Tunbridge Wells Shop Watch

As we have seen in the past year or two, manor houses and country estates have been major influences in windows and store displays. From mounted animal heads, rich fabrics to stately ornate furniture and gold picture frames. And it appears it is re-occuring as a theme for displaying autumn collections. See Jigsaw's window which uses family portraits framed in decadent gold frames in place of mannequin heads. It seems instead of a head of flowers, the new trend for mannequins this autumn/winter is traditional-style paintings! As for the department store Hoopers, they have opted for a different take on the country estate theme, and gone with a library. Books are cleverly stacked to display accessories - and even put on a mannequin's head! In between the mannequins are also lamps with beautiful lace shades - I would not mind one of those - along with the purple Mulberry! Also separate to that main fashion window, Hoopers currently have an adorable childrens window; with colourful pastel hues, piled cushions and beautiful fabrics.
See some photos below - and sorry they are very reflective!

Recent Purchases

Lately the only way I can justify spending money on clothes is if they are suitable for work - so my recent buys have been monochrome or tweed items! That and I still cannot resist buying pieces for my own place (which I actually hope to get somepoint in the not too distant future!) I have found some gorgeous plates, prints and quilts at various antique markets and charity shops. I picked up an adorable china dog, another swan for my collection and old books.

Clothes-wise I recently got a cape - they are making a return for this winter season! As well as blouses and jackets for work; and some bargain shoes from New Look.

Notice also my bargain chair - and the cushion I made from scratch! - that certainly took patience and a long 3 months!

Thrift Finds

Now usually I have no success when I go to TKMaxx, but my luck changed when I took a visit recently to the Brighton branch. I was on the hunt for some knitwear and came across a gorgeous blue Ralph Lauren jumper and a green Pringle of Scotland cable knit v-neck jumper. Both at bargain prices, the Ralph Lauren jumper originally £145 from last season was reduced to £39.99! I also found an amazing Michael Kors leather jacket - but thankfully for my bank balance it was not in my size.

Make Do and Mend

It is the details I believe that make a garment - and I think it is seeing the collections at Chanel that have justified this to me. Up close you notice the intricate detailing in the tweeds, the buttons and trims, looking at my highstreet based wardrobe I realised what my clothes really needed to give them a new lease of life was some added detailing. It adds an instance luxury feel and can make a highstreet purchase unique and individual. Hence in true Gok style, I headed to my local haberdashery for a selection of buttons and trims, to add to coats and jackets in my wardrobe. I also got inspired to luxe up some plain looking cushions by adding strings of tassels.

London Shop Watch

Just a brief summary of trends we are still seeing in stores vm schemes - inspiration is still being drawn from nature - forests, gardens, fruits, plants etc. Also mirrors and reflective surfaces, hot air balloons, weather and homely touches (stairs, book shelves etc) all remain key trends in store windows. Keep an eye out for these next time you wander down the high street.

Calling Sarah Briscoe!

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for your lovely comment, I am sorry I have only just noticed it! I would be happy to give you some advice and tell you a bit more about my career path if you wish, just give me your email address and I shall be in touch. I am embarrassed to admit I cannot work out how to post a comment on my own blog! So have had to make a post to you!

Many thanks again for your kind words, and glad you enjoy the blog! Apologies I have not been writing so much lately :S shall be working on that!

And to anyone else wishing to contact me my email address is: lrmedcraft@hotmail.co.uk - please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you wish.

Lydia x

CHANEL VM

The new window schemes are in at Chanel - the latest winter collection in cool shades of grey, forest greens, turquoises and berry hues is off set with oriental mirror screens and rows of silver chairs. The mannequins are layered in mutliple textures and accessorised with patent classic bags, which add a punch of colour, and strings of necklaces signature of Chanel's image. Take a look: