At the Fashion East sample sale, there was a rather dubious lonesome rail of clothing that had no particular affiliation with any one designer but upon closer inspection, the randomness of the clothes and shoes was certainly engaging! Two season old YSL red velvet shoes, Miu Miu boots, random Topshop Unique pieces, a Giles Deacon shirt, a beautiful Sophia Kokosalaki pleated strapless dress, some trend-led vintage pieces including a velvet off-shoulder Christopher Kane dress were some of the things that I remember from this rail that seemed to change every 5 minutes. I've dubbed it the 'fashion insider cast-off rail' as I suspect this a clean-out courtesy of Fashion East ppl (Lulu Kennedy perhaps?).
I picked up some of the random Topshop Unique items but the real find was this Jean Colonna leather skirt that bears some resemblance to that Topshop PE swing skirt (sold out now...) that I've spotted on about 20 people in the last week (odd that PE has caught on so rapidly!). The ruching around the waist is more paper bag and the leather is luxuriously soft with a less skater skirt shape. Jean Colonna was once nicknamed the King of Gallic Grungewear and is someone who is quite underrated and I really must investigate as to his whereabouts as he is a bit of a forefather for people that I admire like Jean Pierre Braganza, Jens Laugesen etc. I will report back on what I have sniffed out...
(Excuse crap hair and dull light... taken in the wee hours of the morning...)
Back to 'fashion insider cast-off rails' (FICOR.....I too can come up with ridiculous acronyms!) though. I stumble upon eBay sellers who have quite clearly blagged too many fashion freebies or are stylists getting rid of their wares, and yes, it is quite exciting but these are once in a blue moon occurences. I therefore must propose that rails like these become a regular thing as I'm sure all over the world, there are plenty of fashion junkies/insiders/pros just heaving with a lot of gems to get rid of and allow us less fortunate fashion folk to rummage through. Hmmm... a venture that has certainly got my mind cogitating....
You really are the queen of layering, love both looks. I wish I could find a skirt like that too..
Posted by: miss woo | 27 November 2007 at 17:18
I love the outfits! Very original, and it looks really good on you!
Posted by: Karoline | 27 November 2007 at 17:23
Another stunning set of outfits, Susie! Thank you so much for bringing the Fashion East sale to my attention. I think I saw you there - were you wearing black sequined shorts? I was wearing one of the ubiquitous Topshop leather skirts. x
Posted by: Charlotte | 27 November 2007 at 17:53
That is a great skirt! Esp. like the first look with the tights.
American eBay is full of that phenomenon you mention, not just for fashion but for beauty also. It's all a matter of timing!
Posted by: Suzanna | 27 November 2007 at 18:05
oh my gosh i do want that skirt
damn you susie
Posted by: alyson | 27 November 2007 at 18:36
I agree, the wealth simple must be shared! :D
Posted by: Robin Claire | 27 November 2007 at 20:36
I want to recommend a fashion illustrator, born in Sweden but based in the UK.
www.confessionsfromlondon.blogspot.com
And tanks for a very nice blog!
Tess
Posted by: Tess | 27 November 2007 at 21:45
susie... i know ebay is competitive, but can you give a tutorial on how to shop ebay... i try it, but i totally suck. spending hours looking at crap. i can never figure out how to use the keywords. or maybe we can trade tips? uh oh, like i know something you don't...
; )
Posted by: lady coveted | 27 November 2007 at 23:55
wooooo -- I fancy the skirt :)
I agree, eBaY can be wonderful!
Joolicious.
Posted by: Joo | 28 November 2007 at 01:30
wooooo -- I fancy the skirt :)
I agree, eBaY can be wonderful!
Joolicious.wordpress.com
xoxo.
Posted by: Joo | 28 November 2007 at 01:30
if you like the colonna skirt style bubble bought, check out the Des Moines concession at topshop oxford circus in lower ground -1.
they are only £35.
watch!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2069549535_b4e73aac29.jpg
style bubble is the best! x
Posted by: | 28 November 2007 at 02:02
Adorable! Much better than the Topshop one, mostly due to the unexpected paperbag waist/leather combo. And so perfect with ankle boots!
fashiontoast.com
Posted by: Rumi | 28 November 2007 at 03:20
susie i love your blog i read it every day
keep up the great work you are the next generation of fashion and where its headed!
Posted by: sam | 28 November 2007 at 03:31
Very cute.
Posted by: WendyB | 28 November 2007 at 05:53
I love the clothings by Jean Colonna. This one well-edited boutique in Tokyo had all their staff wear Colonna's shirtdress as a uniform and they all looked stunning... he is surely underrated, I would expect Creatures of Comfort to carry him someday...hopefully (and I hope it goes on sale, too, because his work is beautiful but pricey). Please do post more of his work if you come across it!
Posted by: Nanashi | 28 November 2007 at 06:46
Your half transparent print tights are awesome! I've been looking for some. where did you get them?
Posted by: dreamer | 28 November 2007 at 10:13
whew, that is so interesting: i just cannot imagine anyone in berlin wearing that skirt, whilst in london you can see everyone wearing it.
Posted by: Saskia | 28 November 2007 at 16:07
The tights were actually scrounged off a friend and are really really old H&M...
Posted by: susie_bubble | 28 November 2007 at 16:34
Lovely skirt, and deary me I nearly bought those YSL pumps. Although did you see some peacocks stuff on that rail?
Posted by: 5avenuemarceau | 28 November 2007 at 20:39
Charlotte: That was me and I remember you... that skirt looks fab on you!
Lady C: I have been trying to write this post for over a month but it's turning out to be a manual! I'll have to simplify...
Posted by: susie_bubble | 29 November 2007 at 17:11