I love Lily

Lily Allen played her second night at the O2 Brixton Academy on Saturday the 28th November and I toddled along to see her with my Dad, my 16 year old sister and my 19 year old brother. With all her swearing, smoking and sexual innuedo ranting I did wonder if it was gonna be a suitable family outing event, but with her sweet London charm, Lily had something to offer each one of us.

Bounding on stage in a nude coloured embellished tunic dress, seductive over the knee House of Holland tights and a super sleek bob wig, she opened up her show with the brutally honest 'Everyone's At It'. As she glided from song to song it was interesting to see how this 5'1 giggling, 24 year old managed to flirt succesfully with the whole audience. Offering and pouring hardcore fans from the front row pints of Guiness, she danced and sung her way through a variety of hits from her first and second albums.

Looking to the audience for a little singing help with 'Smile' (a song she openly says she is bored of), a Drum & Bass beat broke through the familiarity of the pop classic and on came Professor Green, the South London MC. My heart literally soared as together they performed an updated version of the Beats International hit, 'Dub be good to me.' It was a perfect tribute to the 1980s revival that is so of-the-moment.

Returning to the stage for the encore she changed into a hot pant style jumpsuit and her third wig of the evening. Her use of wigs really caught my attention. It's almost like the loud mouth, opinionated Lily Allen of old has now decided to don a public stage persona. With her recent announcement that she is a 'Neo-luddite', it could be she is just concentrating on the performance element of her persona. I think Lily is growing up right before our eyes, I doubt we'll hear all about her dislike of Cheryl Cole or Katy Perry anymore, I think she keep those kind of thoughts private. It's as if she's learnt it's what gets her in trouble.

As she wrapped up the show with the ultimate payback song 'It's not fair', the whole crowd (included the wounded boys) sung out loud and proud. Overall the show was a success my only criticism would be at times the sound drowned out her delicate and ever-so slightly fragile voice. As she showered the audience with silver and gold confetti, I got the feeling this Chanel muse is well on he way to becoming a mature and accomplished UK artist as well as the voice of a generation.

My Goa dream

I've just returned from a weeks holiday in Goa and I have to say, India has captured my imagination. I learnt how to wear a sari, ate with my dinner with my fingers, swam with elephants, got robbed blind my ladies on the beach and walked down the street minus my make-up.

What caught my fashion eye the most was the array of stunning colours. There is literally something to look at everywhere you go. From the hundreds of dogs that randomly roam the streets  to the green that the rain brings, the beauty is all around.

Here are my colours from India:

Just a thought...

"Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Mad for Manoush

I was kindly invited to the lovely my-wardrobe.com SS10 press day and spotted this frothy little number from French label Manoush. And when I say spotted I mean ran across the room, past the canapes and almost into a Vogue editor. Oh good.

Anyway.

I've have a big a soft spot for Manoush and the selection the brilliant buyers at my-wardrobe.com have bought into for the summer scene are a feast for my eyes. It a wonderful mix of pretty pieces with signature intricate charm-filled detailing.

This dress is guaranteed to make me feel like a beautiful fairy (lifelong dream). All I need now is for Ray Winston to call me 'Princess' and I'll keep smiling. I think I'm going to wear it with a chunky cardigan, messy hair and some biker boots.

Just call me Rock Chick Barbie.

http://www.my-wardrobe.com/manoush.html

Luella I love you.

Two days ago my heart broke a little bit.


Luella Bartley has revealed that her Luella fashion label has ceased trading. Club 21, the London-based global license has pulled out of the brand, which it has backed since 2003. In a joint statement, VSQ Limited, the subsidiary of Club 21, had reluctantly ‘taken the decision not to invest further in its relationship with Luella Bartley Limited.’ Bartley added: 'This is a very disappointing situation for everyone involved with the brand… I very much appreciate the support that VSQ has given me, but it is upsetting not to be able to protect jobs in this difficult economic climate. We have a number of options open to us, and are considering these over the coming months.'



The spring summer 2010 collection will never grace a shop floor. Urgh I really dislike the current economic clmate, it hurts. The Luella brand always appealed to me. The bright colours, the kooky detailing, the links that are incorporated into the designs that show-off Luella's love of the English countryside.



I am going to treasure every Luella piece I own, SS08 you had me at hiya. I can't even write anymore. Get another backer fast. Please see below.

FTBC on the QT

There's nothing I like more than a good charity party; I get to don my highest heels, paint my lips the brighest colour and strut my stuff in a slinky dress all while doing a good deed.
One of my favourite charites Fashion Targets Breast Cancer has announced an exclusive one-off gig; FTBC On The QT to be held at The Proud Galleries on November 11th. Hosted by style icon Pearl Lowe with performances from Sophie Ellis Bextor and new band The Cheek, it's a guaranteed feel-good night of fashion and music. If that wasn't enough Ben Grimes will be hitting the decks after to get you on the dance floor. So give a little to a worthy cause and get ready to dance the night away with the cream of the fashion crop. I can't wait!

Tickets are £30 each so go to www.ftbcontheqt.com and get your hands on one of the limited number available.

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer® is licensed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America / CFDA Foundation, Inc., USA.

While it's cold outside...

I am dreaming of the S/S10 collections. This catwalk look from the gorgeous Alexander Wang has me holding my breath.

The Asymmetric detailing, the khaki colour, the ties at the front, the hareem-esque trousers and the chic roll at the hem are all something I want a piece of.

BIG SIGH.

Desperate for Disaya

Whilst feasting on the delights of the press days, I spotted a stunning jewellery collection from award-winning Central St Martin's graduate Disaya Sorakraikitikul. My heart literally lept into my mouth when I saw the upcoming styles. Bright, fun and full of character I pretty much want everything.

Stocked at Harrods, Harvey Nicholls, ASOS and Spoiledbrat.co.uk, I actually can't stop thinking about the  the 'Yes' bangle! Oh dear, I feel a major splurge coming on.

http://www.disaya.com/

Just a thought...

"An Ounce Of Loyalty Is Worth A Pound Of Cleverness"

Elbert Hubberd

As spooky as I go!

I'm not really a Halloween fan, I just don't really get it. I don't mind treating the little kiddies to bundles of sweeties but that's about as far as I'll go.

I do however totally adore this slightly perverse photoshoot from Richard Avedon. The thought provoking and absurd love story between German model Nadja Auermann and her deceased husband is beautifully bizarre and in typical Avedon style, exquisitely documented.

Meet Mr & Mrs Comfort: