Inside Jaeger

Posted on May 24, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Working for Jaeger is like joining a very stylish family. You never really leave and Jaeger never really leaves you.

I still receive annual invites to the sample sale- a perk usually reserved for current staff and if I don’t keep myself in check, I find myself re-folding other stores merchandise into the perfect, uniform, Jaeger square when I’m shopping. Walking past garments on the floor is like water torture for me. By the time I left Jaeger I had a whole new respect for quality garments- a day spent brushing the stores entire collection of suits will do that to you!

My first day working for Jaeger was spent folding, re-stocking and organising the scarves. Sounds dull I know but the vast assortment of colours, pattens, shapes and sizes is enough to keep anyone entertained for at least a couple of hours. Jaeger has been designing and manufacturing scarves for over a century. The advert below from the Jaeger archives was produced in 1929, now that’s heritage for you. Carrie Bradshaw ‘knows good sex’, Jaeger ‘knows good scarves’.

Opening the Jaeger Gallery and introducing other brands into the Regent Street store, I’m pleased to see a scarf brand sitting alongside Jaeger Boutique. Age of Reason is a quirky, British brand making beautiful scarves with a punk twist. I’m always a big fan of any brand that embraces rebellion.

(Jaeger advert from the Jaeger 125 book).

Afternoon Tea… life’s little luxuries

Posted on May 23, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

The Great British Bake-Off has a lot to answer for…. in the last two weeks I’ve achieved a whole lot of nothing. Instead my afternoons have been spent watching, tweeting about and eating cake!

The plan was to catch up on the episodes I missed during the last series. That was the plan. In reality I’ve re-watched the entire series, washed down with gallons of tea and lashings of cake (yesterday it was ginger cupcakes made by a friend and today it is fresh cream and strawberry donuts). I’m slightly ashamed to admit precious little work has been done by comparison.

Twitter provided a constant stream of delicious snaps from fellow foodies and cake lovers. Check out this snap from the Corinthia Hotel of their Afternoon Tea.

But what would afternoon tea be without a nice cup of Lady Grey to accompany the scrummy cake- that just wouldn’t be right! And if I’m going to ‘do’ afternoon tea then we have to talk cups and saucers. In my opinion the more ornate the better. Give me florals, birds of paradise, dainty patterns and matching saucers…. and I’m a happy girl. I think afternoon tea is one of life’s little luxuries and here are a few of my favourite tea sets that I’m sure Mary Berry would love.

From top right: M&S- £12, Not on the High Street- £44, Wedgewood (Selfridges)- £35, Bombay Duck- £12.95, Laura Ashley- £8.40.

Fashion in 5 with Emily Cater @ Fashion Monitor

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

1. What’s on your wish-list at the moment?

Some new trainers! Either a bright pair of Nike high tops (preferably orange) or some New Balance beauties, though they seem impossible to get hold of at the moment. Oh and an Acne leather jacket is a permanent fixture on my wish list too…

2. Describe your own personal style?

A bit of a mish-mash of styles depending on my mood/location. Mostly grungy/boyish and laid back. Key wardrobe pieces day-to-day are a levi’s denim jacket, black skinny jeans, a Breton stripe top and converse as well as my Casio watch. For summer I like vintage dungarees and denim shorts, and for the evening I’m most likely to wear a silk shirt with black leather trousers, heels and a snake-skin clutch. Jewellery wise, I love statement necklaces. Worn over a plain white tee it can liven up a look and add interest.

3. Which trends will you be working this season?

I don’t follow trends religiously and tend to stick to what suits me but I suppose the two trends I am enjoying at the moment are the sporty/grunge look and monochrome.

4. Tell us about your favourite dress and what you love about it?

I don’t wear dresses too often to be honest unless I have a black tie event or I am on holiday. On holiday I love wearing floaty feminine dresses and my absolute favourite at the moment is a white and floral maxi-dress from Mango. It makes me feel elegant and pretty and is so different from my normal day-to-day look.

5. Your favourite under-rated brand?

Ooh I have a few. Evil Twin and MinkPink are quite cool, and I’m loving &OtherStories at the moment though I’m not sure they’re underrated. For vintage-inspired glamour I love Virgos Lounge, they have amazing dresses at a good price point. Beyond Retro is a firm favourite too.

Thanks so much Emily.xx

FFH Weekly Gems…. ASOS Gem & Spike necklace

Posted on May 20, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Parred down chic is usually the avenue I follow. ‘Less is more’ is a phase I often find myself using but there’s always the exception to the rule. ASOS Mutlirow Gem & Spike Torque Necklace is a prime example of layering contrasting styles to create a striking look. If the thought of layering separate pieces together fills you will horror, opt for this little gem where all the hard work is done for you.

Saturday Starts Here…..

Posted on May 18, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

- This is a prime example of why I adore Charlotte Olympia. The Pandora Clapboard clutch is quirky but still works, I like a cheeky twist to my fashion. French Vogue.

- Zac Posen gives us a glimpse of his Resort 2014 collection in the making. Zac Posen.

- Time for a little self promotion- the lovely Melissa (Prete-Moi Paris) spreads the blogger love…. Prete-Moi Paris.

- Harper’s Bazaar announces that they intend to produce a French edition- Viva la France! Refinery 29.

- The woman who put the ‘cool Britannia’ vibe into Jaeger London, Belinda Earl transforms M&S from frump to fierce. The Guardian.

Perfume Review: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

Posted on May 17, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume has been on my wish-list for months- yesterday I finally got my hands on this intoxicating scent.

The exotic, opulent scent is utterly unique. Jasmine and Rose are two classic fragrances I rarely find together in a perfume. Combined with two ingredients I’ve never come across before (India osmanthus and cattleya orchid), Flowerbomb is in a league of its own. India osmanthus is an intense, sweet fragrance, traditionally used to make tea. Cattleya orchid adds a fruity, floral top-note with an exotic twist. Perfect for long, hot summer nights. Flowerbomb…… welcome to my beauty cupboard.

Elena Ghisellini A/W13 Preview

Posted on May 15, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Describe me as the bag lady or cat woman, I really don’t mind….. not if it means I get to carry one of Elena Ghisellini’s feline bags.

Feisty feline accessories are not to be sniffed at. Elena Ghisellini steers away from the cutsie kitty-cat prints with her tough-luxe handbags. Embellished with her signature geo-graphic cat face motif, Elena transforms cute and fluffy into something fit for urban warfare. Chunky chains, oversized zips and robust leather adds to the ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe.

Clutch bags feature cat-woman style masks. This season the flirty masks are heavily embellished with sparkly stones or made from shiny, silver metal with bold rivets. A cheeky hint that the owners alter-ego might be secretly saving the world in thigh-high boots by night.

For everyday I rather fancy the Holly tote in forest green (I’ve already spied my must-have piece from the A/W13 collection thanks to Fashion Monitor snapping away at the my-wardrobe.com press day.) These are the kind of handbags a girl could happily carry around for the next decade and still be utterly smitten with. I can’t wait to see the whole collection.

FFH Weekly Gems…. Ashiana @ Atterley Road

Posted on May 13, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Atterley Road may not have the biggest selection but I always discover something new when I stop by. Carefully edited collections mean I’m not overwhelmed with choice, there’s time to peruse all that’s on offer and make a considered choice (I do whip myself up into a shopping frenzy sometimes and get a little carried away!).

Today a collection by Anastasia Buisman caught my eye. Something about the way Anastasias’ nomadic lifestyle is captured in her work appeals to me. Various influences of this seasoned travellers life come together to create jewellery that combines the character and heritage of all the places Anastasia has visited. The Amethyst stone pebble bracelet is on my wish-list.

Weekend Refresh…..

Posted on May 12, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Oh my fashion fillies it has been a busy week…..

- Conde Nast close Easy Living print publication after eight years, opting to go digital only. Is this the shape of things to come? The Guardian.

- Selfridges to open a drive-through, order online and pick up from a McDonald’s style drive-through…. yes, really! Huffington Post.

- J-Crew to open a pop-up store in London, who doesn’t like a little pop-up action?! Elle.

- Sasha (Liberty London Girl) lives every girls dream…… invited by Chanel to spend 24 hours in Paris and visit Mademoiselle Chanel’s personal apartment. Liberty London Girl.

- Amy Odell keeps us up to date with all the Met Gala fashion drama- this year there was a punk theme. Buzz Feed.

Monsoon V’s Isabel Marant Etoile

Posted on May 10, 2013 by fashionfollowsher

Isabel Marant Etoile channels the same boho, Parisian chic vibe as the main collection but retails at around half the price. Personally I can’t afford to buy from the main collection so that’s ruled out all together. The Etoile collection is perfect for a relaxed summer wedding but I’m not comfortable wearing my new £300 dress to the beach/park- one rogue vinegary chip and it’s straight into the ‘gardening clothes’ draw.

(All three Isabel Marant Etoile dresses from MatchesFashion.com)

Keen to add a bohemian chic feel to my casual day-wear I discovered this little gem at Monsoon. It has all the elements I love about Isabel Marant (effortless, feminine and chic) and priced at £55 is a real steal. What do you think- have I captured the look?