London Fashion Week A/W 2013: Jasper Conran

I'll admit I was highly ecstatic upon opening the orange envelope containing an orange perspex invitation to the A/W 2013 Jasper Conran show. This is a creative industry here; invitations are generally the first impression of a collection, and fluorescent orange plastic was particularly exciting in this case. Fashion shows are quite theatrical, as well; there's a stage (the runway, the presentation space), lights, music. So walking into the tents at Somerset House to see an orange runway and the room illuminated by its reflection was again some indication of the overall mood.



The aesthetic was quite mod; exaggerated cloche hats, flouncy trapeze dresses, pleated mini skirts and tailored shirts were accompanied by matching tights and patent flats for the illusion of infinite legs. (Hardly an illusion, actually.) The garments were sophisticated without feeling stuffy, youthful without feeling juvenile. Silhouettes were kept quite tame, but the brilliant use of color and accessories made the collection - to sound obvious - pop.



Much of Conran's work is built on the idea of "classics reimagined," and his A/W 2013 was no different in that regard. Certainly destined to be a commercial success - entirely wearable - Jasper Conran epitomizes a different side of London fashion. Not necessarily eccentric or shocking, but based on the concept of tradition mixed with the contemporary.

Many thanks to Jenny Holland and the team at Jasper Conran for giving me the opportunity to attend this show!

Images and review by Catherine Everett

P.S. Yes, that is Hilary Alexander seated in the front row, visible in 80% of these photos.

Afternoon in Hampstead

Coat - Calvin Klein, necklace - thrifted, sweater - H&M, purse - Lulu's, skirt - Zara, tights - Hue, shoes - Marais USA

I spent Saturday afternoon wandering through my old haunts in Islington (Indian Veg Buffet! All you can eat for £5!) and visited my former flat. I sat in the park behind the building for about twenty minutes while eating sweets I had purchased at the adjacent Co-Op store... some things never change, and that no time seemed to had passed was entirely surreal.



After my brief excursion into East London, I returned to Hampstead where we perused a few charity shops, walked through the quaint streets oohing-and-ahhing at the magnificent homes with their adorable gardens, wandered through the high street in pursuit of dinner, and stumbled upon the cutest pastries and sweets in shop windows.



To some extent, being in London reminded me of the loneliness I frequently felt while living there a year and a half ago - time flies, right? Eating at my favorite buffet alone, hurrying to Somerset House to catch a show or two. Sitting behind my flat, remembering writing there while elderly women walked by with bags from Sainsbury's in hand.

But it was also quite different; instead of feeling jaded as I had towards the end of the term, I felt giddy to be exploring the city again. London is mammoth and I feel like regardless of how much time I ever spend there I will never truly know it fully, but instead of letting that deter me, it was actually quite exciting this time around. I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant where my family and I had celebrated Thanksgiving (Spice Market) while strolling through Soho at night. I felt happy and proud to be walking along the embankment without the need for maps or direction. I saw tourists, arms stretched out and cameras in hand, experiencing the city for the first time.

London didn't feel as dark and gloomy as it had when I left exactly fourteen months ago. It felt fresh and new. I loved it.

xox Catherine

Last day in London (16/12/2011)

Coat - ModCloth, cardigan - sister's, dress - Asos, necklace - Etsy, tights - Target, boots - Doc Martens

I would have liked to have posted these photos while still in London, but I was busy exploring one last time... and packing. I went to the National Portrait Gallery, V&A Museum (my favorite!), Liberty, and Selfridge's one last time. My departure itself was chaotic and a tad bitter; I realized I forgot a handful of belongings in my room, I was running on literally no sleep, I couldn't sleep on the plane despite that fact. I cried upon seeing my friend Tracey, who accompanied my mom to the airport. I cried hysterically once we drove down my street and even more when I stepped inside my house and saw my cat. Tears of joy, obviously. There's no place like home!




I've been relaxing as much as physically possible, with my cat by my side, of course. I haven't felt like leaving my bed too much, but I did to bake Christmas cookies, see some friends, go to Target (yay!) to get wrapping paper, and whatever else. Unfortunately, I think I'm coming down with something. Perhaps it's from last week's lack of sleep.



In case you were wondering, my tea habit has only increased since touching down in the US of A... I seem to have forgotten I used to be addicted to coffee!

I'm so excited for Christmas. Normally I'm such a scrooge, but I am just so excited to give everyone their gifts! I think I did quite well this year with my selections, but perhaps I'm just being hopeful since nothing is returnable, unless the recipient cares to travel to London... There's just no place like home for the holidays.

xox Catherine

Eleven

Coat - Modcloth, jumper - Zara, necklace - thrifted, skirt - H&M, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

Dressing for Monday mornings = wearing tried and true favorites. Can't say I really anticipated the bone-chilling weather, though. Probably the coldest day in London I've experienced! It is December, after all. My hands were numb during this (very brief) shoot.




The days here are dwindling, with the countdown bearing just eleven days at this point. It's all final exams (and essays) and Christmas shopping now - maybe a few drinks at nearby pubs and perhaps the last trips to my favorite museums here. (Note: I visited the Victoria Albert Museum for the third time yesterday, and I have still not seen half of the collection on display.)

On an incredibly positive note, I couldn't be more excited to see my animals.

On an unrelated note, I've been updating my Tumblr to the point of obsession. Must have something to do with finals quickly approaching...

xox Catherine

To Give Thanks

Coat - ModCloth, necklace - antique, sweater - 3.1 Philip Lim, skirt - Missoni for Target, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

I wore this last Thursday, during the American holiday of Thanksgiving. I ran a few errands with Christian before heading out to dinner, at which point I switched these shoes for my Rachel Comey booties. I probably would have celebrated by making some stuffed squash and baked goods if I didn't have visitors, but of course, I did, so naturally we went to an Asian-fusion restaurant called Spice Market (owned by world-famous chef Jean-Georges). I had been to the New York branch as had my aunt, but I was incredibly excited to share it with my family. Since vegan food can be hard to come by in many classically British restaurants (and even those in the States...), this was an excellent compromise for everyone.



We left the restaurant entirely stuffed, though not from our ordinary American Thanksgiving fare. I'm still in a state of disbelief that I am so fortunate to have been able to spend this holiday with my family, and similarly that the week flew by and everyone is back in the States at this point. Even more shocking is that I've less than three weeks left here in good old London Town.




I would like to note that I am still feeling quite ill, and when I'm sick there's nothing I enjoy more than cuddling with my cat. My mind is already home.

xox Catherine

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport..."

Coat - ModCloth, top - Monki, skirt - Monki, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

These were taken last Monday... I'm feeling a bit under the weather now. I wore this to the airport to meet my friends and family! The reunion was so nice; I didn't expect they would already be waiting by the time I arrived, but I spotted the group and my brother saw me. My friend Lauren ran to hug me, then I dashed over to the rest of the group, almost slipping on the airport's smooth floor.




I do enjoy London in many ways, but the visit made me realize how excited I am to return home, especially in time for the holidays. Seeing these people makes me want nothing more than to be in my house, cuddled beneath a blanket with my cat on my lap, eating edamame and watching a movie with my sister. It is bittersweet that I will be in the air twenty one days from now, en route to Philadelphia... but it's becoming increasingly sweeter.

My aunt and my friend Christian (who took these photos) are still in town, so I shall spend time with them over the next two days. It's nice having companions in London, which can often feel quite impersonal.

xox Catherine

17.11.2011

Coat - ModCloth, cardigan - H&M, t-shirt - C&C California, dress (worn as skirt) - Camden Market, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Spring

I realized I haven't worn all of the shoes I brought with me to London, so I decided it's about time I utilize my many pairs. It's essentially winter here, which I normally refuse to accept back in the States until December hits. I'm just in disbelief that I've been here for nearly three months now, and in a month's time I will be back in Pennsylvania. It's bittersweet, most definitely.




On an undeniably positive note, my family and a few friends will be here in London this upcoming week! With the exception of briefly seeing my aunt before she had a connecting flight back to the States, I haven't seen any of these people in three months. I couldn't be happier that I get to see them, spend time with them here in London, and celebrate Thanksgiving with them.



This is my first weekend in London since October since I've been traveling so much! I want to relax and do some school work, but at the same time, I want to do exciting things because I have only a month left here. Decisions, decisions.

xox Catherine

I somehow see what's beautiful in things that are emphemeral

Cardigan - H&M, necklace - Etsy, top - Asos, skirt - vintage, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Rachel Comey

Somehow this is my first time wearing these booties on the blog... I've worn them out a few times, but I suppose I didn't take photos because it was nighttime. They still have yet to properly mold to my feet, but they're getting there. Today's wear might have a little something to do with wanting to wear them this weekend. I'm traveling again! This time, it's somewhere much warmer. I think I'll keep it a surprise, but it's somewhere I've wanted to go for quite some time, so I'm very excited. I know I'll be taking lots of photos!




These next two weeks are looking wonderful - an excursion this weekend, the following will be spent here in London, and then that week a few family and friends are visiting! I've been having dreams about reuniting with them. Whenever I think of meeting them in the airport, the final scene in Love Actually starts playing in my head, Beach Boys in the background and all. It's very safe to say I love life, as of late.




It's a bit funny to me that London is already in Christmas-mode: Liberty (and every other department store) have had their Christmas shops up and running for the past month, the lights on Oxford Street were illuminated last week, and there will soon be ice-skating rinks in various spots - including Somerset House, where fashion week takes place. Somehow, I'm not so bitter about the approach of this time of year as I normally am. Maybe there is something magical about London at Christmastime. Or maybe I just watch Love Actually too much. I'm giving a vote for the latter.

See you when I return from holiday!

xox Catherine

2/11/2011

Jacket - Urban Outfitters, necklace - thrifted, jumper - Zara, skirt - Target, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Doc Martens

I wore this yesterday to class. Afterwards, I browsed the high street, picked up some groceries, then picked my classes for next semester back in the States. I am, of course, looking forward to going home and seeing my family, friends, and pets... but the more I think about it, the less I want to leave London. I know once I return home I'll just long for the days I've spent wandering aimlessly here, the way I detest the Underground so strongly, the civic indifference everywhere in the city.




Even so, I'm taking another holiday this weekend, this time to somewhere farther north, and thus, colder. 8C weather? Looks like I'll finally have to pull out my winter coat. Regardless of my avid hate for the cold, I'm very excited for this trip because I hear it's a beautiful country and city. I might have previously mentioned the destination, but I'll keep it a surprise for everyone else.




Do you have anything planned for the weekend?

xox Catherine