I found Dagmar last year when I saw this skirt on the naughty-but-nice Net-a-Porter site. Its green camouflage pattern is really flattering, and the zips on the side make it a little more fun than a normal pencil skirt would be. It's also very stretchy, so even on 'fat days' I can fit into it. I've worn the skirt so many times now that I think a lot of people think its sewn onto to me; still it doesn't show any signs of wear and tear. Plus it can just be shucked into the washing machine time and time again.
Here I am wearing my Dagmar skirt, posing with the Moomin troll.
This is why I like a lot of Swedish brands; even H&M - which after all is a value fashion brand - makes items that last a lot longer than their British or Spanish counterparts. I''m not naming any names, but you know that irritation when a t-shirt turns bobbly or stretched after just one wear and wash. Or when the label tells you that a simple skirt of shirt needs dry cleaning - or worse still - the label says 'Do not wash'. What is that all about?
Swedish House of Dagmar is a quirky label, designed by three Swedish sisters. Tall, blonde and beautiful, I'd have to hate them, would they not produce such fun an wearable clothes.
The three beautiful and talented sisters behind the Dagmar label
One of their most important fans is the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria, so once again I'm wearing clothes favoured by Royalty. I must be getting old.
A few years ago, during a critique session on my
MA in Creative Writing course, a fellow student pointed out that I often
described what my characters were wearing in some considerable detail. This
wasn't a criticism as such, she said, but just something she'd noticed. (We’d
had a lot of lessons together as this point) Her own short stories were a completely
different style to mine - much more abstract - and she said reading my work
made her go back and check that her characters were in fact wearing clothes.
That she wasn't inadvertently writing stories with naked people in them.
I was thinking back to this conversation while
(trying to) write the sequel to The Englishman, but being constantly distracted
by email offers from various online fashion stores. Because, as you may have
noticed by now, I am a bit of a fashion addict. Not that I pretend to know
anything about fashion, but I love looking at designer clothes.
But I digress. What I wanted to know is, is it
important to describe what the characters in a book are wearing?
Obviously, I think so.
What she or he wears says so much about a
person, doesn’t it? I don’t wish to put my characters into in neat little boxes
according to their clothes (a caricature is a dirty word in writing circles), but
I think it’s fun to describe the nuances of a character by their outfits.
In The Englishman, for instance, I needed Kaisa
to immediately fall head over heels in love with Peter, so I gave him a sexy
uniform to wear when they first meet. (OK, this part of the book was based on actual events, so I
didn’t make it up, but you see what I mean?).
In Coffee and Vodka, I described the different characters
of the two sisters, Anja and Eeva, in the way they carried their clothes. Anja is a much more flamboyant and confident
girl, while Eeva is a bit of a dreamer and less sure of herself. When the two
girls were dressed by their mother in identical stripy Marimekko t-shirts and
white trousers, for their ferry journey across to Sweden, Anja’s outfit made
her look like a young Brigitte Bardot, while Eeva felt her clothes were too big
for her, and shapeless.
In The Red King of Helsinki, Iain, the English
naval officer turned spy, struggles to wear clothes warm enough for the harsh
Finnish winter, while my seventeen-year-old sleuth, Pia, is highly fashion
conscious. Pia’s clothing oozes confidence while Peter’s lack of weather
awareness shows a worrying level of incompetence.
Of course clothes and the fashions of the time
serve well in reminding the reader of the period the book is set in. Because the story in Coffee and Vodka straddles
two eras, it was important for me to dress Eeva appropriately when we meet her as a grown-up (professional, compassionate teacher of Swedish). Later I also
use her clothes to show how her attitude to herself and to the people around
her change. I won’t reveal any more of the plot, because I don’t want to spoil the ending,
but if you’ve read the book, I’m sure you’ll see what I mean.
So, while I’m just nipping over to Net-a-Porter
to check out today’s new arrivals, instead of writing, I’ll be secure in the
knowledge that this is just research, and not at all a pleasure...
What do you think? Is it important to know what
the characters in a book are wearing?
What kind of character
would wear this Miu Miu spotted coat?
Image: www.netaporter.com
When in Helsinki I rarely miss a visit to Stockmann's department store. This shop is a bit of a Selfridges of Helsinki, and you'd be pushed to want something they don't stock. Especially the food hall downstairs is so moorish, I have to be really careful not to buy it all up! (Suitcase issues are always a problem when I'm travelling).
Edible roses…or
Strawberries and blueberries...
...or a rye sandwich to go?
Another place which I rarely miss is the large Marimekko store on North Esplanade, as I am a bit of a Marimekko freak. I've been brought up on the stuff after all!
This is me wearing the classic Raitapaita
circa 1970…!
You can imagine my delight when a friend asked me last Saturday if I'd like to go to the outlet store (Tehtaanmyymälä) in East Helsinki, near the newly branded shopping centre, Itis. I didn't even know such a thing existed!
Although some of the stuff in the Tehtaanmyymälä is not that heavily discounted (dresses were only down from 129 Euros to 119 Euros, for example), you can still find some fantastic bargains, like this classic striped t-shirt. I've head several of these Raitapaita t-shirts over the years, so I thought it was about time to get another one. I found a perfect summer combo: Navy and white, and it was discounted in the Marimekko Outlet store. Couldn't really say no…?
These are my other finds: the dress is from the current collection, but I couldn't resist as it's really thin fabric and perfect for a beach to bar cover up (we are off on holiday soon; can't wait).
Another great Finnish clothing store which a good friend recommends for businesswear is Andiata. They do good quality suits, shirts and dresses for special occasions. The fit is just right, and when in Finland I buy one or two pieces. This time I went for this sleeveless cotton shirt. It was so comfortable to wear I tried to get another one in white (you know me and my serial shopping problem), but they had run out of my size everywhere. (Andiata can also be found at Stockmann's).
A very different store, which I'd not visited before is Moko Market and Cafe. It's a sort of Finnish Anthropologie, although I was told Moko precedes the US store. This shop stocks quirky home wares and clothing from the Nordic countries, as well as French and American stuff.
The coffee they grind onsite is delicious, we brought home this breakfast blend, which was just perfect for a morning brew.
Finally, for me, a shopping trip in Helsinki would not be complete without a visit (or, erhm, half a day's browse) to Akateeminen Kirjakauppa. This vast bookshop on North Espalande has a coffee shop upstairs, called Aalto Cafe. Here you can hear literary discussions abound, or see refined Helsinki ladies having coffee and cakes.
Akateeminen Kirjakauppa has books on any subject in almost any language you may require. In short; a writer's heaven.
I love these old escalators.
This time I was also delighted to find a friendly face (or book cover) to remind me of London. In the biography section on the second floor I spotted Maggie and Me, salonista par exellance Damian Barr's recent book. I hope it'll soon be translated into Finnish and Swedish so everyone in Finland can enjoy this excellent biography.
In spite of now having no space at all in my suitcase, I bought three hardback books by new Finnish writers. I will report back soon on my book review site on these. Just as well my friend had room in her suitcase for my books. The same old story! (Kindle, what Kindle?)
I'm having a strange fashion moment; I've started to enjoy wearing dresses. And not just any dresses but dresses made by the high-street fashion store, Hobbs.
Yesterday on my trip to Birmingham to see daughter,
I wore my latest Hobbs dress acquisition.
I've been a fan of Hobbs for some time, but I've mainly bought things there for weddings and other traditional occasions, where I needed to - dare I say it - dress my age.
But recently, I've started to wear their patterned jersey dresses as an everyday item. And the other day, I found myself buying an outfit from their online shop sale, which when it arrived, I loved so much, I cannot wait to wear it.
For one thing the skirt is pleated. I didn't think I could wear this style, because I've never been able to carry off pleats due to my, ahem, feminine hips. But for some reason this skirt is different. Plus, the jacket skims my waist and hips so well, that it 'contains' the fullness of the skirt.
I know our newly crowned Princess Kate favours Hobbs too, but believe me this has in no way affected my sudden love of the store. For one, I am several sizes larger than she is (harumph!), and usually, if a Royal endorses a label, I run a mile.
Kate wearing a Hobbs dress this summer
Photo Grazia.co.uk
Plus I've always seen myself much more of a jeans wearing, rock-chick type, than the traditional dress-wearing sort, but there you are, I guess we all have to grow up at some point?
I thought I'd seen it all with reports that Suri Cruise is a fashion icon. She's, what, 6? It's crazy, right?
Suri in heels.
But today a picture of another 'coolest kid in fashion' emerged. Here she is, Aila, Alexander Wang's niece wearing - wait for it,
'A Chanel handbag a mini Alexander
Wang Rocco and the personal style of an off-duty model' - Grazia online
Am I the only person who thinks there's something wrong here?
Aila, looking bored in Front Row.
Aila is not the only kid in the Front Row; there's plenty of competition.
Jennifer Lopez with Emme.
Rodger Bergman and Skyler Zoe.
Victoria Beckham with Harper.
I understand that mothers and fathers sometimes need to take their children to work, but to parade your offspring in mini versions of designer gear is surely not right? How will these little boys and girls feel growing up in the glare of publicity? Will they always measure the degree of their success on how they look and on how expensive and exclusive their wardrobe is?
I know they're selling the designer clothes, the children's lines are a lucrative market, but still?
And this isn't just sour grapes. The fact that I couldn' afford little Aila's outfit (or a grown up version of it) in a million years has nothing to do with my views. When my lovely daughter was little, I really, really enjoyed dressing her in cute things, and equally still love going shopping with her. But I would never have paraded her in front of the world's paparazzi as some kind of arm candy, however famous I was. It's just cannot be good for their natural childhood development.
If, like me, you are still struggling to find the perfect Christmas gifts, there is a pop-up shop for one day only to be held at 7 Lambolle Place, Belsize Park, London NW3 4PD, which could solve all your tricky present-buying dilemmas.
The Last of the Christmas Pop-ups by Constant and True will take place on Friday 16th of December from noon till 7.30 pm. The items for sale include products from an exciting and exclusive range of designers and artists collaborations, as well as (you've guessed it!) books!
Constant and True design Victorian Punk; t-shirts for children and adults, and homeware by silk-printing iconic images combined with Victorian decoupage on organic and fine quality cotton fabrics. They've also produced a range of limited edition napkins created by artists, such a Gavin Turk.
Some of the Constant and True homeware
Made sheepskin produce rugs, cushions and buggy liners. They come in wonderfully vibrant colours and iconic designs. I love the little heart cushions that you can just see in the picture below. Their items can also be made to order.
Sheepskin eanbags
Gorgeous sheepskin cushions.
Plum cashmere have a selection of ponchos, mittens and scarves in finest cashmere yarns and colourways. This is the perfect gift for some-one who has everything. I have to admit to a personal connection here, but I can tell you that since I started this new venture I have barely been wearing anything else but 'my' cashmere. I now own two of these versatile ponchos and am trying very hard not to be tempted by a third one!
Cashmere poncho in red
England's Lane BooksIf you've read my blog before, you'll know that this is my favourite bookshop in the world. They will be bringing an interesting and festive selection of books to the pop-up shop. Just the thing to give to a difficult - or a very dear - person in your life!
Buying books is fun...
POSTED WAS A TEMPORARY EXHIBITION SPACE IN A FORMER POST OFFICE IN EAST LONDON THAT PRESENTED A SERIES OF ART EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES, SCREENINGS AND WORKSHOPS CELEBRATING THE POST AND EXPLORING AND EXAMINING OUR POSTAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE.
julia royse, director of posted, has commissioned three leading artists - tracey emin, georgie hopton and jane simpson - to design beautiful limited edition writing paper and cards. each artist created a special set of stationery that is personal to them and will encourage the return to hand-written correspondence.
Writing set by Tracey Emin
If you can come along, please do. There will be refreshments and lots of Christmas cheer. Bring along friends and be merry!
The Last of Christmas Pop-ups by Constant and True
7 Lambolle Place
London
NW3 4PD
Tube: Belsize Park/ Swiss Cottage
Pay and display parking in Lambolle Place - vouchers also available
As the weather's recently got quite autumnal I decided to start my annual summer to winter wardrobe sort out. At the end of the season I'm quite strict with myself and put summer in boxes and bring out the stuff that I've put away last spring, and vice versa for the winter clothes. This twice-a-year ritual is quite good for several reasons: it makes me look at my old clothes and accessories in a completely new light: every time there are several garments I've forgotten about. If things still fit me, the whole process makes me feel pretty good about myself - if they are loose, even better (this has only happened on one occasion years ago, but I live in hope). Finally, it's a way of discarding things which I've just not worn, or are past their best, or too tight (ouch) or too loose (jippee).
While going through my wardrobe at the weekend, I saw a couple of items that although I absolutely love, I just have never worn. Both are new and never worn: an Issa top and a pair of Parisian slouchy boots. Perfect for eBay!
Don't you sometimes miss good old fashioned high-street shopping? I get most of my clothes - even shoes - online now and never seem to have time to get some serious retail therapy in London. When we moved here a year ago (I know - doesn't time fly?) from the sticks, I imagined myself popping up to Selfridges and Liberty's - my favourite stores in London - almost every day. In reality, when I'm in town, I'm rushing from one place to another and very rarely have time to actually go into the shops.
That's why the letter I received today about a special Vogue shopping event taking place on 8th September in London was such a nice surprise. Fashion's Night Out event is already in its third year, but it seems such a fun idea. Bond Street is going to be traffic free; over 200 shops and stores are taking part and organising fashion shows, roller discos, pop-up restaurants and styling sessions.
This is just the boot up the whatsits I needed to take more time to shop in real shops. As silly as that sounds...!
