Now the magnificence of beautiful sunshine has broken; dribs and drabs of rain and oppressive cloud hovering and ready to strike, it seems like the perfect epoch to diatribe about umbrellas.

I have had a turbulent relationship with umbrellas in the past, and for the last year or so, have shunned their brittle frames and inadequate waterproof canopies for the reliable services of my trusty black trilby. Oh yes, as others struggle to keep their brollies right-side out, buffeted by high winds and dodging other umbrella-flaunters with their lethal spokes, I stride purposely, unhindered, hands free and just a little smug.

Cutesy-Whimsical from Paperchase

That was until I visited Paperchase in Waterstones. It had been a while, so instantly I fell in love with their delightful, quirky designs and needed a reason to buy. Function perhaps? Then I saw it – transparent stick-together vinyl with a red plastic handle, red edging and cutesy Japanese print. It’s really a child’s umbrella but then I think of myself as a bit of a child. Their stuff appeals to me, despite being rather giraffe-like; I love small things. Teensy teapots, children’s books (and umbrellas!) and I always eat with a small spoon. It makes things last longer. Only nice things. Like ice cream, jelly and multitudinous desserts. Mmmm.

Anyway, so I’ve not had an umbrella for a while but I just had to have this one. It is a long-handled affair, the kind you take out on a day when it is already raining otherwise you just end up looking like a buffoon carrying a long-handled umbrella .The kind of day you might leave it on a bus? Read more …

2 Comments | In: Lifestyle, Shopping, Wannabe Journalist | tags: fox frame, le chat noir, marks and spencer, paperchase, paris, tiffany butterfly, tokyo trippers, umbrellas. | #

With dharling Rupert whisking me off to Paris for my birthday next week, I’ve secretly booked this sexy cabaret show as a special treat – how naughty of me! I might have to whip up a new garter for myself to wear on the evening, and I’ll be sure to wear hot heels to go with it. Le Crazy Horse here we come!

The girls are so sexy, and the outfits (what there are of them) are stunning. I’ll be taking notes and absorbing inspiration into every pore like a glamorous journo with front row seats at Gareth Pugh, the hottest show at London Fashion Week this Feb.

With our ‘diamond’ reservation (diamonds are a girls best friend, non?), we will be in licking distance of the “scantily clad dance troupe…the tribute to Alain Bernardin’s legendary striptease…the stunning and seemingly endless legs…and the voluptuousness of the burlesque finale”, as we sip champagne.

A down-to-the-suspenders review will be posted here upon my return, but at the moment I think lubricious just about covers it; silky, lustful, slippery…

Au revoir x

1 Comment | In: Travel | tags: cabaret, crazy horse, erotic, gareth pugh, london fashion week, paris, sexy. | #