Hats off to Dior

Things to know about Dior A/W 08-09

1. Sixties America Theme

2. Big Hats

3. Big Hair

4. Bold Color
5. Big Attitude

6. Matching all accessories is a must

These are a few of my NEW favorite things...

Mickey is back...at topshop

All products from Nougat London

Tie Front Dress from Topshop

Susannah Hunter Coin Purse

Multi Chain Necklace by Muse available at My Wardrobe

Lights-Camera-Action

Blumarine

I don't think I've never liked a Blumarine collection. I think their designs are always well structured and feminine. This season was interesting because the beginning of the collection was full of pastel colored dresses and soft sweaters, then it took a turn and lots of leopard animal print was shown. I like this contrast because you don't want to be wearing dark colors all winter so I like how they incorporated lighter colors into the mix.

The Colors of the Oscars

Even though it was raining during the red carpet arrivals, the celebrities brightened up the evening by wearing lots of color. Heidi Klum looked stunning in her red gown and Kelly Preston has never looked better. Marion Cotillard also looked really beautiful in her white mermaid-like dress by Jean Paul Gaultier.

You can go to eonline to view the best and worst dresses of the night.

Sicky

Hello All, sorry for not updating much lately, I have a viral infection in my throat.

I went to the most useless doctor yesterday and all he suggested I do was to continue taking the over the counter medicines I have been taking for the past week. Everything he told me I knew already.

The only reason I went to see a doctor is because I thought I was going to get antibiotics. BUT he did say that I should come back if it gets worse and then he would give me antibiotics...

oh and rob me of more money.

Anyway, hopefully I will get a few posts up today!

Kate Moss for YSL

A short manifesto that goes behind the scenes with Kate Moss at her photoshoot for YSL

All about the shoes

Don Ashby/VOGUE.COM

I will admit it, I like Prada's accessories this season more than the clothes. The collection is very old Victorian with lots of lace and turtleneck/longsleeved dresses. The shoes on the other hand are beautiful and sculpture-like. Once again another designer is bringing spring floral designs into their winter collection, but this time it really works.

Spring into Winter

When I clicked to view Roberto Cavalli's A/W 08-09 collection I thought I accidently chose his S/S 08 collection. It just happens that he decided to continue his feminine fifties dresses into the winter. It did surprise me though to see white floral dresses in this collection, but at least he added the occasional grey and black pair of trousers. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to wear spring-like dresses during the autumn and winter, I very much enjoy wearing chunky sweaters and long coats. I do on the other hand like the third black dress above, I wouldn't mind wearing it on a fancy evening out ~

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

Lookbook: Gucci A/W 08-09

Marcio Madeira

vogue.co.uk/style.com

Mariah's Home

I wanted to post this video because it has been a while since I've seen Mariah Carey's episode of cribs. I just watched The Ultimate Cribs on MTV...and of course Mariah's house was number 1. Its beautiful and her closet looks like a luxury department store...

As the saying goes...Let them eat cake!

Charm City Cakes

Duff Goldman, or Chef Duff, is the creator and owner of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Maryland. You probably have heard of him or would recognize his face from one of my favorite shows 'Ace of Cakes' on the Food Network. Chef Duff and a hand full of his friends (artists, musicians, architects, graphic designers etc..) create these masterpieces. They design road sign cakes, ski slope cakes, and cakes to look like something out of Alice and Wonderland! You really should look at these on their website, you won't believe your eyes. They are so amazing that if I was given one, I would almost feel guilty eating it ....almost

Cakefool


Cakefool is a bakery in London that designs cakes around the joy of celebration. They make cakes for every occasion and for every occasion the cakes end up being the main attraction. So whether you are celebrating a birthday, wedding, or the arrival of a new born it's worth trying these decorative and delicious cakes. They can get expensive, but the bakery offers a variety of sizes and shapes to suit your budget.

I see Paris! I see France! I see Stellas......

Stella McCartney is taking the world by storm and as I mentioned last month, Selfridges dedicated part of the store to showcase her new collections and collaboration with Adidas, LeSportsac and her new lingerie line. Unfortunately, today is the last day 'the world of stella' will be in the department store. I really do suggest that everyone in the area check it out while you still can.

Stellas collaboration with Bendon, a New Zealand lingerie manufacturer is something the designer has wanted to do since she started her label.

"The day has come for women to embrace lingerie for themselves! It's not just about pleasing men but about pleasing yourself! For me, what underwear I choose reflects my mood. It goes hand in hand with what you put on top of it" as she told Elle Magazine in their March issue.

Stella's new lingerie collection bounces off the idea for her S/S Ready to Wear collection with soft cotton, sheer, and lace fabrics with floral and feminine prints. She even came up with names for different ranges of the lingerie collection such as: Eve Giggling, Sandy Stripping, Dolly Snogging, and Daisy Dreaming.

V Magazine

You can find her lingerie at the Stella McCartney boutique in West London, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Liberty, and net-a-porter.com.

Zuhair Murad

As requested: more photos of Zuhair Murad's beautiful dresses. Which is your favorite?!

Location: Camden Town II

Camden Town Style

The famous Hawley Arms Pub

Location: Camden Town, London

As Amy Winehouse not so 'clearly' stated at the Grammys, 'Camden Town Ain't Burning Down!'

For those of you who do not live in the UK may not know that there was a fairly large fire on the evening of the 9th in Camden. Neal and I saw it as it just happened from a distance in Primrose hill as we were walking to a grocery store. A few days ago I walked into Camden to see the damage and took some pictures.

First I wanted to post this youtube video to show you what went on.

Click here for the Camden Council's media information on the fire.

Fashion Video: Diane Kruger for Elle

Click here to watch this behind the scenes video from Elle Magazine

Dame Vivienne Westwood: Red Label

BBC news has created an Audio Slideshow of Vivienne Westwood's A/W collection for her Red Label. This is put together very well with lots of pictures from the runway show along with interviews and commentary.

Click here to watch

Chanel Nails

You have one month left (so the professionals tell us) to treat your nails to the trend of the autumn and winter seasons, glamorous dark colored nails. My personal favorite is Chanel Rouge Noir nail enamel, well any Chanel nail polish really. I think they have the best color choices of the major luxury makeup companies. Click here to see their products.

Spa Day

Located: 211 East 51st Street

Okeanos Day Spa and Club is one of New York City's finests luxury getaways. The spa specializes in Russian body treatments and traditional Russian saunas called Banyas. They promise to de-stress you from your hectic city life. Okeanos provides express treatments that can be done on your lunch hour such as Shave and Go for men. All express treatments have lunch available upon request.

Massages, waxing, facials...oh my!

It's Lonely at the Top

Of the Plaza Hotel ....

Part of the Plaza Hotel in NYC has recently been converted into luxury apartments with nearly 100 out of 181 units sold already. This New York Times article interviews a woman who is a full time resident in the building, but she has yet to meet any of her neighbors. About half of the people who own apartments in the building actually live there full time and the rest use it on weekends or as a second home. I don't know about you, but if my neighbors weren't around half the time I was in my $5.8 million home I would be jumping for joy, not feeling lonely.

Halloween At Luella

Luella A/W 08-09

Lily Allen and Kimberley Stewart backstage at Luella

Erin O'Connor

All images: Vogue.co.uk

Valentine's Day Sushi Date

Valentine's Day breakfast: Eggs in the middle (heart shaped of course)

All the trendy restaurants in the area had been booked up for months just for Valentine's Day. So we ended up going to our favorite sushi restaurant, which ended up being a great idea. Here Neal is helping me put on my 'B' diamond necklace that was given to me by my twin brother for Christmas.

Topshop T-Shirt Dress

Out on our date at Feng Sushi

Some good advice...

White Roses

Finally the package arrived! And by the way, it was nearly my size. It was definitely worth the wait, two dozen white roses and a bottle of champagne. Neal knows the way to my heart is through white or pink roses not red :) Aren't they beautiful?!

Lookbook: Aquascutum A/W 08-09

Style is never out of fashion

The British weather is famed for its inclemency and unpredictability. Aquascutum invented the first waterproof cloth in 1853 and created the raincoat to protect english gentlemen and ladies from the elements and preserve their stylish appearance.
~ Aquascutum

Aquascutum's A/W runway collection is a tribute to their heritage with a variety of glamourous coats. Who else would be able to create more luxurious raincoats than the masters themselves?

More Fantastic Feedback

I would like to sincerely thank every one of you who have been leaving such nice comments on the blog and via email. It means a lot to me to know that people are happy with it and keep coming back to visit. So please, keep making comments and if you have anything specific you would like me to write about then feel free to let me know! Here is a taste of the feedback I have been receiving:

Amazing blog, I love fashion and I will share it with all my friends. Thanks – Taisa

Anyone who writes a blog about fashion (shoes especially) is a winner in my book! – Charlene

What can I say...luv this site..I also saved it as one of my favorites..you should be or will be doing very well..images are sharp and crisp..very well done..good luck – Garry

Beautiful site and a wonderful read for anyone interested in modern fashion. Your visuals are outstanding and your non-fashion advertisements are fresh and original. Excellent job! – Carrie

This will be fun to come back to check out the latest fashions. I like simple and that's just the way you have it. Good experience –Rick

I love this site - very chic and I am an Audrey Hepburn fan of old. I love the idea of hand- painted dresses. As an artist i am going to try that myself. Thanks for the inspiration. good luck. - Viv

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone does something very special for their loved one today, and for you singletons out there, don't worry... the day will be over before you know it.

As for me, I was told to stay home and not leave the flat today to wait for a package. So now it is nearly 1pm and nothing has arrived, but I guess I will keep waiting impatiently.

Audrey Canvas

I've been meaning to put these pictures up for weeks! These Audrey Hepburn canvas' were part of my Christmas gift this year. I absolutely love them and I had been wanting one for a while. Now...I have three!

Pretty In Paint

Basso & Brooke

Jackson Pollock meets D&G, Basso & Brooke, and Chloe. Designers are painting their frocks whether they are actually hand painting the clothes or using paint printed fabrics, this modern art is everywhere on the runway this spring.

Dolce & Gabbana even hired young artists to come into their studio to paint all sorts of fabrics from cotton to silk. The designers then created beautiful and arty garments out of them.

Basso & Brooke created silk dresses that look like a graffiti artist got hold of them.

Brush stroked silhouettes are by no means a new trend. They were very popular in the 1980s into the early 90s. Even Alexander McQueen got his spray can out for a collection in 1999.

I don't know about you, but I would love to own one of these dresses, especially from Basso & Brooke.

Extra tidbit: Dolce & Gabbana will be producing a limited amount of their painted dresses and rumor has it they cost between $20,000 - $40,000.

Chloe

all photos: vogue uk

Made me smile

A photo from this past weekend

LAMB: New York Fashion Week

Backstage: Badgley Mischka A/W 08-09

Greg Kessler/VOGUE.COM

I like to look at backstage pictures from runway shows because I get to see what the models are like before they put their 'game face' on. The photos are exciting because you get a behind the scenes look at something not too many people get to experience. These are from Badgley Mischka during New York Fashion Week.

Why does it matter where fashion designers show their collections?

Have you ever wondered why Matthew Williamson presents his collections in New York, Christopher Kane in London, and Stella McCartney in Paris?

Each city means something different for designers...

London - Get noticed
New York - Get financial backer
Milan - Get a manufacturer
Paris - Relax, you've made it

This is a great article for those of you who are interested and you can read it here!

Lookbook: Topshop Unique A/W 2008-2009

I figured that I would kick off my London Fashion Week Lookbooks with Topshop since the store is such a huge staple in the UK. The new collection is full of natural colors of brown, black, grey and beige. Even leather has made a comeback in jackets, pants, skirts, and dresses. Click here to shop 'til you drop at Topshop!

Goodbye NY, Hello London!

A picture I took this weekend

With New York fashion week over with, it's London's turn. From the 10th-15th it is London Fashion Week. I will post new pictures as they arrive from the runway shows! For now, you can look at the schedule to see what is coming up!

Kiddies Style

Oops!

Location: Primrose Hill, London

I have to admit, I am one lucky girl to live in such a beautiful part of London. I thought I would share some photos with you that I took today. Mind you, its Feburary 10th, the sky is absolutely clear and sunny, and the temperature is very mild. This is all so unusual for this time of the year!

Lost In Beauty: New beauty boutique opening soon!

Studio 8

A lovely little flower shop

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

This Valentine’s Day let the love of your life wake up and smell the coffee with breakfast in bed. Mid day, treat him or her to some R&R, try the Daylesford Organic Hay Barn, their very own spa with an array of beauty treatments, yoga, and pilates.

Can't figure out what to give her? Give a body cream that smells like dessert, Laura Mercier’s Crème Brule Trio - Ooo La La! Also, every woman loves lingerie, why not indulge her with a pair of knickers or a romantic candle from one of my favorite brands Agent Provocateur.

What about him?

Goodbye Scruff! Let him master the Art of Shaving with this handy little kit and why not include a luxurious unscented shaving cream!

For both of you: What about this delicious idea and go to a chocolate tasting!

To search for more gift ideas click here

Marc Jacobs busted for bribery?

Designer Marc Jacobs is under criminal investigation for bribing the 69th Regiment Armory, a New York City landmark building. He apparently paid people off to gain access to the building for his fashion shows. Click here for the BBC article

Something New!

Hello All!

Just wanted to fill you in on what I've been up to lately. I have decided that every Friday I will introduce to you lovely readers the

'Boutique of the Week'

I will be searching the streets of London, surfing the internet, and using my fashion correspondents in New York, LA, and Paris in order to find the most chic boutiques. I hope that you will get the chance to visit these stores if you live near by or if your travels may take you to these destinations! This is something I am very excited about and I hope you are also.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Britt Marie x

P.S !

The fantastic logo above was created by my talented and dear friend Elizabeth Cronin. She is going to be helping me create logos and graphics that are très chic for the blog. More information to come about Elizabeth and her work... so keep checking back!

Lookbook: Marchesa A/W 2008-2009

Just in: The pictures I have been waiting for all week!

Marchesa A/W collection 2008-2009

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig outdoing themselves again with this lavish black hourglass gown

This collection was inspired by Queen Elizabeth the first who during her reign wore extremely sophisticated and grand clothing. This seasons creations ranged from beautifully draped fabrics to feminine tuxedos (whose plunging neckline you can barely take your eyes off of).

Marcio Madeira for style.com

I highly suggest taking a look at the complete Marchesa A/W collection, it's gorgeous!

Profile: Loulou de la Falaise

Loulou (left) with Yves

google images

Loulou de la Falaise is known for being the muse of Mr. Yves Saint Laurent for over 30 years. To help understand their relationship, think of what Edie Sedgwick was to Andy Warhol, just less tragic.

Her mother Maxime de la Falaise was an english model and socialite who married a french count. Loulou met Yves in the mid 1960s. He was intrigued by her in every way: her style, eyes, slim figure and personality. He immediately knew that he wanted Loulou in his Saint Laurent social group and everyone fell in love with her. Their relationship increasingly became more of an obsession with each other to the point where they were inseparable and together they made fashion history.

Where is Loulou de la Falaise now? The french fashion icon has opened her own boutique in Paris called Maison de Loulou. She and Yves to this day are still very close friends.

Interview with Loulou de la Falaise

Pop Art + Fashion

Jeremy Scott/Basso & Brook

Fashion has a sense of humor!

Designers are having fun this season using pop art and cartoon characters as inspiration for their spring collections. You will see a range of characters from Batman to SpongeBob SquarePants as well as Andy Warhol prints gracing the runway.
My favorite pop art designs would have to be from Luella. Her inspiration was batman and models walked down the runway with masks on their faces, wearing bright yellow batman logo shirts, and cartoon prints of the iconic superhero.

Luella

Vogue.co.uk/ elleuk.com




Google Images

A/W 2008-2009 Looks

Proenza Schouler

Erin Fetherston

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Lookbook: Marchesa S/S 2008

Marchesa's designers (Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig) are known for their luxurious red carpet gowns and I am sure we will be seeing more of their dresses towards the end of the month at the Oscars, but this season they focused more on designing cocktail dresses.

Marchesa hands down makes the most beautiful dresses that every woman would love to wear and I particularly like the rose petal dress in the picture above!

Other looks from the show...

Bonus news: Georgina Chapmans husband, Harvey Weinstein, is the proud new owner of Halston which just made its major return to the runway. I will post pictures of Halston's show from NY Fashion Week soon.

Gucci Loves NY Website

Click here to see the official Gucci Loves NY website! It's great and gives you lots of information about NYC and the new flagship store that is opening on Feb 8th.

Lanvin Loves Feathers

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

This spring Lanvin's color scheme seems a bit too autumn for me with lots of blacks, greys and dark blues. On the other hand I think Lanvin had some of the best designs and silhouettes this season and catwalk reviews adored Alber Elbaz's use of feathers.

New York Fashion Week

This week is New York Fashion Week ( Feb 1-8) and if you ever wanted to know how long runway shows were, who the DJ was and what songs they played during the shows, then take a look at this chart from New York Magazine.

Click here to see the schedule for New York Fashion Week

Gucci Hearts NY

Happy Superbowl Sunday!
I thought I would write a post in honor of this big day and the NY Giants...

Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini has designed limited edition 'Gucci Hearts NY' handbags. The collection is a dedication to the city where Gucci arrived to in 1953. The bag comes in 3 different sizes and the logo will also appear on a scarf. The bags range in price from $320-$770. Gucci will donate all proceeds to Playground Partners and Patrons. This charity helps care for and maintain playgrounds in Central Park. These special edition bags are out this month!

Enjoy the game!
~BM

Lookbook: Bottega Veneta S/S 2008

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

This S/S season is full of color, prints, and texture...but not for Bottega Veneta. Neutral colors like tan, nude, peach, and pale grey were used throughout the collection. The idea behind this collection was to use simple colors, but to add unique details and accessories such as bows, pleats, and puffy sleeves. You could never go wrong with these clothes and it is safe for those afraid to branch out into the bold fashions of the season.

Lookbook: Betsey Johnson S/S 2008

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

It's prom season!

At least it is for Betsey Johnson's S/S 2008 collection. The quirky designer created a range of dresses and swimwear that imitated prom dresses from every decade since the 1950s. She even matched the background music to the clothing. For the 1950s part of the collection 'Mr Sandman' was being played, the models walked to the sounds of Diana Ross during the 1960s range, followed by Carole King in the 1970s. Betsey Johnson's shows along with her designs are always fun and outrageous. I would never expect anything less from her!

Lookbook: Elie Saab S/S 2008

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

YSL: Besace Flap Bag

Jennifer Aniston

Yves Saint Laurent's Besace bag is the 'it' bag of the season. Many celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller, and Lou Doillon have been photographed wearing it already. How much will it set you back? Oh...just $1,995 or £1120.