sequential: contextual

The lovely Flora, as before, being pretty in pink in a one off, original pink prom dress - made ethically, in Africa, from reclaimed Sixties chiffon. Old/new, borrowed, not blue.

Contextual, because - my theme of the day - I'm fascinated with the idea of taking something out of context. For example, these thick wool black gloves. On a snowy winters day, with boots and sleds and thick jumpers, is one thing. On Flora, in this context, it's another.

Boots are from Topshop, and you can buy this dress - but only one of you - for just under 25 quid, from the Vagabond Van on ASOS marketplace.

Lovely Saturday, all! What are you up to this weekend? xoxo

what happiness wore

Chimwemwe means Happiness, in Malawian. It's also the name of the dummy that Lucie & Lachlan, along with their dog, Bow Wow, travel with in their VAGABOND VAN: round the world, sourcing amazing clothes and accessories, some of which I shot in their Camden Stall. Which ends this weekend. Altho frankly, Chimwemwe looks too fierce, and fab, to be a dummy. She kind of reminds me of Naomi Campbell, actually. And I love the way they dress her up differently all the time. It's worth the trip to Camden, just to see what Chimwemwe's wearing today.





But even if you have other plans this weekend - or don't live in London - you can still buy stuff online, or now, better yet, at ASOS MARKETPLACE. I wish I could be in two places at once this weekend, because I am so craving going over to Proud Camden, upstairs, next to 631 Ramp, and buying one of these fabulous colourful Meilie bags. I desperately need a new bag - my old Coach ones are too small, and I can't bear to spend a mint on a bag, but I don't want some kind of cheap fake leather thing. I want - I'm not kidding, I can't stop thinking about it - I want these bags of colourful happiness. Even if everything else I'm wearing this fall is neutral and muted, I want to wear a bag that makes me smile.











I really wanted to embed this video of James Brown singing Papa's got a brand new bag live, but I can't. So click here, & turn up the volume. This is so the roots of.. well, everything that's come since. Ain't no drag. But I really want a MIELIE VAGABOND VAN BAG!



p.s. I didn't even say the most important part (besides that these bags - and everything they sell - is so inexpensive) - it's also made by African women, at home so they can take care of their children.. actually Lucie says it so much better, herself:

"Thank you, Jill! This is fab! Chimwemwe is thrilled!! Please, anyone who would like to experience Vagabond Van and meet Chimwemwe - email me (team@vagabondvan.com). We are going to be based in Notting Hill, pop by and have a trying on session and a cuppa! And those bags are seriously amazing - each one is a work of art - but they don't just look good, they do good. They're made using recycled t-shirt material by women who are paid fairly and can work at home and look after their little ones. Ethical and individual! xx "

The Vagabond Van is also now at ASOS MARKETPLACE">ASOS Marketplace.