Amazing Grace

Grace Kelly lived her life as a model, actress, princess and mother with just that. Amazing Grace.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London, is host to the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition which will continue travelling around Europe after it finishes here on September 26th.

I first became aware of Miss Kelly, or as she was known after her marriage to Prince Rainier, Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco when I first saw the film Rear Window which she starred in with James Stewart - my favourite actor, and thought her to be one of the most beautiful and stylish women i'd ever seen. And was also a little jealous of her having played James Stewart's love interest!

The exhibition is accessible through Room 40, a look at fashion from the 1750's through to today. It is fronted by an extravagant, pink, strapless dress which was designed by Maggy Rouff, a Parisian designer and worn by Grace in 1956, the year of her royal wedding in Monaco.

For me, the exhibition was more than I could have hoped for. Showing some of the most iconic and memorable pieces worn by Kelly, including a Hermès "Kelly" bag, named after the lady herself as she was so often seen carrying one, to outfits from film such as Rear Window and High Society in which she starred with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.

There were some lovely surprises, such as two film projections showing movie and news clips of Grace. And the beautifully insightful labels and photographs which accompany each outfit detailing where and when each astonishingly well preserved piece was worn.

One gallery assistant claimed it to be one of the most popular exhibitions to have been held at the V&A, saying: "It has been so popular, we could have sold out more than twice the daily limit."

The exhibition opened with a private viewing in early April, and was attended by figures such as Joan Collins and Ringo Starr.

Romantic Dresser

If I could choose a style to wear for every season, every year for the rest of my life, anyone who knows me would probably think i'd say that it would be 1960's (I have a slight obsession) but no, my style, if I had the money to do it properly would be romantic.

Think flowing skirts, heels (or barefoot) peacoats, blacks, golds, maroons, chiffons, lace, maxi, swedish hasbeens (I need some of these shoes!)

Think Kate Bush, Paris, wuthering heights... ok so i'm getting a bit carried away thinking about it now!

Thank God for Urban Outfitters, who stock tonnes of beautiful, romantic clothing like the skirt shown here. The only problem now is, how do I make enough money to afford it all.....

Bowled over by a Beckham!

Finally Victoria Beckham has found her calling in life! It's certainly not singing and dancing, it's most definately dress design!

Who else was pleasently suprised when they saw the A/W10 S/S11 collections from Mrs Beckham? I know I was but then again to give the lady her dues she does know how to dress. (If we forget the matching all leather outfits her and David wore ten years ago!)

I've chosen my favourite. This three quarter sleeved tunic dress from the S/S11 collection definately goes on my "What I would buy if I was rich" list. Take a look at Posh's website to see more of her beautifully and cleverly thought out designs.

Well done Victoria!

Feeling Autumnal

Today I am feeling all kinds of autumnal! I love September as it is the gateway to autumn, most probably my favourite season. You know where you are with autumn as basically, anything goes. Nobody is surprised by rain, snow, wind, and even the last remnants of summer breaking through every now and then illuminating the most beautiful colours that Mother Nature gives us at this time of year.

She really does give us a show doesn't she. Golds, pinks, greens, reds, burn oranges as far as the eye can see. It's like she's saying "Look, I know winter's coming and it may be awful but here, have this beautiful jewel encrusted world for a month or two before the frost sets in."

But my favourite thing about autumn is the clothes! It's not only the natural world that dresses up, but I always feel it's the most perfect time of year fashion wise. You aren't freezing and wrapped in so many layers that you can hardly breathe as is winter, you aren't constantly taking a jacket on and off when the weather changes as in Spring and you aren't revealing everything you shouldn't including bad tan marks and cracked heels from weeks upon weeks of wearing nothing but sandals as in summer. Autumn is my favourite season because it is my time to shine!

What do I want to be wearing this autumn? Well it's actually a question that was posed to me just the other day, I had to keep adding to my list as I thought of delicious things that I just wanted to run out and buy and wear then and there! But essentially here is my list of my top items for autumn. Feel free to comment with your own.

1. Capes. They are everywhere, all over the catwalks and therefore all over the high street for A/W 2010. This one is from ASOS.

2. Leopard print. This one's been around for the past couple of years but I have a feeling this is the last year for it, so come on, let's make it a good one! This beautiful leopard print silk blouse is from Zara and doesn't it look amazing with the brown leather skirt?!

3. Chunky knits. They really came back in fashion last year didn't they, but they'll be around for a while. I'm feeling neutral coloured, oversized cardigans with either wooden or animal face buttons. It has to be oversized because I am SICK of half mast sleeves and cold kidneys! Also they're just so cozy, how can anyone resist this perfect item of clothing that can complete most outfits, giving them a lovely warm, A/W feel. This varsity style pink cardigan is from River Island. A shop I never usually even look in but in the past year it's really come in as being a great high street shop in my opinion whereas I used to look at it before as being overly chavvy!

4. The last few years it's been ALL about fur. This year it's going to be all about Shearing! Bags, coats, boots, mittens, hats, you name it accessory wise they will make it bleat like a sheep! I am in love with this bag from Sabrina Tach.

5. Tweed. Not just for farmers and country bumpkins, tweed jackets teamed with pegged trousers and a gorgeous pair of brogues just screams autumn! Urban Outfitters is one of my favourite shops and this dress is by Fred Perry for UO.

6. Always a favourite, Leather. Be careful not to go too far with this one or you will end up looking tacky. NEVER buy cheap leather, it will bag and sag in all the wrong places, and remember "Buy cheap, buy twice!" Love your leather and take care of it! Camels, deep Burgundy's and tans like this shift dress from Topshop are my colour of choice - Yum!

7. Another fave, Denim. There is sometimes in my opinion too much denim around. I've seen some amazing vintage pieces which should be snapped up. This oversized, sleeveless, denim shirt is from Miss Selfridge.

8. Hats. I am a big believer in hats. Find a style that suits you, please please don't just shove a woolly bobble hat on top of your head unless you are one of those really annoying people who can look amazing in anything! I love cloche hats, and berets. This Helene Berman beret can be found at Urban Outfitters.

9. Colour. Be bold, be brave, the trees have turned from green to golds and reds, why not follow suit? Unfortunately this beautiful dress from Dixi was a one off and I wasn't quick enough to get my hands on it but it's the kind of colour statement i'll be making this season!

10. And finally... Accessorise! Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with accessories, there are so many out on the high street. Brooches, rings, necklaces, hair accessories, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, make-up, nail polish, handbags, shoes! The list is endless and just gets better and better. Please don't overdo it though or you'll end up looking like a six year old who's found her mum's wardrobe! (The good old days!) These shearing boots come in different colours and are from New Look.