A Feast of Colour

Autumn. I love this time of year. Those amazing colours. Of course, if you'd asked me yesterday I would have hated this time of year: grey skies and wet, wet, wet. But, today it's glorious! In fact, today, Autumn could be my favourite season. You know when the leaves are gradually changing from green to glorious shades of rich red, burnished copper and glowing yellow. When shrubs are bursting with a feast of vibrant coloured berries. Who can't be inspired by a colour palette like this?

Cascading berries

Red leaves and tear-drop berries gleam in the Autumn sunlight

Golden Maple leaves

Vibrant orange berries

Beautiful warm pink tones

Delicious Blackberries

Yum yum! My favourites in an apple crumble.

I have no idea what these are.

Can't quite believe they're real.

Golden yellow leaves against a bright blue sky.

Stunning natural colour contrast.

(All images by Re-Design for Life)

The LBD Lives On For Another Day

The "Little Black Dress". Stylish. Versatile. Timeless. Coco Chanel said that every woman should have one in her wardrobe. It can be dressed up for evening. Dressed down for day. Dressed to minimal perfection. Dressed to maximum dramatic effect. Sustainable, stylish dressing.

Sheena Matheiken and Eliza Starbuck designed their own LBD to begin the Uniform Project earlier this year. Inspired by her school days in India, where kids would personalise their uniforms with individual flair, Sheena decided to use the LBD as her uniform for a year. Each day, Sheena reinvents the dress by layering and accessorizing with vintage finds, hand-me-downs and hand-made items.

As well as being an amazing exercise in sustainable fashion and creativity, the Uniform Project also raises funds for the Akanksha Foundation. Akanksha is a non-profit organisation founded in Mumbai in 1990 to bring education to children living in slums.

The Uniform Project is perfect proof that fashion can be stylish, sustainable and socially conscious.

It's Brolly Time

There are two things that we Brits are associated with: Pubs and complaining about the weather. Yesterday it rained continuously all over the country. Yes, Autumn is finally here.

What better timing then for Vintagehart's monthly late night opening at The White Hart pub tonight. It's the perfect opportunity to take refuge from the rain, check out their selection of vintage macs, stylish winter dresses and retro umbrellas. Once you've finished you can sit back in the cosy bar with your favourite tipple and complain about the weather with the locals.

Act Fast with Dame Viv

Vivienne Westwood SS2010

Vivienne Westwood, undisputed queen of British Fashion, political activist and campaigner showed her SS10 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Friday.

Dame Viv has never been one to shy away from making political statements, she admits “I hijack my fashion shows to talk about culture and politics”

Her message was clear on the Paris catwalk:

“Act fast, slow down, stop climate change”.

Vivienne Westwood SS2010

Vivienne Westwood SS2010

Vivienne Westwood SS2010

All images via Style.com

Confused by the Seasons.

Yesterday I spent a blissful afternoon having a lazy lunch at a London lido. It was a delight to feel the warm sun against my bare arms, to hear excited children bounce in and out of the glistening blue water, to see smiling sun-worshippers relax by the pool.

Yes, I did say yesterday. And yes, I did say London. It's the end of September - early Autumn -which usually signifies packing away our summer clothes for the next six months. Feeling a tinge of sadness as we say good-bye to light-weight dresses and summer sandals. No Way! Bikinis, sarongs and sunglasses were de rigeur yesterday. The sun continues to shine so we will continue to embrace it with sun-kissed legs and arms.

The intoxication of a late summer seems perfect timing (apologies to those who are sitting under grey skies) to rejoice some of the SS10 collections shown at the Estethica exhibition during London Fashion Week.

Beautiful Soul

"timeless pieces; offering a true meaning, direction and soul"

The collection is created using recycled materials including vintage kimonos and sustainable bamboo fabrics. Garments are produced by a registered women's project in London.

Bird

Designed, printed and produced in Australia.

The Bird collection is made from organic fabrics, hand-printed using water based dyes.

The collection is produced using 100% renewable solar power.

Ajna

"effortlessly sensual garments"

The collection is created using only organic and sustainable fabrics to create a modern sculptural silhouette.

This outfit is one of my favourites!

Re-Design Knitwear

Paul Smith always inspires me. I love his use of print, colour and quirky detail. His SS2010 catwalk collection at London Fashion Week didn't fail to please me. Take inspiration from his cleverly constructed knits. Re-design your knitwear from last season to make it bang on trend again. A sustainable solution to up-dating your wardrobe.

Paul Smith SS2010. Style.com

Take your "must-have" cardigan from last season.

Remove one front panel. Cut back panel in half to mirror shape of front.

Remove the remaining sleeve - leaving a portion to create an extended shoulder line.

Make a tie fastening from the sleeve.

Thread one tie through front button hole. Attach other tie to back panel.

Fasten at the side.

Paul Smith SS2010. Style.com

Take a looser fitting fine knit jumper or jersey top.

Take a contrast colour, printed or striped strip of fabric or jersey.

(This could be vintage or something cut from a discarded skirt/dress/shirt)

Wrap across the bust - twisting it in the centre. Fasten at the back.

You have now created a bustier effect top - seen on so many of SS2010 catwalks.

DVF Gets Crafty

Diane Von Furstenburg SS10

Style.com

I couldn't help noticing the brightly coloured cuffs used to accessorize every outfit at Diane von Furstenburg's SS10 show at New York Fashion Week on Sunday. Models wore them piled high in a variety of vibrant clashing colours.

They remind me of the cuffs from Artisan Life, which are hand-crafted in Colombia from natural fibre. (See my August post - Statement Handbags with a Conscience).

Visit Artisan Life for yours and be one step ahead of the fashion pack for SS10. Remember to pile 'em high. Be on trend with a conscience.

Iraka Palm Cuffs

Image copyright Artisan Life