A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds
est. 2007

Archive: Oct 2008

  1. London shopping: Westfield

    9 Comments

    Shoppers As you’ve probably already heard, London is now home to the largest shopping mall in Europe. With over 265 shops, and 47 places to eat, the new Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush is sprawled over 9 different postcodes.

    For me, it just doesn’t feel like London. Bondi? Yep. Birmingham? If you say so. White City? Just down the road from the BBC? Not really. I guess the sense of weirdness (tinged with sadness for “ye olde London”, whatever that is) will fade in time as it becomes an accepted part of London’s retail landscape. Not that I’ve actually had the opportunity to see the new shopping centre in person, as I’ve made a point of staying away from the opening week shenanigans. But I’m an Aussie girl - I grew up with a Westfield virtually on my doorstep, so it’s something that’s not entirely unfamiliar. It’s also going to make trading that more difficult for London’s smaller independent shops, especially in the lead-up to Christmas this year.

    But it’s not all bad news. There’s job creation, for one, and surely it will do something to boost the miserable economy right now. And I’m actually pretty chuffed to see two excellent Australian fashion labels, Leona Edmiston and Mimco amongst a premium line-up of designers including Prada, Dior, Miu Miu, Twenty8Twelve, Joseph and Amanda Wakeley. Here are some looks from the latest Leona Edmiston collection for Spring/Summer 2008:

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    Her kids' range is very sweet, too:

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    The thing about Leona Edmiston is that she knows how to cut a supremely-flattering frock for grown-ups. I remember seeing her first range and thinking that they didn’t look like much on the hanger. But as soon as you slip on one of her signature jersey dresses, something magical happens as the fabric skims the bits you want to cover up, and clings to all the bits you want to show off. Talk about silver linings…

    Westfield London
    Wood Lane
    London W12
    Tel. 20 8600 9005
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map
    Opening hours
    Nearest tubes: Shepherd’s Bush and White City

  3. Top Bird loves: The Best Of Tatty Devine

    5 Comments

    I had a sneaky peek at the Spring/Summer 2009 Tatty Devine line-up this afternoon, and it's gearing up to be another winning kitschsy-cool collection with amazing attention to detail. There are some really sweet retro themes, including some rather lovely birds. Stay tuned for pics in the New Year.

    In the meantime, Tatty Devine has launched its latest Best Of collection, featuring a carefully edited selection of their top 50 pieces. This year designers Harriet and Rosie grabbed a bunch of their favourite creative friends to model for the campaign, and awarded each person with their own "Best At". Here are some of my favourites, featuring Barbara Ryan (and the record charm bracelet), Mimi Berry (and the birdy brooch), Amelia Gregory (and the lolly necklace), and Eithne Farry (and the red squirrel pendant):

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    Harriet and Rosie say that "these inspirational people all work very hard at creating and organising fantastic things for all of us, whether it's making music, magazines, art and graphics, designing hats, handbags, haircuts and shoes, or leading the knitting revolution. They all wear Tatty Devine in their everyday life as well as when they're on show." It's a really lovely, heartfelt campaign, and shines a light on some of London's best independent creative talent. The Best of Collection is available now at their Brick Lane and Soho shops, as well as from the Tatty Devine online boutique.

    Tatty Devine
    236 Brick Lane
    London E2 7EB
    Tel. 020 7739 9191
    Opening hours:
    Tuesday to Sunday 11am-6pm
    Tube: Liverpool Street
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

    57b Brewer Street
    London W1F 9UR
    Tel. 020 7434 2257
    Opening hours:
    Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm
    Tube: Piccadilly Circus
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

  4. You Ask, Birdy Answers: Sew-your-own patterns

    10 Comments

    The best bit about writing a blog is reading all the feedback, and there has been lots to read recently, especially in response to my post about the slow fashion trend. Here's what a wee birdy called le bug had to say:

    “I think the slowest of slow fashion would be if I made my own clothes ... know any good sewing pattern shops/online shops?”

    Kudos to you for going down the make-your-own route, le bug! I’m always super-impressed by crafty people who dig out the old Singer and knock up a skirt on a rainy afternoon. There are actually some excellent online sources for patterns, as well as some good starting points for absolute beginners (like me). Here’s a list of my very favourite online sew-your-owns and other crafty sources:

    1. Built by Wendy
    Wendy Mullin (of Built by Wendy) is a New York-based fashion designer who’s designed a line of home sewing patterns for Simplicity called Built by YOU. I really love the simple smock and frock pattern, which has variable sleeve and length options. I know a few birdies who have tried and tested Wendy’s patterns, and give them a big thumbs-up (but warn that they tend to be a bit on the small size).

    Il_fullxfull.41563266 2. Paintergirl’s Knicker Making Kit
    Pop artist Gemma Jones (aka Paintergirl) has recently launched her own knicker-making kit, which has been selling like hot pants on her Etsy shop. The pattern shows how to make your own customised pair of knickers from an old t-shirt – the ultimate in make-do and mend! The pattern has been trialled by some 20-odd Kaotic Kraft Kuties who have reportedly gone on to “run, dance, make-out and pick up wearing them.” Nice one.

    3. Burda Style
    It mightn’t sound overly sexy, but Burda Style is actually an amazing resource with a plethora of free patterns, sewing how-tos and a supportive online sewing community. Check out this sweet and simple shift.

    ScooterBabe2 4. Sublime Stitching
    OK, so this isn’t so much about making an entire outfit, but these too-cute embroidery patterns will make you some lovely embellishments. They’re a snip at US$3.50, and can be used to decorate everything from t-shirts to tea-towels. Check out the vital organs kit and stitch some ovaries on to your undies. Chain stitch has never looked so sexy! Great DIY Xmas gift ideas, too. (Londoners can also pick up Sublime Stitching patterns at the V&A Museum shop.)

    5. Sew Mama Sew
    Another good resource for fabric and patterns, Sew Mama Sew features some excellent options for babies and kids, like Oliver & S patterns for toddlers. I also like the fabric messenger bag pattern, which would look good in a strong Marimekko print (although IKEA has an excellent range of retro Scandi-style fabrics at the moment, a snip at £1.59/metre).

    2845778256_f626fc9de8_b 6. The Make Lounge
    Sewing novices in London can learn the basics with a workshop at The Make Lounge in Islington. I like the sound of the Survival Sewing workshop, which teaches basic hand-sewing skills so you can tackle your own repairs and take up hems and cuffs. Handy stuff. Check out the upcoming workshops, which include fun projects like making a leather cinch belt and Japanese-style stitched journals.

    The Make Lounge
    49-51 Barnsbury Street
    London N1 1TP
    Tel. 020 7609 0275
    Nearest tube: Angel

    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

  6. Vodka + vintage = v. good times

    2 Comments
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    London fashion bloggers descended en masse at the Absolut House of Masquerade pop-up launch in Shoreditch on Thursday night, and it was good times all round. I took along Miss G for the vodka and the vintage, and it wasn’t long before we stumbled across Make Do Style, Disney Rollergirl and Dressed & Pressed. Actually, “stumbled across” probably isn’t exactly the correct term, as I recognised Make Do from across the room and made a beeline for her glorious faux fur coat.


    The line-up of vintage was a winning combination of frippery and fun, thanks to Mint boutique’s premium selection of sequinned capes, customised satin prom frocks, and flamboyant ruffled collars. Added to the heady mix were cocktails by Absolut, Daisy de Villneuve’s inimitable hand-drawn illustrations, and swinging show tunes by cute DJ duo, The Broken Hearts (surely a shoe-in for “best dressed” with their harlequin cocktail frocks, red ruffles and glittery red lips).

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    A fun night out in a fantastical dressing up box, House of Masquerade is only open for another two days. Be quick!

    House of Masquerade
    Friday 24th October to Monday 27th October, 5pm – 11pm
    68-72 Redchurch Street
    Shoreditch, London

    Nearest tubes: Liverpool Street and Old Street
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map

  7. Happy Friday with Lab Partners at Outre

    8 Comments

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    Wheee! Here’s an extra-special Happy Friday treat – an exclusive sneak peek from Outre gallery’s upcoming show with San Francisco-based Lab Partners.

    Ryan Meis and Sarah Labieniec are the collaborative design/illustration duo behind Lab Partners, and their upcoming show at Australian gallery Outre in November is loosely based on their obsession with flea markets and thrift stores.

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    I’m a big fan of Lab Partners, and love their retro-style illustrations and exquisite letterpress prints. Their latest work is no exception - I'm digging the poptastic candy tones and splash of gilt used to illustrate thrift store finds like cameo brooches, vintage perfume bottles, and a string of pearls.

    If you’re in Melbourne or Sydney, don’t miss your chance to catch the show at Outre. And if you’re extra keen to snap up one of the original works or limited-edition prints, sign up at Outre to go on the waiting list.

    In the meantime, thank the stars over at Design* Sponge for their sneek peek into Ryan and Sarah’s home. I love their cool art collection (spot the Matte Stephens birdy print!) and ultra-clean work space. Why doesn't mine look like that? I’m also amazed by how many design-types own an IKEA Expedit bookcase and somehow manage to make it their own. It’s almost blink-and-miss-it, but invariably, the Expedit is always there.

  8. London street style: Cult Beauty launch

    2 Comments

    I've been meaning to write about the brilliant Cult Beauty launch at Bloww last week. These two gorgeous birdies caught my eye, so I hijacked photographer Mark Martin to take their pics for Wee Birdy:

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    Dana, 23, wears a stunning Erdem dress, Miu Miu shoes, Fendi doctor buckle tote, and Belmacz earrings and rings.

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    Clare, 29, wears Topshop dress, Hooch top, vintage bag and Office boots.

    I took along former beauty ed. Ms G, who got busy getting a brand new 20s-inspired hair-do, while I got fitted out with some ultra-glam false lashes by Eylure. They were fluttery perfection! There was also a free nail bar but somehow we skipped that and ended up eating the BEST sesame prawn toast in Chinatown. (Some day I will find out exactly where we went and report back.)

    The superlative goody bag was packed full of the best Cult Beauty buys, including Neal's Yard Organic Orange Flower Facial Oil (seriously glow-giving stuff), Dr Bragi Intensive treatment mask, Tara Smith Base Coat Serum, Essie nail varnish (in Wicked - this season's perfect black/red shade), and some super-fancy Belmacz lip gloss, so fancy it's laced with 24-carat gold leaf. There was also a bottle of Shave Foam Gel by The Refinery, but by the end of the night I had swapped it for a Tony Blair cupcake, (don't ask!) courtesy of one too-many Moet piccolos followed by a verrry long night in Soho's various drinking establishments.

    (p.s. Dear Mr. Gossip Columnist who had just come from the Tony Blair book launch - you got the better end of the deal, Mister!)

  9. Birdy on a budget: COS statement necklace

    2 Comments

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    I found this gorgeous Marni-inspired copper and resin statement necklace in COS recently. Since I'm yet to invest in any new Autumn/Winter purchases, the £10 price point was a good budget-conscious way to update my wardrobe. Mind you, I've got my eye on the rest of COS's splendid line-up for this season - the coats, the shoes, the shifts - ack, get me out of there!

    COS
    222 Regent Street
    London W1
    Tel. 020 7478 0400
    Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

  10. “My Secret London” with Jane Ellis from KJ’s Laundry

    5 Comments

    New Jane Ellis Poly In the latest instalment of “My Secret London”, Jane Ellis from Marylebone’s award-winning independent fashion boutique, KJ’s Laundry, spills the secret London addresses from her little black book.

    Best for a bargain? Brick Lane, East London.

    Best for vintage? Hammersmith Vintage Fair.

    Best for fashion? Shop at Bluebird.

    Best for jewellery? Kabiri.

    Best for interiors and gifts? Mint.

    Best for beauty and skincare? Liberty beauty hall.

    Best for kids? Blossom.

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    Best for stationery? Smythson.

    Any other favourites? Chapel Market.

    Your number one London shopping secret? La Fromagerie in Marylebone.

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    Best London souvenir? A retro poster from the Transport Museum.

    Favourite place to eat? Yauatcha.

    Click here for a Wee Birdy map of Jane’s secret London addresses.
    Check out the latest collections online at KJ’s Laundry.

    Huge thanks and wee birdy kisses to Jane for her generous tips and advice.

  12. Shopping in London: Paul A. Young

    10 Comments

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    Paul A. Young is one of London’s leading chocolatiers, with his City shop winning Best New Chocolate Shop in this year’s Academy of Chocolate awards. His 20 years’ experience as a high-profile chef, patissiere and chocolatier reflects his sophisticated understanding of the subtle intricacies of flavour and texture. This has led to the creation of best-sellers like port and stilton truffles and Marmite ganaches. No wonder he’s regularly referred to as the Heston Blumenthal of chocolate. His range is free from preservatives and additives, using only the finest chocolate including Valrhona, Michel Cluizel and Amadei.

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    Paul is incredibly hands-on and on any day you’ll find him beavering away at either one of his two chocolate boutiques, located in Islington and Bank. With ginger hair and an affable Northern demeanour, he’s not hard to miss. At his boutique in Bank, right in the heart of the City’s financial district, I find him upbeat and positive about the outlook for business. History shows that chocolate sales, like lipstick, actually boom during times of economic depression. People will treat themselves to fine chocolate because it’s a small, affordable luxury.

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    The shop itself is part of the Royal Exchange, and the location is steeped in London’s incredible 1000 year history. Fragments of Roman stucco, lamps and coins found on the site reveal that it was the centre of Roman Londinium. The shop itself dates back to the Victorian period, when it was a chemist. All of the original features remain, including handsome marble bench tops, wooden shelves and cabinets. Paul takes me on a behind-the-scenes tour of the shop, including the fully customised basement kitchen, where all his fresh, hand-made chocolates are made every day.

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    Upstairs, Paul’s collection of loose chocolates are displayed like glittering jewels, which is a comparison that isn’t far removed from the truth, considering that edible platinum and gold leaf can be found amongst the ingredients. Single pieces start at £1.75, going up to £50 for a hand-picked box of 40. His house collection includes the silver award-winning raspberry ganache and gold award-winning sea salted caramel, with stock constantly updated, so there’s always an element of surprise. On my visit there's a London Pride Ale truffle and a Winter Pimms ganache with apple and ginger.

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    Then there’s his signature chocolate brownies, which are extra-gooey, with a fudgey (rather than cakey) consistency. You know they’re good because they specifically lack that gritty saccharine-sweetness of lesser versions. They’re also big – and rich – enough to cut into quarters, so they can shared (or not) back at the office, making the £2.95 price point stretch even further.

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    The hot chocolate is also a best-seller, made Aztec-style using 100 per cent cocoa and hot water instead of milk. The £2.95 rich concoction is a warming winter drink, with a choice of spices such as ginger, smokey cardamom and two different types of chilli. So good, it's my new favourite London beverage. And that's saying a lot.

    Paul A. Young
    20 Royal Exchange
    Threadneedle Street
    London EC3V 3LP
    Tel. 020 7929 7007
    Nearest tube: Bank
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

    Opening hours:
    Monday to Wednesday 10am - 6:30pm
    Thursday 10am - 7pm
    Friday 10am - 6:30pm

    The Islington boutique can be found at:
    33 Camden Passage
    London N1 8EA
    Tel. 020 7424 5750
    Nearest tube: Angel
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

    Opening hours:
    Wednesday and Thursday 11am - 6pm
    Friday 11am - 7pm
    Saturday 11am - 6pm
    Sunday 12 - 5pm

  13. Top Bird loves: Scarlet & Violet at Anya Hindmarch

    1 Comment
    Birds  

    Ladbroke Grove florist Scarlet & Violet has been on my "must-visit" list for a while, so I was interested to hear about their pop-up shop at Anya Hindmarch's Sloane Street boutique. From today until Saturday 18th October, they will be selling cut flowers, planters, vases and found objects in store, as well as making posies for Anya Hindmarch customers. Pretty hand-tied bouquets start at a very reasonable £15, considering the price (and dubious quality) of flowers at your average London tube florist. Look at these lovelies on their website:

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    The use of country garden blooms like delphiniums, lisianthus and hydrangeas add an old-fashioned quality to their bouquets and arrangements, and I really love their superb understanding of colour, texture and proportion.

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    Scarlet & Violet at Anya Hindmarch
    157-158 Sloane Street
    London SW1X 9BT
    Tel. 020 7730 0961

    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

    Opening hours:
    Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm (7pm on Wednesday)
    Sunday 12 nooon - 5pm

    Nearest Tube: Sloane Square

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