Casting a fair eye on the sartorial oilslick upon society that is fashion

Sunday 31 January 2010

Closet Keepers






A new feature, unique to this blog!

Every time I find a garment or accessory which is a guaranteed keeper-never-will-let-you-down find I will post it here under this title. I will post them as I find them, I promise objectivity!

I don't think much of brand. If it's quality, well-designed, inspired piece of clothing which will be worn for years to come I will post it, whether it be Prada or Primark (just don't count on the Primark piece to last for eons!).

(I would also like to categorically state I receive no endorsement for this sort of thing, I just thought it would be a fun feature for the blog!)

The first item I have foundis this Milly Paisley-embroidered silk blouse for £355.00. Even I'd think thrice before dishing out that sort of money for a top. But oh it's ticking every box of Closet Keeper criteria.

Firstly it's a piece which would be easy to integrate into anyone's wardrobe, regardless of age. It is a typical dress-up/dress-down piece. The fresh mint shade is flattering on all skin shades and ages and the metallic print and piping add glamour. The gold at the neck also brightens the complexion.

It's sleeves are my favourite length, hitting below the elbow, most often the thinnest part of the arm and therefore flattering. It's also a long top, which you can belt over to reveal your waist, I would reccomend a leather belt in gold or cream. Or you can leave it loose if you're concious about your tummy. The pleating at the neck flatters the figure.

It's in silk, which feels gorgeous on skin!

Paisley is a timeless, timeless print! It just never goes out of fashion. The big bold metallic prints give it just the right amount of modern edge, whilst retaining a distinctly vintage feel.

I'm feeling happy just looking at it.

Examples of how to wear it:

  • Gold strappy heels with white skinny trousers/jeans if you're not going to be intimate with red wine/food.
  • A statement necklace, which thanks to the gold neck and cuff piping and silver paisley print, can be gold/silver/wood/stones.
  • Wear it under a neutral coloured or grey skirt (above the knee). A brightly coloured contrasting belt and nude pumps. Keep lips nude and eyes metallic green to match the shade.
  • Wear it over wide legged pants in white, or neutral shades.
  • Wear it with a blazer in a pastel shade and jeans.
  • Leave out the necklace and go for statement earrings, ethnic ones if possible like Indian costume jewellery. Keep hair in a dramatic up do to sho off the neckline and sleeves.
  • If you wear a hijab then put this on top of a polo neck in cream and wear a cream/pastel shade hijab with metallic detail and a long cream skirt.

Burning question...


So your wardrobe is aflame! Miraculously a fire-retardant genie grants you the opportunity to save one garment!

What would it be?

For me it would be a black silk and lace tea-dress I've been planning to pass down to my future daughter.

What about you guys?

Emma Watson fails to make magic with clothing line


Kudos for Emma-trying-to-be-natalie-portman-Watson for putting her substantial public profile behind People Tree, the fair-trade clothing company!

BUT the range is just blah!

With no more design ethos than any run of the mill store's basics range, the pieces are bereft of any personality. Come on Emma, I expected more!


















I believe fair-trade is the future, but to make any impact now designs have to be as good, if not better, than what is available in the high street. People will always think with their wallet first, their conscience second. We need inspiring designs, which can compete with today's Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Zara, Mango and Primark.

After all how many more grey cotton tops do we need?

The campaign is going for a clean, fresh, bright young youth angle. I hope it does well, but a part of me hopes it doesn't so People Tree put in more effort with their designs next time!

Scarlett The Clothes Pony


O.K I get it, you're fronting perfume, make-up and who-knows-what's-next campaigns for Dolce and Gabbana, you have to pimp out their designs now and again.

BUT THIS IS A DISASTER!

Surely someone with Scar's profile could invest in a little bit of styling? Nah-uh. The print is lovely, it would make some window a nice pair of curtains. But it ages Scar by a decade.

The tailoring is pants, the bust is matronly and the belt is overwhelmed by the fabric's thickness and random pleating at the stomach.

My eyes are starting to hurt by looking at this so much!

The shoes are *yawn*....

The necklace is out of place...

The hair is an after-thought!

The makeup,especially the blusher looks pasted on.

Scar looked divine in her stage costume, a simple vintage number, and her brunette wig.

You're a beautiful girl, stop stooping with the dress sense...

You could have done so much better.
As it is this dress choice smacks of promotion, at least Dolce and Gabbana could have given you something which suits you!

At least she's shining on Broadway, fortunately not in Dolce and Gabbana.

Catch her in A View From The Bridge.