tube stop in the name of love

I saw Dorreen on the Northern Line, on the same ride home from Camden as previous posts (it really was quite a street style day!). She got on when I did and had the most serene manner, and reminded me of a Supreme, or perhaps a Shirelle.





As we got to each Tube stop, I SO wanted to ask to shoot her, but it was rush hour on a Friday, people were going home or going out, the train was packed, and here I am, staring at a strange girl's eyeliner with longing.



Finally I just asked her. She said yes, in that same quiet, modest English manner. She was getting off at Leicester Square, where I took these quick shots. This was just before started my own Motel Rocks Challenge, and hers is Topshop (I now know the difference: Motel's is shaggier, and Topshop's sleeves are shorter: a nice 3/4 length). She couldn't remember where she got her sandals. I just love the whole look.



You know how artists go thru periods where they just keep taking the same theme and revisiting it in different ways? Picasso with his cubes, Grayson Perry with his pots.. well, I guess for this Polka Dot, it's leopard print spots.

I'm very very sorry for the title today. It is soooooo cringeably lame, but I really must dash. The sun's out & meeting my wonderful American friend, Maralee, for sushi. Yum. Have a lovely Tuesday! xox

totally rad maddy

I don't know about the rest of the world, but the ubiquitous leopard print phenomenon is spreading faster than swine flu. (Hey: it's December. Weren't we all meant to be dead by October?) My Great Motel Rocks Challenge is coming to an end: they were really kind about loaning it to me, but I've held onto it way too long, mostly because it's rained so much. So Mr. Dot & I are off to the V&A today for one last Challenge, and then, sadly, it's goodbye to The Coat that has become a warm and cherished cuddly friend.



Here is Maddy Ford, who rose to the challenge. We were in Green & Stone & I was choosing coloured pencils when suddenly Mr. Dot pulled me out of the store to meet someone 'perfect for you.' I'm wondering if our marriage is getting a bit weird if my husband is now scouting out beautiful blondes. Maddy is a Celebrity Fashion Stylist, as it says on her card, and altho as you know I only post people's first names, I'm including her surname because it's got such a great sound - Maddy Ford - and this way, if you're a celebrity, you'll know how to find her. She's totally rad. And very, very sweet.



She wasn't sure The Coat would work with her outfit (note: the polka dots on her leggings are evenly spaced sequins, and her blackberry has a matching silver sequin covered case) but that's the point of my experiment: I've yet to find a look that doesn't work with this coat. And yet, come tomorrow, it's goodbye. I just hope the next lucky girl loves it as much as I have.

Maddy's tee by McQueen, bag by Louis Vuitton, but jacket 'only Zara'. Leopard print coat, stylist's own.

motel rocks @ the V&A

I met Jess (blonde) & Laura (brunette) at the Victoria & Albert Museum my first day out with The Coat (see previous post, if you don't mind, or this won't make any sense. And for those of you who have, I'd only be repeating myself). I'd have wanted to shoot them regardless, as they are friends with such different looks & styles, both equally great. Turns out they were game to take the Great Motel Challenge.



One thing I love about the V&A (there's just so much I love) is it's got so many facets to it, so many wonderful places & exhibits, and yet they kinda leave you alone. I mean, we just took over a large marble staircase for a few minutes for a photo shoot, and no one stopped us.



Jess & Laura are studying fashion and art at university, and especially studying something I thought they called 'foundations'. I didn't understand them at first and thought it was yet another American/Brit thing but that's what they meant: Ladies Undergarments.



Note Laura's underwear as outerwear thing going on, (the slip dress is a lucky find, from shopping her mum's closet), in my favourite crisp combo of navy, black, white, bits of gold, and pearls. Lots o' pearls. Oh so Chanel with a twist.



And Jess has a bit of a Edie Sedgwick/Agyness Deyn pre-black hair look, don't you think?

(faux fur leopard print coat, Motel. Everything else, models' own).

motel rocks!

Boy do they ever. I first heard of this online brand from Erika, of Fashion Chalet, then noticed people I street shot were wearing Motel, and spotted it on celebrities. I love their dresses.

So I went online & found these fabulous faux leopard coats & had an idea for the Great Motel Rocks Challenge. I approached Beth, who works with Motel, told her my idea, and she sent me a sample coat (on loan) and basically said, 'Go for it, babe'.



It arrived soon after, and I immediately asked Mr. Dot to shoot me. I doubt the other 'self style' bloggers have photo shoots that last under a minute with their bf shouting 'Hurry up, Jill'. But this isn't about me.

I'm posting this because my challenge is to find different people with different looks and see how the same coat works on them. So if I see you on the street, you could be next.

Some people have reported that leopard has peaked in their part of the world (and some parts of the world it's irrelevant, obviously, due to the heat - in those places, there might actually be REAL leopards), but I chose the leopard print because it hasn't peaked here by any means. And besides, I love it. It's cuddly and warm like a great big stuffed animal, it's lined with silky leopard print, it goes with everything, and (don't tell Mr. Dot) I'm angling buy it when I'm done. But we'll cross that marital bridge when we come to it.

(Oh btw, I'm wearing: Motel Rocks coat, Blue Velvet black riding boots from last season, black thermal leggings from American Apparel, and skinny rib cardigan from Massimo Dutti: you don't need layers under this baby!)