I have extolled the fashionable virtues of Miss. Power on the old version of my blog..but Monday night was my first live experience of her musical genius. The venue, Colston Hall, Bristol was actually very intimate and Chan Marshall (Miss. Power) was just hanging out on the steps with the Delta Blues Band as we arrived. Her voice evokes a strange analogy; it was almost like melting butter (it sounds sadly dweeby even as I write!)…so soulful and “raw.” So aside from her fashion icon status, Cat Power’s musical dexterity is now undeniable. Check out Chan Marshall’s vocal talent on her MySpace.

I think you can tell a lot about a business or organisation through their ethos or tag line…Vice and Vanity‘s,

“We make vice things for vain souls. Baubles with soul…a possible beast? Ponder in the mirror.”

MMmmm…ponder I shall. My relationship with the fashion industry does hit ambiguous times; I love everything about clothes and trinkets, how they can express individuality, boost self-esteem AND then hate the pressure the industry can put upon us, to always look cool, to conform to a certain body shape/image (oh the ambivalence of fashion!) Vice and Vanity produce some very interesting pieces some of my favourites are showcased above. I adore jewellery than is multi-functional – Vice and Vanity offer us necklace-collars, brooch-buttons, therefore something more for your money. Take a peek and the website and let your vices take hold, with no restraint necessary.

Hurwundeki…what a name, what a concept – a fashion boutique/beauty salon. Exceptional and unique clothing pieces fuse with beautiful products and haircuts. The clothing is wearable yet unique and styled enviably on their website. Next time you are in Spitafields or near Marshall Street in the West End, please pop in and prepare to be pleased.

Miss. Suzy Style Bubble tipped me off to Shop Curious and today they finally launched their e-store. So, who are they? Creator Susan Muncey tells us, “ShopCurious is for lovers and collectors of naturally beautiful things. It’s the online shopping equivalent of ‘slow food’: A backlash against the must-have consumer frenzy of the branded goods crazed brigade.” The store itself is an eclectic piece of genius, full of unusual trinkets and nicknacks; from vintage to contemporary, clothing and furnishings. My favourite items have to be these resin bug bracelets – vintage bangles from the 60’s, housing formerly real bugs (slightly inhumane…possibly, gorgeous…most definitely.) Get curious and peruse the site.

I’m sure by now this has been posted over multiple blogs and will get massive exposure…but I just had to post about it too. Audrey is set to become the new face of Chanel but a much more anticipated project, in my world, is the up-coming film in which Miss. Tautou will play the eponymous Coco Chanel. On the right, we get our first glimpse of the film poster of Coco before Chanel (Coco avant Chanel) detailing her life as a cabaret singer. Director Caroline Benjo says, “It isn’t really a biopic because it is about Chanel before she became famous, it is about the events and people that shaped her.” I think Audrey will add her quirky sense of cool to such a monumental portrayal of a true icon of the industry.

Yes, this is another Kate Moss collaboration. Yes, she looks stunningly beautiful and has capitalised on the wedding speculation surrounding her relationship with Jaime Hince. Yes, this has gained the expected hype for Agent Provocateur BUT what I love is the accompanying artwork. In a surreal twist, Agent Provocateur invites you to Kate’s fabricated nuptials, set in a dark, abstract underworld full of depraved imagery. See the White Wedding collection, plus Moss say, “I don’t” at Agent Provocateur.

…the question is, where? Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci have cornered he market in cool sustainable clothing. The “Green” market for eco-friendly clothing is booming and From Somewhere strives to even the balance between consumption and disposal. No fabric off-cut is wasted – ends of rolls and damaged fabrics are combined to make beautiful new designs. I adore their mantra, “from waste to want” something you realise is undeniable on perusing the website. See how being “green” can be cool in From Somewhere’s shop on Portobello Road…an e-store is on its way.

I have always been intrigued by the painstakingly beautiful screenprints and paper-cut-outs of Mister Rob Ryan. He has now ventured into a new realm, that of jewellery; in the guise of a fabulous collaboration with Tatty Devine. You can now purchase an, “Every Type Of Tear” necklace or an, “Everything I Love That Lives In My Heart” brooch. The only downside for me, your piece of Robert Ryan is quite costly but you can revel in the glory that you own a very limited edition, one of only 25 created. See Robert’s stunning work on his website and see his Tatty Devine collaboration here.

In Bethnal Green hides a little gem of haberdashery named, Prick Your Finger. Hand spun yarns from rare breeds of sheep, adorn their shelves, as well as Fairtrade cottons and vintage silks. If you feel you need to be further enticed, there are also wondrous exhibitions of work; including Kate Talbot’s British Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner above. I adore their website, especially the quirky details about the founders, Rachel Matthews and Louise Harries – “They met at Central St. Martin’s college, in the canteen, where they took their own flasks!” If in Bethnal Green, go visit the unconventional duo…and their pet angora rabbit (every cool shop must have one.)

Effortless cool + a voice like syrup with a slightly grated edge = enchanting Swedish songstress Lykke Li. Everything from her album artwork; Youth Novels is her debut album, to her incredulously high bun as she performs, offers an aspirational sense of cool. She has also successfully pulled off the hareem/pirate pants look on stage (no mean feat!) Check out her music on MySpace or her website and prepare to be charmed.