Curious about what Cat is up to in London? Or what Cat is currently thinking about? Interested in knowing where to go to get the best bargains and the nicest food? Or where to go if you want to pamper yourself? Well.. Then this blog is for you :)

mandag 9. mai 2011

The Sartorialist & Tailored Beauty

I love getting inspiration, and inspiration can come from many sources; art, music, books, films, fashion and photographers. The photographer The Sartorialist is a great inspiration, and I just had to share with you a couple of his most recent photos from the streets of New York and Florence. The men are old, but oh, so well dressed. And there is something else - a touch of magic.

East Harlem

Florence

And for us younger girls (or gays), here is a little eye candy:

New York. Notice how the grey bike matches his suit. 
And a little encouragement for those who follow their dreams - here is what The Sartorialist himself says:



søndag 8. mai 2011

Confessions of a bag-lady

Celine handbags Summer 2011

My first confession: I am a bag-lady. Not in the strict sense of the word, but in the sense that I carry everything important and not-so-important with me almost everywhere I go. Despite trying to restrict myself to carrying with me only absolute necessities, I often find myself in situations where I am lagging behind my friends due to a heavy bag. (Yes. You do need Coco Chanel Mademoiselle's summer mist for hot days, as well as sunscreen, make up, an extra sweater, a magazine or a book, notebook, pen, wallet, phone, water and chocolate for strolls in London). And I must confess, the heaviness often results in my male friends (or boyfriend) having to carry my bag for me. So, it is not only for my own sake, but also for my male friends, that I vouch for stylish bags. Handbags that can contain my life plus a little extra are luckily still in the now (I might not be the only one with squirrel tendencies). I do believe that the size would matter even more when I start working and will actually have to carry my life and my work around every day. This leads me to my next step on my confession agenda; I must be the only person around not owning a Celine handbag. The Celine bags have made havoc in the fashion world, and for good reason; they are elegant and simple, yet make bold statements. Celebrities have been spotted with them, friends have bought them, and I have been drooling over them for quite some time. However, now that my actual working life will begin soon, I have a real excuse to buy one - or two, as there is one that could be perfect as a fancy gym bag. The only question remains; which one(s) should I buy?

My perfect gym bag
Leighton Meester with Celine
Picture found at 
Handbagdesigner 101
The summer 2011 collection showered us with pouchy, soft leather as well as more structured handbags. For fall, the shapes seem more experimental, perhaps not suitable for all types of work. As it is still spring, the options are many, and the colours are ranging from bursts of yellow and orange till blue, and of course, the classic black, white and grey. A Celine will always come in handy - especially for a self confessed bag-lady. Pick and choose. I personally prefer the first two in grey and white and the very last in shiny black. What's your pick?

Summer 2011

Summer 2011

Summer 2011


Summer 2011

Fall 2011

lørdag 7. mai 2011

Be the first in 3.1 Phillip Lim

3.1 Phillip Lim
Everybody knows that when it comes to the perfect pieces, it is a must to be first out. Before you know it, your size has gone, and you are left with admiring the perfect dress on someone else. Furthermore, pre-planning makes your wardrobe better off; nothing is like a piece that fits perfectly with your old clothes - adding the little extra touch of newness and style. This can, in the long run, prove much more financially sustainable and make it much easier for you the day you oversleep without an outfit figured out. Therefore, lucky for us, 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall and fall collections are out there for grabs. Bursts of colour in green and orange, as well as pretty, silouetted shapes will be a clever buy. His easy sense of fashion will surely give you an easy way out of a difficult morning. 


 Above and under: from Phillip Lim's Fall 2011 Collection

Wear the dress with a belt for a more controlled look.

Phillip Lim's pre-fall in a beautiful splash of orange. You could buy the whole look, and wear the pieces together or separately if you feel it is a bit too much. Nude, beige, white and shades of brown are all fall colours that goes well with orange. Furthermore, orange goes easily well together with black - adding the little extra to an otherwise boring outfit.



And, as a side note, if you are looking for a timeless top to add to your summer wardrobe, the beautiful Phillip Lim satin tops in midnight blue, cream and caramel found at net-a-porter could not be a better choice. 




Good luck being first.

mandag 2. mai 2011

Make a business statement with a tan - and a VB dress

I just had to share with you the Trompe l'oei dress number 5 from Victoria Beckham. Despite being her very first Spring/Summer 2009 Collection, it is a beautiful creation that says professionalism and control with a touch of beauty. I know 2009 is almost a decade ago in fashion world, but, luckily, we also have the business world. And in that world, fashion comes second. What comes first, however, is amazingly fitted clothes. Always, always wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, with fabrics that feel good against your skin. I am weak for high heels, but I still argue that comfortable shoes are a must. Nothing is more heart breaking than women who cannot walk in high heels - they just seem so utterly lost and fragile. If you  manage to walk in them, you can wear them. Of course, the very high ones will have to escort you to disco/dance only. 




And on a matter of don'ts and do's - as we are coming closer to summer, there is one thing that always makes a statement (at least in the west); a nice tan. But again, the big, big don't is orange or flaking brown. If you want a tan, it should be natural. Or at least look natural. If you manage to get a naturally looking tan by cheating, then go for it. However, no one should be able to see that you cheat. On this note, have a look at the tan of the model. Personally, I think it looks natural and certainly makes the white look crisp and fresh against her skin. What is your opinion about the dress and her tan?

If you feel inspired, the dress can be found here.





picture: style.com

lørdag 30. april 2011

The Royal Wedding: Will + Kate

Nothing is like a fairy tale where the Cinderella gets her prince. After waiting and waiting, for what seems a decade, Kate Middleton finally gets her Prince William. London bobbled over with excitement yesterday, as people - young and old - gathered to get a glimpse of the happy ending - or should I say beginning. 

The wedding dress was a true fairy tale dress in ivory with sleeves of lace, and exceptionally small waist which draws in the Victorian tradition of corsetery. The dress and shoes were designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Inspiration most likely drawn from Grace Kelly's wedding dress from 1956, but certainly made individual with the soft v-neckline and personal choice of flowers embroidered on the dress and veil. 

Kate - the Dutchess of Cambride

Grace Kelly


The happy couple kissing (and a bored brides maid)



torsdag 28. april 2011

Bow Tie & Love at First Sight

A visiting professor in international law of foreign investment gave a talk at my University the other day. Despite his (old) age and egg-shaped body, I immediately fell in love with him. The reason, my friend; a perfectly made bow tie in soft pink and grey. 
A bow tie is a fashion statement, and sends out an intellectual yet humorous vibe. No matter who wears it, they are bound to get attention. I have no first hand experience with wearing a bow tie, however, my brother wore it at NYE in Oslo, and the positive attention he got made my best (male) friend quite determined that he would wear it next year too. If you are not up for bold colours such as the Duchamp bow ties, you can still make a statement with a lovely navy blue bow tie from Paul Smith, now on sale at House of Fraser online store. 



Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, F.D Roosevelt all wore bow ties. Recently, bow tie got a renaissance for the younger generation as fronted by the rich and cynical Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl.

          






Classic bow ties in dark purple and black on elegant men. 
Pictures found at Berkley Magazine


Victoria Beckham Spring 2011

If anyone knows how to power dress, it is Victoria Beckham. Her Spring/Summer 2011 collection is simple, smart and stunning. Wearable colours, and not too revealing. These dresses can be used with flat ballerina shoes or high heels, and are easily transformed into evening cocktail dresses for business dinners. I would suggest an elegant cardigan for the dark nude dress. Other than that, they are simply perfect.







source: style.com
          

Vogue China May 2010

One year ago, I know. But still, this picture deserves attention. The perfect summer look for hot business days. Personally, however, I would have changed the coffee with an iced mocca. What do you think?
model Liu Wen
photographer Yuan Gui Mei
styled by Ling Wu