Shopping

Object Of My Affection // Bot I Lam Kaba Splash Dress

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Image courtesy of Bot I Lam.

There is a fascination with modernization and the results of an assimilation of culture.

There is an intrigue about the how’s and why’s with reference to the meeting place of The West and elements of traditional Africa that never grows old.

Bot I Lam takes iconic traditional garment shapes from across the continent of Africa and attempts to translate them with simple structure in line with European silhouette.

It is an indeed an interesting manifesto. British designer Xaverie Bakemhe launched the label in 2007, taking rise from the translation of the traditional African Kaba dress style.

The designer is quoted as saying…

“With focus on traditional African Kaba dress, Bot I Lam modernises the free flowing shape lifting the hem and tailoring the silhouette in line with contemporary European trends. A translation of iconic African garment styles and a nod towards ethical fashion.”

Employing the use of cotton wax textile sourced in Cameroun’s Yaounde and independent tailors paid a fair wage, Bot I Lam celebrates fashion with a conscience.

This dress interpreting the African Kaba dress commonly worn across many countries in Africa (with minor variations), is today’s Object of My Affection.

More on the dress here.

Discover Bot I Lam here.

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The Shopping Basket // Winged Bag

Sunday, April 28th, 2013

Designers have gone winged (trapeze) bag crazy. If the bag significantly widens towards the top of it, then it is most likely a winged bag.
 
It all started with the YSL Downtown tote as designed by Stefano Pilati. Then Phoebe Philo at Céline really gave flight to the trend by designing the Trapeze tote which is notable for its dramatic winged sides. That bag took off and has never looked back. In its wake, it has inspired a flock of similarly winged totes by other fashion houses and brands. The high street was quick to catch on too. Here are three to inspire.
 
Giorgio Armani brings his understated and timeless elegance to the trend with this medium sized suede and leather tote. The fun part will be choosing what color pathway to chose.
Available on Luisaviaroma. More information here.
 
Topshop pare things back with this bone colored bag. With panels of suede and leather, it looks more expensive than it really is. A great option for the girl looking for a quality looking bag at a high street price point.
Available on Topshop. More information here.
 
Z Spoke by Zac Posen creates the perfect mix of vintage inspired bag shape meet modern finish. Mid priced, the Eartha Tote by Z Spoke by Zac Posen gives a definite nod to the past with the retro tote structure and handle whilst the hardware, winged sides and palette options bring it bang up to date.
Available on Neiman Marcus. More information here.
 
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Images: Polyvore
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Object Of My Affection // Nicholas Kirkwood x Peter Pilotto

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Image via Net-A-Porter.

The meeting place of Nicholas Kirkwood’s architectural vertiginous heels and the print meets high craft meets the sculptural duo that is Peter Pilotto keeps birthing lust inducing footwear.

The collage like hybrid mix of woven rope, silk twill, shiny patent leather and palette of print all come together to make for one statement pair of heels.

The collaboration is successful in that it stays true to both brands. It is at once classic and otherworldly as is the Peter Pilotto signature whilst exuding innovation with focus on craftsmanship which is Kirkwood, through and through.

More on the sandals here.

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The Shopping Basket // Gladiator Heels

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Gladiator sandals and heels are everywhere this summer thanks to the spring summer 2012 catwalks.
Here are four pairs to inspire. Are you for or against gladiators and will you be wearing them this summer?
 
Stuart Weitzman gives you a metallic option with metallic studs that is flat and kind to feet.
Available on Jildor. More information here.
 
Shakuhaci give off a 90′s feel with the wide strap at the front and the chunky mid height heel.
Available on The Iconic. More information here.
 
Gianvito Rossi lends an elegant touch to any look with this exquisitely crafted pair of gladiator heels.
Available on Net-A-Porter. More information here.
 
Jeffrey Campbell does a nude square toe gladiator.
Available on Lori’s. More information here.
 
Explore the other items in The Shopping Basket here.
 
Images: Lori’s | Net-A-Porter | The Iconic | Jildor
 
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Object Of My Affection // Kelly Love Beauty All Around Us Blazer

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Image courtesy of Kelly Love.

A great print is one that is memorable. The ‘Beauty All Around Us’ 100% silk blazer by Kelly Love is just as its name suggests.

The blazer is a perfect example of Love’s signature of beautiful fabrics and simple structure. The silk crepe adds a languid mood to the tailoring of the design.

I particularly like that there is a languidness inherent in this design that is common to every Kelly Love piece. A languidness which may be well be informed by Love’s Australian background. It would look just at home on a beach as it would in the city.

Retailing at £380, find more on the beautiful piece and the eponymous Kelly Love label here.

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Currently Crushing On // Karl Lagerfeld Watches At Boutique.Goldsmiths

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Launched on Boutique.Goldsmiths, high street jeweler Goldsmiths’ innovative concept store, this design from the Karl Lagerfeld watch collection caught my eye.
 
There is a asexuality about it that appeals. The 7 piece unisex collection by Karl Lagerfeld centers on stainless steel, metallic leathers with pyramid studs and bold chain detail.
 
The collection is available at Boutique.Goldsmiths
 
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Object Of My Affection // Christian Louboutin Chelita Boot

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

Image via Net-A-Porter.

Luxury meets Christian Louboutin’s interpretation of the classic motorcycle boot. The silver metal caps and buckles lend glamor to the gritty proocedings of the square toe industrial boot.

Add a friendly heel, the signature red sole and this makes the Chelita pretty perfect.

View them here.

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Current Crushing On // Duro Olowu for JCPenney

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

For their first designer collaboration JCPenney chose no other than the inimitable Duro Olowu. Style enthusiasts all over rejoice because JCPenney could not have made a better choice. The Nigerian-born British designer is celebrated for skillfully making beautiful clothes that embody a joyful juxtaposition of 70′s tailoring, rich texture and vibrant print.

Olowu’s (a favorite of Michelle Obama and Uma Thurman etc) collection for JCPenney consists of women’s clothing, shoes, a full line of accessories, home decor goods and stationary. The line is pure Olowu through and through; the clever mix of fabrics and textures, the timelessness (his clothes are not bound to fickle fashion seasons and flatter every woman no matter her age) the 70′s sensibilities and the joyful celebration of women.

For the collection the designer had the genius collaborate with other talent on certain elements; accessory queen Iris Apfel on the multi colored necklaces and bags and artist Bella Foster on the prints.

In stores and online in March (priced between $10-$100), JCPenney could not have chosen a better fashion designer for their first seasonal designer collaboration.

See more images from the Duro Olowu x JCPenney look book

More on Olowu here.

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The Shopping Basket // Faux Fur Coat

Sunday, January 27th, 2013

As the temperatures continue to drop, wrap up stylishly warm in a faux fur coat. Here are three to inspire.

Coast gives us a dressy option with this draped coat.                                                                                                                                                                     More information here.

 

Miu Miu has the perfect shag pile coat with this mohair and cotton blend. When it is miserable outside, that hue will bring the blue skies.
More information here.

 

Dorothy Perkins keeps things interesting with this multi tonal faux fur texture. Have fun wearing this worn with prints and texture.
More information here.

 

Images: Coast | Dorothy Perkins | Net-A-Porter

 

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Object Of My Affection // Maria Francesca Pepe Swarovski Chain-Link Heart Necklace

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Image via avenue32.com

Italian jewellery designer Maria Francesca Pepe is a pro at balancing the contradicting.  There is a continual juxtaposition of the soft and hard, pretty and the dark, masculine and feminine.

The silver cross with studs exudes toughness, whilst the heart is pretty and sweet.

Currently on sale for more than 70% off here.

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