The Generation Game

Instant gratification. Once the genie is out of the bottle can it ever be pushed back in again? When was the last time you made a meal from scratch? The last time you lived in a home that you took your time to decorate? The last time that you gave a relationship time to develop? Pirates stream films before they hit the cinemas. You can download straight from the Internet without having to wait for the album release. All these things that 20 years ago took time, are now available almost instantly. Fashion is just part of this global race. It's as if our time is running out. I've never had a ready meal but if I wanted a Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding supper one evening, followed by Tiramisu, all I'd have to do is go to the freezer cabinet in my local Waitrose. Microwave the beef and defrost the Tiramisu. Instant supper! Full of preservatives and who-knows-what. But who asks that question? It's what I want and can get it instantly. And that, my dear friends, is where we are with Fashion. You used to send letters to say Thank You (some, but very few, still do). Now we text or Email, but how lovely it is to receive a letter? I know it's a generational thing and although the telephone is quicker than a horse to deliver a message (Wolfe Hall) Henry VIII would have probably had who knows how many wives if he lived in our times. In fact the only thing they haven't managed to speed up is the time from conception to delivery of our next generation. I wonder if they're working on that?...

The True Cost. This is a film due for release at the end of May. As we speak I am hoping to get an exclusive preview for Beyond Art/BFAMI (more of that later on). But back to the film - I saw a preview and it's Fashion Dynamite. Now, you all know I'm not one to bang on about Fast Fashion but we all have a brain and when that building collapsed in Bangladesh two years ago, exposing the fashion sweatshops, one man took more notice than others. His name is Andrew Morgan and he is the Director of the film. Fast Fashion has been with us for about 20 years, but I feel that apart from the cost issue it's also a generational thing. Poetically it's almost the flip side of Dior & I (the last film I previewed for Beyond Art). But make no mistake - this is the brutal truth about your £10 jeans, your £2 t-shirt etc. If I can get a preview screening I hope that as many of you that can come along, will. But even if that doesn't happen it's absolutely not to be missed. Those 80 minutes will alter your shopping forever, I hope!

Is art sexist? Do men have more to say? I don't know the answer to this but in general I think we women have plenty to say. But in the art world are we being heard? In other words are the female artists being paid the respect they deserve by art collectors and museums. The prices they garner in the sale rooms says not, and I'm wondering why not? I'm going to look into this very carefully for you and of course report my findings.

"Women in our society are compartmentalised so that we start to feel like we're cut flowers, and after a while we will wilt" - Charlize Theron urges people to stop judging women by their age.

Great minds think alike! Just flicking through May's Instyle magazine and have come across a very interesting jewellery shoot. They have used some very attractive women they describe as "the coolest older ladies" and my thought is "Why state 'Older', when it's very obvious from the pictures that these are not the artist Cindy Sherman in one of her many disguises. But beautiful women whatever age! We don't need the "Older" title...
I was invited to preview the Fur and Fall collection by Dior in the wonderful surroundings of the private apartment at the Connaught Hotel. Let me say this - I have very rarely seen a collection that I relate to so much! I felt this when I saw it as "Esprit Dior" in Tokyo a few months ago - remember my sequinned sleeves? But to see it in the flesh - it's so beautiful and wearable!

This has been my worst week for flying stains ever! White trousers - suddenly a mysterious black mark on the leg. Pale yellow jumper - tea drips from a saucer. My White Blouse - makeup. I could go on and on. I'm absolutely sick of shlepping to South London to the dry cleaners (I heard on the grapevine they may be coming to central London). OK, I could bike them but then it becomes a very expensive activity, and as you know I'm all about saving where I can. Scoobies - please open a store in central London!
(Of course Francine. Just for you!)

Is it me or do you ever get stuck in a rut? Maybe that's not the correct term but I do tend to do the same things I always do (I'm very much a creature of habit.) But I've found out how shortsighted this can be. I nearly turned down a big dinner for fear of going by myself, but when persuaded to go, I had the best time with new people who were very friendly. Make no mistake - going unaccompanied (without my circle of friends) to any social event can, for me, be an extremely daunting task!

One last thing - Necking! No, not the kissing you did in your teens, the body part to decorate this season! Whether a jewelled polo or a beautiful necklace, this is the place to highlight. So I've saved money on that neck lift now! How much are the real sequinned sleeves?!

Happy Shopping

F XX

Fashion Dynamite!

Talking Body Parts

Gemma Atherton at the Olivier awards! Kate Winslet at the premier of the film A Little Chaos. What do these two fine actresses have in common? Both employed the "let my breasts do the talking for me" rule of dressing! Why Oh Why would either of you go this way?! I suppose Gemma can say, “it got me on the front of many newspapers.” I don't know about Kate - she was only on page ten of The Times but may be in other papers that I didn't see. And there's no such thing as bad publicity. (Really?)

As promised - an update on the Harvey Weinstein story. He will not be facing charges over the "alleged sexual assault" (but we can look out for a former Miss Italy contestant, Ambra Battilana, In one of Harvey's upcoming films - what do you think? Just a thought…) But all is forgiven as he sent his wife a big bunch of flowers for her birthday. You think?! A bunch of flowers?!! Really?!!! Doesn't he own a large percentage of her business? Ah, so that's OK then. A fumble perhaps, equals flowers. And "she feels protective towards him, and doesn't read the bad things about him." Nothing like putting your head in the sand. Just saying… (Francine, you’re so cynical). 

Just for the blog I'm watching CSI New York. KKW - who knew she could act?! (sorry, I've just had a sherry - "the new summer drink"  - and I'm drunk). I think KKW can act. Well, you should see her angry, lip glossy pout! In America as we speak there is some wonderfully talented actress who can't get a break. So sad... But the producers got me to watch (just for you, of course) a show I'd never watch. So there you have it - success on a plate!

It can't have been one small sherry, but I woke with a monster headache. It wasn't bed-inducing, so this morning I went to a very interesting event which took place at a friend's home. A current affairs class delivered by our own Conservative candidate for Brent Central and the Director of the Henry Jackson Society, Alan Mendoza. This morning he looked at the political manifestos of the four major parliamentary parties. Unfortunately, by the time the class was over I was definitely in need of very strong medication and my bed. Later on, after a long sleep and complete rest and with the headache almost gone, I decided to bring in my summer dresses to my dressing room. A good idea in principle, but in the last wardrobe (which houses the really, really old stuff) I saw an old trouser suit, so I thought I'd try on the trousers. Then a skirt from an equally old skirt suit. Guess what I found out? Neither fit. Either that or being in that wardrobe has shrunk the waists of all my clothes…

I must have been so, so slim. Well, as I already know, when I'm upset I don't eat. Let's just call a spade a spade - I have middle-age spread! What's to be done? I'm definitely going to investigate this phenomenon. Maybe a Mr Pearl basque corset will train my waist to what it once was? But then, where does the fat go? Answers on a postcard… Drum roll please! I know what's happened! It’s the HRT! So it's hot sweats or the above? Anyone who has had bad hot sweats will understand. Middle-age spread every time. And believe me, no-one's ever complained about it!

What do Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights have in common? Just watched both on TV - 19^th Century romantic fashion. Now I know what Raf Simons of Dior was watching 2 years ago. There is definitely something gorgeous about this romantic feeling, and talking about gorgeous… I mentioned this skirt some weeks back. A few days ago I tried on the full back bustle skirt from Dior (which I spoke of when talking of big backsides, remember?) It comes with an underskirt that is so stiff and padded it stands on the floor by itself (which is no problem). This, with a very fitted jacket. So very romantic, but where and when I would wear it I've no idea. Any more of these big skirts and dresses in my wardrobe and I'll definitely have to do the loft extension or move! But I love this shape so much. I taken to wearing my Oscar de la Renta full padded skirt. Just loving it and such joy - no Spanx required!

Just one last note. They'll never see the diamonds from the Hatton Garden heist again, but whoever has them, I've always felt that a little tiara, earrings, necklace, bracelet, broach and a ring goes a long way in the romance stakes. Just watching the program "Our Queen." She knows a bit about romance. Just saying… And of course my lips are sealed (only you and I will know where they came from…) 

Happy Shopping 

F   XX

Where it all began

Scandinavian Roots

When No Is Not Enough. The man in the movie industry, often referred to as G-D (Harvey Weinstein) has been accused by a 22-year old model of groping her breasts and private parts (that's how the report described it). His reasoning was to find out if her breasts were real. It seems our Italian model (who had been involved with Silvio Berlusconi - obviously no stranger to powerful men, then) didn't know who Harvey was. Why that should make a difference I don't know. If she had recognised him, would that have advanced either of their prospects? This just doesn't seem to ring true to me. I'm going to watch this story for you and report if any more information becomes available.

The Boiler Suit/Jumpsuit/Onesie. Why didn't I think of this earlier? I used to be a huge fan of this garment. Fashion Editor Luke Leitch in April's Instyle magazine called this "part of the Man-Repeller" range. The last time I had them in my wardrobe, they were by Norma Kamali or Kenzo (that's a very long time ago). But let's get back to the new crop of suits. I must confess this idea has come from the magazine pages, rather than having actually tried one on. But I can see much mileage in this - even more than with my previously-mentioned flirtation with Denim. Just have to find one that I like and doesn't make me look like an apprentice plumber. Not trying to make it difficult, but I fancy one in khaki, or maybe the flowered one in Dior (but that one's a tad too expensive for me). I just saw one by ASOS (£45) but where's the shop? Yes, I know it's online only! Haha just kidding. Well, only just... At this rate I could go through all the major trends in my head and save a fortune by dismissing them and wearing what I've got. Nooooo!! So who has the telephone number of ASOS then?

For the recent festivities, I was up North. Please, will someone let me know when the weather decided to be hot in Leeds? Yes, you know what I'm going to say now - I have brought absolutely nothing to wear for Spring Heat. And what I have brought up, well I can make do with (have to) but this will make you laugh. I've not brought the right shoes! How is that possible, I hear you ask?! I really don't know. And now all my trousers are on the floor. I must try to get this travelling wardrobe thing right! I think it's the timing issue to packing (haven't I complained about this before?) At least I didn't forget my Spanks...

Went to the MacArthur Glen outlet in York and, as always had huge fun. I bought three - yes, three! - tops. One from Adidas and two from Ralph Lauren. What with my £12.99 top from the sale rail in Marks & Spencers' I've updated my spring wardrobe for under £100! I have mentally checked them all with my existing clothes and Hey Presto! they all work. Except... OK, we're waiting for it... I need either one other pair of trousers or an all-in-one and some Spring Flats. Somehow a pair of Stan Smiths has crept into my subconscious as well. So that's just a bit of High/Low fashion for me. See what I did there? Totally didn't take any advice of what I said only a few weeks ago.

Is it a new Boy Band? A new hair colour? Or some kind of exotic vegetable? None of the above. The term I'm referring to is "Scandinavian Roots". As in, is there any Scandinavian blood in your family? I'm not going to assume you all know me - let's start at the beginning. Polish/Russian descent, brown eyes not blue, nothing Nordic to be found at all. So why the possible mistake? I'm blonde. Very blonde. And although it's a wonderful colour, the only natural blondes my colour are about three-years old! (This is very important to my story). Whilst I was in Leeds, some friends introduced me to a possibly suitable candidate (they thought). Everything was going quite well until a comment was made about my blonde hair. He obviously liked blondes and I thanked him and then talked about the different perception people had of me as a blonde. His face expressed shock! Was I not a natural blonde!? Did I not have Scandinavian Roots? (lots of laughing from my hairdresser as well). To which I replied, laughing, "No not at all. I'm naturally dark brown." But my height, my slim build, he exclaimed (seems he's used to slightly plumper women). Then he said (wait for this - it's a doozy) "How much does your hair cost?" I could not believe this question! Since when is this second-date material? I laughed, said nothing... and he tried to figure it out! And I let him. "It must be thousands! Five to Six K a year!" he gasped. As far as I'm concerned it's absolutely none of his business. You will not believe what he said next. His next exclamation was, "Is this my largest expense?" To which I laughed some more! Need I continue?... NEXT!!

I've just taken the plunge (I don't quite know why) but after I bought my new mascara, a few moments later I decided to try the new red lipstick and gloss by Dior, "999". There I was - red lips, red coat. I didn't buy the lipstick and gloss. Thought I'd see how we go until I got home. When I got home, I still liked it. So I've gone back and bought them. When you next see me, I will be Scandinavian Blonde (it's in the genes, apparently), smoky eyes, red lips, natural nails. And I know what will happen. You'll all think I look like a cross between Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron. Ha! How fabulous is that? All I'll have to do then is go from a size 40/42 to a 34/36. Not quite sure that's really possible, but the red lips are. So no stopping me now!

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

Gas and Gravity

Where did this week go? It's Saturday and I'm just about the read the Style section in the Financial Times, when I realise I've written nothing to you. Last week was a bit of a whirlwind, but as I think back, history slowly unfolds. I did something new that many of you think I do all the time - I went to Shoe Heaven in Harrods. Yes, Yes Francine - but you're always there. Well, that's almost correct but not quite. When I go I'm a bit like a homing pigeon. I only go to the Dior space. This time, as I was with a friend, she took me around the whole thing. Who knew it was so huge!? And full of so many shoes! (Really?!) Some very interesting. Some very generic. Some just plain ugly to me. But so many! What I've just read on the Business of Fashion is what I've always said. Shoes are the best way into fashion. That's why there are so many new shoe brands. Great news for all of us connoisseurs!

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I've made a momentous decision. I'm going no further with the leather trouser thing. Instead I'm looking for denim. Yes, that's right - Francine in Denim. What sort I don't know. Japanese, embroidered, boyfriend, flared - could all be in with a shout. But not skinny or slashed at the knee (or other places). Who knows? Will update you as I go. Saw some Japanese denim in Feathers, opposite Harrods. But they were hovering around the £700 mark. Really?! Didn't try them on, but I still remember them so might just do so as an exercise.

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Talking of exercise, I did my Pilates class the other morning and unfortunately, before the class had even begun, my mat neighbour already had a space problem and was all about the muttering! The class started and as her backside was at the bottom of her mat and my head was at the top of mine... yes, you know what's coming next! In a very quiet studio with only eight students, suddenly the quiet was interrupted... she farted. In a cartoon this is hysterical. In real life with my face in such close proximity, this is not so funny. Not until after the class when I walked out with some friends, we were nearly on the floor laughing so much. This couldn't have happened to a nicer, muttering woman...

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Back from South London by way of Scoobies (the best, and I mean the best, dry cleaners in London). And let me refresh your memory - no more expensive than my local dry cleaners. Take my word for it - if you have good clothes that you want taken care of in the best way possible, then Scoobies is the only way to go.

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Do we gravitate to people who dress like us? This morning I saw a very interesting sight. Two women in different outfits but the same colourways - black and green - and there they stood, echoing each other (obviously friends). I wish I could have photographed them for you. It's like men and women who marry people who look like them. I've seen it so many times. Is it like looking in the mirror? Or imagining what you'd look like as the opposite sex?

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Did someone forget to tell me about the hour going forward? Missed a 9:30 Zumba - shock! horror! Never mind... I'm sure my body won't fall apart due to the loss of one class. So now I'm reading the Sunday Times Style magazine. I'm beginning it see it as a comic. Is that what they call it? Do they think that the readers of the Sunday Times are still teenagers? Or is it for the reader's children? My predilection for wearing my hair wavy may have to go, if it's to be so, so fashionable with this '70s vibe going down. No - what am I saying? Most women still blow dry their hair straight to within an inch of it's life. OK then, I'm still safe.

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Between now and then. The hours of one o'clock in the afternoon to six o'clock in the evening - I've lost a button from my trousers, a heeltip has come off my shoe and I've pulled the seam on a chiffon blouse. So now I've nothing to wear! No really, the shoes (not my only pair) are my favourite at the moment. Same with the trousers. The blouse - not such a problem. But a problem nonetheless. So, here I sit in my dressing room. Why have I nothing to wear?...

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

PS: Wishing all my friends a very Happy and Peaceful Passover and Easter. Normal service will be resumed on 13 April.

Me as Dinner Chair at the Langdon Gala.

Fashion Sprout

I've just read something very interesting about the Business of Fashion. In a nutshell, it's that high-end fashion is being bought mostly in what they call "hardware" - bags, glasses (sun and ordinary), shoes, beauty and jewellery and then paired with "high street" clothes - Zara, Top Shop, River Island etc. This way the shopper is supposed to get more pound-per-wear than investing in designer clothes. Examine! Yes, this may be true and nothing I do or say will stop this. But do I agree with it? My answer is... a resounding No.

Having just seen the masterpiece Dior & I (we'll get on to that later) clothing from the High Street is descended from the collections, but the longevity of the garment (the feel of the cloth, the cut and the finish of the hem) it just doesn't stand up to scrutiny. And I think very few can really get away with this High/Low dressing (despite what they think).

Yes, yes Francine  - easy for you to say. But not really - I have to make decisions on how to spend my money. And I'm not of the current trend of "wardrobe cleansing". If I was, I'd never been able to have such fun with old/vintage pieces. But for this, you do need space. If you buy good clothes they will always last and pound-per-wear is, I think, a much better investment than this season's handbag. As it happens, I do have a collection of past, expensive seasons handbags (pre-divorce) and never, ever use them. They seem to have dated faster than the clothes. But clothes from that period do get worn so I rest my case...

If you read me and enjoy style and fashion then do not miss this film! As I said last week I thought it would take me into a world I'd never seen. And I was right! In my past life as a makeup artist, I did lots of designer shows including for the likes of YSL, Versace etc. So I did get to see behind the scenes, but the creation of a couture collection is, to me, another world. This film is not to be missed! Plus, the clothes were absolutely exquisite. And, as in my last paragraph, pound-per-wear would (if one wears in that price bracket) be unbelievable. Well, if I were ever in that position I'd wear my couture forever!

Finally - I got to put on my new Evening/Modern Black Tie Dress. It was so the right decision to buy! And widely admired for it's beauty. I loved it! My only near-disaster was the wrong deodorant (white stains). Anyhow, that was resolved before any damage was done. You just have to remember everything!

I find myself here in South London visiting my dry cleaners (winter white...) and finishing off this weeks post. I'm sorry that this week's is so short but with the Dior & I film and as I'm chair of the Langdon Awards dinner which was last night - time's been a bit tight. But all will be back to normal soon.

White, pearlised high heels/black tights. I feel a new Fashion Sprout coming on...

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

SIX Gold Stars from Francine!

Signs of (new) Life

I have always been of the opinion that everyone deserves a second chance in life and I was very pleased to read in the new American Vogue that our own Rabbi Barry Marcus of the Central Synagogue London has been a key figure in the rehabilitation of designer, John Galliano. Rabbi Marcus coached Galliano on the tenets of Judaism after his drunken anti-Semitic rant in a smokey cafe in the Marais in 2011 and subsequent firing from the House of Dior. I will never understand the reasoning for this outburst but with time and the patience of one of our own (in the person of Rabbi Marcus) I hope all of the aforementioned will prove to be an Elixir for Mr Galliano, who still proves to be a huge talent.

A Funny Thing Happened To Me On The Way To An Upcoming Gala. A Friend phoned and asked to introduce me to someone by way of her seating plan. "He may be a bit old, but so dapper and very well-kept," she said. He sounded very familiar - I'd had lunch with him four years previously when he wasn't quite so old. Not for me... Undeterred she said, "OK, I've got another one who's just come out of a relationship!" Yes, I knew him too. He took me out before his last relationship. "OK, OK," she said confidently, "I have one more. This one you'll never know!" As she described him - yes, I knew him as well. Another friend had sat me next to him at a previous dinner. "Isn't he gay?" I asked. "Well, yes" she said hesitantly, "He may well be. But no one talks about it." My friend's dilemma is to find me someone I don't know. Who knew I knew so many men!? But I really thank her for trying.

Leather Legs: How Old is Too Old? Friends of mine are convinced that this is the way to go for me. I'm not so sure. I've not tried on the new leather trousers (maybe I will). But I just keep having flashbacks to when I was married 21 years ago and my last ex-husband said, "Don't you think you're a little old for the Leather Trouser Look?" So now what do I think more than 20 years later?...

I've been wearing reading glasses for about 10 years now and this year I decided it was time for new frames. Off I went for my eye test to my Optometrist, Schuller in St Johns Wood High Street. I'd seen some new frames a few weeks earlier and after numerous trying-on sessions I decided to buy them. Now, my reason for telling you this, is that the frames are by a designer I'd never heard of - Laura Imani. When a friend of mine admired my glasses and asked about them, I told her the name and where I'd bought them. She said, "You do know the Designer." I look quizzically at her and said no I don't. She then informed me that Laura works at Schuller. The girl who sold me the frames designed them. She never said a word about this and believe me - I tried on many different pairs. She never pushed her frames at all, saying "I designed these, that's why they're so great, etc." I called to congratulate her for her obvious talent and for just being so cool. That said, my frames are a huge hit, thanks to Laura, her discretion and her design talent.

For the Blog and only for the Blog, I'm going to try on the new Prada platforms today. It's not the first time I've worn platforms but that was a looooong, loooooong time ago. The question is, are they age-relevent a second time around?
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I'm sorry. Very sorry. I couldn't. I went into Prada to try them on and thought better of it. Have you seen the height they are?! They're definitely a trend to far for me, but I do like the socks.

I'm watching a re-run of the Downton Abbey Christmas Special (can life get any better than this?) And truly, I can't get over the simplicity of their dressing. My March American Vogue came this morning and I'm going to look again with Downton eyes and then we'll see what I find.

A Trend... First we had Uma Thurman's (shock horror) new make up look, which I applauded. Now it seems J-Lo is getting in on the act, albeit in a slightly softer way. But still, she's trying. I say - Congratulations on embracing the New! It proves that age doesn't define you. On that note, I'm going to try on some leather trousers...
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Not happened yet - will report.

I did buy some new gardening gloves. Yes - that's right, gardening gloves. And I mean real ones! Not like the ones Amal Clooney had on with her Dior gown at the Golden Globes. And some plants - how hard can it be? At least my Town garden is mostly paved, so no grass cutting involved. Just need a bright Spring day (or just a day when it's not freezing cold and raining). Do I need fertiliser? Should I be following Police horses in the street with a shovel and bucket? No - that's Roses (I think). Anyhow, green fingers will be planting new spring flowers very soon and deadheading the old ones. Not sure if it's the correct time, but I will anyway!

As with fresh Spring flowers, this is perhaps the time to do mental weeding as well. I spent a wonderful two hours in the company of Dr Rona Hart discussing the happiness/success equation. Does success make us happy? The answer is No. The question one should ask is: Does Happiness make for Success? The answer is Yes! This is huge, but not necessarily obvious.

I hope that in some small way Rabbi Marcus has been able to (through his teaching) helped turn John Galliano into a happy, understanding person whose growth and life as a great designer and human will be enriched. From little acorns grow huge oak trees...

Happy Shopping!

F XX


PS: Waitrosing your wardrobe is definitely the way to go. Enjoy...

Blooming Lovely!

Black & Blonde

You see? That's what happens when you're seen out and about. Lesser Mortals take inspiration from your style and Hey Presto! they begin to go your way. Yes, that's right. KKW is now blonde, like moi. Now I know why Kanye wanted to get together and have a catch-up! I saw him looking at me at the Chiltern Firehouse. No such thing as a free lunch... They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so that's it then! To be discussed further with Michele (Hairdresser to blondes, brunettes, princesses and queens alike) Antigua at the Rossano-Ferretti Hair Spa. On visiting this topic, he said "It's definitely not the best colour she's ever been, and it's so far from being a new concept. Unlike yours, of course." There you have it, with no prompting or backhanders.

Another Quelle Horrore Moment! Anna Wintour (the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, just in case you didn't know - there's always one...) was seen recently in the same outfit twice! I just figured it out - this is the beauty of black dressing. How many things are wrong with what I just said? Surely there is real new out there and not wearing the same outfit twice in a week, irrespective of how much your clothing allowance is, this is not news! I for one hope that this is a path that will be followed by many and not thought of as a Federal Dressing Offence (punishment being sat next to NorthWest at another show. It seems she who screams loudest gets heard first). Possibly only second to two people wearing the same outfit at the same event. This I always think of as "Great Minds Think Alike".

Quelle Horrore II. Black Dressing - I'm guilty of it this week. I wore a black, cashmere jumper and black, mid-length skirt and black knee-length flat boots. I was going to a sombre event and wanted something ordinary, which this outfit was until I topped it off with my new natural, black mink jacket.  Ordinary dressing is just so boring! And, quite frankly, just ordinary... But it seems to me that there are those of you out there who want ordinary and boring. And although I'm not a fan, I can see the biggest advantage must be that you can wear a different, or same, version over and over again and no-one will ever write about you or photograph you as it's just so blaaaaa... ...K.

I had a quiet afternoon recently, so I decided to Waitrose my dressing room. What do I mean by this? You know sometimes you go shopping and they've decided to move things around so you have to look for the groceries you want, and in doing so see lots of new things that might tempt you? So, I've put colours with colours. Skirts, Trousers, Blouses and Jumpers all together. That way I may be inclined to different combinations? Or, I'll just not be able to find anything and it will all go back to normal. Will let you know how I get on...

My new biggest thing is Texture. I adore it! This is because I'm absolutely not a fan of Neoprene. I own one pair of Neoprene trousers (I'm sorry - I really have no idea why I bought them) which I sometimes wear, but I read that Prada has used this fabric to portray "Princess Dressing" for Autumn. I saw a photo of said dress - it was pretty, pale blue and very Princess. But Neoprene - really? I know it's me and this will probably be the choice of fabric for many of you this year, but I'm going to look for a fabric that "feels". I never did get anything from the Quilted/Padded collection - I took another route. But who knows? Maybe next winter... Bicester anyone?

I did buy some coloured, flowered tights from Fenwick Bond Street by Pierre Mantoux ("haute couture for legs" is what they say. Best Tight Department in London is what I say). In my head I have the look all figured out. Will let you know how it translates to my body.
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I can now tell you - I looked awful! Did not work at all. Never mind, it's only a pair of tights and I haven't finished with them yet. I will find something that they work with, or that's £21.95 down the drain and you know how I hate to waste money.

I'm so excited! In my Real Life capacity as "Social Philanthropist" (Dinner Chair for Langdon and Head of Beyond Art for BFAMI) my friends at Dior (Pierre de Maigret, the CEO) has given me a preview for BFAMI members of the film Dior & I, which we're screening on the morning of March 20 at the Everyman Cinema, Selfridges. I've just read a review of the film by Colin McDowell for BusinessOfFashion.com, and seen the accompanying highlights from it and I can say (actually, I've already said it) - I'm really excited to see this glimpse into a world that I can only dream of. If, in my life, I'm never able to buy couture or go to the show I know that in some small way I will have inhabited that world through this film. I will never give up dreaming! Who knows, one day...

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

Where along that line will I sit?...