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.