lupecastro

Plasticana just in time for Summer Festivals I love the new SABOTS

2011-06-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Andre from Plasticana at Jardin DesTuilieries wearing his Sabots I love the colour and texture of these caramelized hemp wellies they are just too gorgeous and they re available for £45 in London at the N2 store in Covent Garden.

Mad and madder about Junky Styling check their video and sigh sigh

2011-05-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Junky Styling Air Show Picture by Amelia Gregory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJq0qziFmg

White Gallery 22-24 May THE ONLY DESIGNER BRIDAL SHOW DOES sustainable Brides!

2011-05-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

Mathew Williamson catwalk totally divine! Grecian goddess

Mathew Williamson catwalk

Sanukta Shretha

Sanyukta Shretha

Sanukta Shretha

Sanyukta Shretha

The most beautiful Bridal Show in Europe fantastically placed at Battersea Park!

Mathew Williamson catwalk show was an eye stopper especially the parachute draped dress with Swarovski Crystal strap and belt. Although newbie designer Sanyukta Shretha was the one that took my votes, utilizing organic cotton, locally sourced materials and manufacturing in Nepalese Ashrams, her home town where her atelier is based & the silk is woven. Her embellished hand embroidered gowns were painstakingly divine. Teamed up with Elizabeth Simpson shoes who manufactured in Spain and also showing, plus the must have Vivien Sheriff head piece, its time to find THE man!

Bobelle brings STYLE to Marks and Spencer`s Autograph range.

2011-05-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Terribly exciting news for all us Bobelle adorers, affordable smart and luxurious clutch, ipad case, iphone case and wallet in classic palette of Smokey White, Red and Black hits M&S. The range is available exclusively at their London flagship stores, of Marble Arch and High Street Kensington. plus on line as well!

People power as Selfridges launches Project Ocean

2011-05-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Alanna Weston Creative director Selfridges wearing Katherine Hamnett

James Knight staff manning the fish stall in the Food Hall

Running from 11 May – 12 June, the first enviromental project and biggest is both a celebration of the oceans and a forum for conservationists to issue an urgent public wake-up call to address issues of sustainability, overfishing and marine protection.

Driven by the unthinkable prospect of the world’s major fisheries collapsing by 2050, the London store has given itself over to leading international marine protection campaigners and 22 environmental NGOs, as well high profile activists from the worlds of art, fashion, culinary arts, and entertainment.

Jonathan Baillie, co-creator of Project Ocean and Director of ZSL said, “Project Ocean signals the biggest-ever retail activism campaign designed to ‘sell’ and engage public mind-sets on overfishing, an issue that needs mass support. We hope that this innovative partnership with Selfridges makes the public understand the issues around overfishing, and measurably leads to more fish in the sea”.

Being a pescaterian the whole idea of killing our fish supply is abhorrent all be it I won’t be alive by 2050 unless we discover some life sustaining drug. But I take stewardship of our land quite seriously and since the politicians seem to be incapable of doing anything about it, I think Selfridges has just made it a wee bit clearer about how we can do it ourselves. I mean checking up in the Selfridges Fish guide booklet which is now available free and dotted around their food hall I saw a couple of my favourite fish on the danger list.
Gosh! Although it’s tough the idea of no more `Raie au Beurre Noir` there are plenty of alternatives and the expert staff at James Knight are happy to find you one. If in doubt or your just can’t find your fave fish fast enough, you can always check website fishonline.org although be warned as a fish lover find the whole thing totally disheartening!!

Something moorish about this Fashion of Compassion designer bag from Palestyle!

2011-05-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

Its not just the price either £90 for this gorgeous purple leather wallet from Palestyle!!( Worn by Cherie Blair) or the commitment from the forever beautiful Ayesha whose site Fashion for Compassion is a fantastic little treasure trove of exotic finds. I think for me its her whole ethos of sourcing responsibly from brands that contribute to society and empowering women. She also has to be the only woman in the UK with such an expert knowledge on the middleast fashion scene. Beshtar one of her designers is certainly on my one to watch list and looked stunning on Oliva Firth doing her Green Carpet challenge! Their little dresses might also prove a crease less option to stuff into my pannier as I prepare for my forthcoming `Girl on the back of a bike challenge`!! Uggh......

House of Tammam fan Jason Gardiner raves about my fave sheer sleeve Bridal Gown

2011-05-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Kate is the name of the dress which is really absolutely heavenly with its sheer sleeves in naturally dyed printed 100% peace silk organza I first saw it at Lucy Tammam`s catwalk show at St Pancras International sipping on some light organic bubby earlier on this year together with @katehelencarter. It was love at first site although looks like I am not the only one! Visiting her Studio today in the heart of Bloomsbury I can only be amazed how Lucy preempted this now really popular trend.
Tammam Atelier is in India its IFAT certified , and uses a mixture of traditional and western
techiniques making her embellishment totally unique. House of Tammam also has ready to wear from £450 + mother of the bride +accessories + bridesmaids and even the odd piece for the overseas wedding. There is a rumour that she might be persuaded to do Grooms but I guess that might be a while off as how much more can this dynamic designer and super MUM do!
See Link below for pre RW view and the Kate Dress £1500 stocked at Sophia Couture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbLxZQMZaEQ

Fiona Nunan - discovered ! A very savvy Irish Designer with oodles of Romance.

2011-05-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

Fiona Nunan a romantic warrior

Prints and feathers with different textures

Jewellery used for armoury.

One of my favourite summer pieces utilising end of line wedding lace

Having just graduated from Dublin last December , Fiona bagsed herself a place with Giles Deacon in London her internship has left a mark, his mixing of superior craftsmanship with whimsical irreverence translates into her own very special duality of mixing female draping with male fortitude.

I caught up with her at Crafty Fox Market a couple of weeks ago and was impressed by her craftsmanship,designs, romantic without being too female and totally wearable. She will be launching her Label FINU at the Laden Showrooms this summer.

Inspired by Katherine Hamnet all her collection is hand made sourcing materials which are end of Line or off cuts.

Definitely one to watch especially while she is affordable.

RMV (Rock My Vintage) set to revolutionize Vintage the way Net a Porter has Fashion

2011-04-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Pucci

THIS WEEK founder Beth Mcshane will give up LAW; and devote herself entirely to her life and passion Vintage!

The website launching next month sells a mix of vintage and retro inspired dresses and accessories fron designers such as I LOVE LOWIE and NANCY DEE both so on my total I Love list!

But this is not just any old vintage newbe website this is something quite different.............

Offering an opportunity to replicate both classic and current trends either by owning a piece of fashion history or collating from a contemporary range of vintage inspired dresses and accessories.

Now you can get why I am so excited! So be prepared to shop!

www.rockmyvintage.co.uk

launches the 14th MAY

My TRUNK on the Ecologist by Julia Nelson

2011-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another expert upcycler is top ethical fashion stylist and founder of Ethical Heaven, Lupe Castro. ‘If a beautiful chair is missing a leg it doesn’t make it less beautifuI,’ she explains. ‘I feel I need to sort of help it along by maybe using a rolling pin covered in material or a varnished brick, a marble bauble or part of an iron balustrade. The trick is to give it a new but beautiful twist.’ The latest pieces she’s been refashioning are some travelling trunks that she found tucked away in her new apartment. She describes them as ‘a little bit worse for wear’ but says they’re evocative of a bygone era where train travel, painted faces and cocktails at six were de rigueur. ‘I took the trunk and stuck an old mirror in the flap and covered the rest with leftover materials that both my mother and grandmother had knocking about, and have used them as dressing table. I love boxes and ribbons and secret nooks and crannies – every time I open the trunk I feel like I’m jumping into another time and it makes me so happy.’When it comes to sourcing furniture, Lupe swears by the Salvation Army shop in Wandsworth, flea markets and small town auction houses, although she admits that some of her best finds have come from skips on the street..... read all the article at
http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/home/855347/upcycling_2011s_greenest_decorating_trend.html

Veja -AW press day favourites!

2011-04-20T12:23:00.001-07:00

From project 1 (shoes)The Domingo `80's reborn running shoe at £105. In vibrant naturally dyed suede.

From project 2 (accessories and small leathers)The new shoppers in 4 colours so smart they're almost an Hermes!

In case you can't wait this summers
Mediterranee a cross between a sneaker boat shoe and espadrille in navy, red, royal blue, grey, organic cotton canvas at £45 available from May at Selfridges.

Finally an END to Yucky Boy Smells with JACK STUBBS UK made candles.

2011-04-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

Bluebelle woods British Countryside fragrance .. infintely better!

Green Moss & Ferns and Wild Rhubarb a sort of school canteen touch...............

Stumbling on the Jack Stubbs candles at Canoeinc press day was like a godsend! Umpteen times I have had to put up with the MAN poo poing my exotica aromatherapy candles in the bedroom! Remarks such as ` Christ Lupe , I am going to faint! inhaling this !` to ` I am totally allergic to this, I cant breath, blow it out`. Even the ultimate extreme of ` I am not sleeping with you in this pong`. Means I have had to do secret lighting's when he is away.

Having discovered Jack Stubbs, my life has become pink again! Each Jack Stubbs candle is made from 100% renewable rapeseed wax. They are also presented in totally ungirly distressed tin cans. The scents themselves are reminiscent of the British Countryside, such as Bluebell Woods, Green Moss & Ferns and Wild Rhubarb totally comprehensible in men's speak!

They also purport, (being created in the heart of rural Staffordshire) to being the only `low fragrance miles` candles currently available in the UK and at £9.95 its a pretty good deal too!

Matt and Nats A/W collection def winner in the style stakes!

2011-04-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

The hopper £120 . Diaper,Gym bag and girl around town carry all

Ella Velvet bag £135 amazing looks better than faux fur?

The Manchester Lupes weekend bag! £140

Great selection of bags for this A/W from Matt&Nat. They have all be snapped by Asos and UrbanOutfitters so they're going to be easy to get hold of hurrah!. Just to remind ourselves the bags linings are made of at least 21 recycled plastic bottles and their innovative materials include a tangy 80`s look from Japanese paper,as well as cork, canvas and velvet.

Sagen porcelain jewellery at Soho`s Secret Tea Room

2011-04-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

A delightful array of delicious retro china with Sagen Bersa white titbits.

I have been following Sagen avidly since it came to LFW a couple of seasons ago where I met

Elin who creates these gorgeous gems from discarded pieces of porcelain and china.

They are mounted on recycled or stirling silver and they are just heavenly.

Seeing the collection again at this little Secret Tea Room above Coach and Horses on greek street was like beeing let loose into a little treasure trove.

I love the way each little ceramic piece has a provenance and holds true to Elgins beliefs

to make handmade, nostalgic and yet timeless jewellery that lasts forever.

Prices start at £75 for the earings and £210 for the vintage bracelets available at Fenwick.

A Pleasure Garden in your own home from Darkest Star at Coco de Mer

2011-04-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Voila the Pleasure pillow £300

Pleasure gardens were all the rage in the Victorian era, they were gardens open to the public
for strolling and listening to bands, some were a little more circumspect and played home to harems and delightful exploits. So it was with a little bit of intrepidation that I ventured into Coco de Mer on Draycot place to see the Darkest Star Pleasure Garden. I mean I know of the Coco de mer Salons who doesnt!

The Pleasure Pillow is luxury personfied, Darkest Star designer Sam Cook calls it ` Entry level bondage` for people who want to try a little bit of a play at bondage. Its amazingly beautiful and the silk orchid print is an art nouveau inspiration!
Sam is up for doing one off commission pieces too. Now I wish, wish, and wish that I would be the lucky lady to get one of those!

This supremely talented lady also created the beautiful dress below and some lovely chiffon bondage dog collar pieces exclusive to Coco de mer.

CRAFTY FOX MARKET FAIR 16th April Brixton + free entry

2011-04-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

A rather hidden event but for those in the know its a treasure trove of locally designed pieces. Its actually sponsored by the craft event site etsy so there is going to be creatives in abundance!

As is the norm there will also be workshops such as the art of cup-cake decoration, cross stitching and brushing up on your photography (much needed for me as, I really try getting a grip on picture taking for some good images on twitter!). Crafty Fox Tea Room will be the ideal place to do my liquid lunch and there will be DJ’s , spinning some fun and funky tunes throughout the day.

Course I will be checking the Galavant jewellery store and saying hi to Sinead who has some amazing inspired vintage at rather incredulous prices. Oops might have let the cat out of the bag! But am sure will get to her before anyone else!

OUTSIDER-pops up at POTASSIUM in Store Street.

2011-04-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah it looks like summer is finally here and a great treat in store for all of us looking at these gorgeous pieces.

On the 19th April Noorin Khamisani creative director and the tout behind the Outsider brand will be dishing out styling tips between 12.30 - 20.00 . There will also be drinks and nibbles too, plus a 20% discount on items purchased on the day. Guess you know where I will be!

Potassium 29 Store Street Bloomsbury London WC1E 7QB

Natural&Organic Products at Olympia gets me back into chewing Gum only GLEE gum of course!

2011-04-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sunny day always is a good start to thinking about what you put on your skin and into your body.

It was a glorious day in London and my body and me went to Olympia in search of the latest organic products. I think every person in London and outside was thinking the same it was PACKED.

These are some of my favourites TODAY;-

The Source toothbrush is made from recycled Dollar bills,flax fiber or recycled wood that has been

blended with recycled polypropylene. They have replaceable heads that last at least 3 months and the handles are designed for either left or right hand users & made to keep forever. The Radius range also boasts travelling cases in 4 different colours which are made from 50% recycled plastic for toothbrushes,soap,razor,condom small and full tampon. Plus bestus of all the products are manufactured and designed in a solar powered facility in Kutztown PA.

The Yes baby box new product launched by the organic masters of lubricant to help couples conceive.

To my horror I learned that traditional lubricants kill sperm, so the pack contains 2 lubricants one sperm friendly and the other vagina friendly. Since 70% of couples experience vaginal dryness when trying to conceive Yes baby has been formulated to great the ideal scenario! Thank god! Yet another thing that I WAS NEVER TOLD!

Joyous by Antipodes is a Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum. It fantastically restores elastin and collagen and contains all these goodies, Himalayan goji, New Zealand Blackcurrant and Raspberry seed oil, Hibiscus and Kiwi oil. It feels gorgeous and smells even better! And my poor skin was screeching for it!

Dirtypretty all the way from BIRMINGHAM for one week at Mswandas POP UP

2011-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dirtypretty designer(above) and other fabulous upcycling talent like RoundLondon and QueenieandTed are holding court at the Fabulous Misswandas at 3-5 Whitechapel road E1 together with Sweetnotions. The latter being the purveyors of my latest handbags

at the ridiculous prices of £10 and £5.

Duly impressed with MsWandas pledge of only wearing vintage and upcycled for a whole year! Although only seen for a fleeting second she looked truly fab in her specially made silk 20`s dress.

Rewardrobe star Veronica Crespi is running one of the workshops throughout the week catch her if you can!

DisneyRollerGirl and LibertyLondonGirl at FBC today

2011-03-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

FBC member Navaz Baltiwalla aka DISNEYROLLERGIRL (DRG) and FBC member Sasha Wilkins aka LIBERTY LONDON GIRL. After talk at FBC which really was very well attended although I did arrive terribly unfashionably late something did stick in my head and has been taken seriously on board which was Liberty London Girl saying that she always did a press release!

Airbourne with JUNKY STYLING

2011-03-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

Return to the catwalk of the glorious girls and boys at JunkyStyling.

Take off promptly started at 19.30 with the Models pounding the catwalk to music from DJ Hudge, hair by Declan at Andrew Barton and make up by Green People.

Spring designs were presented together with the Ju.St limited edition of Autumn Winter 2011 and classic junky styles.

Mad about the red, longer than the present trend of midcalf, sweater dress in kaleidoscope of pringlesque patchwork. Also fantasizing about wearing all their breeches, so brilliantly tailored , even my slight bum would look like a glorious rendering of JLO`s. And then of course the cat suits finally after years of jealously ogling at the men’s, the female version tumbled onto the catwalk in every hue and combination imaginable..

I cant forget KRT jewels lovely recycled glass collection precious, strong and forever sexy.

Lupe wants the lot..

Now the hard bit , as I mentioned to a fellow fan ...money to buy them!

A big thankyou to Amelia Gregory of Ameliagregorymagazine.com who provided me with pics when my camera didnt work again.

I finally meet Prince THE BLOGGER - at the Hospital club!

2011-02-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

Having followed blogger Prince Cassius for a while! Finally managed to catch him at Trousers London Press show at The Hospital Club today! I guess it would be where he would be hanging out . Since really `The best dressed man in town` has a canny eye for a good cut and Trousers Londons jeans are just the best.

The Wondrous Jeff Garner and Prophetik - Artist Wonderment show

2011-02-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

This show is always the most amazing ever, not surprising when you cross a published poet and a truly talented designer! Jeff Garners Artist Wonderment show is `inspired by the court of Louis XV, when art became frivolous, a slave to consumers, diseased of romantic snobbery,pretending to be what they are not. The season exudes the freedom from the pretense of being what we would become fleeing from egotism into the wonderment of an artist`
Ripped silks and organic velour are juxtaposed with 150year old southern quilts from Garners grandmother!

Thick and heavy hemp skirts vi for our attention with the glorious pants,breeches and pantaloons shown on both men and women!
Colours are earth based hues of white ,black chainmail plum violet deep scarlet and burgundy! a true festival champetre!

LIBERTY should just grab the whole collection its AMAZING!

Your Average Joe - Donnachadh Mcarthy for The Body Shop Uk

2011-02-16T01:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the clever boys at Albert and Joe who did quick mock for me!

Tammam roving eco couture catwalk st Pancras International

2011-01-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

Amazing at St Pancras international 09.00 today there was a little bit of Spring in the air!
Plus a load of loving and champagne as the House of Tammam took the platforms!