Our PR gets papped with Kate Bosworth

Source: Just Jared

PRs really do have the active social life don't they? Our wonderful PR Liz was at the recent Rodarte dinner hosted by Kate Bosworth and happened to get snapped in the background. Liz is wearing the fabulous Louise Amstrup stripe panel dress while Kate is looking rather regal in this Rodarte frock.

Metro's favorite new accessories

Metro picked the infamous Amber by Bionda Castana as their top new accessories for the summer. These shoes became a must have item after Agyness Dean wore them for British Vogue. You're in luck if you're a size 40/41 as that's the only size we have left. Remember they do come up about 1/2 a size bigger but can be laced in.

Source: RihannaDaily.com

Rihanna seems to favour emerging British designers. Last year she stepped out in Emma Cook's fantastic jumpsuit - I can't wear mine enough in summer! Recently the American based singer was spotted in this Hannah Marshall short sleeve jacket. She really is super stylish and it is great to see a celeb who doesn't have to be dressed in big name designers all the time. It would be wonderful if more celebs would embrace up and coming designers from across the globe.

Vogue on Vogue

Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman. Source: FBC

On Thursday I went along to the Fashion Business Club meeting “Vogue on Vogue”. Online editor Dolly Jones was interviewing Vogue magazine editor Alexandra Shulman. While I’m not a magazine junky and prefer online to magazines, I was interested in what Alexandra had to say about supporting young British designers and her perceived or obligation of role of Vogue. One interesting fact for me is that we both have the same favorite magazine, The New Yorker.

Alexandra spoke openly and candidly about her experience and was actually quite witty. Upon taking the job she had no idea or even interest in fashion. She didn’t realize that fashion was in seasons and still claims to have a more pedestrian view of fashion while her fashion staff talk about referencing great artists and events.

Dolly (not her real name by the way) asked if Alexandra felt that she fitted the fashion mold. The crowded room laughed when Alexandra said that one comment she hears continuously is that she doesn’t look like the editor of Vogue magazine. She always replies that she’s been the editor for 17 years now so this is what the editor of Vogue looks like.

She believes that fashion has become the whipping post for the celeb culture, eating disorders and other woes of the world. She said it’s just wrong and she actually enjoys the debate. Vogue was recently heavily criticized for putting Cheryl Cole on the cover. Alexandra said she enjoyed having Cheryl and believes she is a face of fashion. Besides, it was incredible for sales.

I was about to ask about Vogue’s role and obligation in the support of young designers. Alexandra said she feels a duty to support them despite the fact that they don’t give a single penny of advertising revenue. She believes that during the last recession some of the greatest trends emerged and this time is no different. She saw signs of that at the recent LFW. In reply to Dolly’s questions about how Vogue are dealing with the recession and changes in spending habits Alexandra said that Vogue has always been about an aspirational lifestyle and it will continue to present that lifestyle in a way that is not offensive.

There were a lot of questions from the audience, most just wanting to draw Alexandra’s attention to their brand. Something I should really do but it’s not my style. I do hope that Vogue can continue to support young British designers, especially in these times.
On the way home from the meeting I did pick up the latest copy of Vogue. I haven’t read it yet though. Had a delivery of New Yorkers instead!

No misstep for Agyness Dean

Agyness Dean is one of those people who always looks amazing - even with an eye patch following an incident with a mascara wand! In the March 2009 issue of British Vogue she looks breathtaking in this vivid silky gown and statement bangle. But I agree with ShinyStyle, what really makes this outfit is the shoes.

When Natalia at Bionda Castana first showed me these shoes I wanted them. They are just stunning and will liven any outfit from a plain dress to jeans. They are available in limited quantities at Brittique, the only place you can buy them in Europe. Pre-purchase yours now and you'll be wearing them in March.

Lily Allen wears Cooperative Designs

While there has been some speculation about Lily Allen's hair/hair extensions, there's no denying where she shops - Brittique of course. Lily shows her indie style here wearing the Aztec inspired Box Jumper from Cooperative Designs. Available now at Brittique.com.

Great knits and fab fringed boots

As Metro said today, those of conservative disposition, look away: this knitwear is for rockers - and boots too! If you picked up a copy of the London commute essential, you would have seen the fab jumpsuit by Cooperative Designs. We just got this in last week and are awaiting the photos. We know for a fact that one very popular blonde model of the moment has one. I can't wait to see where she wears it.

These Camilla Staerk boots are rather daring too. Not feeling the fringe? Give them an instant update by removing the fringe and wearing them plain.

A song and dance for Evie Belle

I know I know, I'm a bit like a London bus with my blog posts. You wait forever for one and then 3 come at once. Forgive me, like everyone it seems, I've been busy.

Confession: I didn't know who Katherine Darcy Jenkins and Darcy Bussel were when I saw these pictures. Call me uncultured but just keeping track of all the fashion designers is a fulltime job. A google search revealed that the stunning blonde is Katherine Jenkins, award winning mezzo-soprano and, with the list of awards she's received, I really should have heard of her. The beautiful brunette (with incredible legs!) is a now retired ballerina.

Katherine and Darcy appear in this photo shoot for Evie Belle, now available at Brittique.com. Evie Belle has a sexy secretary and yet vampy vibe. Kind of a secretary by day dominatrix by night type thing. The designer Sairah Hick's background with top tailoring specialists such as Burberry and Acquascutum is evident in the cut. The styles are universally flattering for sizes right through to 14. If you are a size 14 and think that designer clothing doesn't cater for you, try Evie Belle.

From Winehouse to wedding

A couple of funny titles came to mind as I write this blog playing on the Wino angle. But like Sister Wolf, I do admire Amy Winehouse for her unique sound in a world awash with pop and R&B and genuinely hope that she can pull herself out of the mess.

So why am I talking about Amy Winehouse? You may recall that this is the dress, or one of them, that she wore for her private concert in Russia. Of course in true Amy style it was an itsy bitsy mini and a super small size. Here's another take on the stunning Kirribilla Hilo dress - the cover of Cosmo bride. The floral print of the dress does make you want to pack the SPF and head to St Lucia. Unfortunately we sold out of this dress as soon as they hit the site. We do have it in perhaps the more wearable colours of black and coffee.

Amy Winehouse wears Brittique

In June Amy Winehouse rocked at a private party for the gala opening of an art gallery run by Daria Zhukova, the girlfriend of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. For the performance she wore the Hilo dress by Kirribilla - and shortened it quite a bit! Such incredible talent. It's just a shame she can't straighted out her personal life before she implodes.

Rihanna wears Emma Cook

Image from Batchplease.com

American signer Rihanna was spotted grocery shopping wearing the Emma Cook jumpsuit (Brittique.com, £245). This is one of my top 5 pieces from the entire SS08 collection available on Brittique and I personally have it. Not only is it comfortable but I think it looks good. It would look better with some casual flip flops though rather than towering heels. But some women can't walk in flats anymore! The perfect cure for that, pregnancy as I discovered.

Cooperative Designs makes a darkly comic debut

Our newest designers from Cooperative Designs are featured by Vogue.com today. Cooperative Designs makes a darkly comic debut Vogue.com. I was so excited when I saw their new season collection with the Aztec inspired knits and it seems I'm not the only one. A certain model of the moment has preordered one of the more wacky pieces. I wonder who that could be??? I'm sure we'll see pictures of her wearing it in the coming months.

Susie Bubble buys for Brittique

I’m thrilled to announce that Brittique has a very special guest buyer for the autumn/winter 08 season. The ever stylish and quirky Susie Bubble from the infamous blog Style Bubble will be adding yet another feather (on season of course) to her already crowded hat and injecting her style and take on the season’s collections. Susie will be attending the shows on our behalf and selecting the best of the season’s collections for Brittique.

Keep up to date with Susie’s musings on the AW08 collections and her insight into the trends and the designers to watch on her blog.

Meet the red sole man

I alway check out shoes of a well dressed woman. To me a shoe completes the outfit and often makes it work. I've been known to create a full outfit around a pair of shoes, and from customer queries, I know you do too. So what do you think when you see the flash of red on the sole of a shoe? Are you immediately envious? Do you think victim? Celebrity follower? Personally, I prefer to let the style be more conspicuous and leave people wondering where I got my fabulous treads.

At the Saks sale in July I tried on a lovely pair of white pumps by Christian Louboutin. They were agony to walk in, even with my well adjusted feet. While I adore fashion, I don't believe that beauty means suffering so I left them on the shelf and will stick with sexy sandals from Gil Carvalho, Jenne O and Camilla Staerk.

But those of you in New York who are fans can meet the man behind the instantly recognisable red sole at Saks on 7 February between 4-7pm on the brand new shoe floor. Personally I couldn't brave the crowds, but if you're into that, it should be quite an event!

Inspired by a stylist

Source: Lucky Magazine

When I saw this picture I just wanted her look - the whole lot from the sharp platinum bob to the drapey dress and over the knee boots. She should look good because it is the celebrity stylist Britt Bardot, the one who doesn't take credit for Brittany Spears' look.

It got me thinking about over the knee boots and where I could get a pair. First stop ebay and I found these FAB animal print boots. I know it's controvesial, but I adore animal print. How lovley would these look with a drapey black jersey dress such as this one from Basso & Brooke? Something really understated. Pity they're about 1.5 sizes too small for me.

I am seriously considering the platinum bob though...

Interview with Gil Carvalho

Gil Carvalho is really building a name for himself. While not my thing, having celebrities such as Kylie, Jo-Lo, Liz Hurley and Madonna, wear his shoes has really helped to build his profile.

Sterling Magazine, the inflight magazine for Danish airline, recently interviewed Gil. This is what he had to say about living in London, his heros and what inspires him (scroll to the bottom).

Here is a sneak preview of just one style that will be available on Brittique.com from March.

A celeb with style: Janelle Monae

A fellow blogger and I have been exchanging emails lately about, among lots of other things, how to wear wide legged jeans and trousers. Today I had the ultimate inspiration from these pictures of Janelle Monae. Not only can this girl sing, but she can also dress. It's inspiring how she wears the wide legged trousers and jeans so simply and yet effectively. And the red vintage dress is incredible too. Lovely to see a celeb dressing well for a change!

You too can get this look with the Camilla Staerk Emily blouse, Amanda Wakeley ultra wide leg trousers and Camilla Staerk block boots.

Thanks to JQVintage blog for posting these pictures of Janelle Monae.

Liz Hurley wears Gil Carvalho for Brittique

Shoebunny pointed out this picture of Liz Hurley wearing Gil Carvalho. Liz has long been a fan along with Kylie and J-Lo. Currently we only have very small and very large sizes left of this shoe, so if you're a 3, 4 or 8 you're in luck!

Note: We have actually received a new shipment and now have all sizes from 2-6 plus an 8.

Debbie Harry wears Tata-Naka for Brittique

80s rock legend Debbie Harry gave a very frank and open interview to the Guardian recently about the price she paid for her attitude.

When Blondie was pictured wearing this Tata-Naka horse shoe ring it caused quite a stir. We sold out in minutes and had to reorder. The rings are now available and will be delivered in about 2-3 weeks.

Tribute to Anita Roddick

Anita Roddick is one of the most influential business people of our decade and someone I have long admired. It's very sad that she passed away today from a brain hemorrhage probably caused by Hepatitis C.

Only a couple of months ago I was due to meet with her for a business mentoring session. She has selected Brittique.com as an ethical business and wanted to meet me. It was a huge honour but unfortunately I could not go because I had just moved to New York. A friend and founder of Devi Doll, Sindhu, went in my place. She was gushing about the strength and passion that just flowed from Anita. I deeply regret that I could not meet her.

I'm currently reading her book Business As Unusual. Her business views really are unusual and I also hope that these can be reflected in Brittique. While she was in the business of beauty and cosmetics, she used The Body Shop as a platform to lobby fearlessly against the "big guys" and raise awareness for causes. The book is a brilliant read and I recommend it for everyone in business.

The death of Anita Roddick has left a huge void in the international business world and I hope someone can step up to the role.