shopping – Stylitz

All in the name of charity

Published on January 11, 2017January 12, 2017 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah January! A time when we are traditionally cajoled (or perhaps even coerced) into making resolutions. I have never been one for strict rules and in reality I find resolutions an endless disappointment. I mean, why torture yourself by testing your weak will & risk hideous self loathing before the year has even really begun?

However, the New Year cleanse that often comes with others’ good intentions is something I can get on board with. And before you get confused I am not talking 6 veg juices or superfood salads here, but clothes, glorious clothes. Also I hasten to add that I myself will not be performing a wardrobe edit. Not a chance! I am a prolific hoarder and have been known to keep jumpers from my University years just in case I should ‘need’ to wear them again. What pleases me however is the quality of the stock in all the charity shops after others have performed their post Christmas/January wardrobe cull. I have never been one for fighting through Boxing Day sales but from 27th December onwards I love to get elbow deep in other people’s castaways.

Recently I had a particularly successful shopping trip at some of my favourite charity shops. These are located in Maidenhead in Berkshire, near my parents and I always try to pop in whenever I am visiting. There is a parade of approximately 6 charity shops that would satisfy any thrift store addict and over the years I have spent more time and money than I care to dwell on in these stores. However the beauty of purchasing from charity shops is that not only does it satisfy your shopping desires (and at a time when funds are usually precariously low) but also you are actually donating to charity whilst filling your wardrobe. Plus there are some real bargains to be found. Surely that’s win, win, win by anyone’s standards.

So this Jan why not try your local Oxfam, Age UK or even the more upmarket Fara. One man’s trash is another person’s treasure after all. And I can assure you there are a lot of treasures to be found. Here are the results of my post Christmas expedition to inspire you.

I TOTALLY ADORE THIS SKIRT!

Leather patent snakeskin skirt, £4.00, originally Patsy Seddon for Phase Eight.

Black poloneck, Gap; Necklace, Accessorize.

Green checked dress, £6.00, originally from AX Paris.

Brogues, Clarks; Necklace, Joy.

White print blouse, £4.00, originally St Michael at Marks & Spencer.

Black jeans, Uniqlo; Necklace, Hobbs.

Floral top, £3.99, originally Next.

Jeans, Uniqlo; Necklace, gift.

Leather desert boots, £7.50, originally Seed (a gift for a little boy)

The ultimate black leather biker jacket

Published on September 7, 2015February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

For her recent birthday my little sister asked for a black leather jacket. My mum immediately declared that she had an authentic biker jacket in the attic (from her succinct motorbike/Hell’s Angels phase) but I advised that whilst perfect for actual riding, this would be far too cumbersome to wear on a day-to-day basis. So instead I offered to do some online research for the ultimate black leather jacket. Most people dream of the perfect wear-with-anything biker jacket and once you have this piece in your wardrobe I am assured that you will wear little else. Whether thrown over a pretty dress, or added to skinny jeans and a tee, a classic biker adds a dash of Kate Moss magic to a look. I would like to add that I do not say this from personal experience. I myself have never been able to pull off a leather jacket, particularly a black one, and look far more bad Brando than rock chick Chrissy Hynde whenever I have attempted the look.

Kate Moss is famous for topping her outfits with a black biker (Top image by: Dave Bennett)

Whilst we all dream of having the funds to buy a buttersoft piece from Balmain, Alexander Wang or Isabel Marant, my budget on this occasion was set at around £100. Starting out, my only real criteria was that it was 100% leather (no plastic PV or pleather) and that it had interesting detailing and a good silhouette. Whilst my search is by no means exhaustive, I think it may be very helpful for anyone also looking for a well-priced leather jacket this autumn. Also, unless you object for ethical reasons, do ensure that it is 100% real leather. Although this means the price is higher, the fabric will wear well and last far longer than any cheaper imitation. All the below are 100% leather versions. I have also included some with a higher price point in case your budget is bigger. Here we go…

Biker # 1 – Zara £89.99 (Sizes XS – L)

Biker # 2 – Zara £99.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 3 – ASOS £100 (Sizes 4-18)

Biker # 4 – Mango £119.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 5 – Mango £119.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 6 – Oasis £158 (Sizes XS – L)

Biker # 7 – Warehouse Alexa £180 (Sizes 6-18)

Biker # 8 – Whistles cropped Cara £295 (Sizes 4-16)

Biker # 9 – All Saints Dare with removable collar £358 (Sizes 2-14)

Biker # 10 – A curveball in pale pink suede from Dorothy Perkins £120 (Sizes 6-20)

And in case you wanted to know which jacket was eventually chosen and subsequently bought it was the ASOS Ultimate Biker Jacket at £100. I have been informed that the present was ‘a definite hit with the birthday girl, particularly the detailing on the arms’. These words come straight from the horse’s mouth. It also smelt amazing. Happy shopping!

While away an hour at Liberty London

Published on February 4, 2015February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

This week I found myself with an hour to kill between appointments in central London and rather than opting for the classic time filler (a whip around Topshop’s flagship store) I popped into Liberty’s. Eschewing the usual choice of the second floor fashion department, I decided to ride those gorgeous wooden lifts up one extra floor. And I am so pleased I did. The third floor houses all manor of fabulous things from adorable childrenswear to stylish gifts, trendy tomes to colourful fabrics. I loved it so much I spent most my hour taking pictures so that I could share it all with you. Here’s a little guided tour of what caught my eye…

It’s a Taschen fashion haven in the book department. The hilarious illustrated ‘Man Meets Woman’ by Yang Lin (£10) makes a great little gift.

Frames and crockery – from the colourful to the kitsch.

Fabulous retro phones and kooky clocks (Milk Bottle clock, £40)

Add colour and print to a games room with these classic sets.

Rory Dobner’s macabre letter tiles would bring gothic drama to a bathroom or kitchen (tiles, £39.50 each). I love the use of neon lighting in the store too.

Ditsy florals – the famous Liberty print adorns plates, aprons and kitchenware. Also check out the paper floral installation by Zoe Bradley (zoebradley.com)

Everybody loves rhubard and custard (Sweets, £6.95 a jar, Flowers of Liberty)

Get inspiration for this season’s 70s trend in the fabric department – a printed paradise. I love how colour co-ordinated these bold textiles are.

And finally (if you’re feeling generous) a little designer childrenswear to treat a mini one

So next time you have an hour to spare in central London or need to buy a unique gift for that difficult to please friend (we all have one) then you really should pop to Liberty London. What’s most amazing is the grand setting and stunning wooden interior. As a fellow shopper merrily remarked in the lift, ‘Ah Liberty’s! Couldn’t you just live here’. Yes, indeed I could!

Liberty, Regent Street, London, W1B 5AH. http://www.liberty.co.uk

All I want for Christmas is…

Published on November 27, 2013November 29, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ooh yay! I have finally got my hands on a copy of this month’s Harrods magazine with their annual Christmas gift guide. And no, I haven’t just won the lottery and am therefore considering my next lofty purchase, but this month is the issue that I contributed to. Back in September I did a 3 week stint at the luxury title (check out my previous blog on the unique experience – https://stylitz.com/2013/08/31/my-week-at-harrods/) and the work has now been published. My still-life styling skills can be seen on the front & back cover of the Christmas Gift Guide 2013 & one of my cashmere style-ups also made it into the supplement.

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska Photography: Arthur Woodcroft

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska Photography: Studio 21

With regards to the gift boxes featured on the cover – these two images were the result of a whole day of ribbon twisting, petal fluffing and handbag stuffing, but I think you’ll agree the final results look very luxe. Included was a selection of fabulous accessories from Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Smythson (among others). The boxes were 1 metre squared and the freeze-dried petals had to be pre-ordered – it took over 16 litres to fill each box. I believe they will be offering this exact gift box in store should you have a spare few thousand to spend on your loved one. They also used one of the images as the Ultimate page in the November issue of the magazine, which shows details of what is contained. I hope you like the images…

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska Photography: Arthur Woodcroft

All images courtesy of Harrods Publishing http://www.harrodsmagazine.com featuring the Harrods Christmas 2013 supplement and also the current/November 2013 issue.

All products can be found at http://www.harrods.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?

Rihanna blings up her sportswear with a Gogo Philip necklace

Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne piles on the Gogo Philip chains

For the store head to Gogo Philip, 68 Cheshire St, London, E2 6EH. T: 020 7613 2198. Or shop online at http://www.gogophilip.com

Main holding image: Rihanna wearing Gogo Philip jewellery for GQ magazine