Leopard Print Jackets - Six of the Best

There are those who abhor wearing animal prints, leopard, zebra, tiger, whatever, and those who love it. I happen to be one of the latter which is great for me as Autumn 2010 appears to be leopard print season, the only problem being stopping some people from wearing it (and carrying it) head to toe.

Inevitably with such an obvious trend just one piece will do the business thank you very much, and anything else almost always turns out to be overkill. I have to admit that I have a favourite leopard print handbag/tote which takes me everywhere (when everything else is neutral) and inside lurks a small Ralph Lauren cosmetic bag in the same print in which I keep my nano/headphones but I try and be very quiet about showing them both - and if you catch me on the train doing just that please look away and say nothing.

Here are my six favourite jackets, from high street to designer. None of them will be around for very long, I suspect, so if you fall in love with one of them I suggest you leap on it.

My favourites of these, I have to say, are the Lipsy coat/jacket, bottom right, and Moschino’s cropped coat in the centre of the bottom row, from My Wardrobe - quite a big more expensive, but delicious to snuggle up stylishly in and something that will last for years as after all, whatever trends come and go, leopard is always around somewhere and comes back into full-on fashion at regular (and usually short) intervals.

Twitter Tips - How Stupid do they Think we Are?

Recently I've been following more of the people who follow me, having had a good look (or so I thought) at my followers.

Since then I've been deluged with standardized 'Hey! thanks for following' direct messages and spammy mentions. Each and every time I've blocked the sender for good. It doesn't matter who they are, this is a seriously bad practice.

I have to confess that I don't thank people for following me each and every time and I only start conversations with people I'm interested in, or people who I have caught saying something I relate to. I tweet my blog and love the response, tweet links to articles I think are amusing or interesting and anyone who follows my tweets will know that my favourite quote is the Schultz one about love and chocolate.

I sound-bite more than necessary (or others are interested in, I'm sure) about music, travelling and great restaurants, all of which I love, and there are some co-twitterers I talk to at least every week, if not every day.

Twitter is about engagement via conversations, information and joint interests. People follow and are followed because of who they are, what they do, and, to my mind, how genuine they are.That's not to say that Twitter isn't or shouldn't be a great marketing tool, we all know only too well that it is but the spam and spammers have to be dealt with firmly the moment they appear - a tall task in twitterworld.

So if you want me to follow you and not block you please don't bother to send me a standard 'thank you' - I can recognise these every single time, and if you send me a mention or a message with a link and I don't know you, you will be blocked immediately and sent on your way as fast as possible. Both to my mind are seriously bad practice.

The Hunt for the Perfect Little Red Dress

I’ve been told quite a few times that I have too strong a penchant for black - well you know………having been in the fashion business for so long/it makes me look slimmer/I think it suits me etc etc etc. But bearing this in mind when I sorted through my winter clothes I realised that black made up pretty well 80% of my wardrobe, apart from a bit of navy and quite a lot of very dark brown.

Deciding it was time for a change I focused on red as the ultimate colour for autumn. I wanted the perfect Little Red Dress, something that would flatter and flirt, work for day or night and have some element about it that said ‘buy me, wear me, keep me, love me’. And of course, because I’m very good at this kind of thing…….I found it. Have a guess, it’s one of these six. Let me know.

To sleeve or not to sleeve? - a girlfriend told me recently that she thought no one over a certain age should wear sleeveless - I have to beg to disagree. It totally depends on how good your arms look and how you feel about baring them (but more about the former, I think). Cast your votes now……………….I’d like to know.

Over the past few days my kitchen has become a cider farm, as the great business of pressing, bubbling and bottling took place, as it does each September, when the son spends a fortune to drive down from Edinburgh to manage this process. I still have dozens of quietly bubbling bottles in front of my Aga and he has gone. Now who is going to have to move that little lot I wonder………………..

Natural Beauty from My Pure

I will freely admit that I’ve not, until now, been a huge fan of natural beauty products, having always been tempted by the likes of classic brands such as Chanel and Lancome (although I do love Aveda).  I suspect that will remain the case………ducks………..

However I’m sure you’ll agree with me that you simply can’t avoid the green machine that seems to be taking over and having met Simon Golding of My Pure recently I most generously (!) agreed to try out some of the natural hair and beauty products he offers by Australian brand A’kin.

Expecting the small plop of a jiffy bag on my doormat filled with samples to try, I was presented with the loud thud of a box filled with full sized extremely well packaged goodies such as Rose and Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner, Pure Alchemy Cellular Radiance Serum, Ginkgo & Chamomile Night Eye Creme and Macadamia & Wheat Protein Treatment Conditioner.

   

The fragrance and texture of all the products is delicious, everything is lovely to use and goes a long way.  If I have to name my favourite it’s definitely the cleanser, trust me, open the tube, one sniff and you’ll be hooked even before you use it, and it cleanses beautifully and refreshingly.

I haven’t got anywhere near finishing my A’kin products, and was horrified earlier to realise that a couple had been ‘removed’ from my daughter’s bathroom where they had wandered and ‘re-allocated’ (I presume) to Edinburgh where she’s now at uni - fat chance of my ever seeing those again, but a definite sign of approval for A’kin - she is very, very fussy, not that I can imagine where she gets that from.

 

Back home on the ranch (daft to say that after Dallas, I know, but never mind) it gets quieter and quieter here which is bliss.  Just one puppy left, ours, plus two large dogs.  I gather two of my children will be here for a friend’s 21st in a couple of weeks but…………even more bliss……….I will be off again.  I’m booked, ticketed and pretty well packed and can’t wait.  I’ll let you know where nearer the time………………………………

Uniqlo - Warming up for Winter

I read only this week that Uniqlo had just launched online, which is nonsense of course, as they’ve been there for quite a while with a (ho hum how shall I put this) pretty uninspiring website (wrote something entirely different, crossed it out, left the strike-through then decided to start again - sorry - you’ll have to guess).

What they have just done is re-launch with a totally new site, one which you and I will almost certainly want to browse through and buy from, because they’ve achieved what so many fail to do - they’ve made it really easy to get right close up and personal to the products, priced them at an irresistible level, photographed them simply and extremely well (and you can see each product in each colourway) and…….well what more do I need to say?

I as usual go for the neutrals, the blacks/dark browns and greys although I’m getting better at adding in a splash of colour, particularly in hot climates, and I’m not entirely sure who wears the printed fleece because it’s a personal no-no of mine and I have never actually spotted anyone wearing it. All that being said; hats off to Uniqlo and let’s go shop.

+J is not inspirational at the moment as the winter collection has not yet arrived, but there are some lovely, modern, slightly higher priced cashmere pieces in the DI cashmere range.

Back from Dallas as of Monday into the beautiful sunshine which is not going to last. Winter cometh, bother it. At least some of the warmest clothing is now affordable……………………

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Website Review - Pure Collection

Pure Collection has grown up this season and re-launched itself from an almost purely (sorry no pun intended) online cashmere house to a full-on fashion retailer with a collection that is bound to grow.

The cashmere is still the main point - I’m a total cashmere addict so I can totally understand that - but now there’s a wider collection of dresses, coats and jackets plus accessories, mostly at reasonable to mid-range prices and all in the quality we’ve come to expect from Pure.

Undoubtedly my favourites in the new collection are the coats, from the cappucino/camel knitted belted ‘trench’ to the soft wool double breasted jacket - the latter surely a must for anyone who wears jeans. The quilted leather tote, and the pleat detail jersey dress, which looks to me as if it would flatter just about anyone and something you’d want to wear over and over again.

This is not an enormous move away from the cashmere, but a segue into a wearable collection of wardrobe pieces most people would be happy to own. There’s a nod to what’s going on in fashion right now but really these are long-lived classics you can wear.

When I started writing this I was sitting in Dallas in the extremely comfortable hotel Palomar, far too close to stores such as Loft for my choice (as it’s sooooo easy just to cross over the road and there you are) however just far enough away from Northpark Mall, Banana Republic, Abercrombie et al to make you seriously think if you can really be bothered to pay it a visit. Now having said that my daughter may be furious, as I promised her another pair of flip-flops from Abercrombie, an anonymous puppy having destroyed her last pair. What is it with puppies and shoes? Stuart Weitzman heels last seen resting happily on my bedroom floor, mysteriously (or not) making their way outside in the mud. Ouch!

SPECIAL OFFER FROM PURE COLLECTION Quote promotion code GLAM15 for 15% off and free returns. Offer expires 30th November 2010.

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From Gap to Zara - Now Online in the UK

Having heard on the grapevine that Zara, H&M, Banana Republic and Gap would shortly be launching their online stores in the UK it wasn’t until I was in London last week and spotted a Zara bag with emblazoned with the words ‘Shop Online’ that I realised they’d been and gone and actually done it.

What sets Zara apart from the other three is that they have all been online for years, just not on these shores, so it was interesting to  have a good look at all four and compare.

   

H&M has a fresh, casual, lifestyle feel to it as you would expect as this is aimed at a young, casual, modern customer, having said that, there are some very good basics as well and the site is a pleasure to browse.  Some of the prices seem ridiculously low when you look at them on the screen rather than the clothes packed together on the rails however that is what H&M is all about and I’m sure they’ll do brilliantly here.

 

Zara is another story altogether, being a new online launch and rather looking that way.  There’s none of the excitement on this website (I found) however you are taken very quickly to large clear pictures of well styled clothes where you can immediately see if your size is available.  The descriptions are sparse to say the least.  For me to say I want the buzz of the stores is very strange, as I usually detest the loud music and the packed rails, however a little more life and some friendly words wouldn’t go astray and guys……..I don’t speak Spanish.  A few translations needed please. 

All teething problems I’m sure, at least I hope so.

Gap is exactly what you expect, with campaign ad photography and a wonderfully clear layout taking you to Gap casualwear for men, women, kids and babies.  The new jeans and pants collections look, I have to say, extremely tempting, and there are also the usual casual basics that, if you’re a true Gap fan, you won’t be able to resist.  It was high time they launched online here - I hope this website does really well.  It should, bearing in mind our growing love of everything online.

 

Finally, Banana Republic, a long time favourite of mine and a first port of call when I’m in the US, which is happily  frequently these days.  The whole range hasn’t yet made it online and please…………..where are the shoes?  Again they’ve only just launched here and I’m sure that this site will be a success.  Give us the shoes, the full range, and pleeeeeze replace the US sizes with UK (If you can manage the £££s you can manage the fact that we go from a 4(?) to an 18, not a 0 (horrors) to a 14, surely.

This is all of course very good news for online and for us as customers - those who haven’t yet woken up to the online bonanza, get a move on, would you?  Or you’re going to miss the boat entirely…………….

Running in FitFlops

 

A couple of weeks ago I was making a connection at Chicago airport which I nearly missed and only made because, having re-checked my bag (as you have to) and changed terminal (oh boy) I then ran approximately a quarter of a mile from one end of Terminal One to my gate, inevitably right at the other end.  I wasn’t wearing trainers, nor, thank heavens, any kind of heels, but my faithful gold FitFlops which, I discovered are not only perfect for walking long distances in, but running as well.

I really don’t know if they have the gym-like powers they purport to as I’m becoming a bit of a gym addict anyway and I’m sure they’re not intended to take the place of other exercise, however much it’s lovely to think that they might.  But from the point of view of sheer comfort whether walking or running anywhere, and a modern look, they are quite simply the best. 

As I have the job of walking several dogs each morning I invested in a pair of FitFlop Mukluk boots (and oh dear I have the sheepskin lined slippers as well - I never do things by halves) and every single pair is a dream to wear.

Having converted several people recently, both friends and just before meetings (when I’ve been frantically trying to change into my heels, as you do) I thought I should write about these again, because if you haven’t thought of buying a pair yet you almost certainly should.  In the winter, particularly, the boots are practically un-take-off-able.

And oh dear they’ve now brought out FitFlop sneakers - but I think those’ll have to wait until spring…………

Incidentally, don’t expect to be complimented on your choice of footwear necessarily - I don’t think you wear these for their beauty (just my opinion) but you’ll be the one smiling with happy feet with others complaining about their blisters the next time you’ve needed to get anywhere fast.

 

 

Finally, after a huge amount of shouting, changing cars (bike/tv/golf clubs etc) and lost keys (on the roof) the travellers have left to take the daughter and younger son back up to uni in Edinburgh.  So peace has descended, well at least for a few days.

The Six Rules of Buying Dresses Online

Dresses and jeans have to be the most difficult things to buy online - not from the ‘oh I’ve fallen in love with that and must have it’ point of view, but from the sheer point of fit - and none of us want to send things back. Jeans have to be the most difficult unless you’re repeating a style you already know and love.

I have, and I know that no one’s going to be surprised here, bought quite a few dresses online particularly during sale time, when ordering from boutiques such as Matches Fashion and Net-a-Porter are infinitely preferable to battling through the rails in a shop and finding that that perfect Roberto Cavalli dress is available in sizes 8 and 18 (do they make 18s?) and nothing else.

Although I’m frequently tempted by what’s on offer I’ve established six rules for buying dresses online, and if any one of these is missing I simply don’t buy, well not usually anyway, and my send-back rate is very low indeed. Please note that I’m writing for real women here, who may be ever so slightly horizontally and/or vertically challenged as most of us are and not those size 6/8 slimlines who smugly fit pretty well anything. Apologies if that’s you - I just haven’t got there yet (and probably never will) so I’m jealous.

1 Know your style; Online is not the place to experiment with a completely new style unless you expect to have to send back. Stick to what you know suits you, whether it’s wrap/shift/maxi/glamour/sexy etc and don’t stray into a completely new look whatever the current fashion dictats are. Those are best experimented with in the stores, at which point you will almost certainly return to who you are anyway. Hopefully.

2. If at all possible buy from a designer you already know and love. The fit is likely to be safer and the dress is more likely to end up in your cupboard rather than back in the box.

3. Choose something with an element of streeeeeetch. Many designers, and certainly the cleverest ones (who know how much we want dresses to flatter us) add in an element of lycra or elastane. This usually not only flatters but helps with holding lumpy bits (did I really say that?) in and overall fit.

4. Don’t be afraid of the alterations lady. As someone who is most definitely vertically challenged (5’ 2”) I expect to have to have dresses shortened. So I’ve cosied up to my local alterations person who will turn things round incredibly fast and without compromise. Dresses (and skirts and trousers) quite simply have to be the right length. Of course this doesn’t only apply to short people.

I’ve lost count of the number of items I’ve had shortened this year. I may be speaking to the converted but you go anywhere and have a look at other girls’ skirt and dress lengths (not to mention trousers) and how bad they can make a perfectly chic piece of clothing look. Yes it’s an added cost but an essential one.

5. Buy the best you can afford - you will as I’m sure you already know - get what you pay for. Buy anything by brands such as Max Mara, DvF and upwards (and the sky really is the limit), and you should not be disappointed with the quality. The same goes for the premium high street - if I’m allowed to call them that - including Reiss and Karen Millen. Go for cheap and cheerful and no matter how ‘current’, cheap and cheerful is what you will get and a one season wear if you’re lucky.

6. Don’t be tempted to become a fashion victim unless the ‘now’ print, shape, neckline, length etc suits you. I shudder when I think about ‘nude’ dresses, camel coats and drawstring waists. None of those will be entering my wardrobe for sure. The great thing about online is that you can try them all at home and even more excellent, you can send them back. Make sure you do unless you’re really, really sure.

Here things have quietened down a lot - the eldest son has gone north, the younger one has killed his car (not topping up engine oil will do it every time) and is in deepest Wales somewhere and the daughter is getting ready for uni with only one arm having been flung far and hard by the younger son in a Scottish reel on Saturday evening. And there are only four dogs in the house. And I am inevitably planning my next trip, but more about that later………………………………………………………….