I was delighted to see, via and email from Super Sweet, Sophie Hulme's AW10 range of beautiful accessories consisting of belts, bags and necklaces.
The bags probably represent the best value for money costing in the region of £300-£350 which is pretty good considering the work and amount of detail that has gone into these classic designs.
Perhaps a good consolation prize if you were unable to scoop one of her exceptionally popular sequined parkas.
Queen Michelle
Beverly Hills based designer Amber Sakai sent me through a beautiful parcel containing two items from the new SS11 collection - pirate trousers and a stunning sheer knitted top. The trousers are incredible, with boats and pirates printed on them in a way that is reminiscent of old chinawear.
I must confess though that I did not expect the label to be quite as edgy when I realised it was based in Beverly Hills - I suppose I was expecting something altogether simpler and maybe even more celebrity friendly. It has made me realise I perhaps misjudge labels and designers based on their geographical location, such as assuming a German or Scandinavian label would be minimal and slightly edgier than other labels - a sweeping assumption which is, for the most, probably entirely untrue.
When the label's representative asked me if they could send me some pieces I specifically asked for the most challenging items in terms of silhouette, so I was really happy, and relieved, when the trousers came because they are such an unusual shape, and the sheer top is the perfect item to go with pretty much everything else in my closet. They picked incredibly well.
The print on the trousers means they are perfect for layering with other prints - in this instance with florals on the blazer and the vaguely geometric pattern on the blanket cape. It's also an added bonus that the label is 98% organic.
Looking through the line sheet I also notice there is a line of lingerie too which I haven't seen but will certainly be keeping my eyes open for.
I am overall absolutely delighted that I got to experience Amber's designs first hand as it really makes me understand the clothing much more than just looking at images.
Queen Michelle
I received an email from a label called Odylyne alerting me to their Holiday collection. I checked out the site and whilst their previous collections are not my cup of tea at all, the Holiday collection, if these few images are anything to go by, absolutely is.
Peach, cream, lace and sequins. For winter I would layer this lot up with grey wool, black opaques, army green, wool beanies, leather gaunlets, biker jacket, battered ankle boots and plenty of jewellery. Not necessarily at the same time lest I end up looking like a Nomadic Bag Lady.
Queen Michelle
Since it's still reasonably mild here in Glasgow, I have found that all I am really interested in wearing is a great t-shirt, either one of my vintage band shirts or a loose, semi sheer tank/vest, and a pair of well fitting skinny jeans. I will usually add a decent jacket or my recent purchase of the Topshop blanket cape and some good shoes to include something a bit interesting, but there is no denying that 80% of the time I'm distinctly lo-fi. This will all change when the weather gets a bit of cooler of course as I will be able to wear more layers and create more interesting silhouettes.
So I have been seeking out really comfortable, simple but well cut tops.
SGC NYC, as well as selling my skateboards, also sell the perfect sweatshirts and tanks/t-shirts. A decent sweatshirt is another thing on my list for autumn and I think I shall be buying the SGC grey one.
Queen Michelle
I have been hunting high and low for the perfect shade of purple for my nails and today I finally found it. It comes from a cheap drugstore brand called NYC Colour in the colour Prince Street. I call this colour Pope Purple though!
Queen Michelle
Corrie Williamson is a jewellery designer/object maker working out of East London.
Her jewellery, or objects, are a pretty mixture of natural material, such as wood, and man-made materials like plexi-glass, lending her pieces a lovely textural and visual quality.
The muted colours and wood/plastic combination reminds me of 50's kitchens, which is a good thing.
Queen Michelle
Calista is a new label, hailing from New York, designed by two lovely young ladies called Brigitte and Sofia. The label creates beautifully wearable, nicely cut garments which would fit perfectly with most people's wardrobes.
Lace dresses, scalloped hems, silk and leather are so far the main components of Calista.
The best item in the collection, for me, is the pink biker jacket. What a stand-out piece! And of course you can never have enough leather skirts or lace dresses.
Queen Michelle
As promised, Jason from SCG NYC and myself are running a competition to win one of my limited edition skateboards. All you have to do is email Jason and me with the subject line "SGC x KOS competition", pick the board you want to win (select blue or orange) and tell us which band and song the lyrics on your chosen board belong to. Easy!
Remember: you need to email us both, clearly stating which board you want with the band and song title.
My email: helloqueenmichelle@gmail.com
Jasons email: jalfano58@gmail.com
Since skaters tend to be called anti-social because they grind every surface in the urban environment, I feel it only fitting we listen to Anthrax: Anti-Social
One of the things on my list I wanted for autumn, and could actually buy thanks to the remains of a small Paypal balance, was a blanket cape.
Blanket capes are very handy for shoving over leather jackets and for wrapping around myself in the house when I get a bit chilly. I have looked for one I liked for many, many months but couldn't find anything as most were ponchos and it was important that I have one which was opened at the front.
As usual, Topshop eventually came to my rescue with this beautiful grey one with exactly the kind of pattern I wanted.
I wouldn't say it's a concern, but there is no denying I look a bit Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars!
The likeness is simply uncanny!
It's so perfect for wrapping around myself when I'm just slouching around the house and an added bonus - it's very soft and not in the slightest bit scratchy.
Queen Michelle
