fashion

I thought this was a clever idea, made by a German company they're called Heaven on Heels. The idea is to slip the 'cuff' over the stiletto heel, they provide a more stable base. The concept makes me think of stabilisers on a child's bike but I guess they would be good for walking on uneven or soft ground. The company hope to be marketing the product in the UK this spring /www.heaven-on-heels.de/

Shoes made from bus seats. I love the idea of these trainers, made from London Transport seat fabric. They can be found at The Natural Shoe Store Price: £79.95. 

Tartan is every where this Autumn/Winter. The easiest way to wear it is as an accent, an accessory and the easiest accessory to make is a scarf, unisex too. Take a tartan/check fabric of your choice, measure a piece 2m 32cm x 45cm (2 1/2 yards x 18in). On the two long sides of the fabric turn in 1cm (3/8in) to one side, turn in same again and machine stitch. Fray the two short edges to form a fringe 10cm (4in) long. Knot the fringe at 1.5cm (1/2in) intervals. I was pleased to see that Top Shop were selling crochet flower brooches, similar to the flowers I made.

There used to be a hosiery factory in St Albans on Hatfield Road called Ballito, Morrison's supermarket stands there now. I wondered if this packet of stockings I bought in a charity shop on Hatfield Road was made there. I was attracted by the packaging, dated 1963. I was a graphic designer and this small piece of 60's memorabilia is a perfect piece of social history, I want to frame it. The term Young Miss is demure, the packaging is selling stockings but there are no legs on the packet. I like the drawing style executed in flat colour.

I love this knitted wig!

On St Albans wednesday market, there is a jumper stall that sells new and second hand jumpers,  just £2 each. This is a great resource for Alice, studying knitting at uni., she can have her own archive of designs at affordable prices. It's interesting for her to see how the sweaters are constructed and the type of stitches and yarns that are used. The pieces are usually made in luxury yarns like wool, mohair, angora, and cashmere. The latest find is an oversized 80's jumper, in mohair, it's an abstract geometric design in bold colours.

Alice and a friend went to the Graduate Fashion Week Gala show in London yesterday, she won the tickets in a magazine competition. Alice took photos with her point and shoot camera, but because the light was low the pictures are a little grainy but they give a flavour of the event. Alice tells me the young hip and happening were there! These included Agyness Deyn and Nick Grimshaw to name two!