2013

1) Topshop paisley jacquard crop top, £32, click here to buy
2) Topshop fluoro paisley capri pants, £55, click here to buy
3) REDValentino raffia flower wedges, £310, click here to buy
4) Anne Bowes Jewellery Silver Heart Golden Pearl necklace, £140, click here to buy
5) Quay Za Ha square sunglasses, £25, click here to buy
6) IRO Ashville leather biker jacket, £785, click here to buy
7) Kenzo clouded leopard print tote bag, £265, click here to buy
8) Reed Krakoff mirror leather Oxford shoes, £430, click here to buy
9) Paige Denim Tyler vintage mid rise boyfriend jeans, £208 click here to buy
10) REISS Gwen sleeveless striped tank, £45, click here to buy

Love Ella. X

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Ella Catliff in Shopping 2 Comments

Wining At: Archer Street

Archer Street, 3 – 4 Archer Street, South Soho, London, W1D 7AP

During my (almost) three years of blogging I’ve often ummed and ahhed over what to post and what not to post. With so many brilliant blogs out there, the last thing I’d want to do would be to simply regurgitate someone else’s content. After all, you lovely lot don’t have to read my musings and why on earth would or should you bother visiting La Petite Anglaise if you’d already seen the exact same stuff on a hundred other sites!? With an editorial team of one, I think it’s safe to say I’m never going to compete with the likes of Style.com in terms of delivering hot-off-the-press fashion news so instead I decided to focus on sartorial stories personal to me. In a roundabout sort of way, the decision to narrow down has led me to broaden my blogging horizons because much as I love a good handbag – and God knows I do love a good handbag – like most people, I indulge in other pastimes too. Aside from shopping, of which I”ll admit I do rather a lot, I also spend indecent amounts of time frequenting various wining and dining establishments around London (and writing essays, but you don’t want to read about that) so without further ado, I bring you my first EVER cocktail bar review! Given that I often go there more than twice a week, I probably didn’t to pay another visit to Archer Street in order to write this piece. But what kind of girl says no to complimentary cocktails? Certainly not me.

Since my housemate/BFF/perma-party pal Charlotte introduced me to the Soho hotspot some time last Summer I’ve been criminally obsessed with Archer Street. I don’t know whether it’s the French chateau meets luxe lounge bar decor, their delectable Pinot Grigio selection or the fact that they often play 90′s RnB, but I just can’t get enough of the place. Generally speaking, a crisp glass of white wine is my tipple of choice. But on the occasions I opt for a cocktail (usually around the point in the evening when you know you should call it a night but inevitably don’t) my current favourite is the Lychee Martini. As I knew full well before I visited in a “work capacity” last week, Archer Street does a damn good version of the sinfully sugary late night treat. Obviously I had to check that nothing had changed in the, ahem, six days since my last visit and I’m pleased to confirm that their lychee delights were every bit as delightful as I remembered. My only complaint would be the lack of real floating fruit in the drink although I’ll admit that when semi submerged in a martini glass, lychees can sometimes look disturbingly like eyeballs. On the whole, my long suffering boyfriend gets the raw end of the deal having orders barked at him while attempting to take my outfit photos. On this occasion he was more than happy to help out and ensured me that his Old Fashioned was ice cold perfection.

Despite the gorgeousness of the place, one thing I particularly love about Archer Street is its total lack of pretention. It may be ridiculously in demand and ingeniously located but as the bar’s manager so succinctly put it, at the end of the day “it’s all just a bit of fun”. I mentioned earlier that they sometimes play 90′s and early noughties RnB. Well, other times the bar staff climb aboard the tables and treat you to a pitch perfect rendition of various classic tunes. In theory this sounds beyond cringeworthy. In practice (and after two or three Lychee Martinis) it’s complete and utter genius.

I hope you enjoyed the first of my posts about wining and dining. As you’ve no doubt gathered, Archer Street wholeheartedly gets the LPA seal of approval and I’d strongly recommend making a visit… Provided of course, you order a Lychee Martini.

Love Ella. X

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Ella Catliff in Lifestyle 2 Comments

LPA Styles It: Harrods

It’s been a while since my last edition of “LPA Styles It” but with SS13 in full swing (well, in theory anyway), I decided it was high time for another one. And where better to flex my styling muscles than Harrods? I was lucky enough to visit the Knightsbridge shopping mecca before opening hours earlier this year when they invited me to take some snaps at the new 3.1 Phillip Lim concession. I don’t know whether you’ve ever had virtually an entire vast department store to yourself but there really are few things more fabulous. At 8am the Friday before last there wasn’t another shopper in sight and with every designer delight in the place at my disposal, I felt like the proverbial kid in a candy store. Despite my despondence at the fact that I’d undoubtedly be leaving empty handed, as an experience it was still pretty magical. With just two hours to style and shoot my favourite looks from God-knows-how many covetable collections the pressure was on. Here are the ensembles I chose…

Cheetah Chiquita

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lita Cheetah Sweater, £185, click here to buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Jett Leather Skirt, £450, click here to buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha Cross Body bag, £310, click here to buy
Nicholas Kirkwood Salsa Pump, £460, click here to buy

Initially I thought look number 1 was my favourite of the lot. Then looks 2, 3 and 4 changed my mind but in retrospect I think this outfit is the one I’d most like to have in my wardrobe. In fact, I ended up buying the sweater the following week because I couldn’t get its cheetah print cuteness out of my head. As you know, I’m more than a little obsessed with Marc Jacobs. While I’m perhaps a little too young and definitely a lot too broke to own any mainline Marc or Louis Vuitton, I’ve collected a few pieces from his little sister line over the years and these super versatile separates would definitely be worthwhile investments. Punchy prints and sizzling shades add a youthful, casual cool to simple silhouettes and clean cuts. As for the fab Nicholas Kirkwood shoes… Need I even provide an explanation?

True Prep

Carven Denim Jacquard Jacket, £540, click here to buy
Carven Denim Jacquard Mini Skirt, £240, click here to buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Bowery Blouse, £195, click here to buy
Carven Contrast Strap Handbag (strap removed), £600, click here to buy
Chloé Lucy Sandal, £420, click here to buy

This is the kind of immaculate ensemble I dream of trotting around town in during Spring. I cannot physically express quite how much I covet all things Carven, Guillaume Henry’s patterned shifts and playful separates are simply chic beyond belief. You may remember this neat little jacket from one of my London Fashion Week outfits. I’m sorry to say it was borrowed not bought so naturally I leapt at the chance to wear it again. This time around I went the whole hog and paired it with the matching skirt. This kind of outfit can’t help but be preppy so I decided to embrace it by adding a white Peter Pan collared blouse and neat navy bag. Two strap sandals are having a moment (albeit one that’s now lasted about three seasons) so I opted for this understated Chloé pair and regretted not having gotten a pedicure beforehand.

How Day-Glo Can You Go?

Equipment Signature Reptile Silk Shirt, £290, click here to buy
House of Holland Polkadot Skinny Jeans, £140, click here to buy
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Bag, £625, click here to buy
Nicholas Kirkwood Salsa Pumps, £460, click here to buy

One of the things I enjoy the most about doing LPA Styles It, or really any photoshoot for that matter, is getting the opportunity to step outside my clothing comfort zone and experiment with something a bit wacky. This fluro tastic, 90s inspired get up is SO not the kind of thing I naturally gravitate towards but once I saw it in all its technicolour, print clashing glory was convinced. But be warned; fun, fearless and generally fantastic though this look may be, I suspect it might be something of a man repeller and best saved for fashion week, not first dates.

Shimmering

Victoria, Victoria Beckham Striped Jacquard Shift Dress, £675, click here to buy
Valentino Noir 65 Leather Pump, £620, click here to buy
Chloé Medium Elsie Shoulder Bag, £865, click here to buy

Last but certainly not least, I slipped into a bit of Victoria, Victoria Beckham. As you may remember from my post on her presentation during New York Fashion Week, I have the utmost respect for Mrs Beckham and a buisness woman, fashion designer and master of re-invention. This exquisitely elegant cocktail dress epitomises the immaculate, modern femininity that has won Victoria countless awards, stockists and the notoriously hard to win admiration of the fashion community. With a miniature Chloé evening bag and the studded Valentino stilettos I’ve wanted forever I feel this ensemble is the stuff sartorial dreams are made of.

What do you think of the first “LPA Styles It” of 2013? I hope you enjoyed it as I’ve got some very exciting ones in the pipelines!

Love Ella. X

Photography by Paul Gonzales

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Ella Catliff in Shopping 9 Comments

5 Minutes With: Charlotte Simone

If you ask most people what they were doing at 23, the answer isn’t usually running their own business. Of course that’s not to say there aren’t exceptions and young entrepreneursout out there but on the whole, most 23 year olds spend their days attending – or not attending – university lectures, placing a tentative foot on the first rung of the career ladder, odd jobbing, post-graduation travelling and generally having a good time. Fashion may be fun and frivolous in many ways but it’s also an industry in which many people start their own flourishing businesses in their early twenties. One such sartorial success story is that of Charlotte Simone. Inspired by the chicness of the Parisiennes she spotted (who isn’t!) while studying in the French fashion capital and decided to launch her own scarf label straight after graduating. Less than two years on, Charlotte’s scarves are stocked everywhere from London to Lebanon and with Rita Ora her devoted (and perma-papped) fan, the future looks pretty rosy. I caught up with the budding accessory guru to talk inspirations, aspirations and those dastardly stylish Parisians…

LPA: Tell me a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? Where your family involved in fashion?

CS: I grew up in London – woo! My family is not involved in fashion but they are all creative with motivated minds. ‘Work hard, play hard’ is very much the family motto.

LPA: I was intrigued to hear that you decided to launch your brand while studying in Paris. I started my blog while interning there! What was it about Parisian style that particularly inspired you? How do you feel it compares to London?

CS: I just fell in love with the beauty of Paris. It’s overpopulated with gorgeous woman, carb loaded treats and amazing architecture. As a lover of all three it was kind of hard not to be inspired. London has a great eclectic/rock and roll edge to its style, whereas Paris feels more classic, with neutral tones and clean silhouettes. I have to say, for me the Parisians win every damn time.

LPA: Perhaps a rather simple question, why scarves in particular?

CS: Charlotte Simone is different in that it not only functions as an item of practicality but also a statement of style. I want my scarves to be an accessory that girls will choose to invest in – just as they do jewellery, handbags and shoes.

LPA: On the subject of fur, how do you translate your designs for Summer? Miserable though British weather is, even we can’t wear mink all year round…

CS: I don’t yet do a Spring/Summer line. I do a small capsule line round January to accommodate the gap between my winter sales period.

LPA: In just 18 months you’ve landed over 100 stockists, that’s pretty incredible. Once you’d had the idea of launching Charlotte Simone what were the next steps you took to put your plans into motion?

CS: I luckily had a great team of motivated and talented friends who helped me get all the selling tools together – Then I just got on the road and sold my line from door to door.

LPA: As a 23 year old running a successful business within a hugely competitive industry, do you struggle to strike a work/life balance? I imagine a lot of your friends are just finishing uni…

CS: It is extremely hard – I have surrender myself to the fact that I’m going to have to make some real sacrifices to get to where I want to be. But im fine with that, I really love what I do.

LPA: What is your ultimate aim for Charlotte Simone the brand?

CS: To be recognized as a great scarf designer – an accessory all women would save a dollar for.

Love Ella. X

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Ella Catliff in Interviews 1 Comment

Fred Butler Easter Bonnet Parade

Yes, this seriously happened. Only in the world of fashion could something as banal as an Easter Bonnet translate into a riotous, hilarious champagne fuelled extravaganza. Last Tuesday the swanky Sanderson Hotel played host to a madcap catwalk fash-off hosted by milliner and accessory designer, Fred Butler. Despite living only a short stroll up the road, Char and I arrived at The Sanderson a good hour late thanks to my having to try on six different outfits. Generally speaking, I take about 5 minutes to get ready but the extreme(-y annoying) weather conditions have been messing with my new season mojo. In the end I settled on my trusty lace tee and black silk jaquared from Whistles. Adorable though these pieces may be, I definitely chose the wrong ensemble. The party took place in the courtyard garden area and I was absolutely bloody freezing.

By the time we arrived the place was already packed but luckily my fellow blogger and perennial party pal Millie had arrived on time and bagged a corner table. No sooner had we taken our first sip of Champagne, legendary drag Queen Jonny Woo took to the stage sporting a majestic head dress (and little else) to announce that the competition was about to begin. In case the post title didn’t give it away, the point of the event was an Easter Bonnet Parade, which would see entrants including Piers Atkinson, Antipodium, Tatty Devine and Margot Bowman compete for the title of “bonnet master”. Led by Fred, Vogue Style Editor Emma Elwick-Bates, LOVE Magazine Editor Alex Fury and stylists Margaret Crow and Kim Howells would be judging the designs right in front of us. First up was Antipodium and having absolutely adored their show, I was pretty excited to see what Easter-tastic dream Creative Director, Geoffrey J. Finch would dream up. Showcasing their AMAZING bonnet on a mini skirt clad drag queen who shimmied and strutted down the catwalk, Antipodium got the parade off to a suitably spectacular start and received well-deserved high scores from all of the judges.

As for the designs that followed, well, I think it’s safe to say you’ve never seen bonnets like these before! Ranging from real flowers to black gauze veils, the whole thing had an X Factor meets Alice in Wonderland feel and us non-artistic types (i.e me) were utterly in awe of what we saw on the catwalk. That is, when we weren’t lolling at Jonny Woo’s running commentary and banter with the judges. But of course it was a competition, and there could only be one winner. After much deliberation, aided by more champagne natch, the judges chose Piers Atkinson who’s “Double Yoker Easter Egg Surprise” was nothing short of brilliant… Then again, he is a renowned professional milliner. Antipodium also got a special mention, which made me and no doubt many other attendees happy.

With the competition over and plenty more fun to be had we hit the bar for a mingle before relocating en masse to Soho House and indulging in rather more cocktails than is strictly advisable on a Tuesday. There were certainly a few bleary eyes at press days the next morning, a sure sign of a successful party!

Love Ella. X

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Ella Catliff in Parties Leave a comment

« Previous 1 2 ... 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ... 166 167 Next »