A night with Mrs Jones

I had a fantastic evening with my great friend Fee Doran aka Mrs Jones last night.  Whenever we get together there's always dressing up and a lot of laughing involved.  Here is a picture she took of me wearing my Christian Louboutin for Giles shoes.  She had me kneeling on a mini chaise in front of my bedroom window.  I was standing on it and one point and it made a loud creaking noise and I

I LOVE this!!

I know I'm a little bit biased but I absolutely LOVE this ad for LOVE magazine!  Here's a sneak preview of the ad which has been done especially for the new British Vogue and GQ.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looks amazing!!  There will be eight covers for the September issue shot by the super talented Mert and Marcus.  I think it's one of the sexiest covers I've seen in a very long time!  Can't

John Galliano's fabulous fine jewellery

"It's been a long time since I left St. Martins but I still feel like a pirate that is plundering the globe for beauties, gold and gems of ideas.  A memory, a moment, a person is the greatest treasure... but a diamond is a very good second"
John Galliano(b. 1960)
Readers of my blog will know that I love everything John does.  I think the new John Galliano fine jewellery is stunning.

Pictures I love

Photography by Roxanne LowitUngaro Couture, Paris, 2003


Versace Atelier, 2009


Freddie MercuryNow this really is a look!
I used to work for EMI Records in the Eighties.  Queen were signed to them.  I was lucky enough to go to a few of Freddie's parties in his house in Holland Park.  That's totally another story which really deserves it's own blog post... 

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty nine

"A man of eighty has outlived probably three new schools of painting, two of architecture and poetry and a hundred in dress"
Lord Byron(1788-1824)




"Elegance does not consist of putting on a new dress"
Coco Chanel(1883-1971)




"Never fit a dress to the bodybut train the body to fit the dress"
Elsa Shiaparelli(1890-1973)




"Where's the man who could ease a heart,like a satin gown?"

Christian Dior skincare

I was delighted to be given these gorgeous Christian Dior to test.  Which I've been doing for the last six weeks.  I am obsessed with skincare products and have tried so many.  
The Capture R60/80 Nuit XP Overnight Recovery serum is wonderful.  It sinks into your skin immediately and any dryness is immediately gone.  It appears to relax any lines and makes it really soft.  I've been putting it

This works - Skin Doctor

I still get the occasional spot or pimple.  This stuff, attractively called Zit Zapper by Australian company Skin Doctor is the best thing I've ever tried.  I've woken up inexplicably with a spot before and this clears it up within a day.  At the slightest hint of anything on my face now I put this on before I go to bed by the morning it's gone.  It really does work overnight.
It's a blend of

Breakfast in the garden

One of my window boxes
I had an accident with my new iPhone last night.  We were getting out of a cab and I managed to drop it under the car.  It was promptly run over by the taxi!!  It's totally knackered!  It still works but the screen is smashed to bits.  I can't believe I've managed to get my new phone RUN OVER!!  The last two met an untimely death, BOTH falling into a vodka and tonic,

Early Madonna

Stylist Maripol and Madonna.  I love this polaroid of her





Madonna, 1979


I'm sorting out my iPod at last and have started to download all my favourite songs.  It's a lovely sunny day and I've been jumping around the house and garden to early Madonna hits this morning.  Here are some of her lesser known pictures.  I was a huge fan of hers in the Eighties and Nineties.  I haven't bought

Where I actually go to the cinema

I don't really like going to the cinema.  I think the last time I went was to the Trainspotting premiere!!  Well, actually it wasn't quite that long but I hardly ever go.  The Actor has only got me there twice in the four years we've been together.  Once he bribed me into it as he couldn't believe we'd never been.  He took me to see There Will Be Blood.  I'm not good at films that make me jump

Fashion rewind - Atelier Versace

Some of you will have seen these pictures before.  I love fashion illustrations and it's always interesting to see the original drawings and the finished gowns.  This beautiful show stopping collection from Atelier Versace from 2009 doesn't disappoint.  The work that goes into each piece is amazing.
And it's something beautiful to look at on a grey Monday afternoon.

Spencer's Birthday

After our late Sunday lunch it was a short walk down to Brick Lane for my best friend Spencer's Birthday.  I haven't been clubbing on a Sunday for ages and had forgotten what an amazing scene it is.  People who go clubbing on a Sunday really want to be out rather than think they should be out like the crowd on a Friday and Saturday night.  It was a such a good atmosphere in there.   I felt like

Sunday lunch at the Princess of Shoreditch

I always have to have a roast on a Sunday and I'm constantly looking for new places to try.  We're very lucky in the East End to have such a huge choice of places to go.  Nearly all the old pubs have been gentrified and the there's some fantastic food being served.  Gone are the days of overcooked meat, deep fried roast potatoes and soggy vegetables.  Thank God!  
We've been meaning to try The

Laid back Sunday

And it's not house music... for a change!


Here is a tune I've loved for years by Danish duo Laid Back from 1989.  It reminds me of my friend Fee Doran who used to play it when she DJ'd.  I've never seen the video until now and it's pretty amazing.

It's now available from iTunes for the princely sum of 79 pence.  It sounds great played loud with the bass turned up.

We're off to a gastro pub

Florrie at Marc Jacobs Bang launch

Florrie Arnold caused a huge stir with the paparazzi on Thursday night at the launch of Marc Jacobs new aftershave Bang, held at Harvey Nicks.
Twenty-one year old singer, songwriter and drummer Florrie works with Xenomania's Brian Higgins, the star making machine of British pop (Kylie, Girls Aloud and Cher).
Florrie is the new face of Nina Ricci's L'Elixir fragrance which will be launched in

Filming the new Bella Freud and Susie Bick promo

Photography by Paul Scala
My good friend Richard Mortimer from Ponystep asked me if they could borrow my house to shoot the new promo for Bella and Susie, starring the fabulous Florrie.  It was a really good day and loads of fun.  I'm looking forward to seeing the finished film.
I remembered to set my alarm but my iPhone ran out of battery, so I only woke up ten minutes before everyone arrived

Carianne Moore's fabulous accessories

Photography by WPONAK
Shell flower hat
At last the count I have eighty black dresses.  I love dramatic accessories and I'm always looking for something to jazz up my all-black repertoire.  I love Carianne Moore's bold and striking work.  She makes beautifully crafted leather goods, headpieces and accessories that would transform any outfit into something very special.

Photography by Alastair

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty eight

"In the beginning we were creating our music and ourselves every night.  It was good times for all of us.  Acid, sun, friends, the ocean, poetry and music"
Jim Morrison(1943-1971)



"Everybody's youth is a dream, a form of chemical madness"
F. Scott Fitzgerald(1896-1940)




"I believe that with the advent of acidwe discovered a new way to think"
Ken Kesey(1935-2001)




"If you've never seen

Pearl Lowe's High Summer Collection for Peacocks

Photography by Kai Feng
"I've added accessories including some vintage inspired bags and vanity cases.  The collection has been inspired by a summer packed with visits to outdoor music events.  In my life fashion and music have always gone hand in hand, and in our family life has always centred on festivals.  Every dress has been designed to look equally fabulous at Glastonbury as it would at a

Latitude Diary 2010

What a weekend!!  We have completely ruined ourselves, but an amazing time was had by all.  I am a complete mess and have managed to lose my voice.  I'm going to do this post and then I will have to go for a lie down yet again!! 
Friday nightAfter all my moaning about going to Latitude, miraculously I was fine as soon as we arrived.  We didn't get there until 9pm on Friday night as The Actor

Back at last

I'm back from Latitude at long last!  I am SO ridiculously tired I have to go and lie down.  Everytime I stand up I go a bit spinny.  I will blog about the festival tomorrow.
Can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs
xxx

This is the way to get around a festival!

Wayne Coyne from the Flaming Lips getting across the crowd at Glasto.  My friend had one of these he used to put his hamster in.  It used to roll around the sitting room in it.
This is a scheduled post so who knows what I'm up to!!
xxx

Seeing Red

Kerry Washington visits MTV's 'TRL' at MTV Studios Times Square October 23, 2007 in New York City

Jurnee Smollett attends Allure’s Face Cocktail Party last night in Beverly Hills, November 14, 2009

Dania Ramirez arrives at the Reopening of the Burberry Beverly Hills Store on October 20, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California

Laura Izibor attends Elle's Women In Music Issue Celebration, New York, June 9, 2010

The little black dress is so passé. Trust me. Color can be chic too. Red cocktail dresses were the weapon of choice for the four celebrities above. Pair with a classic black belt and neutral heels so your dress can do all the talking. See below for hints on how to incorporate the simple yet eye-catching look into your wardrobe.

My Picks!

Left to right: Warehouse Cutwork One Shoulder Dress, $100, www.asos.com; Signature Essentials Off Shoulder Cocktail Dress by Herve Leger, $1050, www.shopbop.com; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress Adara Ruched Jersey Dress, $124, www.bloomingdales.com; Merona Women's Twisted Neckline Dress in Deep Love, $39.99, www.target.com

Left to right: Kimchi Blue Bow Belt, $24, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Skinny Faux Leather Belt, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Logo-Buckle Belt, $160, www.bloomingdales.com; Stud Belt, $23.99, www.frenchconnections.com

I'm off to a festival... wish me luck!

Last year The Actor and thirty boys went to Latitude Festival in Southwold, Suffolk for our great friend Stuart Laing's stag weekend.  All the girls expressed an interest in going then, because of course we were excluded.
This year The Actor bought me a ticket.  I know I should have been grateful but I've not wanted to go from the second he told me.  I even said why doesn't he sell the ticket

My favourite poems - W. B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats by John Singer Sargent, 1908
W. B. Yeats(1865-1939)
I've loved this poem by Irish poet W. B. Yeats from the minute I heard it at school.  
When You Are Old has a hypnotic quality and traces the journey from youth to old age in a few wonderfully emotive sentences. It speaks of a love willing to journey into old age, yet implies sadness at a missed opportunity.  I find it sad

Pictures I love

Photography by Schohaja
I love this shot of Anna Selzneva, Freja Beha Erichsen and Natasha Poly backstage at Chanel haute couture, AW10.
All three of these models are amazing.  Ruth at Life, the Universe and all that's in it quite rightly said in a post she did earlier that Freja's August 2010 Vogue cover, shot by Josh Olins is one of the best they've done for a long while.

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty seven

"Truth is like the sun.  You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away"
Elvis Presley(1935-1977)









"The public will believe anything,so long as it is not founded on truth"
Edith Sitwell(1887-1964)




"You never find yourself, until you face the truth"
Pearl Bailey(1918-1990)



"Let a man get up and say 'Behold, this is the truth,'instantly I perceive a sandy cat filching a

Super Comments Blog Award

My wonderful friend Ruth at Life, the Universe and all that's in it has tagged me on the Super Comments Award.  It's quite apt really as Ruth was the first person ever to leave a comment on my blog and is always brilliantly supportive and very generous with her comments.  I read Ruth's blog every day and I love the way she writes from the heart and covers such a wide range of subjects.

Ruth

My favourite painting

La Dormeuse, 1927 by Tamara de Lempicka
I love Tamara de Lempicka's paintings and this is my favourite.  I have five of her paintings.  I bought it in New York about twenty years ago.  I remember thinking it was really expensive, about $1000 which was a lot for me at the time.  It's a screen print from the original and is very good quality.  Everyone that comes round likes it.  It has a lovely

Madonna's Manhattan apartment

Photography by Steven MeiselMadonna for Vogue Italia, 1991
I love to look at people's houses and how they put things together. I have a huge collection of World of Interiors, House and Garden and Elle Decoration. I love any books on interiors and seeing great design from any period, but I especially adore antiques. I think they made things with a quality you rarely see these days.
It would be

Madisyn as Madonna by Ellen von Unwerth

American model Madisyn Ritland looks fabulous as Madonna in this shoot by the wonderful Ellen von Unwerth.  Called Like A Virgin, it was shot in 2008 for Art + Commerce.  Images courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue.

Early Madonna was my favourite.  I grew up with tunes like Lucky Star, Borderline, Holiday and Into the Groove.  I loved Desperately Seeking Susan and when Vogue came out  I played it on

Dali, Cadaques and our new pop-up pool

Salvador Dali


Port Lligat - Casa Dali
The last time we borrowed our friend's house in the South of France we drove to Spain which was only an hour to the border and went on a little road trip.  One of the places we visited in Catalonia was Salvador Dali's amazing house and garden, Port Lligat in Cadaques where Dali lived from 1930 until 1982.

He had a thing about eggs.  I was going to try and

Instructions For Life by The Dalai Lama and more

I was reading the Simone's blog The Bottom of the Ironing Basket last night. Simone is not only a lovely person, she also has a beautifully put together, uplifting blog where she posts gorgeous pictures, writing and often inspirational words and messages she finds and shares with us.  On her latest post there is a wonderful piece called Life's Little Instructions from a ninety five year old

A bit of evening sun

Marseillan beach near our friends house in the South of France
I'd love to be on the beach in the picture above.  We had a fantastic holiday there two years ago when our friends Danny and Russ lent us their gorgeous Medieval house in France.
I don't want to moan, but it is BOILING in London!  I hear there are warnings on the news about a heatwave this weekend.  I love this weather but there is

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty six

Photography by Mert and Marcus
"Growing up, I was the plain one.  I had no style.I was the tough kid with the feathered hair"
Cameron Diaz(b. 1972)




"You don't find a style,a style finds you"
Keith Richards(b. 1943)




Fred Astaire style...What happened to style?
Tab Hunter(b. 1931)




"Style is a simple wayof saying complicated things"
Jean Cocteau(1889-1963)




"Style is knowing who you

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture AW10/11

Thana Kuhnen


I wish I could afford this


Frida Gustavsson


Kim Noorda



Georgina Stojilkovic
I know I shouldn't be posting endless runway shots... Style.com is perfectly good for that, but I LOVE Jean Paul Gaultier's couture collection.  There was so much I liked I didn't know which looks to pick.

The gold dress worn by Thana is fabulous.  Totally my colour and so glamorous.  The satin

My favourite models - Barbara Palvin

Photography by Boo GeorgeBackstage at Loewe AW10 for LOVE Magazine
I could look at Barbara Palvin's face all day.  She has the most amazing piercing blue eyes and great lips.  I think she has the look of a young Natalia Vodianova.  She will be huge.
Discovered on the streets of Budapest aged thirteen years old, Hungarian Barbara who is now sixteen has been getting booked on some fantastic

Versace Campaign AW10

I like this new Versace campaign better than anything they've done in years. It reminds me of early Helmut Lang and Gucci under Tom Ford.  It's a departure from the usual colour and sexiness of Versace campaigns.  I like what Mario Testino has done here, the photography shows off the clean lines, details and tailoring of the clothes.  Joe McKenna's styling and the casting are fantastic.

Givenchy Couture AW10-11

Natasha Poly



Daphne Groeneveld


Iris Strubegger


Malgosia Bela
I thought Ricardo Tisci's presentation for Givenchy Couture was so breathtaking I had to post a few pictures. 
Tisci's signatures are dégradé, lace, ostrich feathers and fringing.  The hours of work that went into creating each piece is astounding.  This is explained fully in the lovely Tim Blanks write up on Style.com.  To

Life by Keith Richards

"It's great to be here... It's great to be anywhere"
Keith Richards(b. 1946)
I adore Keith Richards.  He is one of my favourite people ever.  I can't wait for his autobiography Life which will be published on 26th October 2010.  
I understand that far from Keith not being able to remember a lot of his life, it seems he has remembered so much that the Stones management are now worried that the

Christian Dior AW10-11 collection

Karlie Kloss


Maria Kashleva


Vlada Roslyakova


Sigrid Agren

Jessica Stam


Anna Selezneva


Lais Ribeiro


Kim Noorda


Vivianne Orth

Michelle Alvez



The fabulous John Galliano put on an another amazing technicolour show for Christian Dior Couture AW/10-11.  His extraordinary haute couture collection was inspired by the cliff top gardens of 'Les Rhumbs', Christian Dior's childhood home

Pictures I love

I'd forgotten how cold it was in the middle of the night when you go to a festival... I could have done with this outfit!  I love this picture of Iselin Steiro shot by Mikael Janssen.
Paris Vogue, March 2006Photography by Mikael JanssenModel - Iselin Steiro

Festival weekend - Part one

The bar
I was late as usual.  Two hours late.  The words 'dog' and 'house' sprung to mind as The Actor was particularly disgruntled at having to listen to the Spain/Paraguay game on the car radio on the drive there.  He had envisaged all our friends at the party sitting on a river bank in the sun watching the game on a big screen.  The commentator unhelpfully kept banging on about what a

Festival weekend - Part two

The Inn at Woburn
Continued from Part one on the previous post.  On the drive home The Actor decided he didn't want to go back to London yet.  It was a gloriously sunny evening and we were on the M1 passing through Northamptonshire.  We couldn't think of a single place there that we might like.  Then we saw a sign for Woburn.  I haven't been to Woburn since I was at school but we decided it was

Where I want to lie around in a kaftan

Photography by Karen McBride
I love this peacock feather print silk kaftan/trousers by Mrs Jones.
It's been so hot and humid today.  All I've done is get hot!  I've been running around the shops in Islington in a blouson jumpsuit and a pair of flip-flops not managing to look at all cool.
I just want to lie around wearing a kaftan with all the windows open but I've had too much to do.  I have a

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty five

"The more you dress upthe more fun you'll have"
Brian Molko(b. 1972)




"I have fun with my clothes onstage; it's not a concert you're seeing,it's a fashion show"
Freddie Mercury(1946-1991)



Photography by Paolo Roversi
"Dressing up.  People just don't do it anymore.We have to change that"
John Galliano(b. 1960)




Photography by Rankin
"I have a dress-up chest at home.  I love to create

Giles Deacon pre-collection preview SS11

Here's a little sneak preview of Giles stunning Spring/Summer 2011 collection.  I love the prints and the colour palette.

Giles pre-collection SS11Photography by Boo GeorgeModel - Abbey ClancyStyled by Katie Grand