Arrow To The Heart

 Another Charlie inspired post (see below) - I love this little gold arrow ring she bought from a pop up shop on Redchurch Street recently. Especially like how the feathers of the arrow wrap round to make the band of the ring.

Book Worm

I have just returned from Cornwall where I spend Christmas with my family, laden with a heavy bag of books. I love getting books as presents and did really well this festive period!

I have already torn through Grace Coddington's memoir, which I loved and found incredibly interesting. She is an idol of mine. I have a long list of Coddington shoots to google!

I was also recently given a book of Guy Bourdin's polaroids, which was great to look at alongside Coddington's book as she talks about working with him such a lot. Can't wait to spend more time staring at this beautifully put together book - Thank You, Charlie!

 

The birthday card Charlie gave me is worth a mention too:

 

WOW.

NO GUTS NO GLORY

 

My new purse which was a present for my birthday, and a motto to help me see through New Year's resolutions currently taking shape on the horizon. 

Vivienne Westwood Grapes

 

A dress and print that calls for sunnier times - love this Vivienne Westwood dress which reminds me of the kind of thing my Mum wore when I was little and growing up in America. I borrowed a couple of her vintage dresses to wear to summer weddings a few years ago, and loved every moment in them.

Turkey Hat

Christmas is so close now! 

I've spent the evening gift wrapping, which I wish I could have done while wearing this hat spotted last weekend on the Uxbridge Road.

Like Monica in Friends at Thanksgiving - except a less cold and smelly version I'd imagine.

Cat Lady

It was my birthday recently and I was lucky enough to get some wonderful presents - one of which was a multi pack of socks, with this kitten printed pair as its crowning glory

 

I didn't wear my jeans pushed up like this all day but I was tempted.

Tessa's Smiths Tee

 I got so many compliments when I borrowed this T-Shirt, and was even offered £100 for it! To which Tessa replied 'Tell her I'll be buried in it.'

We went to Salford Lad's Club a few years ago - made famous by Stephen Wright's black and white picture of the band:

We even had our own personal tour! The Salford lads who were there and using the club's facilities must have been a bit bemused.

 Here we are trying to re-create the magic

Potato Postcards

 

Today I made some One Off Christmas postcards to send out later this week... I can't believe I managed to practice some restraint and they're not all covered in glitter.

Sunday Laundry

 

A Shepherd's Bush dry cleaners - loved this printed black and yellow dress fronting a rail of suits and shirts ready to be picked up for Monday.

A Gift For The Thinking Woman

A red letter day! After weeks of planning, One Off Style has finally launched its take on Christmas presents - Gifts for the Thinking Woman.

These presents mark One Off's second collaboration, as each set includes a beautiful hand printed book mark by artist and friend Kate Thakara.

Give a piece of art this Christmas!

 

Intrigued?

Read more about A Gift For The Thinking Woman here.

Jewels

Accessories are such a great way of showcasing personal style, especially pieces that look like they never come off. More to come on this topic but for now here is a snapshot of some great jewels I've long admired.

Glittery Jacket

I love being bought clothes as I spend a lot of time thinking about outfits for other people, and this week Tessa outdid herself in the surprise gift stakes. I have long envied a little red glittery jacket she's had for years.

 I knew something exciting was afoot from the speed in which Tessa came running up the stairs to my room....with this in hand!

A silver version of my own, found in a second hand shop in Notting Hill. I am over the moon! Now we can be matching... Wouldn't be the first time.

Friendship Heights

 

Friendship bracelets are certainly en vogue this season (geddit) and make a lovely present... One Off Style proves its finger is on the pulse with these beautiful Jessie Harris silk cord and brass crystal bracelets - even more enviable at only £13.

Lino Prints

There has been a distinct lack of blog posts recently as I have been working on new and exciting ventures... Here is a sneak peak of one which is due to hit the screens of One Off Style visitors in the near future, and involves a collaboration with an up and coming West London artist. Watch this space!

Picture Perfect

Recently I have noticed lots of walls, gates, shutters etc, that would make picture perfect backgrounds for the fashion blogger trend of papping daily outfits outdoors. I like the last two spots in particular.

Leather Skirt

Following a recent post about winter essentials, it must be said that this One Off Style leather skirt has to be one of them.

 

More great looks for winter here.

Silk Screen Prints

Work from a project I did many moons ago, which resulted in a silk screen print I still really love.

Winter Essentials

Last weekend I hopped on a train with Tessa and spent a couple of days on the Isle of Wight. It was very wintery weather and the coastline looked dramatic as we watched the rain blow in.

Of course Tessa and I debated high brow topics all weekend, but in between and especially on the platform at Southampton station we discussed what items we most need (want) in our wardrobes this winter. This discussion was prompted by my favourite jeans which basically fell apart as I was wearing them over the weekend, and are now sadly too embarrassing to wear due to a rather large rip in an unfortunate place.

Jeans shopping is never fun in my book, and now sadly I am forced to seek some out. R.I.P £12 Primark jeans I have worn for 3 years.
 We agreed on the notion that jeans were an essential winter purchase. We also discussed boots, trainers, coats...
We decided this was not an essential:

 But for me, these definitely are and have been for many years running now:

Another great winter comfort is my massive fleece lined parka that I got a couple of years ago in Manchester. It really means business.

I tend to think the things to spend money on over the winter months are on pieces that you wear on the outside, i.e shoes, boots, coats etc... Everything else seems to be covered up the rest of the time. There's a lot of talk about knitwear at the moment. I've been a jumper lover for years and years. You can read my knitwear musings here, here and as well as an attempt to save a beloved knit here.