Keeping it Simple

As I have previously mentioned on here, I have quite a selection of plain t-shirts!! They tend to be from the same brand, as once I find a great fit/design, I stick with it and buy in multiples (ok maybe not with the more expensive brands!) My favourite 'go to' brands for simple staple t-shirts are Gap, T by Alexander Wang, Cos and Helmut Lang.
On Sunday I think I found a new favourite!!

Before going to see Al Pacino at the Palladium (more on that v soon!) I dropped into Liberty. I haven't been in there for a while but every now and then I really enjoy having a stroll through the store. Not just the womenswear, jewellery or beauty departments, but the menswear too as I honestly believe they offer THE best selection in London. Seriously men, get in there!
I was nearly on my way out of the store, tearing myself away from an exclusive Kenzo jumper, when I spied a brand I hadn't heard of before, A.O.CMS.

I think what initially grabbed my attention was the packaging. The incredibly simple black and white writing, on the tiny white envelopes, is somewhat eye-catching and instantly looks good quality. I know I say I buy in multiples but when I say that I mean I buy them each season. For me "quality not quantity" definitely comes into mind when shopping for staple items. The design of a plain t-shirt is not as simple as expected and it is something more brands should spend more time over. Finding a perfectly fitted, decently priced t-shirt, crafted in beautiful cotton, is a rarity. So let me encourage you to check out this brand.

With the help of the lovely Liberty sales assistant, Nicola, I was introduced to this small collection from the Swedish brand. Currently exclusive to the store, there are only 6 designs available. Long sleeve, short sleeve, tank top, strap top, long fitted dress and briefs. All of which are available in grey, navy, white and black. More styles are available on their own website.

I honestly could have bought the whole collection. They are so incredibly comfortable and a great fit. The length of the t-shirt is perfect, for me anyway, as I really don't like them cut short. I came away with 3 pieces and would have potentially had a fourth had there been my size.

The collection has been kept to a minimum for a reason as they pride themselves on producing quality classic garments. It is clear they are not fond of mass producing items in a ridiculous amount of styles, and I applaud that. I will definitely be keeping my eye on this Swedish brand and I am sure their pieces will be filling up my wardrobe in no time!

(photos courtesy of a.o.cms.com)

Before the Lights Go Out!

I think everyone could do with a bit of neon in their life today, especially if you live in London!! This weather is not exactly uplifting....

If you haven't heard about it already, Chris Bracey is having an exhibition at Scream in central London and I would definitely recommend dropping by to catch the lights before they go out. His work is incredible!!
He has been in the light industry a long time, starting out by making signs for seedy bars. Over 37 years the business has expanded dramatically and now he not only produces commissions for adverts but also provides installations for massive blockbuster films, such as Eyes Wide Shut. He uses both new and old signs to create his masterpieces, which anyone would be lucky to have hanging on their walls at home. I am particularly fond of his use of vintage pieces. As they quite rightly say "one person's trash is another person's treasure."

He has an INCREDIBLE following in London and Los Angeles and it is a rare site to see so many of his pieces in one space. The exhibition finishes on June 1st, so get yourself down there asap! If you can't make it to the exhibition, his workshop is out on Vallentin Road, known as God's Own Junkyard. It is amazing what can be done with a piece of discarded metal and some lightbulbs!!

(God's Own Junkyard!)

A Bit O'Photography!

Check out this amazing photography from George Logan.
Incredible images and love the ones of the African animals mixed into urban life.

Very clever. 

Comme and Get Some!!!

OOOOOOH I am mega excited to see some news shoes joining the Comme PLAY x Converse collection!!!

As I have stated in a previous post, I LOVE my comme play converse. I literally live in them. I have the sneaker versions in black AND cream. The cream ones are unfortunately on their way out but I am determined to wear them until their final day. They look great in the summer and when I fell in the Thames...they came out of the washing machine surprisingly well!

There is only one thing with the new collection....I don't know which ones to choose!! I am steering towards the cream leather with red hearts all over...but also love the white hearts on black hightops...Oh the choices!!

As far as I am aware these new additions will be available from June 1st in London. I WILL be there with bells on and probably my old converse, prepared to be replaced...! Elbows at the ready people, I think these will be popular!

Which ones do you like??

(Photo courtesy of GQ.com)

Metal On The Mind.

Recently I've been thinking it is time to update my wardrobe of jewellery. I love my jewellery, as many are aware (especially with my left arm adorned with a raaaather large selection of bracelets!) and I feel as Spring is (supposedly) in the air, I should have a Spring clean and get some new metal on/in/around my arms/ears/neck.
I am also considering a 9th ear piercing...hhmmm...yeah....I might as well! 

I am pretty fussy when it comes to jewellery and I know instantly when I see something, if I am going to get a decent amount of wear out if it.
I came across this jewellery brand, Jessie Harris, which immediately grabbed my attention. I really like the use of different metals by the designer. It is not a huge collection but it is cleverly put together and definitely appeals to my taste. Simple but unique. Pieces can be worn on their own or as shown in the lookbook, they look great layered up (very much the trend right now). Take a gander.
It is available to purchase on the website and also should be available at the Darkroom very soon.

Sunday Remix

Just a little bit o' music for this rainy Sunday evening.
I predict big things for this girl, MØ.
I love the original of this song but I am really liking this remix by MS MR.

Happy listening!

A Reason To Rub A Magic Lamp!!

I have been longing for a really cool backpack for aaaages!
I have riffled through numerous amounts of vintage ones, not been successful, and last year I missed out on the amazing Acne one. It seems the perfect backpack is an extremely rare item!!
Such a rare item has become available at LN-CC however!
So this season I shall mostly be rubbing every magic lamp I can find and wishing on every single fallen eyelash that someone miraculously decides to buy me the incredible Fleet Ilya Wedge Rucksack, pictured below. Fleet Ilya are renowned for their structured, high quality, leather accessories. I think they could have the marmite factor, either you love them or hate them, but I most certainly am the latter after this creation!!

Maybe playing the lottery might be more successful....?

Different Vibes!

Here are two songs which I am chilling to on this beautifully bright Bank Holiday Monday!
Two very different vibes but love them both.
Hope you are all outside!!!

(the actual video for this is preeeetty extreme so to keep it light I've uploaded the recording from Abbey Road Studios!)

(loving the monochrome outfits in this video! love this video!)

Happy Bank Holiday!!

Photo of the blossom in Islington, London. Makes me happy :)

A Song for the Sun

As the sun is out in all its glory, I thought it only best to honour it by a personal dedication from Daft Punk's new tune, Get Lucky!

It first joined my iPod two days ago and it is a great tune for walking to work and preparing yourself for the day (i.e knowing you are only going to be able to appreciate the beams of sunshine from staring at it through glass windows for 8 hours...! Damn!)
Everyone needs a bit of Daft Punk in their life, especially after a 3 year break, and their new tune is one of their top tracks, featuring none other than Pharrell Williams!
Get your head phones in now!!

Daft Punk is also big in the fashion news at the moment as the controversial Hedi Slimane has featured them as part of his advertising campaign. Daft Punk and Saint Laurent, I hear you question...? Yeah you definitely would not have seen THAT 2 years ago! His recent Music Project ad campaigns are creating quite a furore in the fashion world, with having other controversial characters like Courtney Love, Marilyn Manson and Beck strewn across the pages of glossy magazines. I'm not sure if this will improve his ratings after the barrage of criticism thrown at his most recent catwalk collection, but I have to say I do like the Daft Punk photo. Many traditional Yves Saint Laurent-ites will see these adverts as another move away from the brands identity, others will welcome the dark grunginess that was depicted in the collection. I am not going to judge Slimane for these adverts, everyone likes to branch out with campaigns, and if it is the shock factor he is going for, he will definitely succeed with grabbing people's attention!

Save Yourselves Men!

Ok, so this isn't exactly helpful to those living in the UK, or any girls reading this....but I have just seen this store featured on The Sartorialist's most recent post and I think their stuff looks great!!

Ah New York you really do have some great stores, and on top of that, some great menswear!
The faded colour palettes used in Save Khaki's products are beautifully fresh and this can also be seen with the interior design of their two stores in the Big Apple. I love the relaxed and homely, yet simple, feel the brand has and each piece of clothing looks like it has already had a decent amount of TLC.
No wonder it is a hit with Scott Schuman!

I'm always intrigued by different stores around the world, even if I can't personally access them right now. It is however a shame when you come across a store as good as this and it is a 7 hour flight away....! I WILL be making another trip to New York soon, I've made a promise to myself, and Save Khaki is one place that I will be visiting. Yes yes ok I'm a female but I still love to check these sort of places out and steal a bit of the inspiration!

Dear Men, 

If you are in New York, or planning on going, then please do rescue your wardrobes at Save Khaki! 

Best wishes, 

The Not-So Secret Admirer x

YOU MUST READ THIS!!!!

If you have to read anything today, you must read THIS article.

Jenna Lyons is one of the coolest people in the fashion industry and her story is fascinating.
The article makes you incredibly envious of her job at J.Crew but it also makes you think that anything is possible. Her attitude towards the industry, the brand and her own work is inspirational and she is someone that I think many people can look up to and admire.

The article has definitely given me a buzz today! Happy reading! :)

Bagged a Bargain!!

Just HAD to tell you that I bagged a SERIOUS bargain today.
Not blowing my own trumpet but I have been known to be pretty darn good at finding some serious designer gems at ridiculously knocked down prices. For example most recently; a Prada runway t-shirt that was £310 and I got for £50 and an insaaaane Celine bag which had £800 knocked off it (yes you read that right!!)
I get a major buzz when I find a vintage/second-hand designer item that fits perfectly and is a major steal when it comes to its price. I have a few secret places (which I might reveal to you in time...) that I visit now and again, and when the time is right I have found some incredible items.
Today was one of those days that started out crap (thank you London transport) and ended up amazing when I came across a vintage, double breasted, houndstooth printed, 100% pure silk, Saint Laurent jacket. It's beautiful (pic soon) and I don't know why someone would want to disown it! I couldn't leave it in the store. No way. As soon as I tried it on I could visualise it with black skinny jeans and chunky boots, over the top of my black Wang dress or COS jumpsuit.
With the new 'Saint Laurent' designs from Hedi Slimane taking over at full steam ahead, I think it will be a seriously good vintage investment. And the price....? Well it started at £65 (which even then is ridiculous) but I got myself £20 knocked off. Now THAT is what I call a bargain.
A new jacket for the weekend...? Don't mind if I do!!

It's Friday tomorrow, let's dance!! Have a good one!

It's Up To You, New York!

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK HAS STARTED!!!! woohooooo!

I am 100% sure we will not be let down the 'usuals' this season and I am EXCITED to see whats to come!

Shows I can't wait to see are:

Cushnie Et Ochs
Rag and Bone
Helmut Lang
Prabal Gurung
Band of Outsiders
Alexander Wang
Ohne Titel
Phillip Lim
Thom Browne
Victoria Beckham
Margiela
Rodarte
Peter Som
Proenza

AND the up and coming new talents!!

BRING IT ON!!

Hitting the 1 year!!

Just realised my blog is 1 year old!! Woohoo!!

A bit o'music for a funkin' good Friday!

Thanks for reading! Here's to lots more posts this year! x

I Dreamed a Dream....

....of Haute Couture!!

Have you been watching the live streaming of the Haute Couture SS13 shows in Paris?? I really hope so.

I have to confess (as previously stated not being a fashion pro...) that I have really only previously skimmed through the Paris Couture shows. Yes, yes, shocking I know.
This time round has been different for me for some reason. I have taken a lot more notice of each show.
I am not even a huge Chanel fan, however I was mesmerised by the show. I've always admired Karl's work but something about the slightly sinister but graceful display of genius craftsmanship, completely grabbed me (plus the distracting thought as to why Rita Ora was sat on the front row. hhhm...) Just the set alone, which the Chanel shows are renowned for, was so ethereally beautiful. I think it was the high-rise trees staring down at the twig-like models that did it for me! It was actually a very simple set (compared to previous Karl extravaganza's) however very bold and striking.

Then there is Valentino. Again not a huge fan but when it comes to Haute Couture it cannot be ignored. It stood out to me as a definitive Haute Couture collection. Every piece was extremely special and that is what you expect when it comes to these collections. Check out the exquisite detail on the dresses below. I love love love the shape of the white floor length gown and if you would ever want to be seen in a jaw dropping red dress, that has to be at the top of the list!

It was another enchanted evening when it came to Raf Simon's collection for the house of Dior. Raf continues to step up to the challenge as Galliano's predecessor and it is clear he is not a man to doubt, even when it comes to couture. This was a more modern and "Simon's simplistic" take on a Couture collection which may have its criticisms, however the essence of the classic french couturier craftsmanship was still evident throughout.

Another exciting addition to the couture fashion week was Maison Martin Margiela. They are brand new to this section of fashion and as usual they had their own take on the meaning of couture. Using previous designs as inspiration the fashion house's individuality exploded down the catwalk from the get go. Masked models took their first strides in paint stroked dresses and finished off with feminine beaded silks. Maybe not your usual couture outfits but definitely something different and worth taking note of.

Hundreds and, in most cases, thousands of hours are put into the production of these individual stunning couture outfits and there is of course a price that comes with them!! But why not I say. Ok, there is not a chance in hell that I would be able to afford a piece of couture like the ones on the catwalk but I don't judge couture for its prices. When there is this amount of detail, time and effort put into each piece, it can't be anything but extortionately expensive. The kind of women who are there at the shows are there to buy a piece of history and I believe some of these SS13 collections are providing them with that.

So there we have it. I decided to go with my first proper post of 2013 as being devoted to the beauty of the fashion world that is Haute Couture. It deserves it right? I think so. Check out the live streams of the shows and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

(photos courtesy of vogue.co.uk)

Getting Back My "Fashion Groove"!

Well there isn't really any point in me apologising for the lack of writing on this blog recently.
I apologised a few times at the end of 2012 and I'm not quite sure what happened...hhmm...
All I can say is, 2012 was probably one of the fastest moving years of my life!! Where did it go?!

Aaaannyway I won't bore you with excuses. I have decided to get back on with it and fire up that fashion spark again (some new clothes in the sales have definitely helped! :p).

I'm not going to go straight into a fashion focused post as I have a few decisions to make on where to start. What should my first fashion post of 2013 be about...? Paris Couture (wow!), the sales (hhmm depressing..?) or something completely random like a new brand (& Other Stories perhaps?) Well we shall see what brain comes up with I guess!

To start off though I want to get a bit of new music back on here. Ok they aren't THAT new but new to my playlist and I have a feeling they will be on repeat for quite a while. Not majorly upbeat but I think the guy has a great voice and plus the name of the band is pretty topical right now!
So here we are. I introduce, Snowmine.

and a bit of an acoustic sesh...