'We Could All Look Good In Some Italian Fashions'

Well, 'We ALL, could look good in some Italian fashions' if - you are a savvy shopper. I quote this line from Chevy Chase in the classic eighties comedy, National Lampoons European Vacation, because last week I was lucky enough to have a little shopping trip to The Mall, just south of Florence in Italy. For those of you who are not aware of this gem of a shopping location, set in the backdrop of the stunning Tuscan countryside, I shall inform you that it is a chic shopping mall,  full of designer boutiques selling last seasons collections at a heavily reduced price ( between 50-70% off to be precise). And for those of you who are not familiar with the 'shopping in Italy' scene from the aforesaid movie then click the link below to see what I mean! A quick synopsis of this scene is that the Griswald family take a detour to an Italian fashion boutique and leave looking rather over the top, in medieval meets the eighties garb. Fine, when in Rome and all that, but how did those costly outfits look, I wonder, once back home in middle America?

The Mall

So this week's post is my top tips for getting some fashionable bargains at a fraction that will get an airing and wearing in Rome or at home.

Tip 1 - Make A List

Obv, yes I know but it does help, trust me.

Think about maybe what you need to get you through the coming season or,  what you really could have done with last season. Perhaps it's an outfit that will go nice with those boxed shoes you bought because you loved them, had to have them, yet still haven't worn as you had nothing to wear with them?

Or it could be an indulgent accessory (Prada key ring anyone? or maybe a piece of Marni costume jewellery) or a more daily usable piece like a Bottega Veneta real Croc hip belt (yes, I said real, no mocking) reduced from 800 euros to a mere 90 euros. Classics like that never date or age.

Tip 2 - Have a Budget

Give yourself an affordable figure in your head and stick to it. This saves on purchases that give you guilt trips if you realise it probably was too expensive. You can't easily return these items once the 'Griswald Effect' kicks in. You could always Ebay-It but I think the pleasure is in the purchase - so enjoy it guilt free and get excited about bagging a bargain that you really love.

Tip 3 - Know The Sizes

It can be quite confusing in Italy coming from the UK or the US when selecting sizes. As it is an outlet centre - albeit a very flashy one, do remember there are limited stock sizes available. The sales people can be very pushy and tell you whatever they think you want to hear to make a sale. Italy has just been declared officially in recession so they are even more eager to make you buy it (more of this subject later).

French and Italian sizes are not the same either but very close in number so this can also cause confusion - check with the Pushy Parade i.e. the sales assistants, if the sizes are in French or Italian and do your own fashion maths. Here, I have listed how it works on a women's UK size 8 - move up accordingly in increments of 2 on each size to work out yours- so  

An American size 6 is the same as UK 8, which is comparable to a French 36 which equates to an Italian 40. Yes confusing - do keep a note of this while shopping.

Tip 4 - Don't be Suede

Do not be - as in ' Love those suede thigh-high Sergio Rossi boots but they are a little too small' If something doesn't quite fit or not quite right don't buy it. You'll regret it even if they were reduced from 900 euros to 200 euros. You'll never wear them if they are a killer to walk in. Also in this paragraph, ignore the coos of 'Bellissima..Stupenda...Molto Carino' etc,etc from the Pushy Parade as they discuss between themselves, but in your direction when you exit the fitting room. A Miu Miu dress that, even without a bra flattened my chest, did not sit on my shoulders properly and was baggy on the hips was quite frankly not 'Bellissima' Mrs Prada shop lady!  

Fashion Valley

So there you have it - go and enjoy yourselves for a day at The Mall and the nearby,  recently added Fashion Valley outlet boutiques - but do keep in mind Chevy Chase in that movie - always brings a smile to my face! Click below to see what I mean.

National Lampoon's European Vacation - shopping in Italy

The 'Sjujsch'



Alexa Chung



B&B Texture Creme

Ladies, it's time to ditch the electrical hair appliances. Be free and store all your straighteners, rollers and curling wands for another day, for this is the season of The 'Sjujsch'. Although, do keep the blow dryer in easy reach to perfect an imperfect hairstyle. Formerly known as 'bedhead' or 'tousled' this hairstyle requires simple management. Championed by international style-setters such as Alexa Chung, Caroline Seiber and Lou Doillon, this hairstyle may look a bit messy and a fashion contrast to their chic high fashion looks, but their 'do's' are never more than six weeks away from a professional cut and colour.Starting with a great easy cut - say a long bob with an optional fringe and well-placed layers, wash and rough dry hair, followed by a smoothing down with a tiny blob of serum and blow dried into place. Then go for it and 'Sjujsch' away with your finishing product of choice. How to Sjujsch? choose from backcombing and lifting from the roots followed by a spritz of Elnett, or scrunch curl and flip around with Bumble and Bumble's Texture Creme or simply tousle with mousse. 

Caroline Seiber











Lets Get Physical



Alexander Wang S/S12



What better way to end a long, dreary month with a big ole blow-out pay-day party.

This Saturday, Koko in Camden, hosts the first full on Guilty Pleasures party of 2012. Regular visitors to this event will know that each month the party has a fun and frivolous dress-up theme. This January, Sean Rowley and Anna Greenwood, organisers and DJs of Guilty Pleasures, are getting in shape for this weekend's 'Let's Get Physical' night. So what to wear? Go for the obvious Olivia option and sprint down to American Apparel for some stretchy spandex and a pair of legwarmers? Do a Black Swan meets vintage Madonna? for that you will need tutus and ripped tees. Or for those who are too-cool-for-school, check out the abundance of sportswear on this seasons catwalks for inspiration. The Victoria Beckham fashion label has chosen sportswear/chic influences for her summer collection. And at Alexander Wang, sportswear with a subversive, avant-garde edge fulfils the party brief in style. 

Slip Into Spring



Fifi Slip by Agent Provocateur



I can't wait for the new Spring collections to hit the shops, especially all of the offerings from Marc Jacobs, at his own line and at Louis Vuitton. Although, they are both very pastel, sweet and summery and will perhaps look a bit odd at the tail end of Winter. So we have all the talk again of Transistional. i.e how to make Spring work as it drops in the stores in January and February.  So, yes do as Alexa did this week on a US talk show and wear a summery lace dress with black opaque tights to bridge the gap between winter and spring. Or copy straight from the Marc Jacobs show and wear opaque knee socks with a pair of pointy courts to start feeling the new spring vibe. My tip for this Transistional period is to slip on a chemise as your first layer. The chemise is such a versatile under garment for all seasons too. 'In-vest' now (pardon the pun) and this lingerie cupboard essential will see you through the rest of the year. Whether under skirts and dresses during the winter months paired with knee high boots or knee socks, to then wearing sofa-lounging in the evening with a cardy over the shoulders, then at bedtime as a glam, luxurious change from tatty old PJs. For the daring out there - do as Marc Jacobs showed at his Spring 2012 catwalk presentation and throw a houndstooth coat over a silky slip - just add socks, heels and stacks of confidence for this one, Ladies. 





Marc Jacobs Spring 2012



The Style Eye LikesU

This Christmas, I have been very lucky to receive such an abundance of fabulous fashion and style coffee table books. And one of my favourites is the print version of the successful fashion website, Stylelikeu. Not only is it a great insight into the world real fashion, it is packed with beautiful images and short paragraphs from each of the subjects photographed, making it a quick, easy read for my time poor life.

The book peeks into the homes and wardrobes of cool folk, from the world's coolest cities- making it a kind of cross between The Selby and The Sartorialist. More importantly are the fashion and style quotes that the individuals live by, their own fashion mantras, if you like. Classic words of wisdom that work for them , whatever the fashion and style of the time may dictate.



"I think it's better to have a few really great pieces rather than have a whole bunch of garbage" Ashley Wick



"If you always shop to suit your style and body type, you'll always be able to wear everything in your closet" Magda Berliner

Ashley Shaw, summed up the meaning of how to dress for me - as I rolled out my French Connection sequinned shift for the third festive season in a row,  deciding how to style best to see in 2012, I remembered her words " Of course, I wear a lot of the same pieces all of the time but I never wear them the same way"



Ashley Shaw













Treat Yourself

Only two more shopping days to go and then it will be Christmas day. So, readers how are you doing? Presents all wrapped and under the tree? Cards all written and delivered? Turkey and treats all bought and ready for basting? If so then well done you because you see, dear people, everytime I venture out I end up endorsing the 2.1 rule - i.e one pressie off the list, two for me - leaving me with still a list of names to buy for. I can't help myself, what with the abundance of goodies, beautifully packaged beauty products and little scented reminders of seasonal cheer that I just have to have.



'So, Here it is... Merry Christmas'



But why not spoil oneself? 'Tis the season to be jolly and all, and what better way to preceed the festive events and kick off christmas morning with a few totally indulgent gifts from me to me.

I shall be lighting my L'Artisan Parfumier L'Ambre candle ( Nevermind the scent of oranges or pongy pine - believe me this is THE fragrance that says 'It's Christmas' louder and prouder than Noddy Holder)


The Gift of Choice - Relax, De-Stress, Revive. You Decide.

Then I shall run a lovely hot bath and decide whether I should Relax, De-Stress or Revive, courtesy of AromatherapyAssociates. Followed by one of the best body lotions ever, Kiehls Creme de Corps - complete with a Christmassy golden apples design by Jeff Koons.

So, tomorrow its a last minute dash for  Cars 2 for my little Nephew- It's such a shame Space NK doesn't  stock DVDs.



Modern Art meets cult beauty