Adventures of Barbarella

LFW AW2012 Day 2: Catwalks (Temperley, Todd Lynn, Issa)

LFW AW2012 Day 1: Catwalks (Fyodor Golan, Zoe Jordan, Basso & Brooke, Jean-Pierre Braganza)

 

Karl

A mysterious collar arrived this morning.

Attention

Very Important Sweatshirt.

 

Introducing: Ibiza with love

Ladies and gents, it is finally up! Apologies for the delay; I've filled up the website with pictures and details so you can get a good idea of what this clothing is, and it has literally taken me weeks. I realise many people will not be familiar with these clothes, and however "good" it looks, you want to know what you're getting before you buy it. I am modelling everything.

Vintage & Wardrobe rummaging

I always find some good stuff in our family archives. I bring whatever I'm not using aswell, and add it to the collection; then revisit it years later.

Today i found some Charles Jourdan Python and leopard sandals

I find square heels simply arresting, big and small. I actually love a chunky square heel.





Sure, vintage needs a certain amount of mantenaince, as does everything. It's not that hard..moisturize it, change the soles. Shame there's little you can do about soiled insoles.





Heel- check. It's the heel that makes it or breaks it for me with shoes, most of the time. You can always tell an expensive shoe by the elegance of the heel. A good one is svelte, balanced, delicate but stern, firm, looks like it's pinned to the ground and not leaning to either way. I prefer the ones that are vertically straight.

Some vintage Lotusse oxfords next. Entirely different thing, I haven't liked the Oxford trend as worn by hipsters but if they're vintage and my own, it seems to make more sense. With long pants of course.





More to come.

Wanna be: Pulp Fiction fashion

 This is one of my all-time strongest references. I love the movie (favourite movie ever?) but I also love Mia. I realise that her hairstyle is probably the most significant bit of the character, but I've selected the suit, the shirts, the black dresses. What I love about this fashion is that it is real... It's 100% gangster, no fuss, no "stylish", no "sexy", no purring, just black and white, pure fetish. It allows no criticism.

Adlib News

I am so excited to announce my collaboration with one of my favourite designers of Adlib fashion.

A lot of people were emailing me asking for the white dresses that I wear all the time, and I bought some for you guys  individually, but after all the expenses and the time I had to put in, it just wasn't worth it for anybody. So I decided it to do it properly: Get in touch with the company, go to Ibiza, go to the showroom, try everything, choose my favourite bits, and put them out there.

I plan to make a website for it, I need to take pictures and put them up on the blog. Bear with me, I'm just one person. But I thought SOMEONE had to make these available, because they are so pretty, authentic, so "me" I've worn them since I was a little girl; if there's one thing I can be offering with absolute sincerity, this is it. So ladies and gents, there goes a sneak peek.

I made some ingenue, 60s hippie inspired visuals just for the occasion.

Can't wait to get it running! x

Diana

Ibiza: August Favourites

The FOOD! This is what life is made of..

Bill Blass

The 54cm waist trousers: Herve Leger

I hate writing descriptive titles but for the purpose of google search i do...I know how irritating it is for me to never find what I'm looking for because the title is so poetic.

As you might have heard, I have a really big issue with waists. Nothing is ever produced smaller than a 62cm (66 being the "average" for the smallest clothing size, in my experience. Which is crazy). Not good enough.

Well well look what I found. Female clothes with a female shape! A rarity. These pants are 55cm on the waist laid flat, though they do stretch of course, they have stretchy bandages in the corset area. I can pull in my tummy to 55 but rest assured I don't walk around that way, and these are super comfortable. They also have enough space for my bottom! Incredible.

The moment you try clothes that have a good fit, you realise just how unflattering 99% of the clothes you own are. They become totally irrelevant. I have to keep reminding myself of this. I should never have to "think" about what I'm  trying on. When it's a wow, it's immediately obvious. Everything else is not worth the wardrobe space, period.

Having said this, it's a good idea to steer clear of things you could never in a million years afford- because well-fitting clothes are dangerously persuasive.


QUOTE OF THE DAY

- Look at these! These actually FIT me! isn't that amazing. Just out of this world
- Yea. You know I bet there's a lot of women who don't find clothes in their waist size. You could be the ambassador for those women
- What do you mean. Of course I am the ambassador for those women. I'm gonna write about this right away, we're gonna write a manifesto






Aren't they wonderful! They make me look like a mermaid. (If there's one thing you always want to look like, like a mermaid is it)

PS- No, I don't plan to wear them with a ribbed tank top.

Menswear shopping with Peter

To see my channel go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/AdventuresofDiana

I picked up some flowers

They had been overlooked all season and needed a good home.

And then, because it is always best to invest in property and encouraged by my main partner in crime who found it absolutely necessary, I got a CASTLE!!!



One can always tell when she's found a good pied a terre. And check out who's in the tower! ME! how cute is that!

They're both collectors items from Lulu Guinness. A girl needs little else than flowers and a castle.

Unless of course she doesn't own a fan. And I didn't, which was tragic really.




Fan from El Havanico. It comes with instructions and they are so exquisite. (I came across the language of fans for the first time in my friend Sandra's blog and I found it so charming).

The following must be an error but it is very funny:

 

 

Spotted: Dolce & Gabbana mules

Absolutely, absolutely gorgeous.

Sales: Continued

As you may have heard I have a great interest in luxury sales. They're fun and they save a lot of money. For one, I kind of like being able to walk around the store with a handful of shoes in my arms and then drop to the floor and try them on in the middle of a crowd. It's more relaxed and you can take iphone pictures of your feet and send them to your friends without some snotty sales assistant sitting next to you.

And when I say shoes I mean anything: ysl scarves, - oh how liberating to pick them all up and lock yourself up in a changing room when no one's looking, and reaaaally be able to go into a zen meditation state and consider whether it *speaks* to you or not. Handbags are another thing we should be allowed to try in changing rooms.

But without further ado:



How cute is this box??? I'll pay a 1000 dollars and my reign in the antartica for this box.

I've been sort of obsessed with these Lanvin booties ever since I saw them when they came out (I think I might have posted pictures here?), which was ages ago. I found them at 70% off today- I don't even know how that happened! They were sitting on a shelf, ignored by the other girls, whispering "Diana save me, I'm yours!". Very excited! Can you believe they even got me a new pair?? How on EARTH have these not sold? Sure, they were expensive but they are HOT. Can't wait to take them for a stroll.

As for these..these are not gonna walk anywhere! You'll see what I mean.




This is how they look on from my point of view:

Sexy, right? Sky high mules...not the best footwear for running around on cobblestones in rainy days like I do most of the time. I've been infatuated with them for so long..that for a mere 100 pounds. Well it would have been rude not to. I love mules, as impractical as they are.

Things they are good for:
- Making breakfast
- Lying by the pool
- Painting
- Getting a cab and going to see your boyfriend. Sitting down on his sofa/chair/toilet/lap.

And finally *drumroll*..I have this thing for leopard print scarves with purple/lavender patterns on them. I was obsessed with a fuchsia Cavalli one that I saw a while ago but I think it's gone because I didn't see it. I found this one, though, by Givenchy that I ADORE:







It's quite big but so fine, it works perfectly as a neck scarf. Rolls up to barely nothing! I can fit it in my fist.

Who else found good treasures?

The Magic Mermaid Slippers

Lanvin heroine swimsuit

you can get it here: http://www.brownsfashion.com/Product/Leopard-print_swimsuit/Product.aspx?p=2551787

If you have a hell of a lot of money.

Two things

I just love everything about these items. They're soft, smell delicious and are as simple and not ostentatious as a Fendi bag and a Balenciaga jacket can be.

Shall I tell the story? Yes! Love a shopping story. Well my ladies and lads, today "Selfridges Sale Starts" was jotted in my diary. I wasn't completely sure because I hadn't heard about it and there was no mention on the website but it tends to go along with the fashion houses presales- so ANY WAY. I had made sure I would be free so I headed down there, and sure enough, sales everywhere and hoards of asian women snatching everything in view. The whole YSL bags display was practically empty already (2pm I believe?) and there was a block-long queue outside Gucci. I had no intention of stopping at either brand so our tale continues.

Two black ballers kept me well away from Miu Miu and directed me to "the second queue", a type of disconnected labyrinth that you had to go to before getting shuffled through to the actual queue amidst the torrent of people. I got there, nothing exciting. I always assume, surely the girls working there take all the really good stuff before there's even customers.

Then I went over to all the usuals: Prada (sells out before the sales), Chanel (they don't even tell you what's on sale), Chloe...(2000 pounds brown fabric bag, anyone..? Good for the environment AND for the economy at the same time), Celine, too-good-for-sales-Balenciaga (not on sale), Lanvin (only fuchsia bags left), and finally Fendi. YSL was not a contestant because, as I said, someone hauled all their bags this morning.

Fendi- I like Fendi. It's so overdone it's kind of cool again. And I don't see very many pretentious hips wearing it (*cough cough* alexanderwangbags) which is always a plus. I absolutely love their quality, and I love the fact that I often see people carrying Fendi bags which are falling apart.

Wearing your clothes to death is the most elegant thing. The clothes are lived-in, they belong to you. I hate the wear once and trash habit. All the people I admire have one thing in common: I spot them with one same dress or one same bag for YEARS. I love that. I wish I would wear only one dress all the time, it's my ultimate aspiration.

I am getting distracted, I apologize. We were rambling about Fendi. I need to include good inspirational pictures right about now:

I love the Monaco family, so free spirited, so true to themselves, so natural.



I must have been fifteen when I saw that photo for the first time and saved it in my "tearsheets" folder. Laptop after laptop, the photo remains. Yes I'm kind of persistent. Maybe I was 20. Who keeps track of one's age anymore.

To resume.

Jacket, leather, I love leather and I love jackets. I love the aviator style and I hope from now on and for ever we have this huuuge selection of aviator everything, because I really, really appreciate that. Now, I don't want to look like I'm in costume.

Or do i?

Hmmm

No. But anything aviator/biker leather (or aviator/biker glasses) is a win for me. And oh the color! (I know I switch between British and American, I do it on purpose to give my readers and equal chance of complaining about my incorrect spelling) The rich, natural brown! Now that we all own 3.459.834.345 black leather jackets, what hope is there for us but to branch out to BROWN leather jackets!

YES!

Brown and black, together! That is such a fashion faux pas that I'm gonna enjoy faux passing.

I think that's all I wanted to say today. Google is being stupid and not showing me pictures of "70s actresses in camel brown aviator leather jackets", which would so nicely illustrate my speech. I need to go take a bath.

xxx

 

Diana

Biba dress

Found this at 50% off...bring on the sales!

I love this dress, I saw it on Daisy Lowe on the ads when the collection came out ages ago, and I thought it looked so pretty. I like frills, lots of them. I'm having the worst time figuring out what to wear underneath though, because it is wide open at the front and you can see the chest. Fortunately my boobs are positioned at the sides and you can't see them, but still it looks kind of wrong. I'm thinking a lacy tube bra from Hanky Panky would be good.

Dear House of Fraser

What is UP with your online website photos??

This model is standing for a mugshot:



And should've put her shoulders back, even for a mugshot, really.

This stylist didn't realise that the frills are meant to lie on the shoulder. Not gathered on the NECK! That looks very very wrong.




Frills + big curly 80s hair = FAIL. And the hipster glasses? is she wearing sneakers?



This model looks like she has no idea where the camera is. But what really gets to me is her posture.

I don't even know what this girl is up to. I refuse to refer to them as "models" anymore. And the stylist has to be sacked. The hair, the pose, the makeup, the skirt, the WEDGES!



Finally, this photographer had no intention of showing us how that cardigan looks like. I can't even see it.




This is Biba and Ralph Lauren, and these are the first pictures I clicked onto; there's probably even worse ones. I wonder if these companies know how their clothes are being displayed. I find these pictures very troubling.

Dear future boyfriend

I want this

Sent from my iPhone

Someone has to buy these jeans

the fit is incredible!!

unfortunately they're big on me. Siwy Rose

Sent from my iPhone

Maison Michel

Me and my mom came across these hats this morning and was immediately drawn to them...You might recognise these; Maison Michel produces hats for Chanel. They are very special. My mom got a floppy brim hat in suede (not pictured- will take modelling pics of that later on. I was liking the straw ones too much)

Sexiest clogs!

Sent from my iPhone

Proof that a dress can be curve-hugging with no stretch

It's called "cut"

Mid-end designers should take note.

This dress is glorious. (YSL)

Sent from my iPhone

I may have been baaad

Miu Miu ankle boots

Sent from my iPhone

Personal shopping here...

Shopping for Trish. I'm selecting a lot of stuff; I'll share it with you because they are such pretty things.

Love the one on the right.

Sent from my iPhone

Ballet outfit of the day!

So excited about going to ballet class after twelve years

No one else wore pink tights. Apparently pink tights are not worn over the age of 11 but i did not know that!

Sent from my iPhone

Day Today

Muuba leather shorts (got these for like 35 dollars at 75% off!), high socks (never again. Those things slip down every five seconds. )

And gloves from Imoni. They go up to the elbow and they are very very cool. Will be even nicer with a sleeveless dress, over a sweater was not a good idea but I really wanted to wear them.



Went to watch the Black Swan this evening, am going to ballet class asap.

Kate Moss multi godet dress

Got this on the sales, it is so so beautiful, well cut, lots of drape...One of the things you notice about more affordable brands is the lack of fabric. I like rich, moving, flouncy materials and sleeves, capes, flying skirts and bulky bodices. The idea of a minimum amount of stretch cotton to cover myself is so not appealing. So props to the Topshop/Kate Moss collab for giving us more than usual, it makes all the difference.

Night...miu miu green hearts shorts

Miu Miu shorts!!!!!

I was so, beyond excited to wear these! They are the cutest thing.





Leg kick



But they are pretty obscene. See what i mean after the jump!

Levis

Sent from my iPhone

Dear UK Weather

Flared jeans are pretty useless in cold rainy weather. WHEN will i be able to wear my favourite jeans??



Seven from all Mankind

Lanvin Happy Mini Pop

Bam!

Bring on Summer

At miu miu

Sent from my iPhone

Alex Outfit of the Evening

My best friend Alex has the most amazing style. She's simple, ladylike, it always works, it never looks like she tried at all: she just looks so chic all the time! Worst pictures in the world of iphone cameras, but it's a start:

Christmas Presents!

I promised I'd make a post with all my presents...

Chanel Cristalle! from my mom. I loove this scent. I didn't realise I liked it so much..

strategically placed, now that i see the photo. yes my scent area is still christmas decorated. I think I'm gonna leave those confetti stars there forever

An infinity scarf from missoni



The tea set:



Topshop red flute dress (this was kind of a sales buy) It is HOT





I'm wearing it the next time i go out. Be it a gallery, a pub, a wedding or the cinema, i don't care!

These earrings from my aunt:



Super pretty, i can see these in Summer with white dresses

MUKS





These really surprised me..I wasn't planning to get some, but they are so svelte, for how furry they are..Really nice. And tall. I've worn them with skirts too, good super-cold-weather boot

A Ralph Lauren blouse that is amazing:



It even has some built-in cufflinks. How cute is that




And with the money that I got (never one to save :/) a mini Lanvin bag, but it's still not arrived!!! Will update this asap because it is the lovliest thing ever.

"Do you have any idea what the fashion trends in summer 2011 will be? Xoxo "

For me it's gonna be:

- 70s disco everything, just like the last two seasons...flared jeans/ trousers, sparkly rich fabrics night dresses, maxi dresses..I'm definitely going for long dresses right now




(Chanel, Blumarine above)

Can't go wrong with references to Versace..it doesn't matter what year you look..I don't even know when these pictures were taken. It's just Versace:

Fur...






Slinky jewel-toned satin...






Wide-leg satin-like patterned pants, as seen in Miu Miu: (and shorts! yay)

- Drapey fabrics more than structural things. Cardigans better than blazers. Sheer little capes, like last season




- Cape dresses ! It's been going on for a while but they're mass-produced this season...super excited about this (not about the mass-produced part, but it does make them more accesible, I used to wear my mom's ones. I love cape dresses)



- i don't think the 60s are going anywhere for makeup and hair and general ladylike-ness




- patterned jumpsuits...predictable. And here is where my missoni jumpsuit comes in (can't find a picture of it)

- Lots of platforms and lots of low heels. I'm a fan of both

 




- Cropped tops I think will be back soon. I haven't really seen this anywhere, I just think they will

UPDATE: Blumarine did some cropping:




- Pijamas as outerwear, just like last year...I loove wearing silk pijamas out and about, big fan of that







- And finally all the typical summer things...lolita shorts + platform espadrilles, fluffy poetic dresses, blouses, white crotchet dresses






...and for me, ad lib dresses as always, because they're all I ever wanna wear!

Victoria's Secret - Best Of

Le shopping

First things are dresses, both from Zara. They've made an outstanding collection this season, I was really impressed. Shame about the sizing, their smallest sizes are still way too big on me. I had to take in the waist on both. But I like them.

I wore this one yesterday to the Capital Rocks event, it came with a belt but it was very cheap-looking so I've been using it with a black d&g thin belt, or a Nogoy goldish one with ivory accents I have and that looks really pretty:



And I can't wait to wear this one:





And to finish, the much talked about, my new Sendra boots. Absolutely love them, I've been wanting one of these for so long. They're all hand crafted and look very unique. The quality is excellent. They're not cheap but they are the real deal:

This is the only leather dress I've liked this season

I hate the ones that look like t shirts!

Sent from my iPhone

I Love this dress

Topshop

"Which clothes and shoes did you purchase recently?? did you already buy a winter coat and winter shoes? could you please upload some pics on your blog? that would be great =)) besitos"

xx here are my favourite things that I've gotten recently that I love for autumn:

A moschino furry jacket

  Black tops/turtlenecks...can't live without them



These miu miu sandals:  

  
 

I haven't bought any proper winter coats, I have a few already and I'm gonna stick to those for now; it's not even that cold yet and I never buy things ahead of time. Same for shoes. We'll see when the weather gets worse.

  
  

YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick is the perfect nude

Beige Tribute #10 is a light mauve nude that looks amazing with blue eyes. Creamy like an ice cream.

I got pulled into the counter the other day at the "inauguration" event at Selfridges (I didn't even know about this launch?) and before I knew it someone had slapped this on my lips. It is just delectable. 

This has become my favourite trench

Aquascutum

Sent from my iPhone

Eres swimsuit

Most gorgeous red pinup suit! Shame that it's extremely uncomfortable on the boobs

Sent from my iPhone

day look.

Chanel Laser lipgloss on lips, that (I can't believe I'm saying his) I have bought a back-up of. I know for a fact that I'll never finish it but I'm quite aloof and I do lose things, and the possibility is terrifying.

Bobbi Brown Surf&Sand palette on eyes (why don't they re-release this as permanent? It's my favourite summer palette. Please Bobbi stop releasing browns)

  
 
And a little white dress, that I don't have pictures of. But just so you get an idea, I'm a pedophile-magnet today, I'm doing it on purpose, I have a casting.

Minna Parikka

I wanted to show you this brand I've come across today. It's funny! It's kitsch and cutesy and novelty but well-made at the same time.

Let me introduce the "melt" and "drip" styles:

 
 
   
 
The only thing is- how come they're not selling those gorgeous masks? I want one.

  

These bags are so pretty

and this one, so venetian


  

 

miu miu sunglasses

I had to show you what I found when I opened a package this morning. This packaging is SO wonderful!