The Cambridge Satchel Company's Brand Evolution: S/S14 Looks Bright

Today I received some of the shiny new images from the S/S14 collection by the Cambridge Satchel Company, which has gone from strength to strength since its formation around a kitchen table back in 2008. This latest range shows just how determined the brand is to achieve longevity and not just be part of a short-term satchel trend. No wonder it's just had a cash injection of over £12 million from Index Ventures. Peach Pink and Bellflower Blue are going to be it-colours for the season, mark my words.

 [Images via Cambridge Satchel Company S/S14 launch and Google+ profile].

These longer strap options won't hang around for long this season.

 I would snap up this navy clutch in an instant.

Candy clutches (and traditional black) are sure to be successful.

Whilst I'm yet to get my hands on one of these bags, I can definitely see the appeal of their latest evolution into clutches, two-tone variants and long shoulder strap numbers. The key to keeping the brand fresh is to offer something desirable and different, as well as the same reliable models that the public knows them for. 

 Two tone works well in both of these colour ways.

Even small adjustments, such as panels made from leopard print or tartan fabric, Vivienne Westwood designed prints or iconic Harris Tweed, show that there is more than one ideal CSC customer and they will all be catered for. I've seen the Accessories Editor of Elle carrying a neon number at London Fashion Week, but I've also seen grandmas, students and mums buying into the brand as well. 

 There's nothing like a bit of punk spirit from a British brand.

Admittedly the designers could have easily become stuck in a rut of continually reinventing the wheel and trying not to shake up tradition, knowing how well the standard styles were selling, but instead they've tried new innovations and colour combinations regularly. Fluoro, double colour and metallic options have all proved popular, suggesting there's no let-up in satchel fever, and the company's products are stocked in over 100 countries. 

 These fluoro music bags would certainly brighten up a dull music lesson...

Taking a look at the latest styles, I have a feeling that Bellflower Blue is going to look great with S/S14 outfits, whilst the patent croc print clutches are real investment pieces for smarter occasions. The Cambridge Satchel Company has come a long way from its humble kitchen table beginnings, and I'll be eagerly anticipating its next move.

What to pack - and what to buy - in Thailand

So, it's been a little while since I returned from Thailand, but I've been dealing with a delightful inner ear infection, which meant that it's taken me a while to get back to normal. This means I've been a little late in filling you in on bright and bold Thai style, but I figured it would be better to wait until the room stopped spinning... call me old fashioned and all.

 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, at midday.

 The eco-friendly and fabulous Charm Churee Resort, Koh Tao.

Meeting a tiger for the first time.

Without further ado, this is what I'd advise for you to pack and to buy in order to make the most of a Thailand holiday, whether you're at the beach or in the temples.

 Looking out over Koh Nangyuan Island during a snorkelling stop-off.

Swimwear by Tu, sunglasses by Bromptons Opticians, Brighton.

With three members of my Contiki tour group, after tackling a cookery class.

Primark maxi dress to combat the heat.

Hitting up Green Mango, one of the best clubs in Koh Samui.

Skull print skirt and sheer vest, both by H&M.

Fill the suitcase with...

• Sleeveless blouses from H&M. In an array of colours and prints, and typically at just £7.99 to £12.99 a pop, they're a real bargain, and you won't find anything quite as versatile here. I teamed mine with a skull print skirt, candy striped shorts and tile print silk trousers.
• Patterned dresses from Primark, Topshop, H&M or New Look, in lightweight fabrics. I found that many of the dresses on sale in the Eastern Islands were either designed for lithe size 8 figures, a bit mumsy and plain, or very synthetic, which seemed odd for a hot country, as the last thing I wanted was a ton of viscose to help me work up a sweat. The most useful dress I took was a very thin strapless paisley number from Primark.
• A couple of scarves or pashminas that can be used to cover up in a temple, wrap around your swimwear, protect your body from the hot sand on the beach or to tie around your hair. The ones you can buy in resorts tend to be heavily tie-dyed, which isn't everyone's cup of tea.
• One or two pairs of shorts, especially if you're going to be in very touristy areas, as everyone will be wearing them and you'd be mad to get stuck in trousers the entire time. Hotpants were pretty ubiquitous in the resorts I visited, especially Koh Pha Ngan, so there's no need to play it safe with city shorts unless you want to.
• Sun cream. Whilst it is obviously available in Thailand, you'll be paying over the odds for anything beyond Factor 15, so save your money and pack a decent supply of cream in your case.
• Supportive swimwear from La Senza and Bravissimo, if you're blessed with curves. Thai bikinis tend to flatter smaller chested girls, often lacking underwiring and only using minimal padding, but going to town on the embellishments and patterns instead.
• Lipstains, tinted lipbalms or liquid lipstick. You do not want to be carrying normal waxy bullet lipsticks in a hot country, unless you enjoy dealing with a hot mess in your handbag. I took Rimmel's Apocalips and also a dark berry stain and found that they were really useful.
• Blotting paper and mineral powder foundation for mopping up your face. Even the smallest movement can work up a sweat in the Thai heat!
• Canvas trainers, simple sandals and the odd pair of flip flops. Heels aren't necessary, not even wedges, unless you're going somewhere really up-market. Most people wear flip flops in bars and clubs, though you can buy some more when you're out here if you want to stock up on particular colours or designs.

Pop culture is alive and well in the markets of Koh Samui.

 Take your pick, from 'Prada' purses to 'Chanel' handbags.

Elephant print harem pants being put through their paces on a waterfall.

Hit the shops for...

• Harem pants in vibrant colours and patterns. They're ten a penny here and they honestly do fit all sizes, so you can just pick your favourites and get haggling. I got mine for 250 baht, which is about £5; the stallholder wanted 400 baht originally, so this was a pretty good deal. If I'd bought them beforehand on Ebay, they would have cost about £15.
• Kaftans. Yes, I could have gone to Florence & Fred at Tesco before I left, but the Thai designs are livelier and the fabrics are more lightweight, which is what you really need on the beach.
• Crochet string bikinis, if they're your thing - personally I'm not a fan, but they seemed to be in plentiful supply and were reasonably priced.
• Edgy vest tops with pop culture logos and slogans, from Heineken Beer and Jack Daniel's to Run DMC and Rihanna, many of which can be seen in markets back home for about £10 each. I opted for those advertising Chang and Singha, two local beers, plus a Damien Hirst skull print, and paid about 150-180 baht per top.
• Not quite legitimate designer bags and purses. Whilst I wouldn't normally advocate buying fakes, there are some really good imitations here, as well as some hilariously bad ones. When my H&M day bag broke in Koh Samui, I rushed out to buy something - anything - that was small, waterproof and stylish. I ended up with a tomato red 'Mulberry' bag, negotiated down from 1,800 baht to 1,100, which subsequently lasted a few days before the stitching started to unravel on one side of the strap. It's at the cobbler's as I type, so make of that what you will, but I hope to get some use out of it once it's fixed.
• Last minute duty free bargains that you can make use of during the flight and on the trip; my choice was Lancome's Hydra Zen Neurocalm moisturiser (£32.50), which calms stressed skin, and the special edition Alber Elbaz for Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara (£19.50).
• Something neon for the Half Moon or Full Moon Party, if you happen to be in Koh Pha Ngan at the right time. Whatever you wear will get wrecked, so don't rock up in your best clothes.

If you're lucky enough to go to Thailand, I hope these tips will help you to pack economically and save some space for the things that matter in your suitcase - both the staples from home and the souvenirs you bring back.

Finchittida Finch Christmas Pop-Up Shop at Boxpark Shoreditch

Last Thursday night I wrapped up warm and made a festive pilgrimage to Boxpark in Shoreditch, where cutting-edge jewellery designers Tida and Lisa Finch, of Finchittida Finch, were celebrating their Christmas pop-up shop (complete with beautiful snowflake-print walls and decorations). I know the girls from school and college (ah, memories of A-Level Art!) and they've always been immensely talented, so it was great to catch up over some Beerlao and see what they've been up to. 

 Making a statement in silver and gold.

 Arm yourself with some eye candy.

Specialising in intricate laser-cut statement pieces that have been sported in music videos by the likes of Ashanti, Mele and Lianne La Havas, you'll probably find that their work looks distinctly familiar, and you should be prepared to see much more of them in 2013. 

 Each piece was set in a screen-printed jewellery box.

 A necklace and body chain on display.

A large part of their inspiration for the current Monozygotic Talismans collection comes from their Lao heritage and fascination with Lao culture, which is transposed into symmetrical forms such as oversized earrings, body chains with multiple panels and quirky tribal alphabet initial necklaces, in a wearable colour palette of gold, silver and black. 

 Decisions, decisions...

 [Image via the girls themselves] L-R: Tida and Lisa, of Finchittida Finch.

 Their Tumblr blog shows recent celebrations of the Lao festival, Loy Krathong. 

 How fun and colourful does it look?! (Meadham Kirchhoff would totally love this).

 One reason for their use of symmetry is that Tida and Lisa are twins (hence the 'Monozygotic' reference). I loved the fact that they'd used the snowflake - yet another symmetrical design - as the basis for their Christmas shop.

 Judging from this photo, the letter 'S' is immensely popular amongst alphabet pendant fans.

You can see how the different tiny sections are cut to create the finished piece.

 Here's what I bought: a P, obviously... (as worn at home by my battered cherub statue).

Finchittida Finch will be hitting Boxpark with another pop-up stint throughout January. If you're in the area then make sure you check them out and bag yourself a unique piece of jewellery. For those of you unable to get to Shoreditch, head to their profile on ASOS Marketplace.

It's Raining Clothes: 20% off at Urban Outfitters

Pssst: Urban Outfitters are having a one day sale! Get your virtual elbows at the ready for 20% off everything online from the UO Europe store, including free delivery when you spend over £75. 

If you're looking for the discount code, here's what to enter at the checkout: SP2.

You'll have to be quick as it's only valid from midnight tonight (11th April) until 8pm on 12th April, and if you're stuck for inspiration then here are a few things to tempt you from my wish list, to suit all budgets...

 Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Skyscraper Heels in Pink

Ethically made and bound to grab attention. Perfect if you're into making a statement.

£128.00

 Urban Outfitters Exclusive: Eastpak Florid Backpack

Channel Mary Katrantzou but with a more practical edge. As it's Eastpak, you know it'll last.

£39.99

 Black Boater Hat

Classic British style with a summer twist and a very retro hat band.

£20.00

One thing to note: expect your order to arrive in an incredibly large box, even if it's tiny. The UO people like to cushion your purchases with a lot of padding!

Happy shopping...

Say It With Flowers: Quince, Brighton

 [All images my own - click to enlarge. Please ask before reproducing]. 

You can't beat the smell of a florist's shop.

As per usual, spring has brought us the trend of florals - no surprises there, then. But whilst I was dreaming of clashing my flower-strewn pastels and brights on a sunny Saturday with friends, we came across this gorgeous shop in Brighton's Lanes. If you think that being a florist involves putting a few daffodils in a vase, you'd be very much mistaken. This is a lesson in how to do florals, from the people that sell them.

 The shopfront, in a muted tobacco/sage green.

Quince has only recently opened, and it offers a mixture of flowers, antiques and upcycled objects that have taken on a new purpose. Whereas many antique shops can be stuffy or intimidating, this was a really welcoming place and the owner was genuinely sweet.

 The flowers speak for themselves.

 Inside we were met by a riot of colours and shapes.

 If we were to take anything fashionable from this, it's that you can definitely mix the size of your florals - in this case they're real, but in an outfit you could combine corsages with Liberty print shoes by Clarks, or some sunflower print pieces by Rodarte.

 I love pieces that tell a story.

Forget faux-vintage - when you see this 18th Century trunk, dating back to approximately 1760, you'll be hankering for objects with a genuine history. I'd love to know what was kept in here - clothes, documents or the equivalent of a man's tool shed? It was made by Arabella Brown, whose husband was a chest and box maker and an undertaker, and she carried on the family trade when he died. One of my ancestors was a box maker in the 1800s so it was pretty special to see what other people in the same profession were doing, albeit some years earlier.

 Find an interesting vessel for your flowers and you're onto a winner.

The range of containers on offer was really interesting - as I approached the desk to buy a Mother's Day present (I went for a blue and white china pot with some indigo flowers) there was even an old sugar bowl about to be an important component of the next arrangement. Everything from glass to terracotta was on offer.

Look out for the lamps - they're also pretty unique.

To really set off the bouquets, there were also some amazing lamps at Quince, where upcycling had given forgotten objects a new lease of life. This clarinet caught my eye, as did a champagne bottle light. 

The key thing to take from Quince is to expect the unexpected. Whether you're planning an outfit or decorating a room, don't go for the easy option if there's a way you can inject a little personality instead. English eccentricity is worth embracing, especially when you say it with flowers (or clarinets).

Quince, Brighton

2 Nile Street

BN1 1HW

S/S 2012 Trends in Hair: Eccentric and Eclectic

 [Image via RUSH Hair].

Here are some of the most eyecatching hair ideas from the S/S 2012 catwalk that we can expect to be cropping up on celebrities and on the high street soon. First up is the grunge look at Belle Sauvage, styled by RUSH Hair, which I can see catching on with inner city hipsters (yeah, it won't work as well if you live in a rural village like I do). Basically the hair is almost woven and spun into these patterns, and it's worn with grunge style - edgy prints, lots of black and ample piercings.

[Image via Catwalking.com].

Thanks to the swathe of prominent brides in 2011 (I'm looking at you, Kate Middleton, Kate Moss and Lily Allen, and possibly even at Kim Kardashian for the 0.5 seconds you were married),  veils and headpieces were seen on quite a few catwalks. I'm not saying we're all going to be getting hitched or covering our faces, but things will get a lot more romantic. I'm talking flowers strewn in your hair, plaits, ribbons and flowing waves. This is not the moment to break out the straighteners.

[Image via Company.co.uk].

At Preen we got a taste of romanticism but with a younger vibe.  Pinned back sections of hair and cute side partings set the scene for rural charm, with lots of blusher and clean eyes. This look can work well at the office or on a date. You can freshen up with dry shampoo and sweep your parting into a similar style quite easily, with just a few kirbigrips and some hairspray. Just don't make it look too 'done'.

[Image via Head1st.net].

Louise Gray's off-the-wall designs were nicely complimented by these corkscrew curls. I've already told you to put down the straigheners this season, and here's more proof. If you do have naturally curly hair then why not show it off? It would certainly have saved these models time. I also like the flick of neon eyeliner- it's what I'd call 'organised madness'.

[Image via SuicideBlonde on Tumblr].

Another strong contender in this season's hair stakes is the Marcel Wave. Ok, so it's not one for going to work in, but it would be perfect for a big night out. As you can see from the image above, there's a certain knack to it, but once you get going then you can achieve this look all by yourself. The reason this will be big for S/S 2012 is that we're surrounded by period films and television. With The Great Gatsby currently being made (and photos from the set cropping up online all the time), the mood is 1920s. Added to this is the current film du jour, The Artist, which is a black-and-white silent movie. On telly you've got Downton Abbey, whose next series will be set in the 20s, and Boardwalk Empire. Added to this will be the clothing trends of the drop waist and beaded embellishments, and you've got a craze going.

[Image via Tumblr]. 

The model of the moment is Charlotte Free, who took to many of the S/S 2012 catwalk shows with her pink hair. I used to have my hair this colour and it was a really liberating thing to do. Not great for job interviews, but definitely fun. On the high street, expect to see lots of wash-in, wash-out dyes and streaks of candy stripe shades.

[Image via the V&A]. 

Julia Margaret Cameron's Circe is an enduring image, and many of her photographs are currently on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum's Photographs Gallery. This is basically a good example of how to combine the bridal chic I mentioned previously with something a little more carefree. Expect to see children with flowers and beaded headbands.

[Image via LOVE Magazine]. 

Lastly, one to perhaps not try at home, but it's a stunning visual nonetheless. Here's model Nyasha for LOVE Magazine, with this intense headpiece last Autumn. It's an example of how Victoriana is seeping into the mainstream at the moment, with taxidermy making waves in art and trinkets and charms being everywhere in accessory trends. I think 2012 will be the year that things get a little more Gaga and we all become bolder with our hair. Not this bold, but you get the idea!

Shop Shots: Beyond Retro in Dalston

[All photos my own, taken at the Dalston branch of Beyond Retro in London].

The Beyond Retro vintage company is synonymous with revived trends, kitsch and old-school glamour, all under one roof. Step into any of their branches and you'll find items from your childhood, brands you remember vaguely, and some brilliant pieces that you wish you could carry off but don't quite have the lifestyle for - in this visit, I found a tartan stirrup-edged jumpsuit and some very lurid rainbow jumpers that I was tempted by, but couldn't quite see them sitting in my wardrobe. Really the whole experience is about finding something that's authentic and not easily available to everyone, even if your chosen item is currently back in fashion. Holding the real thing and knowing you've discovered it after an intense scouring of the rails can be a serious thrill. I went to this North London store for a nose around and wasn't disappointed.

Some of the newer pieces have been bought in bulk so you will find two or three the same, such as with these hats and braces in the menswear accessories section. Having the choice of different colours is really useful when you're trying to be a bit daring with fashion, because most high street shops will only offer a black trilby or a pair of red braces, and anything else will leave you searching the internet and missing out on the physicality of tracking down the item yourself (part of the reason I love shopping).

There's co-ordination across the store for ease of browsing, but in particular the colour grouping of the lingerie and nightwear made this area seem much less formidable. A lot of people get freaked out by the idea of someone else's nightdress or bra, especially if everything is in a random order like a jumble sale, but there was something more elegant about a row of pale bodices, bralets and waspie corsets, in every shade from ice white to magnolia.

Visual merchandising is reliably brilliant at Beyond Retro, with this Christmassy display proving to be no exception. The dapper gent in his scarlet waistcoat and the red wigged ladies are introducing seasonal colours without seeming too obvious - there was a whole rail of Christmas jumpers, but they were not included in this scene. By the way, the overly affectionate couple on the left were an accidental addition, but I decided to leave them in as they almost blended into the jackets directly in front of them.

I loved this little display of luggage ideas, with the messenger bag, briefcase and modern lemon yellow rucksack. Meanwhile the outfit combination on the right (cream blazer, striped shirt and spotty tie) is so typical of what my dad wears that it literally could have been prised off his back. He is going to be amused and slightly worried to discover that he's such a trendsetter!

Shopability at Beyond Retro: Very easy. Everything's well organised, constantly updated and the aisles are wide enough to not involve a collision as you rifle through the stock.

Prices: Generally good, considering that 'vintage fashion' commands a higher price point than charity shop clothing, despite some of it being the same. As long as you avoid the basics and head to the more unusual pieces then you'll get your money's worth - a simple black and white spotty synthetic shirt isn't going to really justify a high price tag when you can pop into any high street shop and get one brand new. I bought a lurid pink knitted jumper for £14 and a very cool scarf for one of my sister's Christmas stocking fillers which certainly didn't break the bank. The tartan hair bow near the till point at just £5 also caught my eye.

Don't Miss: The attached cafe. Definitely worth a visit for the coffee and the old books lining the walls.

Vintage Style Gets Mobile: London to Brighton

[All images my own].
The other week (before my home internet died and I was forced to resort to blogging in my lunch hour) I went to see the annual London to Brighton vintage car and bike rally. Basically if you own a vintage vehicle, you can register to take part, though usually some of the really old and knackered ones don't make it the whole way - this year there were 5o who didn't make the finishing line. It's always a fun event and I couldn't resist fashion-spotting at the same time. Here's my first candidate, appropriately dressed for the dodgy weather in a wax jacket and matching hat.

This car gets extra points for effort as they have retro luggage on the roof. You might notice that a lot of the participants wore hats, and I don't know how the bare-headed ones did it, as it was freezing.

Here's a look at one of the cars up close. It's been kept really well and restored to its former glory, with leather upholstery.

Another vehicle shot, this time looking very much like Cruella DeVil's four wheels in 101 Dalmatians. The driver wisely decided not to go for any fur, but instead went for all black to match the exterior.

It's the blokes that make the real effort at this event, as you can see above. Several cars had co-ordinating drivers and passengers, which looked great and added to the flamboyance of the day. It felt so different from a normal Sunday outing. These two even have goggles to complete the look.

Best costume has to go to the moustachioed pair in sheepskin jackets. In order to keep their scarves flying backwards permanently, they had small strips of wire (yes, really), and I even though they were wearing wings at first. The facial fuzz was the icing on the cake.

Retro vs. modern transport - the old cars clearly look much sharper and more interesting, even if they go at half the speed of our chunky buses.

The ultimate accessory for a vintage rally participant has to be a wicker basket, as seen here. Useful for storing your lunch in, and it's classy too.

I loved seeing how much effort people had gone to when preparing for the London to Brighton run, and it was really entertaining to watch. Next year I'm going to try and get in touch with one of the drivers (some of them were solo and looked a bit lonely in the cold) and hitch a lift. 1940s tea dress and victory rolls in my hair would be obligatory, obvs.