A little (bag) something for you...

Oh dear God, I don't know HOW this one slipped through the net - I'm putting it down to Fashion Week madness - Tamara Fogle, utter bag genius! Forgive me Tamara, for not putting this up sooner, I only just found the pics on my camera!

Taking a little breather from the shows during the week, I found myself strolling round the exhibition, only to (very happily) end up at Tamara's stand, tucked away at the end (why she wasn't at the beginning so everyone saw her first is beyond me!). She was being filmed at the time, I think for a Fashion Week online channel, but I stood and listened to what she was saying.

All the textiles Tamara sources for her incredible bags are vintage and antique. The pictures below show bags made from, if you can believe this, antique German flour sacks dating back to the 1830s. You can 100% guarantee that NO ONE else will have the same bag as you. Each sack has individual markings on; in Gothic-style writing the farmers name, the location and the date the sack was first used.

For some other of her creations, Tamara uses antique Hungarian grain sacks (from 1910) in flax linen and vintage military tent canvas from 1945. Aren't her materials genius? Just what I like, a bag with a story (that's the products, not you Tamara!).

I think what drew me in was the vintage feel to the bags, which is strange because as vintage goes, I ain't so much a fan. But these, you can tell when you touch them, are pure quality. I can't really pin point why I love them so much, I just do! You need to feel and touch one to appreciate. My favourites are the larger ones, they have lots of character. That's it - character. Her bags personify character.

Prices start from £125. Click here to see more and to find Tamara Fogle stockists.

My personal favourite, large weekend sack bag

Brighter linens

Gorge man/shoulder bag

Howdeee Cowgirl!

How could I forget the ONE show that left my heart beating a little faster than normal? Ashish never disappoints in my opinion. When I crave sequins, I know I'll be dazzled. When I need some fashion fun, this is the only show that fulfills. When I need to hear some decent show tunes, Ashish always pulls through.

It's yeeee haa all the way next spring summer with Ashish's 'Rodeo Drive' collection. In short, it's basically Dolly Parton meets an overly camp John Wayne... PURE UNADULTERATED COWGIRL AMAZINGNESS. Bright, crazy and most importantly filled with fun - something that Ashish does so well. Who needs the serious side of fashion eh?

But serious is what this collection is. Seriously fringed that is. Joining in in one of the biggest trends of next season, Ashish embraces all things fringed in heavy tan and red. Tops, trousers, skirts even floor length gowns are dripping in tassels.

It's love at first sight. Especially those boots and the dog-with-tongue-out top.

I'm gonna look like Dolly next summer, and I can't wait!!

And finally, my friend, Lida, who i spotted after the show in an AMAZE Ashish zebra-sleeve jumper. LOVE IT!

Even MORE from Fashion Week...

There were a few shows that really tickled my taste buds, really got me interested and really made me smile. Here's some highlights...

I think my favourite collection award for the week goes to Holly Fulton. She caught my eye last year with her oh-so gorgeous art deco designs, colour-pop hues and oversized Swarovski jewellery - she hasn't disappointed me since then.

For spring summer 2011, according to the show notes, "... the Fulton ladies are on tour. Taking Joan Collins as their muse, they have decided on a cruise to escape the tedium of the city and stop off in the chicest resorts de jour en route" - errrm, is this my ideal collection or what? Did someone say Joan Collins? Fulton filled her STUNNING collection with more of her fun art deco prints, 'broken glass' designs, long, lean silhouettes, fierce hair, fierce Loubies to compliment all the clothes... the whole thing was fierce! Oh God, I can't possibly fit any more adjectives into one description!

You probably have to look for yourself... notice the OMGorgeous cloud print, a new one for Holly! I just wish she would do some menswear! LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Todd Lynn, although some of the collection was slightly too reminiscent of McQueen's other-worldly designs, still managed to keep me interested. He used a lot of snakeskin; flashes of it in shorts and jackets and some uber-cool wrap around collars. The collection was really sculptural and architecture, similar to season past for Lynn, but lovely all the same. The Louboutin booties were an extra special treat, I reckon women everywhere should really own a pair of them this winter, and the menswear really needs to be in my wardrobe soon, those asymmetric lines and snakeskin patches were VERY nice!

And then we have Amanda Wakeley's fabulous styling. I wanted some long frocks, in fact I was craving some, and I thought Amanda would please me. There were some, not enough to be honest, but there were some amazing pieces. The sand/tan/camel coloured dresses were styled with big, warrior women belts (they remained in most of the collection), the amazing jewellery designed by Maria Francesca Pepe was a super-glam touch (the semi-circle neck pieces and cuffs were especially gorgeous) and the Skovgaard shoes tied everything together. Lots of draping made spring summer with Amanda Wakeley comfortable and extremely body flattering.

More 'Very' best bits from Fashion Week...

Here's a little round up of my best bits...

My first all time favourite picture from the week is this... me and Jennifer Saunders!! I NEVER stop celebs to have pictures, but thought on this one occasion I couldn't let her just walk past. She's my all time favourite comedienne. Ab fab!


Now onto some clothes.

First up is Michael van der Ham. In his first solo show, moving on from the mighty Fashion East, van der Ham explores all that is old Hollywood. For spring summer we are presented with a collection of pure luxury. Velvet, sparkles and billowing fabric all make very welcome appearances. Van der Ham continues with his mish mash of fabrics, colours and textures that really shouldn't work but, however, end up looking uber-fabulous. Who else could get away with a bit of a shift dress, a bit of a long, floaty gown and a bit of a skirt in four different colours all sewn together in the most elegant of ways to produce one frock? Van der Ham, that's who! I'm also totally loving his Hollywood glamour statement trousers, shown in pinks and blues.

Next up was Unconditional. I first came across this label, in fact I stumbled across it, in Selfridges and instantly fell in love. Philip Stephens really knows how to please me and, it seems, his audience. For spring summer next year expect some more of Stephens' dip-dyed effect and plenty of his draping, de-constructed style. Feminine shapes continue for the boys with asymmetric pieces including jackets, t-shirts and shorts and long silhouettes for the girls with plenty of fabric everywhere on dresses, jumpsuits and tops. In short, a very wearable collection of some excellent tailored pieces and lots of relaxed options which can be mixed and matched in any wardrobe.

Check out my interview with Philip from last season right here!