Addiction fifteen: NAVY

Don’t go for predictable black this autumn/winter instead try its striking sibling NAVY. My tips on wearing this colour......
1.Don’t be afraid to mix navy & black!

Celine, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Andrew GN, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Celine, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

2.For a fresh take on the smoky eye go with navy over grey or brown.

Stylist, 4 August 2010

3.Skip green or khaki, navy is the perfect colour to rock the Military look this season.

Andrew GN, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Burberry Prorsum, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Burberry Prorsum, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

4.Forget the LBD and go for the LND! The Little Navy Dress is much more fashion forward.

Andrew GN, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Andrew GN, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Andrew GN, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

Addiction fourteen: FASHION FILM PHOTOSHOOTS

I just LOVE it when fashion shoots have a filmic quality or reference. One of my favourites was in the autumn 2005 issue of Harvey Nichols magazine while I was working there. ‘Femme Fatale’ shot by Grey Sorensen featured a Hitchockian heroine. Its letterbox layout gives it a real cinematic feel.






In 2008 The City Magazine wanted me to do a fashion shoot that featured sports cars. I decided that film stills would be a great technique to use. ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ was the movie theme I decided to portray. Each shot was styled like a movie cell and again utilised a letterbox layout.






Earlier this year Esquire US also did an AMAZING story shot by Jean-Pierre Khazem recreating Steve McQueen in his different films highlighting ten classic pieces of American sportswear. It’s such a fantastic shoot and a unique way of featuring these iconic looks.







Another take on this idea was in 125 Magazine shot by Perry Curties. Perry took actual stills from Bond films and then added the model over the top.

Addiction thirteen: AUGUST ELLE

I’m loving the August issue of both UK & Spanish Elle magazines.

This picture of Erin Wasson taken from the fashion shoot in Spanish Elle is AMAZING! Absolutely everything about this shot is fantastic from the gorgeous tulle dress styled with the wickedly cool ankle boots and denim jacket, to the location in front of the truck station! It’s these combinations of contrast that I love.

By David Mushegain, Elle Agosto 2010

I’m also loving British Elle’s cover shoot of Lily Allen by Rankin. She looks very cool, sexy and her eye make-up is to DIE for, I only wish I could do something that incredible to my eyes.

They’re both currently on sale but hurry up and get them quick before they go!
I’m also excited about the September issue of Elle UK, out August 4th, as I hear Emily Blunt is on the cover and I LOVE her!

Addiction twelve: THE SOLD OUT ITEM!

Why do you always want something that is sold out? I have fallen in love with the Opening Ceremony pleated trench coat seen on Blake Lively AKA Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl (episode 3.19 “Dr. Estrangeloved”) and Rose Byrne AKA Ellen Parsons in Damages (throughout series 3).

What I love about this trench coat besides the amazing cut is the charcoal felt collar. It’s a great twist on a classic item. I recently spotted similar (i.e. charcoal felt collar) but by no means the perfect match by DKNY and Celine for their Autumn/Winter 2010 collection.

DKNY A/W 2010 Runway show Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

If anyone spots a closer match or a second-hand one please let me know!

Addiction eleven: HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Have you ever told yourself that shopping aboard doesn’t count? You’re in a foreign country with foreign money that doesn’t look real..........well I do ALL the time!!!!

While most of the shops in England only started their sales last week Florence have already had theirs as most shops were displaying their fall/winter stock. I know it might seem too soon to be shopping for the winter but when you see something you LOVE on holiday you MUST get it. It’s the RULE!

I came across a really cute shoe boutique, Eleonora on Via Porta Rossa, which had some FABULOUS boots. I was initially looking for some stylish Italian loafers when I spotted these suede boots by Boemos.


Years ago when I was working at The Telegraph Magazine I had a pair like this in olive from Jigsaw but after wearing them to death I had to chuck them. So I was so excited to find another pair. They came in a few different colours but I LOVE the denim blue, they’ll look fab with grey, black and even blue jeans. You ALWAYS need several good pairs of flat boots to run around during the fall and winter seasons.

After Florence I jumped on a train to Genoa on the coast where it’s less touristy. I happily continued my shopping and came across more little boutiques.
At a shop near Via 20 Settembra I found the perfect holiday bag by Jessica Kagan Cushman. Since 2009 Jessica has been designing her collection of satire bags that are just too cute! I LOVE “My Other Bag is Chanel” mini tote! It’s perfect for a beach or summer holiday. Beware there are copies out there but JKC’s bags are the original.

On this trip I finally had an opportunity to use my new Smythson travel wallet; it was the first time since receiving the lovely gift. I’ve always wanted one but was waiting for the perfect colour, which they call Magenta. It’s a beautiful bit of luxury to have especially if you travel a lot. There’s a place for my passport, tickets, money, etc.

I’ve ALWAYS loved Smythson for their quality leather products which are unmatchable. My next Smythson purchase will be a gorgeous leather iphone case. I really wanted the one in electric blue that they call Cerulean (remember that colour from A Devil Wears Prada) but unfortunately they sold out!

I’m off to Berlin next week I’ll let you know if I see anything fabulous there!

Addiction ten: SUMMER SALES

The great thing about the summer sales starting earlier every year is that you have more time to wear all your new purchases!! And that can’t be a bad thing.

If you don’t have a limitless bank account, like most of us, you shouldn’t feel the need to buy a new wardrobe every season. The key is to mix new and old, designer and high street to truly make a unique style.
Selfridges summer sale starts this Monday June 14th 8am in-store and online!

Harvey Nichols is having a 50% off summer sale with a preview on Tuesday June 15th at 6.30pm and general sale starting on Wednesday

Harrods Fashion Sale Preview from Saturday June 12th to Thursday June 17th

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Addiction Nine: SUMMER HATS

The one thing you shouldn’t be seen without this summer is a hat!

Make sure to choose one that fits your style (and your head), I personal love women in men’s style hats like a trilby, panama or flat cap.


Perfect for the country or abroad maybe not so great for the city. Jaeger, £120

A bit Amish? Reiss, £39


City cool! Reiss, £39

A classic Panama style. Pachacuti at Liberty, £50

Cowboy Jess! Paul Smith at Liberty, £105




Ummm....NO! Pachacuti at Liberty, £50


Enchanted April.....very cute and girlie for that vintage 20s feel. Crystal Crown Series by Tony Merenda at Anthropologie, £48

“I’m singing in the rain....” perfect for a British down pour! Aquascutum, £55



City glam...couldn't you see Samantha wearing this in SATC2. Bernstock Speirs at Fenwick, £119

Enchanted April 2.....perfect for a country wedding. Grevi at Fenwick, £179

This is my personal fav- men’s style trilby with a bit gold glam detail. Bernstock Speirs at Fenwick, £119
Which one do you like?