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no40The final exclusive Alexander McQueen presentation had a strict personal photo ban, stating that specific media outlets would get official photographs of the outfits but that not just anybody could just leave w/ snapshots. But a NYTimes reporter snapped one on her iPhone anyway. Whoops.
Filed under: Announcements, Fashion, General | Tags: antiques, china, dinner parties, entertaining, Rummage, vintage
Whenever a store in St. Andrews closes I get a little bit excited just because there are so many companies and stores I would LOVE to see here and I’m always secretly hoping one of them will set up shop. When the art store of South Street closed I wasn’t hoping specifically for an antique store, but it was on the list. Rummage opened (across the street from Anyone For Tennis) about four weeks ago, and it’s already somewhat of a hit. It sells vintage clothing, and some antiques, along with locally designed jewelry (featured in Refet Afrique and Don’t Walk) and “pieces of interest”. There’s literally everything from full length fur coats to old photograph albums, and many of the coolest items (including china and dishes) go for under £15. We’re kind of entertaining freaks here at Saintandre.ws, so I immediately picked up some of the bone china and a silver plated coffee service (nice change from Starbucks takeaway cups) for very cheap. Other favorites were “love knot” mini vases (I think they would make unique ash trays, along with the dozens of old mismatched saucers and small dishes for sale), 1930’s road maps (cool wall coverings?) and yellow Depression glass goblets. I’m sure by now what with all the flat parties your wine glasses are completely broken, and Rummage is such a cool, reasonably priced place to find some authentic replacements for your kitchen. I like to remember that this vintage, antique look is what many interiors stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie try to recreate at a much steeper price. In fact the owner confessed that the reason she opened Rummage was to give students an alternative to the strange adventure that is IKEA. There aren’t that many clothes, at least not the immediately wearable type, but if you’re lucky you might find a 1940’s leather handbag or two. Stock is handpicked and goes fast, plus it is constantly changing. Check back often or peak in the window. You’ll probably see something you haven’t noticed before.
(photos by Saintandre.ws’s Sam McCulloch)
Filed under: Fashion
Midway through the FS:X after party we asked somebody what they thought about the actual fashion on show, and they gave us an answer which we think defines the evening pretty well. “If we had wanted to see real fashion, we would have gone to fashion week.” This isn’t a negative statement at all, this is just pointing out the realistic: that FS:X presented a well thought out production of very current fashions that pertain to the St. Andrews community, and even though they were not necessarily dramatically fashion-forward, the clothing presented was no less on point for the student body. We doubt fashion was the main reason most people went to FS:X. For most, the student designers, lingerie (for the guys), and the showcasing of a couple new spring trends was enough. What we’re trying to say is that nobody’s going to judge this show in serious relation to the rest of the fashion world, you know? And therefore, we’re giving the womenswear at FS:X a good review.
The show confirmed a couple things for us. Suits for women are back (slim and sexy). Trousers are back (a favorite of this spring’s wearable trends). Pastels are it, and so are nudes, brights, and effortless, feminine shapes and textures (nice contrast against the event’s industrial venue). Some favorites were the floor-length gowns, three in particular which were a new take on screen-siren (see photos below). Random observations: Elle Macpherson Intimates were striking and flattering, Stuart Gladstone, Nicole Farhi, and Georgina Goodman were favorites, and we wished there had been less Jack Wills (we know they were sponsors, but…)
As far as student design goes, as fellow, well, “student designers” we congratulate anyone who has the technical skill to put anything on the runway. Sewing a single piece of clothing is very difficult and complex, let alone a full collection. A personal favorite was the floor-length princess-esque gown done by Emma Sherlock.
We also loved the hair, something rough and primal and curled beyond recognition. It juxtaposed some of the fashions, something “a little bit off but a whole lot of pretty”.
(photos courtesy of Nina Zietman and Ben Goulter)
Okay it’s not just the UK, it’s the whole world. Through the internet (whatever it counts). The All-American classic-with-a-twist brand will be sold on British based website Net-A-Porter in May, with limited edition colors and styles. You should know this, but in case you don’t, J Crew is a lifestyle brand (covering everything from baby clothes to bridesmaid dresses) but one that delivers with impeccable clarity of purpose (as a label, they really don’t try to be something they’re not, don’t get sidetracked too far into fads, and focus very much on wearable, elegant pieces for the young professional). Anyway, you’ll soon be able to buy their pieces online, which will be fabulously convenient for stocking up on staples like classic tank tops and suiting. Their jewelry is also fantastic: trendy, unique, and not too expensive (check out the pastel crystal collection if you get the chance).
Filed under: AW10, Designer Apparel, Fashion, St. Andrews Style | Tags: A/W 2010, burberry, Burberry Prorsum, Rainy Days
Wow it sure is disgusting outside. That’s what we get for having a couple days of (cold) sun. You can see for yourself that it’s raining and windy and that there’s this gross kind of fitful snow. Kind of makes you want to wear something structured and dark and mysterious yet responsible looking. Here are my favorite of the Burberry Prorsum F/W looks. They’re not too much of a stretch in terms of St. Andrews “themes” but I like how wearable they are. A girl who wears these clothes would actually go to her lectures, and I bet she’d have smart things to say in her tutorials too.
(photos via Vogue France)
Don’t ask me to explain the title. It’s an inside joke. I just wanted to pass along the information that the coming Dirty Disco (at Catch this Thursday) should be the biggest, loudest Dirty Disco ever. The crew is teaming up with St. Andrews Audio Solutions, so the massive speaker system that is typically in Ma Belles (think BLEEP! nights and St. Andrews Loves Haiti) is being moved across the street and down the hill, along with a huge lights system. They’re going to be opening the aquarium and putting up an extra bar in there too (so you won’t be squashed by some sweaty drunk person while you’re waiting for your drink).
On the decks will be Tom Lockyer and Alex Brooks along with a warm up set by Chris McCormick. Tickets look set to be £3 and are only available on the door, so I’m going early. Here’s the event.
As someone who has spent all their money on her social life this semester, I am more than open to any ideas that allow one to update their pre-existing wardrobe at little cost. Bags are usually too expensive, any belt I wear has to have extra holes punched in it, and I am too weird about my hair to put any accessories on my head. But socks…socks are doable. I never warmed up to those over-the-knee socks (scared stiff I’d look like Jenny Humphrey) but some of my favorite spring shows exhibited low socks being worn with towering heeled sandals, and plenty of designers have kept showing this combination for F/W. I mean, love it. The pairing of tube socks with extra high heels just injects this dainty, lady-like quality to anything you’re wearing, and you can try so many combinations that you probably won’t get bored for a while. I especially like how the look tones down pieces with lots of hard wear (the oceans of studs we’ve been dealing with for months). Some designers, like Marni and Anna Sui have done it with flat sandals, though this might be less flattering on some.
Most designers that I’ve seen have been matching the socks and sandals, or at least putting them in the same color family. The socks have been lacy, sheer, and oh so delicate – so if you can’t find socks like that, grab some cheap tights in the same color as the sandals you’re wearing and snip off the feet to tube sock length. You get that dainty, sheer look and if you’re me, you probably have SO many pairs of tights you never wear, or black stockings with holes in them from tough nights out. Black sparkly tights can be cut off to look like Dior (see below). Since the socks are often meant to be all scrunched up, it plays the part. Anyway, here’s a gallery of socks/sandals combinations that I wish I could wear everywhere: (Dior, Marni, Burberry Prorsum, and a random of Leighton Meester that’s fun).
(photos via InStyle.com and ad-idem)
Filed under: Announcements
…With much love and many good vibes from the team at Saintandre.ws
(photograph is from FFFFOUND!)
Filed under: Fashion
With shock and sadness that I comment on the passing of Lee Alexander McQueen. It seems inadequate to say that the British designer was a visionary who has left an irrevocable mark on the fashion world. His work was and certainly always will be a deeply moving source of inspiration. Undoubtably he will remain an icon for anyone who values the avant garde and values the benefits of testing our boundaries as artists. In short, he pushed the limits. Rest In Peace.
A few months ago, in a particular boutique sneak peak and video we talked about designer Christpher Raeburn, an up and coming guy who since his graduation from the RCA in 2006 has enjoyed a cult following for his outerwear (parkas and such). His most recently coveted products are ponchos and raincoats (and more parkas) made out of recycled parachute materials. Sure, using parachutes as fabric sounds a little weird and might be a leap for the shy dresser, but the pieces bright and fun pretty rambunctious. Raeburn’s Digital Rainbow collection involves translucent hoodies, and see-through raincoats that fold away into “Jellyfish” carry bags, complete with lazer cut-outs and plenty of ethics and moral consciousness.
Anyway, to the point: we just wanted to remind you of the fact that these clever coats (just listed in March Vogue as cutting edge “revitalised streetwear”) are special ordered into St. Andrews’ own Fox & Bhut…and that we told you so, here and here. Go get one for yourself, and read about Raeburn in March Vogue under “Born Recruit”. At the very least, check out the window display on Bell Street.
