Tag Archives: Mr Porter

Shopping: Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

This January I am taking the mantra ‘New Year, New Shoes‘ (any excuse really right?) very seriously and I find nothing puts a spring in my step quite like a new addition to my shoe family (collection just seems so impersonal). When it comes to shoes I find myself drawn more towards statement pieces – I like my shoes to be works of art in their own right and this pair from Alexander McQueen really does not let me down in that respect.

My Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers in their box

Is there really anything more decadently delightful than a pair of needlepoint/tapestry slippers? These leather lined slippers (made in Italy) have an elegant touch to them with the grand needlepoint flower pattern which is apt both casually and formally making them a very versatile pair of shoes which would look just at home with turned up denim as with a dinner suit. These shoes speak for themselves, they can dress up any ensemble and give a look that little bit of an edge. Je suis dans l’amour.

Side view of my Alexander McQueen tapestry slippers

Bottom of my Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

I got my pair from Mr Porter (sale purchase); they are now out of stock there, however you can get them from Harvey Nichols for £655 (full price).

Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

…and here’s to hopefully many more new shoes in 2013!

Givenchy Rottweiler Tshirt

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Lately I have had quite an affinity with Givenchy. I am still very much in love with my Givenchy Paradise shirt I bought a couple of weeks back, but my case of ‘Givenchy on the brain‘ clearly was not ready to dissipate quite just yet.

When I saw that Givenchy had ‘reissued’ the Rottweiler tshirt in a soft grey I just had to have it. Of course finding one proved to be nigh on impossible at first. It sold out pretty much instantly! If it was not sold out it was not available till possibly September on pre-order, and I hate waiting…

So I phoned the lovely people at Mr Porter to ask about future availability, they informed me that they would not be getting any more as far as they were concerned however they would put me on the returns wait list. I never usually bother with wait lists, I just normally take the attitude that it was not meant to be. However in this instance I did, and it paid off! Less than twenty four hours later I had an e-mail from Mr Porter telling me that one was reserved for me (the customer service from Mr. Porter is superlative). Perfect! Queue a few days, and a DHL delivery later – I have my new tshirt!

Maybe I am just barking mad, but I simply love how it exudes attitude, and looks great on it’s own making a statement, or peaking out through a quilted Barbour jacket, or even through a simple cashmere cardigan.

Me wearing my Givenchy Rottweiler tshirt

Get The Great Gatsby Look

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The age of jazz, and clandestine excess is back. I am feeling inspired by summer, and the fast approaching release of Baz Luhrmann’s film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (possibly one of my favourite novels!). So get starching your linen trousers, and pour yourself a glass of champagne it’s all about the understated twenties glitz, and glamour. It’s a time of prohibition, and a time of speakeasies, underground clubs, and elaborate parties. You know it feels so much better when it’s wrong.

one: bow tie by Lanvin – £75
two: card holder by Bottega Veneta – £160
three: single breasted jacket by Lanvin – £558
four: chino trousers by Z Zegna – £235
five: flower pin by Lanvin – £100
six: classic shirt by Hardy Amies – £185
seven: car shoe loafers by Bottega Veneta – £365
eight: cotton hold all by Calabrese – £290
nine: vintage sunglasses by Persol – £208
ten: patch pocket cardigan by Valentino – £378

at Matches

Get The Great Gatsby Look, Mr Porter

one: straw panama hat by Lock & Co – £150
two: wool suit by Ralph Lauren Black Label – £990
three: silk scarf by Paul Smith – £125
four: alligator penny loafers by Ralph Lauren Purple Label – £2,215
five: pocket square by Turnbull & Asser – £45
six: contrast collar shirt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label – £345
seven: suede penny loafers by Gucci – £385
eight: sunglasses by Linda Farrow Luxe – £320
nine: waxed cotton belt by Loro Piana – £280
ten: derby shoes by O’Keeffe – £395

at Mr Porter

Go back to basics opulent, focus on tailoring but more relaxed materials, brown, and grey neutrals, and throw in some cool pastel, and team with luxe accessories. Right now who’s ready to play some croquet?

Lorien Loves

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It seems colour blocking is here to stay, and this particular tshirt from YMC really caught my eye (well it is bright yellow I suppose haha!). Two tone at it’s best; add an instant flash of colour with this top for that instant summer look.

£55 at Mr Porter

Balenciaga long sleeved striped top

Balenciaga prove that going back to basics is where it is at with this effortlessly cool long sleeved tshirt. Dress it up, or down, throw on your sunglasses, and you are good to go. I much prefer this to the predictably dull stripes that come with Spring, and Summer wardrobes.

£185 at Mr Porter

Lanvin suede patent lace ups

Channel the ultimately relaxed urban luxe look with a little help from Lanvin. I am loving the contrast of the patent leather against the suede, it is a real textural treat. They look ever so comfortable I just want to throw on a pair right now.

£305 at Matches

Summer is calling, and so are these Gucci suede loafers. The perfect contempo casual shoe with an espadrille base, and the classic Gucci horseshoe bit to add a slightly refined element. I just want to throw them on, and stroll in some sunshine – these are definitely high up on my want list!

£335 at Matches

Marc by Marc Jacobs camera bag

Give your outfit a retro cool finish with this unusually coloured messenger from Marc Jacob’s diffusion line; Marc by Marc Jacobs. The forest green is a great way to inject a spot of freshness, and colour into your wardrobe. This camera bag is perfect for down time styling with a touch of funky style.

£325 at Matches

Givenchy Paradise

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Lately I have had Givenchy on the brain; particularly the SS12 Paradise collection. Synonymous with Parisian panache Givenchy is quite possibly one of the most famous French fashion houses of all time. Founded in 1952 the nearly sixty years old brand is nothing less than iconic. Givenchy was set up by French aristocrat Hubert de Givenchy who is probably most famous for dressing Audrey Hepburn. Many great fashion designers have manned the helm of Givenchy since Hubert retired; John Galliano, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Julien Macdonald. The current creative director Riccardo Tisci bought his own almost phantasmagorical macabre touch to the brand, he is very progressional, and I really like the direction in which he takes the brand.

Photography by Filippo Fior, Style.com

The Givenchy SS12 collection is quite avant garde. The bold print is created by mirroring a bird of paradise flower, the result is quite intriguing. There is something about the vivacious print that really draws in my attention; it certainly makes a fashion statement. I also love the excellent cut jungle green tailored pieces in the collection it adds a subtle contrast whilst complimenting the looks entirely.

one: £375
two: £1545
three: £550
four: £435
five: £375

All of the above are available from Mr. Porter.

I am finding myself particularly smitten with ‘five’ – that shirt needs to swiftly find it’s way into my wardrobe. Givenchy is one of those brands people seem to adore, or detest – a lot of people attribute Givenchy as being a tad inertial, desultory almost and entirely over rated. However I personally disagree, and whether you like Givenchy, or not you have to admit it is a force to reckoned with. To say I am a little in love with the Spring Summer 2012 Paradise collection is an understatement; I want to be drenched in Givenchy (now that REALLY would be paradise). The only thing putting me off is the price tag that comes with Givenchy… but never say never .

Keeping it short

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With summer fast approaching, and the hot weather lately (England please do keep it up!). I have been scouring high, and low for the perfect shorts. I have only recently started wearing shorts in England, I used to be rather self conscious about wearing shorts, and only used to wear them abroad, or only at home. I also used to agree with Tom Ford that shorts should not be allowed in the city, but now I completely back track on that – why limit yourself?! There are very few things that I do not agree with the genius on, but that is definitely now one of them.

My other Burberry Brit shorts
The back of my other Burberry Brit shorts

I bought myself two Burberry Brit pairs (apologies they are all creased in the picture – I had to pull them from my washing pile to photograph them!); one from Mr. Porter, and the other from Matches – both feature in the ‘Classic Collection‘ below. Oh, and I am loving the Matches box I got this time around:

I decided to do an edit of some of my favourites about right now, so behold thirty different pairs of shorts for you from tailored shorts classic to splashes of neon:

Classic Collection:

one: Burberry Brit – £95 at Mr. Porter
two: Polo Ralph Lauren – £95 at Harrods
three: Reiss – £65 at Reiss
four: Lanvin – £240 at Matches
five: Burberry Brit – £110 at Matches

Colour Catch:

one: Rag & Bone – £135 at Matches
two: Givenchy – £240 at Mr. Porter
three: Polo Ralph Lauren – £95 at Harrods
four: Polo Ralph Lauren – £37 at Coggles
five: Marc by Marc Jacobs – £195 at Matches

Pastel Panache:

one: Piombo – £178 at Matches
two: Reiss – £69 at Reiss
three: Jack Wills – £49 at Jack Wills
four: Levis – £125 at Matches
five: Norse Projects – £90 at Coggles

Denim Delight:

one: A.P.C. – £115 at Matches
two: Balmain – £369 at Far Fetch
three: PRPS – £145 at Coggles
four: PRPS – £129 at Harrods
five: Paul Smith – £145 at Far Fetch

Pattern Perfection:

one: Polo Ralph Lauren – £115 at Harrods
two: YMC – £115 at Coggles
three: Golden Goose – £197 at Far Fetch
four: Polo Ralph Lauren – £79.99 at Mr. Porter
five: Valentino – £395 at Matches

Sweat Set:

one: Armani Jeans – £89.96 at Harrods
two: Jack Wills – £44 at Jack Wills
three: Moncler – £125 at Matches
four: D&G – £169 at Harrods
five: Wings+Horns – £106 at Far Fetch

A Weekend In The City

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This afternoon whilst having a nostalgic listen through my iTunes I was reminded of one of my favourite albums; Bloc Party’s A Weekend In The City (ah 2007 how I miss you!). I decided to take the album name in a more literal sense, and decided to do an edit showing various looks I would wear for ‘a weekend in the city’. The ‘city’ to me is London of course, and Bloc Party being a British band it only makes sense.

A weekend in the city, look one, Reiss tshirt, 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans, Burberry Brit leather jacket, Paul Smith striped trainers, Gucci scarf

one: Reiss Bless-Basic crew neck tshirt – £20 at Reiss
two: 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans – £179 at Harrods
three: Burberry Brit leather jacket – £695 at My Wardrobe
four: Paul Smith striped cotton trainers – £100 at Matches
five: Gucci tassi scarf – £175 at Matches

A weekend in the city, look two, Ami polo top, Gucci jeans, Balenciaga leather messenger bag, Yves Saint Laurent trainers, Prada Aviator sunglasses

one: Ami knitted polo top – £180 at Matches
two: Gucci slim fitting jeans – £360 at Mr Porter
three: Balenciaga leather messenger bag – £585 at Mr Porter
four: Yves Saint Laurent leather tennis trainers – £300 at Matches
five: Prada Aviator sunglasses – £235 at Harrods

A weekend in the city, look three, Burberry Brit blazer, Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt, Nudie jeans, Alexander McQueen loafers, Reiss twin zip briefcase

one: Burberry Brit contrast check lining blazer – £295 at Matches
two: Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt – £199 at Harrods
three: Nudie coated Thin Finn jeans – £90 at Liberty London
four: Alexander McQueen leather loafers – £375 at Matches
five: Reiss twin zip briefcase – £195 at Reiss

So I leave you with a song off Bloc Party’s “A Weekend In The City”; Song For Clay (Disappear Here), which is inspired by the character Clay in Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero. Bret Easton Ellis is one of my favourite authors, and Less Than Zero is one of my favourite novellas:

Toiletry Bags

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I have another ‘preoccupation’ lately I have not yet shared with you until now, and that is my zeal for pouches, and wash bags. I am constantly throwing my toiletries into bags for weekends away, or a few essentials for when I go to work. I always use toiletry bags as I would not want a product leaking, and ruining my Mulberry bag, or something – plus nothing beats a spot of organisation. When I travel I like to travel in style down to the very last detail.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Camouflage cosmetics case

Marc by Marc Jacobs camo washbag

Marc by Marc Jacobs green camouflage pouch

I picked up this little Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘pouch’ from Selfridges Birmingham on the weekend (fully making use of the 20% discount they had with their Christmas Comes Early promotion). Marc by Marc Jacobs is perhaps one of my favourite ‘diffusion’ brands. It is an inexpensive modern stylish range from the American fashion designer we all love.

When I saw this little ‘cosmetics bag’ I thought it would make a pleasant change from the generally ‘classic’ look I tend to go for. I really like the plaque, and the quilted nylon is easy to wipe down if you get anything on it. It has just enough room to throw in a few basics such as my fragrance, lip balm, moisturiser, breath freshener, and whatever else my little heart desires. For weekends away I will still use my Paul Smith mini series wash bag; this just makes a more convenient every day smaller sized bag.

Here are some toiletry bags on the market right now that I am rather liking:

one: Gucci – £180 at http://www.mrporter.com/
two: Hugo Boss – £110 at http://www.harveynichols.com/
three: Dolce & Gabbana – £453.34 at http://www.luisaviaroma.com/
four: Mulberry – £180 at http://www.mulberry.com/
five: John Lewis – £12 at http://www.johnlewis.com/
six: Paul Smith – £95 at http://www.coggles.com/

seven: Reiss – £59 at http://www.reissonline.com/
eight: Calabrese – £55 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
nine: KG by Kurt Geiger – £40 at http://www.kurtgeiger.com/
ten: Otis Batterbee – £52 at http://www.harrods.com/

I am particularly loving number four the Mulberry one (go figure); there are so many times I have nearly bought that pouch – I am so sorely tempted still.

Lust List

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I thought I would share with you my lust list, a list of items I desire. Very few of these items will I actually buy for reasons of cost, or practicality – but half the fun is in the lusting right?

Hardy Amies fur collar peacoat – £1,300 at Matches

I know I throw the word ‘investment’ around far too generously (it is a great justification word after all) but this dazzling peacoat by Hardy Amies really is an investment piece.

It has black rabbit fur (controversial eek) trim which only adds to the coat giving it a luxurious winter wonderland edge, and a completely different dimension. For a simpler less heavy more Autumn look remove the trim (it’s detachable), and you still have an engagingly classic wool double breasted peacoat with exquisite tailoring.

Marni loose weave mohair-blend sweater – £320 at Mr Porter

Being an absolute knitwear fiend I am always looking for something a bit different, as it’s easy to fall into the trap or buying similar knits season after season. Despite being a little tired of the whole colour blocking trend by now I love this Marni jumper.

I really like the texture of this loose knit, it looks as it would hang well too. It is a great choice for colder weather, I imagine it would look great paired with my Nudie black jeans. I really like how it gets darker, starting with the caramel, the teal, and then to black. The jumper is made of mohair – which means it should be durable, and have some resistance to creasing which is always a plus.

Burberry Prorsum velvet blazer – £795 Mr Porter

As featured in one of my previous blog entries. I am absolutely in lust with this velvet blazer. I really really love Burberry Prorsum as a line, it’s Burberry’s most fashion forward range, when it produces pieces like this, how could I not?

This Burberry Prorsum blazer has the perfect to die for sleek trimmed silhouette with peaked lapels that only add to the shape as a whole. The luxe velvet in a mouth watering midnight blue makes me want pull out my debit card in a heart beat. It is an excellent blazer which would make an exemplary piece of evening wear. In lust? Scratch that, I’m in love!

Christian Louboutin leopard print tassel loafers – £565 at Matches

When it comes to Christian Louboutin men’s shoes people either love them, or hate them. Personally I love his statement edgy shoes. They are your classic shoes, and styles with intense electric twists. There are quite a few pairs of his shoes I am in love with…

This particular pair of loafers very much stand out, and make an impressive statement pair. I love the leopard print on an other wise ordinary loafer. I can see how they are not everyone’s taste, but I am definitely fond of them. The fabulous flash of red on the soles only adds to my infatuation with this pair. I long to frolic along with redsoled shoes (one day!).

Mulberry Elkington brief case – £595 at Mulberry

This classic bag is part of the inspiration that fuelled the iconic Mulberry Alexa. It’s your classic satchel crossed with a brief case. Everyone who reads this blog knows I am a Mulberry boy most definitely, and this bag is probably one of the few items on my ‘lust list’ that I will probably get. We’ll see .

I love Mulberry’s oak natural leather finishing (photo shows it in chocolate as finding a decent picture was nightmare), and this bag really just does it for me. It’s a classic bag that will serve you for years to come. The buckle, and handle give this serious bag a playful twist. It comes with a detachable strap should you choose to wear it across your body, or on your shoulder. I have been eyeing up this bag for a very long time, must try it on in Harvey Nichols, and see if it’s meant to be.

Burberry Brit leather contrast sleeve biker jacket – £595 at my-wardrobe.com

Leather jackets are instantly associated with sex appeal. There is something about them that just screams, ‘I’m bad ass baby’, and gets away with that ridiculous statement in ALL the right ways.

I have been eyeing up this Burberry jacket for quite a while now. The contrast fabric sleeves, and back only add to this jacket. Everyone needs a leather jacket with attitude in their wardrobe – whether you mix it up and wear it with a shirt underneath for contrast, or throw it on with an old tshirt, and your favourite pair of jeans, it’s definitely a piece worth looking into.

Paul Smith burgundy leopard jacquard scarf – £69 at my-wardrobe.com

When it comes to scarves I really really (got to emphasise those really’s now) cannot help myself. I have lots, and lots of them. I really appreciate a good scarf, they are one of my weaknesses – I have plenty, however there is always room for one more I suppose…

I simply adore this Paul Smith one. The burgundy against the against the black creates an opulent effect. I have a bit of a thing for jacquard, and the leopard oddly works well with this scarf, it doesn’t look too effeminate. I love the thin tassel fringing, and at the price this scarf is an absolute bargain. Who doesn’t need a merino wool, and cashmere treat in their wardrobe?

…hope you enjoyed it. What are you currently lusting after?

Lorien.Me

My affaire de cœur with life, fashion, and anything that may fascinate, or astound me.

Tag Archives: Mr Porter

Shopping: Alexander McQueen needlepoint slippers

Givenchy Rottweiler Tshirt

Get The Great Gatsby Look

Lorien Loves

Givenchy Paradise

Keeping it short

A Weekend In The City

Toiletry Bags

Lust List

Prêt-à-Porter