Time Out: Sculpture & Jewellery Workshop With Nora Fok

I was very privileged to have opportunity to take up a day workshop Nora Fok working with nylon mono filament and objects from nature to create jewellery and sculpture. Nora is a reknown for her delicate art/jewellery/sculpture, her pieces are exhibited all over including the V&A London. Inspired by different aspects of nature, structure, systems and order, she has a unique ability to translate ideas into delightful delicate and intricate compositions which one immediately associates with her. Nora's workshops are limited so it really was a chance that would probably not arise again any time soon, so it was an exciting day.

This is Nora modelling one of her exquisite neck pieces from the Cloud Nylon Collection.

On the day, I re-purposed this Neal's Yard Remedies Box and filled it with tools, beads and bits in my favourite shades of blues and greys from the class requirements list of things to bring along.

The 10.30 - 4pm day was split into creative work and looking at Nora's own pieces, starting off with jewellery themed from Nora's signature nature inspiration. We were handed a delightful little paper wrapped package that contained this...

A real peach stone dried for two years, a button and some ribbon. And after some handy work the pieces became this....

Then it was onto working with PVC. to create this very summery sherbet-y coloured bracelet from just four strands...

Next was a look at Nora's work from over the past 30 years. Slides and actual pieces were presented and we had the chance to try on a vast amount of Nora's jewellery pieces, again a very privileged position to be in as it is only during private sessions that the jewellery can be handled due to it's delicate nature. There were so many beautiful pieces they can be seen here.

In the afternoon was more delicate work with fine nylon creating a pretty pearl ring and a "light as air" bracelet from a huge length of nylon and small pearls. All work created by just tying and manipulating by hand, no glues or toxic chemicals were used. I apologise for the photographs' soft focus quality, the workshop space was dark with small desk lamps which were very yellow!

There was so much packed into the day to mention everything would make this a very long post. But I did just want to show one of my favourite pieces that Nora created using 3D polymer printing, this stunning coral inspired dress bracelet.

I discovered Nora's work after seeing lots of pieces in an exhibition, details of further exhibitions are on the website www.norafok.com

Fashion Blog: TheOutnet.com Clearance. What I Purchased Update

I blogged a few days ago about TheOutnet.com clearance sale and the items I purchased. A couple of days later the parcel arrived in the usual timely manner, everything beautifully packaged.

The more high end / tailored items from TheOutnet.com are shipped in a handy "clothes cover/carry bag" which is really useful.

I couldn't wait to try on everything, blissfully unwrapping swathes of white tissue to reveal some very gorgeous items. I struck gold with the Chloe Snake Print Jacket, it was the perfect fit and looked stunning on suddenly transforming the plain black trousers I was wearing that day into something more of that from the pages of a fashion magazine! I am always in awe of the quality of the fabrics and the construction, there wasn't a single stitch in sight on the outside or the lining, true tailoring craftsmanship at it's best. A perfect, quality piece that is very wearable, love it.

The other two items ordered were beautiful but the proportions were not quite right for me. The super bargain Vanessa Bruno jacket was too narrow in the shoulders for me, I am petite, but I work out regularly with a personal trainer which has resulted in sculpted shoulders rather than those of a waif! It was very well made though. The Thakoon Dress was way too big, almost sack like and the scoop neckline was just too vast, the fabrics were very good quality though. So both these items have been returned.

The clearance pop up sale has now ended in both the UK and the USA. I did notice TheOutnet.com had curated a collection of super chic Monochromes which are pretty irresistible! USA here and UK here.

Fashion Blog: TheOutnet.com Clearance Has Started... And What I Purchased

Happy! Happy! Happy! TheOutnet.com Pop Up Clearance has started in the UK (USA will start soon so keep checking). As per usual there are investment piece bargains amongst other gorgeous things. I purchased three items today, here they are...

CHLOÉ Snake-print wool jacket NOW £261
Original price £1,740. 85% OFF.

(100% wool)
The perfect neutral piece, the colour and print make this easy to wear when a lighter coloured jacket is not suitable (think of the British weather!). The print adds a luxe feel to a tailored jacket and adds versatility.

THAKOON Double-layer t-shirt dress NOW £96
Original price £640. 85% OFF.

(90% viscose, 10% nylon; trim: 100% silk; lining: 100% silk)
This may not seem like an investment piece in the obvious way that a tailored jacket fits the bill. This is more of a multi wear dress, the quality and detail makes it luxe enough to wear often and the ease of it's style means you will be able to throw it on and wear throughout the summer. This is a cost per wear investment.

VANESSA BRUNO Wool-blend jacket NOW £64.50
Original price £430.  85% OFF.

(88% wool, 12% polyamide; lining: 60% acetate)

The Vanessa Bruno Jacket is an excellent buy at £64.50.

Below is a summary of my order, I paid £421.50 for the three items, with a saving of £2.388.50 off the original price when the items were in season at net-a-porter.com. The shipping was £5.95.

The sale runs for another 7 days, but it's best to look as soon as you can to have the most choice. I don't bother to look at jeans as they are generally very small eg. 24 waist and the savings are not as noticeable on your wallet as other items such as tailored jackets. Don't forget you have to register on the site (it's free and the emails are really inspirational) to be able to shop.

Have fun!

Fashion Blog: Investment Piece... My favourite 14 Year Old Camel Coat

Good investment pieces are like old friends, you cherish them and you're always pleased to see them. I've had this camel overcoat for 14 years. I've worn it religiously each winter, it's dry-cleaned twice during the season and then again at the end of the biting winter months ready for next year.

Whilst I am careful not to snag or scrunch this coat up, to care for the cashmere and wool mix (cashmere bruises easily), I do wear it regularly. Two or three times as week, on and off trains, planes and automobiles. It picks up the usual travel pollution (dark black soot type marks around the hem). The dry cleaning process with my usual, exceptionally good, dry cleaner renders this coat as good as the day I bought it.

The other way I keep this coat good as new is to hang it on a smooth wooden hanger after each wear and brush the wool finish with a clothes brush to remove lint. I never use a sticky roller to remove fluff from a fine fabric such as wool or cashmere, it visibly ages the fabric leaving it looking worn. Save the sticky roller for smooth cottons and denims.

Shown with a T By Alexander Wang Silk Dress

Thinking back to when I bought this coat… I wanted a classic, yet modern well-cut overcoat. The other criteria was it has to be a good wool fabric, be fully lined and single breasted. Also, it had to be an inch or two longer than the dresses it could be worn with that were already part of my personal collection. The answer came in this cashmere and wool mix, single breasted, silk lined Crombie style coat from New York Industrie, quite expensive 14 years ago at £350.

A true investment piece, to date cost per wear has been around £25 per year, plus the cost of dry cleaning. It hasn't lost it's luxe appeal to me over the years, I still feel like a million dollars when I slip it on.

Fashion Blog: Limited Edition DVF Leopard Print Wrap Dress

An investment piece at its best! Avaialble at DVF.com

Fashion Blog: Today I Am Wearing...Summery Ralph Lauren Collection Tan Leather Wedges

Last summer I couldn't resist a pair of these ever so versatile Ralph Lauren Collection Wedges 2011. They have been my "go to" summer shoe every time I feel the warmth of the sun. A true investment piece, perfect for travelling and super comfortable too. They just seem to go with everything, but maybe thats just because I adore them so much!

Previously posted, Ralph Lauren Collection Wedges 2011
Click here for similar styles from Ralph Lauren for 2012

Fashion Blog: Not to be missed! Up to 70% off MICHEAL Micheal Kors at The Outnet

Just in at TheOutnet.com. A whole sublimely glamourous collection of great every day pieces from MICHEAL Micheal Kors with upto 70% off. Perfect and wearable, at value prices. Couturenet picks good investment items in classic Micheal Kors neutral colours...

Fashion Blog: On My Wishlist... Michael Van Der Ham Silk Scarf

My scarves obsession continues. This one is on my wishlist, I need desperately to wrap myself in it!

Michael Van Der Ham 
Pink Torn Print Silk Scarf
£165 at Liberty London

A large silk scarf featuring a pink pattern and speckled grey torn patch print on a white background with a midnight blue and yellow border. www.liberty.co.uk 

Fashion Blog: Lost in Liberty's Sea Of Scarves

Liberty in London is a dangerous place to visit, the charismatic dark wooden doors lead into your very own Narnia. It's impossible to pop in for a quick present purchase. I found myself blissfully lost in swathes of stunning fabrics in the haberdashery department and immersed in the stacks of perfectly covered Liberty print journals for at least half an hour. Then there were the scarves, now I was feeling very indulgent. I am drawn to scarves in the pre spring month of March, not quite warm enough to wear summer clothing and not cold enough to wrap up in a chunky cashmere scarf. It's the perfect pre season time to buy a great silk scarf in a bright pattern. The Liberty Spring Magazine must has shared my thoughts, featuring a few pages of beautiful bright styled scarves.

www.liberty.co.uk

Fashion Blog: Marni for H&M, UK & USA

The Marni for H&M Collection is due to hit stores this week! Available to buy in the UK and USA on Thursday 8th March at 9am.
Couturenet picks investment pieces from the collection.

1. The Printed Silk Dress. UK £59.99  & USA $79.95
This is a great starting piece. The statement piece.

2. The Short Sleeved Blazer. UK £59.99 & USA $79.95
The self coloured larger dots adds balance and grounding to the outfit.

3. The Flower Necklace Piece UK 29.99 & USA $39.95
The softer shaped petals add purity to the geometric prints.

4. The Leather Platform Sandals UK £69.99 & USA $99.00
Great value for money, almost idenitical to last seasons mainline Marni shoes that retailed over £400, the perfect finish to the outfit.

Picking investment pieces from a designer collection for a value high street store such as H&M requires some thought. From the Marni for H&M Collection I have selected pieces that are quintessentially Marni in print, fabric and style and their investment value is based on how wearable the pieces are. Items that can create a whole breathtaking Marni look or can be worn separately with other clothing. These pieces work as both occassion wear and day wear.

High quality images of the entire collection can be seen here at vogue.co.uk

Fashion Blog: Marni at H&M on the 8th March.

This is one I am really excited about. Can't wait to see all the pieces. See the whole Marni at H&M commercial here.