Callooh Callay, Rivington Street, EC2A

When I met up with H on Tuesday she suggested going to this cool bar called Callooh Callay on Rivington Street, EC2A. Hilariously I hadn't heard of it- yet realised I walked past it (at least) twice a day when I worked on Charlotte Road which goes to show just how unobservant I can be. I didn't feel too bad though after finding out it doesn't open until 6pm... Callooh Callay is primarily a cocktail bar (which has quite an extensive magazine style menu of old, new and weird cocktails) and table service which was great- until we got the bill complete with a compulsory service charge. If I'd thought about it not only would I have gone to the bar myself, but why stop there when I could have used my bottle opener key ring to take the lid off my beer myself- for free!! Intriguingly they only had one beer available which was Viru brewed in Estonia (and really rather lovely). So taken was I with the shape of the bottle that I asked if I could keep it as it’s really cool and art deco-y, but I also felt like I needed to leave with something to compensate for the horrendous prices. To be fair though the staff were really nice and our bartender even taped it up for me.

Callooh Callay was really cool inside with a gramophone on the bar and lots of chandeliers and mis-fitting tables and chairs. It was really kooky and dimly lit and I can imagine it’d be a great place to go for a couple on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday night. My only criticism (other than the pricing) would be that it’s a tad small. What was really fun about it and the point of this post is that to get to the toilets you had to go through a wooden bookcase and inside the toilets every wall visible was decorated with old cassette tapes which I think is a cracking idea. All in all a good drinking hole if you’ve got a hot date or want to flash the cash, otherwise £4.30 for a beer and £7-£12 for a cocktail isn’t exactly going to give Wetherspoons any competition- and in a recession I know where you’ll be likely to find me!

Traditional London phonebox left to go to ruin, WC2H

As I was out and about on Tuesday I was walking behind Tottenham Court Road bus station and saw this phone box and was rather outraged. There are so few traditional phone boxes left in London that I was baffled to see it treated with such disrespect by Londoners, but also by Camden Council... I mean hello what are rubbish and street collectors doing? It really wound me up as not only is it unsightly, but you can't actually use it for obvious reasons and there are probably vermin having a party in there. I just thought it was really sad. However my spirits were lifted slightly when several passersby saw that I was taking a photo of it and were commented that they were just as disgusted by it as I was and am- think I might make a point of going back to it to see if it's been cleaned up... if only I worked near there! Hmmm... this could get very interesting...

SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution at Somerset House

Earlier today I wandered down to Somerset House to see the SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution exhibition. I figured as I was having lunch with a certain sister on the Strand it made sense to pop in to while away my afternoon, and as luck would have it Somerset House also doubled up as a lovely shelter from the rain. Faced with a £5 entrance fee I was pleasantly surprised, as I was expecting to pay in excess of £10, but at the same time I was a tad sceptical that there wouldn’t be enough on display to keep me entertained for my money. To say that I was wrong would be an understatement and I can honestly say that this exhibition was a real treat. If you’re interested in fashion and are looking for an exhibition to get lost in- then this one is for you. I actually almost made myself late for drinks with H this evening as I completely lost track of time and spent in excess of two hours in there which is a record, even for me.

SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution, charts this rise of the iconic site from its creation in 2000 and was bursting with installations of some of the best videos, podcasts, interviews and most importantly their live projects. Split over two levels, as I entered I was greeted with a room comprised entirely of mirrors that were designed to make each person entering ‘really’ look at their reflection. Luckily as I entered there were two teenagers excitedly bounding around taking photos of themselves, so in order not to spoil their picture (yeah, right) I snuck through avoiding my reflection at all costs. As I entered the next room I was faced with the giant 3-D sculpture of Naomi Campbell. As impressive and imposing as it was I was a bit scared of saying anything near it as I knew that there were hidden microphones, however in hindsight it would have been good to get involved.

For me there were many personal highlights in this exhibition. I think the best was watching a loop of the project ‘More Beautiful Women’ which pays homage to Andy Warhol’s ‘Thirteen Most Beautiful Women’ screen tests of 1964. It’s such a simple idea where Nick Knight invited several iconic models from the 1960’s through to the present day and asked them to stand in front of a video camera for two minutes. Models involved were Twiggy, Marie Helvin, Kate Moss, Liberty Ross, Stella Tennant and Gisele to name but a few. The best one that I saw was that of Stephanie Seymour who looked rather bored throughout and remarked ‘This is the longest two minutes of my life!’ which I thought was absolutely hilarious!

Another project I really enjoyed, and regretfully was unaware of until today was the 2004 collaboration between Brad Pitt and SHOWstudio titled ‘Freedom of Love’. The short film showed Pitt frantically painting over an enlarged passport sized photograph of himself adding in captions and blurbs, whilst reciting Breton’s sixty line poem of the same name. I thought this was really original and something I would never have expected to see within this exhibition, and was surprised that Brad Pitt was the subject. In all honesty I wouldn’t have thought he’d be game for something like this- which just goes to show that you or at least I shouldn’t always judge celebrities.

Near the end of the exhibition by the gift shop there was a small section dedicated to Fashion Film, which was comprised of a reel of 16 short films created for SHOWstudio. My favourite one was titled ‘Sheena is a Punk Rocker’ and saw a topless and rather energetic Kate Moss doing some sort of frantic dancing which was quite punky and saw her head banging. I really enjoyed this as I feel it showed much more of her personality than you would usually see in a still image and also had a funny moment at the end where she started ripping the red paper roll background and gets so into it that she suddenly drops, and well it was one of those classic buckle moments that for me makes her even more endearing... Watch it now!

Any fans of SHOWstudio.com would absolutely love this exhibition as it was great to see highlights of the work together in one place, but most importantly it was humbling to see how fashion in general has progressed during this past decade which I feel can partly be credited to Nick Knight, the wealth of contributors and of course the unsung heroes that are the SHOWstudio team. Everyone and anyone will comment on the wonders of technology and how its advancements have done so much for many industries, but I truly believe fashion is a completely different ball game to what it was ten years ago when SHOWstudio.com was a mere idea.

I feel that as a keen fashion enthusiast and frequent visitor of SHOWstudio.com even I didn’t realise until seeing it laid out tangibly before me, just how much this project has achieved to date. It has really pushed the boundaries of what is possible and helped guide fashion into the mainstream sphere by applying and manipulating all the modern technologies to bring it to the masses, most importantly looking forward to new and innovative ways to make fashion accessible to anyone and everyone who has even the slightest interest.

Whilst any of the things on display (bar the garments) can be viewed (on a smaller scale) on the SHOWstudio.com website, it was definitely a whole other experience seeing everything collated together on such a large scale. The best thing I thought about the exhibition, and is coincidentally the primary reason I would urge people to visit; is the interactive element that is impossible to get from our computers at home. This exhibition truly stimulated my brain and several senses as there was so much to see, hear and touch, that if anything it was almost overwhelming. I realise until I’ve been getting so excited writing about it, but I honestly believe that this is the best exhibition I’ve been to so far this year, hands down. Take a look at some of the extra pics...

SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution is running until 20 December.

Experimenting with Photoshop part 2

Experimenting with Photoshop part 1

Street Style, WC2 21.09.09

This afternoon I hit the streets of Soho armed with my camera looking for some great outfits and people with a clear sense of style for new trend blog Street Hunting Club. Unfortunately for me a lot of the uber cool fashion types weren't interested in having their photos taken- you know who you are! Persevering I stumbled upon a few stylish people (pictured below) and even managed to drum up an invitation for a one-on-one make up session this weekend by a lovely lady who works at Selfridges....
As you can see from the below images I didn't go out specifically looking to find people all following the same trend, rather I wanted to capture cool dressers who follow their own trends. Loving the young lady at the bottom who is rocking a really cute shirt and shorts combo, accesorised with the addition of pearls, bow headband and vintage belt. She looks very New Romantics meets Parisian chic with a little bit of emo thrown in for good measure- and it works so well. Absolutely love the lady below everything from the shoes to the hair and the cardigan works well and compliment each other and she's obviously not afraid to stand out... I like this look a lot and would love to raid her wardrobe, as I'm sure she has lots of great pieces which look even more amazing when worn together! Let's not forget the men who are also looking very dapper; one with an on-trend check shirt and statement shoes, the other in a great fitting suit, stylish accessories and a mod inspired haircut. Think I'm going to have to harrass people on the streets of London more often...

East End Thrift Store- Giant Jumble Sale today and tomorrow...

A few days ago my lovely sister invited me to attend a big sale of sorts at the  East End Thrift Store in Whitechapel. The idea is to fill a small bag for £10 or a large bag for £20.
Armed with my camera I headed off quite early this morning, and when we arrived (just an hour after they opened) the place was inundated with eager thrift shoppers. As we walked upstairs to the never-before-seen first floor we were met with a crowd of people endlessly trawling through piles on piles of clothing.
Whilst there were definitely some good items mixed in, the place looked a bit untidy and chaotic so I decided photographs might not be such a good idea, however I did snap everything I bought once I'd got it home (see pictures below). All in all great morning- I walked away with 7, yes 7 items for £10. Granted a couple of things need altering, but I've got a sewing machine sao fingers crossed I don't fuck it up. So excited about my navy purchases!!!
The sale is also on tomorrow so get yourselves down there pronto.

The Thames Festival

Yesterday myself any my family headed down to the Thames Festival, organised by Boris Johnson. Suffice to say it was overcrowded and not really all that great, although we still had fun as it was a beautiful day... There were lots of great attractions on display, but as it was so overcrowded I would say that the majority of people didn't get to appreciate them.

The highlight of the day for me was seeing some of the installations and attractions set up on the river's beach when the tide was out... 'What a joker!' is all I have to say on the man above just chilling with his little lunchbox... so cute and weird...

Window shopping in Topshop

Ignoring my better judgement I visited Topshop a couple of days ago under strict instructions that I was to window shop only. Naturally I gave in and felt I had to purchase something so snapped up two basic vests for the bargain price of £9.00. Satisfied that I had bought something justifiable, (in that most of my basics have seen better summers), I was able to look at all the new stock without feeling compelled to spend more money that I don’t have.
The first item I found worth making note of was this beautiful two tiered dress by Reko (pictured above). As anyone who knows me well will tell you I was drawn to this dress largely due the navy blue skirt as this is one of my favourite colours especially when it comes to clothes. I love everything about this dress from the kooky and playful polka dot bow pattern on top, down to the delicate pleats of the skirt and the central oversized bow detail at the waist. Mostly I loved the simplicity of this dress’s shift design as its one of those staple wardrobe pieces that can be worn for almost any occasion making it a bargain piece At £40.00.
Another garment I found and felt compelled to bring to your attention was this grey sweater dress (pictured above). Designed as what I can only assume to be a transitional wardrobe piece to be worn from the end of summer through autumn. On the surface this looks like a lovely fine knit sweater dress, but on closer inspection, whilst made and finished really well the bottom skirt added to the dress just doesn’t sit right neither on the hanger nor myself.
After looking on the Topshop website I have found another similarly offensive dress (pictured above). Whilst I think I just about get where the Topshop designers were coming from adding an alternative skirt to the bottom, I feel that they perhaps used too much fabric which ends up looking a bit OTT. I definitely like the contrasting colours and cute ditsy floral print from the dress I tried on; however as it’s a much lighter cotton fabric it doesn’t serve to weight down the hem of the dress properly, instead making it very frilly and an easy target for the often flirtatious autumn wind. At £38.00 it’d definitely be worth a punt (as they say in Dragon’s Den), however I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking to get maximum mileage for their money.
Final image courtesy of Topshop.com

Sex and the City 2: Flashback to the '80s

Yesterday eagerly anticipated images were leaked from the NYC set of Sex and the City 2, due for release in spring 2010. Pictures emerged of our four favourite Manhattan residents Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbes and charlotte York wearing a variety of fetching outfits revived from the depths of the worst ‘80s wardrobes. Clearly influenced by the ‘80s flashback trend seen on the FW09 catwalks, the four were papped shooting flashback scenes which pre date the original HBO hit series.
Carrie and Samantha had the most outlandish outfits by far (pictured above). With Carrie channelling an early Madonna complete with corset, tutu, pearls, fishnets, and the obligatory big hair looking as over the top as I would have imagined her when she first moved to Manhattan in the early ‘80s. In keeping with her character Samantha opted for a more punk influenced ensemble, complete with studded denim waistcoat, snake skin effect fishnet leggings and the biggest perm I’ve seen since the emergence of glam rock!
Miranda as the professional of the group was snapped wearing a hideous variety of unflattering power suits and a particularly fetching bowl haircut making her look by far the worst (pictured above). The Upper East Side princess Charlotte looked rather similar to her modern day appearance, dressed in a preppy polo-shirt, skirt and cardigan combo. The only ‘80s influence visible was her ever so slightly back combed hair- and what on earth are those pink pompoms doing on the heels of her trainers??? (pictured below)
The influence of the legendary SATC stylist Patricia Field is clearly visible in these shots and I’m so excited to see how she dresses the cast reflecting the financial constraints of the 'credit crunch'. Absolutely can’t wait for the sequel due for release next May. And with the legendary Bette Midler snapped on set, rumour has it that she will play the role of Carrie’s mother. With a canny resemblance to SJP I think Bette Midler would be a brilliant addition to the cast and with the two working so well together when they played witches in 1993’s ‘Hocus Pocus’ I for one cannot wait.

Images courtesy of the official Sex and the City website and Daily Mail Online respectively.