Merle O'Grady: Find of the month

Merle O'Grady has caused quite a stir in a very short space of time. Her feather weight perspex jewellery was snapped up by Beyonce while on a break from performing in Dublin. Since then customers have been clamouring to buy her unique and striking jewellery. The lightness of the perspex is particularly good for those who love big dangly earrings. You won't even notice these but everyone else will.

A ball gown fit for a bump

Normally an invite to a swanky black tie masquerade ball would be so exciting that I'd barely be able to sleep. But being so heavily pregnant I was dreading it. What to wear with such a big bump? And black tie means to the ground. The lovely Louise Amstrup offered me a beautiful black dress with a beaded bodice. But sadly it didn't fit the belly.

However I did manage to find some silk I'd stashed probably about 10 years ago waiting for the right pattern. So Saturday I did some manic sewing. Thankfully I did manage to get it completely finished and pressed with a couple of hours to spare. It was actually a very simple bump friendly and colourful dress just as I'd envisaged.

The event was a 40th birthday party for the wife of an ex-colleague of my man. I'd actually never met the wife. It's very odd going to a party not knowing the birthday girl. And I didn't even meet her on the night.What a party! Most weddings are not this extravagant. Held at the V&A Museum the surroundings were just beautiful. It had a Venetian theme, hence the masks. I'd bought ours online and hoped that it matched my dress - luckily it did perfectly.

Back to the party. There was a string quartet on gondola in the middle of the lake in the garden. After we moved inside past the sculpture gallery there was a live band. The daughters aged 13 and 10 sang a beautiful song from Hairspray where they had adapted the words for their mother. They were incredible! Such confidence. I had tears in my eyes. Following the band were opera singers. Other entertainment included massages, makeup sessions, an ice cream stand (see picture above!) and a photo booth.

I'd actually managed to slip my feet into these Gil Carvalho 4 inch heels for the occasion. While the shoes were very comfortable for my feet, it was my legs that had the problem. My legs held up quite well until about 11pm. By then I was ready to limp to the car and go home to my lovely soft bed. You can imagine the relief when I took off my shoes and walked on flat ground. Bliss! But beauty means suffering, even when pregnant!

So excited about these shoes

Of course I love all the shoes I stock but some I love more than others. These Verity by Bionda Castana fall into that category. They are so elegant and, the best bit, they're orange! I do have a thing for orange. Remember my ginormous Chloe Heloise handbag? These shoes are going to look great with that. They'll also look great with the new AW09 collection from Louise Amstrup with the hint of orange in the print.

Preorder Verity now to avoid disappointment.

My lost top found after 2 years of searching!

Attending the Madonna concert in Madison Square Gardens last year wearing the too small Louise Amstrup Bow Top, Amiee McWilliams leather trousers and a clutch by Ignes


Over 2 years ago I had a press request for the Louise Amstrup bow top. The press sample was already out at Elle Magazine so I reluctantly sent off my personal top. Sadly it vanished. Elle claimed it had been returned, my warehouse claimed they hadn't received it back and my PR didn't have it either. Luckily we did get press from it and very quickly sold out of all tops.

I was so upset. It really was my favorite top. I loved wearing it with white jeans and silver shoes as well as the leather trousers shown above. I even begged Louise Amstrup to make me a new one but she didn't have anymore fabric. But she did send me a size 8. It was OK, but it wasn't really long enough for me to wear comfortably with my skinny jeans. I preferred the drapy feel of the size 12.

We have just moved warehouses in the last couple of weeks and I have been personally overseeing the stocktake and packing of all my beautiful Brittique.com clothes. There was an odd box leftover that seemed to have damaged clothes and just stationary items so I just left it - until today. What a surprise I got when I unpacked it and right at the bottom was my beloved top neatly folded in the magazine's bag. I'm thrilled! But now I'll have to wait a few months post baby to get back into it.

Fashion fuels death threats

Vogue recently reported that Peter Jensen is at the centre of a fashion feud over his interpretation of Greenland's national costume. Following the presentation of Peter Jensen's AW09 collection the designer received a series of complaints including a death threat.

Of particular concern to the native Greenlanders is Peter Jensen's interpretation of the kamic boots. Peter Jensen told Vogue "The collection and the boots were made out of pure love and meant as a celebration from the trip which we went on in November. That I am now getting death threats is really taking this thing out of proportion."

I love the boots and was disappointed to learn that they're only available from a certain high street retailer... We have however placed our AW09 order for the clothing. I can't wait for the beaded sweater dress and the digital print Citizens of the World blazer. This blazer is just so versatile and can be interpreted in so many ways from preppy to layered and geek chic. Preorders are now open with delivery in September.

Vogue on Vogue

Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman. Source: FBC

On Thursday I went along to the Fashion Business Club meeting “Vogue on Vogue”. Online editor Dolly Jones was interviewing Vogue magazine editor Alexandra Shulman. While I’m not a magazine junky and prefer online to magazines, I was interested in what Alexandra had to say about supporting young British designers and her perceived or obligation of role of Vogue. One interesting fact for me is that we both have the same favorite magazine, The New Yorker.

Alexandra spoke openly and candidly about her experience and was actually quite witty. Upon taking the job she had no idea or even interest in fashion. She didn’t realize that fashion was in seasons and still claims to have a more pedestrian view of fashion while her fashion staff talk about referencing great artists and events.

Dolly (not her real name by the way) asked if Alexandra felt that she fitted the fashion mold. The crowded room laughed when Alexandra said that one comment she hears continuously is that she doesn’t look like the editor of Vogue magazine. She always replies that she’s been the editor for 17 years now so this is what the editor of Vogue looks like.

She believes that fashion has become the whipping post for the celeb culture, eating disorders and other woes of the world. She said it’s just wrong and she actually enjoys the debate. Vogue was recently heavily criticized for putting Cheryl Cole on the cover. Alexandra said she enjoyed having Cheryl and believes she is a face of fashion. Besides, it was incredible for sales.

I was about to ask about Vogue’s role and obligation in the support of young designers. Alexandra said she feels a duty to support them despite the fact that they don’t give a single penny of advertising revenue. She believes that during the last recession some of the greatest trends emerged and this time is no different. She saw signs of that at the recent LFW. In reply to Dolly’s questions about how Vogue are dealing with the recession and changes in spending habits Alexandra said that Vogue has always been about an aspirational lifestyle and it will continue to present that lifestyle in a way that is not offensive.

There were a lot of questions from the audience, most just wanting to draw Alexandra’s attention to their brand. Something I should really do but it’s not my style. I do hope that Vogue can continue to support young British designers, especially in these times.
On the way home from the meeting I did pick up the latest copy of Vogue. I haven’t read it yet though. Had a delivery of New Yorkers instead!

Sometimes beauty does not mean suffering

As a mad snowboarder the death of anyone while skiing or boarding really shakes me. But the death of Natasha Richardson is especially shocking. It's not just because she's a young mother but because these types of injuries can be avoided by wearing a helmet.

In 2000 when I was learning to snowboard I took an especially nasty fall. It really shook me and I could see stars for days and had a sore spot on the back of my head for months after. After the initial panic attack wore off I went to the nearest ski store and bought a helmet.

At that time in our little ski resort of Fieberbrunn I was the only adult wearing a helmet. I did not care how silly I looked, I just knew that I needed protection.

Now more and more adults are wearing helmets. In January I noticed that in Fieberbrunn more people were wearing helmets than not and Snowbird was the same.

In the same way that the terminal illness of Jade Goody has increased the number of women seeking pap tests, I hope that the tragic death of Natasha Richardson will encourage you all to forsake beauty and wear a helmet on the slopes.

The latest in London youth trends

London Fashion Weekend is over. After a gruelling 5 days I slept most of Monday and wouldn't mind a little kip now too!

After moving back to London from New York a mere 3 weeks ago, LFW'end was the first time I've been immersed in London Fashion. And what an eye opener. The girls in the East Village are tame compared to London girls.

LFW'end really was an eye opener as far as trends. There were so many young girls in attendance - we're talking 16-22 - and they're just so fashion forward. I'd like to say imaginative too but while it was, they mostly all stuck my rules.

The first thing I noticed is that skirts are short. And I mean SHORT!! Bum skimming. This fact didn't escape the security guards at the show either. They really thought they were in heaven. Many girls weren't even wearing skirts or dresses, just tops that barely covered their bum and semi opaque tights. Even girls who didn't have the legs have embraced this trend. I saw a couple bend over and yes, I saw everything! Should we blame Sienna Miller for this?

Source: Stylebakery

The second thing I noticed was the hair styles. This is one area that there was not much of a deviation from the trend. That trend seems to be an evolution of the bed head and side party which is now lightly teased with an exaggerated side part that is swept right across the forehead.

Source: Stylescout

While I appreciate the power of a trend, many of these young girls should really take a look in the mirror and decide if these bum skimming tops/skirts and forehead covering styles really suit them. Perhaps they could modify the trend and wear what actually suits them.

That said, I've unplugged my GHDs, teased up the roots of my hair and will test drive the full side part today. It's not a far cry from my usual and it will be interesting to see the looks I get - although I am pushing a pram, hardly a style accessory of the 16-22s!

No misstep for Agyness Dean

Agyness Dean is one of those people who always looks amazing - even with an eye patch following an incident with a mascara wand! In the March 2009 issue of British Vogue she looks breathtaking in this vivid silky gown and statement bangle. But I agree with ShinyStyle, what really makes this outfit is the shoes.

When Natalia at Bionda Castana first showed me these shoes I wanted them. They are just stunning and will liven any outfit from a plain dress to jeans. They are available in limited quantities at Brittique, the only place you can buy them in Europe. Pre-purchase yours now and you'll be wearing them in March.

One woman's trash is another's treasure

Just this evening I was throwing out my rubbish in our "trash receptacle" room when I saw this shiny gold silk in a bag in the paper recycling box. On closer inspection it was a gold jacquard silk Emporio Armani jacket! Someone on my floor had thrown it out!

It's a touch tight but in perfect condition. It's edged in snake skin leather and has amazing striped silk lining and a stand up collar. While it's labelled a size US6 It seems as if someone has accidentally washed it because it's really shrunk and is more like a 2 and the silk is really crumpled just like when you wet it. I'm pretty sure that if I send it to the dry cleaners they'll give it a good press and stretch it a bit and make it sit properly. What a find! Thank you neighbour! I'm just a bit afraid to wear it around now in case they see me in it and think I'm a scavenger...

D&G sample saleing

Vest Camilla Staerk, top Mango, scarf Salvatore Ferragamo, bag Chloe, trousers D&G, shoes vintage.

Dress D&G, cardigan Massimo Dutti, scarf Louis Vuitton, shoes vintage.

It's sample sale season. Prada's was a couple of weeks ago, Max Mara was this week as was D&G and Vivienne Westwood starts 10 November. I went along with come colleagues on my consulting job to D&G - WOW! It was cheap. Most items were 90% off. I got this black pencil dress for $127.50 and the tweed distressed trousers for $180. Just fab!

The dress has a patent leather attached belt and a large gold exposed zip up the back - and pockets! I do love a dress with pockets. The trousers have distressed raw seams on the leg and waist. They're uncuffed, a touch short and I think they look great rolled.

While a bit more conservatively dressed than usual, I've been consulting the past couple of weeks. Soon I'll be back to my usual style.

I also bought another denim corset style dress with an attached red patent leather belt and straps. It looked fine while i was fighting to see the mirror in the crowded communal dressing rooms, but i put it on at home and it's SOOO low. The vest nearly extends to my naval and I don't think it's my thing. I'll just write it off as a sample sale mistake. We all have those right?

Introducing Bionda Castana SS09 by Imelda

Nothing gets the heart racing like a new pair of shoes. Perhaps that's why shoes outsell clothing on Brittique. When I saw the new collection from Bionda Castana by pulse raced and I knew I had to have them. They're just so yummy! No wonder the designer's won the Vogue Italia's Who In On Next award. While not available until February, preorder yours now.

Since no one know's shoes like Imelda, see the superbly funny blog for details of my recent discussion with the one and only.

Not so coiffured in NYC

Today I tried to pull myself from the grey/black rut I'm in wore my new plaid, flannel, ruffle top by Ivy with a black Amanda Wakeley pencil skirt, vintage shoes stolen from my mother and black waist belt by Mardelle de Caille.

As you can see I don't have time to do my hair. I'm lucky to introduce my hair to a brush once a week. On occasions I get out the GHD's (love love love them) but most of the time it's the bed head slept in look.

New York women always surprise me with how coiffured they are. Where do they find the time to style their hair? Who has a spare 30mins each morning? It's even more apparent when you go to the Upper East side. This is where you find the typical twinset-with-pearls-lady-who-lunches type wearing a Chanel jacket, pearls, of course, boot leg jeans and a sensible shoe from Tods or maybe a sturdy heel. The hair is immaculate the nails are shiny and the look is one of careful consideration.

This morning I had an appointment on the Upper East Side and felt strangely "under dressed" despite my pencil skirt and heels. I just wasn't put together enough and looked like a fish out of water. But then I spied a girl waiting at the lights who looked as out of zone as me. She had the same bed head hair, although platinum blonde, leggings with big Belstaff boots and a black cocoon coat. She looked fab. As I got closer I heard her talking on her "cell" - she was British! Of course she was.

More bows and a sad day for Camilla Staerk UK

I didn't realise I owned so many "bow things" until I snapped my pic this morning wearing this beautiful draped dress from Louise Amstrup and matching red ankle boots from Camilla Staerk. These ankle boots are my absolute favorite pair of shoes so I have them in a number of colours. The heel is just the perfect height - 70mm - and the toe is has the perfect "pointiness". So I was really sad when I read the news that Camilla Staerk will be no more.

Yes I know it's not really Camilla Staerk and the real Camilla Staerk designs under Staerk. But there shoes and garments had a nice feel about the cut and quality. The collections have sold well here on Brittique and I'll be sad to see them go.

Given the current economic conditions this isn't going to be the last time we wish a design house RIP.

Did we skip autumn? I'm feeling the bows

I'm not sure about London but here in New York it's FREEZING! Around 8C actually. But it just seemed like a couple of weeks ago that I was sitting out in the park with my little boy in a tank top and shorts. It was actually three weeks ago and now there's salt on the roads and there's a valuable section of my tween-season wardrobe that didn't get an outing once again. Last year my autumn wardrobe stayed in the closet because I was heavily pregnant. This year it's been skipped!

The past weeks I have been consulting with a corporate client on fashion trends. It's a reach back to my banking days and a nice break from being immersed in my own business 24/7. While everyone else walks the hallways in suits, I don't own any so I'm enjoying tapping into a more corporate side of my style, one that hasn't been out in a while.

What I'm finding though is that I'm a bit stuck in a black/white/grey rut. I'm putting in another Brittique.com order tonight to try to rectify this. I'll show you what I purchase. Can't wait!

Sometimes it's incredible how quickly a trend reappears. Today's coat and top both feature large bows at the top. My top is large bow from Louise Amstrup is part of her SS07 collection (there's a story to this top so more on that in a later post) and the coat is by Katarzyna Szczotarska, who unfortunately doesn't seem to be designing anymore. It must be from her AW06 collection. If you read Elle or the ever candid jewellery designer Wendy Brandes' blog, you'll know that bows are definitely here for at least another couple of seasons.

Unfortunately my top and coat have sold out long ago but if you need a quick bow fix Kirribilla have some irresistibly cute dresses coming in the next month featuring bows. I've got my eye on this one. Perfect for your work holiday party, no? I'll pair it with my super sexy brown snake skin shoes and a gold clutch from Ignes.

The black panel skirt is from Louise Amstrup (stunning skirt with a zip right up the back and zipper lined pockets). I did have my Camilla Staerk ankle boots on again, but then I decided the gold buckles clashed with the silver top and skirt zippers to I change to a lovely pair of vintage kitten heels that I stole from my mother's wardrobe. Thanks mum!

Introducing my style

It just dawned on me that I might have one of the best jobs in the world. As the founder of Brittique.com I get to spend lots of money on clothes each season - all for customers of course - and take from the virtual shelves whatever I like - well, I do have to support my designers and try out the clothes don't I?!?

Each day I step out dressed head to toe in some of the best designer clothing and it would be just wrong not to share when I have a particularly good outfit going on. Introducing my style.

Today from Brittique I'm wearing shrug jacket and skirt by Hussein Chalayan, vest by Camilla Staerk, shoes by Camilla Staerk. The belt is by Mardelle de Caille, a lovely designer who sells at The Young Designers Markets held on Mulberry Street, NYC every weekend. The fabulous redesigned vintage necklace is by Shay from The Ongoing Project. Shay's jewellery is fabulous and you'll be hearing more about her in the future. Watch this space...

The Russians fashionistas were years ahead

I visited a friend in Russia in 2001. His father had the foresight to start importing luxury produces into the country long before the current consumptive environment became apparent. As a result my friend is rather affluent and showed us the high life of Moscow and St. Petersburg. To this day the restaurants we visited were the most opulent I have experienced and around $50 a head bought you an incredible three course dinner, with wine and vodka. My favorite restaurant featured a giant glass fishbowl with a full working farm, animals, farmers, farmer's wife knitting, and all. Each evening we would be chauffeured in our black benz to a non-descript warehouse surrounded by dozens of matching black benzes and groups of drivers surrounded by clouds of cigarette smoke. After passing through metal detectors and numerous body guards, we were lead into these amazing restaurants and bars filled with beautiful monied people (mainly old men with nearly illegal looking young girls).

These barely-out-of-school girls with their long legs, heavy makeup, sleek finish, and doll like faces were very stylishly dressed. I didn't merit a second glance with my slept in, don't own a brush style and easy-to-travel wardrobe. There was one noticeable trend - all girls were wearing mini skirts with ankle boots, generally topped by a giant fur coat. Back in 2001 the bootie hadn't hit the west yet, it looked really odd to have your ankle enclosed and your leg bare. My man and I kept commenting about how strange it looked. It just didn't quite look right. Fast forward 7 years and it's right on trend hot.

Bionda Castana's Kika and Tillie ankle boots are two of the best interpretations of this trend. Judging by the press they've gathered I'm not the only one who thinks that. A couple pairs left...

A song and dance for Evie Belle

I know I know, I'm a bit like a London bus with my blog posts. You wait forever for one and then 3 come at once. Forgive me, like everyone it seems, I've been busy.


Confession: I didn't know who Katherine Darcy Jenkins and Darcy Bussel were when I saw these pictures. Call me uncultured but just keeping track of all the fashion designers is a fulltime job. A google search revealed that the stunning blonde is Katherine Jenkins, award winning mezzo-soprano and, with the list of awards she's received, I really should have heard of her. The beautiful brunette (with incredible legs!) is a now retired ballerina.


Katherine and Darcy appear in this photo shoot for Evie Belle, now available at Brittique.com. Evie Belle has a sexy secretary and yet vampy vibe. Kind of a secretary by day dominatrix by night type thing. The designer Sairah Hick's background with top tailoring specialists such as Burberry and Acquascutum is evident in the cut. The styles are universally flattering for sizes right through to 14. If you are a size 14 and think that designer clothing doesn't cater for you, try Evie Belle.

From Winehouse to wedding

A couple of funny titles came to mind as I write this blog playing on the Wino angle. But like Sister Wolf, I do admire Amy Winehouse for her unique sound in a world awash with pop and R&B and genuinely hope that she can pull herself out of the mess.

So why am I talking about Amy Winehouse? You may recall that this is the dress, or one of them, that she wore for her private concert in Russia. Of course in true Amy style it was an itsy bitsy mini and a super small size. Here's another take on the stunning Kirribilla Hilo dress - the cover of Cosmo bride. The floral print of the dress does make you want to pack the SPF and head to St Lucia. Unfortunately we sold out of this dress as soon as they hit the site. We do have it in perhaps the more wearable colours of black and coffee.

Futuretense by Louise Amstrup

Louise Amstrup also had a short film as part of SHOWsudio's Futuretense series of video essays along with Peter Jensen a couple of weeks earlier. SHOWstudio launched Futuretense as a global platform for new designers to showcase the future of fashion. The Q&A offers an insight into the imagination of each designer.

As I said in last week's Grazia, Louise's clothes are all about flattering a woman. I know so many designers say that but then try on the clothes and the waist is too big and the hips and thighs are too tight. That's not cut for a woman. Most of us have curves and more designers need to understand that. Louise Amstrup does and not only are her clothes cut perfectly but they finish is incredible too. As I'm writing this I'm wearing my favorite from her SS08 collection, the striped cotton dress. It has sold out now but it's also available in a brilliant blue silk.

If you try just one new designer this season take a look at Louise Amstrup. Her pieces are seasonless classics that you'll wear for years to come.