Twelfth Night

If you're going to have an epiphany, it may as well be on Twelfth Night!

So pull down your Christmas tree, recycle the cards and scoff those festive left-over chocolates...

Grey upon grey

Grey with a chance of sunshine was this morning's forecast... which meant grey upon grey layering of wool and a pair of vintage sunglasses. Even the trees are grey... a small but perfect cluster of Betula pendula (silver birch). The dress with the quirkiest, extra-set of sleeves, tied afront, is by Dolce & Gabbana; a cardi by Nicole Farhi; a frock-style coat by Marni; and yet another coat: a mid-century vintage one from the cathedral city of Canterbury. The double-bobbled faux-fur bag by British-brand, Dents, brings a different hue and the Menorcan-based Mascaró leather boots, from Stella C, cry out metallic! The weather folk got it almost right today... did I?

Isabel Marant pour H&M

Last night saw an exclusive shopping event preview: Isabel Marant pour H&M collection, in London's West End. The world, and his best-dressed wife, were out and about in H&M's store on Regent Street, sipping champagne, munching canapés, listening to DJs and making early-bird purchases. To the event, I wore the fakest of furs from the '70s; red leather trousers, featured in 'Double Leather' and 'Artists' Open House'; a pair of Ras boots; and an African woven bag, my latest find from favourite charity, St Christopher's Hospice.

Decoratively Battersea

It is once again that time of year: a trip to The Decorative Antiques & Textile Fair, in Battersea Park. The thrice-yearly event is always a feast for the discerning decorator looking to source unusual English and European antiques and collectables. On my last visit, in January, I wore this snugly sophisticated '60s faux-fur and leather navy coat from vintage store, Cornucopia, in Pimlico. Gerry's wonderful emporium closed down a few years ago on Tachbrook Street, but all my purchases are certainly going strong.  A suitably decorative mini-skirt from Paul Smith adds interest, whilst a simple silk shirt from Adolfo Dominguez enriches the colour, in coat and vintage bag, as does the mustard fur. The hand-made earrings on wood are part of The Start Collection from Frase Design, a Sussex-based enterprise whose inspiration is taken from great works of art. This pair comprises details taken from a painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

http://www.decorativefair.com/
http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/uk-en/shop/
http://www.adolfodominguez.com/uk/
http://www.frasedesign.com/category.php?id_category=1
http://www.frasedesign.com/product.php?id_product=55