Tuesday 30 June 2009

Hair: My favourite Afro-Divas

Vicky Boateng

Sophie Theallet

Lily Taylor

Shirley Selase

Julia Jamois

V

Jessika M'Bengue

Imani Coppola

Sandy Lamb

Siham and Iman Hashi

Sana Soegaard Belal

Thais Dos Santos

Nana Dene

Sophie Okenedo

Uruaku

Adwoa Aboah

Betsie Dsane

Sabina Karlsson

Feleg Abraha

Mica Paris

Vanessa Fonseca

Kelis

Thelma Golden

Teyana Taylor

Faustina Agolley

Milka Loff Fernandes

Monica Watkins

Luciana Mello

Elza Soares

Dija

Dara Marinho

Crystal Anderson

Bettina MCabe

Alannah Xavier

Words of Wisdom: Joan Rivers


"I don't exercise. If God wanted us to bend over he'd put diamonds on the floor." Joan Rivers

Fashion: Tatty Devine 4 Peaches



I loves Peaches. She is such a busy, busy bee [note, her writing [she does the Evening Standard's problem page], her fashion [PPQ etc], her night life zzzzzzZZZZ -and her music] -anyway, our favourite 'rock 'n' roller' has collaborated with one of my faves, -Tatty Devine and created these lovelies (above). Her new album, 'I Feel Cream' is out now. www.tattydevine.com

Fashion: 80's Purple








I'm a bit funny about 80's flash-ion. Sometimes I really love it -but I have...errrm... kind of, hated it [tire of it] -of late (all I have to do - is step outside of my front door and I'm bombarded with 'Baaaaaad 80's, 'poly-stretchy-horrors'. But that was before I found, '80's Purple'. This fabulous website is a good antidote for all those yukky over-exposed, cheapo, 'jagger-jagger-my-mate-Shaz-has-one-so-I-must-get-one' -gear, spilling out of 'Dull' shops at present. The 80's Purple website is its full of edgy; sexy, on trend stuff, -and is more, 'Sheena Easton' -and less 'Toyah' Willcox -emmm. Just check out; Insight's cotton jersey, 'Women's Sparkle Motion Dress' (Faded Fluro). This printed v-neck tee dress with contrast side panels and cut out shoulder detail is so hot. ($58.00). And who would have thought that 'La Lohan' was a talented designer? Her crazy-sexy, '6126 by Lindsay Lohan - Zebra- Print' ski-pants [to us] and stirrup [to them] are fabulous ($72.00). I loves this website -where else can you buy innovative designs like; Toms [Vegan Friendly], 'Women's Wrap Boot (Grey)' -ideal for chunky ankles -like mine (For every pair of you purchase, TOMS will give a pair to a child in need -$98.00). I'm also loving these, '80%20 Women's Molly' [Natural] canvas and leather open toe hidden wedge -they have something of the Vivienne Westwood about them ($116.00). Feast your eyes on, Han Cholo's 'Ghettoblaster Necklace (Baby Vermeil)' -it is blingtastic ($255.00) -and Bijules, 'Mini-Curved Bar Ring (14k Vermeil)' -how sexy are they? ($229.00). For more fabulous-ness visit: http://www.80spurple.com

Friday 26 June 2009

Objects of Desire: Miu Miu Sequin Platform Pumps



£514 www.net-a-porter.com

Home: Crockery -an inspired life










I don't know about you, but I no longer buy anything for my home unless it's 'special'. Yes, it has to be functional and beautiful (a la William Morris); -but it must also be, 'built-to-last' and delight and inspire me. Because gone are the [wasteful] days of old -when you could afford to buy cheap bits and bobs [that last for a few months -and then need replacing etc]. The 'crunch' demands discipline, ethical, sustainable and sensible purchasing, -conspicuous consumption is died folks. Good sold furniture from local auctions, charity shops, antique shops and car boot sales along side a few choice 'new' pieces -is more appealing than a house bursting with 'flat pack' consumables. Caution, good cheap furniture can be addictive. Know your [home's] needs (they are different from your wants), -and if you are patient, -your interiors will speak to you and tell you what it needs, -because a Victorian semi has very different needs to a 70's tower block. It is also important to know your style, the size of the room -because if you don't know the aforementioned, you stand -to waste money and time. Also, a house full of clutter is a house full of clutter but a warm home, lovingly filled with a few choice pieces of furniture; books, art, plants and lovely crockery, is the most successful.

I love my crockery, but this hasn't always been the case. After I left home, I became a bit of an Ikea junkie (and whilst I still love Ikea and still buy their homeware) -I now prefer a mixture of old, new and eclectic -crockery [I can't stand that matchy, matchy look -and feel that a yummy mix of different plates -looks best]. Because, crockery like your clothes -should reflect your personality, -be stylish and inspired. Remember, style is life -and even the humble toast taste better when eaten off a statement plate. I have many different styles of crockery -but I refuse to be precious about them [life is too short blah blah] -and my four year old also uses them and enjoys them.

As I stated before -I favour a more eclectic mix of new (LSA and Linea from the House of Fraser), the classic (Royal Albert's Old Country Roses tea set, Wedgwood pieces and some hand painted delicate pieces etc) and Retro and collectibles pieces (like my 50's Midwinter collection, 60's floral pieces by Meakin, Hornsea tea caddy set and uber pieces like -the 'Sunflower set -above). Enjoy my collections above -and be inspired. If you have pictures, or know of any fantastic place(s) to buy fabulous crockery -let me know [it is a passion of mine] at: paulina_448@hotmail.com.......