If this blog was a dress... (Burberry Prorsum SS13)

Cara Delevingne for Burberry Prorsum SS13 at London Fashion Week via style.com

(more soon over here)

Wear/Shop/Home

Since having baby Pip earlier this year, I've been having somewhat of a creative re-think, including addressing my blogs. Whilst I still love PF & DR, I'm not sure that it reflects where I am in life at the moment.

I'm still going to be posting here, but mainly to direct you to other places for the time being, whilst I decide what to do with the space.

For all fashion, lifestyle, beauty and interiors related things, I'm currently posting them at a new space which I have provisionally titled Wear/Shop/Home (which I may end up keeping). It is an edit of London centric inspiration in my search for a beautiful life. Long time readers will know that I love things and I love shopping and I love fashion. My current maternity leave means that I am really unable to pursue this physically in any way really but I have realised that collating them virtually is almost as good. Plus London Fashion Week and autumn are both nearly upon us, and at this time of year, my thoughts turn to a wardrobe revamp, edit and making space for the new season. It may not be back to school per se, but September, for me, will always be new beginnings.

For all family and parenting and baby related posts, well, those are over at The Little Pip which I am in the process of moving to it's new home.

Anyway, that's where I'm at right now. Let me know your thoughts...

Somerset by Alice Temperley

I was really drawn to the launch of Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis today, not least because it is named after the county in which we used to live. I really love Alice Temperley's clothes and was really interested to see that she was collaborating with John Lewis to bring her high end pieces to the high street at accessible prices.

If I were working at the moment, both in terms of going to the office and in terms of affordability, there are loads of beautiful pieces which would work very nicely. Sadly (?) neither apply at present, so it is the more casual, stripy, slouchy pieces that I am drawn to as well as these boots, and this bag, both of which are in the lookbook outfits above.

John Lewis says "Drawing inspiration from established Temperley motifs, the collection will include a full range of accessories and fashionable pieces. An array of influences are present in the collection from Victoriana and Bohemian accents to military and print elements. Traditional materials are juxtaposed with pony skin textures, beads and sheers to create a feminine portfolio."

We may be having some beautiful weather at present, and I am making the most of my mint jeans before summer ends, but come September, my thoughts always turn to autumn and chillier weather and a colder palette of colours. Mint jeans aside, I do usually wear a fairly sludgy palette, in which black grey and navy feature highly, alongside some patterns and stripes. It is no surprise to me then, that this collection appeals. (You only have to look at my Pinterest boards, particularly my "Autumn Style Inspiration" to see this...)

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Photos via John Lewis

I was not paid for this post although John Lewis are an affiliate of PF&DR See here for further details regarding affiliate links.

Fashion Fringe 2012

I can't believe it's taken me so long to get around to posting this. It's one of those things where I didn't post because I wanted to write something properly and then life and the baby kept me busy, and then I never came back to the post. One day I will try and write something more interesting but for now, a link round up will have to suffice. 

My sister-in-law is a finalist in Fashion Fringe 2012. Fashion Fringe is a fashion business award and allows the winner to set up a fashion label. (Previous winners include Erdem, Basso & Brooke and Corrie Neilsen.)

Teija (Teija Eilola) is one of three finalists with the competition culminating in the presentations of the three collections at London Fashion Week in the middle of September.

If you are interested, Teija has been writing about the experience on her Fashion Fringe blog, with her first entries here and here. Her facebook page is here. Teija has also been interviewed by Fashion Fringe sponsor ShopStyle, where you can read more about her inspiration for her collection.

I am longing to see the finished collection - I am lucky enough to have worn one or two pieces that Teija has made in the past, both samples and pieces which she has designed for her previous job and I can honestly say that they beautifully combined precision cutting and draping with comfort and practicality of a garment which is actually designed to be worn. I cannot wait to see what she has come up with for this show.

“A Finnish girl arrives at the party: shoes in her bag and a huge, crisp mackintosh over her little silk dress. On the way to the party she crossed a forest and a couple of fields.” TEIJA S/S 2013

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image  - drawings from Teija's collection, layout by Fashion Fringe via FF Pinterest

triathlon training (week 0)

Remember my upcoming triathlon? Well, my training has been put on hold for a couple of weeks because I had a mole removed from my upper thigh, resulting in a couple of stitches and instruction to do no running or swimming or other vigorous exercise that was comparable with going to the gym. The stitches came out today so later this week, my training will re-commence. And luckily for you, I might even write about it to hold myself accountable.

I haven't just done eff all this last two weeks though. I've started organising some kit. First and foremost, a proper sports bra was in order, not only because I am breastfeeding and therefore have no previous kit which fits. The kind people at Panache stepped up and have sent me an Olympic inspired sports bra to trial. I plan to wear it for my training and for the triathlon itself. When I've had chance to try it out, I'll report back as to whether it functions as impressively as it looks (hopefully it will protect me like the armour it appears to be). 

I've also lined up a bike, subject to collection from a friend, and bought a swimsuit. Nothing left to do now but get on with it...

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Photo by Panache

Bra provided by Panache. Words and opinions my own.

Equestrian: Paralympics London 2012

Pip and I had a wonderful time at the Paralympics last week, accompanied by our friend, Miss L. I won't deny that being at Greenwich when the gates opened at 8am required an unusually early start especially with the baby, who thought it was the best thing in the world that we got up at 5am.

The games makers were fantastic and made the day one of the best sporting events I've been to. They were friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and cheerful, despite the alternating poor weather and my yo-yo-ing to and from my seat every time Pip objected to being stuffed down the front of my waterproof when it was peeing down and quiet was required for the rider to compete.

The riders were amazing. There's no way I could even control a horse to make it step backwards three paces, let alone with paralysis or a missing limb. It was truly inspiring. The British rider that we saw, Natasha Baker, did a great ride and was in first place. The place went mad, waving British flags and cheering and it was lovely to see all the young children thrilled to be supporting TeamGB.

The only downside to the day was the catering, which was sadly staffed by rude and incompetent staff. A huge contrast to the volunteer games makers, they made the eating side of the day dreadful. I overheard one manager complaining bitterly about parents requesting hot chocolate for the children, because it was raining, and swore several times, before noting me and looking slightly ashamed of her outburst.

Location:Equestrian at the Paralympics London 2012