The World according to Francine: In, Out, Shake it all about

Every time, and I mean every time, I take something to the dry cleaners, the cobblers, the alterationist. I mean as soon as it leaves my dressing room I want to wear it. I plan outfits and the piece that I need is missing. It's not as if I don't have anything to replace these items, but they become overly important until they come back to me and then I forget about them again. Maybe this is just me? Or then again, maybe it's not!

It seems we’re leaving the European Union. Does that mean we won’t be allowed to learn from the French? With my Visa in hand I ventured to a cocktail party in SW1. The first thing I learned is I need to do my Botox. Hardly a line to be seen! OK, that's taken care of - it's only a phone call away. Next, can we talk about the hips or lack thereof! I'm never eating again... Well, you and I know that's not going to happen but they’re like a totally different species of women… Long-limbed, long-haired, short-skirted and they never look like they try too hard (but I'll bet they do). And just to even up the sexes - let's talk about French men. I reckon they’re worth I trip to La Perla any day of the week!

Heels were very high, skirts were very short, trousers were very tight. I was wearing none of these. So that's the look our French sisters favour, and this in the week that my hairdresser Michele was away in America. I was given the option of a hair wash at 6am in-between flights but I thought “No, I'll make do with someone else who was recommended”. Oh what a fool! Thinking that someone else could do what Michele does! Six AM’s not so early is it? And I must remember it's 7am in Paris. So next time I must make the effort as our French sisters always do.

Drinks in Paris, SW1

The thing is, culturally I get very confused. Last night I went to the opening of the Israeli Film Festival where, dear friends, I was thin and cool! Funny how a continent can change your perception of you!

The Shoe sales called to me and what do you know? This year so far I have resisted the sales. Now I'm dipping my toes (so to speak) further into pre-fall and loving the looks. I may just venture into the short boot/skirt territory that I've been wanting to try since it was last in fashion. That was back when I was buying at Dolce & Gabbana. Still have those boots but they were always a little too short. Maybe the ones on hold for me will be better this time… Or even better (if I can wait that long) the Winter collection!

A new Style Icon - Frith Kerr

How wonderful Frith Kerr looks and what a great name! I saw her at the Art Evening talk at Phillips and for all of us I had to photograph her. You can tell I'm not a natural with a camera, but you can see how utterly cool Frith is in her style - her trainers and full skirt and grey jumper. Just adore her style, or should I say “J’adore…” Much better than our French cousins!

Will it ever stop raining?! Probably yes, but what with the thunder and lightning, heat and everything - last night it was almost impossible to sleep. OK never mind about the weather - much more important things to report on. It's been (unofficially) announced that Maria Grazia-Chiuri from Valentino is to be the next designer at Dior. First things first - a female designer?! They've never had!! Interesting… Second - from Valentino. A very clever appointment if true and I like her sensibility so that must be a plus. Wait! It’s not actually official yet but I feel that there is possibly an announcement to be made after Couture Week. Still, it would be a shame for the two that have held the ship together since Raf departed. Next time…

Valentino, Dior, in out shake it all about.

Ever have a Eureka moment? I had one this afternoon. Let me paint the picture - it's 10:30am and I'm in my dressing room. It's pouring down outside and a good friend's lunch party in the garden awaits. So things to look out for - heels in the grass, long trousers in the puddles and too humid for a jacket. OK, so a skirt and blouse in white and champagne, skin shoes and red handbag. Good call… Hardly a Eureka moment until a conversation at lunch, in which I stated that too much choice confuses me (nothing new there then!) This was about wallpaper, but it so applies to dressing. All my “bad” decisions could be down to my love of Pinterest and my over-exuberant choices. So that's it Francine, but what does this really mean? It means - look by all means, but try to leave the clever dressing to the 20-year olds and stick with what you do best. Simple! I've left the Doc Martin Dior boots in the shop and now I'll concentrate on what I know works for me and not the me in my Pinterest Fantasy.