Boudoir Bustles

I'm pretty sure I need both of these dresses by Boudoir Queen. But I'm definitely sure I need the white bustle one (the black one is here). Why do I love bustles so much lately? I'll blame it on Patricia Ayres. My VW-inspired dress is definitely getting a bustle.

Oh, and rumor is that Boudoir Queen will have a major feature in the November issue of Altered Couture. Can't wait!

Gather ye grandpa sweaters while ye may

After all that pink, I think I'll go back to menswear to bring balance back to my blog. I'm sad that my man thinks he needs buttons or a zipper to close his cardigans. Because I'd love to buy him this (in grey or black), and promptly steal it from him. Hunt+Gather does have womenswear as well with the same lovely screenprints (you can choose which image of theirs that you want printed on the piece you order!). However, I have a thing for grandpa sweaters, especially borrowed ones. Sigh.

Sorry for the pink

There's something about this dress that I just love. I had a couple of runway photos saved long ago in my 'ideas' folder for the ingenious wrap around sleeves/shrug (sorry, can't remember where the photo on the left came from!). But now that I found the photos again after finding out that the dress is available for order on the Worlds End website (photo on right; also in a nude pink or black), it's the dress as a whole that's getting my attention. The sleeves just add this lovely armour effect, whilst the iconic Vivienne Westwood draping adds contrasting femininity. And that simple yet surprising V waistline is just lovely. A nice pre-cursor to what I think is a lovely style of wearing an undone bodysuit over top of a skirt (à la Queen Michelle here). Now, can I justify a cool 280 pounds for the dress (of course in black) plus 70 pounds for matching sleeves? Sigh. I think I'll at least add the sleeves to my list of DiY projects.

Georgy Baratashvili

I don't really post about menswear as frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn. But after my daily fix of Fashion156 this morning, I just had to post about a designer whose clothing is just too close to my own fashion sensibilities. And a few of the pieces are asexual enough for me to wear to my heart's content. The designer in question is Georgy Baratashvili, a Russian graduate of Central Saint Martins. The fact that he has a dance background (and is a genius) is quite obvious after a glance at both his S/S 10 (top) and A/W 08/09 (bottom) collections. Oh, just look at all that draped and woven jersey, sumptuous layers, subdued colours, and exceptional detailing. I'm absolutely taken with the S/S 10 black draped slim pants (click on photo for a great close-up; also available in a wet-look material). These could very well enter My Top 3 Want list once the Stacey Grant dress exits the list/arrives. And I love the double drawstring pocket detailing on the khaki pants. Sigh.

I need a onesie.

Yes, I said a onesie. As a result of my Norwegian Wood leggings, I think I am now a leggings convert. So leggings that will instantly make my legs look slim? Yes please! And leggings that won't fall down whatsoever? Sign me up! Ingenious. I truly hope American Apparel doesn't get sneaky and steal We Are All In One's designs just because the photos look like an AA shoot.

Junkhouse Dollyard A/W 09

I was entirely planning on posting 'live and on location' from my charge's house, but it turns out that I find no fashion inspiration whilst wearing scrubs. So sorry for the wait, but it's a good thing since these weren't up before. I just love seeing new postings in the Junkhouse Dollyard Designs shop. There's always something surprising, interesting, and beautifully photographed (as the designer is also a photographer). Today's listings all follow these rules quite nicely. The first piece has a bit too much leather for my liking, but it's grey, jersey, has a bustle, and is wonderfully reminiscent of my adored Andromache dresses. The second piece is just simply gorgeous - army green, layered, and raw edges (just beware of zombie male models!). And the third photo is perhaps my favorite - a deconstructed/tattered and non-restrictive cotton corset with lace-up undies. It even comes with the lovely neck ruffle! Sigh x 3.

Check out the artist's website for a look at more Junkhouse Dollyard clothing designs and photographs.

Holy über comfiness, Batman!

There's something indescribably wonderful about wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater in the fall and winter seasons. I had a lovely Label of Hope one for a couple of years, but I kind of destroyed it and had to put it down. Not to worry though, as I believe this lovely cocoon-like wool piece by LeMuse could be the perfect replacement. Sigh.

3 Perfect T's

I've been thinking lately how much my style has changed within the last decade, and even within the last year. I used to be such a (band) t-shirt and jeans sort of girl. But thanks to my expanding/maturing body, I grew dissatisfied with the common tee, and expanded my wardrobe horizons with all different shapes of tops. However, I've obviously never grown out of my love for jersey. And I think my ArtLab Andromache's Deconstruction dresses have rekindled the desire for owning some favorite no-fuss tees that I can just throw on and feel comfortable no matter what size I'm feeling that day. Surprisingly I've found three tees that are more than adequate for the job, AND actually look like I did put some effort into dressing myself. That was almost too easy!

1) complexgeometries lanky t: This tee is quite fitted, so Adam at cg quite rightly suggested I order a size up from usual. I still wouldn't wear it on it's own at full length, but it's absolutely perfect for layering under so many pieces. And it also looks quite adorable scrunched up around the hips to normal tee length. Incredibly soft with raw edges, 100% cotton, and made in Canada.

2) Gemma Degara's Printed Tail T-Shirt: This is from Gemma's A/W 09/10 'Sleepless Night' collection. I fell in love with Gemma's subtly peaked shoulders on jersey tops with her last collection (reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood's witch tops and dresses) and am glad to see them back. I am not really a fan of crop tops, but I could definitely handle this asymmetric hem with something layered underneath (like my trusty Treehouse 28 Wide Strap Dress). I might even turn it around to have the long end in front. And I love love love owls!

3) Take Off Your Clothes' godet t-shirt: The handkerchief draped inset is made of stretch mesh. Simple yet gorgeous.

Having said that, my Andromache dresses truly remain my go-to 't-shirts'. They've almost become my signature piece.