Ladies Knitwear Autumn/ Winter 09/10

Summer is almost over - not that we had much of a summer anyway - and autumn is fast approaching. Fashionista or not we are going to need knitwear for layering up. But who am I kidding, I am layering up as we speak as today has been pretty cold and rainy.

Although you are not going to be bearing as much skin as on the good summer days, you can still layer up and look trendy and sexy. Stylish basic knitwear is a must if you don't want to look like you have simply thrown on clothes to keep warm. So the look we are going for is stylishly warm.

It is hard not to look stylish in this pure linen kimono jacket. Layer up with this AMERICAN VINTAGE Roll-Neck Sweater made from cotton and cashmere for extra warmth.

Other stylish knitwear looks for you autumn/winter wardrobe.

Alpaca wool wrap handcrafted in Peru from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth.

Long, loose-fit Cowl Neck Sweater with short square sleeves.

Soft and Silky Cardigan with matching lace at the V-neckline and pretty faceted buttons.


Long cape-style cardigan with high collar in ribbed knit. Worn over a sweater, a T-shirt, or denim jacket, the cape is making its big comeback.


This cowl neck tunic sweater is made from organic cotton cultivated in total harmony with nature, without pesticides or chemical products, to protect the environment. Good for you and for the planet...


Soft and warm bouclé Knit Cardigan fastened with a chunky button and set off by a large shawl collar.


Tie Front Pointelle Shrug in a Nectarine colour by East. Perfect to throw over sleeveless dresses.

Ladies Workwear for back to work mums

September starts this week Tuesday and many mums like me are anxiously awaiting the re-opening of schools. It is not so much that I am looking forward to the traffic jams, hectic mornings and mad rush that comes with the new school term, but I have had enough of hearing "what are we doing today?" - which is a question I have woken up to every morning for the last 7-8 weeks.

While its back to school for the kids it is back to work for many mums as well. No doubt lots of mums, myself included, will be busy this week outfitting the kids for back to school. But while you are outfitting the kids for back to school don’t forget to treat yourself to some back to work suits and jackets. You deserve a treat after all those weeks of penance.

This ANNE WEYBURN tweed and velvet jacket is the perfect post summer vacation treat. This taylored ladies work suit is certainly a smart investment outfit that will last you a lifetime and just the style for power dressing at the office. Here are some other workwear outfits to choose from.

Very feminine fitted style Short-sleeved Jacket from Redoute Creation made from 25% wool.


Beautiful, soft Crinkle Twill Weave Jacket with slight crinkle effect from ANNE WEYBURN. The pretty contrasting bourdon trim adds extra style and is very appealing. I know that I'll be treating myself to this suit.

Layer up with muted colours this Autumn

When it comes to Autumn colours I tend to go for the muted tones which are absolute essential wardrobe basics that can mix and match with most other colours. If you already have several knitwear, sweater, jumpers, tights etc in these tones then add some rust, warm olive green, deep reds, purples and burnt sienna to your mix of autumn colors. Marjolica blue, honey yellow and rapture rose are also key Autumn colors. If you are after the luxury bohemian look this autumn then go for rich dark base colours highlighted with reds, purples, yellows and pinks.

This layered look in muted colours with Kimono-style Cardigan by SOMEWHERE is easy to reproduce.


This Long Scarf with plain fringed edging will keep your neck warm. Scarf is made from 68% baby alpaca, 22% polyamide and 10% Merino wool.


This dropped waist cropped trousers worn like harem trousers are great with boots. Go for fringed boots if you want the luxury bohemian trend. Dropped waist. This deep, round neckline sweater from SOMEWHERE is great for layering.

Finish off with this Double Belt and wooden bangles to complete the look.

For that extra layer of warmth go for this exquisite handcratfed alpaca wool wrap. This soft and luxurious cloak will certainly provide that extra warmth when needed in the winter months. This elegant and versatile wrap is available in black and tan is a must-have for your winter wardrobe.

Feral Cat Friday

LONG MAY YOU RUN.

Clever Inspiration ~ Now & Then

While visiting one of my favorite blogs today (Cafe Cartolina), I was drawn to Fiona's posting about Alexis Rom's Get Up Printing Set ~ it is such a clever idea ~ mix & match people and hairstyles for endless possibilities! Given that I am partial to rubber stamps, I was especially smitten!

The Get Up Printing Kit reminded me of something else I had seen long ago on two other blogs I visit frequently ~ Ullabenulla and Le Divan Fumoir ~ a 17th century Dutch handpainted miniature leather locket. The locket comes with multiple mica discs of handpainted disguises that the owner can change as desired ~ transforming the portrait ~ a very similar concept to the rubber stamp kit above. I find it so interesting that a theme or concept can be just as compelling today as it was hundreds of years ago.

{images from here}

New Magazine ~ Flea Market Style

Looking forward to a new magazine coming in Spring 2010 ~ Flea Market Style! Sounds like it will be a magazine close to my heart as it will be "144 pages, chock full of vintage-style decorating, projects, collecting tips, special features and more" ~ brought to you by fellow flea marketeers, Matthew Mead and Ki Nassauer. Hopefully, it will start filling the void left by all of the magazines that went away this last year or two.
For now, you can read more about Flea Market Style and learn more about the making of a magazine on their blog. Can't wait 'til Spring 2010!

Hair Crisis

More frills and ruffles for your wardrobe - Spring 2009

When you think of frills and ruffles there is the tendency to think dressy. English Fashion Designer Luella in her Spring 2009 ready to wear collection showed many creative and wearable frilled outfits that are feminine and fun.

Pictures from http://www.style.com/

Luella's spring 2009 collection combined asymmetrical tiered frill skirts, patchwork and overlays of lace, bouncy tiers and upstanding frills. It is girly and whimsical to say the least and I absolutely love it. The lavender and green dress simply shouts prom dress.

Luella's psychedelic designs simply shows that we are never too old to wear frills and ruffles. But if you are looking for a more casual interpretaion of the trend for an everyday look then check out these frilly options.

This sleeveless multicoloured dress by East is the perfect outfit for special occasions with its show-stopping colours and figure-hugging crinkle fabric. Made in a simple but elegant style, the subtle feminine frill detail at the hem and neckline adds even more sophistication and style.

This lovely open ruffle front Silk Frill Dress is light and feminine. Made from an embossed silk, it has frills on the sleeves and the hem.

Well I simply cannot decide which colour to get in this e.v paris ruffle neck tunic dress. I love both the blush pink and khaki which are equally great autumny colours. Made from 100% silk crepe, wear with leggings or tights to add some autumn warmth and fringe boots to get the luxury bohemian look.

A subtle play on transparency, this ruffle neck top is made from 100% cotton knit. The wide rounded neckline edged with a voile ruffle and long voile sleeves with buttoned cuffs looks very elegant with a pair of jeans.


This long sleeved Jabot-Style Ruffled Shirt achieves a bohemian look with its crumpled, faded look and frayed finished on its ruffle cascade. The mother of pearl buttons at neckline and cuffs add a bit of bohemian luxury to this e.v. paris 100% cotton ruffled shirt.