Hidden treasures – Page 2

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

Published on December 5, 2013December 5, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So apparently it’s Christmas soon. Or so I have been told by my housemates, TV advertising, magazines and every shop I have entered since ooh mid-November. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Christmas, but I tend to get excited around the 20th December* rather than a month before. Being a super organised stylist, I have nearly purchased all my presents (technically that is pretty festive) but I could take or leave mince pies and mulled wine (full of cloves-yuk!) and if you buy your tree too early it will be bare by the time Santa comes to visit.

Gold Glitter Cut-Out Pear Decoration £2.95

But before you call me Scrooge and banish me to the North pole, I was recently introduced to the ultimate Christmas decorations, courtesy of the fabulous department store Liberty, & I may have been converted. Their delicate glittery glass baubles and cute felt decorations are so chic it almost pains me to put them on a tree. And with prices starting at a very reasonable £2.95, these won’t break the bank either.

Turquoise Antique Effect Beaded Bauble £7.95

Beaded Jewel Peacock Bauble £4.95

Silver grooved onion bauble £6.95

Silver Glitter Tree Bauble £3.95

Gold Glitter Bauble £2.95

Gold Antique-Effect Glitter Paisley Bauble £3.95

For all those who are planning to dress their tree this weekend (this one’s for you Paola, Holly and Tash), they do a next day delivery service for £10 and offer free Standard UK delivery if you spend over £150. That is quite a lot of baubles, but hey, if you’re going to do it you may as well bring out the big guns. So for all you Christmas lovers, good luck with the tree dressing this weekend and try not to argue over the tinsel.

Glitter Cut-Out Deer Glass Bauble £3.95

Mint Green Holly Bauble £3.95

White Frosted Snowflake £2.95

Red Robin Felt Decoration £3.95

Christmas Pudding Felt Bauble £6.95

*I blame my parents who always left it until the weekend before Xmas to put up the tree, and tended to buy a huge 8 ft one that took about 4 hours to dress. We also added everything, including real apples(!), chocolates, stars, baubles, mini presents, little felt Santas and lametta (also known as angel hair – the Polish equivalent of tinsel). It was pretty awesome!

To purchase these gorgeous baubles head to http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/gifts_christmas_decorations

Another darn good collaboration…

Published on November 19, 2013November 20, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Sometimes I feel all I write about is designer high-street collaborations, so sorry if you’re a little tired of the subject, but there have been so many awesome ones of late that I find it hard not to mention them all. Isabel Marant for H&M, L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic, Meadham Kirchoff for Topshop – the list is constantly being added to. Today’s announcement is about the lovely British designer Georgia Hardinge (whom I have met and can attest is both gorgeous and supremely talented) and her new range for River Island, which launches in-store and online tomorrow. If you think this sounds familiar, you’re not mistaken, as this is Georgia’s second collection for the high-street store (the first was clearly a winner) and coincides rather nicely with the forthcoming party season.

The lovely lady herself – Georgia Hardinge

An image from her first collaboration launched in-store in April 2013.

Renowned for her stunning use of digital prints, voluminous shapes and a savvy way with an origami fold, Georgia’s designs are inspired by her passion for architecture and sculpture. Her main collection has been worn by fashion icons and new label champions such as Jessie J, Florence Welch, Lady Gaga and Nicole Sherzinger – who looked stunning in her printed frock (& is that a cake pop I see there?)

Nicole Scherzinger, Jessie J & Florence Welch – all sporting pieces from Georgia’s main collection

The book sculpture that inspired her latest print (as seen below)

Georgia’s 13-piece collection for River Island includes dresses, skirts, crop tops and leggings. My best-seller predictions are the printed cap-sleeve dress, and the chic knee-length number with folded waist detail, which comes in bold cobalt or classic black. All three would be perfect for a Xmas party and would look stunning paired with a chunky gold choker and sexy stilettos.

From top: Structured printed dress, £80; cobalt blue dress, £60; black dress, £60, all Georgia Hardinge for River Island AW13.

For those that are a little braver the printed leggings are amazing and would look great with a biker jacket and long line tee. Or if you have killer abs, then pair the neoprene cropped top with the pencil skirt and shrug on an oversized white jacket to channel this season’s key minimalist trend.

From top: Printed leggings, £30; printed top, £35; cobalt blue crop top, £35, and cobalt blue miniskirt, £40 (both also available in black), all by Georgia Hardinge for River Island AW13

With prices starting at £35 for a top and peaking at only £80 for the structured dress, this is the perfect way to tap into some edgy, in-the-know designer chic at an affordable price. And with the unique prints and architectural shapes these garments will ensure that you stand out under the mistletoe this year. So go on, treat yourself, it’s nearly Christmas (well, sort of) and you’ve been such a good girl…

Georgia Hardinge for River Island AW13 launches in key stores and online on 20^th November at http://www.riverisland.com/women/design-forum

Colour & Culture at Cosmetics a la Carte

Published on November 1, 2013November 1, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Today’s blog is about a beauty brand that has just turned 40 and, rather than letting the date quietly slip by, has spent the year marking the occasion. Knightsbridge based Cosmetics a la Carte, has been bringing ‘colour and culture’ to our faces for four decades. The label has seen many famous names grace its hallowed beauty halls – Princess Diana was a fan, as is Grace Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Gaga and even U2, who used their cosmetics for their tour. Renowned for its ultra bespoke beauty range (they will mix a foundation to exactly match your skin tone), Cosmetics a la Carte was the first luxury make-up company to make all its own products. And one of the owners, Lynne Sanders even has a science degree to back up her innate talent.

I was introduced to this brand about a year ago and am a huge fan. Whenever I use their foundation I get compliments on my skin, and the product is so light that people really think it’s just my natural glow. I have forgotten the amount of times I have had to correct them with the words ‘honestly, it’s my foundation’ (FYI it’s called Moisture Tint). Furthermore, their cream Bare Blush adds just the right hint of ‘I’ve been for a walk in the country’ rouge to my cheeks

This spring saw a commemorative exhibition that celebrated the company’s use of colour and iconic status, including the first nude lipstick bought by Princess Diana in the 1980s. Also showing were four monoliths, a collaboration with revered artist Alex Noble. I saw these at this week’s press day and they are so stunning. Inspired in turn by Grace Jones, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga and Kate Moss, Noble was given four iconic moments in the brand’s history and used these to create the pieces.

‘CUTTING THE EDGE OF BEAUTY’ MONOLITH I – GRACE JONES BY ALEX NOBLE

‘CUTTING THE EDGE OF BEAUTY’ MONOLITH II – PRINCESS DIANA BY ALEX NOBLE

The first was inspired by the midnight blue face powder worn by Grace Jones on the cover of her album Nightclubbing (the product itself was inspired by Grace asking for skin similar to the boutique’s Egyptian black cat). The gorgeous broken pearl bust is a tribute to the late Princess Diana and her devotion to the Nude Toast lipstick. Monolith III represents Lady Gaga in one of her early appearances on BBC breakfast news, where she wore Bubblegum gloss in a heart shape on her lips. The final piece, and my personal favourite, references a May 2000 Vogue cover, where Kate Moss wore Candy lipstain in pink with two boldly coloured eyelids.

‘CUTTING THE EDGE OF BEAUTY’ MONOLITH III – LADY GAGA BY ALEX NOBLE

‘CUTTING THE EDGE OF BEAUTY’ MONOLITH IV – KATE MOSS BY ALEX NOBLE

The May 2000 Vogue cover that inspired Monolith IV, featuring Kate Moss in Candy lipstain

If you’re going to a Halloween party this weekend, take inspiration from these gorgeous monoliths and be creative with your make-up. Or book in for a masterclass with the boutique’s talented artists. Why be boring when you can be bold?

Visit Cosmetics a la Carte at 19b Motcomb St, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 8LB. T: 020 7235 0596 www.alacartelondon.com

Exhibition curated by Ryan Lanji: http://www.ryanlanji.com. For more information on Alex Noble head to: alexnoblestudio.com.

Brighten up your home

Published on October 16, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

As you may or may not know I am a tad obsessed with bold prints, and my current pattern-of-choice is waxed African fabrics (as mentioned in my previous post https://stylitz.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/a-riot-of-colour/). Following last month’s medley of international fashion shows it appears there is no abating the current trend for bold prints, with the SS14 shows illuminating the catwalk with a plethora of vivid colours. Today’s post however is of a more homely nature, with a focus on interiors rather than attire.

Last month I styled a streetstyle campaign for Gap and was delighted to meet a number of creative and inspiring people who were used in the ads. Each were selected for their own personal style and coaxed into Gap jeans in a ‘How do you wear yours?’ type shoot. One such person was the lovely Yinka Ilori, a talented furniture up-cycler who customises old chairs and tables using stunning African fabrics. A graduate from London Metropolitan University, Yinka hails from North London yet his use of colour and quirky twists on furniture are definitely inspired by warmer climes.

Some of his delightful customised pieces

Yinka exhibits at shows both in London and internationally, including the prestigious Milan Design Week. A solo exhibition of his work can currently be seen at The Old Shoreditch Station on Kingsland Road, in collaboration with Look, Like, Love. Entitled ‘It Started with a Parable’ he uses stories from his childhood and traditional Nigerian parables as an influence for his designs. He also holds regular workshops for Jaguar Shoes Collaboration teaching others how to breathe new life into old unloved furniture.

Yinka inspiring others to up-cycle

Working to order from his East London studio Yinka is available for commissions, so why not be brave this autumn and bring some colour to your home with one of his unique stools or tables. Guaranteed not to be available in Ikea.

‘It started with a Parable’ runs from 13th September – 24th November at The Old Shoreditch Station, 1 Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA. www.oldshoreditch.com; www.looklikelove.co.uk; www.jaguarshoes.com

Check out Yinka’s work and more at www.yinkailori.com

Gogo crazy

Published on September 26, 2013September 26, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

I have recently been introduced to a jewellery brand that I had never heard of (I know, call me a stylist huh?). I love it so much that I have decided to share. The brand is called Gogo Philip and markets itself as a vintage bijoux jewellery label, but I think the tagline ‘sophisticated pieces with a street edge’ would also sum it up nicely. Produced by Georgi Philip Pecenikov in his parents’ factory in Milan (jewellery making is clearly in the genes) the brand is beloved by fashion favourites Rihanna, Jessie J and Rita Ora, and has been featured in Vogue, Elle, I-D and many more.

Jessie J meets the Queen in Gogo Philip earrings – if it’s good enough for royalty…

Oh my! Another Jessie J shot featuring a Gogo Philip necklace

Rita Ora rocks the same necklace on stage

After producing pieces for American Apparel for several years, Georgi was spurred to launch his own label in 2008 and has since been stocked in Topshop Oxford Street as well as ASOS.com, Yoox and Selfridges. Last month he opened his first stand-alone store in East London’s Cheshire Street and this month he has revamped his online venture, adding new collections and sprucing up the design – great for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their sofa.

Gold-plated F13 classic chain necklace, £17, Gogo Philip

What drew me in most (aside from the gorgeous designs) was the affordable prices. Gold plated chunky choker necklaces start at £17 and would look amazing worn with a minimalist 90s-inspired white shift dress. Or opt for the unique clean lines of the leather insert gold-plated earrings, as seen below.

Gold-plated leather insert earrings, £29, Gogo Philip

Gold-plated black leather classic chain necklace, £50, Gogo Philip

Some pieces admittedly cost more – up to £120 for this stunning lock necklace – but the quality and design give the illusion of a far higher price tag.

Gold-plated handbag lock F12 necklace, £120, Gogo Philip

Add a choker to a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, don a necklace with your favourite LBD, or make like Rihanna and Leigh-Anne from Little Mix and pile it on with your sportswear. Either way this is a one-stop-shop to statement accessorizing. Now, aren’t you pleased I shared?