October’s Comfy Knits – The Cosy Season is Upon Us
Now the days are shorter, and there’s a definite chill in the air, it’s recognition that the long summer days (at least in Britain), are but memories of this year, and the comfort season is well and truly here. As the nights draw in, and winter coats emerge from the backs of wardrobes, there is no doubt that wearing sumptuous layerings of cashmere, wool, and fur hats and accessories make autumn such a pleasure.
Here are dates for your diary…
Thursday 19th November – We are holding an open day and evening in conjunction with Semka Dashnyam of Semon Cashmere between 10.30am – 9pm, with bubbly after 6pm.
Tuesday 24th November – Chelsea Green Celebrates Christmas, between 5.30-8pm.
Tuesday 15th December – Chelsea Green Carol Service, from 6pm. We will be open for last minute Christmas gift inspiration, with Mulled wine and Festive treats.
It will be lovely if you can join the party. Please RSVP via this newsletter.
Cosy Knits
I returned to the shop one afternoon after a meeting, and was surprised by how exclusive, and “Special Occasion” the shop window appeared, and yet we are always busy making easy to wear, classic tailored styles, in the wools and tweeds that I adore. A few clients mentioned their frustration to find quality cashmere knitwear, with interesting cut, and reasonably priced. Like-minded, I decided to investigate, and discovered knitwear designers, Warm & Co, and here present a selection of pieces that we are stocking from their A/W 2015 collection. I’m pleased to have refreshed this area of clothing, and show new looks for stylish casual dressing.
(main image above) Three ways to wear the curved hem tunic:
In taupe, with cable knit snood, and fox headband.
In burnt sugar, with wool/cashmere cropped pants and fox fur scarf.
In charcoal, with pointelle snood, and paisley pants.
Poncho with sleeves, worn with light wool check bias cut godet skirt, and sable fur muffler.
The cosiest boucle thick knit jacket, with charcoal fox fur headband
Spring Forward to 2016………
Not to forget the Special Occasion wear for which I’m most noted, here are some striking images from a recent collaboration with Edwina Ibbotson, showing exactly how to top the style stakes, with perfect tailoring of beautiful fabrics, topped with a knock out hat………
One of my all-time favourites, is the perfectly feminine poudre French lace. Here it is made as a pencil skirt, worn with crepe de chine blouse, and matching fitted jacket. Delicate scallops edge the lace hems of skirt and jacket, and Edwina’s neat, matching headpiece makes a perfect compliment, to complete the look.
Silk crepe de chine sleeveless blouse, with pretty collar.
Detail of the grosgrain belt, with feature bow, emphasizing the cinched waistline.
Edwina’s hat takes centre stage – definitely best-dressed for Royal Ascot.
For a slightly less dressy appearance, another French fabric, a Mahlia tweed, really stands out in a crowd. The combination of indigo blues, and interesting yarns woven together, are both flattering and unique. I added delicate frills of frayed and gathered silk organza to soften the neckline and sleeve hems, contrasting with the chunky silver zipper closings.
Edwina’s navy straw boater, with attached snood, sharpens the lines and softness of the tweed.
Bride of the Month
Adrianna Johnson
The whole process of having my dress made by you is something I’ll never forget. I do not know many people who can say their wedding dress was made for them……..from having you sketch their vision, to looking at the samples, and watching the whole dress evolve….. it was amazing. I loved seeing something drawn on paper come to life on me ……. You really have such a talent!
I have to say “Thanks” to you………. EVERYONE loved my dress, and commented on how they’d never seen a dress like it!
Adrianna was a neighbour of mine, and I was more used to seeing her running past me wearing lycra than transformed to model looks, and the happiest bride on her Wedding day.
She had been captivated by the full-on mermaid style wedding dresses, after her search for a dress in New York. Thankfully, I toned the desired exaggeration down, to create a more sophisticated shape for her curvy figure.
The wedding, a small intimate day at the Chateau de Bagnols in Lyons, couldn’t have been a more perfect setting for these wonderful wedding photographs.
The dress is made from champagne colour heavy silk crepe, cut in a bias fishtail shape, with corset bodice. The bodice, arms and skirt are covered by a beautiful ivory French lace, allowing the cut over the body to show through.
Alfie’s Thought of the Day
The difference between Style and Fashion is Quality – Giorgio Armani