It’s been rather crazy in both the Eco Office and at home of late so to make sure everything gets done by its deadline, I’ve been using my usual trick of plugging myself into my earphones and typing like a hippy on speed.

Along the way I’ve made a few discoveries that are simply too good not to share. So here the are…enjoy.

Burial and Four Tet – Moth.

Radio Slave – I Don’t Need a Cure for This.

Technicolour & Komatic – Skyline Boulevard (Technique Dub).

Bassfort – Dixtrit (Jimpster Remix).

Oscar’s Wild day out

August 18, 2010

Here at the eco office we’ve been inundated of late by our US counterparts visiting us from across the pond. However, as lovely as each of our guests have been, they’ve all had their thunder tremendously stolen  by the lovable little pug Oscar.

Thanks to dad Alex, Oscar now has an array of groupies in the form of the Anthro EU Home Office. What a rock star.

Oscar visits the office

Oscar at work

Being popular is tiresome work

On Friday afternoon, after a few back seat beers and cheesy poofs, we arrived at Vintage Goodwood just in time for the heavens to open, as if on command and right as we began to pitch our tents. Thankfully, the boys became men (momentarily at least) and allowed us ladies to saunter off in the rain in search of yesteryear’s treasures.

With a bit of careful footing through the mud, we reached the main event where everyone from The Body Shop to Oxfam had created pop-up shops on the festivals retro ‘high-street’. In Oxfam we discovered rails set out by decade which were home to everything from 70s chic chiffon maxi dresses to 50s rockabilly skirts. The prices may have been a little high, but still affordable should you have fallen head over heels with one of the many special pieces.

After the outburst of “There’s hundred’s of vintage stalls over there!” from one of the boys upon their return, we naturally made an instinctual diversion from the high-street like lions chasing gazelle. While his numbers may have been somewhat overstated, we certainly did find some amazing stands where we promptly lost a good few hours and emptied our already well-worn wallets.

One-of-a-kind fashion aside, we played on the vintage cars and scooters like both children and pin-ups (see below). We were also lucky enough to get backstage dressing room passes and got to check out where rock legends Faces got ready for their first performance together in 25 years. As Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones, Ian McLagan, Mick Hucknall and Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock walked past us, heading towards the stage, we traced their footsteps. However, on arrival at the rear of the main stage, we were quick to decide that for us, it was right in the thick of the crowd that was the only place to be.

Just before laying our heads to rest after a jolly good day, my fellow tent sharer, upon expressing how he could never find anything in his jacket exclaimed; “Wouldn’t it be good if you just had one really big pocket?” To which I responded; “Yeah, with a strap?” His reply; “What, like a bag?!” Had it not been for the fact that we had been long been beaten to it with such an invention (and the copious amounts of vodka, whisky and beer consumed) I could have sworn we were onto something… 

vintage goodwood fashion show

Crowd pleasers - vintage fashionistas spotted at Goodwood

 

vintage cards

Polka dots and pin-ups

vintage goodwood

Smoking smock

Vintage goodwood

Where fairytales are made

Vintage goodwood

Wayne Hemmingway, promising sunshine from 5.30pm onwards

vintage goodwood

From the farm

vintage goodwood

shaggin' wagon?

retro hairstyles

Original up-dos

 

vintage goodwood fashion show

One true diva

sewing at vintage goodwood

A stitch in time

smiley face

Running errands in Covent Garden (in six inch heels) I was stopped by someone asking for directions to an art shop. After pointing the way and exchanging a little small talk, he handed me a CD saying; “This is for you.”

Swiftly after, I tottered back to the office and noticed my beaming smile. Who cares that when back at my desk, I discovered the music was pretty average (‘Devil Love You’ by ‘Affiliatez’) - the reward of taking the time to stop and help a fellow errand runner paid off, in the form of the ‘feel good factor’ lasting the rest of the day.

Treasured chest

July 29, 2010

A collection of ever-sentimental, dearly cherished jewels passed from Grandmother to Grandchild.

Check out this incredible short film made by the iconic denim brand Levis and directed by Australian Screenwriter John Hillcoat (director of 2009 film The Road).

The message is simple: be inspired, be the best at what you do. Heed Levi’s motivational words now, go forth and fulfil your potential. What is there to wait for?

Words that capture the spirit of my heart. Thanks Lula.

...the latest edition to The Eco Office, thanks to two lovely friends.

Mulberry & Me

June 5, 2010

After a year and a half in The Fashion Office with the lovely ladies including those from A Work in Progress, Sartoriology, Notes on the Highstreet and My New Favourite Thing, yesterday was my last day. It’s been a fun, interesting 18 months too but it’s time to move on to what will be known as The Eco Office as of now!

However, before leaving the wonderful world of high-end goodies, it would have been rude not to indulge in a fabulous designer treat as part of my farewell. So let me introduce  you to, after many a deliberation and breaking into a sweat over the bank balance, my lovely new Mulberry that was worth every penny – plus the beautiful flowers the super-sweet girls got for me.

Love Thy Vintage

May 29, 2010

A few of the lovely ladies in The Fashion Office often comment on how many vintage dresses I own which made me realise quite how much of a retro hoarder i am.

So as I’d previously decided to do a bit of a bank holiday wardrobe de-clutter, I thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you while i do it. Enjoy.