Last Week in Pictures

Starbucks cards for the press before Fashion Week

A quick cuddle with Poppy, the office dog

'Wardrobe admin' - an extensive delicates hand washing session 

A selection from Topshop, Primark, Agent Provocateur, b.tempt'd, Huit, Elle MacPherson and Lascivious.

What I call my Dorothy Shoe nails - Barry M red with several coats of red glitter on top.
Always prompts compliments.

Venue searching for an upcoming party.  Shaka Zulu in The Stable Markets, Camden.
A breathtaking location and perfect for our African themed collection launch.

Carvings, sculptures and African fabrics.

Taking in a show at Somerset House

Cocktails and cigarettes at Tom's Terrace

Embankment by night

Putney by morning

A new canvas tote from Mulberry

Sweet treats from my housemate's boyfriend.  He is allowed to stay.

Top Coat

The coat - the socially acceptable way of keeping ones blanket round them to brave the cold.  I've flirted with the idea before but it never really stuck.  After a long term love affair with the jacket - leather, blazer, shearling, whatever - I had a fling with the ever-effortless parka.  I thought this was a perfectly good compromise but was informed that a coat really does have to keep you warm to earn its name.  Then last year, I was truly unfaithful with my first coat in years.  Thick black wool, the perfect length, an incredible cut and sumptuous leather sleeves.  'Mixed media' as fashion peeps called it.  That was it.  I knew this was to be an affair to remember.

So this year, as Autumn beckons, I envisage London in all its crisp, cold splendour, the golden, khaki, russet leaves on the ground (my fantasies never acknowledge the existence of rain) and me pounding the pavements hopefully in a great pair of ankle boots and opaques, and undoubtedly enveloped in a fabulous coat.  And I'm thinking I'm going to go military.  Something that shouts authority and demands 'atten-TION'.  Whilst I wait for my dream coat from Topshop Unique to drop online, I've pondered over the following army of outerwear.

All Saints

ASOS

Jack Wills

ASOS

French Connection

ASOS

The Kooples

ASOS

Urban Outfitters

Reiss

Whistles

Zara

There's No Place Like Home

#NYFW SS13 The Sequel

As we say hello to London, we say goodbye to New York.  A few more favourites of mine to conclude my overview.

Marchesa

At the resplendent and iconic location that is Grand Central Station, the designer 

duo went Eastern with their India inspired Spring Summer collection.   

Whereas Vera Wang did touches of the influence, Marchesa went all out and, 

of course, it was more black tie benefit than Bollywood. 

Cara Delevigne, the current queen of the catwalk, in frail golden leggings and a white gown.

A fabulous mini is instantly elegant with the addition of long sleeves and a high neck.

A sari in the most vivacious, flourescent fuschia. 

This beautiful, voluminous, tulle skirt is completely irresistible.

The most beautiful piece of jewellery I've spotted all week.

Marchesa shows that the midriff trend is going nowhere.

Whitney Eve

Ok, so it's not one of the heavyweights, but I'ma fan of pretty.  And pretty this collection is.
Just like the designer herself, the clothes are effortless, breezy and very LA.

Sunny, aqua blue was a principal colour.

Young and fresh body-con.

A vintage-inspired, flippy dress that can be dressed up or picked up off the floor, 

thrown on and be taken to Starbucks for a frappuccino.  

Perfectly mixed prints paired together with ease.

And again.

Finally, with a great little jacket.

Tory Burch

This is gorgeous work wear, weekend separates and evening wear for those who have property in The Hamptons.  Gingham, floral print both big and small, interesting dye work and bohemian jewellery.  

Please note, the dishevelled fishtail bunches are wonderful.  Just saying.

The prettiest faded-from-the-sun yellow with tiny little blossoms all over.  

The shape of the dress is so easy, the necklace so thrown-on.  One of my favourite looks.

Great for the office.

I. Love. This. Jacket.  The surprising element against this preppy, muted 

get up is the ethnic, pompom-laden bag in saturated brights

Girls look great in cricket jumpers.  Fact. This one's been given a girly makeover.

Layering of such cool, statement, almost homemade jewellery against a great dye print.

A great final look.  The ultimate all-American gives us an ethnic angle to work with.

'Eating your crusts makes your hair curly'

Really Mum?  'Cause I've eaten loads of crusts and it still hasn't worked on me!  Why do our mother's lie to us?  And I'm willing to bet that this model hasn't touched carbs in a bout a decade, yet look at her.  The most perfect curls at the Diane Von Furstenberg show.  Pass me the curling tongs.

Imagery - Vogue.com