“I prefer to call it ‘pure’ — minimal can be very empty"

These two looks from the Jil Sander RTW Autumn/Winter show were just too good not to be posted. The cocoon silhouettes and ski pants combo remind me of Audrey Hepburn in the opening of Charade. Simple, and elegant. What did you think to the show? And what are your stand out shows of the season so far?

(photographs: style.it, title: quote from Jil Sander)

ps. Jil Sander was interviewed by Suzy Menkes here, well worth a read.

"A mille-feuille of colour"

As I am writing this, my hair is scraped back into a neat ballerina bun, my face bare all but for the swipe of bright pink lipstick which adorns my lips. Very Carrie Bradshaw-esque you might think but in fact I have been revisiting Jil Sander's spring 2011 RTW show... slightly incongruous for a self-proclaimed colour-neophyte. I really can't fault this show - the striking colour palette coupled with Raf Simons' signature tailoring culminates in a collection which readily translates into everyday wear despite the couture-like craftsmanship. I can't wait to see what he produces this Milan Fashion Week.

I am always impressed with a woman who chooses less and is serene. - Raf Simons.

(photographs: jak&jil & vogue.com; title: Raf Simons as quoted in a review by Tim Blanks)

The Céline Effect

I have been known to wax lyrical about Yasmin Sewell's style before but I couldn't help but do another post on her having seen these recent images taken of her on day four of New York Fashion Week. The much coveted Céline clutch is the perfect foil for her crisp white shirt and vintage Chanel coat. And that necklace. Definitely my favourite look of fashion month so far.

(Photographs from streetsfn, all the pretty birds & Tommy Ton for style.com)

Thought for the Day

I rarely wear skirts. My daughter is just the same. I’ll try to convince her to wear a skirt, or a dress, and she’ll look at me say, ‘Why? You don’t.’ - Emmanuelle Alt

Recently, all my outfits have been based around the trousers I'm wearing. Navy chords with ankle zips and leather detailing, snapped up in the Cos sale for a mere €45. It's got me thinking, are you a more of a trousers girl or a skirt kind of girl?

The Coveted

Everyone's guilty of lusting after that one dream purchase, you know, the one that would be the perfect accent to every single item in your wardrobe but which you'd have to remortgage your house to afford? Case in point: Repossi's Ere Twin Ring. Pure, simple perfection.

(Photograph by elle.com)

Peekaboo

Over the past few years, we have witnessed the monumental influence bloggers have had on the fashion community. Having just reached my one year blogging anniversary I got to thinking about what blogging means and where it will lead fashion to in the future.

Recently I have found myself addicted to blogs such as The Coveted, Into The Gloss, The Selby & Closet Visit which all offer a behind-the-scenes insight into the lives of the fashion crowd, whether the focus be on the inner workings of their wardrobes, make-up bags or apartments. These blogs essentially serve as platforms which allow the viewer to discover the (most probably artificially constructed) world of the 'other' i.e. the fashion insider we all, myself included, long to emulate. It is the ability to tap into this sense of romance and mystery that is, for me, what makes the blogger powerful in the world of fashion. However, this voyeurism, so intrinsic to the concept of blogging is nothing we fashion followers haven't seen before. Indeed, in the days long before blogs existed, I always found myself drawn to features such as the Closet Confidential in Elle UK and Une Fille Un Style in Paris Vogue, longing to see what my style icons wore and were inspired by. For me, despite the blog’s ability to provide instant gratification, it will never come close to the pleasure of spending my last five euro note on a copy of Vogue and the subsequent excitement that comes with pondering which stylish ingénue’s wardrobe I’ll be able to snoop around that evening.

What sort of blogs do you enjoy reading? And what are your favourite magazine features?

edit: Have just discovered this wonderful project - Where They Create - basically The Selby but solely for creative work spaces. Well worth a look.

(photograph by Ana Kraš)

Une femme est une femme

Whenever I am in a style rut, one thing never ceases to inspire me: the sixties. This decade wholly encompasses that perfect balance of elegance and Lolita that is ever-present in my style. It that signifies both independence and emancipation, whilst at the same time being alluring in a way no other style of any other decade achieves. Yesterday I watched Godard's Une Femme est Une Femme and was once again stuck by Anna Karina's coquettish yet chic way of dressing which to me epitomises what is missing in fashion today. It's that unassuming sexiness which French women do so well, the antithesis of 'in your face' dressing. Today I'm wearing a tartan skirt, knitted cardigan, black opaques & my trusty penny loafers in homage to a true style icon! All finished off with a smattering of liquid eyeliner and my hair in a chignon.

(Images from the fashion spot)