by Katy Smail
Little girls dressing up their dolls is supreme training for a lifetime of dressing up themselves; some things never change and little girls will always be made of sugar and spice. Working in a nursery a few summers ago, I may not have had an inherent talent for childcare but, boy, could I style those dolls. The real little girls didn’t stand a chance.
Between this ingrained relationship and all the doll-like fashion, beauty and models that have reigned over the catwalk of late, I have been waiting for someone to create something innovative in this realm. Well, of course, I should have known to rely on avant-garde fantasists supreme Viktor and Rolf to contribute said creations.
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by Katy Smail
Visible bra straps? Frowned upon, yes, but grossly overlooked, I say. As with so many fashion “rules”, there is so much more fun to be had when “don’ts” are entirely disregarded.
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by Katy Smail
As the dawn of summer festivals prepares to rise , my yearning to be swaying in a sunlit meadow whilst a girl sings onstage with a strumming guitar and a paper owl is growing rapidly.
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by Katy Smail
It’s that time of year again. Glamazonian models stare down from countless magazine stands, every article contains the word ‘golden’ and the faint smell of fake tan is in the air. Yes, magazine summer is here and apparently tan is the only colour that will do. Me and my Scottish skin have been dreading this.
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by Katy Smail
With the first rays of real sunlight creeping in my dusty window comes the faint but enchanting prospect that summer might be just around the corner. Whilst sandals and bikinis might not be quite on the cards, I will settle for the temperature creeping up just enough to cast off my winter coat and begin gallavanting about in a little summer jacket.
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by Katy Smail
Unable to take the plunge and actually chop my hair, I have found a less permanent way to have a spring fling with my ‘do. When you are known for your scruffy ‘bird’s nest’ locks like I am, it is amazing the difference it makes when you scrape your hair off your face into a neat top knot.
Scattered all over the S/S runways from Lanvin to Rodarte, it is a severe look which contrasts beautifully with all that femininity and flowers for Spring.
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by Katy Smail
I like my dresses with a story. Finding them, mainly, in charity shops means that I have to make them up. They become the little characters that live in my wardobe (i’m not crazy, I promise). Which is why I was so excited to stumble upon Dream and Awake, a little collective of girls who remake found vintage dresses like prescious treasures with a secret history.
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by Katy Smail
Having seen countless photos of Margherita Missoni gallavanting around town of late, it’s nice to read a little more about her. Even better, it’s good to see her continue her design lineage with this pretty rose gold, silk and diamond bracelet which she has designed with jewelry designer Ileana Makri.
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by Katy Smail
Not usually one to partake in any item of clothing that might come under the banner of “androgynous”, I tend to ignore any call to arms for “sharp masculine tailoring” or “boyish style”. There is one exception, however, one item that lives very happily alongside my floral skirts and countless jewels. Why, men’s checked shirts of course.
I go through phases with them, but I always return and now seems as good a time as any to sing their praises. Their boyish charm is the perfect companion to this season’s overriding femininity, especially when worn over a pretty dress or baggy over a sleek silhouette. Plus, they are currently being touted all over town on the likes of ‘it girls’ Alexa Chung and Lou Doillon.
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by Katy Smail
In an attempt to temporarily escape the stress and reponsibilities of adult life, I am turning to a most beloved childhood toy. Not for some kind of twisted juvenile comfort, but for style inspiration, of course. Yes, I intend to drift through the monotony of grown-up life this spring in a colour palette derived entirely from My Little Pony.
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