Gothetshirt

From the freshly cut wildflowers at the entrance to the groaning wooden stair-case and Tudor facade, shopping at Liberty of London is a retail experience like no other.

The building iself was designed by father and son duo, Edwin T. and Edwin S. Hall.  The Tudor style was a product of the 1920’s flair for all things Tudor-esque.  The shop was constructed to sit within three light shafts that became the main focus of the building.  Even today, when you enter Liberty you’re compelled to crane your neck skywards. Arthur Liberty, the store’s founder had advised the designers that he wanted the store to feel like you were walking around your own home.  Each one of the light shafts was surrounded by smaller rooms to create a cosy feel.  The original rooms had fireplaces and some still exist to this day.  The ceiling lights produced the perfect surroundings for displaying Liberty’s plush quilts and woven rugs.   The store’s latest edition, The Scarf Room is testament to the building’s clever planning.  Beneath the heavy, rustic rafters, you can browse a light-filled hall of  floaty scarves of every description – from Liberty’s trademark floral whimsy to the latest offerings from Givenchy, Matthew Williamson and Fendi.

Look out for: The commemorative plaques on the stairwell that remember the Liberty workers who lost their lives during the Blitz.

Look closely. Can you tell what it is yet?  No it’s not an old yellowing copy of the Metro.  It’s a leather clutch. And it’s MINE. Love it. Love it. Love it.  It’s by the label Etui, Topshop’s new vintage collection of bags.  It has an optional gold chain,  an inside pocket with a golden heart-shaped zipper, oh and it’s handmade in London.  The selection that’s currently on sale in Topshop, Oxford Street includes an assortment of floral, paisley and oriental style purses, clutches, satchels and briefcases.  The best thing about the bag is that as it ages, it will crinkle and crease just like a real-life newspaper.  The articles printed on the exterior and interior are completely authentic and legible too. There was quite a frenzy around the display on Friday, so take my advice and snap one up while you can!

With -10 temperatures, frost, freezing fog, sleet, snow and ice set to continue into mid January, the snood could very well be the best investment you make in 2010!

The scarf/hat merger has translated well from the  catwalk onto the high street and must-have versions are popping up all over Topshop, Penneys and H & M.

So how do you wear the snood?

The beauty of this posh hoody is that it can be worn either as a full and chunky scarf or nonchalantly pulled halfway over the head in the style of a loose veil.  Complete the ice queen look with extra-long gloves or arm-warmers in soft lambswool, angora or patterned knits.

So complete weirdness.  There I am checking out Paris Fashion Week on Facehunter when I come across a girl who was snapped on the street dressed in a long black tiered skirt, blouse and wedges.  Nothing strange about that except maybe that I have a similar ruffley topshop dress(much shorter though).  Then I look at her face and it’s like someone has superimposed a photo of me onto this goth…I mean, I could always just say it was me…who’s going to know? I have to say I love the statement neckpiece.  It would definitely go with my ruffle dress too…

Style Scout

Face Hunter

Street Peeper

This week the pavements of Camden, SoHo, Sodermalm – next year the biggest story on the catwalks of Paris, Milan and New York.   These days style spys are out in force in cities everywhere, as designers look more and more to the streets for inspiration for their next collection.  Sites such as Style Scout, Street Peeper and Face Hunter might as well re-brand themselves Muses ‘R’ Us.  From elegant head-to-toe vintage forties to chaotic clashing and downright whimsical eccentricity, these snapshots of random passers-by will change the way you look at your whole wardrobe.

Notting Hill’s Portabello Road Market (where Dahlia et al started life) is a must-do in London. Get up early to get the best bargains and stock.  Because it’s a market, you rarely even have to pay full price-great news for these recessionary times.

Alternatively…avoid the crowded stalls altogether…get yourself down to http://www.pretaportobello.com/ for a selection of the latest labels.  You can even haggle with a stacey-esque market stall lady! All you have to do is guess what price she has in her head…be warned though, you only get three attempts!!!

White skinny jeans, loafers, baby pink/blue shirt and navy blue blazer, over-sized watch…everyone will be stealing Princess Diana’s style this summer.  Watch this space…you heard it here first!!!!

Yay! The dress is back.  Ditsy Polka dot, tea dresses, bubbled hemmed dresses, parachute-pocketed dresses, Michelle Obama-esque shift dresses….viva la dress!!!!

Wooooohooo… Gothetshirt has made it to the nominations list for this year’s Irish blogging awards.  Thanks to all who voted!:)

Neon’s been knocking round the shops the past two years or so now…it’s been through the nu rave wave and back again. It’s been on hoodies, shoe laces and leg-warmers but now it’s time for neon to get serious. The best way? Team it with neutrals. Greys are magic.  Charcoals and  muted heather greys make neons really glow. The key to the trend is to keep the neons to a minimum. A day-glow yellow belt, a fuschia pink bracelet or bright orange tights really add a touch of interest to an all black or charcoal look. Take these shoes for example-picked them up in Office, Belfast.  What a find.   While I’m on the subject, Belfast is a great city for shopping and with the exchange rate as it is, Euro goes a lot further up north.  Check out Victoria Square while you’re at it.