TOPCOAT X the haute heel

CHOO, LIM + TWIRLY EARRINGS.          Topcoat blog has been one of my sources of inspiration since I started the haute heel. I absolutely love Arden's impeccable taste in editorials and accessories; every time I take a look at her newest post I am always delighted to find my favourite faces and styles showcased, which is why I approached her to do this illustration collaboration with me. From her choices it is quite apparent that she loves delicate interwoven lines and beautiful craftsmanship. Whilst painting/ drawing the Philip Lim Pashli bag I can most definitely vouch that it is an extremely complicated and well made accessory that is definitely worth its $800+ .

Here are Arden's top 3 most coveted items...












3:1 PHILIP LIM PASHLI CROC BAGMALLARINA GUADALUPE 24-CARAT GOLD EARRINGSJIMMY CHOO FLAXMAN CAGE SANDALS

Style, Illustrated.

VALENTINO DRIVING GLOVES, VAVA VOOM BAG + STUDDED SANDALS

CHLOE AURORE IN RED

I will be featuring various bloggers and people whose style I admire by illustrating their most coveted items. If you are interested please email [email protected] with up to 3 links/attachments to your top picks and I will get back to you if I am showcasing your blog and choices!

Missing pieces

LAUNDRY DAY II          I recently found some of these photos that I didn't get the first time round that are from one of my favourite shoots and I just had to share them with you...







See the rest here

Gold Cracker

VELVET AND GOLD.      This dress always reminds me of The Nutcracker ballet because of their doll- like costumes and the fantastical, animated toys. I really hope to see it at the Royal Opera House in December! This dress is very special to me as it was made by my mother for her wedding reception years ago, before she allowed me to have my way with the hemline. If you are wondering why my eyes/face is non- existent, it is because whilst reviewing the photos I discovered that I had a killer's eyes that day. Next time I know to wear sunglasses.






photos by Ivan P.

CAPE-MASSIMO DUTTI

VELVET BOW TIE-D&G

TIGHTS-TABIO

CLUTCH-D&G

RING-DIOR FINE JEWELRY 

Midas Touch

GOLD RUSH.      A lot of my favourite looks on style blogs feature these amazing gold cuffs and chokers that have a fetishist edge to them. A little googling brought to my attention these incredibly affordable and beautiful pieces that really change the attitude of an outfit and define your personality. My personal favourite is the twin cuffs as I love that gold ankle- clad look, especially with towering black high heels.











































GOLD COLLAR
SPIKE NECKLACE
GOLD CUFF WITH STONE
GOLD WATERFALL CUFF
ANKLE/ WRIST CUFFS
KARA ROSS GOLD NECKLACE
ILEANA MAKRI

Floral Lace

AUTUMN RAYS.      I love contrasts between sheer and opaque and how light produces this effect. The glow of fall is so ethereal in its transparency yet it casts the most distinct shapes and patterns by shadows. The lace shirt is one of my favourite new editions and while it is still above freezing I decided to wear it as it is, without a slip and make up for the chill with wearing my velvet blazer.














LACE SHIRT-FANPLACE (COVENT GARDEN)

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2012 Trunk Show

PEEP SHOW.        Here is an extremely private (literally) viewing of the Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2012 collection that is currently travelling the world and in London over the weekend. Some of these pieces have to be requested or viewed by appointment which makes them incredibly special. My friend invited me along to a fitting where the stylist, with questionable taste (we did not approve of the purple fur with the 1950's style dress) picked out exclusive looks for her. We absolutely love the embellished empire- line dress which is extremely heavy and wonderfully adorned with sequin flowers and beads on sheer lace.

Which is your favourite?

Sequins + Pearls

GIVENCHY+CHANEL.        The Givenchy look is pretty amazing and could possibly be paired with my sequin manicure? What I love most about the sequin eyes is that when the reflective face hits the light it adds a little glow to the top of your brow bone. The pearl dotted Chanel makeup look resembles delicate piercings, or milky barnacles, whichever is more appealing. These looks may be spring/ summer but they are so festive and decorative that they should not be confined to one season or make us wait until next year!







The 'how to' is easy, cut a sequin in half and use eyelash glue to stick it just below your lower lash line.

images appropriated from Vogue.com

Bumble bee

FRIDA OFF DUTY.       I have never posted street-style photos before but this one of Frida shot by Vanessa Jackman totally stole my heart. I love her girlish pout, those blossoming lips slightly parted, the origins of a smile. Her outfit is ladylike yet contemporary and the simple, minimalist approach seems to be the 'modern' look.

The Supers

GIRL PANIC.       My friend sent me the hottest video ever, I was quite surprised at how good this is. Usually when there are videos with dialogue and models, they are almost embarrassing to watch if not for the incredible wardrobe and the stunning faces delivering those totally unbelievable lines. (I'm talking about Lagerfield's cinematic work here, Shanghai was SHOCKING). The Supers for Duran Duran is incredible... see for yourself.

Midnight in London

LIBRARY.         A few days ago I managed to catch the last showings of Midnight in Paris which I found intoxicating in its beauty and simplicity. The story line was a dream and the costumes were entrancing to watch as the 1920's characters pranced about the city with champagne in their hand and jewels in their hair. There were so many literary and artistic references I could not help but fall in love with the film and it has been a long time since the cinema has taken my breath away and replaced it with a beaming smile.
























signed shoe by Jimmy Choo









photos by Gillian D :)


BLAZER-D&G
DRESS-REISS
NECKLACE-CUSTOMISED BY ME
SHOES-JIMMY CHOO COUTURE
PONY HAIR CLUTCH-D&G