A ball gown fit for a bump

Normally an invite to a swanky black tie masquerade ball would be so exciting that I'd barely be able to sleep. But being so heavily pregnant I was dreading it. What to wear with such a big bump? And black tie means to the ground. The lovely Louise Amstrup offered me a beautiful black dress with a beaded bodice. But sadly it didn't fit the belly.

However I did manage to find some silk I'd stashed probably about 10 years ago waiting for the right pattern. So Saturday I did some manic sewing. Thankfully I did manage to get it completely finished and pressed with a couple of hours to spare. It was actually a very simple bump friendly and colourful dress just as I'd envisaged.

The event was a 40th birthday party for the wife of an ex-colleague of my man. I'd actually never met the wife. It's very odd going to a party not knowing the birthday girl. And I didn't even meet her on the night.What a party! Most weddings are not this extravagant. Held at the V&A Museum the surroundings were just beautiful. It had a Venetian theme, hence the masks. I'd bought ours online and hoped that it matched my dress - luckily it did perfectly.

Back to the party. There was a string quartet on gondola in the middle of the lake in the garden. After we moved inside past the sculpture gallery there was a live band. The daughters aged 13 and 10 sang a beautiful song from Hairspray where they had adapted the words for their mother. They were incredible! Such confidence. I had tears in my eyes. Following the band were opera singers. Other entertainment included massages, makeup sessions, an ice cream stand (see picture above!) and a photo booth.

I'd actually managed to slip my feet into these Gil Carvalho 4 inch heels for the occasion. While the shoes were very comfortable for my feet, it was my legs that had the problem. My legs held up quite well until about 11pm. By then I was ready to limp to the car and go home to my lovely soft bed. You can imagine the relief when I took off my shoes and walked on flat ground. Bliss! But beauty means suffering, even when pregnant!

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!

Evie Belle on sale for just 24 hours

We won't be stocking Evie Belle anymore so we're giving you one last chance to purchase any item from the collection for 30% off. Purchase by Friday and enter EVIEBELLE at checkout to receive your discount.

Choose from tailored trousers and wonderfully soft jersey separates. These classics will be a fundamental addition to your recession proof wardrobe.

Ilse Crawford for Brittique

Remember the Sex and the City episode where Samantha is desperate to become a member of Soho House? Then she finds a membership card and sneaks in only to be discovered after she puts on a terrible British accent. Well Ilse Crawford is the vision behind the Soho House brand.

Ilse Crawford has teamed up with Volvo to design this stylish and practical travel bag. It's available exclusively on Brittique.com with only a few bags remaining.

D&G sample saleing

Vest Camilla Staerk, top Mango, scarf Salvatore Ferragamo, bag Chloe, trousers D&G, shoes vintage.

Dress D&G, cardigan Massimo Dutti, scarf Louis Vuitton, shoes vintage.

It's sample sale season. Prada's was a couple of weeks ago, Max Mara was this week as was D&G and Vivienne Westwood starts 10 November. I went along with come colleagues on my consulting job to D&G - WOW! It was cheap. Most items were 90% off. I got this black pencil dress for $127.50 and the tweed distressed trousers for $180. Just fab!

The dress has a patent leather attached belt and a large gold exposed zip up the back - and pockets! I do love a dress with pockets. The trousers have distressed raw seams on the leg and waist. They're uncuffed, a touch short and I think they look great rolled.

While a bit more conservatively dressed than usual, I've been consulting the past couple of weeks. Soon I'll be back to my usual style.

I also bought another denim corset style dress with an attached red patent leather belt and straps. It looked fine while i was fighting to see the mirror in the crowded communal dressing rooms, but i put it on at home and it's SOOO low. The vest nearly extends to my naval and I don't think it's my thing. I'll just write it off as a sample sale mistake. We all have those right?

Happy Birthday Brittique!

I can't believe another year has past since I first "opened shop" on Brittique.com. It's certainly been an exciting journey. To celebrate we're giving all subscribers to our newsletter 30% off the entire range - including the new arrivals. Just subscribe and we'll send you the discount code.

Thanks again to all our customers for you support of Brittique.com!

Nicole
Founder

London Fashion Weekend tickets up for grabs

The retail extravaganza that is London Fashion Weekend is soon upon us. Running from 24-28 September and with a new sponsor, Elle Magazine, it should be the best one yet. Brittique will be there again with some crazy discounts on our beautiful clothing, shoes and accessories.

I've got 2 tickets for Thursday or Friday valued at £20 up for grabs. To enter just leave a comment here and I'll select a winner at random on Sunday evening 14 September. If you win we'll also give you and your friend an additional 10% off our sale prices at the Brittique stand.

Net a bargain

Our sale starts today with at least 25% off the spring/summer 08 collections. We have some of the old season stock at up to 90% off. So big bargains to be had. You magazine featured just two of the bargains you can bag. The Camilla Staerk sundress which was £285 now £143 and the Louise Amstrup drape skirt which is now marked down to £165 from £330. And we still offer free returns.

Sale on now! 30 off the entire range

Subscribe to the newsletter for 30% off.

Bionda Castana best new designer by Vogue Italia

Bionda Castana cofounder Natalia with Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani

Congratulations to Bionda Castana for winning the accessories award for the best new talent at the Vogue Italia "Who is On Next?" 2008. This award helped put Nicholas Kirkwood on the map after being awarded last year's prize.

We just received these sensational gladiator sandals from Bionda Castana. We only have really limited stock but email us to go on the wait list.

Louise Amstrup - new kid on the block

One of my favorite designers Louise Amstrup debuted on the catwalk this season with On/Off. The collection was darker than those previously but still the lovely cut and quality was evident. While hard to see from this clip, the finishing on Louise's garments is amazing - seams are piped and the lining is the most beautiful silk. It really has to be tried on to appreciated.

See the show here.

Vogue are also fans.

Why there's been no LFW commentary from me

Just in time for London Fashion Week I received a beautiful delivery, a baby boy, Ralf. While he does sleep a lot now I'm still completely out of touch with what actually happened at LFW. Luckily Susie Bubble has been buying for Brittique and reporting back on the directions of the season. It's looking like a good one!

Sheerluxe.com: my latest blog on the inital AW08 trends

Here you can read my take on the initial trends coming out of New York Fashion Week: http://www.sheerluxe.com/blog/heads-up-on-autumn--winter-trend.htm

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!

Brittique & Aveda evening of pampering

Thank you to those who attended the Brittique.com and Aveda evening of beauty and fashion on 30 January in London. The event was a huge success with over 200 women being pampered with massages, manicures, hair styling, shopping as well as wonderful drinks from our sponsors Tapio and James White.

Sign up here to be the first to know about the next event.

All pictures courtesy of Eventphotosport Picture Agency.

Backstage with Peter Jensen

We're just a couple of weeks away from the chaos that is London Fashion Week. This behind the scene look at a Peter Jensen show pretty much summarises the backstage feel at all shows. Stress levels run high and designers are under a huge amount of pressure. Meanwhile the buyers and press are waiting, waiting, waiting...

Peter Jensen's preppy and yet quirky designers are so effortless to wear. For spring/summer I'm especially in love with his scribble denim jeans dress. Preorders are now open so you don't miss out on your favorite pieces.

Our sale has started!

In the true spirit of festivity Brittique.com went on sale today. I've marked down all the autumn/winter stock by up to 40%. Some past season stock is well below the wholesale price at up to 90% off. So 'tis the season to snap up a bargain.

Fashion Forward Winners

The British Fashion Council announced the winners of the Fashion Forward funding by Westfield, the Australian based shopping centre developer. The three winners are Roksanda Ilincic, Richard Nicoll and Jens Laugesen.

Roksanda Ilincic has a super fem style which I do really love and I've had my eye on her for a couple of seasons. Her AW07 collection was actually my fav. I attended the show with Susie Bubble and we both sat there with wide eyes and our cameras clicking as each model sauntered past. It was actually my favorite show of the season.

Jens Laugesen seems to be a favorite among bloggers and is regularly written about. His range is more masculine but still very wearable.

Congratulations to all three designers on the win and it will be great to see Roksanda on the on-schedule catwalk in February.

Journelle NYC - finally a beautiful place to shop for lingerie

Last night was the launch party for Journelle, a stunning new multi-brand lingerie store on 17th Street, NYC. Having seen the store converted from a smelly old Greek restaurant to the luxurious shopping experience it is now was quite emotional for me.

My good friend Claire undertook this huge project on her own and has done a fantastic job. Everything is just perfect. The displays are creative and yet functional, the range features all the best brands and, the best bit, the changing rooms are huge - big enough for a mother and pram (important feature for me shortly!).

If you're in New York, or visiting it is worth stopping by for a bra fitting and the joy of shopping in a luxurious and friendly environment.

Notice that I still have the bag?

Update: Daily Candy wrote a great review about Journelle.

Join Brittique & Aveda for a night of fashion & beauty

Join Brittique.com and Aveda for an evening of fresh fashion and natural beauty

Wednesday 30 January, 7pm-10pm

Aveda Institute, 174 High Holborn,

London WC1V 7AA, Map

Shop the latest summer collections from top British designers such as Camilla Staerk, Emma Cook, Gil Carvalho, Hannah Marshall and Louise Amstrup.

Receive complimentary makeovers, hair styling, manicures and massages from Aveda's sumptuous beauty range and talented stylists.

Places are limited so please RSVP here.