Super Shiny and Super Cheap

Yep, i'm talking about Lip Gloss, not your brand-new and used plastic couch covers. Thanks to the checkout stand research and subsequent purchase my clever friend conducted on her last trip to Walgreens, a new Lip Gloss has been discovered: INCOLOR Squeeze 'n' Shine Super Shiny Tasty Lip Gloss in Clear by Jordana (now that's a big shiny mouthful). It has just the right thickness and slightly sticky texture that brings out your natural lip color, and lasts through a two hour movie, plus previews, staying smooth and crystal clear on your puckered lips. It's also a bargain at $1.99, and seventeen times cheaper (and less goopy) comparably than MAC's Lipglass which sells for $14. Available in five redhead colors, besides Clear from Walgreens.com

RUN DON'T WALK to Rue La La For Their Nicole Miller Bridal Sale! Seriously, GO!

So, despite my previous run-in with a HORBS Nicole Miller "special evening gown" that I thought might make a dece wedding dress (I thought wrong), I tried on several ACTUAL Nicole Miller wedding dresses this weekend at Michelle in Brooklyn Heights. My Michelle experience was great, and I really liked two of the Nicole Miller dresses I tried on. I'm not going to go with either dress because they're too "big" and "cupcakey" on me, but they did feel wonderful on, and if I wanted a big dress, I'd go that route for sure, and I'd be happy to buy from Michelle.

BUT, actually I probably wouldn't because RueLaLa.com is having a Nicole Miller bridal sale for like the next few MINUTES or something, and one of the very dresses I tried on -- the silk faille mermaid with beaded details -- on is available. Originally $2600, available at RueLaLa in sizes 0 - 16 for $650 (!!!!!!!!). SERIOUSLY! GO! GO NOW! (You need an invite to log in -- lemme know in the comments if you need me to invite you!)

($650, Nicole Miller Bridal, RueLaLa.com)

Brian Atwood Atrocity

I usually really like Brian Atwood heels (and will admit to ALMOST ALWAYS thinking of RYAN Atwood from The O.C. [RIP]), but these are both EVERY color too many and every shade of wrong:

(Apprx $574 USD, Brian Atwood, Net-a-porter.com)

I'm counting the SECONDS until they show up on Mariah Carey's feet.

Sad panda.

Reflect Forward with Massey

If you happen to find yourself in London in the month of April you should certainly make a trip to Clerkenwell to catch Reflect Forward. Craft Central’s Reflect Forward initiative offers designer makers the chance to research and show a new body of work and next month one of our favourite designers, Carolyn Massey showcases her craft next month. During our interview with the lady herself we mentioned she had been announced as the first ever fashion designer to be awarded the Reflect Forward award and April sees her showcasing her talent for a wider audience.

"Carolyn's proposal to research historical garments whilst creating a cutting edge contemporary look sat really well with the Reflect Forward aim to enable designers to use museum collections as starting points for creating bold and fascinating new work."
Kate Osborn, Craft Central.

Fresh from LFW, the exhibition will showcase Massey's AW09 collection. Inspired by the Museum of London and National Army Museum, the collection saw her revive seemingly forgotten historic details and silhouettes. The exhibition pulls together the research and development that went in to the collection and offers an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ peek. I was fortunate enough to visit the designer at her studio last month where I could see the collection up close and the beauty really is in the details. At the time I wished more people could see the collection in this manner and now is your chance.

A closer look at the knits and accessories from Massey's aw09 collection.

After having a good nosey around her workspace it was clear that Massey is at her happiest when researching something she has found, either an old picture or an actual garment. By taking elements from pieces she has seen and found whilst combining them with her vision for menswear she create something new. This exhibition is guaranteed to be a delight. With free admission, the exhibition will be open to the public from 1-25 April and if you are in London during this period it would a crime not to go.

Yuko Ogura Wallpaper

Yuko Ogura Wallpaper

Private buying season is officially open.

This weekend I escaped London and found some cool sunshine on the Kentish coast (one of the reasons for the little holiday from posting). Before I left this fair city and after I had a few post work cocktails I swung by Omar Kashoura's and Carola Euler's private buying evening held at Cube where I could stake my claim for pieces from their aw09 collections. You might have caught my twitter updates but if not, I will elaborate on my Friday evening. Did I mention it was payday...? After a couple of well mixed mojitos and with a glass of wine in my hand I was like a fat kid in a sweet shop ordering quarter after quarter of treats and delights. In this instance the kid had grown up and was ordering the 'bridal piece' of Euler's collection (as proclaimed by Euler herself), two shirts by Euler and a cardigan and a shirt from Kashoura.

The shirt with armour like shoulder detailing and the wedding dress, the trench both by Carola Euler

On the train back to the coast, a little purchaser's guilt did creep in but I soon snapped myself out of it because my choices were the right ones and will fit in in and add to my wardrobe very nicely indeed. The art of my wardrobe building continues in earnest and I have to assure you that my purchases well extremely well thought out despite the consumer bravado brought on by the drink. I have been on the hunt for a grey trench coat for the last few months and as soon as I encountered this one over on BUCK my hunt was over. As for the white shirt, it is a classic which Euler has masterfully updated with her sculptural details. In all honesty, I could have quite happily walked away with both complete collections but I was strong willed and selected carefully.

All I have to do now is play the waiting game for my garments to be made. This really is a great way to buy clothes because it gives you a chance to speak to the designers themselves and make any slight amendments to your order. For example, unfortunately I am not blessed with Antonio Bracciani's perfect body (see issue nine of Fantastic Man) and garments frequently fit me how I'd like them to fit. Carola noticed this instantly and after looking up and down once more declared me to be in between a small and a medium...a smedium if you will (because I'm closer to a medium. Rather than ordering something that was not quite right, Euler would now make the necessary adjustments to create my perfect trench coat. I might not be blessed with the perfect or ideal body but I have found the perfect way to shop. More updates will follow as and when my orders are finished.

Itou Misaki Wallpaper

Itou Misaki Wallpaper

Bloomin' Lovely

It's no secret that I love accessories, especially handbags. Toting a super cute bag around town can make you feel like you're on top of the world, knowing that your keys, money, makeup bag, kleenex, assortment of pens, notepads, sunglasses case, and i could go on, are tucked away safely inside a gorgeous leather (or PVC, or cotton canvas) masterpiece. This Spring it's all coming up roses as designers are sprucing up their handbags with splashes of flower prints and petals in all colors and textures, bringing pretty and feminine back in full bloom. (Warning: handbags are more expensive than they appear)
Louis Vuitton Speedy 30, louisvuitton.com

Valentino Bouquet d'Ete Printed Tote, neimanmarcus.com

Valentino Glamorous Tote, bergdorfgoodman.com

Judith Leiber Morning Dew Minaudier, neimanmarcus.com

Tory Burch 'Tory' Print Tote, nordstrom.com

Susannah Hunter Overnight Bag, susannahhunter.com

Balenciaga Medium Floral Print Satin Bag, overstock.com Ok, I know this bag is from last season but I still love the print (and it's still around thanks to overstock).