Bicycle Tandem to the DOLLHOUSE

(via Lily and the Muse)

The bicycle, the spring ride beneath a leafy canopy, the pretty music soundtrack-
Yes, this video is keeping me in the same wistful spring time mood that Bridget Bardot's bicycle ride in countryside put me in earlier today...except maybe for the whimsical and strange 'Alice in Wonderland-ish' tea party in the Dollhouse. Oh, go ahead... I must admit I'm so looking forward to Alice Wonderland and in 3D no less!

The video, it's an oldie but goodie, meaning it's from 2007. Erin Fetherson/Designer.

Bridget Bardot on a Bicycle - Moi me je joue!

Enjoy!

Bridget Bardot on a bicycle definitely gets me in the mood and dreaming of Spring. You may recognize the song, it was the sound track for last year's bicycle moment in fashion ;)

***

Well back to planning my bouillabaisse - I want to go foraging for mussels (of course I will have my 1 day fishing license) - that is when there ever is a sufficient let up in the rain. Hmmh..Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the rain! One incredible benefit (among so many) the rains bring wild chanterelle mushrooms - which I adore. I love to go and hunt for these beauties. So delicious!

ILLAMASQUA Nail Polish Competition.

2010’s hottest new nail colour is in your hands!

Whether it’s the standout shade of your favourite killer heels, your must-have cupcake frosting or the glow of the city skyline, Illamasqua wants to hear what inspires your soul.

The UK’s hottest and most talked about make-up brand, Illamasqua is famed for its unique and daringly different collection of cult Nail Varnish colours.  

And now they want you to get creative.

Illamasqua is asking finger fetishists the world over to submit a description of their dream nail varnish colour, for their chance to make it a reality.

Run in conjunction with luxury retailer, Selfridges, this incredible competition is giving nail varnish fans the world over the opportunity to push their imaginative boundaries further than ever before and design their very own perfect shade.

Entrants must explain in no more than 50 words what inspired their unique choice, and provide an image or photograph to illustrate their big idea.

The prize? Two winners will see their dream colour created and sold exclusively at Selfridges in London, Manchester Trafford and Birmingham from October 2010. In addition, they’ll receive a bottle of their winning colour before anybody else! 

The winning entries will be selected by a high-profile judging panel consisting of legendary make-up artist Alex Box, nail artist to the stars Sophy Robson, Selfridges’ Beauty Director David Walker-Smith and Pixiwoo

The rules:

In 50 words or less, submit a description of your dream colour and the thinking behind it – please include pictures to illustrate your inspiration if possible. 

Entries must be submitted in one of the following three ways, no later than
14^th March 2010:

Via email: competition@illamasqua.com  

Via blog post: competition@illamasqua.com

Via mail:

NAIL COMPETITION
c/o Illamasqua
6-8 Amwell St
London
EC1R 1UQ                    

One entry per person. Competition is open to entrants globally.

For more details click here

Tweeder Photo - Self Portrait

(photo by RidingPretty)

As proclaimed in the post title this is my Tweeder photo!

There are so many Tweed Rides taking place all over that I was incredibly inspired to do this shoot. I really wanted to share my 'Tweedy' vintage outfit. And especially the vintage tweed and leather case on my back bicycle rack - it is so handsome and very exquisitely made. I've never seen anything like it.

Plus, I've never been any good at self portraits. This is what came of a long, rainy week. That and my desire to learn - a) use a new big tripod, b) utilize my borrowed 3D camera, c) set up of this impromptu photo studio in my home. I really got to feel comfortable in my own skin for once (with no one watching me being so goofy posing !!!) Then practice, practice to get it all to come together. So much trial and error. I really admire all those who can do their own photos of them selves. Maybe I'm just picky but I hated 99.9% of the photos I took!

p.s. I have a few more photos (that came out okay) in some other fav vintage outfits that I will get around to sharing with you too.

Resuming Soon

If you've wondered about the lack of posts earlier this week or if you're just now getting a response to any email(s) you've sent me, please know there was a special person that has passed away...
I'm trying to resume as usual, soon.

Sunday Best...

London Fashion Week AW10- Markus Lupfer

I love this collection called Sunday Best! The prints, the ruffles, the colours! You wouldn't want to save for just Sunday best!

Enjoy!

Source: FASHION156

Corto Metraggio...

Well on my search for inspiring photography I came across this shoot. I find it so unusual and utterly beautiful. I love the randomness. 

Source: tfs

Photographer: Jean-François Lepage

Stylist: Darryl Rodrigues

London Fashion Week - Bicycle Power

( photos via Face Hunter)

Fresh from the streets of London. It's London Fashion Week going on now. Undoubtedly she must be a head turner as she pedals her way to the shows - her style, her Peugeot bicycle.... and her shoes!

BondSt...Noho, NYC

2/21

After a day of splurging at Jimmy Choo on the Upper East Side, I caught up with my girlfriend Robyn Saturday night at one of my new favorite spots downtown, BONDST on Bond Street. As usual, she turned up looking her casually-cool self, which, for me, means I had to take her picture.

 

As a stylist, Robyn's always working a look from head-to-toe. Here, her fringed socks and metallic wedge peep-toe ankle booties.

 

Had to include a picture of my new lil' Jimmy Choo gem (and trust me when I tell you that this picture doesn't even do it justice): the Chrissie crystal mesh clutch, made of silver mesh, Swarovski crystals and black croc. A very special "thank you" to my girlfriend Christine, who, without her generosity (and sales expertise), I would not have the opportunity to purchase such a dazzling bag.

Bicycle Shorts- SO Many Looks to Consider

(Teen Vogue Feb 2010)

100% real lycra, Santini cycling shorts / worn underneath jean shorts - Teen Vogue

(DKNY Spring Summer 2010)

Hot pink cycling shorts and worn underneath nicely tailored shorts- DKNY

"The shorts, dubbed DKNY Smoothies, were inspired by "the whole idea of biking -- put an extra layer"- via the WSJ

(early adopters - 2nd photo is Agyness Deyn)

Bicycle shorts worn in this way have been making a continuing reappearance, for instance Agyness Deyn (2nd photo) wore this 'jean shorts over bicycle shorts' look in 2008.

(TopShop Spring Summer 2010)

100% rubber latex 'cycling shorts' / worn underneath jean shorts- TopShop

"Latex gloves are the answer to all your frozen finger sorrows, they’re cheap/free, waterproof and wind resistant and when worn under your nice wooly or leather gloves = happy hands in any weather." via cyclodelic

(So I'm guessing rubber latex will keep your bum nice and toasty as well? !)

***

Yes, you can believe it! Bicycle shorts are showing up now in shops and magazines! I certainly found no shortage of designers offering variations of the bicycle shorts look.



Some (here, and here) so hate the return of the bicycle short in fashion. Images of 80's Madonna and Demi Moore's 'bicycle shorts' look worn to the Oscar Awards come prominently to mind for many.



Really though, worn with a second pair of shorts thrown on top makes bicycle shorts work! Lycra or any skin tight stretchy fabric (cotton included) is not the most flattering thing to wear, every thing is revealed- every curve, thigh bulge (and um derriere crack) - all being so unforgiving unless you are uber fit. To my eye - leggings, stockings, jeggings, and bicycle shorts just look better with a little cover up, especially in the bum area.



And how practical! You can wear the most padded, official 100% cycling shorts and with a few style inspirations like those shown here alter your whole look... All the while giving yourself ultimate comfort for those long, long rides in the saddle.

***

Now for a bit less sportif, offering a more feminine, soft look...

(Spring Summer 2010)

(early look - Hanneli Mustaparta 2009)

(Holland House -Spring Summer 2010)

(Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010)

I definitely hope there was some inspiration in this for you, there sure was for me! Yes, I want to get busy now dreaming up some DIYs . . .

Macrame Bicycles

(These photos were sent in by Charlie)

These are not the faux bicycle, sidewalk - art installation. And definitely not to be confused with the corduroy bicycle - Levi Marketing ;)

Spring Fever - Bicycles on the Levee

(three girls along the levee)

Spring fever has overcome me. The temperatures are approaching the 70's. It will be idyllic for the next day or so, then the rains and cooler temperatures return.

Ah, the birds are singing like crazy.... acacia , plum and cherry trees are all in full bloom.
I have to go enjoy and spend the entire day out in nature - so Bye !

Bronze defined eyes.

You may remember the Bronze defined eyes tutorial that I created for Karen Buglass, Fashion Director of Now Magazine.

The tutorial has just been featured on the Now magazine website. 

I know a few of you wondered what Karen looked like with the make-up on....

Here are the details of the gorgeous earrings that I wore in that tutorial.

They're £24 and from Talullah Tu. Call 020-7227 9802, visit talullahtu.co.uk or email info@talullahtu.co.uk.

Long Live McQueen

Well its that time of year again and Fashion Week is back! Betsey Johnson honored McQueen and Kelly Osbourne even took to the catwalk! I love this collection inspired by saloon girls, vagabonds, gamblers and other ne'er-do-wells. what do you think? 

Source: coutorture

Charlotte Ronson Fall 2010 Fashion Show...Bryant Park, NY

2/15

Thanks to an A-list friend of mine, I was lucky enough to sit front row at Charlotte Ronson's fashion show Friday night. Unfortunately most of my pictures turned out blurry (too close maybe...and a whole lot of chaos), but this one of an editor from Japanese Elle looking bunnylicious in a Lady Gaga-like black lace outfit turned out just fine.

A few looks from the show...

 

  

  

 

Shout out to my friend Matt for taking me to the show.

Bicycle Trash to Vintage Bicycle Treasure

---"1970's or 1980's Cyclops Vintage Ladies bicycle I found in a park near my home, most people, well, everyone leaves it for garbage but it can truly be turned into a gem, with a lot of hard work!!"

via antonioscheel

Stay tuned as antonio says there is more to the story with more video and pictures to follow ...