...also loving this little number by Boutique!

I forgot to mention, another little bit of prettiness has caught my eye in the shape of this summery little number by Boutique at Topshop. I just love the original print and fab shape. At £40, far more affordable and still quite unique.

Just loving this "Kissing Leaves Bow Top" by Anna Sui

Just a small, random post - I am loving this gorgeous top by Anna Sui. Yes, it's expensive (£260)...yes, it's not THAT exciting BUT there's something about it that's truly attractive to me. Maybe it's my love of bows but the name is definitely a selling point too! See more on Net-a-Porter.

Pork Chop Girl...

I had to post about this shop for several reasons:

1. The Name - Pork Chop Girl...genius!

2. The clothes are vintage, reconstructed and handmade. Soo environmentally friendly.

3. The story behind the store. A thrifty young lady, that has grown into a very particular adult shopper. Her ethos of providing unique, one-off garments is close to my heart. So please check out Pork Chop Girl, even if for the name alone!

Miss. Mess - Surrealist Fashion.

Marijana, a former Yugoslavian, is an obvious student of Picasso. The surrealist element in all her work, shines out as a true homage to Señor Picasso. Miss. Mess is her website, full of her eclectic delights. I adore these handbags and the styling of the website is simply unique. She also showcases an amazing array of necklaces, each one seems more original than the next. Check out Miss. Mess, to be befuddled, amused and overwhelmed all at the same time.

Avant Gaudy - Experimental Vintage for the New Garde.

Just the name "Avant Gaudy" completely intrigued me and then the e-store itself wowed me. It's an eclectic mix of vintage versus 21st Century. Each piece is of course a one off and the site is updated with new stock quite regularly. I adore the dresses above. The multi-coloured star wonder, left, wouldn't be out-of-place in Topshop today. The dress right, has definite 80's undertones - a red belt would be an essential purchase to carry off this piece. Below is another great specimen, an amazing soft-look, worn leather belt, with a fab vintage clasp. The site is in flash, so I cannot direct link but they also have a MySpace page with up and coming news and events.

Precious Pups - sometimes fashion needs to be cheesy!

I found a great little American network, Etsy, where you can buy all things handmade. Among the sellers is Precious Pups - creator of these amazing pieces. I know there's a fine line between quirky and odd but Precious Pups' jewellery is a perfect mix of cheesy and quaint. Dolly Parton and French director Jean-Luc Godard, receive an amazing tribute in the form of pendants. Above right, is a creation called Pup in Womb, sooo weird, yet sooo cute! Check out some of the other great designers on Etsy and embrace your inner geek with Precious Pups.

Brennan & Burch...illustration translates into design.

At heart, I'm quite a dweeb. I love quirky drawings and sketches and I'm sure I could become quite obsessive about comics if I allowed myself! Brennan & Burch really caught my eye. They transfer gorgeous illustrations into unique fashion pieces. I love the lookbook on their site, each piece is backed by its design inspiration. There's an e-store too, with plenty more of these affordable originals. Each design is printed in limited amounts, so your very unlikely to see these illustrations repeated. Check out the website for more details about this London based theme.

Tsumori Chisato - Contradicting looks.

Tsumori Chisato epitomises all that I perceive Japanese design to be - colourful and quirky. There is one difference, her subtle, crisp tailoring. I adore the two facets of her work; the aubergine and sea-green delight, above middle, is stunning. I adore the tulip-hem and and the way the white strap hangs to accentuate the shape. Then below, the more simple block colour dresses; they still have originality in their form but their pristine cut stands out. Anyone that can make the turban look cool or create a coordinated turban/dress look, deserves some recognition. See more of Tsumori Chisato on A-Net.

Vena Cava - a lesson in how to make clothes look interesting.

I feel as if Vena Cava's website is a mini-lesson in photography, possibly entitled "How to make clothes look truly interesting, by Vena Cava." The photos above, a story of contrasts. Left, the rancid fish with the dramatic glamour of the dress. Right, smooth pebbles, uncomfortable to lie on with the delicate ease of the patterned top. Below it is a story of lighting and shadow. The strong lighting highlights only the clothing, not the excessive amount of props, the frame creating a structured overall look. What I love about Vena Cava, is the design duo behind the brand seem so normal. Their inspiration comes from classic design that crosses the generations. See more of the Brooklyn based designers on their website.

Someone asked me about wallets...

...here's a great clutch with a clever wallet inside. All Saints have produced this metallic wonder that is every neat freak's dream. Will keep searching for you.

In God We Trust...for all our fashion needs

An eon ago, just after I left uni, I work as an Air Hostess (flight attendant, trolley dolley...whatever!). It was an amazing way to see the world for free, despite the stigma of being a glorified waitress. I loved my monthly visits to New York, a city full of charm and intrigue. My favourite streets to peruse were Bleaker and Lafayette, so my interest was sparked by this post from NYLON magazine. An amazingly named store, In God We Trust, has just opened a new branch in SoHo on Lafayette Street. So I checked out their website and it is quite a design gem! Beautiful navigation and stunning photography combine to create a site that is a true joy to look at. Their clothing and jewellery ranges are truly original and have enticed me to return to my favourite NYC haunts. Please check out their website for a piece of visual delight.

UNIQLO Classic Cool.

Uniqlo is a brand that has been championned by many. A simply stylish but affordable store - that has enticed the likes of Phillip Lim to design his own capsule collection for the brand. The thing I love the most, the quirky appeal behind their simplicity. Humour in fashion is a true draw for me and these animal models above, from their e-zine, are great brand advocates!! There are several stores in the U.K. which are unfortunately predominately based in and around the London area - the furthest afield being Oxford. Hopefully, soon, more stores will be launched nationwide. Another fast fashion company to join the ranks of Topshop, Primark, Zara...Maybe high-end designer fashion is starting to lose it's expensive appeal!

Louise Amstrup - Shapely, Surreal Design.

Louise Amstrup is a Danish born designer, that spent her childhood in Germany. This may explain her flair for design coupled with precision tailoring (ooohh...sorry about the horrid stereotyping!). She describes her designs as "surreal" and I have to agree. There is a definitive, quirky edge to her forms, she drapes the fabric with extreme care and accuracy. Her work is available from Labour of Love in the U.K. (no e-shopping) and is featured in this month's edition of U.K. Vogue. I'm particularly loving the flashes of yellow above!

Pollini - A Futuristic Fashion Odyssey

Accessories can truly make an outfit - the more fashion forward, the more appealing. These stunning specimens are by Pollini, a company with links to several other major designers, based in Italy. They came to my attention in this month's Vogue, which featured this fantastic, seemingly quite animal friendly, cork handbag (below). For the rest of their Spring collection see their website or Elle.com. I hope you agree that these are truly original pieces and more eye-catching than anything I've seen in a long time. They remind me of the vision of the future portrayed in Blade Runner, an aesthetically stunning film to match this jewellery.

PowerHaus Jewellery...but no more info!?

Just loving this jewellery by PowerHaus, interesting lengths, fab styling....but the site's pretty funked and I can find no more info! If anyone knows anything about PowerHaus, please let me know.

Feeling panicked? Got wedding anxiety?...look no further than the Emergency Wedding Dress.

I'm not the sort of person that has dreamt about my wedding since childhood. I didn't spend my teenage years planning my ideal wedding. So the idea of the conventional, over-the-top, unjustifiably expensive wedding day has never been something I've aspired to. The Emergency Wedding Dress by Aleksandra Paszkowska is the perfect solution to my wedding dilema. It's simple, easy and come in a roll up bag. An added bonus, shown on the instructions above and shown in the picture below (thanks to Time magazine), it can be recycled into a red summer dress (not sure how?...dye job?). Things of Random Coolness posted about this dress a while ago, hinting to me there IS an easy way to this wedding thing. (I'd become exasperated, feeling like the only female looking for an ultra-simple wedding!) The more I think about this convenient concept dress, the more appealing it becomes. So maybe my wedding dress will come out of a roll up bag and give me that simple look I wish to achieve.

Chin Choi - Fashion in Black and White.

I feel like there's a definite black and white theme to today...which reminds me of Chin Choi. A great online store, with a quirky concept - they only sell clothes in black and white. With such a unique sales method, this is a great place to buy your wardrobe staples - although for me, a little bit more colour variation is required to create a look. So if your searching for that little black vest, that "essential" white shirt...look no further than Chin Choi.

Oasis - My opinion is certainly getting higher....

As I've mentioned before, I've never been overwhelmed by Oasis...but since my coloured jeans splurge and puffed sleeve dress experiences, I think I'm converted. Then today, as if to confirm my alternative view, this beautiful specimen came online - a fab pleat neck scoop dress. The cinched waist and gorgeous pleating make it look like a very expensive item but at £50 is actually really affordable. It's their fashion must have of the week and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree.

Sari Gueron - Maxi dresses galore!

I know maxi-dresses are very "now" and I've already posted about them before...but I after seeing these beautiful specimens by Sari Gueron, I felt the need to post about them again. I love the detailing and erethral shapes of these dresses, not so keen on the trasparent element but the great form is still there. Top left is my maxi of choice, the floral ruffling around the neck adding that little something extra. Sari Gueron is Israeli-born but grew up between Weston, Connecticut and Tel Aviv; these multi-cultural influences shine through in her beautiful clothes. I'm getting married soon, therefore the maxi-dress is something on my much sought after list. It's going to be a very informal, laid-back affair, so a floaty maxi-dress seems an obvious choice. (If any of you have any dress suggestions please let me know!)

Despite the U.K. rain, I'm thinking of summer looks.

Those of you living in the U.K. will be aware that despite a warm Easter, we are now drowning in rain! This will still not prevent me thinking about summer. This embroidered bandeau dress/tunic, by Topshop, is labelled as a beach cover up item, which therefore puts the price at £28 (a very affordable option). I bought this tunic in black last week and I have to say the quality of the material is great; the dress doesn't feel like beach-wear, more resembling a piece a vintage/retro evening-wear. To go with it...well I love this big ball ring in green, a stunning match and beautiful rich colour. All I need now is for the rain to stop!

Thinking of Paris...Du Petit Moulin et Christian Lacroix.

When we stay in Paris, we invariably end up in L'Hôtel du Petit Moulin in Le Marais. A truly amazing boutique hotel; a refurbished boulangerie with individually designed rooms, by the Christian Lacroix. The last time we were there, I ordered a coffee which came in a stunningly detailed coffee set, also designed by Lacroix. Beautiful fashion dolls, poupées, adorn each piece...very fashionably cool, I'm sure you'll agree. To see more photos of the very stylish hotel, go to my Flickr account or if you get the chance book a room in this gem of a hotel.

Colette - The Alternative Department Store

As those of you that read my blog often will know, I adore Paris. My boyfriend and I visit the beautiful city as often as we can but for some reason the eclectic store that is Colette, has eluded us. We tend to spend our time in Le Marais, but not too far away is the famed Rue Saint-Honoré where the boutique that is the true definition of avant-garde, Colette, is to be found. It's an art gallery, café and restaurant and clothing boutique. Until this week I was unaware that they have an e-store, with a small selection of their quirky gifts. Look who's adorned the wall outside the store, my favourite graffiti artiste, Fafi. The next time we go I shall visit Colette and give you a more extensive report, for now I shall have to be content with the website.

Motel - Pretty Summery Prints

Motel provide clothes with a bit of a retro feel that have unusual patterns and quite quirky designs. I'm desperately trying to find some good wardrobe staples for those warmer summer days, that aren't block coloured smock dresses, aren't too expensive but have some sense of originality about them. Motel seems to be the answer. Their full range is available to view on their website and there's a fab stock selection at Urban Industry.

American Apparel Sunglasses, why aren't they available in the U.K.?

I'm loving these sunglasses by American Apparel. Sooo retro, very 80s, original and cool...but unavailable in the U.K. You can buy them from the U.S. for the great price of $50(ish). At least they're pretty to look at, despite the fact I can buy them, yet.

Sweden's rocking my world...must book flights to Stockholm!

As you can see, my Blog has had a truly "Nordic" feel of late, with a huge amount of inspiration coming from Sweden. Mint and Vintage is a truly ingenious idea. It's an e-store stocking one off vintage pieces, plus new goods from innovative designers. The service on offer feels very personal. After starting off with some great boutique stores Mint and Vintage expanded. Here's the blurb from the site:

In the summer of 2006 we decided to start a web shop so that people from all over of Sweden could find vintage and the brands that we selected online. The web shop immediately became more popular than we ever imagined it would be, so we decided to also make it available for people outside of Sweden. This is a work in progress, as always, but we will do our absolute best to try to make it as easy and pleasant as possible for you to shop at Mint & Vintage...We try to give as much service online as we do in our shop. We want you to feel pampered even if it's over an internet connection.

The site itself is sooo pretty, encompassing that rare mix between pristine and retro. A shop that caters for all...a refreshing concept.

Vintage

Mint

Carin Wester - The Importance of the Silhouette

Swedish designer, Carin Wester, has produced a beautiful collection, centered around the key fashion element of the season - shape. The print add images above are truly heavenly, a little 80s Mills & Boon but emphasise the importance of a strong silhouette, reiterated in the catwalk collection below. Innovative and unique shapes, plus one of my favourite catwalk accessories, the headband. I haven't been able to find out too much about Carin but as and when I do, I will keep you updated (for now, this is her website and this is her MySpace). I'm sure you'll agree, her collection is a joy to look at.

More Avian Delights

Just a little shopping gem...you know how much I adore avian accessories and I am bewitched by these little studded earrings form Urban Outfitters. Just perfect for the summer.

Alex + Chloe - Jewellery at its best.

Alex + Chloe jewellery is encompasses originality in every piece. The jewellery, beautiful...but what truly caught my eye is the very stylised website, with stunning photography. The model and looks above combine to create a very aspirational style. The website evokes a true juxtaposition of emotions. The image below for example is initially quite shocking - very feminine jewellery on a very masculine figure, draped in pink (also randomly light armpit hair!). The more you look at it though, the more aesthetically pleasing it becomes. So...Alex + Chloe, divine jewellery but with a website that appeals to me more.

My Lie Down I Think I Love You Bargain

Those of you that read my blog often, will know that I have lusted after a bag by Lie Down I Think I Love You for a while...well know I have one and for the bargain price of £25! Congrats to Emily, the amazing Designer behind the brand, as her beautiful bags are now stocked in Topshop's flagship store on Oxford Street. The last time I had the fortune (sometimes it feels like the mis-fortune, due to the crowds and overall bustle) to be in the Oxford Street store, I picked up this stunning clutch for half the normal price. I know the pictures do not do the bag justice but it is really unique; the distressed grey leather, original vintage scarf - gorgeous. Please email Emily for more information or purchase from Leullu or Perilla.

Talking about lush sites...Kaviar Gauche

Kaviar Gauche is a German based design team that used to be famous for their unique accessories, specifically handbags...but look at their beautiful clothes. I adore the neutral colours and floaty feel - sooo summery. Alexandra Fischer- Roehler, Martine Sitbon and Johanna Küel, a former designer with Vivienne Westwood, have made German fashion truly appealing. Their site navigation, above, is also truly unique. I think it's a shoe box or shopping bag that opens to reveal the toolbar. I know Berlin is fast becoming an edgy European fashion capital and Kaviar Gauche has certainly sparked my interest to know more about German design.

A very slick looking e-store - La Garçonne

A short post to direct you towards La Garçonne - a very cool U.S. e-store. I just love the slick navigation and minimal style. Just take a look - that's all I shall be doing as it's a little Net-a-Porter price range for me!

Selma Blair - Making Kate Moss at Topshop look good.

I've been pretty much underwhelmed by Kate Moss' collection for Topshop but look at Selma, doesn't she look amazing. Where did she get the dress? Kate Moss at Topshop. I think the major problem with Moss' collection is that Topshop have been churning out copies of Kate's look for years, so we are very used to seeing her style throughout their stores - therefore her collection, not really unique. Congrats to Selma though, for making this dress look amazing. (Thanks to Faded Youth Blog for the photo).

Delights from Iceland - Dead

If only there weren't a cheesy frozen food supermarket in the U.K. called Iceland - everything about it would be near perfect! Dead is a company courting controversy with their bold t-shirt designs. I know manipulated religious iconography can offend many people (just read this article to see how easily some can become incensed!) but these images of Jesus are artistically reproduced, creating pieces of art as well as fashion.

"HE WHO FEARS DEATH CANNOT ENJOY LIFE"

is the slogan adopted by Jón Sæmundur Audarson, the artist behind Dead. His story is truly inspirational. In 1994 Jón was diagnosed HIV positive. Through Dead, he has been trying to open people’s eyes to the disease and the unnecessary fear and prejudice surrounding it. I can think of no better reason to check out the fab pieces on Dead's website. Fashion with a heartfelt message always has more meaning.

Júniform - Icelandic Cool

Thinking of Australian winter fashions, drew my eye to more northern designers, in colder climes. Cool place of the moment for me, Iceland and more specifically, it's stunning capital, Reykjavík. I'm dying to go there but for now, I have to search out their design talent on the internet. I came across an amazing website - Júniform, an amazing mix of retro inspired and future fashion pieces. They manage to incorporate unusual forms and shapes in their vintage style tunics and their edgy metallic hoodie dresses...it's all just sooo pretty. I even love the comfy, cosy style of their cardigans below - which I'm sure are that practical mix of fashion and practicality that I'm sure the Icelandic people need. Reykjavík looks more and more appealing every day.