the press as yet, this is from inside the 'Paris' fashion community), that King Karl Lagerfeld of who has been Head Designer of Chanel for the past 33 years is tired. And at past 80 who can blame him? So he's about to retire and that obviously creates a hole at Chanel... And who's going to fill that hole? None other than Hedi Slimane (ex-Saint Laurent, ex-Dior Homme). For all you purists - be afraid, be very afraid. Remember what Hedi did to Saint Laurent? Particularly with his last collection? Yes that's right - almost navel-grazing Minis, massive shoulders with more than a nod to the 80’s. Obviously this is not confirmed as yet, as is Raf Simons going to the newly-vacant position at Calvin Klein or Jonathan Saunders going to Dior. But these all could be and where there's smoke there's usually fire. “I’m still hoping that the two back room designers at Dior (Serge Ruffieux and Lucie Meier) will be named. But all my hoping means nothing - we'll just have to wait and see.

Hedi, Raf and Jonathan - Help for Hire.

The Doyen of wearing jewellery in the day and evening is 90. Yes, you know her as The Queen. I've posted pictures of her before on my blog so it’s only fitting that I mention her today. Although quite why when I never receive a call or a card on my birthday… But I don't hold a grudge... Happy Birthday Your Majesty, and Well Done. (Oy Vey - can you imagine the fights in that family?) Now let's talk about your jewels... Only kidding but you're my Jewellery inspiration… If you can - so can I.

Have a great day but remember too much cake is no good (anymore).

Wishing you all (where applicable) a good Yom Tov!

Happy Pesach

Happy shopping

F   XX

Lust of the Week:

Never seen in the same jewellery twice!

RIP: Victoria Wood and Prince.

Looking for Flats (or possibly a house in Yorkshire)

New nail colour. Red, red, red! Yes, that's right - Red. I absolutely can't remember the last time I wore red nails. It took a test of nine reds till we found the perfect one. But I'm very happy - so that's good. Red nails and nothing to wear. … No, I didn't just say that did I? Yes, Francine you did. But everything was going so well! I'd edited my spring clothes in, I've looked at my Pinterest wardrobe called  “Things to Wear”’ so where's the problem? It's not my clothes, it's me! Good, as long as it's not Us - clothes have feelings too! Yes we do! OK, OK sorry was just getting carried away. Clothes don't really talk… No really, anyhow my coat, the Dolce & Gabbana leopard is silent. No silver trousers to talk to... OK OK where's the problem? I'm wanting something new. There - I said it! I owned it! I want to go shopping. Yes, but for what? I don't know and that's my problem (a real first world problem!)

Now and Then

Now let's talk about real Shopping Porn - “1stdibs” Up to two years ago I kept on seeing the advertising for this site in The Weekend FT and I never looked any further, until a friend told me about the many, coloured (authentic) Hermes bags and all the vintage designer goods on offer. So I downloaded the App and two years ago I was hooked. But that was “B.P.” - Before Pinterest. The reason l like Pinterest is there are no prices, so I can make one of my looks at my price point. No luck with 1stdibs - everything's for sale and as you can imagine, picking the most expensive things in a shop doesn't end there. Whatever I find that I like is always in the many, many thousands. Expensive taste, but enough about me. News! The Times Style magazine talked about personalising your own beauty skincare, hair and makeup. A little late is what I say. Let's go back to my squad - my beauty therapist Christina has been personally making my moisturiser for about two years now. This comes from a brand called Dermaviduals, Prescriptive High Classic. Every 5/6 weeks on examining my skin she decides what my skin needs more or less of. Does it work? I should say so! I love it and my skin looks better with age than it ever did. The only downside is that I have to shlep to Highgate to “Face It” to get this. Local, not! But I won't complain too much when the results really speak for themselves. Talking about faces - Dame Helen Mirren is looking remarkably good at the moment. I noticed it in an interview on the news and this was compounded when I saw the picture of her this morning in the Times. It's only a slight tweak but something has happened. Maybe she succumbed to strings, or a Lift of some description. But for whatever age, with a little help from an excellent plastic surgeon, she looks great. I only hope she doesn't deny it! “Own it” is what I say.

For £90,000 - a Hermes bag on 1stdibs, or a 3-bedroom house in Yorkshire.

A couple of days ago I was walking outside my house (I live in a cobbled mews) when in 3cm (small, very small heels) I tripped! It was like a slow motion film. I felt my heel in-between the cobbles and on trying to straighten up, sort of lost my balance and ended up on the floor. Nothing broken, nothing torn, only a bruised knee and a slightly twisted ankle. But the moral of this story? Move to an uncobbeled street or wear a thicker heel. It's always the shoes...

So that's flats we're now looking for. Which is a shame, as at a breakfast event I saw a girlfriend wearing the wickedest pair of boots:

Loving the heel. I'll have to move...

But as you see they also have this little thinnish heel. Shame - they’re sort of Victorian meets Vixen... 

My American Vogue arrived yesterday so I went out and bought English Vogue. Never before! Haven't I already said that on this blog? So, any news? Both Vogues are better. English Vogue used to be the fashion for 15-year olds at a bar in Hoxton than possibly Me.

The one thing I'm still liking is the long dress to be worn during the day, not to be confused by the idea of wearing an evening dress during the day. OK, we're back to that so let's take today and look. … 

Well, no long day dress was found. I think it's a fantasy that I've developed since I started Pinning. I've seen so many wonderful examples of this look and yet either I’m not looking in the right places (possible) or in London, this piece of clothing just doesn't exist. Could be that it's what I call a Look Too Far at the moment for me. Whatever the outcome, I'll report in further weeks…

A style Happening - wide, white Palazzo pants. They’re everywhere, including in my wardrobe! I have always been a fan of this look and wear them whenever able (sun shining and no sign of rain). They’re the Princess of all trousers - extremely high maintenance... Say no more!

The Princess in Palazzo Pants and the Robot

My red nails and I wish you a colourful weekend. Remember - always consult your list when shopping.

Happy Shopping. 

F  XX

Lust of the week: Helen Mirren - looking great, whatever her age now.

Turning back the clock successfully.

Linda Linda Linda!!

Will someone please explain to me the desire to wear cropped trousers high/mid calf? If ever there was a questionable fashion choice this is one. In fact, the photo I'm looking at in this week's Grazia is so suspect with the backless cowboy style shoes - it’s not a winner at all. So be warned - unless Fashion Victim is your desired look, I would steer well clear!

Look away...

As I write this, I look down at my very dark green nails. Funny, for months I have the same New York Nude and suddenly something happens and I'm wearing a different colour every week! I can't explain it except to say that change seems to be my watchword. It helps me look at my clothes in a different light and edit with more confidence and creativity. Hmmm… all this from a nail colour! The FT is showing black and white so now I can try my new shoes without the pain or talcum powder - the possibilities are endless for a new spring look!

It seems bare legs (now that Spring is here) are becoming a topic. When going out wearing a skirt, I love a bare slightly-tanned leg. It's my Look Du Jour. I realise not all of you agree, but to you who know me - I say “to each her own”.

Tin foil trousers. This week seems full of trousers. First we had the cropped ones, now we have tinfoil! Silver trousers are having a moment. The designer Isabel Marant is responsible for them and at £250 a pair they’re sold out. They’re like jeans, only not. And (surprise surprise) I like them! I've not tried them on (because they’re sold out). Probably won’t, but I still like them. In an article I read about them, the journalist complained about the noise that they made. That for me is the only downside to these as I know about noisy clothes. I have a leopard-print vinyl coated coat from Dolce & Gabbana. It makes such a sound that's it's got it's own language! Although it would look great with afore mentioned silver trousers, the constant chatter these two would make - well just to say there would be non-stop deafening conversation. And I'm not in the slightest bit interested in what my clothes have to say. But fear not - I’ve found out that if I want to join in this tinfoil explosion I can without the added sound effects! I’ve been eyeing some silver (tinfoil) shoes for weeks. Rest assured these have nothing to say. But they could be making an entrance to my shoe wall some time soon. So I'll be joining the tin foil scene, but quietly…

Foiled again!

Does it gladden our hearts to see pictures of once-beautiful icons, looking like humans after all. This morning a picture was shown to me of one of my all-time past icons Linda Evangelista. The women in the ’90s and early noughties that I thought was absolutely the last word in beauty. The all-time most Amazing Fashion Chameleon. Hair colour changes more often than any pop star or model It-Girl now. I could go on but you get my drift. So back to this morning. The Daily Mail (who else) ran a picture of her now and then. So we know what she used to look like but now! Now (I have to say it and I'm sorry to) she hasn't moved the chair from the fridge door. It's very easy - we can all over eat and the pounds pile on (quicker than you can finish this post). OK, let's look at this. Does it matter? Well, not really, as long as she's healthy. So why the Hoo-Ha? Has she let herself go? Yes. Has she let us mere mortals down? Well yes and no. It must be awful to have to starve to keep that thin - so let the women eat. But do I want her still to be amazing? Well actually yes I do. Sorry, but I don't want her plump and ordinary unless she's out of the public eye. But as soon as she hits the spotlight again unless she tells us all to F… O… then the way the world is now everyone will weigh in (no pun intended!) I suppose it comes back to the responsibility of beauty - when you’re paid millions for the use of your beauty, we mere mortals feel like we own you. And with that, unfortunately, comes scrutiny. Linda - I still think you’re beautiful, but just not so much as you used to be… As long as you have your health!

Now and then

More Grace Coddington news. Yes - she's releasing a perfume called (I’ll give you three guesses)… No, not AV. Not Anna (Wintour). Yes, that's right (what took you so long) “Grace, by Grace Coddington”. With the house of Comme des Garçon Parfums and with a cat (feline) headstopper (she's obsessed with cats). April 19 is touch down at Dover Street Market, so we'll wait to smell it then.

To Be Smelled - April 19th...

Fashion News! I was taken by the stylist Melanie Arron, Minister of Style to Moda Operandi to look at clothes. As you already know it really is an internet trunk show (pre-order) shopping site. But they do have some For Sale samples… I discovered Dice Kayek. Sort of a couture aesthetic and price. I did hear that Delpozo is opening in the middle of Sloane street. Interesting (maybe)…

A jacket for sale.

Spring, did you edit last week? See, I said it was going to be necessary. So as it gets warmer pull the light colours to your look. If not now...? When?!

Happy shopping

F  XX

PS: This week's Lust

Linda! Linda! Linda!