nini's friend natasha's theory of recession fashionista economics

Mr. Dot is getting antsy.

He wants to go to the Tate Modern (my husband has recently decided to become a conceptual artist and damn, he's good. And I'm pleased as punch because I always thought I'd end up marrying an artist). And loathe as I am to knock Mystery Girl down a post position, that is the nature of a blog, and I want to get these Shopping Tips to you because it's 11 a.m., Greenwich Mean Time, which Means that those of you in the greater London metropolitan area might be waking up, lounging around drinking your coffee & considering what you'll do today.

I have two seemingly opposite, but connected suggestions.



First: head to Topshop, Oxford Circus, lower ground floor, for the last day of the Dress Me Up charity event. I've talked this to death, if you're new to my blog, the links are on the top of my sidebar ('spotlight on'). This is Patricia, one of the delightful coordinators of the event, who you'll probably see there, in Kate Moss's Lanvin dress & Topshop booties.



Second option: in Camden Lock, in the outside part in a spot called Middle Lane (it's tricky: it's not on google map, but if you go to the market, you'll find it) is a wonderful small stall run by a guy named Derek, I believe. I wanted to photograph him as well as his clothes, but he said 'You don't need a photo of me'.




He's lovely. And his clothes are inspired, original, and... well, you just have to see them. I've seen something similar in Spitalfields Market, but each of these is one of a kind and really considering the original garment. It's like seeing a Couture collection, crammed into a little outdoor stall. These are bespoke garments, hand tailored, made with respect and whimsy from quality men's clothing. For women. And at prices ranging from £40 to £55, tops, he's practically giving it away for free.

He doesn't have a website yet, just an email address: bohema@london.com, and a simple paper tag that says 'Bohema: reuse recycle'. And, because everything is connected, he reminds me of a Joni Mitchell song (just click below) and uncannily, the wonderful Photodiarist just posted something on this very idea: one image, and far less words.



I was up all night thinking about things I've read recently on Nini's blog, on recession fashionista economics, and on Jordan's ('throwaway fashion: trends into trash?'. And it's true what he said: expensive designer clothes ARE better in every way, and as I've known from the few items I've owned, or from even trying them on - as you can do today @ Topshop, and even wear one to a party - there is something indescribable about wearing designer goods, like this Herve Leger dress donated by Jourdan Dunn. Granted, a few steps from the Dress Me Up dressing room, Topshop are selling a similar concept at very affordable prices, but without Leger conceiving the idea, where would the cheaper imitations come from?



Which is why we MUST keep our designers alive. Luella's plight is a wake up call, and now Christian Lacroix.. but we all need to re-think the way we consume and discard.

Which is why I'm lumping these two posts together: because each fashion option is embracing the idea of valuing that which already exists. If that makes any sense. It's all about being wabi sabi. Which I shall talk about, I promise, another time. Mr. Dot is getting antsy, and it's time to go see some art.

we are all sinners, we are all saints

I've got a real dilemma here: a chance trip to meet a friend for lunch in Camden produced such a cache of shots - and THEN, I went back with my husband, Mr. Dot the next day and got even MORE - that if I just posted one a day, I'd still be working thru the pile come next Christmas. And I got such a yummy take away pad thai with lemongrass chicken in Camden Lock, that I am seriously thinking of going back Friday for more!





The thing I found interesting was, the light felt different in that part of town, and the colour palette on the people was more... colourful, certainly, than I'm seeing in the South Kensington/Knightsbridge/Chelsea area (which, in the shadow of the Victoria & Albert Museum, feels, like the railings, in permanent mourning for Albert). But it's not just bright colour: there is a lot more subtle browns, and greens.. that's it! It feels more organic there. Less crisp black and white, more subtle shades of nature, with flashes of flowery pinks, reds, purples, oranges, yellow: just like in a garden.



Case in point: Becca, who, as I later discovered when I wandered into All Saints, works there. I found her on the street during I guess a lunch break, didn't ask what she did or where she got anything (in hindsight: it does look all Saints, don't you think?). Took a few quick snaps - put her in the doorway of a tattoo parlour to get her out of the crowd passing between us - and she's just so damn photogenic, I couldn't decide. Finally narrowed it down to these two very similar shots, so you're getting both today. It's a duo kind of day. The images feel strangely religious: something about the gesture of her hand, it feels quite Christ-like. Or, Buddha.



I absolutely love All Saints: they've got two very similar large branches, in Camden and also Spitalfields: both on corners, both a real treasure trove of fashion. Before I ever went in, I had assumed it was too punk for me, too scruffy, but it's amazing: have you ever gone? Brilliantly constructed stuff, very well made, original, and something for every style type. I fell in love with some wonderful fitted Alaia-type cocktail dresses, for example. In Knightsbridge black, I might add!

Thank you all for your great comments recently. The new people who have sent links to their blogs, I'm trying to look thru them all & get back to you: wonderful stuff out there! And please do keep giving me feedback on trends... more about that shortly.

Okay, enough chit chat. The sun is out and soon as I post this, so am I. Have a lovely day, all you beautiful people!

star quality: ash

Last Friday, I was in Camden meeting my journalist friend Stella for lunch and I was so impressed with the local colour - felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, after being in the black & white Kansas of the Knightsbridge/Chelsea area for so long - that I stayed and snapped away.

I don't know if other street style bloggers do this, but whoever I shoot, I give my card, and ask them to email me so I can send them the shots. You'd be amazed at how few respond. I just keep printing more cards. Yet what amazes me is this: it's the most photogenic ones who tend to contact me.



Case in point: Ash. He sent me an email right away, and I asked him if there was anything interesting about his clothes he could tell me, or where's he from.. whatever. Here's his reply, exactly as he typed it (granted, my txt msgs r far worse!). Heed the name Ashley Toweel, boys & girls, because this guy is going to be a star.

Hey Jill
Um the jacket is my dads from the late 80's when he was a proffessional boxer. Ittle bit interesting. The rest is random bits and pieces. I live upstairs so had just gotten out of bed for a coggie..and went straight back there.haha.I'm a singer/actor from australia. Just came over for a few months until I come back next year to stay for a year or so but had a few possible work opportunities with my singing coming up here so just waiting to see if anything happens before i head back.My local in Australia is actually Camden to and have fallen in love with Camden/London. Despite the cold. All good bout the pics whenever your ready.
Hope that's alright
Ash.x

. . . . .

It certainly is, Ash. And as a tribute to your dad, one of my favourite all time songs, ever. The picture seems stuck, just like the lump in my throat when I play it.

Tho isn't it strange: after changes upon changes, we are more or less the same. After changes we are more or less the same.

knit knack: veronika

Sometimes it seems my life is just one amazing coincidence after another. I will hear about something out of the blue and then just keep hearing it. Mark Fast, the knitwear designer, for example: the coincidences started rolling in about 24 hours BEFORE all the hoo-hah about his recent LFW week catwalk show. Even the Sunday Style section in the Times did a piece on him yesterday. (I truly applaud his courage, by the way, and feel the issue of the three 'plus sized', i.e., normally shaped models, is the least fascinating thing about him: if you look at the show as a whole, shown here, you'll see: his clothes are just gorgeous, and would look great women of any size, shape, colour, or, for that matter, age).

But I'm also just really into knitwear, now, more than ever. I could happily live purely in knitted items. If someone just put soles on socks, I'd be pleased as punch.



So: Veronika. I had just walked back from lunch at Jaks with Isabel (we're practically making it a Monday ritual), and we passed Joseph, and the one shot I took all day was another shot at Joseph of the Rodarte window (below). Then, a few minutes later, I saw this amazing girl, Veronika, kind of running down the street near the construction at South Ken tube station. Of course I just had to ask where she got that gorgeous grey open knit top.



Well, of course: she knitted it herself. It figures: I shoot one person today, and she's a future knitwear designer.

Veronika is currently a fashion student, from Hungary, and had just come back from a trip home two hours earlier. She's selling some of her work at the open markets, like Camden (where she got her fabulous belt, by the way. Her perfectly on trend Cuban heel boots are River Island. When you consider that her leggings are knitted, then the only non-knit items are her belt, boots, and ring). She doesn't have a website address but if you get in touch with me, I'll put you in touch with her.



Her name, Veronika, reminded me vaguely of an old Elvis Costello song. Then I thought, no, Jill, you silly cow, it's Alison. But he did songs for both names! Which I've sourced for your viewing pleasure, below. And on that note, I'll shut up.