i've got shopping fever

the one thing that is wonderful about london is boutique shopping. malls are an absolute minimum here. there are few in canary wharf (which is more like the city of Toronto than London) and one being built in White City (far west...). With all the boutiques, you can really get some more unique pieces that are not worn by everyone walking down oxford street. I'm in love with one such boutique called 'Fever' that is literally 30 seconds away from my door. Their styles are a bit older but with plenty of funkiness to throw around. Perfect work apparel! While almost everything in Sloane Square makes me go shopping crazy... Hoss Intropia really takes the cake. Considered a designer in Spain - their stuff is more high-end street (see Banana Republic or Club Monaco) than something from Selfridges (holt renfrew but crazier). I'm addicted to their cardigans. silk cotton mix is amazing. (below - a fever skirt i've been eyeing for a while, and the cutest sundress from Hoss..... a bit out of season though now)

the fall trends - it's getting colder in London

while trends are clearly more global, I've noticed some key trends upcoming for the London scene. As I still look slightly out of place (perhaps it's my accent that gives me away)... I really need to pick up this stuff to integrate myself completely! first post - accessories, second post - clothes

scarves are so hot this year (same with hansel)
I have an addiction to pashimas (so good for travel!) but desperately want to pick up a few morroccan style scarves - I like this one from urban outfitters - and a good price too. In wistful dreaming land I'd have a grey or light brown leather jacket to go with it!

ruffles and chains
in purses (or wallets back in canada) or your handbag. I really like this chunky one in brown - if i can find it grey I'm set..... I'm headed to shoreditch to find something similar in the vintage stores - I'll let you know if that pans out. the fedora
I'm not sure if I can jump on this trend. but I've seen it everywhere. and it's better than the bowler hat which is trying to make a comeback.

coloured tights
I know that this has made the leap everywhere but there is no way I can get away with coloured tights at work. I'm far more keen on diamond patterned ones instead.

boots and booties - flat or heeled
topshop is great for shoes - real leather and relatively affordable prices (as long as you don't convert it back to cdn). I'm in love with this flat tan boots. a good chunky sweater, my orla kiely bag and some jeans - i've got my weekend outfit until late november.

continued.... the clothes trends

and more that I want/need to round up the right type of wardrobe that lets me blend in perfectly. really here it's all about the right blend of accessories....... but I still love a good outfit...

plaid tops
i have my one for gap (blues and browns with ruffles (another key trend)) and a black plaid dress, but I really want this one too! anthropologie ships to the UK now.. an early thanksgiving present perhaps?

purple
i've embraced this like no tomorrow. attempted colour palette at work this fall is cobalt, light grey, charcoal and purple. maybe a bit of winter white and baby blue thrown in. I need to pick up more pants, skirts, dresses and button downs. my pipe dream purple - this dress by temperley.....

the work dress
the combo work dress is key - at least for me. and this is very appropriate for wear I work. I would definitely add a skinny belt with some colour. perhaps teal? like the one I'm coveting from J.Crew .....
and just because I love it
copenhagen designers like day birger et mikkleson, by malene birger and bruun's bazzar...
my fav thing at the moment by malene (left).... and one on sale....(right).. perhaps my first foray into buying from net-a-porter will happen on saturday.