There’s nothing I love quite like a statement piece of jewelry. Though I’ve been rocking charms more often then not in the last year, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for big, bold and brash pieces. I think that in 2014, it’s time to get back to my roots.
My latest jewelry crush, and the brand that probably did the most to facilitate this 180, is Moxham. Designed in South London by Madeleine Moxham, the collection is anything but timid. Using a mix of leather and gold-plated hardware, Moxham’s range is oversized, edgy and even somewhat whimsical. I love how some of the pieces do double-duty, such as necklaces that have a detachable bracelet on the end, so that they can be worn both ways.
I’m so into this brand that I bought my best friend one of their pieces for Christmas, both because I knew she’d love it, and I didn’t feel I could justify splurging on something for myself. (That’s what best friends are for, right?)
Clockwise from top left: Roma necklace, Kling necklace, Kahlo headdress, Marlowe necklace.
Moxham has also done a small collaboration for the fashion brand Three Floor, which is available here. I love how these photos show how chunky and bold the pieces are in real life, and I especially love the contrast between the tough jewelry and feminine fabrics. Clockwise from top left: Rhino cuff, Ace necklace, Falco cuff, Mars necklace.
What do you think of bold jewelry like this? Does it float your boat, or do you like something a bit more delicate?
You never truly leave behind the things you love. For me, this means fashion: the industry was my first love, and though I eventually opted not to work within it, it’ll always have a hold over me. There’s just something about the energy of fashion week or the rush of buying something new and beautiful that I can’t ever forget.
Luckily, the things I love play nicely together, as evidenced by these beautiful shots of interiors styled with clothing, jewelry and accessories. I adore quirky, personal display of any sort at home, and if I lived alone, you can bet I’d make my whole apartment an extension of my closet.
As a Fashion Girl (and yes, though I no longer work in the industry I still consider myself one), I freakin’ love the Oscars. When I was growing up I watched the Academy Awards every year with my mum and sister, and felt all the glamour and excitement of a world so unlike my own. In university, my best friend and I would watch the red carpet special with particularly keen eyes, storing up praise and critiques so we could hash them out the next day with our friends at school.
Since I’ve lived in London, however, I haven’t watched a single Oscars show. I’d have to stay up until the wee hours to do so, and on a Sunday night sleep is more important to me than fashion (or just about anything). You’d better believe that I go through the photos with unbridled glee the next day, however.
So, since London is cold and grey and my job particularly unglamorous at the moment, let’s take a peek at five of my favourite looks from a far more appealing time and place, shall we?
Samantha Barks in Valentino In my book, this ultra-minimalist look is utter perfection. I don’t know what I love more– the plunging neckline and pockets (!!), the simple-but-stunning necklace, or Samantha’s natural makeup and hair.
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture
I must say, I didn’t really like this dress at first (I’m not really into ball gowns: see above). I thought the colour dull, the neckline unflattering and the skirt overly frou-frou. But any girl who can fall on the stairs (a signature move of mine, fyi) while going to collect her first Oscar trophy and look this graceful doing so deserves a place on my list.
Sally Field in Valentino
This Valentino dress is everything an Oscars dress should be: fashion-forward yet classic, a beautiful colour (am I the only one bored to death of white?), and as glamorous as can be. Sally looks beautiful and vibrant, as usual.
Kerry Washington in Miu Mia
I don’t generally go in for sparkle, but when Miu Miu (one of my all-time favourite lines) does it, I’m all aboard. It works here because it’s concentrated in one area, and Kerry keeps it chic and modern by eschewing jewelry and wearing her hair down. And can we talk about the gorgeous colour of that skirt?!
Adele in Jenny Packham
Flying in the face of what I just said about sparkle, this is the other way to do it: all out and unapologetic. I love Adele’s look most of the time; with her love of a glam black frock, slightly retro hair-and-makeup and her adorable accent, how can you not?
Bloke Bonus: Daniel Day Lewis in Domenico Vacca
Before the awards I took it for granted that Eddie Redmayne (who has been killing it on the awards show circuit, sartorially speaking) would be my top-turned-out man at the Oscars. But Eddie turned up in basic black and Daniel Day Lewis rocked this ink-blue suit. Love it.
I’d love to hear about your fave looks from the 2013 Oscars! Who do you think won and lost in the fashion stakes?
The other day, I was having a discussion with some friends about the great UK / North America shopping divide. As in, which shops I miss while living here, and which ones I’d miss if I were to move back across the pond.
J. Crew, Club Monaco and Madewell top the list of North American brands I stock up on when back home. From the UK though, there’s probably only one shop I’d really struggle to live without: Whistles. This UK brand sits on the “upper rungs” of the high street, meaning that the prices are far from cheap, though I think the high-end design ethos and top-notch quality make up for it (seriously, my Whistles items last years).
Because I’m still feeling all autumnal over here, I thought I’d break dow. So this is what Autumn 2013 looks like at Whistles.
Next month’s Architectural Digest is all about fashion, and features the homes of designers, photographers and stylemakers from Valentino in France to Gilles Mendel in New York City. To be honest, I wasn’t over the moon with any of the homes featured, but I did find things to love in two of them, so I thought I’d send you off into the weekend with a little eye candy.
First up, designer Jenni Kayne’s LA pad. I love so much about this home: the exposed beams, the wooden ceiling, the glass and concrete and fab inside-outside chimney breast. In fact, it might be easier for me to talk about what I don’t like here, in order to save time. (Er, I’m not really feeling the bed?)
From one extreme to another, we’ve got Project Runway judge Nina Garcia’s Upper East Side home in Manhattan. I love the traditional bones of this place, and the colourful-yet-restrained palette used in the decor. Add in a bunch of lovely modern art (hung nice and low, just the way I like!) and a walk-in closet (enough said) and this is a different kind of dream come true.
Which home do you prefer? I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
I first came across the work of London-based upholsterer Aiveen Daly a couple of years ago, when she was featured on the back page of one of my favourite shelter mags, Living etc. (You know, the piece wherein they photograph an impossibly attractive designer-y person and ask them all about their top beauty products, travel destinations, books, etc? Pure, addictive fluff.)
I was attracted to Aiveen’s work because we share a common background. Like me, she is inspired by the world of fashion, both the couture greats of the past and current runway trends. You can clearly see this in her work; chairs feature ruffles, upholstered doors boast decorative studding and lampshades are intricately hand-pleated.
I adore the ruffled chair up top and the upholstered bed, which feels vaguely 30′s-esque. What’s your favourite piece?
