The only thing we share is the same sky

Words can't describe how perfect everything about this is. Sea monster to perfection. Everything is a contradiction. Wearing a jackt in the sun with deepest tan known to man and nothing but the tiniest pair of shorts would only ever be applicable, on a shoot on a desert island. Which is what makes it so achingly perfect. Also ticks all the boxes of oversize teamed with tiny, and a ridiculous amount of accessories as though you stepped out of a pirates treasure chest..  

The place we ran from

With the onset of rain this week and not wanting to shrink any of my pumps (which often happens when I get caught off guard in the rain) these distressed cowboy boots seemed more of a sensible (yes I went for sensible) option. They also act as an optimal contrast to the impractically feminine tutu skirt I decided to don. It's not one of my favourite looks, but one that was clearly constructed whilst half asleep before leaving at a stupid hour in the morning to sleep walk to the gym. Bumped into an old friend in the afternoon who I hadnt seen in ages. Was told they knew it was me from across the street, as only I wear my hair that big and 'cough' that short. Good to hear you leave a lasting impression on some...

This aint a love song, this is goodbye

Being bitter that I had to put on a pair of tights having spent the last few weeks in bare legs I chose to wear a pair of Henry Holland suspender print tights that I bought ages ago. Cheeky doesnt even cover it and it takes a thick skin to wear these during the day. They make a nice change from standard opaques though, and if you can ignore the banter from strange italian/arabic/lebanese/polish men then I'd definitely recommend them for the hoisery drawer.
And what could be an inconspicuous way to dress down a pair of suspender tights? Layering up of animal print shades of course.

Dustland fairytale beginning

There's something very fairytale-esque about having all that material of a maxi dress swishing about your ankles. A combination of the tribal print and the chiffon wafts of material, felt like a cross between aztec princess and gypsy queen. And where else would a goddess dine for a midnight snack? The Wolesley of course, next door to the Ritz, where they still serve afternoon tea at quarter to midnight. They drew the line at serving a cream tea though. Scones and clotted cream at midnight, obviously that would just be absurd. Macaroons are fine though ;-)

And im a little bit lost without you

Lumberjack shirt by Marc O'Polo. Denim cut offs and crimson lips. Oversized men's shirts are perfect lazy sunday best for some much needed R and R and sleeping in the sun. Obviously the lipstick is just an unnecessary addition, but where would be the fun in only ever doing the necessary.

Sin City

Sin City wasn't a film I paricularly enjoyed, however it did leave an impression on me based on a) it stars Jessica Alba and Devon Aoki b) took monochrome to the next level with accents of blood red. I'm currently having a love affair with black and white. I know I always say that, but right now in particular. Maybe its because everyone looks like theyve jumped into a packet of Skittles with the arrival of the heatwave, so theres less black and white around. Its just so much more striking. It's what the models wear when they're off duty (Japanese magazine Glitter had a double spread on models when they're not being...models). It's the colour of no nonsense. I've spent the last two days desaturated, lifting the look with accents of gun metal - bangles, necklaces and peep toe pumps. 

Im up in the woods, im down on my mind

I always wanted a khaki parker, but could never find one for which the drop waist didnt fall somewhere around my knees (the trials and tribulations of having a shorter than average body.) This khaki shirt however serves a similar purpose. Somehow khaki brings out the best in floral, I suppose at the end of the day, moss and flowers all stem from the same forest family. As for the leopard print pumps, dont ask me why, but when faced with lots of different prints and colours, my gut instinct is to throw more prints and colours into the mix, maybe it's the skitzophrenic in me. With so many colours and prints, subconsciously I believe they will inevitably cancel each other out, blurring into one. As long as the undertones stem from similar hues, in this case greens and browns with accents of colour, you should be fine. It does not work if you throw on every colour under the sun and hope for the best.

Must be your skin im sinking in

Ive spent the entire weekend nursing a drastically swollen face, following a horrific tooth ache saga which I will not go into. In between romantic films (Before Sunrise and Before Sunset set in Vienna and Paris respectively, desperately hopeful and beautifully captivating) and cocooning, I looked back at previous magazine tears which ive kept over the years for inspiration. I still love every tear. I throw away anything that I no longer like, I only keep the ones I really love. Also found my first blog post, which I drafted on the back of a kid's menu from Shoreditch House. I remember asking for the kid's menu/entertainment pack (as I didnt have a notebook) and the waitress asking if I wanted the crayons too...

Bed head

Big hair adds drama. 'Messy' big hair however is more of an acquired taste. Messy hair, people either love or hate it. I've had passers by in the street 'tut' and insist I invest in a brush, whilst at the other end of the scale i've had complete strangers gush that my hair is 'fabulous daaaahling' and how do I manage to make it so...big. The idea of neat and tidy hair sends shivers down my spine, yes, it is far more classic and elegant, but those are two adjectives I will never be.

Recipe for big hair:
Dry shampoo - for dark hair Bumble and Bumble hair powder in brown adds a really rich but matte textured darkness. For lighter hair (et moi aussi because im addicted to the glamour of the disco) the new Batiste gold shine has the tiniest flakes of gold in the spray, destined to catch the sunlight. Rubbed vigorously into the roots adds instant volume
Fine tooth comb/real hair bristle brush for sky high backcombing potential
Hairspray (no preference, they all seem to do the same thing to me - 'Big Sexy Hair' if you have a weakness for packaging) Essential if you want your birds nest to stay put
Bumble and Bumble surf spray for an extra matte finish
Clip in hair extensions for maximum bouffant
At least one day old washed hair (trying to create huge hair with a squeeky clean barnet is like trying to win a losing battle, you can backcomb to Mount Everest heights, but but if your hair is shiny and clean, your mountain will inevitably fall)

If on the other hand you would rather do it the way mother nature intended, scrap the above and opt for 'actual' bed hair. You know what I mean. It results in a slightly more haphazard effect, but much more fun ;-)

For Emma, Forever ago

Go find another lover;

To bring a-to string along

With all your lies

You're still very loveable

I toured the light

So many foreign roads

For emma, forever ago

Bon Iver. When I found out he had written an album For Emma, Forever ago, naturally I had to listen to it. When your name is featured in the title, you can be forgiven for romanticising that, if I had once upon a time been in love with a song writer, they too would have written a similar song about me ;-) Off the top of my head, I dont believe I ever have; until then, this will suffice.

The hotter it gets, the less imagination I have for putting anything together. This is probably as straight forward as it gets. Varying shades of cream, biscuit and taupe. Still having a love affair with my mink skirt, think its time to opt for a new look...

click click snap

Obligatory sequins, black kohl eyeliner and killer heeled shoe boots. Could you bear to stay in if you looked this good? Mood intoxicating beats playing at full volume inspiring self belief for the night ahead. Strut. Ninety percent of the secret to looking good is the confidence and light you omit, the other ten is the luck of the gene draw. Kate Moss certainly got her fair share in the good looks lottery.

We laugh until we think we'll die

So I took a detour whilst trying to find the pub in knightsbridge where we watched the masacre of the England football team. Having arrived already half an hour late, I figured missing another 15 mins of the game wouldn’t hurt. And so I found the sliver of the skirt you can see - £2.99. Full price. A pretty productive detour.

Body con skirts are a wardrobe essential. This dusky pink colour acts as a perfect inconspicuous accompaniment when you want something that just blends with the rest of the outfit. Black can be too harsh and white body con I find too club tropicana, best left to holidays in Marbella. The tops -

1. the only piece ive ever bought from the Kate Moss at Topshop range, because of it’s red indian echos. It was also available as a dress, but me being me, figured I could buy it five sizes too big and it would pass as a dress. Not this time. Que body con skirt - useful for coverage, when tops don’t quite make it to ‘dress’ status.

2. a top with the face of a red indian? Sold. The only draw back - the face on your top being cooler than the person wearing it ;-) Summer always unleashes my inner squaw, so many pocahontas inspired posts to come. For those who enjoy getting lost in the spirit of cowboys and indians – this awesome mood lifter and where the post title comes from, will instantly transport you to the wild west. 'Home' by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Braided hair. Minus the feathers. Shame

Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor

This itsy bitsy teenie weenie sailorgirl second skin dress, clings to the body like no man's busines. It takes a washboard stomach to pull this off on its own, but on its own it's a cross between a gymnast's leotard (with skirt bottom) and tart - neither label do I aspire to aquire.

Therefore, plus an oversize camisole and you're a bit less mutton and a little bit more lamb. I have a huge collection of camisoles, I loved the underwear as outerwear trend long before SS10 said 'do it.' With camisoles in a size 16/L, they're loose fitting and have a romantic bedtime charm about them. This black cami is ideal for throwing over the top of tiny dresses, making them instantly wearable without having to feel body hugging self conscious. Underneath, who knows, I could have the tummy of shakira... ;-)

Talk about it somewhere only we know

With so many black and white posts it was time to add a bit of colour. Then I got side tracked by nude shoes mounting up on my bedroom floor.

All five inch plus heel, stacked platform sole and that mink/mushroom/taupe colour im always talking about. 

Sunshine footwear for the vertically challenged, or as I prefer to call us, little people.

Castles in the sky sit stranded vandalized

All my favourite things of the moment, laid out on the bed. Monochrome eat your heart out. I really need to start injecting some colour into my life. Narcisco Rodriguez For Her reminds me of all the happy memories of last summer. I would love to know the psychology behind how a scent can transport your entire being back to a memory, when for a second you literally feel like you have travelled through time.

Talking of triangle bras in my last post, this has got to be a pretty impressive find. From the previously mentioned H&M, this bralet is completely out of character for them. In fact my new boss thought it was a purchase by Marlies Dekkers... Despite being from the lingerie section, I bought it to wear over the top of plain white tees, dresses or kimono tops to add a twist.

I will make no comment about how the front zip fastening is great for detail as well as being pracical. Perfect for after dark ;-)

Don't go to sleep, it's such a bitter form of refuge

Every wardrobe should consist of fool proof building blocks. In my opinion that's underwear. It's no secret that I would rather go without a bra than wear an underwired one. I hate the feeling of the wire on my ribs, and the bulk it adds under clothing. So I choose triangle bras and bikini tops all year round. H&M in Barcelona have the best triangle underwear selection on a budget, and every time I go, I stock up on lingerie. I still have sets I have yet to wear. 

I also don't believe in wearing underwear you wouldn't want to be seen in. So no tshirt bras and ugly granny pants. 

I'm definitely a big fan of the 'body', so im glad they've come back. The best ones are cut with a really low back - ultra versatile so you can wear them under anything. 

I'm still trying to find the perfect white logo vest. One you could wear to bed and roll out the house the next day wearing and still look effortlessly cool. That has to be the ultimate in lazy dressing. I have so many white vests, yet none of them have that 'can't live without' stamp.

Is there still magic in the midnight sun

I've never seen the sky argue with itself over whether it's day or night. Surreal experience walking back from the gym last night at 10. The sky was still bright blue (as if noon) yet the moon was out, whilst street lamps were on, naturally because it was less than two hours to midnight.

The colours of dusk matched the tribal print dress - or should I say 'top', I wore yesterday. Originally kneelength and frumpy, I hacked it in half. Despite the number of dresses I mutilate, I still never seem to get this right, which is why so many of my dresses hover dangerously between decent and indecent. Wearing boy shorts underneath, I tell myself it doesnt really matter.

I havent worn these boots since New Year's. Yesterday I remembered why. It is literally like walking on a pair of stilts, which is fine...as long as you dont plan on going anywhere fast.

Jelly and ice cream

Some days, you wake up wanting to dress for comfort above anything else. I know i've written about both the oversize floral and the granny cardi before, but worn together, it's almost like wearing your pyjamas and duvet at the same time. Pefect for inconspicuous days when a hoodie just wouldn't cut it in the office. 

As for the jelly shot, purely because it looked pretty sitting on my desk in the sunlight. Ideal for mid morning hunger pangs. NOT as a substitue to lunch or dinner as I used to be well known for doing!