Finest Studio

Vintage Clothes Meet Vintage Decor

2011-11-30T13:13:00.001+00:00

Southampton is not known to have that many vintage shops and it is a shame that even those few haven't differentiated themselves from charity shops. I first discovered Hepwright's a couple of years back but never made a fuss about it until few weeks ago when I noticed how the owner put an effort to make the shop look different. Catherine has opted to be original, giving us an absolute vintage experience.

This lamp/cocktail cabinet is an absolute vintage!

And this home office furniture also used as a wardrobe - could be perfect if you are tight for space at home.

I like these ancient suitcases by the entrance - they'll look fab in the bedroom/sitting room too.

I like the way she displayed the furniture and few touches around the shop.

Being an interior designer and image consultant, this is one place I could not pass without making a fuss about.

Click here to visit Hepwright's website.

Went So FAST - Versace for H&M

2011-11-22T15:28:00.001+00:00

The collection was sold out by mid day! A lot of people complained the launch missed them as they were on their desks working and the online shop was overwhelmed.

The world we live in is so unfair; here are some of the celebrities who got their hands on the collection before everyone else and didn't even have to queue.

Donatella Versace and Nicki Minaj

Jessica Alba

Mark Robonson

Emma Roberts

Jennifer Hudson

Selma Blair

Cloe Moretz

The hit jacket - it should be reproduced

Are you one of the lucky people who had to queue to snap them? We would like to hear your comments and see a picture of you wearing your purchase.

The SO NOW fashion accessory - Shamballa

2011-11-11T16:52:00.001+00:00

I met up with my friend for a girly afternoon last Tuesday. As I sat there flashing my new buy, shamballa, it suddenly became a topic of conversation. She said I'm the third person she has seen wearing them, and that the other two are guys. It is a clearly that this is a trend which has been picked equally by men and women.

Shamballa was originally a legend of hidden kingdom that is mentioned in various ancient texts. Shamballa gradually came to be seen as a pure land, a fabulous kingdom whose reality is visionary or spiritual as much as physical or geographical. Today, Shamballa is regarded as a place of “peace, tranquility, and happiness”. Some Tibetan medical texts those are believed to have come from this kingdom of Samballa describing human anatomy and physiology, sophisticated theories and methods of diagnosis, and ways to prevent and cure serious diseases. It is also said that Shamballa is the dharma chakra, located in the heart of all living beings. It is the symbol for the mind, completing the trinity of body, speech, and mind.

The shamballa/ shambhala/ sambhala bracelet is originally a religious charm inspired by ancient traditions of Buddhism and Tibetan, with spiritual philosophy of meditation, yoga and holistic medicine. They are believed to encourage spiritual healing, peace, tranquility and happiness. Shamballa bracelets are traditionally made from hemp cord, leather or nylon straps which are then embellished with beautiful stones or beads. The typical shamballa bracelet will have 5 to 7 beads or stones set within the bracelet which woven together with symmetrical braids. Each bead or stone used in the shamballa bracelet is said to symbolize a particular belief or philosophy such as peace, harmony, enlightenment or spirituality.

Mads Kornerup is believed to be behind this movement of shamballa to become fashion pieces and now the likes of Nialaya, Tresor Paris, Jada Styles, Utopia and more are designing and stoking them - from high end shops such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus and Harrods to high street shops such as Essential. They come in a variety of styles (bracelets/ neclases), colours, materials and bling. Their price ranges from around

£2 right up to £3k, well if you can afford real diamonds.

And if you didn't know, right now they are the newest must have accessory craze, and they have become the new height of cool. HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway,HRH Princess Kasia al Tahani of Kuwait; hip hop and R&B Moguls Jay-Z, Kanye, Lil-Wayne, Busta Rymes,Usher and Ciara; actors Ashton Kutcher and Daniel Day Lewis; actresses Helena Christensen, Joy Bryant, Lindsay Lohan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary Kate Olsen and Demi Moore; basketball legend Michael Jordan; basketball players Lamar Odom and LeBron James; tennis Legend Boris Becker; singers Rihanna, Beyonce and Toby Keith; stand-up comedienne, television host and actress Ellen DeGeneres; football players Mesut Özil and Wender Bremen; Italian model and socialite Bianca Brandolini and well.... ME are just some who like to wear Shamballa.

What not to like about them?
They are so eye catching and discretely CHIC!

Café with a twist

2011-10-23T03:01:00.000+01:00

I absolutely like the interior design ideas behind the The Art House café which is located at Above Bar Street in Southampton, just opposite Sir Matthew Building of Southampton Solent University. With the front windows dressed in creative arts, you can tell the whole café will be showered with ideas.

The ground floor of the café has been dressed in the old fashioned way and the walls have been jewelled with paintings and pictures from different artists and photographers, giving it a warm welcoming feel. This is the kind of place where you go to have a relaxing cup of hot drink and a snack without worrying about time.

There is a small section of vintage clothes and accessories on sale at the back of the café on the ground floor - what a grate idea and I like the gold ornate mirror and the chandelier.

Upstairs of the café has been divided in two sections. The back is a dining room styled area with it's walls and ceiling covered in playful art while the front area has been left plain for activities such as art lessons.You can tell the amount of time and imagination behind this place - an absolute charm.

Visit http://www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk/ to find more information about The Art House gallery café.

The Tribute

2011-10-12T13:04:00.003+01:00

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD LOAFERS

When I heard Markus is DJing at 90 and doesn't DJ at Club Rosso anymore I was relieved. Seeing him all happy, dancing in his Vivienne Westwood loafers made me happy too. Those shoes, uuuuuuuh!! How Could I not notice so fabulously designed shoes? They have that “look at me!” persona. I must say Markus has good taste on shoes.

He laughed when I told him I'm going to give them a page on my blog. Here there are, Markus and his shoes:


This is the last picture of Markus with the shoes - taken by me.

I bumped into him again on Monday evening. He sadly told me someone stood on these babies and broke the tassel on the same night!!! What a crime!!

Is there anyone out there who won’t be annoyed when someone step on your shoes and sometimes even ruin your night as a result?

Click http://twitter.com/#!/P_Dot_Be to follow Marckus Stafford on Twitter.

How is your style?

2011-10-10T13:48:00.004+01:00

I was given a suggestion by one of the fashionista on Saturday. I want to take this on board. You will have to work with me on this to achieve this.

This is how it works; we take photos of what we wear to go out (it could be going to a function, work, or just out and about), you post the photo to me and I will post it on the blog for suggestion. Members of the blog can then send their comments on the outfit. No haters or unconstructive comments. I need your opinion on this.

You can join the blog become a member by clicking join this site button on the Follow Finest Studio section by the left hand side of the blog.

SWAHILI FASHION WEEK

2011-10-07T12:32:00.001+01:00

With the launch of Swahili fashion week tomorrow in Arusha, I can’t help but wish I could make it for the actual show in November. Will they smash last year’s show? Well, we are all waiting to see.

We have a snick pick at previous shows:

This year’s show is very special. I feel more excited about it because my friend, since the time of kombolela (hide and seek), is going to show her collection. I have seen Tina Zimba aka Kiki grow; from having her boutique at Mikocheni, Dar-es-salaam to becoming a fashion designer. With her endless kukaguka (hard partying) time, I guess it is ok to wonder how she manages to have time for all. Wishing you all the best Kiki Fashion, http://www.kikisfashiontz.com/

For details of Swahili Fashion Week, visit http://swahilifashionweek.com/

Bandage Has It

2011-10-05T22:58:00.003+01:00

Remember these dresses and skirts?

Celebrities wore them and the high street followed. Even I didn’t want to be left behind either, I went got a skirt of similar style from Jaeger.

Well, the genius behind this invention is Hervé Léger. His designs have been described as high voltage bandage.

I spoke about the collection on the “The Trends - New York SS 2012” posting.

These are just few of the his new collection that cought my eye. See what I meant by saying his entire collection is supper sexy! And the optical elusion that guarantees inches off your waist in an instant. The look is elegant, with details to add a bold punch in jaw-dropping designs that fashionistas like me are left drooling. This time he’s become even more playful with the collecton adding beads, feathers, cashmere insets and appliqué to vary the legendary look.

Thank You for Your Support

2011-10-05T21:49:00.000+01:00

A lot of people have been very supportive and giving tips on how I can make the blog more vibrant. Ingrid told me to add more photos and Hannah said I must make sure my spelling and grammar is spot on at all times.

Also, I have been getting good remarks regarding my website, saying it is very professional. It took me day and night writing and perfecting it. Not forgetting my friends and mum who were on the other end proof reading and giving opinions; and I must say my good friend Hannah did a brilliant job on proof reading.

Frankly, English is not my first language and I’m not that good at Kiswahili either, but I’m definitely sure I will get better with time.

Hannah Bayman - BBC Look North (NE & Cumbria)

Ingri Gigi at http://theswedebrazilian.tumblr.com/

100% Design, 22-25 September 2011, Earls Court 2

2011-09-21T19:20:00.001+01:00

I'm so excited, I've just received my ticket to visit 100% Design 2011. It is the UK's leading contemporary interior design event.

I'm planning to attend 100% Design, 100% Futures and 100% Materials plus seminars in association with Mix Publications and the Interior Design Association (IDA). I hope to come back with a lot of ideas, but most importantly a whole bunch of networking list.

However, on the other hand I'm so frustrated I haven't received my new business cards yet, meaning I won't be able to give them away. So, I hope a word of mouth will work.

The Trends - New York SS 2012

2011-09-20T14:36:00.001+01:00

Well, I didn't get to go to New York for the fashion show, but I got to watch it on Youtube. There was a lot to take in. A quick note to fashion followers, Charlotte Ronson, J. Mendel and BCBG Max Azria collections tells not to throw away your last session frocks just yet. Colour blocking, Sheer fabrics, tie-die are here to stay for a little while. So store them safe for next summer.

Just like Christian Louboutin heels with red soles, Nicole Miller created a couple of pieces with visible contrasting underlay colour. I like the monochromes, blue with green and white with yellow from her collection. Also, BCBG Max Azria created a black/yellow dress. This is a trend that personally I would consider to follow if it’ll hit high street.

I can see Badgley Mischka designs are sold in Karen Millen, only with a higher price tag. What a relief for us with lighter busts because just like block colours, bows and frills are here to stay. Nude is another colour which is here to stay, and mixing nude fabrics with gold belt? Fab!!

Body con collection from Hervé Léger was exciting to watch. The whole collection is supper sexy! I loved the optical elusion; you are guaranteed to have a tiny waist in an instant. Well, that does not mean we should eating doughnuts.

The use of delicate, floaty fabrics has made Luca Luca collection so sensual and feminine. He understands woman’s form so well. This guy’s designs are sensual and sexy. I could wear all of his designs except for the colourful trousers. That is one trend for not faint hearted people. However, you have to remember, when you wear crazy colour assemble outfit, tune down the colours for make-up.

Perry Ellis made me glued on the screen because of the “oohhh so good looking male models”; but it has to be said, his choice of fabric is excellent! It makes me wonder if those white see through trouser for men are going to be the next thing in the shops, because it is about time men wear sheer. This will only work with beautiful bodied men though, not everyone will be able to pull the look.

I’ve just seen Sleek’s concentrated lipstick in blue yesterday, but I opted for a bright purple instead. That’s just made me wonder, do you think fashion followers will wear the colour blocking skirts over trousers or blue lipstick like in Richard Chai’s show?

This is one for the linguists, what will you call a jacket that has no back? Like the funky in Nicholas K. Collection.

First Street Style Stalking

2011-09-06T02:08:00.001+01:00

Last Sunday I took my first challenge to wonder around Southampton high street looking for the most stylish person. I was amazed to come back home without a single picture to put on the Street Style Stalker panel.

I then decided to meet up with the girls for late light lunch. I told them why I was in town and that I could not spot a single person with an individual style. You will think, considering it was Sunday and the weather was good, people will be at their best stylish-selves; but this was not the case in this city.

My girls suggested I should consider travelling to different cities/towns. I’m very excited with the idea of travelling. So, if you spot me out and about and you think you look stylish that day, just stop me for your chance to appear on my blog.

Kiki's Fashion: Jestina George and Jennifer Hudson got something i...

2011-05-23T22:07:00.000+01:00

Kiki's Fashion: Jestina George and Jennifer Hudson got something i...