Vivienne Love

To be honest, I only ever really regarded Vivienne's pieces as unattainable, unrealistic (yet divine) red carpet pieces. Dunno why really, probably because I myself have had a notable tendency to favour casual elegance rather than anything too tailored or structured. Well, fast forward to September 2012 and I couldn't disagree more with my former self. Here is Vivienne Westwood's Red Label S/S12 show at LFW. And now I could quite easily wear nothing but Westwood for the rest of my days. Must be my age (44 and proud).

Check out Get a Life, Vivienne's blog. 

Ooh, and how much do you love Sarah Stockbridge? Singing!

Wien

It's official. I'm in love with Vienna. So much grandeur, such imposing fabulous historic importance, and all those coffee houses (my personal favourite is absolutely Café Bräunerhof, very arty and intellectual, in that stark Austrian fashion). 

There's an awful lot of glamour, too - many fur clad dames and "fesh" lads (who are so, so tall.... what's that about?) in hats. Oh and speaking of hats, we came across one of the nicest and chicest hat shops ever - and upon researching Mühlbauer further found that they've got a pretty darn cool website, too! Get them!

And a famous Gustav Klimt angel at the world's most beautiful pharmacy, the Engelapotheke right in the centre of town, near the Stephansdom.

ole lynggaard

Helena looking nothing less than spectacular. What is it with the Danes?

See my piece for White Line Hotels on wonderful Danish jewellery brand Ole Lynggaard. I am smitten and know you will be too.

bleach london

I have a particular weakness for coloured hair at the moment and given half the chance (location and facility) I'd be off before you could say powder-me-pink-darling to Bleach London and have myself transformed into something along the lines of the pink glory above. Well either that or a dip dye. Is it me or is this not totally beautiful? I found this amazing image today of Bleach London co-founder Alex Brownsell's work on a Thakoon NYC model courtesy of British Vogue.

apartamento magazine

The focus over at Whiteline Hotels is on Barcelona throughout the whole month of October. Here's my first Barcelona related piece.

whiteline hotels

Whiteline Hotels shines the spotlight on Vienna. 

Was asked to write a piece for them.  
Here it is.

the wow factor

If you're not one of the afflicted and if the economic downturn has in fact turned you sunnyside up rather than made you chomp at the bits like the rest of us, then this may be of interest to you. I always reckon that if you're going to do something properly (negative or positive) then you may as well do it with style. Only this morning I came across this amazing website (thanks Amanda!) and was instantly transported back to the UK where I started an imaginary bout of househunting, one of my favourite pastimes. Not really being a great fan of art deco I couldn't help but adore the beautiful house in Marylebone (pictured above), very Poirot and also something about it reminded me of the Casa Batllo in Barcelona, I think it's the light within or maybe the grand staircase. Take a peek inside and see for yourself.

And if renting's your game then the exquisite property in Spitalfields (pictured below) may be to your liking. In fact for Swiss standards the rent the owners are asking doesn't seem that unrealistic, if the property were over here it would probably be double if not triple. Just saying.

And with our fave London famzy in mind, I think the one below may fit the bill to their quest for finding a "gorgeous 60's bungalow in Suffolk". I mean, who could ask for anything more?

You can find these and many more beautiful UK homes for sale or rent on the fantastic WowHaus website by clicking here. Happy hunting.

Young British Designers

Clearly becoming a bit of a habit. 

This time it's about fashion, young glorious British fashion!
Click here to find your way to Futurespace Magazine and the YBD story.

grasilver

 

Here is the most beautiful collection of modernist scandinavian vintage 

jewellery you'll ever come across. Via Futurespace Magazine. My piece.

Glamour Hunter

Guestwriting can be ever so distracting. And addictive. And hugely rewarding. But much more nerve-wracking. And cool. Especially when it's for Futurespace Magazine. If you're still with me, then do check out my piece on Hunter by clicking right here.

futurespace magazine

Instead of skulking around here on The Style Inside, today I'm just gonna send you over to the guys at Futurespace Magazine. Not only because they're quite cool, but also because they asked me to write a piece on Baselworld 2011. Today my piece has been published. Read it here.

Enjoy your trip to Futurespace but remember your way home.

liz

I like New York in June, how about you?

This wonderful clip from 1974 of Kenneth Williams being interviewed by Russell Harty was sent to me by my dear friend and The Style Inside reader Andrew. It's simply marvellous and ties in fabulously with the recent "Working The Crowd" post.  I love how his simple and beautifully delivered statements are as true today as they were then. The whole "corruption" thing is hugely relevant. Love it! Thanks Andrew. X

vintage cycling

Today turned out to be a bike-themed day. What with him indoors all giddy at having signed up for the übercool L'Eroica vintage bike race in Italy, followed by some quick but very rewarding research on girlie vintage bikes, it's little wonder I've managed to tick practically nothing off my day job worklist!

Firstly some info on the said vintage bike race.  It's a rather charming event which takes place every year in September in the Chianti region of Italy and competitors dress up vintage-style, really looking the part complete with fag dangling from corner of mouth and hip flask containing anything BUT water or Gatorade. Check out the website to really get a feel for what it's all about. It's the perfect venue to show off that beautiful Bianchi or Cinelli of yours.

For the girlies on the other hand it's another excuse to indulge in some serious online shopping with these two really lovely Bike Dealers offering exquisite vintage style bikes in fabulous colours and matching accessories. I know a couple of ladies who are already smitten with the models on offer (especially the red one) and I bet you'll be tempted too once you start browsing. The first online shop is the fantastically tasteful Abici - unlike with politics, the Italians really do seem to know what they are doing when it comes to bikes. I dare you NOT to fall in love with their Pantone Universe range. 

The other site I found is charming UK-based retailer The Old Bicycle Company, offering beautiful well-made traditional vintage style cycles. Lovely! If I had more time on my hands I could probably get some more sources for you but my boss is throwing daggers so must dash.

working the crowd

I was slightly taken aback (in a good way) the other day when I noticed a friend actively working the crowd and bringing to life what otherwise would have been a brief and possibly unmemorable chance encounter between a group of people. The reason I noticed this phenomenon was not so much because I recognised some of my own moves and tactics in my friend's highly skilled social display, but because I was mesmerised by her huband's reaction. His palpable sigh of relief at not having to get involved himself but let his wife do the work combined with his very endearing facial expression which screamed "Isn't she good?" made me smile, albeit in an exasperating way. I also promised myself that I would write a post about it, so here we all are.

You either do or you don't, right ? Well, as I said before, I, like my charming friend, am one of those that do. At social gatherings with the husband I am not the one who sits back and observes, looking cool and sophisticated. That, would be him. No. I'm the scary one with the broad smile and matching body language who's coming right atcha in a bid for some contact. I can't help it and I don't make excuses although sometimes I admit, it would be quite nice to "have the day off" and let someone else do the PR.

So what's it about? "Why does she do it?" you ask. I can guarantee that a deep-rooted need to people-please is a huge part of it just as much as a genuine belief that we are all humans and no matter how northern you are, inside every person male or female, is a big need to communicate, to connect and to feel loved. Or not? Isn't that what it's all about? Sure, there's upbringing. My parents for example, taught me a) to be compassionate and b) to shake hands properly, openly and with a smile on my face.

Of course once you start using words such as "social" and "communication" it's hard not to touch on  the whole subject of social media - that amazing new world in which we're all finding great new ways of  communicating like never before. Where does that leave our social behaviour and ability to connect with others in the real world? I for one believe that the tweeting, chatting, blogging, commenting and "liking" is actually helpful as we are learning to express ourselves and communicate more than ever before. 

What do you think, dear readers? Maybe you'd like to answer some of the questions raised above and below with your own valid and highly valued opinions? It would be fantastic to hear them so why don't we get a little conversation started....

1. Do you work the crowd for your other half or are you happy to let him/her do the talking?
2. Is it important to connect and communicate with others socially and how do YOU go about it?
3. Do you make the first move or do you prefer to let others come to you?
4. Do you think upbringing is the key to our social behaviour?
5. Does all this matter? To connect, to communicate....?
6. How are your kids' virtual and personal communication skills going?

Thanks for reading and thanks so much in advance for participating - if you prefer to remain anonymous you can send an email and I will publish your comments without names on the comments form below.

1969

A little Music Update for you, just a quickie, nothing that will take up too much of your time but that will undoubtedly give great pleasure to some of you, and which seems, from where I'm sitting, important and well-placed here. 

No, it's not about my latest obsession (Plan B) but my longterm love (Sinatra & Jobim). Some of you faithfull followers will remember many posts ago my ode to ye that art great (Sinatra, Jobim and mein Papa). Now we have the next chapter of that story:

Yes, last year, a mere forty-one years after it was recorded and forty years after it was pulled from the shelves by eager fans, Sinatra/Jobim can finally be heard as it was intended to be. Trust me when I say, it’s so been worth the wait. 1969 was indeed a very good year. Barnes & Noble put it rather nicely in their Review right here.

There's a time and a place for Plan B, but some days, some moments, only Francis Albert will do.

beauty love

Twitter, just like love, is a many splendoured thing, and The Style Inside loves some of the beauty bloggers who over the past months have become constant companions and given great tweets and fabulous beauty news. A girl's life in general, not just on Twitter, would be dull without the musings of these ladies on vital matters such as nail colour, shampoos, lip stains and foundation.... The thing is, when I read their blogs I know I'm listening to a *real* woman. Someone a bit like me. A contemporary. A partner in crime in matters of glamour/fashion/beauty/life. Heck, we can even share childcare tips with these girls. We like that their vast professional experience and talent is given further depth by their real, no-nonsene, non-artificial personas; it's what counts, it's what's important to us and it's what comes across stark and clear in their blogs. As if that wasn't enough we even get Wit thrown in for free, and that's what clinches it for me every time. Whilst we girls (and more and more boys) are used to hanging on the lips and words of the last uttered beauty giant's promise, I'd rather have my info filtered intelligently, realistically into neat, bite-sized chunks by someone  who I can a) relate to and b) makes me laugh.

Not being much of a beauty blogger myself except for maybe here, I thought it would be a good thing to point my readers and followers in the direction of the beauty gals that count. I list them in no particular order or preference and encourage you to a tasting session, see which one ticks your boxes. I'm a glutton so love 'em all. 

The Style Inside Beauty Ritual

Product Placement

British Beauty Blogger

The Beauty Pages

Modesty Brown

Beauty Parler

Obviously these four are only the tip of the beautyblog iceberg, each one offers a huge number of more beauty links you never knew existed.

The Trunk

I've already tweeted about it once or twice but the arrival of The Trunk really does deserve a proper mention on here too, I feel. Having neglected the blog for way too long it seems the perfect icebreaker and hopefully will serve to re-open the floodgates for me, writing-wise.

Last year a friend's neighbour had decided to sell her house with a great deal of furniture and nick nacks still in it, as she retired into a local home for the elderly. Before putting the house on the market, the immediate family came and checked all the 'remnants' and told my friend she was welcome to purchase any of the items marked 'for sale'. I was over at my friend's for a cup of tea and a natter one afternoon when she invited me to go next door and have a peak at the things she'd chosen for herself and 'Who knows,' she said, 'there may be something you'd like?'. Well, I do love a house clearance as well as antiques plus I'm by nature too nosy for my own good, so took great pleasure in accepting the invitation. There were a few lovely little pieces: wardrobes, interesting cabinets, paintings and prints, a globe and some luggage and of course the pièce de résistance, an old Louis Vuitton Steamer trunk. When I saw it I thought 'Oh gosh, we've always wanted one of those' but was certain that if my friend hadn't earmarked it for herself, the family surely would have. Instead nobody showed any interest, apart from me. I registered my eagerness and awaited confirmation that I could purchase it from the owners. Whilst still in the house I took pictures and sent them to him indoors, he promptly came back with 'Get it! Get it!' or words to that effect. 'He's keen', I thought. My friend and I took a few moments to inspect the case, we opened it and couldn't believe the interior, it was very impressive with beautiful original mahogany Louis Vuitton engraved coat hangers and it seemed in relatively good condition considering its age which at a guess I'd say was just over 100 years. We moved on, had more tea and eventually said our goodbyes - she said she'd let me know and of course there was no hurry on my part so I told her not to worry. Although I must admit to having felt an underlying excitement within me, in my gut, which told me this was a nice piece to have come across, casually in such a way.

I eventually received the 'OK' via my friend from the family of the lady and also the price which I felt was very reasonable indeed. Especially as I had chosen a selection of items, so the price was for the lot rather than for individual pieces. It took 2 strong men to carry the LV down about 100 steps and into our car. It now stands resplendent in our office. A magnificent beast of a trunk, I've started researching its origins and history as well as the monogrammed letters on the lid (RvS... ironic, no?).
I also came across this wonderful 2010 project called "Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks", an exceptional book which showcases the most beautiful  LV creations through more than eight hundred photographs. In the book you'll find many incredible pieces, along with the equally incredible stories of their creation. To find out more and to be transported into the glamourous world of Louis Vuitton and luxury luggage, go directly to the Louis Vuitton website and select "The World Of Louis Vuitton" where you'll find the link to the Legendary Trunks page and its exquisite video.You'll also find Bono and his lovely wife Ali somewhere there.
Oh, and there's even an app!

Anyway, here's our beast. We're having it valued next. Christie's I think.

social

Nowadays I often wonder what it would feel like, to live in the big city again. Four years ago we opted out and decided to make a massive change in favour of our children's upbringing and our own sanity in terms of social pressures and that whole middle class safety-in-numbers thing. We've always liked to do "our stuff" slightly left of centre and to conform is our idea of hell. We love that we have our imagination and our dreams and aspirations "in tact", like a virgin in a bubble floating through time*, with lots of optimism on top.
You may laugh but to us this was our USP and believe it or not, it really is what keeps us going to this day. We both (him indoors and me) still have our dreams together in our little box and never for one minute have we felt like we're chasing rainbows. I try to define this aspect of our lives but fail miserably each time because I don't like to justify it. It may not have always been an easy ride, what with the odd sacrifice and set-back, but always our little box, drawing us forward relentlessly. "What's THAT about?" I've often wondered, thinking of myself as naive and totally, utterly idealistic. It doesn't last long however; then our dedication and the courage of our convictions come soaring right back with great vigour and renewed energy.
We (here I refer to earthdwellers in general, not just to Mr R and moi) make our decisions by following our dreams and our gut, right? Tell me we're not the only ones. Tell me, that in this supersafe country of caution-loving, risk-hating, money-hoarding individuals, we are not the only idealistic, risk-taking, caution-into-the-wind-throwing dreamers. Tell me it isn't so. Tell me also that 4 years ago there were others like us, in a super-cool city with gorgeous friends and family around them that thought: ok, we're off, we're gonna get us something better/different/challenging/mind-blowing. Obviously both of us have some sort of deep-rooted need to explore and expand/alter the status quo on a fairly regular basis (no..., really?).
So, here we are, 4 years down the Swiss lifeline and my biggest fear is that our wanderlust may set in again. I do hope not 'cos I'm really rather tired of moving, rather happy and raring to go career-wise.

Do I need a bit of reassurance? Do I want confirmation that we made the right choice(s)? Not really. Because today, as I'm sat here in my teeny village I feel like the world lies at my feet. I have the most amazing family, the most incredible friends (local and international) and I have him indoors, the sons and soon a dog.

Plus I have Twitter (alright, and Facebook) and I'd be so dead without them.

This whole post was in fact born from the idea of "giving thanks to social networking sites" (an ode to, if you like) but as often is the case, I got rather carried away and only managed to get to the point here, at the end...

What I'm trying to say, rather badly, is that if like me you have a strong need to socialise, Twitter for example keeps you going, love, doesn't it? It works for me, and I feel like I'm in touch with what's going on in the outside world, in my kind of world. Can't imagine my life today without either one of them.

I have a constant battle with my other half who really struggles with Twitter. He says to me regularly and with much scorn: "Talking to your imaginary friends again?" or "They're not real, you know" (he really IS a very very nice man). I remember to breathe and I let it wash over me. I know he'll "get it" one day. It's just taking him that little bit longer, bless.

*sounds crazy but describes it perfectly, bear with me.

pink month

Just in case you didn't know, October is the month of breast cancer awareness. Therefore, like it says, be aware. Take a moment to check yourself out and go see your GP if you find anything at all that seems strange, different, weird. If there is something, even if that something is barely noticeable, don't say to yourself "it's nothing", just make an appointment and be sure.
I'm sat here with my morning cuppa thinking firstly about the women I know who have been affected by breast cancer directly or indirectly (alarmingly, quite a few) and secondly I'm thinking about myself and the monumentous madness my life would turn into if ever I had to face up to this disease. My children, my husband, my parents, my siblings, my friends... unbearable, how would I cope? My natural optimism, would it be of help here? With any luck I won't ever have to find an answer to these questions. But "aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women (Pink Ribbon International)" so I feel I'm in there with a chance. 
Yesterday, during one of my lessons, we were discussing what it means to be a genius and by pure chance I was made aware of the brilliant surgeon and oncologist Umberto Veronesi who founded the European Institute of Oncology based in Milan. If breast cancer has touched your life in any way, these two links will definitely be of interest and hopefully of use.
I also came across this fantastic blog (soon to become a book) dedicated to surviving breast cancer, it's an inspiring and dare I say funny read and definitely one for the favourites bar.
Anyway, my tea's gone cold now, must get on with the day.