Very Trying

What a week! Busy like I've never known! They say always ask a busy person to do something and it will get done. How true! With a streaming cold I've been running around like a lunatic but have done everything. And the weather has been strange - hot one day cool the next then hot again!

My brown mascara has been noticed, as has my lack of black eyeshadow and lines. Interesting developments - I'm liking this look on me a lot. Am going to try with a strong lip soon see how that works...

Just realised that due to my busy week and a cold I've not been to the gym for nearly a week! Wow - good job my cold has prevented full on eating otherwise I'd be rolling down the street.

I was invited to view the new Bamford shop on South Audley Street so off I went. I parked outside the new Erdem shop, so naturally popped in. There they were. Lots of my big, Italian skirts and beautiful long dresses. May have to go back to try on... Then on to Bamford. Now, if you’re a constant reader of me then you'll remember I was invited to a breakfast at the Bamford studios earlier on this year. This time the manager, who came from Mui Mui, called me. He remembered my one inquiry about a blouse which I never even tried on (actually I did, in Dover Street - terrible fit!!!) And my name etc... Very impressive! That's how it's done, a personal connection and an ease of manners. Will I buy Bamford?! Maybe… Erdem - it may benefit by location…

Football! Yes I follow, but I must say now that I'm a pretty fair-weather follower (only if my club is doing well!) and my club is Chelsea… What a disastrous start to the season they're having. Poor Jose - what to do, as in life... Abandon ship? Soldier on? My question is actually what's gone wrong? As I'm not privy to the dressing room I've no idea but reading him in the Times this morning he's going to battle through. So should we all! Work the problem out and push on...

My big Italian skirt made its debut last weekend to huge applause! But my other big skirt (a Dior number) I took with me, to try the jewelled trainers with. You had to laugh. My Mother was crying, I looked so funny! Yes, if you 18-24 and stick-thin and trendy. Not if you an ever-so-slightly mature women who's not stick-thin. Well, at least I satisfied myself without bursting the bank. Remember it costs nothing to try !!!! 

Rain Rain go away! Please...

Happy Shopping 

F  XX

ERDEM front row - "No, it's OK - I'm waiting for my friends" 

Due to shrinkage...

The first Saturday in September, or Shabbat pre-Rosh Hashanna! Synagogue or Shull dressing. If this sounds strange to you, you're either not Jewish, not one of my friends, or (I suppose it's possible) you don't care what you wear! Then that begs the question - why read me That's for another blog. Back to the top. First Saturday dressing. Autumn is here, so no summer looks. I've cleansed my wardrobe of summer and I actually have an outfit on the holding rail.

The Financial Times arrived this morning with of course "How to Spend It" and the fashion - tweed! And what is on the holding rail? You guessed - a tweed coat, a herringbone coat, my big Italian skirt, and a tweed skirt. Take your pick. This is all part of the new Mishmash look I've been banging on about, but can I put it together to wear it in public? Hmmmm not so sure. I have other looks that can be worn but I'm drawn to this. It’s just a new departure for me and although you think I'm fearless, sometimes I'm chicken. (Francine, can't you just put on a dress and have done with it?!) I could, but then I might enjoy this new look more. Will report later…

Back from my dressing room. Big Italian skirt - No, tweed skirt - Yes Yes Yes! Triumph!! Got to go now - Shull calls.

Taffy and I went to pick up some alterations. A new heel height for winter means long long trousers must be shortened (only a little, but still a must). She is so loved by all. Well, most dogs are - its just that I'm biased. Dior on Sloane Street - they have a silver dog bowl and as she was the only dog yesterday, she happily drank out of her bowl!

Not that I'm in the market for a winter white Duster Coat, but if I was?... Where to begin?! And they had some kick-ass orange shoes. No No No walk away…

How hot was it today? 21 Degrees! Shame - it missed my summer clothes, I know all I'd have to do is open another wardrobe but one must be disciplined. I think I've finally lost it - talking to the weather as if it can be tamed…

The American Open. I'm a huge tennis fan and a champion of Andy Murray, I'm hoping that he can go all the way again and take the title, but I'd prefer that he stop playing at midnight - it plays havoc with my sleep patterns. Unfortunately Andy is now out...

Note to Self - do not buy the white jeans from Acne as I just washed my boyfriend jeans and boy! Did they shrink!! So winter white with guaranteed shrinkage will be a definite no-go!

Wrap up warmly!

Happy Shopping 

F  XX

Tweed - if only I could fit into those boots...

Family and Friends

The Anne Robinson Spending Secrets - very interesting… As expected spending time with family and loved ones is better than buying designer brands. I could have to told her that. Family and friends are always the best way to spend time and money.

Brown mascara, this is the way forward for the "no makeup" makeup look . OK, this may not be news to you but it is to me. The colour change makes such a difference! How come I never thought of it before? And I used to be a makeup artist! I've stopped using black eye liner, and using softer colours really works…

I read about some straight-legged white (winter white) Jeans at the shop Acme in Dover Street so I went in today to try them on. Hmmmm... not bad. Will have to try a few more makes on but they may just be the answer. 

Saw the wonderful Electra on Dover Street 3rd floor. I went in looking for one thing, of course ended up trying on totally different things, as alway! But maybe!... At least the length of the dresses and skirts were more to my liking - below the knee. This seems to be a problem, a lot of designers have hiked the hem lines up. Not a look for me. I went back to try on the winter white jeans in Acme - they were good but then she told me that washing can be a problem and not to wash too often due to shrinkage. Huh!! White jeans unwashable, "dry clean”. No that must be a joke. So they're still there.

 

As it absolutely poured down over the Bank Holiday I went to the cinema. I saw a really wonderful film - 45 Years. Yes it's a little slow but definitely worth the wait. The acting is immense! Charlotte Rampling gives a masterclass in restraint and Tom Courtney is also a giant on the screen. It deals with lives of maybe and regret!

So as Autumn has abruptly landed, if you've been good and sorted out your winter clothes, enjoy! Otherwise hurry up! (what have you been doing?) It's getting chilly…

Happy Shopping

 

F   XX

Is this what happens with friends and family?

All The Boys Love Taffy

This afternoon I had the Fashion Supremo, my sister (of the famous shop in Primrose Hill "Pamela Shiffer”) help me in and out of my Rosh Hashanah outfit following the rules of Mishmash. I told you it's not easy but with her help and a different eye my dilemma may be solved - just need a new top and new shoes! Now is the time to start thinking of these things. Funny thing is, we're both into the blue suede boot. Mine will be short, hers is long, great minds think alike!

Does Stuff hold you back? All our clothes, shoes, possessions, jewellery. Does it hold us back? I'm just watching this programme with Anne Robinson - Britain's Spending Secrets. Does Money define us? That's what she says, well what do you think? I think it shouldn’t, but in today's society it's easy to let it. I think I'll watch next week’s episode to see what light she finds to shed on this subject.

No one can believe it! This weekend I've had a house guest. Not the usual house guest - Relative, friend of the family, boyfriend, none of the above. My house guest is a small King Charles Spaniel who goes by the name of Taffy. She is absolutely the first dog I've ever looked after in my life. When I was growing up my sister had cats - Twiggy, Brandy to name just two and she has a cat to this day. We had Goldfish that generally lasted a few days. No one knew who'd fed the things, so consequently they usually died of over-feeding. Many burials took place in the downstairs loo. Still no dogs, until this weekend. Taffy is a little treasure! She belongs to a friend who's away. So I said I'd dogsit for the weekend. I took her with me to town, to an afternoon in Dior. My friend who I was meeting on the couch in Dior also has a dog and they always accommodate her so I felt all would be well, and it was. I took her bowl and treats and she was good as gold. It was funny when I went Into the changing room to try on, Taffy would follow me. Apart from that she sat next to my friends dog and just chilled. She's got a friendly temperament and we've been out for lots of walks. I may have her again soon! The funny thing is when she's asleep she snores like a human - maybe she's the spirt of someone from the past. All I can say is - the way forward may be a dog, but only if the spirt of Taffy is passed on.

Happy Shopping 

F   XX

All The Boys Love Taffy!

Grandma Was Always Right!

I'm waiting to read something new in the fashion pages of The Times. This week they covered Vita Kim and Scandinavian style. OK, I only touched on Scandinavian roots but really. All I can say is I'm glad we knew all about this weeks ago! They also printed there autumn list and I just looked at mine! (Is my phone being hacked?!)

Leather jacket 

Long knitwear 

Etc etc!

And they talk about the No Makeup look - Is this a case of déjà vu?

This week I went with a friend black tie dress looking. Well, a dress for a black tie wedding. Let's take the Tube I said? I know, I know we were only going to Knightsbridge (honestly I must have had a brain freeze, that's the only way I can account for such a statement) so on the Tube we went to Sloane street. 

I happily went with her into all the shops from Harvey Nichols down. Starting off in Alberta Ferretti, the shop I loved the most is the Italian designer Ermanno Scervino. Very out there but clever at the same time. Dolce was a delight and after so long in the wilderness so it should be with such huge talents behind it. Loved Valentino with all its Puritan values of high-buttoned, long-sleeved dresses. Dior was Dior - as always the most copied on the High Street (it's still love!) and then on to Harrods! Honestly there was so much to choose from, I could easily have found an entire black tie wardrobe, but that’s just me! The only thing I did come away with were 2 blisters, one on each heel. What do they say about No Good Deed Goes Unpunished!

Back to my list. I saw a beautiful black leather jacket last year and I was hoping that it might have found its way to Bicester but No is the answer, so that item of clothing (for the time being at least ) might have to be highlighted on the list. This means concentrate on other things...

So, sick of wearing my jeans yesterday I wore my long, flared white trousers with 8 (not 10cm) heels so a little puddling. All well and good as long as there's no rain which, when my meeting started, there wasn't. But as it finished so the rain started, so now the hems are a lovely shade of black. I did double check my weather apps and they both said "2-3 o'clock - Rain." Totally my fault. My timing was out - everything took longer than I had anticipated.

As August slowly creeps into September and term time awaits, work has started on my 2 Chair positions for next year. One Lunch, one Dinner. Both very different concepts and charities but what do they say? “As in life… the early bird catches the worm."

Preparation and detail are the secret to success and now that I'm (no longer I hope) headstrong in dealing with any and all attacks, take a deep breath, count to ten and breath again. Then remember Revenge is always a dish best served cold...

Remember, cover up as Grandma used to do and keep your mouth shut until you see the whites of their eyes!

Happy Shopping 

F    XX

Grandma - you look fabulous!

Make-Up in the Eye of the Beholder

Can you Be the Look?

You know I'm always looking. In the magazines, online, at VIP events. In fact I should rename this blog “How the world looks to Francine!" 

Something happened this week and I'm pondering it’s significance. I woke up and looked in the mirror (so nothing new there then) but for some reason, without makeup, I looked OK. It’s not a huge deal (you think?) I nearly went out without makeup! I think it was my hair - it seemed to fall well and messy without too much curl. Did I go out with out makeup (are you mad?) but I'd love to. No really I would, but I'm 

(ahem) not that young and although I suppose I could, make up has always been my thing. In a former life I was quite a successful 

Makeup artist but is this part of the mishmash I spoke of last week.

I have quite a few friends who don't wear makeup save for lipstick so it's not unheard of, but me… we’ll see. I discussed this with Michele (you remember - my hairdresser) he was of the opinion that done correctly one could actually look a lot younger. Done incorrectly one can look absolutely tragic! I think it starts with the eyelashes. So I wore brown mascara - it makes a difference. Slowlee slowlee catchee monkey... At this rate my face may be “nudish" by next March. Will keep you posted…

As I waited for a meeting last week I decided to try on some new clothes! Nothing new there then… I liked a lot of things, but for me there was one over-riding problem, all the skirts and dresses were too short (way above the knee) and the dresses that weren't made me look like a solicitor or city banker! Not the look I'm after!

But whilst wearing a lovely winter white sort of A-line '60s shift I was given a pair of press office sample thigh-high raspberry PVC boots that were one size smaller than I generally take. Let's examine. They were not as aggressive as you'd think (note to self - avoid black leather, suede or PVC). They were so high up the leg they felt like waders one wears to go fishing in. (OK still looking for a boyfriend so I suppose technically still fishing...) With the dress they were of course PERFECT, but there was one problem. I was told because they were press samples they were small. No I must correct that - they were incredibly tiny around the leg or my legs are of elephant proportions (which they aren’t). The back zip went nowhere near to closing. Quelle horrore!! Shame… 

Just reading about the extreme measures models are now encouraged to take in order to to stay slim. Shaving hip bones, lunch boxes containing nothing but drugs and appetite suppressants. Is that what we real women are supposed to do in order to get into a pair of boots?!

Never did like the winter white dress... Actually they did it in a lavender tweed... hmmm! And what about a 60 denier tight? One size fits all!" It's just a thought but nowhere near as fabulous as raspberry PVC. The Vanity Fair Best Dressed List was aired last week, so I thought it was about time that we had one! Top of the list is:

1. You (your style is always superb and high/low, so in my eyes you can do no wrong)
2. You. Yes, you! You’re always happy to step out of the box whatever the occasion
3. You. You’re third a little conservative for me but everyone else loves your style
4. You
5. You
6. You

I could go on, but in my eyes you’re all on the best dressed list because you care. Whatever age and however much you spend - there has never been anything wrong in being seen in the same outfit more than once!

Happy Shopping 

F  XX

Is this possible by next March?...

Do your clothes speak Mishmash?

Having just got my clothes back from the dry cleaners, I felt a relief at having my wardrobe sorted for the next month only to be bought up short by a trip into town. I was invited to preview a new collection of shoes/handbags in Roger Vivier which, as those of you that know me know, I used to be in a relationship with. As with all good passionate affairs the Love didn't last but a friendship of sorts continues - meaning sometimes I still wear his shoes! Could I be tempted back? I'm nothing if not fickle! Maybe, who knows?…

But then, with half an hour to spare (never waste a minute) before meeting a friend in Harrods I darted into Dior! I've resisted pre-fall this year and what do you know? Winter is in! And so are the new shoes and boots! I'm loving the colours and the suede and the colours (oh, I just said that). Anyhow lists must be made! Which reminds me - have I finished my interim summer/fall list? Must check… Just checked - almost. Can add what's left to my autumn/winter list.

Have booked a leg tan (“Again?" I hear you say). I told you - factor 50 is good but no friend to colour, and I'm not a fan of pale. So now my legs match the rest of my body!

There's a change in the air. I can feel it - can you? What I'm thinking now is - is it too early to embrace the autumn looks around? Sort of! August is just too early and whilst we still have warm weather (although one morning last week was so chilly I wore a fur to a breakfast meeting, with jeans and open-toed shoes. I thought it looked pretty cool!) The thing is that fashion and style is heading for what I call “mishmash" and I want to embrace it. You sure it's too early?...

OK, I tried a subtle mishmash a few days ago. Pink shoes; red dress; black and white jacket; red, orange and pink handbag. Uuuum... not bad, but this look lends itself better to patterns and textures. Just tried my new skirt with a grey herringbone coat and silver shoes. It's a winner! But it's too hot at the moment. Let’s hope I can remember the outfit when the weather changes. I can't stress this too much - style is changing and I can't wait! Trust it to be too hot at the moment…

I know I just called autumn/winter fashion "mishmash" and I've already read an article on how to achieve this look - throw everything on together. No No NO!! It may look like that, but believe me there is a very cunning art to this look and if we're not careful we (OK, I) could end up looking truly awful. This look is calculated and “opposite". There is no handbag and matching shoe but there is a conversation between our clothes and accessories, make no mistake.

So take care out there in Fashionland and always listen to what your clothes have to say!

Happy Shopping 

F  XX

She obviously speaks Mishmash!