London / Paris

I love London. But I really REALLY want to be in Paris right now. I am dying to see the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective and the Irving Penn tradesmen exhibition. Last time there was an exhibition I wanted to see in Paris I put it off and ended up missing it. I'm still furious at my laziness.  

It's also great just to be there. I love exploring the streets - the amazing independent shops that seem to thrive there are perfect for window shopping, and sitting in cafes watching the world go by with a kir royale is bliss. Even looking up can reward you with something unexpected. 

I always manage to squeeze in a visit to the big Sephora too. I love shopping for cosmetics and beauty products in an environment that isn't a beauty hall - where I can just browse higher end stuff without someone pouncing on me.  

Let It All Hang Out

When it's hot baggy is often best, especially if I'm just popping to the shops. 

On a side note, these white lace up espadrilles and super comfy and about my only 'summer' shoe buy so far this year (apart from some Primark sandals). I've realised why I don't usually buy white canvas shoes, however. They are already really filthy, because I find that I stand on my feet own feet like a toddler when nervous or waiting around. 

T-shirt - Acne 

Trousers - Topshop 

Espadrilles - Kurt Geiger 

Summer Hiatus

No outfit posts for the last couple of days because, let's face it, I haven't even really got dressed. It's too hot. When you can walk around the house in your PJ's / underwear why bother? 


So I leave you with one of my best looks. I've always been fastidious about personal grooming, as you can see. 

Sissy Vian for Vogue Nippon

I love collecting fashion pics and storing them for inspiration. But editorials are a bit like listening to an album versus a single - it's the whole concept and mood, not just one moment of brilliance. 


These images are from an editorial in the June issue of Vogue Nippon with Devon Aoki (who just gets better and better), shot by Camilla Akrans and styled by Sissy Vian, whose work I can only find in Vogue Nippon so far. I love buying Vogue Nippon, but only usually get it when a) I'm in Japan or b) I'm feeling flush enough in the Japan Centre here in London to spend almost £15 on it. Gulp! 

Fantasy Shoe of The Week - ASOS

...and I say it's a fantasy because, even though they cost a mere £55 in the sale... *drumroll* I HAVE BEEN NAUGHTY IN LIBERTY (why am I always naughty in Liberty? Why never Selfridges or Harvey Nicks?).


If you want them, or even better, you want to give them to me, get them here from the lovely ASOS. Go on, you know you want to. I can see them being a summer staple. And having spent last night trawling Soho in Gap's Pierre Hardy wooden heeled sandals from last year (charity shop purchase for £10 only a week after they came out - bonus) I can say with mild authority that they'd be pretty comfortable to walk in. 

A Short Story: Part Two

Today I've finally plucked up the courage to wear my Queen's Wardrobe shorts. It's the volume of them I find a little scary, but balanced out with a belt around the waist they don't look too brownie guide. If you are like me, you'll remember something very similar in the Chloe S/S 09 shows...sadly the scalloped shorts that graced Chloe Sevigny, Diane Kruger et al also cost about £700. As a mere civilian I had to wait for a whole year before someone created a 'tribute' retailing for a mere £50, and most thankful I am too. 

Top - Marni

Belt - Charity shop 

Shorts - Queen's Wardrobe 

Shoes - River Island 

Bag - Alexander Wang

After a machine wash I also got to try out my new purchase - a plaid shirt with lace edging from Oxfam earlier this week. It's very twee, and a little hot for the weather right now, but I love it. I can't wait to pair it with loafers when it's a bit cooler and play with being super preppy, or go for crazy clashes (I knew my £20 green tartan Luella trousers from T.K.Maxx would come in handy soon enough). 

Top - Charity shop

Shorts - Charity shop Levi's made into shorts 

Shoes - Charlotte Olympia 

The Shoes...The Regrets

I have an expensive shoe habit. But I never regret buying shoes, only not buying them. These are ones I should have been more quick off the mark with - Chanel S/S 09. I scour ebay every week hoping for a glimpse of these, but so far no luck.