Kicking back with Antonio Marras’ Sardinian Bandit Queen Style!!

Whilst lounging around the rugged gem of an Island that is Sardinia I have been indulging in way to much food and local wines collected with empty water bottles from local wine makers. However I have also been checking out the traditional Sardinian dress and its history which has influenced the hand of designer Antonio Marras so much.

Traditional Sardinian Dress

For AW 2011, The talented designer who spends a lot of the time on the Island at his studio was inspired by the intriguing story of  the legendary Sardinian bandit queen Paska Devaddis. A lady who famously wore a mixture of men and woman’s clothing.

Antonio Marras inspiring mood boards

The True Story of Paska Devaddis

Usually the tirade of fearless Sardinian men, Devaddis’ legacy is that of a strong, caring and gentle young lady in the early twentieth century Sardinia who cooled the fracas between the feuding Cossu and Corraine families and lived a turbulent life beyond the law.

Antonio Marras AW 2011

Check out Antonio Marras’ runway show below. I love the magpie mix of vagabond lady style, cropped fur-trimmed tweed coats, heirloom brooches, trinkets and antique floral prints.

Keep on Fuelling,

Fuella x

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Dreaming of Wrapping Up in Warm Gorgeous Things for Winter!!

I am in Sardinia right now and it is hot. It is so hot that the turtle who lives at the bottom of the garden has dug a hole and moved in underground. He has the right idea! I on the other hand am hiding under an umbrella on the beach. More on this later!

It funny that in the midst of dense, dry, stifling heat you start to think of gorgeous Autumn clothes and all their billowing layers fluttering in the crisp cold wind. I am loving Cole Haan’s lush boots and court shoes right now.

Cole Haan, Luxury for Feet!!

The soft grey Air Talia thigh boots $498 will look perfect pulled over jeans or tights.

Air Talia Boots $498

I did capes last year but could resist a quick peek at this Contrast Trim Cape £80 from ASOS.

Contrast Trim Cape £80

This is a throw over any outfit staple I can use all Autumn/Winter.

Fuella x

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Saw This and Thought of ME!!!

Just looked out my window and had to double-take. Is this really still August? My floaty summer dresses are hanging on the back of the door looking forlorn and the pretty tan sandals that had temporarily become an extension of my feet are kicked off somewhere (actually I need to find them). It is on a fine British summer day such as this that we can either console ourselves with Net-A-Porter’s AW delights or seek solace in sun elsewhere.

I am off somewhere warm and sunny for a few weeks and promise to keep you up to date on my travels, people, food and culture. It is what I am calling the last stand of summer 2010.

In the meantime, can I leave you with this blue embroidered dress of beauty from Marc Jacobs that will team beautifully with my post holiday tan in September.

Blue Embroidered Marc Jacobs Dress, (£179 hire price)

I will be hiring, yes you heard right! from my new second home: Girl Meets Dress. This fantastic wardrobe of wonders allows one to hire dresses, bags and more for a mere fraction of the price. Their motto is ‘Borrow…Party!..Return’. It is like a kind older sister with a heart-breakingly stunning wardrobe and superb eye for detail.

Pretty Things from Girl Meets Dress

I guess I will be sporting the dress at Vogue’s fabulous Fashion’s Night Out in London on 8th September.

See I am already looking forward to coming home again. The grass is always greener!

Keep on Fuelling,

Fuella x

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A Few of My Favourite Friends Part 2: Anna Sammarone

By now you know what pleasure it gives me to promote the creativity and talent of my dear friends. Too much of what we buy today is mass fabricated, available to all, and just a bad rip-off of what someone else thought up. It makes me feel great to wear something special, handmade in small batches, the result of love and passion and dedication.

Anna Sammorarone A/W 2010 Collection

The Anna Sammarone collection is handmade in southern Italy. She is another lady with smiling eyes who makes the most adorable clothes –  romantic and sexy at the same time.

Anna Sammarone AW 2010 Collection

I am not a very frilly person, but there is something about the way Anna places her ruffles and flowers, and the girlish but seductive empire waist she stays faithful to, that I can never resist.

Anna Sammarone AW 2010 Collection

I hope you enjoy this little preview of Anna’s powdery and feminine A/W Collection.

Anna Sammarone AW Collection 2010

Anna Sammarone AW 2010 Collection

I shall be getting on a plane to Rome soon to place my pre-order.  Do join me!

Keep on Fuelling!

Fuella x

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A Few of My Favourite Friends Part 1: Anna e Alex

Nothing makes me happier than to support my friends in their creative and entrepreneurial endeavours. It makes me especially happy when supporting them translates into getting something beautiful and original for moi.

Fortunately, I have numerous creative friends around the world making gorgeous things, so I have a lot to be happy about. Today, I want to highlight my friends Anna e Alex, two fantastic Italian ladies with smiling eyes and heaps of creativity.

Anna e Alex Carta zucchero e tobacco Earrings

Every time I wear a pair of Anna e Alex earrings I get stopped in the street about them.

Anna e Alex Cognac e Gardenia Earrings

Anna and Alex are two ex-Bulgari girls who turned their hand at making fabulous colourful jewellery using passementerie and semi-precious stones. Passementerie, for those of you who don’t know, are tassels and fringes and cords that you might use to trim, say, a curtain. Anna e Alex’s earrings put me into a great mood every time I wear them.  Ear Candy is what I call that.

Passamenterie

Of course Anna e Alex would not be happy with me if I didn’t tell you that they also make great necklaces, bracelets and cufflinks.

Turchese e Argento earrings

Come to think of it, I really love the Intreccio bracelet, and if you have any newly expectant girlfriends and really want to give them a cute present, the stork necklace is a fabulously thoughtful pressie.

Stork Necklace from Anna e Alex

Keep on Fuelling!

Fuella x

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My New Jewellery Obsessions: Gaudion Bowerbank

I love a interesting Jewellery find. It has to be eye-catching, beautifully made and have the ability to set off any outfit. Gaudion Bowerbank is the brainchild of Kelly Bowerbank and Claire Gaudion who met whilst studying at London College of Fashion.

Gaudion Bowerbank Website

Their combined interest in jewellery that had traditional values but also contemporary appeal led them to setting up their venture. Faces in the jewellery and fashion worlds have already started to take note of the duo and their portfolio of unique jewellery designers. So much so the chuffed duo picked up the covetable ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the recent Treasure Jewellery Week in London.

Super Grins: Gaudion Bowerbank pick up the Designer of the Year Award at Treasure

Heather Kosch Bracelet £735

I was particularly taken by Heather Kosch’s geometric Collection and this super-cool Arrow Bracelet £735

Mayza Joao Bending Ring £335

I also want to slip on the unusual Bending Ring by Mayza Joao £335. It is made from silver and and gold sphere.

The website has an insightful section dedicated to all of the workshop action. Here you can check out how the pieces are made and the designers inspirations.

In The Studio!

It is always good to know where your purchase came from.

Keep on Fuelling!

Fuella x

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I AM GOING TO THE BEACH, BABY!

I know – I am out of tune with the retail calendar. By now, I should be blogging about worsted wool, tweed, cashmere, shearling.  Summer collections have gone into sale and pre-fall collection hit stores ages ago.

I refuse.  It is not even July, people, and I am just hitting my summer stride. In addition, the thought of a chunky knit right now repulses me. I am dreaming of jewelled sandals, bikinis, beach bags, kaftans. I would be dreaming of short shorts if I felt I could pull them off (sadly too many people appear to think they can, but that is another subject). So, to inspire those summer babies amongst you, I am listing a few of my summer must haves as I plan for my impending holiday on the Med.

Beach Must Haves

I am thinking of a delectible  selection of floaty frocks or printed kaftans– I love the Aurora dress by Calypso St Barth

My Little Beach Beauty! Aurora by Calypso

I also have my eye on this silk kaftan from Biondi Couture which is generally great source for covetable beachwear.

Biondi Kaftan! Floaty Summer Gorgeousness.

I am also lining up a pair of jewelled sandals from Capri – nothing puts more of a spring in my step. Canfora sandals are cleverly available on line.

The Mouth-Watering Da Costanzo!

Da Costanzo’s models will require an in person visit to the Island of the Sirens. If you are lucky he will send you his new styles via CD in advance so you can start to mull over your choices.

I also need a great beach bag – I am really enamoured with the amazing selection of hand-embroidered Moroccan shoppers available at Comptoir Libanais on Wigmore street in London.

Comptoir Libanais, Wigmore Street, London

They have been beckoning to me like candy in a sweet shop since the deep dark days of winter. Here I come my babies…

Comptoir Libanais

Comptoir Libanais

And finally, I will be packing a great swimsuit or bikini (or 10!) – you who know me know that I love my swimwear. My personal favourites are Eres (though they are so expensive, ouch)

The Beauty of Eres Paris

Vix,  has an endless selection of colours and styles and generally a great fit (and doesn’t break the bank).

Vix Swim Wear Super Nice with a good Price!

Keep on Fuelling, Beach Style!

Fuella.

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Grazing on a Sunny Afternoon!!

During the day I love to graze on handfuls of yummy pickety snacks. Obviously there are many of these that are bad for us but sometimes that just makes them all the more appealing.

I have happened upon a super-cute little company aptly named Graze and now my post lunch-time slump is a thing of the past.

Graze Website

This cuter than cute concept allows you to have generously filled (environmentally friendly) trays of nuts, olives, seeds and organic chocolate.

They are perfect for having on your desk throughout the day and can be delivered in the UK from only £2.99.

Keep on Fuelling,

Fuella xx

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Whole Some & Little Pieces of Wonderful!

I love Whole Foods in Kensington High Street. It is the kind of fresh, healthy inducing place that makes you feel good just by visiting it. Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to leave without at least two bags full of totally good for you purchases. My wallet does not always feel fantastic after a visit! 

Wine by the bottle at Whole Foods

I discovered the very dangerous super idea of buying wine by the bottle from the vintage barrels. It is cost effective and means I can reuse bottles each time. Now that is as good a reason as any to keep stocked up over the summer! 

I also had a leisurely wander in the cosmetics and toiletries section, browsing little known brands. I had the feeling you get when visiting chemists and super markets on holiday. Some times you discover niche little products to take home. The packaging and smells dreamily let you conjure up vacations and days spent sat by the beach waiting for the sun to dip. 

When I am in Italy I NEED to stock up on Roberts Acqua Distillate Rose Water and Spuma di Ciampagna Soap. 

Rose Water

 

Spuma di Ciampagna Soap!

 

The Rose water is such a great facial toner and leaves a light fragrance on your skin. I also use it after a day in the sun as it is very refreshing and nurturing. Champagne Soap works up to a rich creamy lather that is lovely to bathe in. The gorgeous smell makes me think about the powdery perfume air and bygone Italiano love songs of La Dolce Vita. 

Fuella xx

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Vassilisa Heaven

I love to own something with a story behind it. London-based brand Vassilisa derives its name from the legend of a Russian folklore heroine as well as Russian aesthetics, myths, art and aristocratic traditions.

The brainchild behind Vassilisa is Central St Martins Graduate Nadja Solovieva trained with sartorial visionaries such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen before taking the brave step to set up her own label.

Vassilisa scarves have unique swirly prints and are created in a long lengths. This makes them great for layering with a jacket, over bare shoulders or on your head for some super-summer festival cool. Using luxurious natural silks and yarns each print is limited-edition and produced in the UK.

I am also tempted by her dresses. Beautifully constructed yet very simple.

Vassilisa Swingy Floaty Style!

Sultry Summer Gorgeousness!

I have a mental image of myself, Vassilisa clad in a meadow with dreamy prints stretching to be fully visible in the gentle breeze.

The online shop will open soon. Keep an eye on the brands Facebook page to know when!

Fuella x

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