Versace/ H&M: Be still my beating heart

Sadly I couldn't attend the show/ launch party...predominantly because I wasn't invited, but you know I'm veeeerrrry conscious of my carbon foot print now days, so probably would have refused the invitation to fly to NY just for one night anyway. Yer right! Anyway, I'm not one to hold a grudge, and as a MAHOOOSIVE Versace fan - spesh the retro '90s flash-trash prints - I'm beyond crushing over their collection for H&M.

As (bad) luck would have it I'm office-based tomorrow, so won't be able to get to a H&M till lunch time (if I'm lucky), so as there's about as much chance of me getting my grubby mitts on any of the collection as there is me marrying in to the Royal family, I've decided to wallow in voyeuristic lusting of what could be if only I were willing to pull a sickie and wake at the crack of dawn to join a queue in the cold and get first dibs...

Snaps to the H&M team for producing yet another blinder of a designer collaboration....and I really truly didn't think it could get any better than last years collabo with Lanvin. I daren't let myself think about what they could have in store next...

The insanely brilliant advert. If only all ads were this creative, clever and well-conceived.

Majestic Gina

Aren't they just heavenly! I popped into Gina this morning to do a quick press pull (which predictably turned into 1 1/2 hours of gossip and fashion chat with pr's Angie and Lorraine), and couldn't leave without snapping a shot of these beauties. When I spied them on Lorraine's desk they took my breath away; the softest, palest, most perfect ballerina pink silk - all I could do was point and squeak 'Black Swan shoes'. Having thought long and hard about it all day, I've come to the conclusion that I heart them so very much, that if I were to be invited to the Royal wedding this year I would 100% plan my entire outfit around them....well it wouldn't be fair for Kate to be the only 'middle class' Princess in the room now would it!

Karen Millen - leave your preconceptions at the door

Now I can't lie - I haven't always been Karen Millen's biggest fan. I know it's a horribly fashion-snob-bitch thing to say, but it's always carried certain connotations for me (middle aged HR managers from Peterborough out on the raz to be precise), so I have to admit to never paying it much attention. Then a couple of months ago I popped in to their press office to do a pull for a job, and to my surprise I came out with more than one piece...and more shockingly my very own Karen Millen wish list. You see the showroom wasn't just a collection of knee length satin dresses as I'd (rather small-mindedly) expected. Yes they still had lots of easy-to-wear-pretty-but-not-life-changing party/ special event type dresses, but they also had some surprisingly pitch-perfect and of the moment glam rock-goth pieces. It just shows you - it never does to get too complacent when it comes to the British high street.

So that said, here are my 4 fave Karen Millen pieces right now - let me know if you love them too!

Who doesn't own a biker jacket nowadays? If you're that one person, then I'd seriously consider investing in this badboy. At £399 it's not cheap, but with it's hardcore shoulder studs and dainty buttons it really stands out from the crowd, and will earn you some serious fashion points.

You'd never guess, but I love a sequin skirt I do, and this one really is something special. The layers and silver bead embellishment give it a cheeky gladiator feel, which really distinguishes its high street rivals. Yes £135 is a bit of an investment, but it's ridiculously versatile - wear it with a rock tee in the day for that edgy-cool LA look, or a bit of lace at night for the full-on goth goddess look. Love, want, need.

Skinny double belts are the fashion crowds secret weapon (don't believe me - then pay a visit to the Satorialist - they're all at it). Tan and black leather with glistening black studs, this belt is incredibly chic, and at £49.95 I reckon it's a total bargain.

I don't usually like small bags (travelling light isn't one of my many talents), but for this hard case clutch embellished with matt black sequins and silver beads (£99), I'd be willing to make an exception.

All I want for Channukah....

Love Moschino - never has a brand been so appropriately named, as I do indeed majorly LOVE Moschino! Flashy, trashy, shiny, 80's brashness in all its designer glory - I feel Moschino is a brand who truly understand the heart and soul of Miss Sisi G.

And so to these gorgeous gloves. Obviously last year I was maybe just a teensy bit obsessed by a certain pair of Chanel earmuffs (which no one bothered to buy me despite numerous hints and blog posts). Not one to let a total lack of interest from others stop me in my lusting tracks, this year my winter accessory de jour are these rather hermes-zing embellished grey angora Love Moschino gloves.....HOW CUTE!

Family and friends I'm going to make this very simple. Here's the link to My-Wardrobe.com - I'll leave the rest to you....

The early bird catches the Lanvin.....I hope!

God it's cold outside! I don't know what's wrong with me these past few days but I keep forgetting just how cold it is and going out dressed for Spring (ie. flimsy culottes and little jackets!). After very nearly losing a couple of fingers to frostbite this afternoon (fingerless gloves really not cutting it), I've decided to take full advantage of my freelance status and work from under my duvet all day tomorrow!

Even the icy weather can't dampen my excitement for the Lanvin for H&M (or Lanvin HEARTS H&M as I like to call it) launch tomorrow though. Like most of the fashion world I've become slightly obsessed with this collaboration - even going so far as to call it 'The best designer/ High street collaboration EVER' in a piece I wrote for MSN (if you haven't yet read it click here).

As if the beautiful clothes and crazy sexy cool ad campaign weren't enough, last week Alber threw a massive chi chi party in NY and put on one of the most exciting, playful and beautiful catwalks I've ever seen. Everything about it is just fabulous - from Anna Dello Russo walking, to the sensational styling (having seen this I am now obsessed with wanting red polka dot and pink leopard print tights, and utterly convinced that I need the entire collection).

So sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and witness fashion at it's very best....

...Oh, and don't forget to set your alarms for the morning, as for one day only the only bird catches the Lanvin!

LANVIN FOR H&M – THE "HAUTE COUTURE" SHOW from Barracuda Film & TV on Vimeo.

LFW Sept 2010 - On Saturday I was bad Jew

Saturday was also Yom Kippur (aka. the holiest day in the Jewish calendar), so I was in two-minds whether to go to the shows at all. In the end I went with my head and followed the fashion piper into town...I'd been quite good this year, so probs didn't have that much repenting to do anyway!

I was a bit naughty and slept through two shows (one of which I later heard had served bloody mary's and baked goods, so more fool me!), and started my day with some Betty Jackson action.

The show closed with these utterly fantastic feather trousers. Thinking about it you probably have to be a size 8 or smaller to carry them off without causing too many references to 'Big bird', but I likey nonetheless.

The main talking point of the show was the poor model who somehow managed to get her foot caught in her bag strap and fall over. Poor thing - can you imagine?!

And here she is limping one shoe off, and one shoe on - just like the nursery rhyme....although I'm not sure John had a designer handbag hooked over his leg too!

In the afternoon I went to the Spijkers en Spijkers show, which seemed good at the time, although looking back seems rather bland and pedestrian. I'm not sure whether this is a reflection on the collection or my bad photography, but the best image of the show was this one of the stunning sisters above...do you think there's a third short fat ugly sister out there.....hhhmmm....

Bryce Aime was a total disaster as far as I'm concerned. Ugly leggings, strangely-shaped clingy too-short t-shirts, ridiculous Geisha shoes none of the girls could walk in, and 'directional' hair failed to come together as a cohesive, catwalk-worthy collection. The FROW goodie bag on the other hand was delightful. Shame.

Ok - if you can manage to see past the massive top-knot, this is my fave look from John Rocha's collection. Romantic, whimsical and monochrome, it was everything you want from Rocha and more. J'adore. Also delighted to see that frizzy hair's back - a trend that will take no effort from me to follow - joy!

Would swap my mother for: One of the beautiful, and admittedly totally OTT John Rocha hats. In black. Want quite a lot.

Would wear if gifted: A surprising amount of the Betty Jackson collection (loved all the feathers)....apart from those hideous clonky wedges obvs.

Couldn’t stomach: The entire Bryce Aime Collection (see above).

Hug A Pug

It's under a week before the start of LFW, I'm up to my eyeballs with work, and feel like I might need to be carted off the The Priory at any minute. As I sat here at the kitchen table in my pj's frantically bashing away at my laptop all I could think was that I needed a holiday. Then, from out of nowhere this piece of pure joy popped up on my twitter feed, and put a much needed smile on my face.

Start London, you are amazing. This video is GENIUS. These Erdem Pug's are insane...I think I'm in love!

The collaboration of my (wet) dreams!

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you - Lanvin have teamed up with H&M for their latest designer collaboration - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???!!!
I for one am majorly excited. I don't usually go in for all this high-street-high-end collaboration malarky. Good designs, bad fabrics, and queuing from the break of dawn with the hoi polloi whilst breakfast tv cameras swarm around like angry flies. No thank you - not my cup of tea at all. Lanvin though. Hhmmm...well this is a whole different kettle of fish. Frances oldest couture house -the epitome of style and sophistication...I think I've just lost my moral high-ground...see ya in the queue!!

Still not persuaded? Then I leave you with the words of Mr Elbaz himself, “H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

Get me to The Church on time...

No, I'm not getting married in the morning...far more exciting than that, as last Wednesday I was able to live my teen-dreams of being a world famous, award winning, recording artist vicariously through Charlotte Church! Ok - so I never actually dreamt of being a pop star, but spending 17 hours on the shoot for Charlotte's new single last week (which is great btw) did make me wish I could hold a tune/ be a little bit famous!! It also made Charlotte my new 2nd fave celeb (after interviewing him at Glasto, Mr (Vanilla) Ice will always have a special place in my heart). You know how you're always hearing that famous people are really down-to-earth? Well Charlotte hand-on-heart really really is. In fact, she's the least diva-like person I've probably ever met; even my dad's more of a demanding than she is!! Maybe it's because she's been in the game so long; maybe it's because she's Welsh; whatever it is she's incredibly sweet, incredibly hard-working, and to top it all of is very talented and has a killer body! Enough to make you sick really!

Anyway, enough Charlotte-loving - here are some cheeky pics from the shoot...enjoy!


Our base - Luna Doll vintage shop where we call all the clothes into, edit them down, and generally hang out! This room has become my 2nd home in the last couple of weeks...and no, I haven't tried on all the clothes - I've been very good and resisted!


The shoot - big lights, lots of wires and monitors - not quite the glamour you'd imagine!


Some of the shoes we called in. This selection (all apart from the pair front right) were from Office, and were my faves. I'm totally obsessed with the lace up wedges, and heeled Chelsea boots (front left, and back right respectively)...think I might have to treat myself for LFW!


My 3 year old very very battered biker boots, which despite all the amazing shoes we called-in very nearly made it into the video!! Sadly they were dumped for something slightly more glam in the end though...they're still sulking!


This is lovely Anna, Tamara's other assistant. She was rather taken with this satchel bag which belonged to Kevin Godley, the Direcor. Sadly he was very fond of it too, and wasn't up for sharing!


My last-minute emergency trip to Westfield for extra tights....because although we had about 50 pairs, typically we didn't have the one pair we needed!!!


Charlotte looking gorgeous, with Kevin Godley. By now it was past midnight, and we'd been working since about 9am, and yet Charlotte was still on top form - what a trooper!

Following the leader

Sorry for the late update - seem to have lost all perspective of time! Have decided that freelancing is very much like being on school holidays (especially when you're living back at home), and one day kind of blends into the next…

Anyway, this weekend I made the now long trek (boo hoo) East for Field Day...because all my friends were going and although I'm no longer a Dalstonite I couldn't bear to miss out on all the fun.

For those who know nothing of Field Day here are 5 things you need to know;

1. It's a one-day festival in Victoria Park, Hackney (East London for all you out-of-towners)

2. Apart from Coachella it's THE ONLY festival where it's acceptable to wear heels (not that I would, I mean you’re still in a field after all, but many did and I didn’t think they were total twats)

3. The music is all very up-and-coming in-the-know kinda stuff…last year the (basically unknown) XX played to just 500 people on one of the smaller stages (all kicking ourselves now, eh)! I have to admit I didn’t know anyone playing this year…but then music’s not really my thang…

4. Punters consist almost solely of 20-something East-London-residing creative types

5. It’s basically like London Fields on a Saturday, but with shit loos, live music, and you have to pay!


Monochrome was definitely the call of the day, and before the cider took hold I snapped some stylish ladies to share with you (and a couple of friends who'd kill me if they didn't get a shout out!)…

Grace rocking THE most genius sunglasses I've ever ever ever seen! Grace got hers in NYC, but I was SO desperate for them I did a spot of online stalking and managed to track this Kerin Rose pair down (very easily I have to say, thank you Google) at Browns. Literally can't put into words quite how much I want them, so am going to settle for very very much!
p.s. In case you're wondering what's stopping me, it's not the shame of being a style stalker, but the £250 price tag!


I still may not be brave enough to wear mine in public...yet, but how utterly gorgeous does Jennifer look in her cycling shorts. See, told you they were hot (on the right bod)!


Ready for a game of designer or high-street? This is the lovely Effie, and I'll give you 3 guesses as to where her sunnies are from....

...I'm serious, answer at the bottom of the page!


Lucy and Sophie, the monochrome twins! Sophie's stripy top was made by her friend, and has made me want to get back on that sewing machine!


Me and Kat Pat, aka. The Ginges with the fringes!


That pesky Brazilian bird again! RIP her sunnies which sadly didn't survive the afternoon....


Me, in my fave festival look 2010, of shorts and vest.
Shorts (size 16 so they're nice and big and comfy), H&M; snakeskin belt, LK Bennett; vest, H&M; pumps, my daddy's shop!; mustard shirt, Italian flea market - 1 Euro! (my new fave item in my wardrobe btw); wicker bag, Topshop; scarf, Temperley.

Answer = River Island! Whodda guessed it?

Off with a BANG!

My head, my head! I’ve been freelancing for 13 days now. I’ve spent 2 moving out of Dalston house and back to Finchley; 8 in Italy, and 3 skulking round the house in my pj’s (yes, the same pair – the horror)! Last night however I managed to break the stalemate and shower, jump into my trusty black tosho Jumpsuit and brave the Northern line to attend a. the Selfridges Christmas in July press day, and b. Marc Jacobs BANG launch party - fabulous fashion fun…

Sadly I proceeded to get hammered on rum cocktails and champagne (on a basically empty stomach) – accosted Marc, ranted at Henry Holland and starred at the utterly stunning Jonathan Kelsey and his gorgeous boyf Greg, then blanked them, then finally realised who they were through the champagne fug. Professional. Finally came round midday to full face of make-up, natch, and alternating waves of nausea and embarrassment. Classy. Days like these being freelance really pays!

Anyway, before the bubbles took hold this is what I saw…

Selfridges

Love this. A colour-in cuckoo clock. Perfect for me as I'm always late (as Bibi discovered first hand last night - Public apology: I'm SOOOO sorry), and, well, at times...slightly cuckoo! Also, much fun and practical too!



NEED!! Honestly, it's not even about want or like or love with these. I NEED them in my life. Ashish - obvs, natch. They're apparently the most expensive pj's in the world (bottoms £810, top £890) - total investment I say. This is how I see it. I'm now a freelancer, therefore I spend most of my time in my pj's, therefore I should own fabulous pj's, because then the fabulousness will rub off on me, and I'll be fabulous and get lots of work, which will mean I'll get lots of money (DEEP BREATH) - therefore, they are an investment! See!

Marc Jacobs BANG party, Harvey Nic's

Yes, once again I trekked down to SW1 for another top Harvey Nic's party (and they do throw the best)! Unfortunately I broke my usual eat-as-many-canapés-as-humanly-possible rule and stuck to liquids....looking back, that's probably where it all went wrong....anyway....

Grrrr. How hot is Marc. Last night was all about the boys; Marc Jacobs (LOVE - almost fainted when I first saw him. Honestly. No lie.), Jesus Luz (in my bed, ahem, I mean on the decks), Jake Shears, Jonathan (almost too beautiful to actually look at) Kelsey and boyf Greg and Henry Holland, not to mention my new friends from the (smoking/posing) terrace - Tom, Richard and Alistair. What a treat! Sadly the only thing I bagged at the end of the night was a bottle of BANG (not that I'm ungrateful)....just it won't keep my warm at night. Sob.

Best day ever: Part 2

So….you’d think that a Christian Louboutin sample sale would be enough excitement for one day…..maybe even for one lifetime, but not for me. Last night (after the work/ office bit we’re not thinking about) I headed off for a spot more (window) shopping. This time it was all about the sunnies, and not just any sunnies, but exciting new Austrailian ones which have just landed in the UK, thanks to two lovely (and really very clever) ladies called Rebecca and Marie-Claire (introduced to me by my dear friend Jane, aka. Squirrel). Now, I’ve never been to Oz, but I’ve heard rumours that it gets rather warm down under (ahem), and that they know a thing or two about summer gear, so I was super-excited to see what they had to offer. I wasn’t disappointed. There were three brands on display (one was men’s though, so I’m afraid I didn’t pay it much attention – sorry boys). For us lovely ladies there were the spontaneous-purchase-priced Le Specs and the let-me-sleep-on-them Karen Walker’s. I obviously fell head-over-heels (or should I say frames, boom boom) for the Karen Walker’s. Well I would wouldn’t I! More than just sleep on it I thought I’d ask for some expert advice from you guys on which, if any, I should purchase. Ooh, and bare in mind they’re approx. £170 ouch….sorry I mean each!

p.s. all donations welcome!

p.p.s. for those of you who want in on the action both brands will be stocked at Tosho, Urban Outfitters, and asos.com soon - handy andy!


Numero uno: Righteous
These jumped out at me straight away, and I was sure they were going to be perfect for me. Round, gold frames, tortoise shell arms – they had my name all over them. Once on my face I wasn’t so sure though…..


Numero dos: Rover
So, not a fan of the name, but these are actually my personal favourites. I’ve convinced myself that fluoro orange goes with….you guessed it, ev-er-y-thing! Please tell me I’m not being totally crazy – these are hot, right?


Numero tres: Number Six
Probably the most sensible and safest option. I do like these, don’t get me wrong, but…..I don’t know, they’re just, like, black. I really do like the thickness of the frame though, and these really would go with a lot I guess. Hhhmmmm…

So, please help me. Be good people, and post your comments/ advice below. Cheers xx

Heaven is a place on earth...

God, I really do have to stop using songs as blog titles....especially bad tragic '80's ones....but it's true, I really really have! Today I was honoured (and I don't say that lightly) to be invited to take a sneaky peak at the brand-spanking new, all singing, all dancing, couldn’t-begin-to-imagine-in-your-wildest-dreams, Louis Vuitton Maison on New Bond street. There are no words, so here are some pictures (which believe me don’t even begin to do any of it any justice)….phew


He’s a giraffe with gold studded hooves, wearing 4 Louis Vuitton scarfs, AND a monochrome Louis Vuitton harness. If you can think of anything more utterly fabulous in the world I’ll give up chocolate for eternity.


For those who hadn’t noticed (which won’t be anyone who’s seen me in the last month), I’m having a bit of a headscarf moment (sparked by my mental fringe). Anyway, I usually use scraps or old scarves, but that was before I knew this existed. I need it. Imagine. It would be mind-blowing. I’d smile all day, and do good deeds and everything....promise!


Introducing the bag bar, aka. the moving wall of luxury arm-candy, aka. the LV bag enthusiast’s wet dream…


Yes, it’s the most luxe picnic hamper you’ll ever see. I can’t imagine quite where or how you’d use it, but I want it nonetheless. Defo going on my wedding list (YES, I know I need the boy first….small inconvenience).


I love flat shoes (there, I said it). These are;
a. Louis Vuitton
b. Gold
c. With studs
d. And sequins
(In my best Greg Wallace off Masterchef voice) "Flats don’t get much better than this"…


SO amazing I’ve officially upgraded it from a bumbag, to an mmmmbag.


Katie Grand's installation. Amazing. I love this. I love her. This makes me want to walk around with a fricking bag ON MY HEAD - what a twat! Amazing!


And just so I don’t get accused of being a great big suck-up (although, I kinda am)…Me, in these, can you imagine? For humanities sake I steer clear of cycling shorts, and kinda think the rest of the world should follow suit. Good people at Louis Vuitton, two questions;
1. What were you thinking?
2. Why??

Harvey Nics and hairspiration....oh what a night!

This is the fabulous Carol who I met on the tube last night on my way back from a brrrrriliant Harvey Nichols/ Tanqueray Gin No.10 event organised by my wonderful friend Irena (shout out to Hen and Sim who kept me amused with he-larious Percy Pig stories amongst other things). H. Nics events are always the best, as A. they’re at Harvey Nics, and B. they always seem to have a venison based canapé, and I LOVE venison; last night it was mini venison burgers – Sim and I did try getting them to super-size a couple for us, but sadly to no avail. Anyway, it was after 3 too many Tanqueray cocktails that I met Carol. As soon as she stepped into my carriage wielding her camera and giggling I fell in love. I’ve been banging on about wanting blonde hair with pinks highlights for FOREVER….well least since before my birthday which was yonks ago! She’s totally my hairspiration – and what’s more she said she did it herself – jealous! She also told me the best thing about pink hair is that everyone talks to you….people, I can feel a home dye session coming on!!!

What I'll be wearing AW10/ My-Wardrobe.com press day

I popped into the My-Wardrobe.com press day last night after work to take a peak at all the goodies they have in store for us for next season. Despite the fact that it was like a Krispy Kreme giveaway at a fat fighters meeting as eager bloggers and weary fashionistas all squeezed into the tiny pristine My-Wardrobe townhouse (note to self, never attend a press day after work hours) I’m jolly happy I did, as their buyers have once again excelled themselves. Apologies for the slightly wonky photography (you know it’s not my strong point), but here’s my AW10 My-Wardrobe wishlist….ahhh…..

p.s. Big love to the gorgeous Lauren and always-fabulous Anthony for always showing me love, Sisi G xx


Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
Says what it does on the jumper.


See by Chloe
I’m quite obsessed with pumpkin shaped bags right now - I just love their slouchy laid-back air, and this one also has a long across-the-body strap, so gets extra points.


Love Moschino
When wouldn’t I wear this? Black, tick. Gold, tick. Moschino, tick. It’s just fricking ticking man!



Merle O’Grady
How had I not heard of Merle O’Grady before? Yes, shame on Sisi G! I’m all over these earrings….as soon as they hit they’re mine!


Halston
For once I may have chosen my winter coat before Spring – Hallelujah! I brought a hooded black number this year, and sensible belted grey one the year before, so I’m thinking I’m allowed a slightly impractical red Halston coat for AW10 yeah??



Ash
When I first saw Ash’s wedge healed trainers last year I was embarrassed to admit I liked them. I do though, and these bad boy buckle versions are even hotter. Want.


Mulberry
So shock horror gasp I don’t own a Mulberry bag. I have a Mulberry/ GAP one, but I’m never convinced that really counts. I feel this leopard print Alexa may be the answer to my Mulberry dreams though…Mmmmm….


Forrest & Bob
Introducing what I believe may be the perfect tee. So simple. So sexy. So mine.