Mademoiselle Robot

Biba Revisited

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:00:00 PDT

I am not too sure what to think about the relaunch of iconic 60s label Biba. One thing I am sure of is that this relaunched collection is light years away from the original concept of dressing "fresh little foals with long legs, bright faces and round dolly eyes" as described by Barbara Hulanicki herself back in the days of the Kensington shop.

I am far from being an ageist, but associating Biba's traditionally fresh-faced carefree sixties girl image with the House of Fraser somehow seems wrong. This is besides the point though as I mostly wanted to show you some pieces from the new collection (fronted by Daisy Lowe - is there anything she doesn't front these days?).

I was extremely excited to see what this collection would be like, being quite fond of the label, and I think it played a big part in my disappointment...

I decided to try on a new approach: I simply ignored the gold "Biba" logo and tried to look at the pieces as if they were something totally different.

In that new light, some items did stand out - a feathered bolero, feathered capes, a couple of cute accessories, a velvet jacket - but nothing that I hadn't seen before in high-street stores around Christmas time. The only piece that really did look like Biba was a long black velvet dress.

The prices range from £50 to £400 which is fairly high for a decidedly average line. The official launch is on Sept 8th (Vogue Fashion Night Out), with an in-store event featuring Daisy Lowe at the Oxford Street store.

The morale of this story? There is no cheap or easy alternative to acquire a piece from an iconic label. If you want to add some Biba to your collection, the best way is the vintage way.

Capes: my cover-up of choice for the Fall

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:35:00 PDT

Unless you have been living in a cave for the past few months, you can't have missed the massive come back of the cape. Whether it is in its original form or just a blazer worn on the shoulders, masquerading as a cape. This season is all about simplicity and elegance which is pretty much what well draped woolen cloth can offer.

Imagine yourself walking in a field, wind blowing and your cape billowing. I love wearing capes, I have a knitted one from KIND that gets a lot of wear and a camel one from Zara that's my go-to cover up for comfort and style.

Below are some of my favourite capes, from designer to high-street. Of course, you can always go hunting for vintage ones, I am sure there are plenty of gems to be found.

Paul & Joe Sisterand Alexander McQueen

French Connection and Burberry

Gloverall (at Urban Outfitters) and Coopers & Stollbrand (at ASOS)

Gainsbourg, vie heroique

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:01:00 PDT

I grew up with Serge Gainsbourg - not literally, of course or I would probably be sitting at a Parisian café right now, wearing a trench coat and looking sullen. But when I was a little girl, somewhere in the background, Lucien Ginsberg was crooning. Sometimes he was even crooning my name. You wouldn't believe how many boys have subsequently sung that song to me in an attempt to be romantic and original. I always received these attempts with a smug little smile and the knowledge that it would happen again and again and again...

I went to see "Gainsbourg, Vie Héroïque" at the beginning of August, and found myself enchanted by it. Despite growing up with Gainsbourg, despite knowing a fair few details of his life, I realised I didn't actually know that much. I never thought about his childhood, which was the one of a little Jewish boy growing up in Paris during WW2. It is strangely close to the story of my dad's family - and of many others I am sure.

But while watching the film, one can't get too hung up on the details as it is essentially a fairy tale about Gainsbourg's life, as fantasised by Joann Sfar (one of my favourites comic book author/illustrator). Jane Birkin disapproved of the film partly because of its inaccuracy and many people were put off the film because of that. But try and disassociate it from reality for a second and it is objectively a very good film with a brilliant cast, beautiful photography and an interesting story.

Eric Elmosino is incredible as Gainsbourg, not only because of the eerie resemblance, but because he managed to reproduce all the mimics and attitudes so perfectly. Same goes for Laetitia Casta as Brigitte Bardot -an obvious choice - and for Lucy Gordon (RIP) as Jane Birkin. I also appreciated Anna Mouglalis performance as seductress Juliette Gréco.

Wish List - Urban Outfitters AW10

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:51:00 PDT

For some strange reason, I was really late jumping on the Urban Outfitters bandwagon. I have been here for over 6 years now, but I have only started shopping at UO "properly" a couple of years ago. Before that, I am not too sure why, but it just wasn't a part of my shopping landscape.

I missed the AW press day and only just got my hands on the lookbook for this season. The styles are simple and the photography is really pretty. I like that they made an effort and used film for some of the pictures as well.

Current in-store favourites - with ShopStyle (you can click on each item)

Coats by Sessun
Longsleeve Tops at Urban Outfitters

Miu Miu and Madonna

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:26:00 PDT

When some of my favourite Ms collide... Madonna films the AW10 Miu Miu campaign.

My Autumn Style Plan

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:45:00 PDT

Autumn is looming and regardless of the calendar telling me Summer is here for another few weeks, I am definitely reaching for the chunky knitwear rather than the skimpy shorts when I get dressed in the morning.

This year, I have tried to define a style line for myself that will take me from Summer to Winter without too much effort. I added some new pieces to my closet, which was a particularly easy task because this season is "mine". It happens sometimes, all the fashion planets align properly to produce trends that sit perfectly with your own tastes.

Chiffon, velvet, soft wool, suede and leather pieces came out of hibernation. New and old friends have come to play.

from top clockwise - asos, primark, sparkle & fade c/o Urban Outfitters, tba, office, boots and sandals Urban Outfitters

from left - topshop, zara, new look, urban outfitters, dolce vita, vintage

Last week, I asked you on Facebook and Twitter what was your style statement for this Fall and here are some of my favourite answers:

"I'm going with the "sexy granny" look: oxford booties, skinny jeans, chunky sweaters, blazers, red lips, artfully disheveled hair." Christina

"Anything to do with animals and animal print. Animal shaped hats, faux leopard coat and animal shapes on jumpers!" Hannah

"Beige and lilac, socks, long hair, dreaming of england, drinking through straws." Tsouni

"I'm thinking Charlie (the girl!) from top gun; aviator-style jackets, white t's & messy hair. I think I'll leave out tom cruise!" FraggleRocks

"Mine is "little girl lost in a dark woodland fairy tale" PrincessPoochie

What's your style plan for Fall?

Wish List - Filippa K

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:50:00 PDT

I received these images from the Filippa K AW10 collection a few days ago and I was immediately seduced by the aesthetic. I am quite partial to Swedish designers, but this collection seems to encompass everything I want and everything I feel my autumn should be like.

This is a collection based on contrasts, masculine and feminine, hard and soft. Soft tailoring is omnipresent alongside metallics and tweeds.

More than the clothes themselves, the photographs and moving images supporting the collection are beautiful and poetic. They evoke the end of the Summer, cold days on the beach, Autumn in the Archipelago - I want in.

All images courtesy of Filippa K, video filmed by Camilla Akrans and styled by Robert Rydberg

Oh My Blog!

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:00:00 PDT

In the spirit of celebrating ladies doing it for themselves and bloggers starting businesses, today I would like to talk to you about Cate Sevilla's new pet project: Oh My Blog Workshop. This is absolutely not a shameless plug, despite Cate being my boo. She is basically taking upon her sexy self to change the social media and blogging landscape in London (and soon the world, I hope) one workshop at a time.

Whether you want to learn how to produce better content, how to deal with demented stalkers or simply how to handle PR/Blogger relationships, look no further. No matter how good you think you are, there is always room for improvement and Oh My Blog is just the place to learn how to make the most of what you have.

According to Cate, the workshops aim to "make blogs better from the inside out (...) in order to turn London's blogging scene into an unstoppable force of creativity and innovation". All I can say is amen to that.

Now that Oh My Blog is here, there is no excuse anymore for mouldy looking blogs with dubious content!

The first workshop "Stellar content and the Dark Side of blogging" will take place on September 23rd with guest mentor Natalie Lue.

Tickets can be bought on the website and will set you back £15 including drinks & mingling. I may be lurking in the shadows, trying to pick up a trick or two about online stalking - I mean about fending off stalkers, OF COURSE.

Quiksilver Women AW 10

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:03:00 PDT

A long time ago, in a borough not so far away, a grumpy French blogger met up with a stylish gang of American ladies. Up in the highest tower of the Zetter, Beth, Laurel and Marta worked their magic and turned that blogger's frown upside down.

ASOS Blouse

You may know Beth as the lady behind The Vintage Society - one of the very first fashion blogs I read. She now runs Beth Jones Style and is a Brand Ambassador for Quiksilver Women.

Laurel Dailey is the photographer. I could talk about her for ages. First, because she had on the coolest DIY jersey maxi dress when I met her, and secondly because she is possibly the only photographer that ever got me to er well... smile and pose without feeling awkward. Have a look at her site, or at the photos she took for Beth, you won't be disappointed!

Quiksilver Dial 9 dress worn as a blouse, Beth's vintage hat & necklace, Insight denim shorts, Swedish Hasbeens clogs

Beth, Laurel and Marta (from Quiksilver Europe) had me there to show me the AW10 Quiksilver Women collection. I went mostly because I trusted Beth - in my head, if she was involved in the project, and I knew she had been for a while, it meant there was some pretty heavy fashion element involved. I didn't quite know what to expect, Quiksilver not being a brand I pay attention to.

I was very surprised to find a range of clothing that manages to be very stylish and versatile while still keeping its "sporty" vibe. Did I write "vibe"? I believe I did and I apologise for that. Don't mind me, I will just go and get a knife now.

I was also a bit worried of not being able to fit in the samples (UK8 to my UK12), but the sizing on some items is quite generous so I was able to try on a few things, and once I had picked my favourite, Laurel snapped away.

Some more items from the collection (in my size) are on their way to me as I write this so expect to see more on the blog very soon.

All photos (c) Laurel Dailey.

tba everyday

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:15:00 PDT

One of the best news of the season is that one of my favourite brands, tba has started trading online. Of course you can also get your hands on their pretty dresses and separates at Urban Outfitters and ASOS.

I have already featured a couple of tba dresses for Fall 2010 in my dresses round-up, but I wanted to show you some of my favourite pieces from the collection as well.

tba is one of those very special independent brands that are constantly emulated by the high street. Their prices may be a little higher than an item "inspired by" tba you could find in a chain store, but I can tell you the quality is absolutely worth opening up your purse. I own a couple of pieces and the silk is as soft as butter, the cut perfect and they are very versatile.

I also really enjoy a label that stays away from trends while still injecting a little bit of newness and current style to their collection. If you decide to buy into Fall Winter trends, a good few items from the collection are "spot on" (Bobbi jacket, Willow dress, Flo coat...) and the rest is pure minimal whimsy.

As for me... I could easily wear tba everyday!

Good news: the first 100 of you who enter the code "ROBOT" at checkout will get an extra £10 off your purchase.

There are also about 50 VIP memberships (special discounts) left, so hurry up!

Back to school

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:28:00 PDT

Well that was a strange Summer. I was mentally prepared to go on honeymoon in California and I ended up in the South of France, in my family house. We all had a lovely time in the end, and the honeymoon has been rescheduled for February, but the whole month was totally unexpected.

We did have a few days sans child in London which was nice. We caught up on films, restaurants and museums!

We landed in London last night, in what seemed to be a different season and a different year. Now it is back to the grindstone for me.

How did you like my guests? Despite not being in California, I really enjoyed their posts.

I have a lot to tell you, new projects, a few changes on this site, Fashion Week etc, but for now, I will leave you with one of my "Summer in London" outfits and get cracking with my back to school to-do list (to give you an idea, it is about as long as the Yellow Pages).

Jacket - River Island, Dress and socks - ASOS, Shoes - Swedish Hasbeens, Sunglasses - Cheap Monday at Urban Outfitters, Bag - Miss Lonelyhearts

What about you? What have you been doing this month? Has Mercury Retrograde messed up your plans as well?

California Dreaming by Jaja Hargreaves aka July Stars

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Jaja Hargreaves is the brains behind July Stars, the fashion blog with a truly intelligent and contemplative opinion on style and fashion.

Jaja

It’s the summer and as everyone knows that means friends and family making travel plans. I have just returned from three weeks in France and already I find myself invariably contemplating my holiday pictures during my “office” hours. I’ve only been back a week. Once I start looking I have to force myself to stop. Literally, I have to deliver an ultimatum. “Admire two or three snapshots and switch off iPhoto”. I’m supposed to be working not dreaming of the South of France, evening walks through the heavily scented pinewoods of the Calanques and the sunset over the Cap Canaille.

While I slowly immerse myself back into London life it is Laetitia’s turn to enthusiastically leave reality behind and experience a Californian adventure. I have a romantic image of that state. A patchwork of vivid pictures: Bret Easton Ellis’s brutal neon lit LA filled with alienated characters lubricated by sex, drugs, money, murders, celebrity and the 80s culture. I also think of Robert Doisneau’s photos of Palm Springs, turquoise swimming-pools, golf courses, car parks, glamorous old ladies and palm trees. Another key aspect is of course the innovative and individual architecture from the thirties to the seventies. What I’ve learnt about California and LA in particular resembles the books and films I’ve watched. It may not always be accurate but it amplifies the mystery. West of Sunset by Dirk Bogarde, Sunset Boulevard with Gloria Swanson, Hugh Holland’s images of kids during the skateboarding revolution of 1976, this is my little guided tour of LA, a sort of modern myth.

California style by Rhiannon Leifheit aka Liebe Marlene

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Rhiannon Leifheit aka Liebe Marlene is a Fashion Blogger & Vintage seller based in Atlanta. She has been one of my favourite bloggers for a long while and I am really pleased to have her write a guest post here for you!

Rhiannon - Photos by Drew

Silk blouse and shorts: thrift stores

Floral crown: made (badly) by me

Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens

Bag: vintage John Romain from Ebay

When Laetitia asked me to do a guest post for her while she was off on her California trip I jumped at the chance, but I think I was most excited because I was maybe going to be in California at the same time she was going, and if I had a top five list of bloggers I'd like to meet in person she'd definitely be on it. I've been a big fan of her blog for a couple years now. Her style is tops and inspirational. If we met in person I'd probably pick her brain about London fashion and Paris fashion and what it's like to go to real-life fashion shows and big London blogger meet-ups. But mostly I think we'd just talk and joke around (she seems like the joking sort), and then we'd probably gush over David Bowie and Jarvis Cocker, because they are wonderful.

Well, my California trip didn't work out. At least not yet. So while Laetitia's over on the west coast I'm going to do my best take on a Mademoiselle Robot-goes-to-California sort of outfit, complete with Swedish Hasbeens and a little floral crown I made that was probably inspired by Laetitia's LouLou Loves You flower headbands. I think that what I love best about Laetitia's style is how she mixes menswear elements with pretty and romantic ones. I'm especially in love with this outfit and jumped at the chance to ape it, only it's just too hot in Atlanta for trousers and jackets, and instead of looking girly-tough my outfit just looked girly. Oh well. I'm just going to pretend that I was going for a '20s Hollywood silent film sprite look. Because really when I think of California and the places I want to visit it's all silent film stuff--I want to see the Silent Movie Theatre in LA and old '20s mansions in the Hollywood hills and maybe most of all Hearst Castle so I can see all the pools and scenes of a thousand Marion Davies wild parties. There's a chance we might get to California later in the summer, but for now I think I'm just going to live vicariously through Laetitia's west coast travel posts.

A little history of Vintage in California by Naomi Thompson

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Naomi Thompson is a vintage expert residing in London. She offers personalised vintage styling advice directly from her boudoir in East London.

Naomi in Emma Domb

As a purveyor of fine vintage I get to see a lot of labels. These little slips of embroidered (better) or printed (so-so) fabric are

your friends. Study them and pay attention to names.

Over the years I noticed some of my favourite dresses feature the some what exotic ‘so and so of California’ on the label (well exotic if you are in Portsmouth), generally preceded by Edith, Peggy, Fay, Dorothy or whatever girl's name was the fashion du Jour. This encouraged a little research and academia into Californian fashion houses of yonder.

From what I can gather, despite the depression and Wall Street crash, California experienced a fashion boom in the first half of the 20th century. Clothing was becoming more relaxed from the 30's onwards and the entertainment industry dictated many of the trends.

Howard Greer took the leap from in-house costume at Paramount and started making bespoke dresses for stars such as Rita Hayworth. Galanos was designing for Jean Harlow in Blonde Bombshell (1933), and for Joan Crawford in The Gorgeous Hussy (1936).

But back to our Peggy, Sue, Edith and co. In the 40’s and 50’s California saw a surge of fashion houses providing pretty day and evening dresses to the everyday day gal. Here are a few to look out for:

EDITH SMALL

Edith Small was well known in her day, receiving East as well as West Coast newspaper coverage for her collections. Although originally from Chicago, she opened her clothing house in Los Angeles, California in 1945. Small was recognized for her always feminine suits and gowns and use of imported fabrics from France and Italy

EMMA DOMB

Emma Domb was a California dressmaking company that was active from 1939 through the 1970s. Domb Manufacturing Company was owned by Emma Domb and Lorraine Domb Steinberg. They specialized in wedding, party and prom dresses, and were also known for fancy date ensembles. These dresses are definitely worth collecting

PEGGY HUNT

Peggy Hunt was a California based designer and manufacturer of dresses starting in the 1930s until the late 1960s. Hunt began by designing children's clothes and selling them to a department store called Haggerty's. The first label was called Fairy Frocks, a line for toddlers, which was then later changed to Jean Carol. Jean was short for Jeanette (her daughter who also went on to become a designer and made her fortune in shoulder pads!), and Carol for herself - Carolyn Margaret Hunt (Peggy was her nickname). Under the Jean Carol label Hunt made dresses for many Hollywood stars, including, Marlene Dietrich, Bette Davis, and Mary Pickford.

Unfortunately many dress houses went bust in the 1960's as demand for trousers grew, and many labels have been confined to fashion history.

Every now and then a label pings back into the fashion sphere so pay attention to those names. Definitely future investment.

Thanks to The VFG label resource

Born on the wrong planet by Loulou Androlia

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Loulou Androlia is a lingerie designer who is physically based in London but really lives on a Planet far, far away where we meet up for ice-cream and boy talk.

Loulou

I had a sudden crisis about whether I was going to post about Ryan Atwood and Julie Cooper on the subject of California, but I'm going to stick with what I know best.

There was a MASSIVE mistake when I was born, I was accidentally placed onto one of the planets where animals and plants don't speak and sing. Can you believe it?! It's been almost thirty years and I still can't adjust.

Luckily when I was four weeks old my family upped it and left England to move to California for two years. My first trip to Disneyland was not long after and I'm sure gazing into the eyes of Minnie Mouse at such a young age granted me a lifetime of believing in Magic.

I'd been to Disneyland and Disneyworld a few times over the years when I was a kid. One of my first memories is to be watching the parade and having the big bad wolf leap out in front of me (cruel), making me wail from the bottom of my lungs.

I went back to California for the first time since 1996 this April and got to revisit the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing quite like it...

I'm planning a trip back to LA for my 30th this winter and I hear you can go for free on your Birthday, isn't it perfect?

Tip toeing back in time for a modern summer date by Federica Bardelli

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Federica is a girl of many talents. When she is not restoring vintage furniture or taking stunning photographs, she can be found working on her latest taxidermy piece while listening to jazz.

Federica

I am busting out my Funny Face. Let’s talk about a place I’ve never been to, even though I hardly know what’s happening in my neighborhood.

Out of time indulgence, 1950s California, far from today’s long blonde wigs, dark tan and very-little-left-to-imagination bikinis.

Being a juvenile delinquent, listening to jazz and reading poetry all day long in a bagel shop was probably the hippest thing to do - if you were not too busy expressing yourself or dancing in your living room, or eating hot dogs at night time.

Californian photographer William Claxton left us a precious archive of that exciting decade. You would have probably met him with his camera at The Haig Club, a small but very popular club where you could listen to what became the West Coast jazz.

Chet Baker was the ladies favorite, although I would not be surprised with Hollywood around the corner, if we had the chance to drink a martini with Marlon “Dreamboat” Brando while listening to the soundtrack of his latest movie. That sure would have made my heart skip a beat or two.

Talking about heart, living room dancing, midnight dinners, jazz, funny face contests, I can’t stop thinking they are a great inspiration for the perfect date in this modern summer time and I wish for Mademoiselle Robot to have the same kind of fun while walking on that very same ground.

A Tale of Two Jennies by Fleurtini

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Fleurtini is a fancier of vintage style and kitty cats. When not busy vacuuming the resulting sequins and cat fluff from her bedroom floor, she’s the glamorous lead-singer of Sweet Tooth, a London based duo with producer Gavin Hammond.

Fleurtini

When lovely Laëtitia asked me to guest-post with a Californian theme, my first feeling was flattered elation, swiftly followed by creative panic as I’ve sadly never actually had the pleasure of visiting the Golden Coast (note to self: must remedy this asap!).

It didn’t take me long, however, to realise that I did have a modern California Girl that I’d love to write about. I recently had the pleasure of dealing with designer Jenny Reyes, (aka Geronimo), when styling a shoot for my band Sweet Tooth.

As well as interning at Rodarte and styling Z Berg from The Like, Reyes is behind the iconic stage looks for Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins. In 2006 she took her sewing skills (learned from her grandmother) and Vintage-Cali vibe, and headed on the road with the band when they toured their album Rabbit Fur Coat. Lewis is one of my *major* style crushes, so I just had to get in touch with Reyes to see what she could conjure up for me. This little number was the result:

It’s pieces from the ‘Coco’ suit from her Spring 2010 collection, which she custom made for me and I styled with a copper Heart belt by my talented friend Mattijs and glittery stilettos by the legendary Christian Louboutin.

It met my ‘Marlene Dietrich-goes-Bunny Girl’ brief to a T, and Jenny was such a darling to deal with that the whole process was a delight. Even the buttons have little ‘treble clefs’ on them, which she knew I’d get a kick out of, and she threw in a lamé ‘Bugsy’ bow-tie as a surprise birthday gift!

I asked Jenny for a little hint at what might be coming next for Geronimo, and she told me that Spring/Summer 2011 has just been completed. Apparently her inspiration combined a recent trip to Hawaii (so think vintage muumuu fabrics) with the wonderful 1930’s Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers film "Stage Door"

, Jenny’s also excited to announce that she’ll be launching Geronimo Men (designed in collaboration with Nick from Tilly and the Wall), which I can’t wait to see.

From her current collection, as well as gorgeous suits, tap-shorts and dresses (available via her online store), Geronimo’s vintage-inspired swimwear combines the glamour of Esther Williams with the cuteness of Gidget (as seen here to fabulous effect on Lewis in a shot from an Under The Radar magazine feature that Reyes styled):

A Geronimo bikini, a lychee martini and Malibu sunset? I’m California Dreaming indeed…

Fleurtini

PS. Fellow Jenny Lewis fans will be thrilled to hear about her new musical venture, Jenny & Johnny (with her beau, Johnny Rice). Join their mailing list here, to receive a free track. With imagery like this pic below, I’m already sold.

Sad times

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:56:00 PDT

Very sadly we are back home. A passport fuck up and the inefficiency of the French administration means we couldn't fly at all.

I will still take a holiday, even just so I can cry my eyes out, so you will still get the guest posts, but I am here.

Maybe I will retreat again to the South of France...

Eatin’ and Drinkin’, California Style by Cate Sevilla

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:32:00 PDT

Cate Sevilla is my boo and the editor-in-chief of the fabulous online women’s magazine, BitchBuzz.com. You can follow her on Twitter as @CupCate, where she regularly talks about beer and fatty foods.

Cate by Caroline Briggs

I lived in California for 20 years. I was born in what’s now known as the Silicon Valley, and from the time I was five until II was 18 I lived in a subdivision that was not unlike what you see on frightening suburban sitcoms.

Whenever I tell someone I’m from California, they get a dreamy, if not aroused look in their eye. “CAL-AH-FORNIA!” they exclaim, “Oh which part?!” When they ask this, they are really asking me if by “California” do I really mean “Los Angeles”.

I suck in a breath and inform them that I’m from the suburbs of Sacramento.... and then their eyes roll into the back of their head and they pass out from the sheer disappointment and boredom. Yes, I am from Northern California, and not even San Francisco (or “Frisco” as losers like to call it.)

I didn’t grow up on the beach playing volleyball in my bikini, nor did I go to high school with any celebrities. (Although Wikipedia has informed me that I did go to school with someone who has a Bronze Olympic medal, and another who has been on HBO). I lived in a town where we had three drive-through McDonalds off of one road, an Applebees, a Wal-Mart, and the closest thing we had to a vintage shop was a Goodwill store where you more likely to find a pair of dirty knickers than vintage Dior.

However, while I may have grown up in little boxes made of ticky-tacky, California means more to me than mini-vans, soccer moms and cul-de-sacs. And after 4 years of English living, I’ve come to realize that California has come to mean precisely mean two things to me: Food and Drink.

Not movies, not film stars, not celebrities or even Seth Cohen. (OK, maybe Seth Cohen.) California is the motherland for so many, many delicious things in my eyes, and it is those things I miss when I’m stood in a puddle of rain, freezing my ass off in London...in the middle of July.

So, readers of Mademoiselle Robot, I give you not fashion, nor style...I give you food, carbohydrates and beer. Because it is the American way.

So here they are. The best 5 things to eat and drink in California:

Anchor Steam

Photo courtesy of bochalla

Born and brewed in San Francisco, this amber, rich lager was first brewed in 1896, and is a favorite amongst Californians, and can even be bought in London. I had a keg of Anchor Steam at my wedding reception, and whenever I crack open a bottle of it in London, it makes me feel at home.

In ‘n Out

Photo courtesy of greychr

If you’ve never had a cheeseburger at In ‘n Out, you really, really don’t know what you’re missing. Only available in California, In ‘n Out may be a fast food chain, but it’s most certainly the best. Their staff are friendly, their French fries are made out of actual potatoes that are sliced and fried right before your very eyes, and their burgers are simply orgasmic. (And their milkshakes... *shudder* don’t even get me started on their milkshakes.)

Mel’s Diner

Photo courtesy of David Sifry

If you’re looking for a true American diner experience, go to Mel’s. There’s some confusion over Mel’s Drive-In vs Mel’s Diner - apparently there was some family drama and the two chains split - however, as long as you’re at a diner with the name “Mel” in front of it, you’re at the right place.

When I was younger, anytime my family went out to dinner I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. (Even if it was only available on the kid’s menu.) I consider myself ot be a bit of a grilled cheese sandwich expert, and Mel’s Diner has the best in the entire world. Three cheeses + garlic salt + sourdough bread = HEAVEN. (And possibly a heart attack.) While at Mel’s, enjoy their shakes, fries, burgers, and delicious mozzarella sticks dipped in ranch dressing - just don’t forget to bring some quarters for the jukebox.

Boudin Bakery

Photo courtesy of greychr

Sourdough bread is the one thing that I find only California can get right. Another staple in my (fatty) diet, sourdough bread was born and baked in San Francisco - my favorite place to buy it from is the Boudin Bakery in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Sourdough bread is baked all over the world - not very well, mind you - but it is seriously the most tasty bread in all of the land. Toasted with a bit of butter? Yes please. Fried with cheese melted on top? Absolutely. If you’re in California, you must try a fresh loaf of sourdough bread. It will change your life, and potentially become your new religion. Carbs FTW.

Mexican Food

Photo courtesy of Wilburn.Glenda

People who claim to like Mexican food but have never been to Mexico or California concern me. Why? Because it is impossible to know if you like it or not, if you’re not tried it properly. (No, Taco Bell doesn’t count. What’s that? NO. Chipotle doesn’t count, either!)

While Northern California may be more about Tex-Mex and more Mexican-American, the Mexican food in most any region of California is mind blowing. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salsa, tortilla chips made from actual tortillas....pair all of these with cheap margarita and you’re ready to roll.

So there you have it, folks. If you ever find yourself in California, I insist you try one or all of the above. Just don’t blame me if you can’t fit into your jeans when you come back. (But trust me, it’s so worth it. God bless America!)

Californiaaaaaaaaaaaaaa here we cooooooooome!

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:27:00 PDT

Well well well, this is my last day in London. Tomorrow morning I will be on a jumbo jet to San Francisco to begin my long awaited and well deserved honeymoon... I can't believe it is finally here, it feels like we booked our tickets so long ago.

Jeans - Topshop, Shirt - H&M, Shoes - Swedish Hasbeens, Headband - Loulou Loves You, Bag - Miss Lonelyhearts (won on Scout Holiday)

While I am away, I am leaving you in good company as some of my most amazing real life AND internet friends will be gracing this blog. I set them all a theme (California) and let their minds do the rest.

Cate Sevilla from Bitchbuzz, Federica Bardelli, Naomi Thompson from Vintage Secret, Jaja Hargreaves from July Stars, Fleurtini from Sweet Tooth, Loulou Androlia from Loulou Loves You and Rhiannon Leifheit from Liebe Marlene will be my guests and I am sure you will love their posts.

I will try my best to post some little scrapbook posts of my holiday photos while I am there, but I can't promise I won't actually take a proper holiday and sip pina coladas on the beach instead. I will drink to you all, pinky swear.

I hope you all have a brilliant holiday, I will miss you - no really, I will.

Love from me xoxo

Wish List - Miss Selfridge AW10

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:26:00 PDT

I came back to London last night, leaving the sun and the Summer behind. Here it may as well be Autumn already, so my mind is full of chunky sweaters, clog boots and folk-ish dresses. And then all of a sudden I remember the Miss Selfridge AW10 collection and I am transported into a magical forest sometime in October.

The collection goes from slightly Chanel inspired to the downright hippie-folk. It is full of fall white, and of course the ubiquitous nudes, camel and caramels of the coming season. I think between Miss Selfridge and Topshop, you could probably sort out a nice AW wardrobe and still have enough money left to buy some wood for the fire.

The AW collection should start arriving in stores from now-ish, so keep your eyes peeled!

Wish List - French Connection AW10

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PDT

A few months ago, when press days were turning into press weeks, I went to have a look at French Connection's offering for the new season. After their interesting rebranding last year, I was curious to see what they had in store for the colder months.

The collection doesn't disappoint, it is very strong, with great basics, a few beautiful evening dresses and a lot of the pieces from the menswear section could also be easily added to a girl's wardrobe. There are interesting prints that remind me of Miu Miu SS10 (always a good thing since that collection was a total dream).

I think the brand is successfully turning around, with a much more sophisticated and fashionable range. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for it in store.

French Connection's new campaign has launched yesterday under the direction of Edu Grau (A Single Man) and it is beautiful. Those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook may have caught a glimpse of it yesterday already.

Scrapbook

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:22:00 PDT

Today is my last full day in France, so I am giving you another holiday scrapbook. I have spent a week relaxing, going to the local cafe for a menthe a l'eau every afternoon, going to the market, dancing around with my daughter and sleeping in every morning.

I will be sad to leave tomorrow, but I am only back in London for two days, trying to catch as many friends hugs as I can before heading off to California!

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:31:00 PDT

When Coco Avant Chanel came out, there was a big media frenzy, everyone wanted to write about it. To be honest with you, I still haven't seen it and I am not a fan of Audrey Tautou as Gabrielle Chanel, so I probably won't rush to see it either. I saw a biopic of Coco's life called Coco Chanel which was a much lower profile affair (it was just a TV movie), but Barbora Bobulova's performance as Gabrielle was quite impressive.

Before I left London, I was invited to see a screening of Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, a film by Jan Kounen adapted from the eponymous novel by Chris Greenhalgh.

The film focuses on Coco's life after Boy's death (1920), and more specifically on her passionate love affair with Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.

I didn't know a lot about their relationship as there is actually very little documentation available, but I was completely swept away by the beauty of Kounen's interpretation of it.

David Ungaro's cinematography is absolutely magical and the attention to the characters faces means that there is very little need for dialogue. The film is deliciously slow and clever, and I am officially in love with both Anna Mouglalis (Coco) and Mads Mikkelsen (Igor).

If like me you are a little obsessed with interiors, it is an real visual treasure as the whole of Bel Respiro - Coco Chanel's villa near Garches in France - was reproduced to perfection.

The costumes are obviously amazing, especially considering Chanel opened their archives for the occasion (thanks Karl).

I think to sum it up, I must say it blew my mind a little. I could write a whole essay about the perfection and attention to detail of it all, but I will just leave you with this post and hopefully you will love it as much as I did.

Some of you may have already seen it as it came out in France in 2009, but it is finally coming out in the UK on the 6th of August and I really encourage you to go and see it... No Summer crush will seem worth it after seeing the film though, I warn you.

Scrapbook

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:02:00 PDT

Minnie Mouse ears, no make-up, no fashion, coca cola in the sunshine, heat induced delirium, parallel Universes, old diaries and the constant sound of water.