Hello head scarf

Posted: June 3, 2011 | Author: Mel Moss | Filed under: Absolutely Nothing To Wear, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

It seemed yesterday was quite the day for the head scarf. Every blog and tweet I read mentioned them in some way and why not, they’re useful, pretty and a very reassuring piece of timeless fashion. They somehow make me feel like all is ok in the world. I remember my Mother always wearing a head scarf when we were kids. She had a sort of ready made towelling one she wore when washing her face at the start and end of the day and a selection of silk and cotton scarves which were tied in a triangle or knotted at the top for daily chores and Summer holidays. I loved them and I always looked forward to the day when I too could wear one with purpose.

And now at last I can. And I am! My husband says he rather likes my “washerwoman look” but wasn’t so sure when I tried the triangle one – he thought it looked like I belonged to a cult. The headscarf cult perhaps. It made me a bit self conscious when worn publicly, but knotting a scarf around my head with hair loosely tied up, is a look I like and that I’m adopting for this Summer and I hope many more to come.

So who does the best ones. Well naturally, being just a bit of a fan, I love Tallulah and Hope‘s scarf offering. They’re the perfect length for all kinds of head scarf styles and are the right weight of cotton to allow as much twisting and knotting as you desire. I also love my vintage silk Hermes which belonged to my Godmother and makes me long for Paris and everything chic and grown up. Of late I have also been trying out one of my husband’s (very small selection of) ties. There’s a cotton knit Paul Smith black and white stripe one which is particularly good around the head and he is yet to recognise.

So if you haven’t discovered the headscarf yet then you should. It’s fun and practical and apparently very on trend…..even though I don’t follow trends. Not ever. But this one’s allowed.

A touch of Vuitton to ease the pain

Posted: June 1, 2011 | Author: Mel Moss | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Louis Vuitton blouse? With jeans? During half term? Am I mad? No, I’m not. It’s cheered me up no end and has inspired Play-Doh creations I could have only dreamed of.

I strongly recommend dressing up for the half term, at home duties. I’ve still got my slippers on too.

More here

Feiyue, for me

Posted: May 31, 2011 | Author: Mel Moss | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I discovered Feiyue shoes when working for Celine and we collaborated with them on a special edition hi top plimsoll. I’ve worn them ever since and can safely say they are by far the best of its kind out there.

They’re sturdy and comfortable with a very satisfactory toe shape and are a perfectly acceptable form of footwear without being too “on trend”. I’m not a big fan of trends, they just end up making you look like everyone else.

Check them out here

http://www.feiyue-shoes.com/shop_en/modele.cfm?id_modele=55333eb4-0507-1d88-1e97cfaf92ad9bf5

Bianca and Family

Posted: May 30, 2011 | Author: Mel Moss | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

One of my absolute favourite websites. Full of irresistible, lovely things.

http://www.bianca-and-family.com/

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Rainy bank holidays and palazzo jump suits

Posted: May 30, 2011 | Author: Mel Moss | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I know it would probably be much more fun if the sun was shining and we were all outside, but I secretly rather love rainy weekends. It’s the perfect excuse to hang out with the kids and watch cartoons and not feel too horribly guilty.

So while they lose themselves in adventures with Droopy Dog, I’m reading yesterday’s paper (magazine) and have found myself drawn to a sheer palazzo jumpsuit by Dorothy Perkins. Can I? Should I? Is it the perfect answer to a Summer holiday outfit, or will it scare my husband?

When I was about 18, I had a palazzo trouser suit from Jigsaw. I loved it. It was silk, with wide fabulous floating trousers and a loose fitted blouse/jacket. I wore the blouse buttoned to the top with the collar neatly pressed and finished it all off with a pair of Pro Keds plimsolls. I never worried then about how to wear that style of trouser, I just liked them. I didn’t care about whether they were in or out or flattering or totally impractical. They made me feel grown up and well dressed and a bit different from all the other girls in short shorts and maxi dresses. But almost 20 years on, maybe I should just keep that as a happy memory and not spoil it with a huge palazzo sized mistake.

I might just have a little peek online and put it in the shopping basket until after lunch. Things are always much sheerer after a full roast dinner.

UPDATE – so it would appear it’s not online so I think it might be out of my system. I did however just buy a Plantable Record from www.thebalconygardener.com. A suitably seventies style purchase to ease the longing.

Potted Rabbit and Prada Handbags

Posted: May 29, 2011 | Author: Mel Moss | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I’ve learned many things since moving to the countryside. I know all about “local produce” and “free range organic” and I’ve even pressed my own apple juice, but when it comes to country-shire fashion, I’m still a little lost.

It’s been almost 2 years since I left London. I never had any trouble dressing for the wilds of Willesden but things out here are very very different. The best way to describe the style here is eclectic, expensive and slightly eccentric. My husband found himself coveting a pair of mustard cords (after a bottle of wine) and I’ve almost had my heart broken by the price tag on a Bamford gilet but we pulled ourselves together and I’m pleased to say clothes wise, nothing has really changed.

I do however struggle with what to wear when invited to a dinner party, or a playdate lunch or afternoon tea. I always end up looking like I’ve made far too much effort, which is never good, and just a little bit too “fashion”. The general look here seems to be skinny, polished and rather formulaic – expensive skinny jeans, cashmere cardigans, organic cotton tees, knee high boots and a very expensive Prada handbag. I admire it, I’m actually a little jealous of it, but it’s not me and the danger when you enter in to any kind of new situation, is trying to be something you’re not.

So today we went to the Annual Food Fair at The Plough in Kingham which was recently listed in Country Life as being England’s Favourite Village. Quite an accolade and admittedly well deserved. Being just 1 mile from the fabulous Daylesford Organic, it attracts the well healed and well fed…..not overweight, just people who like good food and pretty things. So my children feasted on fresh apple juice and chocolate cake while my husband drank Cotswold lager, sampled the local Perry cider and devoured a roast pork and apple bap. I spent most of my time eaves dropping on the next door table where a young couple, up from London for a friend’s birthday, were having the most fabulous argument as to whether a jar of Potted Rabbit and 2 Pork Pies made the perfect birthday present. He said yes, she a very firm NO. And off they trotted to Daylesford.

So what were they all wearing. Well nothing that exciting really. There were lots of little girls in very pretty dresses with flowers in their hair and welly boots on their feet escorted by mothers in skinny jeans, Breton tees and blazers. All very modern and well turned out. The men weren’t really anything to write home about. Just lots of boring shirts, badly fitting jeans and hangovers. Not wanting to be biased, I think my son won the style prize today in his Cos navy harrington jacket, my Celine cotton scarf and his Little Lucky Seven army cap. He was the only person there who remained looking cool whilst being happy, warm and wonderfully oblivious.