// DRIES VAN NOTEN //
Forget about pretty pastel florals for spring 2014 because Dries Van Noten has singlehandedly turned the popular print on its head. His version are dark and moody, set against a grey or black background they are rich and opulent in nature. These look much more inviting to me than any ditsy Liberty print ever has.
Van Noten's collection was a mishmash of cultures. There were Asian inspired prints next to rich embroidered tapestries that looked as though they came straight from a Middle Eastern cavern. Rich shiny gold was paired with plain calico and linen. It was as if a peasant child had accidentally stumbled upon the trunk of a rich traveling sheik and was playing dress up.
I loved that plain white t-shirts and marl grey sweatshirts were included in the otherwise rich collection. Favourite pieces include the black silk bomber covered in large dark tulips and the sleeveless top with shells lining the neck.
A blonde Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss has always ranked high in my books. She has nailed the wholesome all-American girl thing. She looks down-to-earth and, lets be honest, the girl is achingly beautiful. I've always thought she was a bit square though. She doesn't pack much of an edge.
That was until I saw this editorial from Interview's October issue. Karlie looks fierce. The choppy bleached blonde hair has totally transformed her. She looks edgy and cool. Her dark eyebrows are giving Cara a run for her money. I love the slightly disheveled styling and that she's goofing around with kids in a skate park.
The best bit though is undoubtedly the athletic socks with slip on sandals. An early nod to Prada S/S 14?
// ISABEL MARANT x H&M //
Of course it was bound to happen eventually, part of the Isabel Marant x H&M look book has leaked online. This has been one of the most highly anticipated brand collaborations to date, given that Ms Marant has created such an enviable and sought after aesthetic.
My two favourite looks from the collection are pictured below. I love the boxy little embellished jacket paired with an easy white t-shirt. To me this look, when worn with ultra skinny cropped jeans, embodies the Marant girl down to a T. I've got equal amounts of love for the mannish double breasted grey coat - sharp tailoring at it's finest, I'd say.
One notable thing about the collection: there are no hidden wedge sneakers to speak of. Fair enough though, seeing as just about every shoe company around has already done a knock-off version.
// KATASTROPHIC //
Melissa Jenkins is based in Austin, Texas. She founded her Etsy shop, Katastrophic, back in 2009 selling cute organic underwear. While those have been hugely successful she has recently chosen to change direction with the launch of her Red Deer line.
This four piece hand-made collection features two dresses, a top and a double breasted glow-in-the-dark coat. The pieces are moody and dreamy. Utilitarian in nature, they are designed to last for more than just one season. Melissa has a clear vision for her brand. She takes issue with the sad reality of consumerism and exploitation that are so rife in the west and hopes to establish her brand as something sustainable and eco-friendly.
Melissa is the model in the photos below - how piercing are her bleached blonde eyebrows and pale skin?
The Officer's Jacket is at the top of my autumn wish-list. The contrasting navy shoulders and arms offset the printed body perfectly. This is such a unique take on the classic peacoat.
// WELCOME TO VERSION 3.0 //
So, here it is: the new and improved Style Crusader. I hope you like it. It's designed to be a bit more dynamic than the last site with content clearly divided into eight key categories. You'll find new topics like inspiration and details plus old favourites like street style and travel. If you're looking for something from an old post you can find it in the legacy category or search for it.
I hope you like the changes! Any thoughts? Just let me know.
// MARIE MYRHOJ JENSEN //
This morning, I spotted Marie around Somerset House. I absolutely love her outfit – the simple little printed dress, the leather jacket draped over her shoulders, the socks with her masculine shoes. I adore her bright red lips and her fair skin is making me detest my tan. Most of all though, her look won me over because of the cheeky little way she’s got her hat twisted to the side. It should be a bit cliche but somehow she totally pulls it off.
// TIED UP HAIR //
This London Fashion Week I’ve really been drawn to the small details in people’s looks, both on and off the catwalk. This girl’s hair is so interesting. I love the blunt fringe that wraps all the way over to her ears and the way it has been cut so short at the back. It’s almost graphic. Also, her little bun on top and the long ponytail at the back is genius. While her structured white top is incredible it really was her hair that drew me to her – it makes such a strong statement.
// NOLITAN //
I took a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, all the while fearing for my life, and landed in the lobby of the über cool Nolitan Hotel. After checking in, I was asked if I’d like a glass of champagne – to which I replied, ‘YESSSS.’ So there I was: squeezed onto the balcony of my hotel room overlooking a busy street, sipping on champagne and taking in the deafening (but glorious) sound of New York City traffic.
Perfection.
I crawled onto the bed after exploring the wonders of the balcony and discovered that the sheets were the most indescribably soft things my skin had ever encountered. Honestly, they were amazing. I think the fibers were laced with cotton candy. That night we ventured around the corner to a little restaurant called Bread, as recommended by the hotel staff. It was delicious. Granted, my husband’s eggplant parmigiana was way better than the meatballs I had… but still, it was well worth the visit.
The next morning we were feeling ambitious and full of life so decided to head down the street to 24 Hour Fitness where we engaged in a little early morning workout. On the way back, we stopped by The Butcher’s Daughter for a little detoxifying juice. Much to my shock the little baby set me back $10 but, I’ve got to say, it was the best juice of my life.
Afterwards we headed out in search of food. I was craving eggs royale and after much wandering we finally stumbled into Cafe Select. It wasn’t until we had already been seated that we noticed the bircher muesli on the menu and the Zurich themed posters on the wall… how, on earth, had we managed to come all the way from Switzerland and wind up in a Swiss themed restaurant on our first morning in New York? Oh well. The food was good and we enjoyed hissing over the hilarious exaggerated accents of the people at the table next to us. Post-breakfast we borrowed some bikes from the hotel (yes, they lend out bikes – so good) and we headed towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Through Chinatown we went and I promise I only screeched from fear of death once. It was an incredibly long and sweaty endeavour but the ride was, without a doubt, my favourite part of the entire trip to the city. If you’re ever in town, man-up and ride a bike around. Just beware of impending traffic. There is obviously a lot of it.
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Little Italy. I’ve only been to New York a handful of times but I’ve got to say this was my favourite area of the city I’ve ever stayed in. There are loads of awesome shops and restaurants to explore. The best part is that it doesn’t feel too touristy at all and amazingly it isn’t that crowded. Also, if you happen to be in the area and need a sugar rush you can always pop into the Little Cupcake Bakeshop on Prince Street for some yummy treats…
// EBAY IN STOCKHOLM //
I was invited out to Stockholm for eBay’s autumn/winter advertising shoot. Yeah, I was surprised at first too… eBay do advertising shoots? From the pages of Vogue to the walls of the underground – I remember seeing the images from last year everywhere. I wasn’t really sure what they were all about though. Turns out there’s a little outlet tucked within the pages of eBay that offers new products from high street brands at up to 70% off – this is the direction that eBay are moving. Don’t worry, they wont be getting rid of 99p vintage bargains anytime soon. It’s just an addition to what they have already become known and loved for. Sara Dunn did the most incredible job at styling the shoot. Why do I always think I need to buy brand new pieces from designer shops to create great outfits? She used last season’s pieces and still managed to create inspiring looks. Besides just playing with all the accessories, I also presented a behind the scenes video that will be available to view later this month…
Massive thank you to Rachel for inviting me out and Daniel for being the ultimate chef.
// DISNEYLAND PARIS //
Cover me in bubble wrap and stick me in a box… I want to be shipped back to Disney.
Some people like to launch into a philosophical discussion at the mere mention of Disney’s descent onto Europe. Would France have been a better place had Mickey and his theme park stuck to the sunny shores of the US? Personally, I’d rather wear Minnie Mouse ears, eat pink food and ride on the teacups all day long than worry about those things. I literally could have stayed in that sunny park forever.
Photos taken at Disneyland Paris.
// GRAMERCY PARK //
Stepping inside the Gramercy Park Hotel is akin to being transported to an entirely separate world. A world dissimilar to ones own, where all is still and grand yet rooted in a Bohemian subculture that harks back to years past. It’s as if you’re Alice and you’ve just tumbled down the rabbit hole. It is simultaneously surreal, dark, and comforting – a perfected combination of elements that leaves you wishing you could stay forever wrapped in its allure.
Established in 1925, the hotel has a varied past. Humphrey Bogart married his first wife at the hotel, the Kennedy family stayed on the second floor for several months, and during the Great Depression Babe Ruth often frequented the bar. In 1958 the hotel was bought by Herbert Weissberg, prices dropped and the location embraced a more bohemian character. In the 1970s Bob Marley and Bob Dylan frequently visited. Everyone from Madonna to David Bowie have made the hotel their home.
After Weissberg’s death in 2003 the hotel was sold to Ian Schrager. Co-founder of Studio 54 and often credited with co-creating the Boutique Hotel genre, it was under Schrager that the hotel was renovated in collaboration with artist Julian Schnabel. Today the hotel hosts a vast collection of 20th century masterpieces. Original works of art by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince and Keith Haring line the walls and make the viewer feel as if art is being democratized in front of them. Stand in your bedroom slippers, sip a cocktail in the Rose Bar, and be inspired by the vast wealth of paintings that sit all around you.
The Gramercy Park Hotel is such an enchanting place to stay that you’ll struggle to leave. While there I didn’t have the slightest interest in venturing out into the city. I could have spent all morning on the roof top terrace sipping lattes or lying in the Japanese soaking bath. Just next to the hotel is Gramercy Park. It’s the only private park in New York but as a resident of the hotel you’ll be granted access.
My only regret? That I stayed for just one night.
// THE PARAMOUNT //
Arriving into America always feels like total magic. I love it when the woman at passport control looks up after having checked over my documents and says, ‘Welcome home, ma’am.’ Not only that, there’s something undeniably enticing about a yellow taxi. Sitting inside and watching as the magnanimous city landscape creeps ever closer. Until, unexpectedly, you find yourself completely eaten up by it. In my case, standing on the steps of the Paramount Hotel in Times Square.
When I walked in I was handed a keycard to room 1426. Otherwise known as the Couture Suite, this newly renovated 950 square foot space is enough to make your jaw drop. It’s sleek and crisp with a serious touch of glamour. Modeled off what you’d expect to find from a luxury New York style loft, it has white leather sofas, hardwood floors, and walls lined with vintage fashion prints (the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy will gaze down at you as you eat your breakfast).
The hotel itself sits right in the center of New York’s mayhem – I could watch the madness of Times Square from my window. If you’re new to the city I couldn’t recommend the location more. Your on the doorstep of some of the biggest attractions around. At the same time though, the rooms offer a total haven away from all the chaos. You can grab the best coffee in New York* without even having to go outside. There’s a Dean & Deluca attached to the hotel and, if I’m honest, that’s reason enough to lure me back. I found myself almost struggling to leave the premises of the hotel while I was there. Despite the unfamiliarity of the city, my little space at the Paramount felt like a home away from home… I already can’t wait to go back.
// LN-CC //
The Late Night Chameleon Cafe, or LN-CC, is without a doubt one of the coolest online boutiques around. The site's minimal design is easy to navigate and is filled with a carefully curated selection of some of the most desirable luxury brands around. They're home to powerhouses like Rick Owens and emerging designers like Lucas Nascimento. If you want to invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time then this is where to do it. Whether you choose to stock up on Ann Demeulemeester basics or splurge on a Yohji Yamamoto statement hat, this is the place to shop.
See below for a selection of pieces that are at the top of my wish list.
Rollover the image to see the description and click out to the item.
Remembering my first fashion show
I remember the first fashion show I ever went to. It wasn’t good. In fact, it was terrible. It was in the main British Fashion Council tent, I stood at the back on my tip-toes straining to see. But I was so excited to be there and by the end of it I was fighting back tears. Despite the fact that it was horrible, I thought the whole thing was absolutely beautiful. That hectic rush before the lights are dimmed. The plastic being peeling from the catwalk. The general hushing noise of people trying to get quiet. That moment when the music starts and everyone anxiously awaits the first look.
Going to a fashion show is an experience. If you’re willing, it will move you, change you.
That night, it didn’t matter what the clothes looked like. I was being introduced to a world that would suck me in. Over the past few years my zeal has ebbed and flowed. It started with sheer enthusiasm. After each show, when asked what I thought, I’d gush that I loved it. But I was never quite sure what I loved or why. Did I want to wear the clothes? Would they look good in an editorial? Would the clothes sell well in a boutique? Were they changing the direction of fashion? Pushing the boundaries? Revolutionizing the industry? I didn’t know.
All I knew was that I felt something, experienced something.
You can appreciate a show for different reasons. There’s the art, the craft, the details, the structure. There’s the development of a designer, the way their collections change over time, the way they relate to their customer, the relevance of their brand. There’s the editorial side, the trends, the influence, the sales.
There isn’t just one way to decide when a designer has been successful.
Regardless of that, there’s one thing I know and that’s when I like something – I mean really like something. It’s not because I’m an editor looking to put together a high fashion shoot for a magazine. I don’t own a boutique, I’m not a buyer. I’m not a writer covering the shows for any major publication. I’m really just a girl with a somewhat sick fascination with fashion, observing it from the outside. I’m wondering what to wear and how to wear it. For this reason – the J JS Lee Spring 2014 show really spoke to me.
It blew my mind a little and it’s not because it’s anything revolutionary. Quite the contrary, it’ssimple and uncomplicated. It looks good. It’s wearable. Oh baby, is it wearable. The trousers are the perfect shape (slight kick at the bottom) and hit at just the right spot on the leg. The colours are (wait for it…) a mix of black and white (yeah! yeah! yeah!), slightly faded aqua blue and pale pink. THAT pink. I know, okay, I know. It’s EVERYWHERE. I’m actually kind of sick of it already but somehow Jackie’s version doesn’t piss me off. Maybe because, let’s face it, pale pink isn’t the most practical colour fora cocoon coat. It makes much more sense in separates and a little basic dress. The geometric print, the contrasting collar on that white shirt, the curved hem, the sleeve that hits just above the elbow – it’s these little details that make the collection so strong. They aren’t in your face. They don’t scream ‘look at me!’ They’re just there. It’s their subtlety that lends them strength. Plus, these pieces are classic. They’re staples. Yet despite that, they aren’t boring and they feel totally fresh. That, ladies and gentleman, is what fashion is all about. I can honestly say, I love it.
p.s. I want every pair of sandals… in every colour.
Photos via Vogue.
Backstage at Lucas Nascimento
When I arrived backstage at the Topshop venue for the Lucas Nascimento show I was absolutely soaking wet. Such was this past London Fashion Week, it rained every day. Coincidental then that the theme for Lucas's show should be 'getting ready'. This translated into the hair and makeup in an obvious way. The models were to look as though they had just stepped out of the shower - wet hair, bare faced, lashes clumped together from the water.
When I arrived backstage at the Topshop venue for the Lucas Nascimento show I was absolutely soaking wet. Such was this past London Fashion Week, it rained every day. Coincidental then that the theme for Lucas's show should be 'getting ready'. This translated into the hair and makeup in an obvious way. The models were to look as though they had just stepped out of the shower - wet hair, bare faced, lashes clumped together from the water.
No doubt I resembled this same sight upon my arrival - only a less glamorous version.
Unfortunately the ghd team had already finished the hair by the time I arrived (bloody efficient they are) but I did get to see the finishing touches being done to the makeup by the people at MAC. There is nothing quite so glamorous as wedging yourself in between a wall of makeup artists and squeezing your camera in between them to get the perfect shot. Luckily I didn't knock anyone's hand.
