skinny star punk pants

My friend Arlynn (not a blogger - a civilian) said recently that she liked my zipper jeans, but that I shouldn't have worn them with a boxy top - that a sheer blouse would be better. I agree. When we did our 127 looks in under three hour shoot with the fabulous Flora, the three of us (third being, Lucie of the Vagabond Van) all voted for this combo: skinny star punk pants and a pretty pink top.

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

flora: portrait in black and white

Flora is a lovely girl, a family friend of my friend Lucie's, and yesterday I had the privilege to do her first fashion shoot, just the three of us. No 'stylists' running around over-thinking the situation, just us girls, a pile of clothes and accessories, with Lucie feeding us strong builder's tea. Over 800 photos, dozens of looks, and in less than three hours, losing the light and sending Flora back to the train to school.

Floria is also absolutely delightful, and I'm so glad we met. She is.. she's magic. I'm going to be running a series on this shoot, so might as well shut up now, and save it for another post.

Flora is wearing the dress I chose when I first discovered The Vagabond Van: the Appolonia, in white cotton, for the ridiculously low price of £19.90.

The VAGABOND VAN is now on ASOS Marketplace.

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.