"Life Socks"

For as long as I can remember I have always worn very safe socks. I have seen numerous colourful socks stare at me from the hem of trousers and jeans. Laughing at my monochrome, safe and boring choices. Admittedly as a rule of thumb your socks should either match the colour of your trousers or be a close match to lengthen your leg. It’s an optical illusion really.

I always envy people who can wear whichever socks they like. It occurred to me when hanging mine and my partners laundry out to dry the other day. I always try my hardest to hang them in their pairs however when you wear all black socks it becomes slightly impossible. So I just hung them out to dry then I noticed it. Like a “sock-mometer” going from boring to outlandish and crazy. 
 

 My partners socks are forever colourful and fun and he seems to be able to have a young heart and attitude with it. Whereas mine are classic and sensible and I always seem to be working far too much. Is the way your life pans out, decided by your choice of socks? Obviously not but I do find it incredibly hard to even branch out to a bit of colour. Even my underwear, always black and white. I have to admit if I were to get more coloured socks, I would have much less difficulty when coming to hang the laundry.

I seem unable to wear odd socks and can usually tell when they don’t match. Bizarre I know. I also always find that when my socks are pulled up I get a real sense of satisfaction. It must come from my boarding school days where knee length grey socks, pulled straight, teamed with a garter were compulsory. God damn you. I still can’t find the rebel in me. Maybe I should give it a try for a week and see how I feel.

“Don’t let your socks define you!”

 

xoxo

"Jonathan Murdoch-Smith"

It’s not every day you get to meet a gentleman. It’s not everyday that you get to work with one. A day at the office ended in the team going to feast on the delicious flavours of Wagamama. It is strange how every day you see someone, yet fail to give their outfit recognition, until they are on the step above you waiting to be seated.

We lined up the stairs in a typical English manner, whilst our mouths watered with the smell coming from the Wagamama restaurant at Harvey Nichols. I was admiring Jonathan’s ensemble and decided that it needed to be featured on ensem-BLAH.

Ladies and to the few Gentlemen out there I give you Mister Jonathan Murdoch-Smith…


A simple two button royal blue Zara jacket with narrow lapels works well on someone with Jonathan’s build. Need I remind you Gents that you never wear both buttons fastened, only one.

A crisp white shirt, Lyle and Scott, is the perfect back drop for a tartan like bow tie to sit against. The colours are exaggerated by the white and the royal blue of the jacket, bringing out the best in the bow tie.

Now this is where Jonathan gets it right. His attention to detail, and being a Buyer’s Clerk in Harrods, is key.

Notice his pocket square. Another white background gives the delicate burgundy and pink roses a chance to grow out of his pocket. Although the bow tie and the pocket square are not the same it reminded me of a quote that Sir Edwin Hardy Amies said…

“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.”

Mister Jonathan Murdoch-Smith I salute you.

Thank you.

xoxo

"Hungover ensem-BLAH"

Whilst sipping from my new hand made flute filled to the brim with Prosecco it came to my mind that I had an idea about a post called, "Hung over Outfit".

 

Having been out with my friend the other night in London after having a lovely evening amongst her family and friends we partied in Soho till the early hours of three oh my gawd a clock, to wish her well on her new venture to Dubai. A possible job in Dior or Gucci...good luck my dear.

 

We awoke the next morning to breakfast and fresh coffee. Slightly dehydrated and hung over it came to me. Having seen what she wore it occurred to me, is there a possibility that subconsciously we choose an ensemble to see us through the day of a stinking hang over? Do we have particular outfit comfortable enough to face the world when we feel like death?

 

This is Miss Sophia Dubois’ choice…

 

 

 

A pair of jeans teamed with an oversized skull print Topshop jumper, a pair of Gucci sunglasses and red lippy, preferably Tom Ford, “Cherry Rush”, she was ready to face her hectic day of Bridesmaid dresses, packing for Dubai, dropping me off at the station and walking her adorable dogs Heidi and Bella all in a pair of Converse trainers.

 

The next time you are hung over and finding the world a place that is not forgiving on self inflected stupidity, choose wisely. A pair of sunnies to hide the glare and the fear of been recognised by strangers who cheered you onto the bar top, a comfortable top to hide the food baby after a late brunch and although you feel like death warmed up some lippy to make sure those air kisses are pretty!

 

xoxo

"Charles Lu"

Having finished work and a mad dash to get some last minute Christmas shopping done and some Tom Ford "Cherry Rush" lipstick for a dear friend I came upon Charles Lu.

The second I saw him I dived through the line of shoppers, dawdling whilst in awe of the stunning Harrods beauty halls, and told him I had to feature his ensem-BLAH on my blog.

He was so willing and instantly struck up his best pose. Ladies and Gents I give you Charles Lu...

 

Dressing in black and white but with enough accents and features to not blend into dark London. A jacket teamed with the most exquisite fur lapel, designed and tailor made by a company in Canada. Sitting under his jacket, proud, below the collar of his crisp white Alexander Boyd shirt was the best part of his look. A vintage brooch. A neatly sewn bow made of mat ribbon with a decadent black stone and golden rocco frame.

 

I was so excited to post his ensem-BLAH. His accessories I would describe as "fashion forward" as I truly believe that the clutch will soon be the mans next big thing. Prada of course and I believe every man should invest in a bit of "clutch" action. Keeping his hands warm in the winter weather here in London were a pair of finger gloves just cusping a part of his hand found in Italy.

I learnt that Charles Lu is a fashion designer. Daphne Guiness get in contact with this man he could be of help to your ever inspiring looks pulled from your fantastic wardrobe.

 

http://bycharleslu.blogspot.com

His look is glamour galore via the dark city streets of decadence. London is very much black and white and everyone seems to be able to pull it off. The key to standing out from the crowd is simple if you think outside the monchrome box. Think vintage brooch or even an exageratted fur lapel.

 

Charles Lu, thank you for being so fabulous.

 

xoxo

"Gloves Galore"

Tonight I opened my net book and was astounded by how much dust it had collected over the past few days. Either I need to do some housework or my life is cramped to the brim with stuff to do.

Its been a while since my last blog post and I have to say I started getting withdrawal symptoms. I started stressing to my friends about the on going situation and making up lame excuses as to why I haven’t posted anything. I have a plan…

Working in London and living in Kent, well that’s a whole hour to kill on the train! So finally the net book my partner bought me for the purpose of writing will finally come to use.

Right where to begin…

So a couple of weeks ago I became more aware that I hadn’t seen a glove left by its owner, whilst the other sits in their right pocket comfortably embracing their ensem-BLAH until it realises it’s fate is sealed too. So I started looking harder for gloves and really taking my walks to and fro my destinations with an open eye so I could start finding gloves to post, blah, blah, blah…

Weeks have passed by and then out of no where a day sprung upon me where on the way back from work I found a glove, my first leather (possibly faux leather, don’t want to touch them)glove. This was found on Eccleston Street on my way to Victoria. In a hurry to catch my train my commitment, well “commitment”, for my blog I snapped a quick picture.

 

I boarded my train in a hurry and there was a couple of seats left and as I turned to place my bag down, low and behold there was a pair on the chair. Afraid if I would be sitting in someone’s place I asked the gentleman across the aisle if anyone was sitting there. He looked at me as if I were mad. Excuse me sir but there were a pair of gloves on the chair. Not wanting to look like that mad man he already took me for I discreetly took a picture.

 

To my surprise they were not a pair but two different gloves. How lovely that although they weren’t from the same cloth they had each other…Oh my god I am actually mad.

So I travelled with them the whole way home to Kent and left them on the right hand side of me where I found them. I walked up the hill from the station and crossed the road and sure enough there was a second pair. This time burgundy and on Sandling Road. Oh boy a total of five gloves after days of not seeing any. I started to feel confident that if all else fails with my other blog posts at least I would have the gloves. So I took a quick picture…

 

After telling my friends about my dire straits of not finding any gloves for days, my phone went the next morning. A lovely lady I know, Miss Alicia Hill aka “Agent Grammatica” sent me the below…

 

She cheekily snapped this glove and felt strange in case people saw her. It really does put a smile on your face as you think you are losing the plot taking a picture of a glove. This scenario began to inspire me and Miss Hill I thank you for the inspiration. Keep reading and I’ll tell you soon.

So a couple of days past and the weekend arrived with my partner and I frantically trying to find time to see each other but been the social butterflies that we are it was off to Tenterden to stay the night with our friends and join in the festivities at my partners Christmas Work Party.

Tenterden is a beautiful town and if you ever get to go, enjoy a walk first thing in the morning, with a coffee and a dear friend walking besides you. Off on our walk we went. Off to the post office first for my friend to post her many a talents to her ever growing customer base and then for a spot of window shopping along the many gorgeous boutique shops. As we walked to the back of the post office, look what we found…

A Tenterden glove! I couldn’t believe how many gloves I was finding and in such a short space of time. That afternoon we had a Christmas Luncheon at my partners Uncle’s beach house in Greatstone.

What a day it was and a good effort from all. Before we left for home a stroll on the beach was mentioned and dying to get out of a warm house and into the fresh sea air, we piled into our coats and hats, headed out, over the dunes and down to the sea. It was beautiful. In the distance I could see a stick fence and along each stick was a splash of colour at the top. At first I thought to myself how great it would be if the whole fence was gloves and someone had been collecting them over a period of time. Don’t be silly I thought…

I noticed that my partners favourite cousin was strolling with her daughter near the fence and thought why not make the journey across the heavy sand and go and see what they were looking at. As I drew closer and my eyes adjusted I let out a gasp…

To my amazement look what I found…

 

 

 

Gloves were the splashes of colour and they did sit on the stick fence. They may well still be there or are they there for a reason? I was so happy it made my night. God I am so easily entertained. So the weekend came and went and I started the week off on Monday finding this one…

 

Possibly the saddest looking glove ever, drenched in water and cold.

So earlier I spoke about how I was inspired by Miss Alicia Hill aka “Agent Gramatica“. I thought to myself that winter would pass and the layers we wear would become lighter. The gloves would be stuffed away, waiting their fates of been left on the street by there owners.

So why not spread the love to everyone. My friend sent me a picture of the glove so if you would like to I have set up an email address where people around the world can share the gloves they find and take pictures of.

Email: ensemblahgloves@gmail.com

Just send the picture of the glove you found.

Your lovely name.

Where you found it, country, city, town or street?

If you like, a little about yourself or it’s ensem-BLAH.

Thank you.

 

My friend that I took a walk with in Tenterden, Mrs Sam Bourner, visit her on line store front by clicking on the below link:

 

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/sayitwithsam

xoxo
　

　

"Charlotte Gatton Sturgeon"

Whilst at work, again, on a Satruday night I have been finding the ensem-BLAH's that have been coming out of the street closet brilliant. Sat at a table for two I had to disturb and get to know this lady.

 

 

Dressed head to toe in a 1950's inspired ensemble she was Rock n Rolling this to the "T". Her halter neck top and light grey mid calf length pencil skirt was a perfect ensemble for a lady. You have to be careful wearing halter necks as you have to have the right shoulders. The shoulder straps can sometimes make your shoulders look bigger than they actually are but as demonstrated above by Charlotte and as mentioned before she works this brilliantly. Although you cannot see the full length of the look her skirt was mid calf which again can chop you up making you look shorter. However this is where the shoes would come in. She teamed the look with a solid black wedge with a rounded toe cap. This lengthens the leg but height also helps. Charlotte at this rate you have it all.

 

 The brilliant thing about a 1950's inspired look is that it shows off the body in all the right places. Her waist is exaggerated by the cuts but also the contrast in colour. The neckline really shows off the top half really well and balances the body. Her whole outfit was bought from Vivien of Holloway. Follow the below link to visit the site:

 

http://www.vivienofholloway.com/

 

Charlotte completed her look with a necklace that was two black hearts and across them two white scrolls with "Rock n Roll" written in black. She wore small dice earrings, now this is what I love, when there are small examples of attention to detail. Accessories were bought from Bette Noire.

 

Charlotte currently works in admin for a painting and decorating company and loves to shop for vintage clothes in her spare time. She also likes tattoos and has a total of five. The ones across her decolletage were from Jokers Tattoos in Sidcup.

 

I was browsing through Vivien of Holloway and came across the below wrap dress which would be perfect for a wedding or ball. The midnight navy, with a string of antique pearls and a pair of nude Christian Louboutins would be a complete show stopper.

 

 

"Grace Circle Dress."

 

http://www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/grace-circle-dress/

 

 

"Filo Patent."

 

http://eu.christianlouboutin.com/uk_en/corpo/women/filo-patent-1.html

 

I once stamped my foot whilst shopping with a friend a blurted out, "I want to be a girl."

 

Sigh.

 

xoxo

 

 

"The Museum of Curiosity"

Whilst shopping in London and walking the backstreets and alleys of Soho to avoid the disturbing masses, my partner and I came across "The Museum of Curiosity"

The second I saw the front window exhibit I had to go in. Not sure if I was welcome or allowed due to the dimly lit front gallery I couldn't resist and walked in. They were open. The welcome was warm and friendly thanks to a lovely lady I will soon talk about named Holly.

The space is lit to enhance the exhibits scattered around the rooms. There is death around you, there was a distinct smell which I later learnt was Agent Provocateur worn by a browsing member of the disturbing masses and there is inspiration, tonnes of it. The walls bleed with it and the corners embrace it. Eager to start snapping away and loading my pics onto Instagram you learn that you can. I would recommend not to use a flash as you just destroy any form of haunting lighting and ambiance.

When you go and I recommend you do be aware to be disturbed and moved. There are exhibits that make you want to see what goes on in the minds of the artists. For me and I quote "a Petri dish of inspiration." There are some pieces that pulled certain strings but that's what good art does.

Below are just some of the exhibits and I beg you not to just look at mine but go and see for yourself. The pieces deserve to be viewed and your mind deserves the food for thought. To find emotion in hidden places and to be stirred by someone else's work is worth the trip to the Museum of Curiosity.

Enjoy...

 

 

"Artefact Triptych"

 

 

 

"And Another Thing"

 

 

"Spring Cleaning"

 

 

"Still Smiling" 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

"Holly Foskett-Barnes"

 

Earlier I mentioned the warm welcome that was presented to us when entering "The Museum of Curiosity". This lovely lady is Holly Foskett-Barnes. She sat in a red arm chair low to the dark floor boards typing away. The minute I noticed her ensem-BLAH I knew it would tie in nicely with this post. She was the perfect girl that someone would class as an English rose.

 

Her dress was from the Blue Cross charity shop and her necklace was from India. Her ensem-BLAH really suited her environment. The art was resourceful and so is she for finding her gorgeous dress in the array of charity shops our high street has to offer. The dark red really suited her complexion and her hair colour. Sometimes letting the colour do the talking makes you stand out. The necklace is a good choice sitting under the collar discreetly offering just a touch of glamour.  

 

She is currently interning at "The Museum of Curiosity" and is an artist in her spare time. Holly if you ever do an exhibition I would love to see it.

 

To The Museum of Curiosity thank you for inspiring and to the artists keep puling our emotions.

 

xoxo

 

To donate money to the Blue Cross charity, follow the below link:

 

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/1711/how-you-can-help.html