win/win

 

Every season French designer Isabel Marant produces a stand-out piece that swiftly ends up in the hands (or in this case, on the feet), of the most style savvy fashion-insiders, creating an insatiable level of demand that just won't quit. Back towards the end of year, the superstar of the Marant stable was the 'Poppy' Suede Pump. Like everyone else, I wanted a pair. I couldn't, however, quite justify purchasing a pair. So when I started to notice copies of the 'Poppy' hitting the chains, it was like reacquainting with a long lost friend. Further research also uncovered that the real-deal is now going for a far more respectable price on net-a-porter, coming in at 40% off. Take your pick . . .

Isabel Marant 'Poppy' Suede Pumps - Were $620 Now $372 USD

Windsor Smith 'Wisk' Kid Suede Pumps - $149.95 AUD

the milkmaid.

If you're looking for a feminine, fun spin on the ubiquitous updo, the 'Milkmaid Braid' really works a treat. From the nice & neat through to the artfully texturised versions, this look frames the face perfectly and can be altered to suit most styles and tastes. For all the creative (or conscientous) types out there, add a little extra interest by pulling ribbon or fabric through the plaits - like centre pic above. To see how suprisingly easy this look is to master, take a look at the step-by-step video below. You'll be yodeling before you know it.

Video: The Beauty Department

the school run(way).

Spare a thought for the London Mum's who do the daily school run with Claudia Schiffer. Every day they get dressed knowing that they'll be sharing the footpath with a former supermodel. Who shows up looking like this. However, credit where credit is due, we LOVED the look she paraded for the paparazzi this week - the epitome of effortless chic. Of course it helps to have a driver (other pics show her stepping out of a chauffeured car - no road rage worries for Claudia), and the budget to buy those seriously hot SERGIO ROSSI Cut-out Wedges and GUCCI Snaffle Bit Bag, but Claudia sure is one yummy mummy.

Pics: Zimbio

Prada Platforms

These Prada Suede Sandals have appeared in all the right places, making a very strong claim for the fiercely contested 'shoe of the season' crown. If you too are head over heels for the leg lengthening powers of these shoes, splurge on the real deal below, or stick to your savings plan and find yourself a high street version instead. Just wait a month or so, and we can almost guarantee they'll be
making and appearance at a Tony Bianco near you.

Prada Cutout Suede Sandal - RRP $795 USD

Prada Suede Peep Toe Sandal - RRP $750 USD

French Brunch

Every other Saturday my husband and I head to a quaint little French cafe, Rouge, for a late breakfast/early lunch. Inevitably, I order the croque-monsieur because nothing else comes close to it's cheesy deliciousness. That was until I saw this version featuring the addition of a fried egg, sunny side up, also known as the croque-madame. Surely, French for yum?!

Recipe courtesy of The Tory Blog

denim shorts + tights

Pair these Summer and Winter staples together, for a versatile look to add to your cooler weather rotation. The casual edit calls for well-worn denim (the more distressed the better), slouchy tops, comfy cardies and flats, whilst the more polished version features heels, tailored blazers and a stunning statement bag. Better still, most of us have versions of these items already stashed away in our wardrobes, making it a wallet friendly addition to one's current repertoire.

Freedom, take two?

Quite possibly the defining fashion moment of the 90's when the almighty supermodel reigned 

supreme, was the George Michael "Freedom" video that starred Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford. So when Grazia reported that model  

Yasmin Le Bon - one of the original 'supers' and wife of Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon - 

had been pushing to reunite her genetically gifted alumni to appear in the music video for the 

band's upcoming single, a collective interest was piqued.

The shoot is to reportedly take place this week in Cannes, featuring the who's who from the 'we don't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day' set, including the one and only Miss Kate Moss. Coincidentally,  Moss revealed to The Telegraph only last week that maybe her one career regret is that she missed the "Freedom" video - apparently it was filmed just before she hit the big time.

While we await final confirmation, here's the original (and probably always to remain the best) 

music video to scratch that voyeuristic itch!

Happy Friday

This mish-mash of pics have only one common thread - they all stir my soul or inspire me in some 

small way. Can't think of a better way to mark my favourite day of the week.

Sibella Court: The Stylist's Guide to New York

                                                

Oh, how I loved this book. Devoured it. Poured over every page. Just ate it up. The second book by interior stylist, author and owner of The Society Inc, Sibella Court, it packages her inimitable style into a unique (and totally user-friendly) guide to the city that never sleeps. You get only a few page turns into this book, and you realise Sibella really knows her subject. After living and working as a highly successful stylist in New York for some 11 years, she well and truly has the who, what and where of this town sussed. Clearly produced with the the keen eye of an insider with a lifestyle/interiors bent, the book has been arranged into loops of interest such as ‘Jewellery & Hardware’, ‘Haberdashers & Handmade’ and ‘Furniture & Interiors’ to allow the reader to pick their journey of fancy. That being said, it must be noted that this is not solely a retail trail, as Sibella has even gone to the trouble to schedule in stops for square meals, smaller snacks, sugar-boosts, coffee fixes and refreshments of the sterner variety. Other tightly edited focus areas include services, galleries, markets, city survival tips, maps and thorough indexes. The Stylist’s Guide to NYC is an indispensable reference for anyone visiting, living or dreaming of New York, yearning to experience more than just the 'usual' stuff. If this sounds like you, go buy it. 'Nuff said.

Dear Anna,

A fan recently unearthed a letter then 17-year-old actress Zooey Deschanel wrote to Vogue, in 

which she about pulls the magazine giant up on promoting singular beauty ideals. And, which 

Vogue went on to publish! Fancy that. Deschanel wrote:

[Via Styleite]

Is it just me, or...

[Queen Elizabeth in sunny Angela Kelly]

[The collection's opening skirt suits hinted to the Queen's wedding suit] 

[Kate Middleton in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen]

[Key hole necklines and lace detail resembled Kate's gown]

[Pippa Middleton in Alexander McQueen]

[Capped shoulders, deep V necklines and hip-hugging shapes of the bridal collection mimics that worn by the maid of honour]

[Prince Charles and Camilla]

[Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain] 

[The mother of the bride - Catherine Walker]

Continuing on from the apparent Chanel frenzy that has taken over The Striped Tee of late, does anyone else see the similarities between the royal wedding and Karl's latest collection? I may just be imagining things, but there seem to be a few too many likenesses for it to be wholly random. And, if the prolific designer manages to turn out countless collections and collaborations every year, what's not to say he can turn over a line - or at least parts of it - in little over two weeks.

A long time favourite of the Queen, yellow is certainly winding up to be the colour of the season with a pastel palette of ice blue, soft peach and lavender not far behind in contention. In a shift from the laid back bohemia of the designer's last RTW collection, it would appear demure is back with knee-length skirts, 1920-30s floor sweeping gowns and classic preppy pleats featuring heavily throughout the show.

The opening canary yellow skirt suits were dead ringers for the Queen's Angela Kelly wedding attire, right down to the ivory accessories and pearls. Whereas the bridal section, which was shown towards the end, was more subtly reminiscent of Kate and Pippa's gowns drawing on the lace detail, capped sleeves and plunging necklines of the new royals. There were uncanny parallels with several of the notable guests outfits as well, albeit with a younger Chanel touch. What do you think?