lanvin boutique window installation, paris

Looks like there's another street I'll have to hit in Paris next weekend... Amazing Lanvin has unveiled a gorgeous window installation aptly named 'Birds of Paradise'. These will make the perfect backdrop for a post-dinner stroll down rue du Faubourg St. Honore.

Source: Lanvin

balenciaga saint-honoré boutique, paris

I must admit that even though I LOVE Balenciaga (the first designer bag I ever saved up for and bought with my money is a second-hand 2007 teal Balenciaga City with gunmetal hardware, a limited edition for Nieman Marucs), I've never been to any of their boutiques. I'm not even embarrassed to confess that I find these shops exceedingly intimidating.

But then I saw these photos of their new boutique in on rue St-Honore in Paris, and I think I might swing by next weekend when I'm in town. I love the clashing colours and patterns, the way the lights are arranged makes it look the store is made up of different runways. It is a perfect reflection of Ghesquiere's modern and even futuristic design ethos. Models would be perfectly at home walking up and down the store in the Spring 2007 RTW collection, still one of my favourite shows to date.

Actually, I could picture myself looking there...

Source: Balenciaga

elie saab: balade a paris

Exams are over, summer is here... well, if it ever stops raining.

I am counting down the 10 days till Paris, my second time in the capital of romance. Looking forward to an amazing meal at Le Restaurant and Au Petit Sud Ouest, lingering at the Musée de l'Armée, eating macarons at Parc Monceau, flitting from stall to stall at the Marché Bastille, and watching the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower.

Coincidentally, Elie Saab released this beautiful short film, Balade a Paris, introducing their Pre-Fall line in Paris last Friday. It's absolutely gorgeous. The screenshots don't do the video justice.

Images: Elie Saab

richard nicoll for topshop bridal... I say no

I randomly stumbled across Topshop's blog post about a bridal collection a week back, and the couple of pictures released didn't give me high hopes. Now that the whole line's been revealed, can I just say one thing... poor effort, poor effort.

Obviously, 'Blushing Brides' is not meant for the traditional bride. Grazia describes it as a range for 'hipster brides', a writer on the Fashion Spot says 'its definitely unconventional and notable because it's the first bridal-specific offering for Nicoll and Topshop both.' Meanwhile, at Fashoinista, another blogger contends that 'They’d make for excellent, statement-making wedding dresses (for a very bold, non-traditional bride)'.

Am I the only one who thinks that these dresses are a joke?

Topshop, £170

Image: Telegraph
Left: £170; Right: £200

Image: Telegraph
Left: £170; Right: £350

I'm sure Topshop can get away with this... after all it is a very Topshop-looking capsule collection, and it is a niche, one-off event. Only 50 pieces each will be sold. To be fair, I quite like the pink dress above, but definitely not for a wedding. And for £170? No thank you. That white slip of a dress that looks more like a nightie than a proper dress? £170? And the corset with a maxi skirt, for £350?

Seems to me the collection is completely out of touch, but hey, it's Topshop, but this time more than ever it feels like they're rubberstamping their label on a barely mediocre collection and passing it as 'cool'. Just like the ridiculous 'Jubilee fashion spectacular' they held at their flagship store a few days ago. It really makes you doubt the credibility of Topshop as a tastemaker in the industry...

Watch the 'spectacular' here.

Okay, I'm all for the Diamond Jubilee, I think the Queen is one amazing lady with great style. And of course I've expected all the commercialisation of the Monarchy we have seen with Jubilee clothes, Jubilee jewellery, Jubilee teacups, Jubilee aprons... But, eyelashes?

Topshop £12

I know it's not specifically about the Jubilee, but damn, London skyline lashes? I can't begin to imagine how bad these will look.


But I do adore this cupcake set, how cute is it (if a bit steep)?

Topshop £10

 I also have to admit that i rather fancy this ring...

Topshop £10

intellectual 'banter'

Banter: Supple term used to describe activities or chat that is playful, intelligent and original. Banter is something you either posses or lack, there is no middle ground. It is also something inherently English, stemming as it does from traditional hi-jinks and tomfoolery of British yesteryear. (urbandictionary)


These speak for themselves really. My collection from LSE history books and on campus.