…then go Buy My Wardrobe. Head to Adam St Members Club, London WC2 – between 12-5pm on Saturday 31st January. Search through the nearly-new garments of the “Wardrobe Mistresses;” which tomorrow include the Gucci Group Executive Mimma Viglezio. I received many emails about my previous Buy My Wardrobe post, asking when the next event will be…so apologies for the last minuteness but tomorrow is the day! Although I am unable to attend, I shall be extremely jealous of all those that do. Rummaging through the wardrobes of others, even the pieces they no longer covet, is an enviable task. Recycling is old news…re-using is so much more friendly, so make me envious and go Buy My Wardrobe.

Yes, she’s officially recognised as “cool.” Yes, her album has received critical and popular acclaim. Yes, she wears a lot of plaid. But what has drawn me in is the quality of her music. Ladyhawke’s self-entitled first album may hark back to a bygone era, where Bananarama ruled the airways which for me is its greatest appeal. There are few albums that I can listen to from start to finish and find enjoyment in each track but Pip Brown has produced an offering that involves no “skippage.” Maybe it is nostalgia for my childhood that keeps me engaged – the thought of big hair and tonnes of lycra mixed with fluffy pop and I think her cat adoration as seen in her illustrative covers helps too! Check out Ladyhawke’s MySpace and website, plus catch her on tour in Europe and in the U.K. with the Ting Tings.

I am not a, “dressy dressy” kind of girl. Looks that are too polished, too refined, are not appealing to me. Matching my shoes with my handbag and my fingernails, has never been a priority for me. Gary Graham offers a deconstructed look that fits me perfectly – a formal dress teamed with oversized builder boots, multi-layered parachute materials…my ideal. His spring lookbook is a delight, each look more endearing – see all Mr. Graham has to offer here.

Hedi Slimane’s fashion crudentials are enviable; from Yves Saint Laurent to Dior, his influence has shaped the look of menswear today. He is called, “friend” by many notorious celebrities and has delved deep into the the world of art. It is his photography that has drawn me in – it is contemporary, relevant and very real. He has that covetable talent of making the ordinary, extraordinary – taking everyday objects and events and making them exceptional. His blog/diary is inspirational and worth a perusal to gain a true insight into the life and influences of the artist.

The New Year. For many of us it brings the opportunity for a “New You.” I haven’t made any official resolutions this year but I have made some realisations; I am getting older and physically the signs are starting to show. I read a really interesting article in Sunday Times’ Style supplement today entitled – look good, look better, look younger. It talked about the different tribes that are formed as the aging process kicks in; the naturals vs the plastics. The article must be read to be fully appreciated but it encompasses my gripe on where the bar is set on aging. In a world where “procedures,” injections and fillers are the norm, what does “good for her age” actually mean any more? So many Hollywood starlets look nowhere near their actual age but are never forthcoming about the amount of effort that allows them to remain ageless. This gives us mere mortals very little hope and unrealistic, false expectations. Then, once a certain, unknown age is passed and the same amount of monthly treatments continues, the freak factor sets in. So what can I do as the wrinkles start to appear? I have chosen to utilise a little more of a cover-up tactic that will begin in my beauty regime (that doesn’t currently exist except for some over-use of vaseline.) The now ubiquitous Shu Uemura eyelash curlers are first on my shopping list, followed closely by some of their lashes; if I get some longer, more feathered examples they will surely cover the creeping crows’ feet! So as age catches up with me, I shall try my best to embrace the changes, safe in the knowledge that the facade of the celebrity world can be as false as the characters portrayed.

I am not so great when it comes to New Year celebrations. I shall be having a quiet one at home, Swiss style, with some 70’s fondue, avec de la viande et du fromage! I do love the fact that a New Year brings with it an opportunity for fresh starts and resolutions. Mine are yet to be finalised but I like the fact that anything (potentially!) can begin with a new digit.

Enjoy the gluttonous joy that comes with Christmas. R x

Vintage is a buzzword of modern fashion. To describe an outfit as, “vintage” holds a kudos, a certain air of cool and uniqueness. What does this word actually mean? One definition is Second-Hand (although that doesn’t sound remotely appealing compared to vintage.) Another is Well Worn/Used, which vintage often is. The only word that comes close to the cool that the word “vintage” evokes is Antique, as that sounds expensive as well as original! I am an unlucky hunter of all that is vintage. My grandmother has a wardrobe full of amazing clothing but she is almost a foot shorter than me, plus she adores and covets her clothes, still ironing and airing items that are decades old and unworn. A wardrobe raid by me is something I don’t feel she would welcome, although I am still plucking up the courage to ask. Searching through vintage shops, I often find fab pieces but they don’t fit – unique + original, often = one size. My favourite online vintage stores often have items that really excite me…but then I scroll down to see the off-limits phrase, “sold out.” So vintage look seems my only option. Orla Kiely has produced a range that is exactly that, slightly out of my price range but definitely “modern vintage” in look. The 60’s inspired collection features some amazing key pieces – chunky knits, amazing platform heels and authentic prints. Some items are currently on sale, so they may slip on to my affordability radar! We’ve all got friends with ridiculously cool wardrobes that when you ask, “Where did you get that from?” the reply, “Oh, a little vintage shop in…” comes back. Search out some fake vintage pieces…maybe Orla Kiely could save you.

The Monday to Friday drudgery of “real life” is always tough but especially so in the winter. As you can see, the time and motivation to post has recently escaped me. Life seems a little bit more grey, your world seems seeped in darkness….and then the weekend arrives. You are given a ration of light that you are normally deprived of between 9 and 5 and a weight seems lifted off your shoulders. Colours seem more rich and visible (as unfortunately is the dust that accumulates in the darkness while you are at work.) My thoughts turn to macaroons on these cold but sunny winter days. In my mind: Sunlight + Crisp cold air + Colour = Parisian macaroons. I suddenly feel I need to dress a little more brightly and Chloé’s Spring 2009 collection comes to mind. I will never be able to afford any of the pieces from the collection but from it, I can take inspiration and be reminded of my favourite Parisian treat and feel that even in the darkest hours of winter, brightness is on the horizon. My personal favourites are Laudrée’s cassis violette macaroons, purple wonders! So if the winter obscurity is dragging you down, look on Style.com at Chloé’s vibrant upcoming palette and seek out a macaroon, of the purple variety if possible.

I am not a frequent celebrity blogger. You won’t find many, “loving what she wore” posts here. But today I felt compelled to post on, of all things, a celebrity dominoes tournament! The Hollywood Domino Tournament in NYC, held last night, brought out a certain style that I adore – 1920’s old school Hollywood glamour. I am not enamoured with the Hollywood of today; there is no sense of mystery, intrigue or inherent style. However, this charity event brought a glimpse of the Hollywood we have lost, with a sense of unadulterated elegance. Be whisked away in an air of nostalgia on Popsugar. Celeb posting endeth here. (for now anyway!)