Thanks Stella McCartney

Jacket & Waistcoat: H&M. Tank: Random. Trousers: Chloe. Brogues: Naturalizer. Bag: Balenciaga

You know when you just HAVE to have something?

In 2001 Ms McCartney designed an unforgettable collection for Chloe adorned with horses. Once seen, those amazing images were stamped on my brain. In particular the tailored trousers embellished with a large sequinned horse that broke up into little horses sprinkling down one leg. Carrie from SATC wore them too (but of course she did). After one year solid of watching auctions on Ebay sell them for unreachable amounts, I gave up hope. So what would I see a year or so later at a consignment store during one random visit? And in my size...???

ps. The pic with the dude is a neighbour who was chuffed to get in on a shot together for the blog.

Wang-a-like

Double layered tank: Forver 21. Leggings: American Apparel: Jacket: Zara. Shoes: Bebe. Bag: Balenciaga

The near cult-like status for Alexander Wang's sheer cotton T's and mesh detailed clothing has naturally spawned many high street alternatives.

I must have at least 6 of them myself, one being this double layered oversized sheer tank.

FCUK love

Dress: FCUK. Faux fur gilet: Forever 21. Boots: Minnetonka. Bag: Thrifted

LOVE any modern dress that still conveys vintage.

Vintage hang out

Top: Vintage Vneck, worn back to front - Thrifted. Leggings: Random

Repeat after me: 'I will not keep reaching for the same old Tshirts and baggy pants when at home.' Wearing this vintage top indoors feels like a guilty pleasure and breaks the monotony of old sweats which I reach for way too often. ps. I have some amazing news about a photo shoot event I am taking part in soon and I am BEYOND excited! Will share with all once given the green light.

Kate

Source: The Fashion Spot

Looking forever gorge, even while preggers. LOVE these shoes. I think they are Louboutin due out this Fall. Time to start saving.

Although I do have a version of these I must resume teetering around in (same grey suede).

Spring under the parka

Dress & Cardigan: Forever21. Boots: Frye. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff.

I meant to show this purchase from last week - this cheap as chips dress from Forever 21.

Fed up with the New York Spring cold, I am two seconds away from wearing this over thick black knit tights, big scarf and a parka coat. Screw the bloody cold.

Layered with an underslip, it doesn't get more girly really - and no, there's no side pockets this time. The price tag was the bonus (around $18).

ps. I KNOW I'm not alone in counting down the days to Topshop opening....?

All Saints. All good

Leather jacket: All Saints. White tissue tank: Forever 21. DIY slashed jeans: Levis. Boots: Vintage. Bag: Balenciaga

The jacket is here... and this is how it went down: 1. Karen's eyes pop out of socket and fall onto desk at sighting of fringed leather jacket on sale for half price on All Saints site. 2. Notices it is sold out in her size in black (of course it is). 3. Frantically emails friend in London with this potentially life changing meltdown. Pleads for call around of All Saints shops for her size. 4. Friend finds LAST black in Karen's size in only one shop location. Takes bus/tube/walk combo to location. 5. Purchases last jacket and notices the price has dropped further (bonus!). 6. Friend posts over jacket. Crisis averted. Life unchanged, but just a little bit sweeter. Paula - I owe you....

School uniform

Blazer: Thrifted. Tshirt: Urban Outfitters. Shorts: Levis. Boots: Frye. Fedora: Thrifted.

LOVE this school boy blazer. The clincher? It's trimmed all over with old brass zipper. Talk about unexpected. I wish I had one of these when I was growing up, but back then I probably would have hated it.

OMFG

My favourite high street mecca has finally decided to follow me to New York. My appreciation for living in the Big Apple vs. my home London, just went up a notch (or it will from April 2nd). To say I cannot wait doesn't even begin to cover it...

Footnote: These now infamous Wang copies by Forever 21 have now fostered the biggest discussed spend vs spree argument. Before I return my now sold out size US 10 ones to F21.com, any takers?

The changing room

These two H&M items caught my eye (yes I have a ton of necklaces) and this metallic silver slouchy top.

Let's go try them on together shall we?

The off the shoulder thing is another sale clincher, it's up there with pockets on dresses....

Tip: Get in several sizes up so its sufficiently loose and falls off the shoulder naturally (bonus points).

Metallic silver top & necklace: H&M. Jeans: Uniqlo. Boots: DIY Studded I took both pieces. These Steve Maddens boots are DIY studded after realizing that these by Free People were not worth the price tag.

The other way

Ladder tunic: Topshop. Shorts: Levis. Boots: Emma Cook.

That laddery tunic dress I posted further down works equally well, even better possibly, as a sweater. More practical. Should have done a Part 1 and 2 type thingy - but it's fine. In case it's not already noticed, I am border line obssessed now with the Emma Cook boots...

Black then white

Dress: Julie Haus. Jacket: H&M. Boots: DIY studded Fryes. Bag: Balenciaga

Every now and then I have to get a consignment store 'fix' and this time I walked out with this white dress. Between the ruffles and outside pockets, I was sold. What is it about pockets on dresses by the way? Am I the only one who goes "oooo and its got pockets, I'll take it." The Fryes were another DIY project while cracking up watching TMZ.

The modern shawl

Shawl: FCUK. Pants: T&V. Tank: American Apparel. Boots: Topshop

This is one of my prettiest wardrobe pieces - a little sequin shawl. So ethereal, I usually layer it over thin Tshirts, tank tops or dresses. I promise to photograph this at sunset one evening to show off the transparency.

While back in London for a few days, I originally got this in olive green down the Roman Road market at a stall that sells discounted French Connection stock, but I had always longed for this pale rose colour that was never available. Thanks to my best friend Paula, she sent me one out of the blue. I teared up when I saw it (yes I need a life).

Shopping alert: This GAWGUS All Saints leather jacket delivered today. How I got this sold out piece is a story in itself. The one below is brown but mine is black. (Half close your eyes to picture in black). The detailing is insane.

Pics to follow in a few days. L. O. V. E.....