Category Archives for Uncategorized

Kid Acne + Barber x 2 Many Printers

Not even sure how I came across this new Kid Acne t-shirt today – I guess being in Sheffield for the weekend makes the internet magic machine spit up South Yorkshire-related things with more regulatory.

Cigarettes are a recurring theme in his work – doesn’t he just make ‘em look so cute? I’m not sure fags are allowed in Bikini Bottom, but Spongebob def looks happy to have a secret supply – and who can blame him, when they all have such cheery little faces. Ah.

Kid Acne + Barber x 2 Many Printers shirt, £25

[All pictures - KidAcne.com]

Thames & Hudson release Cycle Chic by Mikael Colville-Andersen

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race. -H.G. Wells

You only need to take a cursory glance at most street style blogs to know that bikes are as ubiquitous as the knock-kneed stance and centre-parted fringe. The perfect accessory, bikes have the added advantage of actually being useful – YSL Arty rings might look the part, but you can’t type wearing them and Wang bags might be  dreamy but they are also heavier than a wet dog, and that’s without having anything in.

Still, being popular is no bad thing – the abundance of bicycles on blogs is hopefully encouraging more people to get on their bikes and ride which can only be for the best. Personally, I failed my cycling proficiency test and can now only be tempted onto two wheels when I’m in the middle of nowhere – but that only serves to make me admire these ardent, stylish, savvy cyclists even more.

While the likes of The Sartorialist and Hel-Looks sneak in the odd cyclist, Danish photographer Mikael Colville-Andersen has gone above and beyond the call of bicycling duty, launching a street style blog dedicated to the cause. Cycle Chic is now something of a blogging empire with ‘copycats and collaborators’ in cities across the world, but it all started life in Mikael’s hometown of Copenhagen – apparently, the cycling capital of the world.

Tomorrow, Thames & Hudson is launching Cycle Chic – a comprehensive collection of some of Mikael’s best pictures organised by themes including Colour, Pattern & Attitude, Dress Me Up, Dress Me Down and the delightfully charming Vélo à Deux which features double the style in every picture. And before you barf, don’t for a minute think that each couple is made up of people… there are plenty of dogs on bikes for us animal-obsessives to behold.

Mikael isn’t convinced by the street style tag and to be honest, I prefer his description – even if it isn’t accurate for everyone in the book: “bicycle advocacy in high heels”.

He goes on to say:

This book is a selection of photographs of beautiful people who are adding to the social fabric of our cities by choosing to ride a bicycle. Cycle Chic is just a way of describing how citizen cyclists have used the bicycle since it was invented in the 1880s. Fashions and fabrics have evolved, as they always do, but the simple imagery of people using bicycles in our cities is timeless. It is my sincere hope that these photographs, taken in the now,  not only reflect the past but also allow us a glimpse into our future – a future in which bicycles are accepted and respected, and are a truly feasible form of transportation.

Ride on!

Inspired by these awesomely style-conscious cyclists? Here’s the Cycle Chic Manifesto;

  • I choose to cycle chic and, at every opportunity, I will choose Style over Speed;
  • I embrace my responsibility to contribute visually to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape;
  • I am aware that my mere presence in said urban landscape will inspire others without me being labelled as a ‘bicycle activist’;
  • I will ride with grace, elegance and dignity;
  • I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality and style;
  • I will, however, regard my bicycle as transport and as a mere supplement to my own personal style. Allowing my bike to upstage me is unacceptable;
  • I will endeavour to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle;
  • I will accessorize in accordance with the standards of a bicycle culture and acquire, where possible, a chain guard, kickstand, skirt guard, fenders, bell and basket;
  • I will respect the traffic laws;
  • I will refrain from wearing and owning any form of ‘cycle wear’.

For that last reason alone, I mean… I’m a convert. Cycle Chic by Mikael Colville-Andersen is out on 7 May and for now, you can check out the original Cycle Chic blog here.

[My copy of Cycle Chic was a gift of Thames & Hudson]

Thank Furcoat it’s Friday

1) Pug on a trampoline!

2) Fashion advice from Debo!

3) Madonna and Arianne Phillips talk W.E. costumes! Still not seen it – have you?

4) Berkeley campus in the 1970s!  Really digging these!

5) Andrew WK made a party mixtape! It’s as good as you’d imagine, although could do with being about three hours longer. (You can – and should – buy the clock here)

Petit Bateau Autumn/Winter 2012: All about stripes

No-one does stripes quite like Petit Bateau and their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is a masterclass in how to make the most of the classic Breton fabric.

There’s a big of a Coco Chanel sportswear vibe going on with the 1920s-style jersey twinsets and the square-heeled pumps and jewel-tones in the knitwear definitely feel a bit flapperish. Modelled by a Jean Shrimpton-esque redhead with some kinda David Bailey-inspired poses, there’s a bit of a sixties feel to the lookbook too.

Stripes on stripes on stripes, what could be better?

Furcoat Favourites: Bad moods and booze

I was in a filthy mood yesterday when I started this. I’m totally over it now (GIRLS EH) but here you go anyway, with a few lighter additions.

1) My love of expensive candles knows no bounds so this new arrival at Liberty immediately caught my eye. The Santal 26 from Le Labo, £40 is like a PicturelessPins tweet in action. Battered aluminium paint tin with individual hand-printed label containing leather-scented candle.

2) It’s true! I Probably Hate You! Just in at Supermarket Sarah, this Steak MTN scarf, £15 tells it like it is.

3) My favourite PR had a Margot Tenenbaum look going on when I saw her earlier this week, with a smattering of black grips stacked up the side of her blonde bob. Total bad-ass lo-fi hair look. These COS Hairslides, £3 may be a more expensive version of the bobbypins you can get anywhere, but they come in a very tasteful, very COS, palette of black, grey and navy blue.

4) Drippy text is my weakness. Love the silver print on this Evil Twin Dark Days shirt, £35.

5) Glitter and studs are a winning combo in my predictable world. These Topshop Whoopido Glitter Stud Wedges, £78 are very much the object of my affections this week, even though I am increasingly incapable of walking in ‘big’ shoes as I’ve taken to calling them. I am old. But want teenagers’ shoes.

6) I love fancy booze,and Tequila Chamucos, £61.99 takes the cake as fanciest of fancy booze. The flying devils on the label are pretty awesome but does it make the tequila worth that much? Not sure, but willing to take the challenge on for the sake of everyone else’s palates.

7) I know the Rude Little Black Book, $10 has done the rounds already, but there’s something massively appealing about the ideas of whipping out this People I want to Punch in the Face Moleskine in the midst of a meeting. Mmm, rage.

Kenna makes me look a Jean-Pierre Braganza model – in my dreams

My favourite hair of London Fashion Week was the French-pleat-meets-messy-beehive created by the lovely Kenna for ghd at Jean-Pierre Braganza… so when I got the chance to have the style recreated on my very own head by the man himself it was a bit of a no-brainer.

Pulled tight at the back into the perfect pleat (cheat tip: half my hair was twisted into a ponytail against the back of my head to reduce bulk first), the top section was then backbrushed like whoa and wrapped around into a fluffy beehive of Mr Whippy proportions.

The final touch, as at the show, was that amazing choppy fringe. Back at LFW, Kenna chose a colour two or three shades different from the models’ natural hair then hacked into it for a punky, DIY feel. For the ghd trend preview evening they only had a couple of shades available, but it just so happens that the brunette hue was a perfect match for my (grimly visible) roots. Woe.

Most of the journalists seemed to opt for the beautiful braids and low buns that Kenna did at Fyodor Golan and Basso & Brooke respectively, but evidently I like to make a scene and choose something completely ridiculous. Whatevs, it was brill hair and I love Kenna and the ghd team for going to town on it.

You can see how the look was created IRL at LFW here!

Shoes and socks: summer sandals at TK Maxx

Spring may have sprung but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to go out all guns blazing in sun dresses, shorts and all those SS12 items that you’ve been so carefully harvesting.

Socks and sandals are a winning inter-season combo, ideal for easing your way into the (slightly) warmer weather without looking like one of those goons who whips their top off in the park at lunchtime at the first sign of sunshine. In some camps, socks and sandals might say 70s dad on a campsite – but not here. And here’s the proof, featuring some fantastic summer sandals from TK Maxx.

My love of TK Maxx is well-documented on this blog and I love, love, love the fact that you can now shop online - meaning all those precious Gold Label finds have never been easier to get hold of. Here are some of my favourite finds for the always-smart socks-and-sandals style.

As seen at: Prada, Proenza Schouler, Rochas, MiuMiu (ok, last season)

I don’t think you’re supposed to drive your hot-rod in heels at all really, but these Carvela Espadrille Wedges, £44.99 (were £120) are so delicious it would be a shame to switch them for your sensible driving shoes. Those juicy pop-art shades are kind of colour block the easy way, with the blue and green doing all the hard work for you – and what better match to your Rizzo-esque wedges than flame-tipped socks?. My favourite thing about these shoes is the fact that the front is so low – ideal for those of you, like me, encumbered with fat ankles. [Socks - Topshop]

As seen at: Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci

Acid-bright hues are a cheery alternative to classic snakeskin shades like black and tan – half ladylike  classic and half Studio 54 trashy discoballer. These Dune Snakeskin Wedge Sandals, £44.99 (were £90) are a dreamy blend of Gucci-esque jewel shades while that black snake print mutes it just enough. When faced with print, the natural answer is more print – and when doubling up on print, why not go all out with a bit of leopard alongside your snake? [Socks - Miss Selfridge]

As seen at: Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga, Burberry, JW Anderson

African prints are nothing new for summer but as well as the usual safari shades and inevitable leopard and tiger prints, this summer also heralds a hodgepodge of tribal prints, textures and plenty of colour. These Steve Madden Wedged Sandals, £34.99 tick just about every box with crafty woven ribbons in vibrant colours snaking across for a tribal tapestry any gap year student would be proud of. When you’re going bananas with your shoes, I guess going bananas with your socks is the best way forward – bit of aztec never hurt anyone. [Socks - Topshop]

As seen at: Jil Sander, Stella McCartney, JW Anderson, Pucci

Paisley is just one of the prints to get excited about this season and my favourite interpretation is Jil Sander’s slightly gross, grungy, green take on the trend. Murky colours, prints straight off a slightly ugly 1970s shirt, chunky textures… mmm, all gone a bit Marni hasn’t it? Nowhere is the socks-and-sandals combo better matched than in this geography teacher-esque style and these grungy Hush Puppies Green Leather Strappy Sandals, £24.99 (were £50) are the perfect base for some nice nubby socks. Love that olive colour with the gold hardwear! [Socks - Topshop]

As seen at: Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Etro, Marchesa, Versus

You didn’t think I wouldn’t mention the 1920s, did you? With the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of The Great Gatsby on the horizon and The Artist sweeping the board at the Oscars earlier this year, it’s no surprise that the twenties trend is rolling on and on – much to my delight, of course. As discussed before, it’s sometimes hard to carry this trend off, but who can’t wear a pair of nice shoes, right? A T-bar and low heel are key components for a flapper-style sandal and these G-Star Cream Leather Cut-Out Sandals, £34.99 (were £100) tick both boxes. A slightly frou-frou pinspot pink pair of socks feels like an entertaining dolly-bird touch although I can also see wearing these without socks alllll summer long. [Socks - Topshop]

This is a sponsored post

[All fashion pics via Style.com]

In praise of ridiculous art-teacher earrings

I was watching Wayne’s World on Saturday night – like everyone else on the internet, I believe – when I had the #totesoriginal plan to see if I could find a Wayne Campbell cap on Etsy. Just for shits.

Didn’t get as far as the hat, because I was distracted by these lilac resin Garth & Wayne photo earrings from seller, Pixie. I can’t imagine a time I’d wear them (apart from, I guess, all the time) but I do know I want them to be mine.

I’ve discussed before the fine line between mad art teacher and something actually a bit cool and different and this season’s ridiculous cocktail earrings definitely fall into this perilous category. I love big, gaudy plastic gems – but they definitely need a bit of sparkle or something to make them non-wacky.

Miu Miu are (as usual) at least party responsible for the trend – their Swarvoski/plexiglass lightning bolts are ostentatious but still feel pretty cool to me. Oh and Sharmadean Reid has them – you can’t argue with that kind of evidence.

D&G also did lol-jewels with their farfalle fancy-pants chandeliers. I mean, it’s a bowtiwe pasta and some gold virgin Mary medallions attached to a big crystal. There is nothing there that I can’t get behind.

The ASOS pink parrot drop earrings are absolutely enormous – click on the model pic if you don’t believe me. I think they’re a bit Club Tropicana/Heather Trott’s funeral but I admire the gusto of any retailer who can say yes to giant pink birds hanging off a big square, in turn hanging off an imitation diamond.

Slightly more tasteful, Marni’s horn and resin sunflowers are just art-and-craftsy enough to fit the bananas theme, but tasteful enough for that guy at work not to ask me questions.

Behind the scenes with Marni handbags

Marni can do very little wrong in my eyes and this behind-the-scenes video for their Spring/Summer 2012 woven bags just makes ‘em even more loveable. So nicely done and such an interesting technique too – I do like to see the factory process from start to finish, especially that pasta-machine-looking device squeezing out the leather. The stretched weaving frame is pretty special too – reminds me of my mum’s proggy rugs but on a way more glamorous scale.

Watch and learn – it’s a lovely little film.

As for the bags, the chunky leather/satin weave in Marni’s usual sexy-sludgy colours has the feel of those woven shoppers that Luis Vuitton so famously fancied-up but on a more jumbo scale.

Now isn’t that lovely? Little teeny tiny strips of super-soft leather all woven together for a tan, tasselly dream. Not convinced? They do it in about a million other colours and varying sizes too, so if you fancy a bigger weave, no worries:

Of course they’re still massively outside of my budget – but if I was going to part with a grand on a nice handbag, I’d like it to have a special film of its own documenting its journey from stringy tagliatelle leather to beautiful structured grown-up lady bag.