Save Luella!!

Noooooo! Worst fashion new ever! According to todays Evening Standard amazing British fashion label Luella has collapsed due to its Singapore based backers pulling out. That means that she will be unable to put her spring/summer 2010 collection out, which means amazing things like this:

and this:

and this:

will never be available.

NOOOOOOO!! Luella Bartley is said to be looking for a new investor as we speak and let’s hope she finds one because to lose Luella would be a true travesty. Who else puts the minds and hearts of women so perfectly into an outfit? No one.

T-Shirts: 3 Of The Best

Although t-shirts may not be the most exciting thing in anyone’s wardrobe certainly having a few good ones is a must. Here is my pick for 3 of the best currently on offer.

This Karen Walker t-shirt is a bit steep at £60 (also sadly sold out at the moment, hopefully back in stock soon?) but I absolutely love the freshly broken strand of pearls. There is something so Coco Chanel about the whole thing. A bit of posh girl on the rocks too.

‘Frank’ by Sarah Hamburg is easier on the bank account at £15.10. This amazing hand drawn ink rendition of the classic movie icon is perfect for rockabilly lovers and horror junkies alike. As I am both of these things I am clearing in love.

I met up with one of my nearest and dearest yesterday (Shiv, pictured) to find her wearing a very awesome slogan t-shirt. I asked her where it was from (her mate makes them, she will tell me more later) and she let me take a photo. I’m far to impatient to wait for later so thanks to my super noisy slethy skills I found said awesome shirt maker (Angela Federico). You can find out about ordering your own here.

Oh, and don’t forget…

Mister Mittens’ Big Adventure is back in stock. An XL girly tee is on my Christmas list!

(XL so I can wear it all big over ripped jeans or tights if you were wondering).

Space! Kitty!

 

Glamour Ghouls – Part 2

I though it high time I posted about the supremely talented Andrea Kett, especially as her work fits in perfectly with the spooky Halloween spirit.

although I actually came across her work last Christmas while looking for cards in Angel. You see she also does Christmas card (of a sort). In fact she has just released a bunch of new Christmas cards just in time for the season.

She’s even done commissions for Sera of London, Kurt Geiger, and Lulu Guinness. I especially love her Snooty Fox Series…

…and my absolute favourite is her ‘Miss Marpole Saucy Sleuth Paper Doll Book’!!

How amazing is that!? I must get myself one!!

You can buy her books, cards, prints, and all her fantastic work at her Etsy Shop. Go now!

Ghoulish Glamour – Part 1

Happy Halloween Weekend Everyone!!

(Make your own Halloween hat! Mine is made with netting, 2 vintage flowers, and eyeball candies from Tescos)

Ella xo

The Last Days of Sun – Shoreditch and Dalston Street Style

Well it must be said: I had just the nicest day off today! It was sunny + chilly, the best kind of London weather and I spent my day wondering around Shoreditch/Brick Lane meeting old friends for catch ups and coffees. I even managed to grab a few snaps of style savvy Londoners.

I met my beautiful friend Kim (left) for a long overdue girly chat and as always she appeared looking fab in her primary colored warm fall garb. The coat is a cape too which I love, as I feel capes are perfect for London winters. I, of course, own 3. Plus how great is her bike!? I opted for my current favorite crazy over sized mohair sweater, vintage fur hat and clutch, plus H&M denim leggings (I will not call them ‘jeggings’ damn it!). Plus pink socks.

This boy’s team jacket was so awesome I had to get the front and back. A perfect rockabilly look (and a favorite of mine). Caught him coming out of Brick Lane and on his way to a show: his own in fact. He told me plays in a band called Rodeo Massacre and they are playing at Buffalo Bar tonight if any of you wish to check it out.

These two cool cats work (it) at the East End Thrift Store just off Brick Lane. fantastic, put together and warm. What else needs to be said?

(literally) Grabbed Matt on his way home in Dalston. Why is it that every boy I snap these days is in a band? Are boys in bands just generally better dressed? I’m going to go with yes. Matt and his perfect trench coat are in Chapter Sweetheart and will be playing at The Stags Head on October 21st.

I (heart) Dalston

Today my neighbour and dear friend Robin and I decided to enjoy one of the last sunny days of English summer by exploring our own backyard. We ran around the canal and all the back roads we’ve never traveled which is where we ran into this wonderful man:

How amazing is that!? He was lovely and quite surprised when I said I liked his outfit and wanted take his photo. He told me he was much better at dancing then being photographed. I told him he could dance if it made him more comfortable AND HE DID! It was brilliant, so much life in it; just look at his smile! I love Dalston. It attracts the most wonderful and creative people : )

I also super loved Robin’s pink socks red shoes combo:

Don’t worry, Robin is not really sad. He just likes making that face in photos. True story.

And…I never really do ‘outfit’ posts but maybe I’ll start?

An afternoon in Dalston

Chain headband – Topshop, Sunglasses – www.mercurysun.com, jacket – Criminal Sample Sale, Denim dress – Primark (2 years back, I get a lot of wear out of this one), Box bag – vintage, Shoes – Office (last year)

Perfect Black Skinnys

So a few weeks back I was dismayed to find that my black skinny H&M jeans that have served me so well over the last few years finally ripped. Although jeans are not my favorite thing to shop for (I always have trouble finding trousers of any kind that fit) I simple could not go without a pair of skinny black jeans in my wardrobe! Especially with the chill of fall fast approaching.

Lucky for me around the same time the lovely Virginia at New Look suggested I try out a pair of their new Yes Yes Denim jeans. The size 8 fit me surprisingly well. The waist is a bit lower than I normally like but it does solve the problem I usually have which is that my waist is very tiny while my hips are shall we say ’shapely’ meaning that finding a high wasted pair that fit everywhere will be as likely as turning up the holy grail in your backyard. The Yes Yes jeans have a good bit of stretch to them too so they are comfy for running about town too. Once I get these shortened to fit my little 29′ legs these will go into regular rotation. Jeans and heels to the grocery store! Jeans and heels to the post office!

Oh black skinny jeans, I missed you.

LFW Day 1 – Rani Jones

Rani Jones SS10 London Fashion Week Presentation at Baltic

Yesterday my dear friend Daniel and I got up very early (early for us) and headed down to the Rani Jones Presentation at Baltic. Entering the dark entrance hallway at Baltic we were greeted and handed champagne, then ushered into the main room. beautifully lit with gorgeous high ceilings it was simple yet striking, which would also accurately describe the ‘eco-luxury’ label third season collection.

Daniel and I, dressed in our best matching glasses way to early in the morning (note the coffee)

Using organic silks and recycled denim it looks refreshingly nothing like ‘eco fashion’. No hemp or hippy aesthetic to be seen. Instead beautifully tailored shapes perfectly draped in lush colours abounded. I instantly took a liking to a royal blue shift dress which gently swished around as the model walked. It could be worn day or night, like most of the collection it was very wearable making it a great investment piece. The classic play of masculine vs feminine will see the collection remaining current long past the season while zip details play right into current trends.

Rani Jones Spring/Summer 2010 : Minimal Monolithic Collection

Rani Jones showcases a comprehensive approach to ethical/environmental fashion, from sourcing fabrics right down to chosing organic cupcakes as a treat at the presentation. In fact they even took the scrap fabric gathered while making the collection and turned it over to Lou Lou Loves You to make into sweet little bows which were given away in the gift bags after the show. Clever girls! Rani Patel and Lucy Jones are very lovely girls as well. They both came up to warmly introduce themselves shortly after we arrived, a personal touch which I though added much to the cozy feel of the morning.

Lou Lou Loves You bow, super cute designers Rani Patel and Lucy Jones, yummy organic cupcakes

Rani Jones is avaiable online or in select London shops.

Like Day and Night – Man Style

So I’m not really as up on my man fashion as I’d like to be (I generally turn to Elliott when in need of an update) but lately I’ve been giving myself a bit of an education.

This boy was lounging in London Fields in chef pants no less! This should be a terrible fashion offense (outside the kitchen that is) but paired with a check jacket and boater hat it actually works really well. Plus the blue tipped glasses add a hint of eccentricity. Layed back and smooth.

Last night this bloke was one of a unsualy high number of beautiful and stylish people at the launch of Seance. There was a definite retro lounge cool vibe and I wish I taken more photos of the cats populating the joint. Maybe next time as I will defiantly be attending again. Also this guys bow tie was velvet, which was lush and I loved the attetion to detail.

High Street Happenings

Well nether of these things are breaking news but hey I’m excited about them so here they are.

This Thursday is going to be a big one for two of the biggest brands on the high street: Topshop and H&M.

This Thursday Topshop will drop the latest Christopher Kane collection. I have to admit that I have never before really been excited about a Topshop collaboration (even previous Christopher Kane) but this time I sure am! There are two dresses I am in LOVE with, namely the one shoulder lace number and the crocodile print t-shirt dress.

Christopher Kane for Topshop dresses

I’ll even admit to trolling the new mini site today. I even downloaded the crocodile backdrop for my phone. I know  it is a somewhat cheesy gimmick but I did get great amusement having it stare at me from my cell all day. I will not however be part of the mob scene at Topshop Oxford Circus this Thursday for three reasons. 1. Crowds that size scare the hell out of me/make me mega annoyed. 2. I don’t get paid till Friday 3. I’ll be having lunch at the Brazilian Embassy (!?) more on that one later…

Also on Thursday (and no less thrilling for me) H&M will be dropping it’s ‘Divided Exclusive’ collection. From what I hear its full of velvet, big sleeves, and sparkle. All things I love this season. In true H&M style I can’t really find too many photos of this collection but I have been super into everything they have done this season so I’m looking forward to it just the same. especially these bits:

H&M Divided Exclusive Fall 2009

Then of course on Friday it begins 25 YEARS OF LONDON FASHION WEEK!