My mum in the 1950’s when she was a model. And glamourous.

“The contrast between what is glamorous now and what was glamorous in the days of Cary Grant and Norma Shearer says much about how American society has changed. Glamour used to present an idealized version of adulthood. Now it presents an idealized version of adolescence. In the old days, glamour was all about unattainability, i.e., fantasy projection. These days, it has become unthinkable that a major Hollywood director might echo Cecil B. DeMille, who instructed Edith Head’s department at Paramount to make clothes “that make people gasp when they see them. Don’t design anything anybody could possibly buy in a store.”

Today glamour is tied to the idea of shopping to maintain the illusion that you are (a) kind of famous, or (b) on your way to being famous, or (c) essentially the same as famous people, because you share the same taste in home furnishings, core values and dog shampoo. Some of the stars with whose dog shampoo brand we may be intimately acquainted don’t even appear in the movies, or at least not often. They may appear in TV shows that aren’t so much TV shows as a chance to observe celebrities in their natural habitats. Which kind of resembles ours. Mainstream magazines have transformed themselves from facilitators of idol worship to guides to glamour consumption.”

From an article a few years ago in the LA Times that I wish I could find on their site again, but I can’t. From the article, The Allure of Illusion (thanks Christinia!).

Images courtesy of Paramount Vantage

Soon The Duchess will premiere and I can’t wait to see it - especially the set since details about its location and costume has been heavily dished in the industry. With Michael Carlin as the production designer and Michael O’Connor as the costume designer, I’m sure this will be a visual movie to inspire.

Based on the incredible historical biography by Amanda Foreman, the movie is about Georgiana Spencer who, in 1774 at the age of 17, becomes Duchess of Devonshire. The set is both lavish from the fabrics to architecture with lots of information and sneak peaks on the films official web site.

For the past fifteen minutes or so I’ve been pursuing the “Discover” and “Costumes” area of the site and have developed a craving for a three foot wig ans several gowns with fabulous underpinnings. However, that all comes at a cost and Georgiana, despite having wealth, celebrity and a title, was extraordinarily in debt. The current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (who live in the home Chastworth where parts of the movie were filmed) still have many of the letters from creditors seeking to collect.

Georgiana was probably first celebrity in the way that we perceive celebrity today. When she appeared in the papers they sold out, she was followed around by cartoonists (the equivalent of the paparazzi). She was a fashion icon and she captured people’s imagination. And that took money.

Keira Knightly who plays Georgiana has said of her character’s debt, “When she died she had been terrified of disclosing to her husband the amount of she owed, because she was convinced he was going to divorce her or send her away and actually when she died he found out how much she was in debt and said is that all. There’s something incredibly sad about her, I think that she’s a victim of herself, of her own innocence. She’s a victim of people using her for their own gain, but what is rather wonderful about this story is she finds a way to live with this. She finds a way to triumph over something and to regain some power in a time when women really had very little.”

That doesn’t sound like only a 1774 problem, does it? The other way in which this movie sometimes parallels the present is the way in which Georgiana’s life resembles that of her great-great-great-great niece, Princess Diana Spencer. Both she and Georgiana were intelligent, powerful women who were almost ripped to shreds by the press and then fought to remake themselves to finally be the women they wanted to be. One of the aspects of Georgiana’s life that makes it so relevant today is that she had to live under the intense glare of public scrutiny. And although I often have a hard time with Keira Knightly, I think the scrutiny in which she’s lived under will perhaps help her with this movie, too.

What also helps the actors in this movie is that director Saul Dibb demanded that all scenes be shot on location. This lead to the incredible task of finding current places to represent real life past homes that were no longer in existence, such as the main residence of the Duke and Duchess, the Devonshire House.

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For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with hats - even as a baby my bald head was always wearing some knitted cap until my curls came through. But as an adult, I have a great affection for not only their beauty, but usefulness.

In the summer, big brimmed hats (like above) keep the sun off my face, in the winter, knitted caps keep me warm. In the spring and fall, they keep my hair from frizzing in the rain. And when I’m just downright lazy about fussing with my hair (like when I have to walk the dog at 6AM), they keep me feeling styled and put together because it covers a multitude of sins.

It’s been my experience that Stateside, hats (with the exception of the baseball cap and wooly caps) aren’t really worn so often. Stylish hats, like those commonly seen in the 30’s and 40’s, seem to have slipped away.

I’m not sure why hats aren’t more of a fuss because they’re just so useful, charming, and can really complete a look. And they don’t have to be expensive; Anthropologie has some amazing berets and felt hats as does Etsy. But if you want to go posh, there’s lots of options, too (I’m loving this hat from designer Terry Graziano. That style, that colour!).

I’m still trying to find the best way to store my hats. Wool ones go in bins but my harder ones that need to keep their shape need boxes and I’m still searching for those elusive round bins. Any ideas?

Photo by my mum.

The shoes on the left were mine when I was about 5 and 6. I wore them everywhere with everything. The pair on the right I picked out on my 10th birthday and I was so excited despite the fact I had a cast on my ankle and had to wait a few months to wear them both (it was worth the wait). These to me are just so Danish - the colour, the style, and the fact that they’re made for every sized person to wear (and to wear with every kind of clothing).

I’ve remained a huge clog fan and still have a few different pairs. My current favourite pair come from El Naturalista (you can see my review on Pet the Pretty Things). My mum loved them so much I bought her a pair as well. These are her go to’s for the 8 hours a day she spends on her feet at a winery.

I’m also loving Born’s new more fashionable looking Anita Clog. Born shoes are my go-to shoes (I’ve three pairs of boots, flip flops and dress shoes that are so comfortable and always compliment inducing). And I like these when I want the feel and support of a clog but perhaps just a little more dressed and a little less traditional.

And when the shoe no longer fits, they make great decor. These have been a staple in my mums entrance way for years no matter where she lives or what her entrance looks like. That, too, is Danish.

(The little thing in the back of the right shoes is a mouse door stop I gave her. It’s from Anthropologie)

Read more if you want to see me as a 5 year old in my clogs.

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Thanks to years of travel and hundreds of trips (52 last year and 11 so far this year), I’ve got packing down to a science - especially since I like to travel with only carry-on. However, my current trip to Europe was a little challenging due to several different climates, events, Terminal 5, and length of time so I had to really think about what to bring.

Dressing for comfort is essential followed by flexibility (how many times to how many places can I wear something) followed by is it appropriate (for weather, people, dinners, daily touring). Above is my essentials which was all nicely tucked into my Orla Kiely roll on bag (which worked as carry-on!).

So far, everything has worked really well and been very comfortable. I’ve been able to go to some big events but then walk on cobblestone streets in freezing temperatures. There were a couple of items that didn’t make it in (a bright orange dress and a shawl I wear - you can see those in some of my Flickr shots). The purple Rachel Pally dress has been heaven for flights because it’s easy to sleep in. My Born boots have been crucial to walking around. And the hat comes in perfect when rain hits and the hair frizzes. And big sunglasses cover up late nights and hours of travel.

There is the cliche saying that you can spot a tourist because of their running shoes, khaki pants and t-shirts. I find this is often true and it’s confusing to me how comfort is almost always equated to sweat pants and runners in North America. Or how when people travel they don’t “take the good stuff” because they fear it getting lost on a flight. This is my fear, too, which is why I do carry on. If I have too much to fit into a carry on (which is very, very rare) I take a second bag, packing all the things that could be easily replaced or I could afford to lose (often this is computer gadgets, chargers, shoes, books, toiletries). Things that I don’t want to lose (clothes, computer, personal things) I then put in the carry-on.

The other trick for me is to pick things that all work well together colour-wise. This way I can extend the life of my clothes by mixing and matching so that I don’t get so sick of wearing one thing over and over (especially after a month of travel!). I also stick to materials that don’t wrinkle or, if they do, I wrap the item in tissue paper (usually I ask for some extra pieces from Anthropologie and wrap it up - wrinkles are avoided!).

I must confess something: Paris is not one of my favourite cities. I have been many, many times and stayed in every part of town on the floors of friends and in some of the cities best luxury hotels. I have walked and lived the city like a local but I have never really fallen for it like everyone seems to. I’m not sure why that is (although the Four Seasons Paris is one of my favourite hotels ever).

But The Little Bookroom was kind enough to send me a copy of their new book, Paris Chic & Trendy and I actually began to become a little excited about going (despite the fact I’m neither chic nor trendy!). The book is square, tiny, and red - three things I love and the photos inside are gorgeous. It showcases 54 boutiques - some known, some not but all small and beautiful. It’s as though someone handed me a secret guide to make me instantly in the know without having to be in the know. Love that.

Perhaps my dislike of Paris is that it has always been so uber-chic and I am not. Maybe there is a studio or two here that will change that.

Stores I’m interested to visit:

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Although I purchased (and fell in-love with ) a washer/dryer last year for the house, I now share one very old washer/dryer with a complex of 8 flats. That one washer is quarter happy, always has crud around it from all the harsh chemicals people use (why?!) and seems to be constantly in use. This can make washing clothes rather a pain.

Since I don’t own that many clothes I want to keep what I do have and keep it in great shape - I don’t trust the complex washer and dryer to do that. And so I’ve hand washed most of my clothes forever - and guess what - I’ve kept most of my clothes like new forever.

My biggest tip is to not wash your clothes very often - some not at all which is handy for people like me who don’t really see hand washing as “beautiful” or “therapeutic.” Most people in the US cringe over that but there’s some sweaters and delicate blouses I only wear for special events or every now and then. Without dirt, stains or sweat all over it there’s no reason to wash it. I had a girlfriend here that washed her jeans after every wearing yet couldn’t understand why they faded and didn’t fit right after a month.

For things I must launder (towels, sheets) I never use dryer sheets - instead I use one of those reusable drying balls. And I use Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, which does the job really well without breaking down the fibers.

With loads of laundry before me, I was happy to discover some more great green washing/drying clothing tips thanks to the Green LA Girl. I’m a huge believer in air-drying, too, and love my drying rack completely (perhaps a little too much - I never seem to take it down. I should, really).

And my best tip? Run out and get yourself some Bacout. This biodegradable product gets rid of any stain in clothes and carpets. I’ve used it on everything with success - even on delicates.

Growing up I had very little clothes, most of which were hand me downs, thrifted or made. I also had a very peculiar style, mixing strange colours and textures and thinking Laura Ingalls was a fashion model. When I began to travel at 18, everything I owned had to fit into one suitcase so owning a lot of clothes wasn’t important to me (lugging around dozens of books, however, was). This meant I had clothes that I didn’t really love nor knew how to make work because I never really took the time to understand clothing - it wasn’t high on the priority list plus I juts didn’t enjoy the act of shopping.

I don’t like to hunt through racks or go from shop to shop. I know what I like and would often come away disappointed and frustrated - how was that fun? I also didn’t know how to put an outfit together or accessorise. So despite loving fashion, I didn’t participate in it. It was just too much of a hassle and I didn’t want hassle.

It wasn’t until a few years ago I discovered a store that suited my sensibility and had clothes that fit me perfectly. The outfits seemed to be put together which helped me to learn to look a little less crazy but still have my style. Finding this one store has helped me because now I don’t shop anywhere else. I don’t spend my time looking for things to wear or feeling like crap if things don’t fit. I understand how the stores sales work (and I work with them seasonally for the discount - 40%!) so I never have to buy clothes full price. It works.

However, because I now adore clothes and keep falling in love with new ones all the time, it’s become really important for me to really know what I have, what I wear, and what needs to go. I’m still a minimalist girl so if I kept buying clothes I’d get easily overwhelmed if they all stayed with me.

To keep sane I have a method of clothes management. When I purchase something, I go to the stores web site, save the photo of the item and copy the description to a text file. I make a collage every so often of my current wardrobe so at a quick glance, I can see what I have, what to mix, what I’m actually wearing and what I’ve tired of.

When I’ve grown tired of something or just find I’m not wearing it, I then either swap clothes with friends, donate to shelters or, if it’s in great, hardly used condition, I eBay it using the photos and description I saved.

For me, this method has been really, really helpful. I’ve had friends see my images and ask to borrow a dress or tell me to try to mix this top with that skirt. I can see the seasons through my wardrobe, I can see how I’ve been evolving style wise over the years and mostly, I can just see pretty things, which I’m a sucker for. It also helps me plan for trips; just cutting and pasting images around I can easily see what to take instead of having to take everything out of the closet! For my upcoming trip to New York and Copenhagen, I discovered that the following would work quite nicely:

So next time you buy something, try saving the images. Then when you look at your wardrobe you can really analyse if you’re buying things you love or just buying to buy. And if you have things you don’t love - get rid of them. That way you have room for all that you do adore.

(The above pictures were made very easily made using Photoshop’s Automated Contact Sheet function under the “Browse” window. By simply selecting the images I wanted to use and then selecting the “contact sheet” function, Photoshop automatically created the image. What could be easier than that?!)

Today I hop on board a plane and this is my “I’m travelling but need to be comfy and not worry about security” outfit. I’ve worn it on the last several flights and I’m hooked. Why? Besides from being pretty (important when you step off a plane and right into a high profile restaurant with friends), it’s extraordinarily comfortable and practical. That’s right, comfy and practical without being a sweatpants combo.

The dress is 100% cotton, doesn’t hug the body and no wedges from all that sitting. The knit sweater is warm and soft - perfect for those cold airplane rides (especially since you don’t want to be using those nasty airline blankets which they actually don’t clean that often). The boots are easy to take on and off with one zip but they’re warm and comfortable for long walks through airports, running to connecting flights or hailing down cabs on the street. And the bag? It’s huge, soft and organised on the inside for a day trip or just as a great carry on (and perfect as a pillow!).

When I travelled across Canada last summer, I wore a simple black cotton dress and had a simple sweater along in case it got cold. My girlfriend who always wears old pants and tank tops asked why I was so fancy for a trip. Yet I wasn’t the one who fidgeted with my pants, had to role them up for playing on the beach or felt awkward when we checked into a 4 star hotel. Dressing nice doesn’t have to equate being fancy or uncomfortable just as being comfortable doesn’t always mean jeans and a t-shirt.

I’m a pretty simple dresser and a simple traveller so this is how I get by. I don’t want to rush to a hotel, change then head out. I don’t want to pack an outfit for travel and one for the trip. I don’t want layers to worry over or 16 pairs of shoes. I need something that works and an outfit like this - it works.

I think this is pretty European; in both France and Denmark you see people dressed well but simply. For the French it’s chic for the Danes it’s hygge. It’s being practical (a hat to add if it’s raining or very cold or a lighter sweater if it’s summer) but also being a bit stylish so you can go from the library to a dinner party at 8.

The next time you travel (car, train or plane), make sure you’re going to be comfortable - just expand what comfortable can look like.

Oh. My. Word.

Today, after ten days of hard labour, physical exhaustion, so much excitement and a sleep worse than the night before Christmas, the store opened. I could. not. wait. And I knew exactly what to wear.

My red “kimono” dress from last year has been my go-to dress for many things now; it’s light, comfortable, breezy and can be dressed up (with boots!) or dressed down (with nice sandles). I thought with the crowds we would be have warm temperatures plus I needed something that had colour and stood out. Voila, the dress.

I was at the store for two hours before the opening. The president, Glen, called in to wish us well. There were some people from head office who said they had heard nothing but fabulous things about us and that they were blown away by our store. That for them, our store gave them the same feeling as walking into the very first one fourteen years ago did.

We did it girls, is all I could think because our store is truly beautiful. And trust me when I say this as I have been in a lot of Anthropologies! But I think one of the reasons why our store is as beautiful and magical as it is is because of the people that put it together.

Oh, I know it is a store and we are there to sell you goodies but I will tell you that honestly, our store is made with so much love; love for the product, love of creation, love of making things, love of the customer experience. It’s not a building with product; it’s a place with a heart. Perhaps corny but I assure you, it’s true. Our store has a soul and when women poured through our doors today we heard from them that they knew this was true.

People often ask why I only buy my clothes from this store and I say it’s because I am not a shopper. To me, the experience is as important as the product. I ran into a home store several weeks ago to just get some tie backs for my curtains. The experience was horrible (bad smell from fake fragrance, clerks complaining about customers, customers each out of bins) that when it was my turn I said, “I know it’s only $20, but I don’t want you to have my money because you’ve just made it really unwelcoming to be here.”

I’m sure they talked about me after but there is something to be said for pride in one’s work, pride in where you work, and pride for the customer. I don’t care if it’s the corner grocer or an Anthropologie - it’s the experience we’re all looking for, isn’t it? Something special to make us feel like our day wasn’t a waste or just another way to kill time. And that’s why I love our store so because for those of us who built it, we built it the way we’d want to experience it. And it worked.

And so the dress was a hit and I felt fabulous I must say - even though during my six hours on the floor was completely chaotic and wonderfully crazy! The dress was part of the special experience, for me. I wasn’t buying but there was something to it that helped me feel the part of creating something wonderful. Everyone should have such a dress. And such a day.