TS Comin' At Ya!
Another year, another Arcadia press day where once again, Topshop is the main focus of my Canon camera which due to lack of gigabyte storage meant I was limited photo wise. Naturally, I zoomed to Topshop where Hope and Glory, Memphis, Nouveau Sport and Voodoo were all themes for S/S 09. Since the New York Topshop opening is being stalled until next year, THIS is probably the stuff that is going into the store there. I'm not usually a fan of buzzy trend words but thank goodness they did not once mention that horrid word 'ethnic' on the press release and instead used the ones above, because I did overhear other guests saying over and over again 'It's a bit ethnic isn't it?', which is sort of like saying 'It's a bit international isn't it?' - what the heck does it mean?? Ethnic seems to be some sort of vague pothole where anything remotely 'foreign' and 'exotic' goes in and doesn't escape with any true meaning or definition. Yes, the collections were infused with Mexican, Native American and perhaps Aztec/Inca type adornments which is all very well. I just hope that E word doesn't come to play when the mags start talking up the clothes next season.
Anyhow, enough of the E word rant. I'm rattling on for nothing seeing as the text is generally meaningless when faced with fresh pics...
So I'll get straight to the point with the shoes which were again vertiginous and spindly with a contrasting huge platform... or lace up and colourful...
*Ahem* at the Louis Vuitton-esque nod of a shoe here...
If I can't get my hands on the Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte shoes (in process of begging Nicholas...), might plump for these ones...
I knew Emma Cook's ruffled S/S 09 shoes were coming out but I didn't know Preen were doing some delicate suede sandals... (the nude and navy ones)
Florals go pixelated and somehow bright and muted at the same time...
Clever visual effects eh?
Loud blazer Numero 1 goes into the wish list...
All things mop-like and fringey are still about...
My cage addiction might develop in the summer to a rope-cage...
British Style Genius must have injected a bit of patriotism into the TS design office... though with the flag ever so slightly faded and washed out, it somehow works...
If you can bear the heat, Rodarte-like knits will be around next year...

Topshop Unique's section didn't really have to be revisited as I did admittedly love the show but it's nice to see things up close...
Loud Blazer Numero 2 on the want list... come on, it's pastel hearts on cream satin!
For some reason, mesh and studded swimwear was catching my eye despite my refusal to bare too much flesh...
My favourite pieces though fell into the plain and loud areas with this jersey (grey but with a slight pale blue tinge...) blazer and these wide legged silk printed pants...
These better not go onto some 'ethnic headgear' page in Vogue next year...

The jewellery was on the obnoxious, deliberately tacky side of things with the fluro gems being my fave.





























































Thanks for the images! This just reminds me that I'm -really- gonna have to get a paid job next year in order to meet this NYC debut. Especially those Emma Cook shoes! And that rope!
Posted by: brooke | 13 November 2008 at 17:10
Interesting collection!!!!! I do like the rop-cage thingy!!!
Shame I'll be missing out press days due to work commitment.
Posted by: The Fashion Assistant | 13 November 2008 at 17:29
*falls out*
The "Kirkwood" shoes - love them. The mixture of colors, textures, and prints is so great.
This is such a wonderful grouping of clothes! Makes me wish TS was in Los Angeles.
Posted by: Alicia/InstantVintage | 13 November 2008 at 17:30
Yes the word ethnic has become very tacky indeed. I LOVE EVERYTHING IN THIS POST!!
Posted by: d | 13 November 2008 at 17:39
hello from Brazil!
congratilations. i love to read it. every week. i'm here. lol
Posted by: Fernanda Magliocco | 13 November 2008 at 17:47
omg those ruffled emma cook shoes!!
Posted by: Laia | 13 November 2008 at 17:48
I would love all, every single, heel that was shown above
in fact NEED is more the operative word
great breakdown
and check out Toronto in buckstyle
;-)
Posted by: Stefania | 13 November 2008 at 18:05
I love the Emma Cook shoes; I want them baddd!
Posted by: Donkey | 13 November 2008 at 18:06
I die!
Posted by: Lisa F. | 13 November 2008 at 18:12
Fab detail great heads up and oh my I could rant about ethnic for years. Please it is archaic and a dreadful way to talk about other cultural influences.
Posted by: Make Do Style | 13 November 2008 at 18:15
So much choices, it's actually hard to settle down for a few pieces!
Posted by: giancinephile | 13 November 2008 at 18:21
OMG I LOVE it all! The rope dress, the Rodarte style knits, the floral blazer (especially the floral blazer!), the Emma Cook shoes, even the union jack blazer looks good! God I better have a job before this lot comes in!!!
Posted by: DJM | 13 November 2008 at 18:41
Wow that isn't Rodarte inspired, that's practically a copy! And I love it! It looks great. If they are going to charge 3k+ for their pieces, then it's only fair! I love the swimsuits as well. The neon jewelry choker is also very Tom Binns. Some great great things here, and how lucky that you are actually able to beg Nicholas to get you those shoes....
Posted by: meg | 13 November 2008 at 19:11
What's betting half of this stuff wont go into production? I always dread seeing these previews because I set my heart on things only to find out there was never any intention of actually making them for the stores.
Posted by: Lou | 13 November 2008 at 19:19
<3 those lilac strappy heels.
Posted by: miss woo | 13 November 2008 at 19:23
Do we have any idea of when these will be in the shops? Must have pixelated floral thing...
Posted by: Brooke Alexandra | 13 November 2008 at 19:59
OMGoodness! The shoes! Especially the Emma Cook ruffled ones! Will have to keep checking topshop everyday for these! I love!
Posted by: Brigadeiro | 13 November 2008 at 20:05
those of us who can't afford rodarte are happy to see the copy! i heart topshop.
Posted by: cathy | 13 November 2008 at 21:04
i am just blown away by the emma cook shoes. goo gooo gaaah gah...lol
Posted by: fashionispoison | 13 November 2008 at 21:42
A lot of fun stuff. I have the urge to see it in person.
Posted by: WendyB | 13 November 2008 at 21:55
The shoes are especially wonderful, my favorites being the very bright ones and the taupe Preen ones.
Posted by: KD | 13 November 2008 at 21:59
You may be wondering what that wee little sobbing sound is....well that's me, crying here on my keyboard because I live in Canada, a shopping wasteland. I will have to make a trek to NY when the Topshop FINALLY opens...I must have some of those shoes at the very least!
Posted by: AngieMontreal | 13 November 2008 at 22:11
The platform heels with the exaggerated ruffles are gorgeous.
Posted by: lisa | 13 November 2008 at 22:12
OH MY!!!! I am in love with the shoes....especially the first ones and the Emma Cook ones.....And the rodarte-like knit....
Oh my credit card will hate me even more if these things pop up in the online shop.
Posted by: Mies | 13 November 2008 at 22:18
i think i want to be a fly on the wall of that showroom..
the louis vuitton-esque heels are pretty fantastic... louis-eat your heart out.
love SOS
Posted by: SOS! | 13 November 2008 at 22:21
It seems like forever that Topshop has been trying to open a shop here in NY! Wonder what the problem is?
Posted by: Janavi | 13 November 2008 at 22:31
hehe... i love to use ethnic in a european context.... ooh so we're having a schnitzel tonite? i love ethnic food! imagine the looks i got when i did this to the brits re: egg & cress with ribena.
;)
i must say the shoes are quite impressive... and the white swimsuit...swoon. hehe... try walking around like a topshop beauty queen.
Posted by: lady covetd | 13 November 2008 at 22:33
I love those shoes but I've had to learn the hard way that living in paris + huge heels doesn't work. not acceptable.
Posted by: lux | 13 November 2008 at 22:39
never thought i'd want union flag shorts. but these i love...
Posted by: sopchan | 13 November 2008 at 22:41
I didn't realise the NY store hadn't opened yet. Lovely post, I can't wait to try that jersey blazer on, it's lovely!! Got to love the clever pixelised floral pattern, can't wait to see that in store either!
Posted by: winnie | 13 November 2008 at 23:02
OH MY GAAAOOOOOOWWWTTTTT, those shoes and those fluo necklaces are really to die for
and thank you for linking me suzy!
Posted by: ivania | 13 November 2008 at 23:22
Oooh, the Preen shoes! I caught a quickquick peek at them when I was backstage for NYFW (I was there to look at the make-up, not the clothes) and was very intrigued -- I had a feeling you would be too!
Posted by: Jeanne | 13 November 2008 at 23:34
Gosh. I want the rope cage dress, fringe-y cardigan, floral blazer and rodarte type tights!
AHHHH
Posted by: The Stylish Wanderer | 13 November 2008 at 23:48
OH, Susie, despite my slight hatred for Topshop, I LOVE STYLEBUBBLE more than life ITSELF.
Posted by: Frances | 14 November 2008 at 00:12
Ahh, the rope-cage and all the fringe is making me crazy!
Posted by: Shen-Shen | 14 November 2008 at 01:27
That all looks amazing! Those Emma Cook shoes are beatiful to say the least! I'm also very keen on the mopped up fringe coat and the nautical swimpiece... and of course the whole TS Unigue collection!
I also completly agree with you about the "ethnic" thing. Really, is there any other word to descibe something that's in a style from another country than your own? Ethnic REALLY doesn't narrow it down much!
Thanks for the pictures, they all turned out very well!
<3<3<3
Posted by: niceandshiny | 14 November 2008 at 01:32
amazing@
love those emma cook shoes.
Posted by: Mike | 14 November 2008 at 02:15
That floral blazer is so '80s!
Posted by: enc | 14 November 2008 at 02:27
INSANITY.
i love the shoes.
Posted by: Jey | 14 November 2008 at 02:27
You are such a dutiful picture taker, thanks for an awesome detailed post!
Posted by: Eyeliah | 14 November 2008 at 05:10
some interesting shoes
Posted by: Prêt à Porter P | 14 November 2008 at 05:27
awesome pictures! i love living vicariously through you susie..
this is making me want to go shopping REALLY bad. and wishing there was a topshop in the US that was open. and close to me.
Posted by: la petite fashionista | 14 November 2008 at 05:57
You should so get that rope cage dress!!! I want the fringey stuff!
Posted by: Katlin | 14 November 2008 at 06:05
I hereby declare Kate Moss is Queen
Yes.
It shall be so.
great postings SusieBubble!
michele
the crafty cameleon in California
Posted by: Michele | 14 November 2008 at 06:23
Oh my gosh the shoes take my breath away and the fact that there isn't a topshop close to me makes me die a hundred times over. thank you for sharing though.. i will just throw rocks at my shoes.. haha.. not really!
Ive also added your blog to my blog roll, I hope that's cool!
Posted by: alixrose | 14 November 2008 at 08:44
I'd go for the rope dress & ruffled shoes.
Posted by: kim | 14 November 2008 at 08:52
Thanks for the pics Susie, I was at home with an ear infection so it's nice to get a glimpse of everything I missed!
Posted by: Isabelle | 14 November 2008 at 09:38
Love the first lace-ups, the white and gold sandals, the beige fringed by topshop, the union blazer... OMG!!! You went straight to my basics!!!!!
Posted by: Shoegal | 14 November 2008 at 13:08
I love the ethnic skirt - sorry i meant the fringed skirt and the rope dress is great - nit something I would ever wear though.
Posted by: Style Eyes | 14 November 2008 at 14:20
The shoes are getting better each season!
Posted by: dl | 14 November 2008 at 14:29