Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Nailed
Due to our neverending uniform of black, we love to spice up our lives with girl power and nail polish. Ah sweet nail polish, the more we use you the more we are addicted. Of course, a classic french mani can never go astray but recently we've been delving into a kaleidoscope of colour. Pinks, reds, oranges, corals, taupes...and more. The brands we love to use are mecca cosmetica, opi, essie and for an inexpensive flirtation, rimmel (in double decker or riviera red). Dip those nails in a vat of colour!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Velveteen Habit
Why do we love velvet? Fairly simple really, it feels amazing. Unfortunately it comes in and out of fashion incessantly and so any piece of velvet clothing will very promptly become passé. But this is, of course, the nature of anything that is a bit different really. Velvet had its glory years in the 90s and can be spotted in almost every Spice Girls video clip… however it was subsequently marked as a fashion faux pas for almost a decade (we are ignoring the very unfortunate velvet track suit phase!)… but, if you look around the shops you will notice that velvet is starting to edge its way back into our wardrobes.
There are some amazing velvet dresses and velvet skirts coming in to the market as well as some great velvet blazers.Velvet is one of our favourite trends this winter because it is warm and oh so soft. Here are a few pieces to get you enthused…
Low-rise skinny velvet jeans - Notify
Tea Frock (Black Spot) - Camilla and Marc
Leather and velvet combo jacket - Alexander Wang
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Chic and Not-So-Chic Shoppers
Over the years we have become accustomed to the varying suitability of what the public wear when they go shopping.
Some people look like they are about to go for a run, when really they have no intention of doing any form of exercise at all that day… others look as though they have just rolled out of bed… some look as though they are going clubbing… others look like they’ve just come from the farm… and then there are those who look as though they may have an engagement with the Queen later on.
In amongst all of these shall we say ‘fascinating’ outfits there are, of course, some that we love. For example, there are those ladies wearing an incredibly put-together ensemble, with that understated “I didn’t try but I look amazing” style… then there are the casual yet chic young girls in their tailored jeans and great accessories… and those who have come straight from work in their modish suits… and then, finally, there are those people that are dressed so beautifully that you just want take a photo and have it framed!
We have identified a number of looks that make up a ‘Black List’ of fashions don’ts and also a compilation of great style guidelines for shoppers. We will, no doubt, build these two categories throughout the life of our blog!
Some people look like they are about to go for a run, when really they have no intention of doing any form of exercise at all that day… others look as though they have just rolled out of bed… some look as though they are going clubbing… others look like they’ve just come from the farm… and then there are those who look as though they may have an engagement with the Queen later on.
In amongst all of these shall we say ‘fascinating’ outfits there are, of course, some that we love. For example, there are those ladies wearing an incredibly put-together ensemble, with that understated “I didn’t try but I look amazing” style… then there are the casual yet chic young girls in their tailored jeans and great accessories… and those who have come straight from work in their modish suits… and then, finally, there are those people that are dressed so beautifully that you just want take a photo and have it framed!
We have identified a number of looks that make up a ‘Black List’ of fashions don’ts and also a compilation of great style guidelines for shoppers. We will, no doubt, build these two categories throughout the life of our blog!
The item that we must immediately assign to the Black List is leggings worn as pants. Can we just make this very clear, unless you are working out or you are in the privacy of your own home, leggings are not pants. Leggings leave nothing to the imagination and they are, in the majority of cases, not very flattering… we know they are comfortable, but this is not justification.
Secondly, we would like to add dresses, skirts and shorts that barely cover your behind… this is not appropriate in general, unless perhaps you are going to the beach... They are especially unsuitable, however, when you are out shopping amongst families, not to mention the elderly!
On a lighter note, we would like to commend the wearing of dresses and skirts to go shopping… they look so pretty and they make you feel as though you are having a lovely day out rather than just going to mope around the shops.
Another item which we recommend is sensible yet stylish footwear. Ballet flats and kitten heels not only look sweet and elegant, they are easy to walk in and will keep your feet happy during the entirety of your shopping escapade!
Secondly, we would like to add dresses, skirts and shorts that barely cover your behind… this is not appropriate in general, unless perhaps you are going to the beach... They are especially unsuitable, however, when you are out shopping amongst families, not to mention the elderly!
On a lighter note, we would like to commend the wearing of dresses and skirts to go shopping… they look so pretty and they make you feel as though you are having a lovely day out rather than just going to mope around the shops.
Another item which we recommend is sensible yet stylish footwear. Ballet flats and kitten heels not only look sweet and elegant, they are easy to walk in and will keep your feet happy during the entirety of your shopping escapade!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The re-invention of beige
Beige is only as boring as the person wearing it. Neutral tones can be just as exciting as vivid colours. When we're not wearing black, we yearn for something that is light and fresh. There are some really gorgeous natural colours included in this seasons palette; from warm mochas and taupes to pale pinks and soft creams. Neutral accessories can really lift an outfit. Beige shoes especially are extremely flattering and make your legs appear longer. Equally, a cream blazer or coat looks chic and feminine and they go with everything! We are really inspired by the soft tones in the latest collections of Chloé.. we also found a gorgeous Camilla and Marc blazer and, bien-sûr, some amazing shoes by Jimmy Choo... and then we have gathered a collection of lovely (and purse-friendly) pieces from Mimco, Tony Bianco and Witchery... :)
Monday, July 5, 2010
The 'customer' effect...
We would like to draw attention to a curious condition that seems to infect a significant number of shoppers. It seems to take hold when they crossover from a regular person to a customer and the effect is immediate.
We have noticed a definite decline of intelligence the moment they step into the shop. This varies with each individual; starting from subtle naïveté to complete ignorance.
There are a number of incidents which come to mind…
Incident 1
- “I’d like to buy this”
- “Lovely, that one is 10% off at the moment”
- “How come?”
- “We have a special promotion running this month, up to 60% off everything”
- “You should really put up some signage”
- “Ummm, we do have banners up, and also signs in each display window… and see the balloons in the corner there?”
-“Oh…”
Incident 2
- “Is it white gold?”- “No these pendants are silver.”
- “White gold?”
- “No, they're in silver.”
- “Not white gold?”
- “No, sorry, these pendants only come in silver”
- “And in white gold?”
Incident 3
- “I’m looking for a solitaire ring”
- “Which cut were you after? Round brilliant, square princess?”
- “A solitaire cut”
- “So solitaire just means a single stone, as in ‘solo’… did you want it with a round or a square cut stone?”
- “What’s the difference?”
We have noticed a definite decline of intelligence the moment they step into the shop. This varies with each individual; starting from subtle naïveté to complete ignorance.
There are a number of incidents which come to mind…
Incident 1
- “I’d like to buy this”
- “Lovely, that one is 10% off at the moment”
- “How come?”
- “We have a special promotion running this month, up to 60% off everything”
- “You should really put up some signage”
- “Ummm, we do have banners up, and also signs in each display window… and see the balloons in the corner there?”
-“Oh…”
Incident 2
- “Is it white gold?”- “No these pendants are silver.”
- “White gold?”
- “No, they're in silver.”
- “Not white gold?”
- “No, sorry, these pendants only come in silver”
- “And in white gold?”
Incident 3
- “I’m looking for a solitaire ring”
- “Which cut were you after? Round brilliant, square princess?”
- “A solitaire cut”
- “So solitaire just means a single stone, as in ‘solo’… did you want it with a round or a square cut stone?”
- “What’s the difference?”
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The sociology of yummy mummies
Retail Assistants are more than just a pretty face and well dressed mannequin, after years of human surveillance we have earned our self-appointed degree of sociology.
Everyone likes to believe they are unique but from our detailed observation it is quite obvious that for each category of person, there is a carefully constructed 'uniform'. It may be the bike messengers with their crumpler bags and lycra pants or the young professional in their immaculate suits and briefcases. Whatever category it is, there will be a uniform. One particular favourite is the 'yummy mummy'. This mummy is different from the 'slovenly, just rolled out of bed' mummy or 'the everything organic, hippie' mummy.
Her uniform consists of lorna jane activewear and adidas running shoes with pefectly salon blow-dried, 3/4 head highlighted hair and pristine makeup. The activewear is generally a racerback tank top with tight three quarter leggings that shows off her rocking, gym honed, 'can you believe I've had a baby' bod to perfection. She is openly thrilled with our exclamations of wonder at her incredible physique and demurely humble about how often she goes to the gym. All of this is meticulously accessorised with the quintessential bugaboo pram or stroller and, of course, pandora bracelet. Yummy mummy perfection complete!
Everyone likes to believe they are unique but from our detailed observation it is quite obvious that for each category of person, there is a carefully constructed 'uniform'. It may be the bike messengers with their crumpler bags and lycra pants or the young professional in their immaculate suits and briefcases. Whatever category it is, there will be a uniform. One particular favourite is the 'yummy mummy'. This mummy is different from the 'slovenly, just rolled out of bed' mummy or 'the everything organic, hippie' mummy.
Her uniform consists of lorna jane activewear and adidas running shoes with pefectly salon blow-dried, 3/4 head highlighted hair and pristine makeup. The activewear is generally a racerback tank top with tight three quarter leggings that shows off her rocking, gym honed, 'can you believe I've had a baby' bod to perfection. She is openly thrilled with our exclamations of wonder at her incredible physique and demurely humble about how often she goes to the gym. All of this is meticulously accessorised with the quintessential bugaboo pram or stroller and, of course, pandora bracelet. Yummy mummy perfection complete!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Ruffles & Lace
We are obliged to wear black at work so we are always looking for black clothes that are abundant in fantastic detail like ruffles and lace.
Beautiful fabrics with different patterns and textures or pieces with an interesting cut are desirable too!
When you’re dressed head to toe in black, it’s hard not to look a bit drab or like you’ve just come from a funeral. So, it’s nice to break up the black with a splash of white or grey or maybe cream… even a great leather belt can add a certain je ne sais quoi too!
Here are some of our favourite picks from net-a-porter.com (a splendid website to get some top designer inspiration or even splurge on something special!) and also some gorgeous pieces at much friendlier prices!
Beautiful fabrics with different patterns and textures or pieces with an interesting cut are desirable too!
When you’re dressed head to toe in black, it’s hard not to look a bit drab or like you’ve just come from a funeral. So, it’s nice to break up the black with a splash of white or grey or maybe cream… even a great leather belt can add a certain je ne sais quoi too!
Here are some of our favourite picks from net-a-porter.com (a splendid website to get some top designer inspiration or even splurge on something special!) and also some gorgeous pieces at much friendlier prices!
Ruffled wool-blend dress - Zac Posen
Cleland silk-chiffon blouse - Diane Von Furstenberg
Vita Dress(112B WC) - Leona Edmiston
Ribbon work pleated skirt - JigsawThursday, July 1, 2010
La Préface
Today is the 1st of July and, in our humble opinion, the perfect date to start a blog. We are sales assistants and we think that there are far too many stories going untold about our daily encounters with customers and the amusing situations we so often seem to find ourselves in!
We would also like to share some of our adventures outside the shop and what we get up to when we’re not wearing black.
We hope that you enjoy reading this blog as much as we will enjoy writing it!
We would also like to share some of our adventures outside the shop and what we get up to when we’re not wearing black.
We hope that you enjoy reading this blog as much as we will enjoy writing it!
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