The McQueen Exhibit

I can't believe it's been a month since I went to the V&A to see this amazing exhibit and I've only just got round to sharing it with you, it's still as fresh as yesterday.  My friend is a huge McQueen fan so was desperate to see it and being a lover of fashion, I wasn't going to say no.  However, I wasn't really expecting to get what we got.  From the start to the finish, the amount of work and love poured into sharing the stories of the late Alexander Lee McQueen's creations was flawless.  It is on until the 2nd August however advance tickets online are now sold out so you have to try your luck on the day.  Go if you can, you won't be disappointed.  Here's a sneak peak of some (and I mean only some - you seriously got your monies worth) of my favourites.

The Black Swan gown - look at those feathers!

Cut leather

Glass beads

Appliqué embroidery and beads

The famous splattered paint dress that happened live at one of his shows

Dyed ostrich feathers and hand-painted glass microscope slides

His use of feathers was breath taking

McQueen was a genius in his field, always pushing the boundaries, he was fearless.  His use of materials was also so exciting, from crocodile heads to feathers, it was art in it's finest form.  I was utterly captivated walking around looking at the exhibit, feeling so privileged to be viewing his own thoughts in his masterpieces.  Being a slightly (!) emotional person I was also sad about this huge loss, not in the least to our world of fashion but also that of a human being who clearly had such creative passion in him.  This was further cemented when the same friend insisted we go to see the theatre show which was yet another creative masterpiece.  It was a short glimpse into McQueens life with dance, costumes and superb actors.  It's only having a short stint but if it tours - go and see it.

House Of Fraser AW15 Press Day Roundup

I had a lovely time browsing what House of Fraser have to offer this coming Winter a few weeks ago. Despite it being sunny outside, it is always nice to think ahead to the cozy/snuggly months - especially when sequins are involved (Christmas count down anyone?!?).  As always, they didn't disappoint and even surpassed expectations - keep reading, I've saved the best until last!  Here's whats coming up from them.

Animal print just continues season after season, it's a great way to add some character to an outfit.  A little belt is the perfect way to start if you're a bit print phobic!  Biba had a brilliant selection.

Exclusive collection from their Biba range - how fabulous are those sequins and stripes are always a winner.

Maison Scotch, Linea (classic camel coat alert) and Hunter - a perfect selection of glitz, classic and practical from their coat range.

My favourite - the handbags!  Oxblood red coming your way as well as some more dusky pink (you can still bring out your pink wool coat if you bought one last season!)

Fringing looks like it's here to stay for the foreseeable future (good job as I love it).  The leather on these bags were amazing.  

Winter isn't Winter without a little faux fur.  This bag (£95) by Helen Moore had a tough leather strap making it a sturdy every day bag with that touch of difference due to the fur.  Stole by Helen Moore, Coat by Pied a Terre (£189).

Can you just see the eyes an lips on the Lulu Guinness far left - how cute!  The pink Radley also caught my eye - how sleek does that one look!

Vivienne Westwood, DKNY and Lulu Guinness again.  The backpack was a gorgeous soft leather, I loved the studs on it. 

Knitwear needed for Winter, naturally!  Label Lab offered a little light embellishment (£89), whilst Barbour went for the classic thick heavy knit leaving Dickins & Jones to a cute bow back style

Leather really is in, these skirts again, were the softest leather.  The classic cut on the left was juxtaposed to the bias cut one on the right, something for everyone!  Both by Biba.

McQueen anyone?  Serious handbag lust going on here.  From L to R; £360, £295, £390.

I'm yet to add some tied courts to my shoe collection, these were a classic black suede with the delicate tie at the front.  Both shoes by Carvela.

Finishing with my favourite - Victoria Beckham, yes, a little selection from her jean line will now be available from House of Fraser making her more accessible to us all!  Cute, classic and classy, gosh she is good!

So come on then, who's getting excited about Christmas and who has started or is going to start their Christmas shopping in the July sales?!?  My hands are up!

My London Day Out

Last Sunday my husband and I had a rare day out together in London (love my kids but, wooohoooo, no kids for the day!).  Three years ago for my 30th birthday he had booked a restaurant but I was so poorly and spent the day in bed.  Finally, he re-booked it, organised his parents to look after the girls all day and off we went!  I had a plan, I am all about the plans.  I wanted to start off in Primrose Hill as I had never been there before and as we were driving and out early, parking shouldn't be a problem (free on single yellows on a Sunday, unless a restricted zone).  The views from the top of the hill were amazing.  It was cold and damp but still took our breath away, imagine a Summers day?!  You could see St Pauls, The Shard, The London Eye.  I would have got some better shots if it wasn't for the huge group of tourists up there (we power walked down the hill to get in front of them….!).

Scarf; Alexander McQueen
Coat; French Connection
Wet look black jeans; Gap
Bag; Chanel

The High Street itself is tiny but full of boutique shops with of course a few quirky ones.  Booties for your dog anyone?!

I was also very happy to stumble across one of the Mary Portas 'Living & Giving' shops.  They are charity shops but boy are they worth a rummage.  Think Helmut Lang, Gucci….more on my beautiful purchase in my next post.  There are a few dotted round, follow this link to see.

(Picture taken before it opened at 12!)

Next stop was Selfridges as it had been a while since we had last visited.  We were so lucky that day and managed to get a space right outside the side entrance.  Nothing like being able to park that close, leave your coats in the car and just pop in to Selfridges!  I love the openness in Selfridges.  It always feels like such a light and bright store.  I headed to see Mrs Beckham's latest drop!

Pure vibrant colour from Vitoria Beckham

Sparkles from Stuart Weitzman

And some more!

Turquoise in Louboutin (check out the bag - wow!)

Wedges, gladiator sandals, brogues and pumps from Balenciaga

Hello Chanel!  Note that knotted heel

More turquoise and bright colours in Chanel

There would have been a time many years ago when I wouldn't have dared go into a designer shop as 1. I didn't see the point as couldn't afford anything and 2. I was way too sacred!  Age and pure love of quality and brands has changed that.  There is nothing wrong with a little light play.  Que Chanel in Selfridges.  I even asked the lady to write the style as one day, one day……Natalie's Chanel (green) meet Natalie's dream Chanel (black).  Stunning.  (Please note, current Chanel was a very lucky charity shop find for about 30% of it's price, was being looked down on that day.  I don't own an array of Chanel's, it was a special day that my one came out for a trip).

Tee; H&M
Cashmere cardigan; Boden
Black suede boots; Topshop Adios
Jeans & bag as previous

Just a large shoe in their window!

Next stop was a quick dash to Harrods.  Their sale was still on and I just couldn't not go and have a peak.  Only outside Harrods would you find a felt covered Ferrari.  Yes, honestly, you could stroke it!

Then finally, my belated (3 years, but there was a baby in that time as well!) 30th birthday meal with my husband.  I had never heard of it before but he had booked us into Barbecoa, a Jamie Oliver restaurant.  It is right by St Paul's and you can even see if from your table.

If you are anywhere near that side of town, I hugely recommend it.  You have to book as it gets busy but it's worth it.  All the kitchens are open for you to see them cook and downstairs is his very own butchery.  

The BEST pork scratchings I have ever had.  I am dreaming of them and would make the trip back purely for these alone.  Divine. 

Words can't express this salad.  Even my husband said it was the nicest of everything we tried that night.  Honey, almonds, prosciutto, clementines, mozzarella, balsamic = delicious. 

The baby back spare ribs.  Yum.

I didn't buy lots but I had such a great day.  I love driving around London, you get to see so much more of the beautiful city.  I'm in again next week but on the train this time so I won't be sharing any more scenic pictures!