London Fashion Week - Day 1

London Fashion Week is here. The pitter-patter of stilettos fills the air, the outrageous meets the down-right strange and the city is at its sartorial  best.

Here's how I welcomed in LFW Spring/Summer '11:

Animal print top: Zara; Cardi: H&M (a long, long time ago); Dress: Topshop; 

Boots: Dune; Bag: Luella, Necklace: Agatha

Yes, I left the house at 7.30am wearing thigh-high boots. I didn't think this was a problem until I realised that a lot of white van drivers are also setting off on their days at that time too. Big problem actually. I felt more like I was doing the walk of shame than heading off to feast of fashion.

Anyway, I'm changing for this evening, so all those yucky men can keep their mouths closed now!

Show 1: Paul Costelloe

Really, really pretty and feminine dresses... Beautiful fabrics and textures... Structure and shape to die for. I was pleasantly surprised!! Lighting - sadly not so good for my photos...

So you see, feminine, flirty and totally wearable. I'm a huge fan of the peplum so I'm over the moon that they are coming back!

Also - messy beehives and bright pink lipstick...OH YES! OH YES! OH YES!

Show 2: Maria Grachvogel

I don't want to sound like a bitch, but I'm going to. I was left totally uninspired and unexcited by this show. It's pretty much the same as last season, except with a different colour palette. Woohoo. Not. However through the blah-ness, there were a couple of pieces I quite liked.

These canary yellow shorts could add impact to a wardrobe.

Obviously you won't be seeing me going out of the house with that much flesh exposed (well, not that bit of flesh exposed anyway), but thought this look had a mature sexiness to it.

There's a video to come - I just need to figure out how exactly I do that!

Show 3: Bora Aksu

Best bit of this show?

THE Hilary Alexander sitting on the floor!!! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Snaps to her though - she came in late and insisted she sit there so as not to make any commotion. Other editors would have stormed straight through!

This collection was a bit creepy-crawly for my liking...quite literally bugs everywhere!

Clothing-wise it wasn't really my cup of tea but I did find a few pieces that I thought were pretty strong.

So you see, cool separates. When i get the vid up you'll see what I mean about the rest.

Ok, break over - got to get back to it.

Laters!

Bertie's bootlicious new shop

Bertie. Ring a bell? Oh yes, the shoes.

Well, that was my reaction anyway. I haven't paid much attention to the brand for the past few years as I began to find it a bit bland (sorry!).

Anyway, last night I was invited to an event at the new Bertie store on South Molton Street and boy was I surprised! Bertie's got kinda cool.

That's the new campaign, presented in a newspaper style booklet. I like the retro vibe...though I'd like to see more of the shoes themselves. I'm always a sucker for a bit of black and white.

After I had my nails painted by a lovely girl from 'Models Own' (priorities first obvs!)...

(I'm all about the natural-ish colours right now)

...I had a nosy around the store and here are my three faves from the current collection:

Well, I love patent, I love high and I love statements. Therefore these wedge booties are perfect. The only thing I don't like about them, is that they didn't have my size. Boo!

I love an over-the-knee boot and something I've been advised that I need to invest in is flats, so these are the perfect solution in my eyes. I reckon they could be made to look really chic but also grungy too. Chameleon boots - I like it!

 

These are pretty cool too, don't you think? Rough with a soft edge.

Guess which ones I went for...

And a close up...

I'm actually quite surprised that I chose these as they aren't very me, but coupled with the fact that they were one of few pairs in my size and that I felt like giving my wardrobe a bit of kick up the back-side, I'm pretty happy with them. I think they'll add some much needed interest to my wardrobe!!

Thanks Bertie!

Shop for Bertie here.

New York Fashion Week, Part 2: It's a white out!

You don't often see a trend emerge so soon, after all New York Fashion Week is only just rounding off, but it has become very clear already what we'll be wearing next Spring/Summer.

Ladies, get rid of mucky children and messy men, for next year we will all be dressed head-to-toe in WHITE. Be afraid, be very afraid!

There's no getting away from it. Look at the abundance of designers already channeling this look...

 

Alexander Wang, normally the master of darkness, is backing white for next summer

 

BCBG Max Azria takes the casual cool route

 

Carlos Miele adds a bit golden glamour to his white canvas

Carolina Herrera shows that white can be very. very chic

Doo.Ri goes for an urban edge

 

Edun gives us a relaxed vibe

Max Azria makes me want to book my summer holiday NOW!

Ruffian's white is smart and sophisticated

Thakoon gives white some structure

I'm actually quite excited about all this white, shame we've got to wait so long!!

Brother Gym's birthday bash

Yesterday saw my little brother turn the ripe old age of 25. Gulp! Miss Magpie is beginning to feel old.

In order to celebrate this milestone birthday, the whole family were treated to a slap-up lunch at Hibiscus - a fabulous 2 Michelin star restaurant hidden behind London's Regent Street.

My wardrobe choice for this special day was very important. With an eight course tasting menu, I needed to look chic but feel comfortable, as my waistline was bound to expand during the day!

I opted for this Anna Sui belted dress, accessorised with a pair gold snakeskin Jimmy Choos, burgundy Mawi snakeskin clutch bag and a Dsquared2 gold necklace. I really love the print and colour of the dress and since I haven't worn it in yonks, I thought it deserved an outing.

Interestingly, my little bro and Daddy Magpie went for the same look as each other:

Don't they look handsome? Perhaps a little nightclub bouncer, but only at the classiest establishment of course! Very smart.

Now to the meal. My favourite course? The amuse-bouche.

Strawberry fizz with a pineapple foam, dusted with basil and containing a popping surprise. As we swallowed the contents of the glass, like a shot, these large pineapple flavoured bubbles exploded in our mouths. Sensational!

In fact, the whole day was sensational. Happy Birthday, lil' bro.

FYI My little brother, also known as Brother Gym, is a fabulous writer, personal trainer and blogger. Check out his fantastic blog right here.

New York Fashion Week, Part 1

I may have only just told you about the new Autumn/Winter season, but this month, fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris are focusing on Spring/Summer 2011! I know that feels like a lifetime away, but in the fashion world, that's like tomorrow.

The circuit starts in NYC and though there have only been a few shows so far, I've been majorly excited by one in particular: Peter Som.

It is seriously girly and ultra pretty. Having just been renamed Charlotte from SATC (apparently that's what settling down does for you) - I was previously known as Carrie - I am totally loving the feminine vibe.

My fave looks from Peter Som SS'11 are:

I love the bright colours, the simplicity of shape and the detail of the ruffle neckline.

This is so 'naughty but nice'. I adore it! Floral shorts with a matching little boob top - so retro. The grey cardigan tones it down (i.e. makes it less slutty) and makes it a totally wearable look.

Like that? Well that's just a taster. There's much more to come from the catwalks this month..

The DAILY MAIL and MY feature

** READ ALL ABOUT IT ** READ ALL ABOUT IT **

Miss Magpie writes for the Daily Mail's Femail section.

The ultimate commission: The editors at Femail ask Miss Magpie to compile an A to Z of Autumn/Winter trends.

Yes dear readers, yesterday saw my name on a double page spread in the Daily Mail.

It was so incredibly exciting to open the paper and see all the hard work of the last week looking so fabulous across a double page in the country's most popular newspaper! Yes, I did buy five copies.

And there's my name!!! (Come on - you didn't think my real name was Miss Magpie did you?!?!)

Then, the excitement was doubled as my feature made it on to the Daily Mail website. Have a look at it HERE, so you can see exactly what you should be wearing this season.

As you can see from my recent shopping trip, I'm working my way through the list:

A is for Animal Magnetism...TICK (Zara leopard print top)
D is for Dramatic Accessories...TICK (Butler & Wilson jewellery)
E is for Easy Rider...TICK (Zara leather skirt)
O is for Over-the-knee Boots...TICK (Dune thigh-high boots)

What I would like next:

S is for Shearling Jacket
T is for Trekking in Style

But to be honest, I think (if I could) I'd get it all!!

WHAT ITEMS ARE ON YOUR WISH-LIST?
Let me know what takes your fancy this season.

Miss Magpie goes shopping...

As you may know it was my birthday last weekend, so Mummy Magpie thought she would welcome in my new year with a spot of shopping. Well, actually, quite a lot of shopping!

We thought we'd hit Vogues Fashion Night Out - discounts, champers and a possible celeb spotting. What's not to like?

First stop: Browns, South Molton Street

OMG - I fell head over heels in love with this beauty! All was going well, until I looked at the price tag. This is not an impulse buy...this is a real investment. One I wasn't quite ready to make on the night, but one I may consider when the sound of the wedding bells is drawing closer!

FYI its Alexander McQueen and it'll set you back a mere £930. If your bank balance is higher than mine, you can buy it here. I promise you won't regret it (how could you - it's exquisite) and if you do buy it, perhaps you can let me borrow it some time??!

I had to make a swift exit from Browns as my credit card was in severe danger of being maxed out - Browns stocks some of the most beautiful items I have ever seen.

Stop two: Butler & Wilson, South Molton Street

With sparkly jewellery fixed firmly in my mind, we moved on to Butler & Wilson. Miss Magpie was in heaven! Surrounded by so many sparkles it feels like I'd found my sartorial home.

I tried on a lot. I drank a lot of champagne (thank you B&W). I bought these:

Oh my... How I love thee. As the queen of statement jewellery, I wanted to go for something a little more grown up and refined for a change. I think I found the perfect balance of statement and elegance.

Check out the Butler & Wilson website here. I want EVERYTHING!!!

A dinner and a sleep later, the shopping continued...

Shop three: Zara

Taking heed of this season's hottest trends (and there's another post coming on that in a second), I was very excited when I saw these fab pieces.

A lovely silk leopard print top that I'll be able to wear with anything! There was no doubt in my mind when I spotted it (geddit?!), that I had to have it!

Next came a brown leather skirt. I've been looking for the perfect leather number for some time now, but didn't want to spend a fortune on one, so I was so happy to find this beaut at the purse-friendly price of £59.99. Perfect!

Check out Zara's brand spanking new website here.

A quick lunch stop

All that shopping had our tummies rumbling, so Mummy Magpie treated me to a rather fine lunch of champagne and oysters at the Selfridge's food hall. It was exquisite. Thank you!

Shop four: Dune, Selfridges

With jewellery and clothes sorted (and tummies filled), I decided that my final purchase should take care of my feet. I've been wanting a pair of thigh high boots for a while now, so when I tried these babies on in Dune, I knew they had to be mine!

They are not only totally on-trend, the ultimate statement-makers and utterly chic...they are oh-so comfortable. You don't often get all those requirements in one shoe, so I was sold instantly. And for £110, I think they are pretty bargain-tastic! Have a look at more goodies here.

And there the shopping trip ended. Sigh.

Just enough time to pop home, put my glad-rags on and meet my beau for a slap-up meal in honour of  date night and my birthday (I think I have now officially dragged it out for as long as humanly possible!).

We went for a lovely meal at the Paramount Club (at the top of the Centre Point building), so I took the opportunity to debut one of my new necklaces:

A simple little dress is all you need when you have such bling hanging around your neck!

The perfect accessory: Roseberry champagne cocktail. With rose, lychee and champagne filling the glass, my taste buds were going wild. It was so delicious I had to have two.

And the icing on the cake? A beautiful view over London at sunset.

Miss Magpie is feeling very spoiled and loved. Thank you all xxx

Help the aged!

Question: How old is Miss Magpie?

Answer: Miss Magpie is one year older than she was last week. And that's all you need to know.

Here I am, celebrating with my fabulous friends, with the obligatory paper birthday hat. I think it sets off my McQ jumpsuit no end. You'll be seeing them all over the catwalk next season, trust me.

Birthday celebration No. 1:

Cocktails at the London Cocktail Club followed by more cocktails and some food at Wahaca, Covent Garden.

Porn star martini: I know is doesn't sound very chic, but it tastes fabulous. Passion fruit, vodka, some other stuff and then a shot of Prosecco on the side. The reason for its name, and I quote, "because you can have it anyway you like." Cringe!

Just as I was finishing off my third cocktail, my bestie showed up laden with pressies! Yipee!

First came an engagement present - let's not forget that this was my last birthday as a 'Miss':

A personalised love heart towel. AMAZING!!! If you don't know about my love for cheesiness, you haven't been doing your reading properly!

Then, for my birthday surprise, she's made this cushion cover for me. I heart the fabric naturally, but am actually far more impressed with her sewing machine skills. Sisi G is a very clever girl!! Thank you!

Before we get on to the second installment, I wanted to show you why I spent the evening suffering from a terrible case of jewellery envy:

While the boys were drooling all over Neha (my cousin), I was busy eying up the gorgeous pink flowers adorning her neck. They are from Butler and Wilson, where I'm heading to pronto.


Birthday celebration No.2:

Dinner and cocktails at Beach, Blanket, Babylon in Shoreditch.

As this was the day of my actual birthday, my beau surprised (and spoiled) me with a gorgeous pressie:

Ok, I know that's a paper watch, but the real thing is winging its way over from New York. My new TAG Carrera will actually look like this:

Aren't I a lucky, lucky girl?! This watch will last me a life time, that's for sure.

Since the day started with sparkles, I thought it should end with them too, so I gave my Yves Saint Laurent black sequin trousers their debut outing:

I've been holding on to these beauts for a while, waiting for the perfect occasion to take them on their first outing. Oh, how I love thee...

There we have it. Another year bites the dust. Here's hoping the following year brings much happiness, love and a bloody brilliant wedding. Fingers crossed.

Avi and Sam tie the knot!

Miss Magpie's wedding season is not over just yet - I must be at that age!

Last weekend saw the magnificent marriage of my beautiful school friend Avital to her teen sweetheart, Sam. Don't you just love a happy ending!

Alas, my trip to Hong Kong co-oincided with Avi's big day (you have no idea how upset I was not to be there) so for once, like you, I shall have to experience it vicariously through these stunning pictures.

Choosing Tel Aviv, Israel, as the setting for their big day, the gorgeous couple danced the night away with a bevvie of sunkissed beauties, their overjoyed family and a hell of a lot of love surrounding them.

Let me present to you the absolutely gorgeously beautiful bride, Avital. Look at the train on that dress! I'm sure you'll agree she looked simply breathtaking.

How pretty is the back of the dress?! I've never seen a wedding gown quite like it - I love how beautifully symbolic the tied knot is... Well done Avi.

And the hair. The hair! So, so classic, just the way it should be. Going for a timeless up-do means you'll never have that cringe-making moment ten years down the line when fashions have changed (yes, people did actually think their '80's perms looked good!) - something I have been told over and over again recently.

That pic is just because I want to show off how absolutely beautiful my friend Avi is! Sam - you are a very lucky man!

Now for the bridesmaids...

It must be so scary to be a bridesmaid, not knowing what monstrosity you are going to have to don for the big day. Well, Avi's gorge sisters (Natasha, left and Michal, centre) and new sister-in-law (Jasmine, right) need not worry! I really love this look. It being a wedding in the sun, I think these floral maxis set the perfect tone. You look lovely girls!

Oh fiddlesticks! How upset am I that I missed this totally glam affair:

CONGRATULATIONS AVITAL AND SAM!!!

Love Miss Magpie xxx