STREETSTYLE: STELLA'S WARDROBE

I went to the Mother of Pearl sample sale with super stylish Stella, looking fabulously feathered. I am very much a fan of her drama filled dressing, and this feather and leather combo did not disappoint. The Mother of Pearl sample sale was compact but worth a gander. I was a particular fan of their gorgeous silk pieces with Japanese influenced knots and drapes, and I'm only slightly regretting not buying a black, boxy, wool jumper with unusual goat fur textured knots strung along the sleeves. Gothaliscious. Stella was a fan of their printed silks but more on that later. 

With each collection inspired by different artists, it meant there was an eclectic and diverse mix of shapes, colour and materials which meant there was no real continuity or sense of individual brand style coming through which was both refreshing and frustrating. However, having taken a peek at their website I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this brand, for something a little different.

ART: MICHELLE RASHMAN

We used to call a certain bestfriend's ex an 'emotional cripple.' He was. She dumped him and got herself a much better, far less emotionally stunted boyf. Thank God. So when I saw Michelle Howarth Rashman's highlighter coloured framed knit, I just had to investigate what it was all about.

I don't know about you but when I read a lot of artist press releases, and their exhibition explanations I usually read through going ''oooh, oh riiight, ahhhh, ummmm...' eventually trailing off after the first paragraph, skim reading and generally not knowing what the hell I'm supposed to be looking at. Not that I want to be told how I should feel about it, but a little context would usually be nice. I was plesantly surprised with this offering. No pretentious buzz word art speak, just simple explanations. At last! So I can give you the gist... the figurative sculptures showcase a response to the ideas of feminity and beauty. I loved them. They are both sinister yet wildly funny. Grotesque but hugely engaging.  Sensitive but not twee or apologetic. YES.

Contradictory to say the least. But hey, that's what being a woman is all about right? Ya know, we're supposed to be groomed, fuzz-free, shoe-lusting, baby-booming, shiny haired, gracious creatures who don't perspire, burp and definately don't curse. But let's be real, most of us aren't (thank-god! Can you imagine how boring this would be? No Thanks. I'll take my women crazy, loud and hairy legged thank-you very much.) But this isn't supposed to be alright. Our constant striving to be this ridiculously unattainable angel of beauty often leaves us looking slightly ridiculous, unnatural (hello spray tans), uncomfortable and for me, this exhibition sums this up. Maybe this is what the artist had in mind, maybe not.

SHOPPING: LONDON LOVES LA.

The 90s are alive and well at the London Loves LA pop up shop on Redchurch Street. It's got that whole LA thriftstore feel going on, with plenty of stonewash, fringed suede, washed out as fuck band Ts plus lots of other vintage treasures. Alongside some of the sweetest 90s memorabilia which is reminding me how fucking old I'm going to be in two weeks... oh HI Sweet Valley High books. God I used to love that shit. I totally remember wishing I was Elizabeth or Jessica Wakefield... and of course, just like every other ten year old girl, I totes started my own Babysitters Club (it failed miserably, but hey!).

Tie dye Ralph

Oh Jenny! Hands up if you loved Singled Out?

STICKERS! Girly as shit! YEAH!

Inside print of a rad suede jacket

Best Versace shirt ever?

Fringed playsuit. Why aren't you mine? WHY!