hard to chase but good to catch

LFW

2012-02-17T10:50:00.000Z

Happy Friday and happy London Fashion Week!

Two of my favourite tunes to kick start the weekend..

(It has occurred to me that in some cases dubstep can sound a little like drilling. It's uncanny. I love it.)

NYFW: TAKING A BOW

2012-02-15T14:53:00.000Z

Is there anything more endearing than a designer bow?
(even more so when it incorporates gymnastics and small child á la Betsey Johnson).

Images from Betsey Johnson FW12 via Style.com

HAIR RINGS

2012-02-14T20:35:00.000Z

Just seen and fallen in love with these hair rings from Regal Rose.

Images from Regal Rose

NYFW: 10 Crosby by Derek Lam

2012-02-14T09:04:00.001Z

I love the idea behind these images of the 10 Crosby FW12 collection by Derek Lam, a model in her apartment on snow day, killing time and looking fabulous. Hanne Gaby reminds me in one or two of these images of Jodie Foster circa 1970 in the Disney classic Freaky Friday (one of my all time faves).

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

2012-02-12T14:20:00.000Z

Wow. The first thing I did this morning was look at the new shows on Style.com. After viewing the Alexander Wang collection I planned to make a post comparing the below dress to Whitney Houston's dress in the How Will I Know video. (The dress is only fresh in my mind because I'm trying to replicate the whole look for a Whitney themed costume party in two weeks time!)
For once I didn't check Twitter before breakfast and so had no idea what was going on in the world until my Dad came home from church an hour ago with the Sunday papers and news of Whitney Houston's tragic death at 48 years old.

Loss of a legend. Sad sad day.

IN MEMORY OF LEE

2012-02-11T17:59:00.000Z

My two all time favourite images of him.

ANNA DELLO RUSSO

2012-02-06T19:48:00.000Z

"Sometimes women say to me, ‘I’m tired, I don’t want to go out. It’s too much effort.’ And I say to them, ‘You need to take a fashion shower and then you’ll wake up.’"

Images by Tommy Ton via Style.com

HOW TO PROPOSE

2012-02-02T11:54:00.001Z

I really look forward to the Mr Porter newsletter, mostly because it alerts me to a new issue of The Journal which is so awesome it almost makes me wish I were man. This week features an article on 'How to Propose', just in time for V Day of course. It made me giggle, here's the first part, read the rest here. (Best to read with tongue decidedly in cheek).

INSTAGRAM OUTFITS #1

2012-01-29T18:22:00.000Z

I've been trying to instagram my outfits daily, mostly to remind me of old outfit combinations when I start to hate everything in my wardrobe but also because this is a fashion blog and it's good to share (and me and my tripod don't really get on). So I'm going to start posting a round up, maybe weekly. Probably just whenever I get round to it.

L: sweater by American Apparel, dress by Heaven & Earth, boots by Dr Martens, necklace by H&M
R: jumper dress by COS, boots by Dr Martens*, watch by ToyWatch, cross earrings by ASOS

L: leggings by Versace x H&M, sweater by ASOS, trainers by Nike x Liberty
R: jumper by Vila, yokopop print dress by ASOS, wedges by Minimarket, cross earrings by ASOS

jumper by ASOS White, boots by Dr Martens, vintage pleated skirt. This outfit appeals to my 90s self.

*I bought my Dr Martens just before Christmas and it is becoming difficult to wear any other footwear TBH. Expect them to feature much more!

I am off to cook dinner with the amazing tomatoes and sausages I picked up in the farmers market this morning. Can't wait!!

KULVINDER DHILLON

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000Z

Popped into The Convenience Store this morning (LOVE that shop) and came across the work of awesome illustrator by Kulvinder Dhillon (also known as Beat The Pulp). All I need is a flat of my own and several of these are going up on my wall.

Inspired by Victor & Rolf

Inspired by Maison Martin Margiela

Inspired by Gareth Pugh

Images from beatthepulp.com

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

BOUTIQUE

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000Z

So just as pay day arrives and I make the wise decision not to spend it all at once, Toppers go and tempt me with images of their newest Boutique collection. Never would I normally even consider spending £90 on a high street piece, but that Prince of Wales check smock dress already has a space in my wardrobe. Beans for the rest of the month then.

Images from Topshop.com

PRE FALL 2012: THEYSKENS' THEORY

2012-01-24T20:38:00.000Z

In stark contrast to my last post but one, I'm craving Winter again after seeing the Theyskens' Theory Pre Fall Collection. Dark, minimal and fluid with a grungey edge and subtle embellishment. Beauty in simplicity.

Images from Style.com

2012-01-16T11:04:00.002Z

Um so I got myself a pinterest, I totally don't really get it yet, but I'm sure it won't be long before I'm obsessed. Add me here: http://pinterest.com/hardtochase/
Or leave your username in the comments and I'll work out how to follow you.

JAN ASOS WANTS

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000Z

Is it possible that those couple of days before Christmas which warranted a hat, scarf and gloves were as cold as it's going to get? Can we skip straight to Spring now? Probably not, but still my brain seems to have switched over to SS12 because all I want to buy is pale denim, pastels and brights right now. Counting down to bareleg weather!

1. Ash Cool Suede Strapped Wedge Trainers
2. American Apparel Oversized Denim Jacket
3. Stolen Girlfriends Cropped Tee
4. ASOS T-Shirt Dress with Dipped Back

1. ASOS Denim Jacket in Dewberry
2. ASOS Platform Trainers
3. ASOS Neon Cycling Shorts
4. ASOS Sweatshirt and Tracksuit Bottoms with Plasticised Spots

All from ASOS.com, obvs

HOUSE OF SCARLET

2012-01-15T16:44:00.000Z

I am supposed to be turning my laptop off for the rest of the weekend, but I just had to share this!! My very talented and hardworking assistant, Natasha Scarlet has just launched her beautiful collection of handmade jewellery and capes on ASOS Marketplace!

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL?

2012-01-15T13:20:00.000Z

My bank balance gave me a bit of a scare last night and I got up this morning with great intentions. I went through my wardrobe and picked out a couple of things to sell on ASOS Marketplace. I put the first dress on, styled it up for the photograph (everything has to be shot 'street style') and then realised - maybe I actually still like this dress? I really didn't think it was really 'my style' anymore, but now I'm not so sure. Add a leather jacket to the equation and I think it's quite 'me'. This is NOT helpful to my bank balance, well except I've sort of gained a new dress without buying anything, I also won £10 on yesterday's lottery, so maybe I can keep it? What do you think?

Dress, Zara
Tights & Earrings, ASOS
Boots, Dr Martens

FOLLOW ME

2012-01-14T19:02:00.001Z

I seem to be acquiring a huge amount of photos which don't really fit on the blog, so I am going to start using my tumblr more again: Add me at hardtochase.tumblr.com/ where you can follow my obsession with beautiful London skies amongst other things.

You can also follow me on Instagram @hardtochase

And while you're at it, like my facebook page for new post updates!

HAVE YOU MET MRS JONES?

2012-01-14T17:22:00.000Z

I'm having a productive booze free weekend (so far) and I remembered this afternoon to return to the vintage shop I discovered on my doorstep just before Christmas. It's cash only and I'd chosen and tried on a pair of tartan corduroy shorts, left to get cash, got completely caught up in whatever I had to do and forgot to go back!! Luckily they were still there today and for the bargainous price of £15.

(Unfortunately they don't slide on quite as easily as they did before Christmas but I figured this is easily rectified with my newly acquired gym pass).

Apparently Mrs Jones just popped up before Christmas which explains why I have never come across it before. As well as vintage garms, they sell a few designer items and gorgeous bespoke pieces. The shop is set up like a design studio and showroom cum emporium and has a wonderfully inspirational feel. With my purchase I was given this little set of Eau de Toilette from Penhaligons, what a treat! After an afternoon dabbing and sniffing, Endymion is my favourite scent so far.

Reading around the website, Fee Doran 'Mrs Jones' is the creator of that Kylie white catsuit! I'm utterly obsessed and intrigued by her fabulous shop and already planning my next trip back.

Mrs Jones
133b Upper Street
Islington
N1 1QP

BREAKING NEWS

2012-01-09T21:27:00.001Z

So apparently Beyonce and Jay-Z had a baby!??!!! Who even knew she was preggers..

I didn't make these awesome images, if you did, then credit where it's due.

12th Day of Christmas

2012-01-06T14:03:00.000Z

6th January, Epiphany, Three Kings Day.....
Last chance to post some festive images of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve. I say this every year, but I really did have the best time ever with my brilliant family and friends.

NEW YORK I LOVE YOU: PT 2

2012-01-03T22:13:00.002Z

Marathon Day! Mum left early for Staten Island (like 5amearly) and the rest of us headed to Williamsburg to spectate where we weretreated to a live band and an amazing brunch in NewYork Muffins.

Sadly we missed my Mum in Williamsburg as she was running toofast, but we caught up with her in Harlem – still smiling at the 24^thmile! What a trooper.

After taking loads of photographs of Mum wrapped in foil,she went back to the hotel to relax while Viki and I shopped again and then weall met for a celebratory cocktail and dinner at Freemans (Freemans Alley, OffRivington St). If there is one place you should go in NYC, this is it. Fabulousservice, cocktails, interior and of course food. We shared the artichoke dipand I had a perfectly cooked steak for main. (Tip: you can’t book so get there early).

Viki and I attempted to hail a cab SATC style. We failed.

After dinner we moved on to Greenwich Village and Café Wha, an underground bar with live music which was formerly the stomping ground of JimmyHendrix and Bob Dylan. We booked and had great seats right in front of thehouse band who were as fantastic as I’d heard. Perfect night to end our stay inNew York.

For our final morning in the city we headed to Pastis for brunch. BEST MACARONI CHEESEEVER. I don’t think I would order Macaroni Cheese anywhere else, ever again.

Afterwards we wandered to the Magnolia Bakery, made a fewpurchases in the Book Marcstore and before a final tourist stop at Carrie’s Apartment.

On the way back to the hotel, we passed this memorial to9/11.

New York, you were amazing. Until next time...

NEW YORK I LOVE YOU: PT 1

2012-01-03T19:41:00.002Z

Warning, this will be image and word heavy but finally getting around to posting about my trip to NYC in November. The main purpose of the trip was to support my Mum running the marathon (her 5th marathon, but 1st in NYC) but it nicely coincided with my 30th birthday. I did A LOT of research before I left and luckily my new assistant who started only a month before my trip, lived in NYC for 3 months, so I had some great recommendations!

The first night, we headed straight out to dinner on foot, hoping to stumble across somewhere in the East Village. When it quickly became apparent that just trying to stumble doesn't really work on your first night in a big city I decided to head towards one of my recommendations, Pulino's, sister restaurant of Pastis. It did not disappoint and there we ate probably the best pizza I have ever eaten (and I might as well say now, this post is going to be full of "the best...I've ever eaten" quotes).

We stayed in a no frills hotel on East 28^th and just up the road (corner of East 28^th and 5^th) we found Café 28 which was to become our staple breakfast haunt. Can’t go wrong with anywhere you can get pancakes with a side of bacon, a vanilla coffee and change from a ten dollar bill IMHO!

That morning we did the ‘tourist thing’ and sought out Times Square (smaller than expected), Central Park (even better than expected), Macy’s and The Met before heading to Expo where my Mum collected her race number, I went all paparazzi and we all tried several flavours of Gatorade in preparation for Mum’s big race.

We ended the day with a walk along The Highline and a wander through Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District where we spotted Anna Selezneva having a cigarette outside Pastis.

If you've never heard of it, The Highline is a public park built on an old elevated trainline and after being in New York just a day it was a welcome retreat from being at ground level where you can rarely see the sky.

On day two we headed to the 9/11 Museum and passed the Occupy Wall Street protests where I was interested to stop and listen and read a few of the notices.

I have to admit I’m still not sure where I stand on all of that, but this wasn’t meant to be a political blog, so on to the shopping…

Lower East Side next where we found Pixie Market (SO TINY!!) and lots of cool little boutiques on Ludlow Street (sadly The Reformation was closed).

Tourist stop at Katz's Deli (of When Harry Met Sally fame)..

..and then on to the East Village for hot dogs at Crif Dogs! Yes possibly one of the best hot dogs I've ever eaten!! I had the Chilli Dog and my sister and Mum went for the BLT Dog, both amazing. The best thing about this place (and there are so many great things about it, the interior reminded me of Wayne's World in a good way) is the old fashioned telephone booth in the corner, which when you lift the receiver gives access to the secret bar, PDT.

Local Clothing vintage was our next stop where my Sister found an awesome Versace inspired shirt and down the street I discovered Verameat and met the designer herself, her gorgeous mascot and purchased a ring.

Viki and I then sought out Opening Ceremony, Topshop (just to compare, oh my goodness America you are being ripped off), Daves QualityMeat, Love Adorned, LF Stores, Beacons Closet.. to name a few. Dinner was La Esquina for amazing margheritas and Mexican.

Saturday was a day of rest for my Marathon Mother, so my Sister and I went to Williamsburg and headed for Beacons Closet (bigger and better than the one in Manhattan), Mini Mini Market and Brooklyn Flea after an amazing brunch at Juliette.

We discovered the best stall at Brooklyn Flea and I purchased an amazing sequin top after having a long chat about my Mum with the lady on the stall. One of my favourite things about New York – everyone wants to have a conversation.

Later the whole family went to Little Italy for pasta since my Mum needed to carb load the night before the marathon. We thought it might be overrated and gimmicky but the food was excellent and authentic.

Read Part 2

OUTFIT

2011-12-08T22:14:00.001Z

I've noticed I've gained some new followers even though I've been a terrible blogger lately, so thank you and hi! I have so much to update about and so little time. Not least I really really want to share my New York trip! Definitely will be catching up over the Christmas break.

I got a DSLR for Christmas so here's a recent outfit photo from a night out. The pic was taken accidently by my friend a little worse for wear, but I kind of like how it turned out!

Jacket - one off sample
Cami - M&S of all places, I love this cami!
Skirt - Vintage
Bag - Whistles
Watch - ToyWatch
Necklace - LF Stores, NYC

I've been instagramming my outfits this week, so will post a round up at the weekend. You can view them daily on twitter @hardtochase

x

BLEACHED! 30! INKED!

2011-11-24T23:27:00.001Z

A quick old post to say I turned 30 and finally went to Bleach London and got my hair done, by the wonderful Matthew ♥

It's washed out to a gold blonde on the ends now, with my previous red in the middle and black roots which I kind of like, but definitely going back post Christmas for another super cool colour on the ends. Watch this space.Also got myself another present on a total whim straight after my hair appointment - somehow ended up on a tube to Hackney Road, completely unplanned, to get the tattoo that's been in my head for ages.
No regrets.

NAVO...NO?

2011-11-01T13:38:00.000Z

So I'm not sure what to name this post in light of recent media coverage but nevertheless I've been meaning to post this collection of images for some time now.

Manicure

2011-10-27T23:02:00.000+01:00

Finally got round to trying out my OPI nail polish from the Alice and Wonderland collection...

BIRTHDAY

2011-10-23T15:21:00.000+01:00

The celebrations have begun! Amazing family fun last night...

..

I love this sleeveless blazer type thing, you can't tell from the photo but it has chiffon sleeves. It was a sample from work so it's completely unique!

Gold Tee by ASOS
Black Rats by Sass & Bide
Wedges by ASOS
Watch by ToyWatch
Bangle by House of Harlow

VERSACE FOR H&M

2011-10-22T11:07:00.000+01:00

I definitely should be packing to go back to my parents' house in Berkshire (they are throwing a family 30th party for me to night) but I have just been sidetracked by the Versace for H&M collection (damn Guardian Fashion being my homepage. I only came online to check my balance).

Everything appeals to my inner Nicki Minaj but I am going to be elbowing people out of the way for those leggings and that skirt AND THAT CAP.

BLEACH LONDON

2011-10-22T10:51:00.000+01:00

My beautician asked me this morning if I live in London for uni - she thought I was 21!!. This is excellent because next Saturday is my 30th birthday!
I can't think of a better way to spend the morning of my 30th than at BLEACH LONDON getting my hair dyed in a way I probably wouldn't have considered since around the age of 15 when Wella Colour Mousse and Sun In were all the rage.
What exactly I'm going for is underwraps until the day (not least because I don't know if I'll have the guts to go through with it. There's a plan A* and a plan B at the moment) but here's a selection of images from the folder on my computer name "hairspiration".

*Plan A is infinitely more exciting, but with excitement comes fear.
Images 1 &2 from Pani Ekscelencja all others from Bleach London

UNDERCUT

2011-10-19T00:33:00.001+01:00

So bored of my hair right now. I wish I was brave enough to pull off something super cool like this. Love her tartan too.

Monki

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000+01:00

So Monki launched online and I've found myself going hell for pleather.

30

2011-10-10T22:03:00.000+01:00

Landmark birthday is approaching in less than 3 weeks and I think I'm going to buy a present to myself..

HELLRAISERS

2011-10-10T21:52:00.003+01:00

These shoes need to be available for me to buy when I'm in NYC.

Shoes by UNIF
Images from Christeric.com

AW WISHLIST

2011-09-24T17:58:00.001+01:00

My ASOS 'save for later' is getting out of hand once again and with so much great A/W product going live daily, it's only going to get worse. I'm a real AW girl when it comes to clothing. As much as I love the summer heat, sartorially my brain doesn't go much farther than cut off denim shorts/kimono/denim dungarees/cropped tee, repeat ad nauseam.
Since it's pay day next week and I really need to not save something for my trip to NYC at the beginning of next month, I thought I ought to consolidate my current 'wishlist'. Here's what made the shortlist:

1st Row
ASOS Quilted Coat with Hood - ASOS Fit and Flare Dress with Pleat Detail - Antipodium Check Dress

2nd Row
American Apparel Neon Nail Polish - ASOS Shirt Dress with Aztec Print - Louise Gray Sun Drop Earrings These earrings put the 'wish' in wish list because I'm never going to afford them. But I will love them from afar all the same

3rd Row
ASOS Denim Colourblocked Shirt - ASOS Velvet Wedge Sandals - ASOS Bright Tartan Cape

4th Row
American Apparel Plaid Maxi Skirt - ASOS WHITE Simple Shell Top - ASOS Shirt with Contrast Sleeve

NYFW: BAND OF OUTSIDERS

2011-09-24T15:22:00.001+01:00

Finally taking a much needed break away from the crazy busyness and intensity that London has had offer lately and housesitting for my parents in Berkshire. Bliss. Fashion month has been like a party happening in the flat above - I can hear it going on around me but it's like a distant something happening to other people! In stark comparison to last season when I was in the thick of LFW, I just didn't have time this year and I'm grateful to finally have the opportunity to take a look through the shows in detail this weekend with a gorgeous garden view and sunshine streaming in through the window (it looks like the Indian summer we all hoped for is happening!).

My first favourite of NYFW was Boy and Girl by Band of Outsiders. Instantly wearable and relaxed with adrogynous details, braces, pyjama shirts and loose shorts from Boy and gorgeous dip dyed crochet and and soft florals from Girl. I only wish there was more of it.

LIBERTY NIKES

2011-09-13T11:09:00.002+01:00

I was already thinking I needed another pair of Liberty print Nike dunks and just in time another 5 styles are released. These are my faves, going to check them out in my lunch break! (I can live on fish fingers and beans for the rest of the month, right?)

MAXIMALISM

2011-09-05T02:10:00.000+01:00

I've always been a magpie and I love the 'more is more' approach to styling in this editorial from the October ASOS magazine. Love the varied textures with jacquards, sequins, feathers and metallics layered over one another and the super sized Louise Gray jewellery just adds to the look.

Sharon is my current favourite ASOS model. Beautiful.

Read the ASOS Magazine October 2011 here

FACEBOOK

2011-09-04T23:20:00.001+01:00

You can now like Hard to Chase on Facebook!

JEFFREY CAMPBELL ROSCOE BOOTS

2011-09-04T21:01:00.000+01:00

Oh my goodness I need these boots in my life. My NYC trip cannot come soon enough!

OUTFIT POST

2011-08-31T23:02:00.003+01:00

I was on the ASOS blog today, doing a sort of embarassing ~blogger~ pose!

Headscarf - vintage, Poncho - Vila, Brogue creepers - ASOS, Blouse - M/Olive

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, there is so much I want to write about but so little time. My landlord is being a nightmare and between writing letters to them (the Law degree is coming in handy) and preparing for a big meeting at work tomorrow, time has been scarce.
I really cannot wait to share the photos from the Street Art tour I took last weekend in East London, it was truly inspirational!
In other news, I've just booked a trip to New York for my landmark birthday which is looming, please give me your must sees (and in particular your must shops!).

Normal service will resume this weekend, it's a promise. Thanks for continuing to read and hi to my new readers!

NEW HAIR

2011-08-17T21:08:00.003+01:00

So I had my heartbroken again and decided it was time for a change.

I feel like I'm channelling my 15 year old self, though my hair is thanking me that I've upgraded from Wella Colour Mousse.

TANGERINE DREAMS

2011-08-16T18:52:00.003+01:00

THYLANE LÉNA-ROSE BLONDEAU

2011-08-07T09:22:00.001+01:00

Stunning 10 year old French model, Thylane.

LADY DANGER

2011-08-06T10:32:00.000+01:00

My favourite lip colour for Summer:

OUTFIT POST

2011-08-05T10:39:00.003+01:00

Buying things in two colours is the ultimate in materialism (I'm sure I've said this before) but I love this maxi kimono jacket so much, I'm wearing it today in a different colourway! (This is what I wore at the weekend).

Jacket - Oh My Love
Shorts - Flying A
Body - ASOS
Trainers - Nike
Peace Necklace - Urban Outfitters
Quartz Necklace - Cuba

BLEACH

2011-08-04T10:29:00.001+01:00

Thinking of doing something crazy - like DIY in my own bathroom crazy.

Or maybe I'll just go to Bleach London and let them have their way with me.

COLOUR CLASHING

2011-08-03T09:14:00.002+01:00

The colour clashing in the Acne Resort show is just dreamy! Cos will be all over this in an instant.

ACTS OF KINDNESS

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000+01:00

I love Random Acts of Kindness by Danny Wallace, so Art on the Underground's latest project really appeals to me. Artist Michael Landy has selected real stories of kindness on the tube and displayed them in trains and stations. It's so rare for people to even talk on the tube, it's quite heartwarming to read the stories.

Read more about the project and read the stories on the Art on the Underground website

Images from Art on the Underground

CALLÉJON DE HAMEL

2011-08-02T09:00:00.002+01:00

Calléjon de Hamel is an amazing street in Havana known as the centre of Afro-Cubanism. I was lucky enough to visit it in person while I was in Cuba. The work of Cuban artist Salvador Gonzáles Escalona the murals and sculptures there are heavily influenced by the Cuban religion, Santeria and were created using available paint and every day objects, bathtubs, old tills..
On Sunday's you can see people dancing to the rumba rhythms which is said to invoke the Orishas (Santeria Gods).

(Check out the voodoo doll under the pavement and the tiger striped cat who seemed to fit in with his surroundings..)

All photos taken by me. Use with credit please.

THE DETAILS

2011-08-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

Sometimes it's all in the accessories. I had a little splurge recently.

1. Watch by Toy Watch, bangle by Low Luv x Erin Wasson
2. Ring by House of Harlow
3 & 4. Liberty print dunks by Nike

BABY SHOWER

2011-07-31T15:30:00.001+01:00

Found these amazing bibs for my cousin's baby shower!

Available from Felix and Lily's, Islington.

PLAITED

2011-07-31T09:00:00.001+01:00

My hair's at that annoying in-between stage of growing out an old hairstyle - the back isn't long enough for a top knot, the fringe keeps getting in my eyes. I've been experimenting with creative things to do with it in the meantime and quite liking this mix of french plaiting and top knot. (You can really see where the Cuban sun lightened my usually jet black hair).

WHERE HAVE I BEEN

2011-07-30T15:58:00.003+01:00

It's been a really really long blog hiatus but finally I'm back. I had an amazing June and then I got ill, like need an ambulance ill and too ill to blog. The good news is I'm back to my old self and I spent most of my time in my sick bed shopping online (spending all the money I was saving by not leaving the house), so I've got plenty to share on here.

But first, here's June in photos..

All photos taken by me in Cuba and at Glastonbury Festival

KALEIDOSCOPE

2011-05-06T00:32:00.005+01:00

I don't even know where this editorial is from, but it's gorgeous

TATTOO

2011-04-21T10:28:00.000+01:00

Thinking about getting another tattoo even though I swore down I would stick to just the one...

But how amazing are Pamela and Abbey's finger tatts?

3 WEEKS 3 FEATURES

2011-04-20T09:32:00.015+01:00

Woah where have three weeks gone? Things that have happened lately:

1. I got Style Cloned!

Check out StyleClone for more style tips...

2. My photo went up at Street Style Aesthetic!
One of the most surreal but amazing things to happen at my first LFW for the blog was meeting and being photographed by Wayne Tippetts as I've been reading his blog forever. I promise he told me to do moody face, I'm usually a big smiler!

3. I must have been doing something right that day, because Vogue Italia featured me as their Look of the Day for the first day of LFW. Unfortunately they misspelled my last name and now I am known to all my friends adn colleagues as "Bunns" (kind of like it though)

SOMETHING ELSE

2011-04-20T09:27:00.003+01:00

Do you ever get that feeling like, "my life will only be complete if I have this one item in my possession?". Well I've been so good with the shopping lately, but really wanting one or both of these in my life right now.

Both by Something Else @ ASOS.com

COLOURBLOCKING

2011-03-29T09:30:00.000+01:00

I love Hanneli's jumper, it's Stella McCartney and I'm not that rich but it reminds me of something I saw in Cos not that long ago. It was bright orange and cobalt blue which kind of clashes but strangely works.

Image from Hanneli's gorgeous blog

DAPHNE GROENEVELD

2011-03-27T09:22:00.000+01:00

Just love her face.

SEVENTIES

2011-03-26T10:30:00.001Z

Looking at these images has reminded me that I still haven't actually watched Taxi Driver all the way through. They're also suggesting to me that I need a 70s jumpsuit in my life. In satin no less.

Images from Self Service Mag

WALK THIS WAY

2011-03-25T19:11:00.004Z

Ahh the sun's out, I'm so excited to be in bare legs and open toed shoes (even if by about 6pm I was slightly shivering). I hope this means Spring has sprung, I really don't want to go back to tights.

I'm not a shoe person really but every now and then I find a pair which suit me down to the ground. I got these bad boys at the Bertie Blogger Event on Wednesday and they have barely left my feet since. The event was a blast as always, sorry if I didn't say hi, I get shy at these things. Plus I was with some of my bestest and having too much fun in the photo booth (plus trying on every pair of shoes in my size). Thanks to the guy who ran back and forth to the stock room at least 10 times only for me to pick the first pair I tried on. Thanks to all at Bertie for my new season obsession!

I am not very good at doing outfit posts, perhaps I'll make more of an effort now the weather is improving!

Hat - ASOS
Poncho - Vila (via ASOS)
Dungarees - Vintage
Stripe Jersey Top - Gap
Shoes - Bertie

SAVED FOR LATER

2011-03-24T13:30:00.001Z

My colleagues tease me about my 'saved for later' list on ASOS.com which contains well over a hundred items (not including things which are in there twice in difference sizes/colours). There are definitely more than a few things in there I'll never afford, but I like to keep them in there just in case I win the lottery or something. Plus it's a nice visual reminder of the look I'm feeling for, for the season. Here is a selection of my current picks:

YMC Perforated Stripe Crew Neck Knit As if I need anything else striped in my life right now, but I love the perforated detail.

Pendleton Drifter Leather Holdall I dream of owning a gorgeous holdall like this so I can swan off on weekends away with my capsule wardrobe enclosed. (Currently I stagger off away with a pull along case with a broken zip and numerous extra bags full of 'things I couldn't fit in the case but definitely maybe might need').
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Striped Wool Dress with Sheer Panel More stripes? I don't know if it obvious from my blog how many breton stripes I own/wear, might have to do a post on the subject soon.

ASOS String Waisted Midi Dress I love this dress, but I need to be wearing it with sandals and socks. We have sun, now we just need heat...

Opening Ceremony Suede Lace Up Clogg Shoes The perfect mid heel summer shoe
Low Luv x Erin Wasson 14ct Gold Plated Triple Bar Crystal Cocktail Ring In Paris I lost my favourite ring I bought in India. It was unique and irreplaceable, but this would help me get over it.
Peter Jensen Rabbit Eye Shirt Even though no one would know they were rabbit eyes, I WOULD KNOW.

YMC Button Up Smock Dress This is the sort of thing I would live in all summer. And would be perfect with the aforementioned Opening Cermony clog shoes and Emma Nissim socks from my previous post!

Pendleton Shopper with Check Design Love the check. Love the chocolate leather. Love Pendleton.
ASOS WHITE Leather Culottes These are 20% off right now, but I cannot buy ANYTHING until pay day when they will probably go back up in price. Such is life.

ASOS Leather Portfolio Clutch My boss has this and assures me it is completely practical despite not having a handle because "you can even carry magazines in it".
ASOS Wide Brim Fedora Hat Buying things in two colours is the ultimate in materialism, but the tan colourway I already have doesn't go with everything!
Mardi Jeudi Drapey Cotton Shirt Tunic With Silk Collar and Sleeves French Korean brand Mardi Jeudi were sent with YMC to tempt me into buying clothes I don't need.
Opening Ceremony Pony Lace Up Clogg Ankle Boots Hmm definitely don't need these, they're like a hybrid of at least another three pairs of shoes I already own, but they would fit into my wardrobe SO WELL.

It would take more than a few extra quid for that little lot, so here are a couple of better things you or I could do with the cash.......

Donate to the Japan Tsunami Relief Appeal

Donate to Comic Relief

EMMA NISSIM

2011-03-21T08:52:00.004Z

I try not to take plastic carrier bags when I'm shopping, so I'm growing quite a collection of my own canvas bags. A couple of weekends ago I was really happy to stumble upon Emma Nissim's gorgeous shop in Greenwich where I picked up a 'happy bag' for a mere 5 fiver. Who knew so much joy could come from a small canvas bag, but I can honestly say that when my day isn't going so well, that little red tag reminds me to just smile through it!

If you've never been to the shop then definitely do stop by if you're in Greenwich. Emma Nissim's screen printed garments are made from sustainable fabrics including bamboo and organic cotton. While I was there I picked up these cute penny farthing socks, here I go again with clashing bright orange and light pink! But when will bare leg weather ever arrive?

LADIES CLOTHES CAVERN

2011-03-21T08:43:00.002Z

I helped out on my Auntie's stall at Greenwich Market a few weeks ago for the first of many times over the summer I expect. Ladies Clothes Cavern sells clothes and accessories handmade using vintage fabrics and recycled denim and also provides a bespoke service.

Aside from the very early Saturday morning start working on the stall was great fun though I did have to hold myself back from shouting "roll up roll up!" (not quite the image we were going for!). It was quite amazing to see how from literally a framework you can turn your pitch into a real shop. We even had a changing room complete with full length mirror and a hook to hang your coat! A guy who was pitched opposite us arrives every Saturday at a time I can only describe as 'still dark, go back to sleep' to begin the 4 hour set up of his stall.
At the end of the day everything is broken down back to a shell and you wouldn't believe what a hive of activity the place had once been.

Ladies Clothes Cavern is at Greenwich Market every Saturday and they also provide sewing classes on Wednesday nights if you're in the area. Check out the details on sewingtime.co.uk

TOPSHOP EDITED?

2011-03-18T12:20:00.003Z

The last time I went to Topshop it was one of those days where you just want to spend money and you're not going to come out empty handed even if you don't find something you absolutely fall in love with. I'm kicking myself now as I spent £35 on a printed tie waist shirt I was drawn to at the time, but three weeks later the store is so filled with said print, I never want to wear my twice-worn shirt again. Talk of over-egged puddings, too much of a good thing is good for nothing etc spring to mind.

So yesterday I went back to Topshop with high hopes, heading straight towards the new Edited section which promised a curated selection of SS11 key pieces as well as a calmer shopping experience than Oxford Circus usually provides. I was hoping to find a room full of all those amazing things Topshop does, that you see Alexa Chung wearing but are never able to find in the vast flagship store or the pieces which you find in 'buy now, regret it later' but never in your size. I thought, no more zigging zagging across the store looking for that special something, ALL the special somethings will be in one place! Unfortunately it wasn't quite like that. What I found were a few nice shirts, a few Premium, Boutique and Unique pieces but annoyingly interspersed with shapes available in a multitude of prints/colours in the rest of the store. Case in point below. I guess I can't blame them for wanting to push their basic shapes, but I was trying to avoid trawling through all of this and get straight to the good stuff!

RICHARD NICOLL FOR FRED PERRY

2011-03-09T16:07:00.003Z

Further to my last post, really want this cardigan from the new Laurel Wreath Collection which Richard Nicoll has designed for Fred Perry. Love the sickly pink and coral colours together! Reminds me of pepto bismol.

Pics from ASOS.com

IVY LEAGUE STYLE

2011-03-07T21:46:00.004Z

I loved the styling of the Paul Smith show and it brought to mind the amazing book Take Ivy which I came across in Paris. The book which was originally published in 1965 in Japan has recently been re-released in English and contains a series of candid photographs taken by Japanese photographer Teruyoshi Hayashida. Hayashida travelled across America visiting each of the Ivy League campuses capturing the style of the time and what is really interesting about the photos is that the preppy collegiate style he captured is still completely relevant today.

My favourite part of the book is the fascinating 20 article dress code of Yale University. It's amazing to think of a university even having a dress code these days, let alone one that suggests anything like the following:

14. Unless it is extremely cold, a pale beige coat should be enough to get through most seasons.

17. A varsity jacket is one of the most popular garments on campus. But follow common sense and steer clear from jackets with excessively elaborate designs or ones that feature flashy patterns.

19. You can go anywhere with a pair of penny loafers.

20. Cotton socks for daily wear can also come in pink or blue.

For what it's worth, I think they had it right about the penny loafers.

Images from Powerhouse Books and Style.com

LFW: KIRSTY WARD

2011-03-06T22:40:00.007Z

You might remember I blogged about the Ones to Watch show last LFW, well this season I didn't go to the show but made sure to go down to Vauxhall Fashion Scout to check out the collections and I was really lucky to meet and chat to Kirsty Ward. We talked about the idea of taking every day objects as inspiration and how important it is for the fashion industry to take inspiration from music, art, travel etc rather than just clothes, something I think is really important and one of the reasons this blog lapses sporadically into other subject areas! If you look closely at Kirsty's statement necklaces each piece incorporates door hinges of varying sizes! She told me that she got so carried away with making the jewellery in her living room, she had too many pieces to include in the show - the first piece below didn't make the final edit.

I loved the way some of the jewellery was 'trapped' in between a layers of clothing and how the spiky metal jewellery contrasted with the sheer fabrics and curved lines in the collection.

The skirt below kept jumping out at me, love the colour! Actually love the tan/mustard/cream/black colour pallette in general.

My camera isn't the best in low lighting situations, but Kirsty kindly emailed me the catwalk images :) These are a few of my favourite looks..
‏

Saw this street style snap of Kirsty on Idol Magazine's Blog, rocking one of my fave necklaces from the show, with the flash of neon!

DIOR

2011-03-05T11:26:00.003Z

I just finished watching the Telegraph Fashion coverage of the Dior show, I actually found it quite moving.

What a fashion month - John Galliano disgraced and fired, Christophe Decarnin reportedly in treatment at a mental hospital. And all following the anniversary of Alexander McQueen's tragic passing. It makes me very sad for the industry.

WORLD'S BEST FASHION

2011-03-01T10:36:00.007Z

I have so many tales of LFW still to share but a little thing called a Full Time Job seems to be getting in the way at the moment, not to mention that little something I like to call a social life. Sorry for the delay, all in good time!! In the meantime, I've been thinking about the World's Best Fashion for a project at work.

Anna Della Russo and Yu Masui have got to qualify, no? Even if their ensembles are not to your taste, the sheer effort and dedication to fashion that every outfit portrays, is worthy of high praise indeed.

Image from streetfsn.com

Image from Yu's charming blog, Yu Loves. Check it out!!

Who or what do you think qualifies as the World's Best Fashion?

ps. Hi new followers!!

LFW: BORA AKSU

2011-02-24T23:53:00.003Z

On arrival at the Bora Aksu show at Somerset House, it seemed that proceedings were running much more smoothly and on time than earlier in the day, but once inside the BFC show space chaos ensued! The paparazzi were going crazy for a celebrity line up which included Twiggy, Marina Diamandis and Jodie Harsh and when the plastic was finally pulled back from the catwalk, there were people literally sitting, crouching and standing in the aisles!

The collection entitled Angel & Fiend, despite being mostly black and varying shades of grey (apparently inspired by the streets of late 18th Century east London) left me with a more than mild obession with the apple green colour which highlighted. As always my favourite pieces were the androgynous menswear inspired looks - loose tailored trousers, broad shouldered 80s style shirts, bow ties and tailored jackets. Also loved the leather piping details, heavy cording, plastic 'armour', layering of sheer and solid and mixing of textures.

It amazes me how many people leave the show notes behind because there is often so much to a designer's work that can't be seen from your seat. For this collection Bora Aksu took inspiration from Jekyll and Hyde and I was really interested to read about the hidden details in the garments such as a 3/4 length coat which unfastens to become a cropped jacket.
Images from Vogue.com
Marilyn Manson's Sweet Dreams was a fitting soundtrack to the second half of the show as was the 'army of models' finale.

Tried to get a decent pic of this girl sitting front row with possibly the best dip dye hair I've seen. If you're going to do the ombre/dip dye trend why not go all out?

It fitted in nicely with the colour pallette of the show too. Speaking of which I painted my nails in Barry M 'Spring Green' in homage and really hoping these brogues in my ASOS save for later come back into stock soon!

Image from ASOS.com

LFW: THE EXHIBITION

2011-02-23T18:55:00.006Z

I didn't spend too much time in the exhibition at Somerset House, but I did snap these amazing sunglasses from Linda Farrow Projects, which reminded me that even though my brain is firmly in AW11, we haven't even had summer yet!

I also popped to Fannie Schiavoni's stand to see her latest and fell in love with her gorgeous creations, especially the metal and leather collar. Amazing. (Perhaps Hilary Alexander could start rocking one of these as an update to her beloved feather cape!).

EDIT**Nearly forgot the shoes - a collaboration with Atalanta Weir. Love.

LFW: MARIA GRACHVOGEL

2011-02-22T17:55:00.006Z

My first show of LFW was Maria Grachvogel, the Lancaster Ballroom at The Savoy being the fitting location for the luxurious collection she presented.

As well as the beautifully draped dresses in silk crepe and signature drapnig, a relaxed tailored theme ran through the show and my eye was particularly drawn to the high waisted trousers cut in cashmere and wool and the masculine draped shirts with balloon sleeves, both in lace and silk.

The inspiration from the Brothers Grimm was evident in the styling of the models with their hair styled in spiked top knots with strong eyebrows and black lipstick, giving the show a darker edge. Meanwhile prints referenced bones and enchanted forests!
Images from Elleuk.com

I must mention the jewellery which was created in collaboration with Erickson Beamon. Loved the feather cuffs in particular which complemented the collection perfectly but could easily be statement pieces their own right.
Images from Vogue.com
Yasmin Le Bon was just one of the celebrities in attendance, looking stunning and surrounded by papparazzi the day before her high profile return to the catwalk for the Issa show.

OUTFIT POST

2011-02-20T13:03:00.004Z

What I wore to LFW, day one:

Hat & coat - ASOS
Boots - Bertie
Shirt - Vintage
Shorts - Mango

Image courtesy of Idol Magazine

LFW: JOHN ROCHA

2011-02-19T15:33:00.003Z

crrrrryyyyyyy!!! Front of the standing queue at John Rocha and turned away too full!!!!!
The nice security guard wanted to let the first five in but no joy.

Watching from the big screen with a sad longing face

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

LFW

2011-02-19T14:54:00.003Z

Blogging from the queue at John Rocha where I've just heard my fave model Abbey Lee Kershaw is opening and closing the show! Beyond excited.

Yesterday was Maria Grachvogel and Bora Aksu and this morning Bernard Chandran. Hope to have reviews up tomorrow.

My first fashion week faux pas was not redoing my nails this morning, chipped already! Hope everyone is having a happy fashion week!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

NYFW: CAPES & PONCHOS

2011-02-18T09:00:00.000Z

When I was asked about my thoughts on capes the other day at work, my resounding answer was no no no. Don't get me wrong, I do love the silhouette but months of cold arms have put me right off, not to mention the sheer inconvenience of not being able to put bags on your shoulder. Just not practical when trying to juggle your food shopping for the week and an umbrella, whilst talking on the phone - a reoccuring scenario in my life. It was also just after my bitterly cold trip to Paris when my only thoughts on my AW11 outerwear were fur-lined, hooded, long, full length sleeves.

Well if NYFW is anything to go by, it appears I may have to take my rather brash statement - "no I will not be buying a cape in AW11" - right back.

And finally, LFW has begun! I'm excited to be attending 3 shows today and reporting back soon!
Follow me on twitter to see where I am: http://twitter.com/hardtochase

DO IT LIKE A DUDE

2011-02-17T22:50:00.000Z

Following on from my last post, a lazy Sunday outfit. Sometimes dressing like a boy is best.

Denim shirt - ASOS
Extreme Wide Leg Trousers - ASOS
Trainers - Converse
Bowler Hat - Vintage

NYFW: TUX DRESSING

2011-02-17T22:45:00.002Z

Loving the androgynous look at Jason Wu, definitely one of my favourite shows so far. I also loved the dresses in this collection, in complete antithesis to the tuxedo look, but that's for another post.

NYFW: WANG

2011-02-17T09:01:00.002Z

Is it a blogger cliche to rave about Alexander Wang? I don't care, credit where it's due, the show was amazing. Loving how the length on tops seems to be getting longer and longer, I do like to waft around in something oversized and drapey. The last blouse in particular is the stuff dreams are made of.

Images from Style.com

ROB RYAN

2011-02-14T22:05:00.003Z

Oh gosh, the best Royal Wedding memorabilia I've seen yet!

Image from Rob Ryan

PARIS PART 2

2011-02-13T21:26:00.004Z

..the purchases...

1. Vintage advertisment illustrated by René Gruau - I bought this at the Marché aux Puces at Porte de Clignancourt somewhere I've wanted to go for years and read so much about, but nothing prepared me for the huge sprawling mass of stalls that is was! You have to walk past a good half a mile of knock off stalls before you hit Vernaison where the real antiques can be found. Literally row upon row of AMAZING vintage furniture, household objects, buttons, cameras you name it. Sadly we realised very soon after arriving that it was far too cold to do any real rummaging (the fountains at the Louvre were completely frozen we found later that day) but before our fingers went completely numb we stumbled across a stall selling vintage advertisements. So excited about bagging this one by René Gruau as it was one of my favourites from the exhibition at Somerset House. And I managed to barter, in French!
2. Dress from A.P.C - if you love A.P.C as I do but can rarely afford it then you must visit the little known outlet store on Rue Andre del Sarte in Montmartre. Everything is half the price on the label which is a lovely feeling at the till.

3. Some of my favourite things to buy in France - Jalouse, Numéro, Vogue Paris and L'Officiel (I don't know if you can see from that photo, but the cover of Jalouse has scratch off gold stars to cover the models modesty! I took a close up photo but it violated Photobucket's TOS even though the stars were still in tact).
4. Some favourite food stuffs - Sardines, the biggest jar of dijon I could find for 1 euro, Palets from Fauchon and Lu Petit Déjeuner (I used to live on these as an au pair so they will always remind me of Paris).

And finally, an outfit - what I wore to remind myself why I still love London by meeting my best girls for dinner at Bills

Dress A.P.C
Wedges Minimarket

OUTFIT POST

2011-02-10T00:13:00.003Z

I promised myself an early night tonight (yes it's after midnight so I have failed) so I will save part two of Paris for the weekend perhaps, when I can give what promises to be an epic post, its full attention! Until then, a 'WIWT' which is actually "what I'm going to wear tomorrow". Incidently this was also what I wore to the Hummingbird Bakery Event I went to just before I left for Paris, but that's for another post.

Blouse - a sneak preview, due on ASOS imminently. I LOVE a peter pan collar or any interest collar detail at the moment
Dungarees - vintage
Boots - Bertie - I got these at the Bertie Bloggers Event I wrote about ages ago and they've barely been off my feet since. So comfortable that I walked the 40 minutes home from work in them, I was so engrossed in a telephone call with my Dad I didn't think even about what I was doing!

I have fashion week fever at the moment, especially as I just found out I've been approved for a press pass at LFW and my sister will be interning at Vauxhall Fashion Scout and staying with me for the week!

BACK

2011-02-08T10:15:00.013Z

I'm back from Paris and the good news is I have a temporary laptop thanks to the best computer fixing service ever, also known as my amazing Dad. The bad news is I am experiencing some flat drama rama at the moment, which has left me with a knot in my stomach and little time or motivation to blog. Hopefully all will be resolved in the next few days as I have a camera full of outfit posts to share and tales of Paris to tell!

For now here are a few iphone snapshots of my wonderful 3 days in Paris:

Views from our bargain basement hotel balcony

Blue skies on our first day and the Sacre Coeur

More Carousel and Sacre Coeur. I could spend my life in Montmartre

The delightful grocers from Amélie I visit every time I'm in Paris and Notre Dame

Just a snapshot of some of the most amazing food I ate - French onion soup, red wine (cheaper than a diet coke) and a Chocolat Viennois

Being a tourist at the Tour Eiffel

Absolute contentment

MY SUGARLAND CAR BOOT SALE

2011-01-28T09:44:00.006Z

This has been a bad week for blogging! My laptop has gone to the place computers go to die and this has coincided with the busiest week at work ever and my most social week this year. I'm off to Paris today so normal service will resume on Tuesday, but I couldn't leave without posting about this amazing event happening this weekend which I am genuinely quite gutted to be missing out on.

My Sugarland, another of the amazing fashion gems I am lucky enough to have on my doorstep, is holding a carboot sale this Sunday 30th January. If you've never been to the shop before it's a always a treasure trove of vintage and designer pieces but for this event Celebrity Stylist Zoe Lem has cleared out her styling pieces and props providing items which "range from the well known to the obscure, from the casual to the bizarre". Sounds intriguing, no? And prices start at a mere £5, surely an event not to be missed!

Thanks to My Sugarland for the images

PLEATS

2011-01-23T12:33:00.000Z

If pleats are 'the thing' to wear this season, then I want to wear them like this. With a pop of colour...

Images from Wildfox and Vanessa Jackman

PRE - FALL FAVOURITES 3

2011-01-22T16:27:00.000Z

Lanvin outdid themselves with the lookbook. That's all that needs to be said. Love it.

Images from style.com

PRINT

2011-01-21T12:25:00.000Z

Following on from my post about Proenza Schouler, I've developed a 'thing' for printed shirts

Printed Shirts, Just Female
Images from ASOS.com

PRE - FALL FAVOURITES 2

2011-01-20T12:20:00.000Z

I'm loving this longer than a midi, but not quite a maxi length, below at Preen and Proenza. Predicting more of this in the AW11 shows and my dress I bought in H&M before Christmas suddenly becoming 'on trend' as much as I hate that term. More on that dress later, it's my latest favourite.

Images 1 & 2 Preen
Images 3 & 4 Proenza Schouler

Images from style.com

ON THE SUBJECT OF VINTAGE

2011-01-19T12:54:00.001Z

When I took these pictures I'd just got back from an amazing vintage shopping trip to Camden Passage. One of the better parts of my job is getting to shop for inspiration (yes shop and get paid for it!) and on this particular day everything fell into place. There are days when you have to look really hard and rummage to find something worth while, but on this day, luck or something was on our side. If you've never been to Camden Passage (nowhere near Camden, it's in Angel) you definitely should. It's a treasure trove especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the streets come alive with a vintage market. Two recent additions to the already long list of vintage clothing stores on the street are Too Faced Cat and personal favourite Decadent. There is nothing like an enthusiastic owner with genuine enthusiasm for clothes and their history, that makes me want to part with my cash more.

Hat, Shirt and Skirt - Vintage
Necklace - H&M
Boots - All Saints

PRE - FALL FAVOURITES

2011-01-18T11:47:00.001Z

Celine has been the collection to talk about for the past few seasons and Pre-Fall is no exception. I love the way this lookbook has been styled, with a sixties flick of eyeliner and a slicked back ponytail. Most people who know me know I never wear trousers or jeans (especially jeans) probably because I've always struggled to find them long enough, but I'm feeling a resurgence towards trousers again, probably because it doesn't matter whether they're long enough right now. Super skinny with just the right amount of ankle showing is how I want to wear them.

Images from Style.com

COCO AVANT CHANEL

2011-01-17T23:20:00.003Z

It's pretty outrageous that a Francophile such as myself let the film Coco Avant Chanel sit on my shelf for A WHOLE YEAR, still in its wrapper. I don't know why I never felt like watching it, but I'm glad over Christmas I found the time to. The whole thing had me captivated from beginning to end, the story, the dialogue and of course, the clothes. The film really brought home how revolutionary Coco Chanel was, introducing a more androgynous and needless to say more comfortable way of dressing for women.
I love love loved every outfit Audrey Tatou wore in the film. In an interview I read she sounded pretty nonchalant about the costumes and said she didn't keep a thing. I would have fought for the dress on the bottom left (unfortunately I couldn't find a better image, you'll have to watch the film) which was made from the dress on the bottom right and a mans shirt. Also loved the breton stripes, classic but they never get old.

On the subject of France, in little over a week I will be in Paris! I cannot believe it has been two years since my last trip. I am extremely excited to speak French, lunch in Le Loir Dans La Théière and drink lots of vin rouge. I used to know Paris so well, but I'm sure so much has changed and I can't wait to explore and find new haunts. The lovely Kristina has already provided me with an great list of recommendations which I'm working my way through with the help of Time Out Paris and google maps.

Please share your favourite Paris hang outs!

DRESS DOWN

2011-01-12T12:00:00.000Z

Yesterday I had my own dress down day, I just felt like comfort needed to be a priority. I love this jumper. When I bought it I didn't want to wear it too much, it was a bit like the ubiquitous high street item of the moment, but now people ask me where I got it from and whether it's vintage. Will be one day perhaps. Weird thought.

Jumper - Topshop
Skirt - Vintage
Trainers - Converse

FILM LIST 2011

2011-01-11T21:19:00.005Z

Somewhere
& Black Swan
& The Kings Speech
& now this...

PLAYLIST

2011-01-11T12:00:00.002Z

On NYE morning, I made pancakes and played music to dance around my (tiny) kitchen to. Since my new year's resolution is to cook more, this playlist has become a bit of a soundtrack for January.

Music to make pancakes to.. (click the title to open in Spotify!)

Quelqu'un M'a Dit - Carla Bruni
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Don't Get Me Wrong - The Pretenders
The Girl From Ipanema - Frank Sinatra
Limit To Your Love - James Blake
Boys Don't Cry - The Cure
Moon River - Henry Mancini
I Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin
Close to Me - The Cure
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien - Edith Piaf
The Lovecats - The Cure
Love Is A Battlefield - Pat Benatar
Night Air - Jamie Woon
My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Bennie and the Jets - Elton John

MARKETPLACE

2011-01-10T21:04:00.005Z

Happy New Year!

Finally I have found some time to sit down and blog and what better to post about at the beginning of the year than getting rid of the old..
I joined ASOS Marketplace as soon as it launched and in less than two weeks I sold my first two items. Now it's the new year, I've vowed to clear out my wardrobe which is bulging full of once worn and never worn garments that could very much do with going to a better home. I will be steadily adding new things each week (weather permitting - taking pics street style as required has its downfalls in January), here's a taster..

Keep an eye on the collection here: https://marketplace.asos.com/seller/hardtochase/collection

I must admit, the thing I like best about Marketplace is your funds from sales go into Paypal and you can use Paypal to pay for purchases on both Marketplace and ASOS.com (yes I know buying more clothes defeats the object of trying to clear out my wardrobe, but the less said about that the better.

I leave you with what I wore on Christmas Day, before it gets too late to post about it. Remember when it snowed and England came to standstill? Wow.

Dress by Tba
Moccassins by Minnetonka

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T11:58:00.001Z

Merry Christmas all!

I thought I would share my best sale purchase so far. I blogged about this dress back in February and now it belongs to me! VERY HAPPY RIGHT NOW.

Dress - Peter Jensen

Hope everyone is enjoying a fantastic Christmas Day. We don't do presents till late afternoon, I'm hoping everyone loves their gifts and cannot wait to see their faces when they see open them :)

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME..

2010-12-24T20:33:00.002Z

I last blogged 12 days ago? Really?? This must be what happens in silly season (and a silly season it has been). I finished my shoppping about a week ago, just in time for the sales to start and I've since treated myself to a couple of amazing pieces I have wanted for AGES, my festive wardrobe is sorted! I will leave those for another post, for now here is a recent outfit inspired by a trip to Next of all places.

This is not a shop I frequent very often (or at all) but for my job I do need to be aware of what is happening on the high street so I wandered in there about a month ago and came across this tobacco coloured jumper. I had to remove the belt, pull the belt loops through to the inside and buy it in a size 16 for it to look how I wanted. Nicely oversized and just about long enough to wear as a dress (wearing it with leggings here on snow day!), proof that sometimes you just have to think outside the box.

I also can't resist a button up collar at the moment!

Jumper - Next, Shirt - Topman, Leggings and socks - ASOS, Hat - vintage, Boots - All Saints

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Have an amazing day tomorrow xx

BLACK SWAN

2010-12-12T23:30:00.002Z

Just spent about half an hour freaking myself out with clips on IMDb. It looks AMAZING

MOST WANTED: DECEMBER

2010-12-12T21:54:00.007Z

As if, but you know...

Lace Collar Jumper by Manoush

Boots by Kurt Geiger

Embellished T-Shirt by Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop

hard to chase but good to catch

LFW

NYFW: TAKING A BOW

HAIR RINGS

NYFW: 10 Crosby by Derek Lam

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

IN MEMORY OF LEE

ANNA DELLO RUSSO

HOW TO PROPOSE

INSTAGRAM OUTFITS #1

KULVINDER DHILLON

BOUTIQUE

PRE FALL 2012: THEYSKENS' THEORY

PINTEREST

JAN ASOS WANTS

HOUSE OF SCARLET

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL?

FOLLOW ME

HAVE YOU MET MRS JONES?

BREAKING NEWS

12th Day of Christmas

NEW YORK I LOVE YOU: PT 2

NEW YORK I LOVE YOU: PT 1

OUTFIT

BLEACHED! 30! INKED!

NAVO...NO?

Manicure

BIRTHDAY

VERSACE FOR H&M

BLEACH LONDON

UNDERCUT

Monki

30

HELLRAISERS

AW WISHLIST

NYFW: BAND OF OUTSIDERS

LIBERTY NIKES

MAXIMALISM

FACEBOOK

JEFFREY CAMPBELL ROSCOE BOOTS

OUTFIT POST

NEW HAIR

TANGERINE DREAMS

THYLANE LÉNA-ROSE BLONDEAU

LADY DANGER

OUTFIT POST

BLEACH

COLOUR CLASHING

ACTS OF KINDNESS

CALLÉJON DE HAMEL

THE DETAILS

BABY SHOWER

PLAITED

WHERE HAVE I BEEN

KALEIDOSCOPE

TATTOO

3 WEEKS 3 FEATURES

SOMETHING ELSE

COLOURBLOCKING

DAPHNE GROENEVELD

SEVENTIES

WALK THIS WAY

SAVED FOR LATER

EMMA NISSIM

LADIES CLOTHES CAVERN

TOPSHOP EDITED?

RICHARD NICOLL FOR FRED PERRY

IVY LEAGUE STYLE

LFW: KIRSTY WARD

DIOR

WORLD'S BEST FASHION

LFW: BORA AKSU

LFW: THE EXHIBITION

LFW: MARIA GRACHVOGEL

OUTFIT POST

LFW: JOHN ROCHA

LFW

NYFW: CAPES & PONCHOS

DO IT LIKE A DUDE

NYFW: TUX DRESSING