Dressed and Pressed - fashion, shopping, style, shoes and stuff

Valentine's. It's all (red and pink) pants.

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:12:00 +0000

Guess what folks?! It's VALENTINE'S day soon. Got that? VALENTINE'S!!! Do you like what I've done there with the shouty caps, and the exclamation marks? Do ya? Do ya?? Welcome to my world, where I have been receiving emails and press releases plugging various bits of cheap, red/pink tat, since December. And now it's time for me to spread the love.

So hey, what have we here? Red foldable ballet pumps, you say? Floral jewelry? Red roses? Red lingerie? Why, how imaginative of you. How has no one ever thought of this before... Okay I can't keep up the pretense any longer. Dear world and his wife, I get it! Soon it will be Valentine's day. A day, apparently, of giving random red and pink things to the ones you love.

Some of the more random things, I've received?

Well step right up folks and observe the amazing red rose panties! Yes, you heard me. It's a pair of red knickers cleverly disguised as a rose. Perfect for simultaneously conveying your undying love while sneakily eliciting the possibility of a gratitude-shag. Lovely.

For the enviromentally conscious lover, why not give the gift that just keeps on giving? Light, that is. The one you love wants... An Ionic Bulb. Oh yes they do. Because who can deny the innate sexiness of 75% energy savings and a patented air purifying microchip? How do I love thee, let me count the dander...

Better still, why not "free your hands up for romance" with The Racktrap. This lovely Valentine's limited edition pouchette fit's snugly in your bra, so you you can put in all those pesky things that would usually go in a clutch like keys or loose change. Giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "shake your money maker."

You know what you could really, really do with this valentine's? What would really just make all your love come down? Pink Spanx. There. I said it. Pink. Spanx. You're welcome.

Seriously, though, you know who could use some love right about now? Haiti. Throw a fundraiser, sell some Valentine's hearts, do a bake sale, then give generously. Spread the real love. HERE. Thank you.

Spring awakening

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:24:00 +0000

I love musical theatre. I love it for all the reasons that people who hate musicals hate musicals - the spontaneous bursting into song, the dance routines, the costumes, Andrew Lloyd-Webber (okay, maybe not).

My love of musicals is the reason why I will still pick the old fashioned Disney 2d animations over those whizzy new Pixar ones anyday. If ain't got a singing Genie or Satyr then it's just not Disney, dammit! I am so glad to see that Disney has returned to it's roots with The Frog Prince and I can't wait to see it. My love of musicals is why I fell in love with Glee.

Anyway, this isn't a post about Disney. It's not even a post about musicals. It's a post about a musical, specifically Spring Awakening. I went to see it last year at the Lyric Hammersmith and it was A-mazing. I laughed, I cried, I ooh-ed, I aah-ed. The music was fantastic, the story was poignant but mostly I loved the costumes. The boy's costumes. They all dressed like this:

This is how I want to dress. Forever. The guy up there is Moritz. He was my favourite character in Spring Awakening because he got to sing all the kick-ass rock songs. And then he killed himself. Smell the teen angst! I have this postcard on my wall and everytime I look at it I want to go in search of knickerbockers and a fitted blazer.

This is how I would interpret the look:
It's all a bit Janelle Monae. Love this girl. Check out this vid:

Is it a dress, is it a jacket, is it a... hot mess?

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:47:00 +0000

You know me, I have love for the Margiela, and experimenting is never a bad thing, but I honestly don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling looking at this other than "I think I feel a migraine coming on..." or maybe more accurately "Well, someone did a raid of charity shops last week..."

Material Girl - So bad it's good

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:52:00 +0000

Clothes so bad they'd make a first year fashion student weep, more queens per square inch than a San Francisco gay pride parade, Dervla Kirwan playing a class A fashion bitch with more ham than a panto dame at a pig farmers' convention. It can only mean one thing: Material Girl, BBCs new fashion drama. It is dire. And I love it.

Ali Redcliffe (Leonora Crichlow)

The story centres around the trials and tribulations of ambitious, talented fashion designer Ali Redcliffe (Leonora Crichlow) and her various friends - all of whom also work in fashion. There've been 3 episodes so far and it's been drama after drama. It makes you wonder how she has time to design clothes at all.

Scary Davina Bailey (Dervla Kirwan)

Speaking of the clothes, if you've come to this programme expecting to see serious fashion eye-candy you've got the wrong show. Let's just say Sex and City it ain't. I'm not sure what sort of budget was assigned to this programme or what's happening in the BBC wardrobe department here but every time one of the actors looks at one of Ali's new "designs" and deadpans "it's beautiful!" it's like a moment in an alternate reality. Because, seriously? It really, really isn't and no amount of saying can account for the hideousness regularly confronting our eyes.

If, on the other hand, you were addicted to Hotel Babylon and you like your telly shows with more twists and turns than Footballers Wives at it's craziest, then pull up a comfy chair and a cuppa, this is an hour of your life worth wasting.

What do we think about... winter shorts

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:09:00 +0000

So amongst other fun things last weekend, I spent a leisurely pub lunch with K debating whether it is strictly necessary to wear shorts in the winter.

Let me just state for the record that I am in the pro corner here because, firstly - why the hell not? Who is this arbitrary fashion leader in the sky who has advocated that some bits of clothing are for one season and some for another? Surely as long as you are warm and comfortable then a pair of shorts can be worn whenever. Up to you really. But it would be a a crap debate if that was the end of the discussion.

So here are the cons, according to K, who by the way has legs for days so this is not one of those sour grapes debates where because you have fat thighs you decide that all skinny jeans are evil. They are not evil. Only for you, thunder thighs.

1. K says: Shorts are for the summer, they are for keeping you cool. They are a summer version of trousers.
I say: Shorts can be worn all year round, it just depends on what you're wearing them with. In summer you can wear them bare-legged with sandals, in winter you wear them with 3 layers of tights, woolly socks and and knee boots.

2. K says: Shorts in winter are as crazy as wearing a bikini over a poloneck sweater.
I say: *picturing a sunny yellow two-piece over a ribbed black poloneck* Heh! Heh heh heh... Hee! Stop it! They are not even in the same ball park my friend and you know it. But thanks for that mental image. I shall treasure it and pull it up for a giggle when times get bad.

3. K says: Why not just save yourself the aggro and just wear trousers?
I say: because I don't want to wear trousers. Trousers are not infinitely comfortable. In particular, trousers are not the greatest thing for cycling. You might think jeans would work on a cycle but here's the thing: skinnies are too tight and restrict blood flow to your legs, boyfriend jeans are too baggy and you risk getting the hems caught in the pedals and as for boot cut jeans - foggedabbouditt! Wide hems and tight at the top. Disaster. On the other hand, an easy pair of cutt offs over your many layers of leggings and tights and boots and socks is comfy and warm.

4. K says: I'm still not convinced. What about this?:
I say: Aaah! Get that thing away from me. What is wrong with you? I thought you were my friend. My eyes, my eyes!! *wail*. Basically we're talking about the dreaded Momsen effect. This is where you pile on all your winter woolies, as you do, this being winter and all, but just on the top half of your body and then pretend it's summer by wearing hot pants and lacy tights. Or in Taylor's case no pants at all that anyone can see. Again, this is different. I'm talking comfy shorts and your legs wrapped up in enough layers to keep them warm. I rest my case.

So, whose side are you on, winter shorts or... "shut up until summer, shorts!" ?

Lady Ga Ga called...

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:19:00 +0000

She wants her shoes back!

Image via Refinery 29

Apocalypse Now-ish

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Earlier on this week, I read on the Disney Roller Girl blog that ugly arse clogs were big news for summer. Judas Priest!

I had barely got over that particular shock when hot on the heels (cloggy, uncomfortable, ugly as pigshit, heels) comes the news from the Debenhams press office that come summer we will all be wearing... wait for it... Sweatpants. `

Yeah, you heard me. That last bastion of comfort dressing, the one thing you are guaranteed to meet a recent ex and his new girlfriend in while looking like a hot mess, is THE fashion item of the summer. Oh dear.

One of the highlights of my blogging life is receiving the odd press release from Debenhams. I love the Debenhams press office. I really do. They just pull together a load of sales figures and then just run with a story. They are fantastic. I will not hear a bad word said about them. Speak, oh wise gurus:

"The return of jogging bottoms as a fashion piece is great news. It’s undoubtedly the comfiest item of clothing in every woman’s wardrobe, and now it can be worn out to the shops, to a club or on a date! Our customers already seem to love this comfy style option, just like they did when leggings came back into fashion a couple of years back.” Um... Okay.

Upon further reflection, I realised that added to the fact that Nuclear Wintour has been spotted wearing jeans and flats for the first time ever, and - excuse my while I make a sign of the cross - smiling, this is a sure sign of Fashion Armageddon. It is the end of days y'all. We are all going to perish, clutching out green velour trackie bottoms and Vuitton clogs. DOOM!

I am imagining scenarios like this:
Just add the theme music from The Omen (Oh Fortuna) and a gratuitous shot of Sam and Dean (in towels!) and we are good to go. I just wish I could do whizzy things like flashing red eyes and knives dripping blood.

Feed me Feedburner!

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:21:00 +0000

Like the blogging world and his wife, I have a problem with my feeds. Basically Feedburner have seen fit to "disappear" my entire subscriber list, so if you haven't had any emails from me this morning, that's why. I don't know what's happening. I've tried to get some indication from Feedburner but that help group of theirs has got to be the most unhelpful help group ever.

I read that Michelle over at KoS is having the same problem and that she's been asked to pay. Shurely shome mishtake! I'll keep you, ahem, posted.

UPDATE: Problem's fixed. In that magical "I am Google, I am God, I don't have to explain anything to you. Minion!" kinda way. Whatevs. It' fixed.

Buy, buy, buy!

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:44:00 +0000

So, as I was saying. Lovely friends and readers are sending me information about designer sales stuff happening in London in the next couple of weeks. This list I got from Sahar an avid Dressed and Pressed reader as well as crazy mad lover of the sample sale. She is also bloody hilarious, so I though I'd share her list with you. Happy shopping, everyone!

What: Emma Cook
Why: Original show pieces and one off Samples shoes with up to 90% off retail prices, as well as a bargain rail with prices as £15 and under.
When: Fri 4 Dec 5pm-8pm, Sat 5 Dec 10am-6pm
Where: Shackwell Studios, 18 Shackwell Lane, London E8 2EZ

What: Ghost Winter Warehouse Sale
Why: Up to 90% off the party dress go-to, as well as knitwear and casuals, restocked every day
When: Today 11am-7pm, 4 December, 11am-7pm, 5 December, 11am-7pm, 6 December, 11am-5pm
Where: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11

What: Alexander McQueen Sample Sale
Why: I passed by the sale last time and the queue was as ridiculously long so the lesson is this thing gets packed and the kids in the queue are hardcore, so bring supplies. Stock does get replenished daily, and should include mens and womens treats!
When: Today 12pm-8pm, 4 December, 11am-7pm, 5 December, 10am-5pm
Where: The Westminster Room, The Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green, EC1

What: Christopher Kane Sample Sale
Why: Cashmere leopard print cardi and scallop edged skirt. With up to 50% off, this isn't one to be missed.
When: Today 5pm-9pm, 4 December: 11am-7pm
Where: The London Newcastle Project Space, 28 Redchurch Street, E2

What: Rainbow Wave Sample Sale
Why: Fantastic deals on designer collections: Peter Pilotto, Marios Schwab, Meadham Kirchhoff, Thierry Colson & Hannah Marshall from 70 % off
Great jeans: J Brand (from £25) and Current/Elliot (from £80)
Notify jackets from £25
Fab shoes: Marios Schwab from £50 & (SS10 show shoes £150)
Beautiful hand beaded headbands: Deepa Gurnani at £25 (from 60% off)
Luxury scarves: Dianora Salviati at £90 (from 75% off)
Hockley Fur - fur gilets & scarves from £200
Men’s – Shawn Collins cashmere sweaters. Esas Italian jackets from £30
Tonnes of stuff, so you will need time and patience
When: Today 12pm - 7:30pm, 4 December, 12pm - 6pm
Where: Rainbow Wave Showroom, 15 Flood Street, SW3

What: Osman Sample Sale
Why: He was the Darling of London Fashion week and for a reason, Browns and Liberty immediately began to stock him. Discounts on selected items by this London Fashion Week favourite.
When: Today 12pm-9pm, 4 December, 12pm-7:30pm, 5 December, 11am-5pm
Where:3 New Quebec Street, W1

What: Nicholas Kirkwood Sample Sale
Why: The King of fiercely platformed heels is offering some at up to 80% off - who are we to say no? I am definitely going to this one, hopefully someone will feed me in my lovely Kirkwoods!
When: 4 December, 12pm-7pm, 5 December, 10am-7pm.
Where: Swarovski Crystallised Lounge, 24 Great Marlborough Street, W1

What: The December DWS Womenswear sales
Why: Offers both current and past season stock at 60% - 80% off the retail price, featuring designers like Betty Jackson and Vivienne Westwood, Goat, Anne Louise Roswald and Future Classics.
When: 4th December, 10am-8pm, 5th December, 10am-6pm, 6th December, 11am-5pm
Where:5/6 Islington Studios, Thane Works, Thane Villas, N7
Cost: £2 Entry

What: Claire Tough Sample Sale
Why: The fashionista's go-to label for the coolest knitwear. Get this talented young designer's cashmere dresses and accessories for as little as a tenner!
When: 5 December, 11am-5pm
Where:Unit 3, 1A Mentmore Terrace, E8

What: Mackintosh Sample Sale
Up to 75% off RRp from this classic rainwear specialist. Hey we do live in the UK!
When: 7 - 8 December, 10:30am-6:30pm
Where:104 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1
Cost: Free Entry

What: Peter Jensen Sample Sale
Everyone's favourite bearer of the cutest bunny logo in town is having a sample sale, and we'll be first in line in hopes of bagging anything from THAT gorgeous cruise collection.
When: 11 December, 6pm-9pm, 12 December, 10am-6pm, 13th December, 12pm-4pm.
Where: Studio 1c, buzzer 4, 18-24 Shacklewell Lane, E8

What: Temperley Sample Sale
Why:Temperley Sample Sale featuring a winter wonderland selection of Temperley Ready-to-Wear, Samples, Vintage Temperley, Knitwear, Separates and Accessories. All starting at 60% off RRP.
When: 16 December, 8am-6pm
Where: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11

What: Orla Kiely
Why: Sample sales favourite, Orla Kiely is back on the case. Expect ready-to-wear, bags and accessories all at substantial discounts.
When: Thursday 10 December, 11am–8pm, Friday 11 December, 11am–8pm, Saturday 12 December, 11am–7pm, Sunday 13 December, 11am–6pm
Where: Shop 14-15 Hanbury Street, The Old Truman Brewery, Hanbury St. (Off Brick Lane), London, E1 6QL

What: Hugo Boss London Sample Sale
Why: Large selection of menswear, womenswear, bodywear, shoes and accessories. New stock added daily. Do I really need to say anything about this guy!
When: Today 9am-8pm, Friday 4 December, 9am-8pm, Saturday 5 December, 10am-5pm
Where : Hugo Boss Ltd, 19 Mandella Street, London, NW1 0DT

What: Original Penguin London Sample Sale
Why: Up to 70% off Original Penguin womenswear and menswear.
When: Today 8am-8pm, Friday 4 December, 8am-8pm
Where: DreamVault, 36 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 8BQ

What: DWS London Menswear Sample Sale
Why: One for the boys. Featuring D2, Martin Margiela, Costume Nationale and Vivienne Westwood.
When: Friday 11 December, 10am-8pm, Saturday 12 December, 10am-6pm
Sunday 13 December, 11am-5pm
Where:5/6 Islington Studios, Thane Works, Thane Villas, N7
Cost: £2 Entry

Have you spotted any sales worth going to? Do share in comments.

Sell, sell, sell!

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:04:00 +0000

'Tis the season for sample sales and what a bumper crop I have for you. I love it when friends and readers just send me stuff because they know that I'll want to know. In the past couple of days I've just had people sending me info about all the designer/sample sales going on in London in the next couple of weeks. This list comes from my friend Jacob. He is, as you would expect, a very dapper gent.

What: Twenty8Twelve
Why: Clothing and accessories for women from £10.
When: Today noon-7 p.m.
Where: Garfield House, 86-88 Edgware Rd., 1st flr., W2 2EA.

What: American Retro, Zoe Tee’s and My Lovely Jean
Why: Up to 90 per cent off ready-to-wear and jeans.
When: Today noon-8 p.m.; Fri., noon-7 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 87 Wardour St., 3rd flr., W1F OUA.

What: Alexander McQueen
Why: Up to 90 per cent off ready-to-wear and accessories.
When: Today noon-8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Westminster Room, The Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R ONA.

What: Bodyamr
Why: Eveningwear, separates and accessories from £15.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 7 Coptic St., WC1A 1NH (020 7691 2085).

What: La Perla
Why: Up to 75 per cent off lingerie, beachwear, outerwear, hosiery and fragrances.
When: 7-8 Dec. Mon. & Tues., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: Hornvale Ltd., 22 Newman St., 4th flr., W1T 1PH (020 7291 0930).

What: Graeme Black
Why: Up to 70 per cent off ready-to-wear.
When: 7-11 Dec. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: 151a Sydney St., SW3 6NT (020 7565 0066).

What: Nicholas King and Tooshie
Why: Jewellery from £25 and swimwear.
When: 10 Dec. Thurs., 4-9 p.m.
Where: 3 Tite St., SW3 4JU.

What: Orla Kiely
Why: Clothing and accessories for women starting at £5.
When: 10-13 Dec. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Shop 14, Old Truman Brewery, 15 Hanbury St., E1 6QR.

What: Temperley
Why: Up to 60 per cent off ready-to-wear and accessories.
When: 16 Dec. Wed., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Gr., W11 2QA (020 7229 7957).

More to follow.

If wishes were horses...

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:46:00 +0000

It's the first day of December and by rights you should be receiving your first hit of the legendary December Daily Outfits but since the entire weekend was taken up with yet another packing and moving session, it's going to be a little late. This is the third time I've moved this year and I'm starting to feel a need to put down roots but I am nowhere near getting to housing nirvana yet.

If only I could find one of those genies to grant me three wishes... First on my list would be a lovely, spacious, light and airy house with a live in cleaner. Then I'd make one of those trick wishes, like: "Oh gracious genie, I wish for a wish a day for the rest of my life, kthxbai!"

And my third wish would be for something frivolous and fabulous, like this beautiful purple, ribbon-bow wristwatch from BCBGMaxAzria. Has a watch ever been more gorgeous? And at £100 it's actually affordable. While I'm waiting for that genie, it's up to you Santa. Go on, make my wish come true.

Take it off, take it all off

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

The scramble is on for you Christmas money folks. Go get yours! Current offers:

Warehouse 20% off till November 28
Code: FRIEND09/TREAT09
Best buy: Embellished tunic top

House of Fraser Brand event 25% off 26-27 November
In store and online

Evans 20% off everything till November 30
Online only
Best buy: All over sequin tunic

Browns fashion 20% off A/W 09 collections 26-28 November
In store and Online

Faith shoes up to 50% off selected new seasons styles
Limited period, no dates
Best buy: Somely biker boot
And the granddaddy of them all - The Angels Uniform Sale
Pick up uniform vintage pieces from film or screen

Best buy: Military beltAdmission fee: £5 per person

Items for sale will be charged at a fixed rate per item:

£20 each for all coats, tunics or blouson jackets
£20 each for helmets
£10 each for trousers or breeches
£10 each for caps
£5 each for small pieces of equipment
£10 each for medium pieces of equipment
£20 for a combined set of equipment

Date/Time: November 28, 8.30am – 5pm

Venue: Angels Warehouse
1st Floor, 3 Boundary Road
East Lane Business Park
Wembley HA9 7ND

More details

Fine jewelry with bite

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:49:00 +0000

I'm picky when it comes to spending proper money on jewelry. I like it to be chunky and/or unusual. I'm not a huge fan of diamonds - for the obvious and myriad other reasons. I don't usually do gold either. Too brash, too shiny, too shouty. That doesn't leave room for much.

So it's rather refreshing to be introduced to the twisted works of Bittersweets NY, who do jewelry in silver and gold and diamonds but also have a sense of humour and the macabre.

Bite me! - Vamp rings and hinged vamp pendants

I heart you. No, really. - Beating heart charm

Monkey see, monkey do - monkey skull pendant

Creepy! - gold and silver maggot charms and silver worm bracelet

For those who want something really one of kind they also do a custom service.

Love x Love +Beryll

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

When I got these photos through from accessories designer Sigmar Berg of +Beryll, it was like he had been reading my mind. Or, possibly, my blog!

I just love the hard edged, spare beauty of these pieces. It's all organic - leather, metal - and utilitarian.

If I had a few hundred pounds to spare I would definitely grab one these:

Holster bag - perfect for cycling on those days when you don't need an entire rucksack. I picked up a similar bag at a charity store in Newcastle for £1. It's all leather and touch wearing and i can just sling it over my shoulder and go.

Asphalt boots - I practically live in my New Look Army boots at the moment. They're comfy and tough and go with everything. So I know these boots would be a good buy that I could wear to death.

Leather cuffs, silver rings, chunky brushed silver necklace. This is the way I like my jewelry, simple, tough, chunky, easy to wear. Luckily, Topman and H&M men's provide cheaper alternatives. Still wouldn't say no to one of those rings!

And my favourite piece of all - dog tags (more war motifs!). What I particularly like about these is that they come in four different colours - red for love, silver for hope, gold for trust and black for faith. I like the black ones - natch - and faith is personally very apt for me right now.

Junk junky

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0000

There are few pleasures in life to me than finding a huge junk shop and then foraging for hours, just ferrting about, looking at stuff, imagining who might have used it before. A packed to the rafters junk shop to pass hours is almost a invitation to meditate. A personal journey away from the humdrum routine to a place of wonder and magic.

I visit good junk shops when I have the chance, and I do it early and preferably alone. But until this very minute I had never thought that the junk shop experience could be experienced online. That is, until I got an email introducing me to the delights of Supermarket Sarah. And I have to say it's instant love.

The site is a mess of random items/bits of tat/desireables from clothing to accessories, vintage to contemporary, works of art and bric a brac all flung together in the most delightful and pleasing way. It's almost as good as a real-life rummage. Fantastic.

It get's better from December 1 to 15, Supermarket Sarah is setting up shop in the east end for Christmas shopping extravaganza. All that stuff just waiting to be touched, rummaged through and meditated over. Punters will be provided with golden trolleys (huzzah!) and shown around by freindly shop assistants.
I'll be off to the launch of Dec 1, where I hope to picking up something ridiculous by Fred Butler, like this rocket bra. Fear not, I will report back on all the kitschy glory.

Supermarket Sarah Christmas Extravaganza at Poke, 4th Floor, Biscuit Building, 10 Redchurch Street, E2 7DD. Open by appointment, 9.30am to 6.30pm.

If you can't make it down there you can still get the full virtual junk shop experience on the website.

Happy trails!

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:42:00 +0000

So I've become a bit of a cycling fanatic in the past year. I've gone from the now infamous white pumps incident to actual daily commutes to work and travels on my bike at weekends. I'm really loving it. Even though the weather is considerably shittier than it was when I started in March, it's one thing that I've kept with.

There are a couple of reasons for this. Obvious one is, I have lost a tonne of weight. Over a stone. Which is great and I feel a lot fitter and healthier for it. The other thing is that once I got the hang of riding on the open road with crazy white van man trying to murder me at every turn, I found it to be a convenient and reliable way to get around. Beats London Transport hands down and not having to rely on anything but my own two legs is strangely liberating.

It seems to me that in the time I've started cycling there are also a lot more other cyclists on the roads and some of them are even more aggressive than your average white van man. Still, I suppose there's a certain safety in numbers.

As you can imagine, practical cycling wear and fashion are not exactly a match made in heaven. We can't all be wafting about with vintage bikes, heels, circle skirts and baskets. Some of us have to be somewhere. Quickly. This involves sweat, swearing, crazy hi-vis coats and wind proof, waterproof gear. Cycling has turned me into a slob. I'm a cycle slob, I admit it, okay? But I'm beginning to see the a way through the morass of double layered tights, cut off shorts and old t-shirts.

It's time to smarten up my act and get myself a cycling outfit that is both functional and fashionable a tall order I know. But it seems, from a quick bit of research, that there's a lot more of that sort of thing about these days from the incredibly high tech to the down right kookie.
Here are some of my favourites:

Sugoi Tatu arm warmers colour or black and white - £24 at Girls Run Too
Spin suit - £99 at Sweaty Betty
Pasha merino wool hoodie - $160 at Chrome
Recharge Compression Top - £52.27 at Compress Yourself (yes, you heard me, that is the name of the shop)
Gore bike wear shoe covers - £19.99 at Evans Cycles
No balls halter tank - £39, halter crop - £37
Bern Barker hard hat - £44.99, Knog Love 'n' Hate gloves - £29.99 at Cycle Chic

They're exclusive, I'm excited

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Okay, I'm excited. I'm frequently excited so no news there but ask me why. Why am I excited? Well I'm excited because I've been invited to the fashion press preview of Vonrosen. They're sending a car and everything!

Vonrosen is new label from Berlin launching soon in the UK, that is so exclusive you can't look at their online shop without a password. As far as I can tell from the limited views on the website, the clothes are superluxe, neutral, paired down classics. They only sell online and they only sell to people they chose to sell to.
It's an interesting concept, this level exclusivity, especially in the current economic climate. It's either sheer genius or doomed to failure. Still you have to admire the detail that has been paid to marketing the product from the password protected online shop to the carefully thought out packaging (which has already won two red dot design awards) to the personalisation of clothing with an oval insignia, hand engraved with each customer’s monogram.

Of course, it could all be a case of smoke being blown up my nether regions but with all this mystery, intruigue and suspense, I am hooked. I can't wait to see what it's all about.

Black dog

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:45:00 +0000

I've been thinking about my decison to change my style up and start working a mostly black wardrobe. Upon reflection, it's no coincidence that my once chaotic, loud, colourful clothing choices have been pared down to neutral. Has it got something to do with my mood these days or is all that grey turning me into a miserable old bag?

It's weird how reinvention not only affects you but the people around you as well. So drastic is my style change that someone at work actually pulled me aside to ask if I was in mourning or something bad had happened. Which on the one hand made me feel like: "shut up, I don't dress for your amusement" but on the other hand was like: "Interesting...". If you believe that the clothes we wear are an expression of ourselves - either who we are or how we wish to be perceived - then suddenly pulling out the widow's weeds might have a deeper meaning for me than I originally thought.

The past year and a half has been a little difficult for me. I won't go into details, but there have been a lot of significant endings and I'm thinking my radical style change has been on some level an attempt to deal with things. Somehow, right now it's important for me to go back to neutrality. But I like to believe it's a place of calm and simplicity rather than just darkness.

I spent most of my late 20s in a sort of functional depression where I was cut off from the rest of the world and I don't want to go there again. So part of my style now is definitely about feeling the need to be fierce, to get girded up, to go into warrior mode. Everything is hard edged and off kilter. Everything is armour. I am prepared for war.

It's not all gloom and doom. I have made many new friends and re-acquianted myself with some old ones. I am picking up on the things that are really important to me and the things that I really want to do that I have somehow stopped myself from doing or put on hold. Yeah, some of it's difficult and in flux but actually life is good. I'm not in mourning at all, what I am doing is taking stock. I am coming back to myself at my most essential so that I can become a more authentic me.

Some of that change might become apparent on this blog. I might have to shut it down altogether. I haven't really made up my mind yet. It depends on who I end up finding at the end of all this. Things might be quiet around here for a while (or maybe, simply different), but I am still here, so when you drop by, say Hi.

Image courtesy of elsh at Redbubble

Victim of their own success

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:02:00 +0000

So Uniqlo launched it's +J collection of affordable luxury knitwear today. All the items are avalable online, with a selection appearing in the flagship shop in Oxford Circus.

I've been trying all morning to get past the front page to no avail, so the items must be popular. Although it has to be said that all I've seen are a selection of coats, jumpers and cardies in black and grey, s not sure what the deal is.

Anyway, the most interesting thing about the whole shebang is that Uniqlo has put a cap on how many items an individual can buy from the collection. Basically, you can only buy one colour and one size of each item "to enable as many people as possible to buy the exclusive +J collection and to prevent resale of these items". To which I cried a lusty "yeah!" but on second thoughts still leaves 49 separate items for crazy Ebay pirates to buy and sell on, so ho hum. At least they tried.

I know I've been away too long...

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:44:00 +0000

I've been really busy. Cutting my hair(!) and putting on make up.

I've gone from this:

L'il miss bushy hair

To this:Ms Moody Chops, to you!

But mostly I've been mega busy with the day job. And with life.

The best thing about the new hair is that it fits in perfectly with my new style. I'm all about the dark right now - studs, sturdy boots and black, black, black.
I'll be writing all about it. When I get a free minute that isn't taken up with work and sweet oblivion.

Welcome to the dark side

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0000

I've been having a bit of style rethink of late. There are many reasons for this but mainly it's because I've got stuck in a sort of rut where the colours are clashing, the prints are loud, the forals are everywhere and the cuts are ladylike and girlie. Which is fine, if that's how you feel.

But I'm feeling a bit more like kicking arse and taking no prisoners. I'm feeling chunky boots assymetrical hair, lots of black and a perma-scowl. I basically want to dress like an extra from Mad Max channeling tank girl by way of Freakangels. But everytime I buy something it ends up being the same boring girlie prom dress (or variation of).

Luckily, as the seasons turn a darker, edgier look is coming into play. A more black, biker meets grunge look with exposed zips, buckles, rips, studs, pvc/leather and serious attitude. The dark side, that's where I'm headed.

I was recently invited to view the Warehouse Christmas 09 collection and it's as if they've read my mind because they've have put together an amazing collection with studs, sequins and lashings of black. There are severe military jackets with the obligatory strong, exaggerated shoulders, studded dresses and matching leggings and panelling effects that give you the impression of urban armour, all of which I am very excited by.

However, I'm most excited by the jewelry, which is bold, chunky and dangerous looking. I can't wait to get my hands on it. My camera was - and still is - out of commission so I don't have any pics of the accessories table, but here are a few press pics from the day.

The philosophy of fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:31:00 +0000

I suppose because I write a blog about dressing up, it could easily be assumed that all that fills my head is clothes and shoes and other matters of style. And while I'd freely admit to being completely fascinated with what people wear and how they wear it, I have other fascinations too.

One of my other fascinations is philosophy. The endless rumination about how we live our lives and how we can learn to live better lives by examining how we live now and we have lived in the past is something that adds meaning and insight to everyday humdrum existence. Much like the human preoccupation with adorning ourselves.

One of my favourite philosophers is Alain de Botton because he makes philosophy so much more accessible and less fusty and academic than most. So when I found this video on Style.com of him holding forth on the importance fashion to society, I thought I'd share it.

There's a lot you can do with Cotton... Apparently

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:46:00 +0000

The thing about celebrity and the money and fame it brings, is that people will keep knocking on your door offering you new ways to use your advantage to sell things. If you're smart, you choose wisely. You only get involved with projects that you know for sure that you can do (or pay some poor sap to do for you) and you leave the rest well alone.

But sometimes, you start to think you can do anything and that's when things go awry. Case in point: Fearne Cotton has just designed her first ever clothing collection. Now I may be wrong, but I think it looks shit. Not only does it look cheap, tatty and dated but it's also wildly and optimistically overpriced.

Take a look for yourselves:
Frankly, I've seen better stuff at BHS. The clothes are ill-fitting and boring. They make her look like a Mouseketeers reject. They don't even fit in with her edgy, rock chick image, so why do this?

There's moral to this story: stick to what you do well. Fearne Cotton, great at presenting on telly, pants at designing clothing. End of.

He wore an itty bitty, teeny weeny

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:20:00 +0000

... pair of shorts. And it seems that by doing this, sulky but fit, metrosexual footballer du jour, Ronaldo has sparked a trend. If the breathless spin of the Debenham's press office is to be believed, "Cristiano Ronaldo has created a huge surge in sales of men’s super-tight, figure- hugging sports shorts".

Far be it for me to miss out on using a picture of the dashing Ronaldo - sans shirt and avec teeny weeny shorts - on this blog for the delectation of my female readership.

It does worry me slightly that there must be a lot of contortion involved to fit in all his dangly bits though. I mean, wherever does he put them? Mystery.

Says Paul Baldwin, Director of Buying for Menswear at Debenhams: “His sense of style has moved men’s shorts into an entirely new ball game." This is a direct quote, I did not make it up. Make of it what you will. I just spent an hour LOL-ing like a LOLcat on laughing gas. Truly.

Anyway, the up shot of it all is that our eyes will be assualted this summer with the sight of many men squeezed into too tight shorts in various pastel shades. It won't be pretty but it'll be pretty hilarious. As the ever erudite Mr Baldwin puts it: “Alas, they may not be the best choice for more generously proportioned people such as Peter Kay or John Prescott.”

Word, Mr Balwin, WORD.

Happy Friday!

Get a load of V V

noreply@blogger.com (Dressed and Pressed) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:06:00 +0000

There has been a lot of buzz around indie popstrel VV Brown over the past few months, enough for her to enter my peripheral consciousness and prompt a Youtube trawl to find out what she's all about. Pleasantly, I kinda like her happy, poppy, "doo wop indie" sound.

It's the kind of music that reminds me of my childhood spent listening to Elvis Presley and trying to tease my, frankly unmanageable, think afro hair into a slick quiff, whilst perfecting my lip curl and jumping around like a possesed wind up toy. Ah... Good times...

It helps that Ms Brown is utterly gorgeous and quirkily stylish. I do like a good dose of eye candy in my music videos. "The suits" have been quick to jump on the cool kid status bandwagon and purveyors of fine mobile phones, 2 for one cinema offers and music sponsorship, Orange have had V V design their orange poncho for Glastonbury this year, which means that I can use this totally gratuous shot of VV with said Poncho on my blog.
Isn't it fetching? Don't you want one for your very own? Well, there are 100 free limited edition ponchos up for grabs at Orange's Chill 'n' Charge tent at Glasto this weekend.

Now let's see a bit more of the divine Ms Brown in action, shall we?