Kingdom Of Style

Love thy neighbour...

Love their trash!

I've said it before and I'll say it again - one mans trash is another mans treasure, so I could hardly believe my eyes when my neighbours put out this wonderful nest of little wooden tables for the trash. Good manners required me to knock their door and ask if they would mind me 'adopting' their tables. They were delighted for me to take them, and I am delighted to have them. Hooray!

Practical and pleasing, the curves they make when 'nesting' make me think of an Escher print.

Queen Marie

I blame The Hoff!

I have a slight mental block when it comes walls!
Say the word "wall" to me and instantly I have to block out images of the Hoff singing his heart out atop the Berlin Wall. Thankfully he wasn't dressed like this at the time. Great for parties, not so good for bringing down walls...

If however you have no hoff baggage, then you will be able to approach the Diesel Wall Competition with the wide open mind neccessary. Diesel Wall is an international art contest that aims to bring intriguing/inspiring/insightful/inciting contemporary ideas to giant urban canvases in city centres around the world. If you have something BIG to say or to show the world then this is your chance to do so.

Wall space can be yours in Manchester, New York, Barcelona and Zurich

Any creative, inspired person from any country in the world can submit their designs for the chance to feature in this new edition of the project…and conquer a Wall! The artists will have total freedom in sending concepts: art is above all a means of unconstrained self-expression.
So come on! what are you waiting for...

Queen Marie

Will I never learn?

I hate Zara.
Zara hates me.
Zara not only hates me, but it scorns me, mocks me.
To put it plainly - Zara rips the piss right out of me! I wouldn't be at all surprised if the company mission statement was 'make Queen Marie look like a pound of mince'
I know everyone loves Zara and rocks it to great effect especially Queen Michelle and Lady Lisa. Everyone but me. Zara is the only shop I have ever known, where EVERYTHING looks better on the hanger than it does on me. Things look fantastic and I foolishly think it will look fantastic on me but THIS NEVER EVER HAPPENS.
The minute I put it on, I am instantly transformed into Mrs Potato Head - lumpy, blobby and mishapen...

Dresses, jackets, tops - it all ends up looking the same - BAD! What makes it even more infuriating, is that it is subtle- straps are a bit too tight, necklines gape slightly, the length is slightly too long. I came to terms with our incompatibility a long time ago, but still Zara tempts me, luring me in while laughing up her sleeve.
She must be laughing loud today... I shall blame it on the lurgi, but yesterday, after gazing at it in the window for a couple of weeks, I caved in and bought this stunning silk print dress, hoping against hope that this time would be different...

It felt lovely but the minute I looked in the mirror - same old spud-u-like!
What a bunch of arse! It goes back on Monday. BAH!

Queen Marie

Anna Wintour and The Chocolate Factory...

Tim Burton recently said that Johnny Depp modelled his haircut on La Wintour because he wanted to "scare people". Job done young man, job done!
Charlie and the Chocolate factory is on tonight at 7pm and although it isn't a patch on the original, it is still worth a watch.

Especially for young Freddie Highmore who plays Charlie Bucket and would bring tears to a glass eye when he says "But I only get one bar a year" *sob sob*

Queen Marie

Put some soul in your sole...

El Naturalista is an ethical and natural footwear company who put their money where their ethics are...

They commit a percentage of their profits to an orphanage project which they run in Peru for disabled and homeless children which they run in conjunction with a local NGO. It is not simply a case of donating money, as each member of El Naturalista's management take an active part in the project. In addition ElNaturalista's production process is carried out naturally so that it has a minimal impact on the environment.
These are proper summer holiday shoes, for scrambling up sand dunes and taking long walks ( Queen Michelle and Lady Lisa will now be prostrate with laughter at the thought of me walking anywhere, but if I did I would be lighter on my loafers knowing I was helping a good cause)

Queen Marie

It's so deeply wrong on so many levels...

I scarcely know where to start!

Flicking through the channels trying to find a film, I just came across Justin Timbersnake at Madison Square Garden with his Future Sex/Love Show. Now I can't say I'm a Justin fan unlike my mother who thinks "he's a great wee singer and dancer" but loooking at the stage and the size of the live orchestra in the pit, you can't deny the boy knows how to put on 'a show'

The phone goes and it's my mum calling to see how I'm feeling.
Me-" Oh I'm surprised it's you, wee Justin is on just now singing and dancing his heart out"
Mum- "Och I know, it's a repeat, I've already seen it and anyway your Dad bought me the DVD of the concert at Christmas time"

*stunned silence*
*tumbleweeds*

Queen Marie

You rang?

After a week where poor Prince B and Queen Michelle have had to revarnish the floorboards due to little Bo taking a tinkle indoors whenever he damm well feels like it, this jumped out at me.
This is the poochie-bell. The original doggie doorbell.

At first glance it may seem kind of silly but not so. It relies on a simple pavlovian response.
Training your pet with Poochie-Bells relies on consistency.Training time depends on your effort with your pet. No dog  is too old to learn this behavior.The bell system is based on the work of Ivan Pavlov that showed learning is a result of repeated stimulus.  By ringing the bells each and every time the dog is to go outside (creating a stimulus), the resulting action will be the reward of being able to go outside.  Your pet will learn to associate the stimulus of the bells with the ability to go outside.
Well worth the effort and as I am sure Queen Michelle would agree, anything is better than mopping up little 'surprises' every day.

Queen Marie

Sniffy, Sneezy, Woozy...

I beg your indulgence dear friends, things will be running a little late today.
I have been attacked overnight by three of the seven lurgi dwarfs*
As always the bountiful archives are there to peruse along with lots of real pretty pictures of Queen Michelle.

Queen Marie

* The Lurgi Dwarfs - Sniffy, Sneezy, Barky, Woozy,Runny, Sicky, Squirty - just in case you were wondering!

Didn't Quite Pan Out...

This is how we should have been dressing in the year 2000, according to the fashion forecast in the 30's.

Queen Michelle

Mrs Fashion...

...she's knows everything. There really isn't much this divine creature doesn't know about fashion.

A while ago she told me that Warehouse, a UK high street chain store for those unfamiliar with the name, would be stocking a white tuxedo jacket. She knew I was on the hunt for one and ever since I have been keeping my Queenly eyes peeled for it. Well, today I went onto the site and there sat a lurvverly white tuxedo with black lapels, just like she said.

Not being a waistcoat person, I am actually surprisingly tempted by this matching one, for a wee nod to Ann D you understand.

This white jacket will be a perfect addition to my wardrobe and I can already see how versatile it will be. I now just need to master not spilling tea all over myself whenever I carry a cup from kitchen to desk!

Queen Michelle

You Know Me So Well

From writing this blog, there is one thing that never fails to leave me gleaming with joy, and that's when someone has found something and exclaims, with authority, "that's so you". The very fact that even though I have never met most of our readers, they still might look at something and think that it'd suit me down to the ground - that they even spare a thought for someone whom they've never even met. It's tickles me an unbelievable amount.

Well today I opened my email to receive such a "it's so you" moment. So bang on was it, I actually gasped when I saw it. It was a lovely lassy, who comments under the name A Lady, writer of Condenasty, who gave me the tip off with the words:

"I'm not sure if you're familiar with the danish label annhagen, but in case you're not, you might enjoy it. I was clicking through their latest collections and kept thinking that you should be wearing it, so...c'est tout!".

And wearing it I should!! Danish designer Dianna Opsund Bay, who's label Ann Hagan, has all the elements that make me truly weak at the knees. Those complex draping details and unique shapes, those combinations of tactile fabrics and historical references create an explosive synergy that makes me want to run up a massive credit bill in order to procure every single piece.

When designers spent time working with well known names it can sometimes show very clearly in their work - the references to their mentors is often evident. In this case, Dianna spent a period working under the guidance of Vivienne Westwood, yet somehow her work does not have that very obvious Westwood influence. Yes, the avant-garde aesthetic of Westwood is there, but Dianna has truly made it her own.

It's unlikely that I shall ever be able to get my hands on anything by this label, but it has certainly inspired me to dig out my old bondage-y style garments and start messing with folds and textures again.

I personally blame Trent Trent Reznor for the fascination I have for this kind of look. He ruined me back in my teenage years where I spent many a long hour covering myself in talcum trying to squeeze myself into various latex and leather contraptions to go dancing. Out there, somewhere, there is a photo of a 19 year old me in a cataloque modelling a black latex dress. What can I say - I was young, I needed the money...

Queen Michelle

Pure As White

Sometimes it's the simplest of things that are the most precious in your wardrobe. Not the uber expensive, not the special one-off vintage piece, not the most ornate but the simple, unassuming little items that somehow you couldn't live without. I have such a thing. The one thing I love dearly, so dearly infact I rarely wear it for fear of wearing it out. What is this precious garment? A white t-shirt. Yup, a plain old white t-shirt.

This is t-shirt is the most perfect t-shirt I own. I love it beyond measure. It's made of the softest, almost sheer, cotton. It has a little quirky drape at the front and is just the most perfect weight, length and looseness I require a t-shirt to be. It doesn't sit too close to my body to be too figure hugging and it sits just above my hips enough so that when I wear low rise jeans there is a little peek of hip bone.

I bought it years ago and it's by a label I hadn't heard of before or since, Basement W1. I of course didn't realise it would be so damn perfect at the time because I only bought one, when I should have bought several.

This t-shirt's magical quality lies in the fact it goes with pretty much everything. But I like it most when combined with my first generation gray Sass & Bide jeans, now completely washed out and faded, some strappy heels and a silver AA bandeau top. Paired down, effortless and with the right amount of nonchalant edge that James Dean would want this t-shirt too if he saw it.

When you find such a perfect item, and you didn't stock up, you are ruined for other similar purchases because in your heart you will always compare them to the original. I have hunted high and low for a t-shirt which measures up to my Basement one, with no avail. I have even considered having another custom made, such is it's level of perfection.

You know you have found your perfect wardrobe partner because when you put it on you somehow assume an attitude and demeanor that completely sums you up. That sounds pretty lame, and maybe I'm not explaining it too well (it has been known!), but when I put that outfit on I feel it's perfectly me. Without compromise or fancy and unnecessary adornments. Just me, the person.

I will continue my love affair with this t-shirt and I will also continue to look for it's long lost twin!

Queen Michelle

Let's Hear It For Hilary!

Many Glaswegians will be familiar with the work of dear friend of the Kingdom the lovely Hilary Laing. Her delightful prints appear on dresses, cravats, bangles, ties, scarves and pretty much any textile a print can go on! Cheerful in the extreme, Hilary says of her designs:

"My work is very much a personal response to children and their outlook on life through their use of colour and markmaking techniques.  I want people to enjoy wearing my colourful quirky pieces and the main aim is to make people smile inside."

And smile inside you do! Colourful crayon scribbles on simple-to-wear A-line dresses instantly transport you to happy summer days. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting the cheery Hilary you'll completely 'get' these designs.

I am particularly loving her ties, which would look awesome worn with a plain white t-shirt and some loose black trews, adding a little touch of cheeky colour to a masculine outfit.

Oh, and she is perhaps the only girl alive who can totally rock a pair or pink jeans with red stars.

For prices and enquiries please email bridget@hilarylaing.com

Queen Michelle

Orange Is Big This Season

Well it is in Glasgow. Not for clothing though. For skin colour.

It's a glorious spring day outside - it's sunny, it's dry and it's a reasonable temperature. All good in the hood. The downside of such glimmer of happy sunny days to come is that Glasgow is swamped in orange coloured girls parading their bright orange flesh, which is so bright one must don some suitable sunglasses to prevent the tan equivalent of snow-blindness.

I'm not sure how other cities fair when it comes to the first glimmer of sunshine, but in this city the sunbed business goes into over-drive. Girls, and some boys, positively beat down the doors of tanning salons to get that just-been-to-the-costa-del-crime look. It ain't pretty. And it ain't fake tan either - it's your full on, cancer inducing, UV variety.

I was actually quite shocked to see school girls today, no more than 15, with faces so insanely tanned and actually more lined than me, having clearly already notched up a few years on the sunbed circuit.

I won't lie and say a nice light golden glow makes everyone look that little bit better, but I personally have sacrificed honey coloured limbs for having wrinkle free skin for as long as possible. It was a tough decision I made in my 20's, but I hope it'll pay off when I'm in my 40's and beyond. That said, I actually like my face being as pale as possible. I suit a tan on my body but on my face it looks a bit odd for some reason. But since a tanned body and white face looks a wee bit disjointed (read: totally daft), I just stick with pale all over.

Thankfully ladies like Dita Von Teese, with her wonderful glowing white skin, are showing us that pale can be beautiful and interesting.

Queen Michelle

Bigger And Badder

We see some of you have noticed our new header - it's been in the pipeline for a few weeks now. Your Queens are not ones to rest on their laurels so we felt a 6 month refresh was required. Stripped it back to the bare bones. Straight to the point.

Just like us.

Your Queens Michelle + Marie

Everybody Loves A Showgirl

Yesterday was a cool relaxing Monday off work. A day where I didn't even need to leave the house at all, Prince B pretty much took care of any errands required. A day like this can only be topped with a good movie on TV and Film 4 came up with the goods - Bus Stop with Marilyn Monroe.

Oh how I LOVE Marilyn Monroe. She just shines on screen and even though her acting abilities were slightly questionable, her magnetic aura more than makes up for it - that and her undeniable comic timing.

In this film she plays a small town singer who's dream is to escape her roots and head for the Hollywood hills so she can be "discovered". When she does her shtick at her cafe gig, we see her wear an amazing showgirl style costume. I cannot lie, I am a sucker for a showgirl outfit! This will go some way to explaining my utter need for a feathered headpiece.

The glittery, fringed bodysuit, her net train, alabaster skin and mane of white hair is eye-wideningly fantastic. I have longed for an event where I can happily traipse out in a showgirl outfit of my own and have my own Marilyn moment. Unless I get invited to an amazing halloween party, I can't see me doing it any time soon. That's not to say that when I finally scoop my feathered headpiece I won't be wearing it prancing around the house - because I most certainly will!

A random peruse of Reykjavik Looks revealed this magnificent young lady rocking a showgirl style outfit.

I am reminded of trapeze artists at the circus too. The red, the black and white stripes and the tailcoat are perfectly combined into some showgirl goodness. Bravo young lady!

Queen Michelle

Playsuit Comes Out To Play

It would appear I simply couldn't wait until such times as the PPQ playsuit arrived to see if I could indeed carry off this garment, because I ended up taking matters into my own hands on Saturday. Whilst I was rummaging around my closet digging out stuff to give to charity, I came across a vintage jumpsuit that I never wore. Suddenly a little light bulb went on above my head and out came the scissors to begin it's transformation. I simply hacked off the legs into shorts, put an elasticated hem on each leg so I could get a puffy effect and after half an hour I had myself a nifty little playsuit! For free!

I wanted to keep the look pretty simple and clean, so I first teamed it with a vintage hat, navy tights, MaxMara blazer and All Saints strappy shoes:

Then a little bit of a demure/garish contrast with my beautiful vintage camel capelet, picked up on Saturday's thrifting excursion (Queen Marie got an identical one in the most stunning shade of grey blue) and paisley patterned Celeste Stein tights...and more All Saints strappy shoes.

In conclusion, the playsuit isn't so scary after all. I actually felt rather grown up as opposed to totally teenage. I also conclude that stripper heels would look awesome with the playsuit. But you all knew I'd think that anyway, right?

Queen Michelle