Kingdom Of Style

1989 the number another summer...

The charming Rebekah of the splendid Fashion-Stylist tagged me to share my seven songs of summer.

As I type the rain is pissing down and the wind is howling down the chimney, but were I to hear any of the following, it would seem like summer in my head...

1. Fight the Power - Public Enemy
(Makes me think of festivals especially T in the Park)

2. Summertime - Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
(Can't argue with a feel good classic pop tune)

3. Just in Time - Frank Sinatra
( Feels like a drowsy afternoon, daydreaming)

4. Knights of The Jaguar - Rolando
( Dancing in the Campsies as the summer sun was rising. Truly truly 'a moment')

5. Daylight - Kelly Rowland
(No snobbery in The Kingdom, this is a laid back slice of modern summer)

6. Are you going with me - Pat Metheny
( For when you have been up all night, it's about 8am, lying on a sofa with someone special, talking quietly and you just start to drift into sleep. Bliss)

7. West Side Story - Leonard Bernstein
(Singing loudly, dancing madly, pretending I am both a Shark and a Jet)

Feel free to share the sound of your summer.

Right, I am off to put the central heating and a jumper on.

Queen Marie

Wake up ! Wake up!

Wake up you silly cow! you're going to miss Kerri Chandler...

Where is Prince Charming when you need him?
Yes you've guessed, I had another disco nap disaster last night!
Take it from me people, an unsupervised snooze is a an accident waiting to happen. I lay on top of the bed , just 'to rest my eyes' and woke up at 5 o'clock this morning. Aarghhhhhhhhhhh!
The laws of the universe dictate that everyone and their dog would have been out to play last night and I will have missed one of the best nights of the year.
I think I may have to consider appointing a part time Prince to the Palace, to oversee naps, dispatch slugs and deal with other, as yet unspecified tasks. If you know a suitable candidate, please email his details to me poste haste.

A very cross Queen Marie

A Shameless Plug

Yup a totally shameless plug here, which I wouldn't normally indulge in, but if any of you Glasgow boys and girls find yourself in town this evening why not pop along to the Arches Cafe/Bar where your Queen will be banging out some sordid techno tunes from 9pm. Come along even if it's just to see the unsuspecting passers who pop in for a quiet drink only to run screaming when I play Shari Vari by A Number of Names. 'Tis a laugh!

Queen Michelle

Let's start with a Birthday song...

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday dear Michelle
Happy Birthday to You
xxx

Join Joe Cool and I, in wishing the Coolest Queen in this or any other Kingdom, a very very happy birthday!

Many Happy Returns
With much love
Queen Marie
x

Rebel Against The Inner Pensioner!

In the words of Queen Marie last night.

That's what we attempted to do last night by going to see Switch play at the Sub (who's records I own pretty much all of). Naturally the inner pensioner in us wanted us to stay home on a Thursday night, safely tucked up in bed by 11pm, but noooooo, we decided to rebel and be all rock 'n' roll and go out to play and dance til late.

Long story short - we did go out, our ears were deeply offended by the noise masquerading as music and we were home by 2am. I however didn't go to sleep. So basically what I'm telling you is that I've been up pretty much all night and I'm good for nothing therefore expect either no posts today, or complete drivel. Log in at your peril.

Queen 'I really am a pensioner' Michelle

By jove, I'm a beaver...

An 'ugly beaver' to be precise according to poor Phil who has been upset by my MC post.

He says -
your a bitch just because u look like an ugly beaver and what your like 30 writing a bloig about "fashion" you make me laugh out loud she is talented unlike the music you probably listen to which is most likely obscure indie garbage people like yourself are so pathetic all about obscurity and being "individual" but yoyu just end up commodifying yourself like everyone else play the other record i pity you quite frankly.

We welcome free speech in The Kingdom and  encourage everyone to express how they feel, but Phil, think about it love!  if I was a beaver how could I type my 'bloig'?

Queen Marie
x

A bit late, but here's the eight...

The charming Dottie and Stephie from Fashion Nation tagged us with this 'Eight Things Meme'
Better late than never here is mine. You understand of course that for me to limit things to eight, especially the songs, was nigh on impossible...

8 Things which Marie is Passionate About
My family, friends and my garden
Tea
Toast
Techno
Dancing
Kindness and Thoughfulness
Sequins and Ribbons
Sleeping

8 Things which Marie Wants to Do Before She Dies
Own or adopt a Reindeer
Be photographed by Rankin
Live in a house with a walled garden, a black slate path and a water rill
Find buried treasure
Own a Lacroix Couture Ballgown
Find and replace my mums broken Hummel ornament
Learn to play poker
Be happily married

8 Things Marie Says Often
"I love this tune"
"It's an investment, you'll have it forever"
"I think you'll get loads of wear out of that"
"Stick the kettle on, I'm gasping for a cup of tea"
"I was just going to phone you"
"As God made them, he matched them"
"I'm just going for a wee disco-nap"
"I'm losing the will to live..."

8 Books which Marie Has Read Lately
Grey Gardens- Frankel Scott
Balenciaga Paris- Nicholas Ghesquiere
A Beautiful Life- Kevyn Aucoin
D.V. - D Vreeland
The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Argos Catalogue (I'm looking for a cheap wardrobe!)

8 Songs which Marie Can Listen To Over and Over
Strings of Life - Rhythim is Rhythim
Can u feel it - Mr Fingers
Rose Rouge- St Germain
I thought it was you - Herbie Hancock
North American Scum - LCD Sound System
Free as the morning sun- Mr Hermano
Your love - Inner City
Love at 1st sight - Method Man and Mary J Blige

8 Things That Attract Marie to Her Best Friend
She is the bravest girl in the whole world
She can turn any mountain into a molehill
She has the face of a lady and the mouth of a russian sailor (oh the language!)
She can talk me down off the highest ledge
She can say more with a single look than most other people in an hour
Nothing shocks or phazes her
She can mix any boy under the table and makes me dance
She really knows the 'real me' and still likes me!

Queen Marie
x

My MeMe!

The lovely Stephie from the fantastically named Fashion Nation (I get name envy whenever I read it!), has tagged your Queens to divulge some random things about ourselves. So here are mine. Queen Marie will deliver hers at the weekend. Merci!

8 Things which Michelle is Passionate About
Fashion (natch)
Loyalty
Being happy
Horror films
Milky Tea
Neatly trimmed hair
Time keeping (it's just good manners!)
Print

8 Things which Michelle Wants To Do Before She Dies
Live in London for a while
See a ghost (mum or dad would be good)
Visit the best castles in Europe
Make some half decent money
Buy a house
Get a bob
Take sewing lessons
Try Yoga

8 Things Michelle Says Often
"Suck it up!"
"Can I try these in a size 5 please?"
"If you're in, you're in"
"Right, here's the plan"
"Me? Not so much"
"Tomato sauce please"
"Bo! You're on probation!"
"What do you want for tea?"

8 Books which Michelle Has Read Lately
The Spear of Destiny
The Black Dahlia
The Last Godfather
Sorry that's as recent as it gets!

8 Songs which Michelle Can Listen To Over and Over
Kill The Poor: Dead Kennedy's
Spread Love: Lenny Fontana
Who Killed Marilyn: The Misfits
Gets Nocht: Roman Flugal
Flash: Green Velvet
Jaguar: UR
Big Love: Pete Heller
What's Inside A Girl: The Cramps

8 Things That Attract Michelle to Her Best Friend
She always makes me laugh
She loves to dance
She loves the techno
She can keep secrets like no-one else
She knows what I'm thinking without me having to say it
She (usually) doesn't judge my shopping habits
She understands all my embedded conversations
She can be the most enthusiastic person in the world

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

Hey there dollface...

In the Kingdom, dollface* is more than just a term of endearment!
Over the years, several people have given me gifts of dolls that look just like me. Not that I look precious or doll-like, more that I have big round eyes in a big round face.
I was on the wonderful site Ptolemy toys looking for presents for Princess Laura and Jennifer, when I came across the 'Waldorf Autumn Child' doll. For all those who wonder what I look like? the answer is this...

I was still laughing, when I came across Amelie, who has a definite look of Lady Lisa about her. The beret, the vintage dress, the chic little jacket- she's got it all going on...

These dolls are wonderful but expensive, between £100-£150.

They say - A special doll dressed beautifully in hand made clothes, this little treasure is handmade from natural materials and are always slightly unique. Simple faces allow the child to give the doll a "soul", to laugh, cry, sleep, and sing with the doll.

I say - nothing! I was rendered almost speechless by the "soul" schtick!

But what about Queen Michelle I hear you wonder. That's easy, have you seen Violette in The Incredibles!!!

tee hee.

Queen Marie

* I can't say dollface without thinking of and sending big love to Sandra and The Prince of Fools xx

London Fashion Week: Part Two

What Was Worn
I had to play it reasonably sensible with the packing and take as few things as I could get away with. Naturally the weather was a big consideration. I knew it was going to be hotter than Glasgow so I decided to take my All Saints and Alexander McQueen jackets and layer up with bolero's over the top - a faux fur black one from a charity shop and a green maribou vintage feather one.

Travelling/Shopping Outfit
MaxMara dress; spandex leggings; Bertie silver winkle pickers; All Saints jacket; black bolero

Shows Outfit
Black AA leggings; Alexander McQueen jacket; vintage feather bolero; newly repaired Miu Miu bag; Public Beware top; vintage scarf; pendant belonging to the Queen Mum; Topshop shoes

Lost In Covent Garden Outfit (formerly TwoSee show/general night-time outfit)
Charity shop converted dress (with recently added straps); Celeste Stein tights; Nine West shoes; Zara t-shirt (under dress); DIY nylon belt

Jean Pierre Braganza Party
No photo I'm afraid but I wore my paneled JPB trousers; a top I bought from Beyond the Valley; Nine West shoes; Balenciaga bag

The Prince found being snapped in the street after the shows highly amusing. He didn't realise that people wait outside of shows just to take pictures of the attendees! Bless 'im.

Queen Michelle

London Fashion Week: Part One

We came, we saw, we conquered! I arrived home last night after my whirlwind trip to London for a day of London Fashion Week. It was only one day, but what a day it was!

Saturday
We arrived on the Saturday late afternoon and our first call was to TwoSee to finally meet the lovely, lovely Anthony. After wandering around Covent Garden for about an hour, unable to find it, I finally had to call for directions. When I eventually arrived there was much chat and trying stuff on. I tried just about every Jean Pierre Braganza piece in the shop but mostly much too big for me. I did find a nice simple, tunic dress though which I snapped up. I had my heart set on a fantastic jacket with his signature paneling but it was just too big to get away with, so back it had to go. Boo!

We then wandered around to Selfridges where I bought some perfume We then headed back to the hotel after stopping off for some noodles. We had to pop along to Emilio's studio later in the evening to fetch our invites. It wasn't too far from our hotel (well, it wouldn't have been if we hadn't got lost - getting lost occurs ALOT on this visit!) and it was really nice to meet Emilio and Mike in person, both of whom I've been talking to for a while now over the phone.

I was completely knackered after having to get up at 3am on the Saturday to get the dogs walked and pack before we caught our train, so it was an early night for me.

Sunday
Up early! Packed in a full English breakfast and realised that no amount of concealer was going to take away my totally sleep-deprived black shadows. Accept that I must go to the shows looking rough as a badgers backside!

Jean Pierre Braganza's show was first, held on the second floor of Mango, which had been transformed into a superb catwalk. We were sat behind Hilary Alexander! I soon realised taking pictures of the models walking was beyond pointless since my camera is exceptionally slow, so I gave up. The show itself was completely outstanding. I shall give a full review later on.

It was then off to Emilio de la Morena's show at the Science Museum.

We didn't know where we going and were already running late. Our panic must have showed because when were sitting on the underground a lovely Italian woman next to asked us if we were heading to the museum for the shows, and when we said we were she escorted us there, making sure we got all the right transfer trains! It turned out she worked for Scottish designer Aimee McWilliams. She was our little fashion Mary Poppins - we would never have made it without her.

When we finally reached Emilio's show we were quickly shoved into a corner - oops! The collection itself was absolutely gorgeous, again a full review coming later.

After the show, Mike gave us passes for the exhibition so we made our way around that. It was busy and there were loads of good stalls, but we were soooo hot by that time we just went around it really quickly. Met some really cool folk along the way though.

We then headed back to the hotel to get changed. The plan was to go to the TwoSee presentation of Hannah Martin and JW Anderson's collections, which we set off to do but as soon as we hit Covent Garden we got totally lost...again. We actually got more lost than the previous day! At one point we found ourselves in the midst of a heaving throng of people, with road diversions and coppers everywhere. I thought it was just something to do with the Chinese New Year celebrations, but no, we'd only gone and gotten ourselves trapped outside the friggin' BAFTA'S! After wandering around for over 2 hours getting nowhere I had finally lost the will to live. So we grabbed some food and headed to the nearest underground to go back to the hotel. (see Susie for her review - yeah, she didn't get lost)

We had been invited to the Jean Pierre Braganza/Let Them Eat Cake aftershow party at Lot 55 which was starting at 8pm, but I was so close to tears and tired after getting lost in Covent Garden that I really just wanted a cup of tea and to go to sleep. I was also freezing cold by this point. However, once I did have a cup of tea inside me and thawed out I decided to give the party a try. So I changed into a pair of JPB trews and a top I'd bought and headed off to the club. Jodie Harsh was one of the DJ's and I have to say she totally ROCKED it! We had a fantastic time. Lots of super stylish peeps and Jean Pierre looked like he was having a jolly good time too. We didn't stay too long as it was getting very busy and very hot and we had an early start the next day, so like Cinderella we left well before midnight.

Overall, my trip to London was absolutely incredible. We met so many amazing people and the weather was gorgeous. My Prince, who has zero interest in fashion, had a great time and actually really, really loved the Jean Pierre Braganza show. So much so, he actually wanted to go up and tell him personally at the party! We have taken back lots of great memories of a great city with great people. Vive la Fashion!

I only wish I had had more than a day to do it, but for one day we did cram quite a lot in. The next time, and yes we are already planning it, we are going to try and stay longer. I am devastated that the Todd Lynn party invite for Wednesday, which has just popped into my inbox, is going to waste because I'm back in Glasgow and back to reality. Oh well, roll on next season!

Queen Michelle

The Bag Lady Arriveth

Well as my trip to LFW approaches it would I appear I shall be turning up looking like dogs dinner since I have not had a single second to think about what too wear.

All I know is that I have no wish to be lugging around a massive suitcase full of clothes, so I am trying to keep it to Saturday travelling/shopping outfit, Sunday shows outfit and Monday traveling outfit. So what to take is not a decision to be taken lightly yet it appears I will just need to throw whatever's clean in a bag and hope for the best!

All these thoughts entered my head yesterday when the Jean Pierre Braganza invites arrived and it suddenly hit me that in between writing Emilio's press release, designing a magazine and walking dogs I should have been deciding what to actually wear, and more importantly, where I want to shop!

Oh dear. So far my shopping trip plan consists of going to Covent Garden, Brick Lane, Selfridges if I'm lucky and Harvey Nics if I'm really lucky. I mean, good god I haven't even thought about what I want to buy! Suddenly my mind has gone blank regarding all the 'vibes' I've been wanting to explore and it seems, when faced with actual choice, I don't want anything at all!

Hopefully this will be a temporary malfunction and my brain will get in gear as soon as my arse is sitting on the train and I have 7 hours to kill.

Queen Michelle

Email Updates

I have updated the You May Speak email facility to now include separate email addresses for both your Queens! The kingdomofstyle@hotmail.co.uk remains but it is now my default address, and Queen Marie has her very own!

Queen Michelle

Who'd Have Thought It!

We have been nominated by Drusilla and Selina for a Thinking Blogger Award. I ain't gonna lie - I have absolutely no idea what this is!

I have been absent from other blogs for some months so if it's been floating around blog land then I have missed it. Naturally the award requires us to nominate other blogs, but you will need to wait until I find out who has been tagged and who hasn't, and even if they have I may tag them anyway.

Thanks again girls!

Your Queens xxx

Grazias Grazia!

Yes, it's true. Kingdom of Style was among some very illustrious company in this week's Grazia magazine: Style Bubble, Fashionologie, WhoWhatWearDaily and Bag Snob as part of a feature on fashion bloggers. We don't normally post our 'appearances' but since it has been pointed out already we will make an exception.

We were approached quite some time ago to be part of the feature, which was quite a surprise considering I had dispatched the Palace Guards for the arrest and detainment of Melanie Rickey for her invention of the word 'treggings'. She took it in good humour though and even 'fessed up on the blog at the time.

We weren't able to commit to meeting Hattie, the girl who interviewed us, in person for the interview or photoshoot so we did it over the phone instead, and what fun it was (Hattie - LOVE LOVING the accent!). Although we seem to have had a narrow escape regarding the photoshoot, as Susie Bubble pointed out, because the makeup artist was sure loving her work that day! Both Queen Marie and I would have looked like old drag Queens if we'd had that much makeup put on us (trust me, I know this for a fact!) - in a fight with bronzer, the bronzer would definitely win!

However, anyone who still wants to speak to us even after being told to Foff are all right in our book!

Queen Michelle

1000 Things To Say

Woohoo!! This here is our 1000th post!

Last night I pondered about what to write for the 1000th post and all I came up with was to write that it was the 1000th post. So, uh, yeah, this is it.

We have shared 1000 thoughts with you over the course of a year. In 1000 posts you have gained some insight into the lives of people you don't actually know. Isn't that odd? How you can learn alot about people having never even met them? It's pretty damn cool!

I've learned lot about myself by writing in this blog because I have had to sit and analyse all my thoughts and feelings about myself and what I wear, and fashion in general. I also have been inspired by the people who read the blog and their blogs too.

So here it is. The 1000th post.

Queen Michelle

Jubilee

Well it's official - Kingdom of Style is 1 year old!

Technically we turned 1 last week, but what with all the Queen Mum stuff I haven't kept track.

It's been an exciting year and things have certainly moved rapidly for us, from getting a few, sad wee page views, to getting many, many thousands. This has been very surprising to us especially since we don't particularly promote the site. We just got lucky I guess. People have stumbled onto the site and, for most part, they seemed to have stayed!

New arrivals (commentors) to the Kingdom always excite us. Ours is a community where everyone is welcome and when people choose to come out of hiding and share their thoughts, we welcome them with open arms - unless their comments are unnecessarily rude of course, in which case they receive the business end of the Royal guillotine!

We have tried very hard to keep the integrity of the site by only featuring things we feel strongly about - and that's not limited to things we like - we talk about subjects that perhaps others won't touch for fear of written reprisals, but such is the belief that our readers are mature and intelligent enough to cope with these issues (like weight for example), we openly explore and discuss.

Kingdom of Style is not limited to fashion - we admire style in many forms and make sure we try and bring as much beauty to your lives as a blog can.

We had planned all manner of things for our 1st birthday - I was going to do a Kingdom of Style mix, we planned an anniversary photoshoot and even a video of the Queens' speech, but all of that has been put on the back burner for now, however I shall be designing a couple of wallpapers for your computers over the coming days, so look out for that. Like all good birthdays, ours will last a week!

I guess we just want to say to thanks to everyone who has stuck with our ramblings and thoughts and continued this journey with us. You've been great company.

For now, we shall leave you with the Sex Pistol's God Save The Queen. Enjoy.

Your Loyal Queens

Happy Birthday Queenie!

Tis Queen Marie's birthday today! Hurrah for Queen Marie!! Please send her lots of lovely birthday wishes and big love!!

We love you Queen Marie
xxxxx

Look Out , It's Lady Lisa...

Queen Michelle and I are delighted to welcome our very dear friend Lady Lisa to the Kingdom.

Our friendship was started and sealed with the immortal words - "are those Prada sandals"? Standing in a kitchen at a party, the three of us talked fashion non stop for four hours. As you would imagine, she is obsessed with fashion like us and has a very different style from both of us. I call her - classic with a twist!

It is from this unique viewpoint that she will share her thoughts, wading through style pools that Queen Mic and I barely dip our toes into...

In the way that Queen Mic searches eternally for the perfect jeans or the perfect bag, Lady Lisa searches for the perfect black trousers, white t-shirt and knitwear. As the beloved consort of the Adidas Archduke, it will be no surprise that there is also a 'casual' element to her wardrobe.

Favouring labels like Joseph, APC, John Smedley, CP Company and Jean Muir, she is that rare creature who can wear navy and still look chic and modern as opposed to a dowdy librarian.

Outspoken, direct, and organised she knows what she likes and is never afraid to speak her mind.

Although she always looks together it is when she is working the 'twist' that I think she really shines.
Unexpected flashes of colour and labels ie Zakee Sharif, Vintage hawaiian tops reflect the vibrant confident fashion freak that she is...

A Little About Your Monarchs!

As Queens of this Kingdom we share a common love of fashion and all it's drama and want to share this love with our loyal subjects. You have been granted a passport to explore our Kingdom. So please feel free to wander at your leisure and let style be your guide.

Queen Michelle
When not performing my Queenly duties I am a graphic designer and DJ.
I have been compared to everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Joey Ramone - I'm a little bit 60's, a little bit rock chick. Whilst musically my love is Chicago house music, in fashion terms I'm a rock chick at heart - I (mis)spent my teenage years as a punk and dating older boys in bands with mohicans! And so I just cannot shake my love of skin tight jeans!

For me fashion isn't about how much money your clothes cost - I've seen people spend hundreds on a dress and still look like a sack of potatoes and I've seen people spend £20 and look a million dollars - fashion is about how you wear them.

I'm in jeans 90% of the time but I have made a promise to myself that I shall endevour to wear more skirts and dresses.

Queen Marie
I am a queen of extremes...

Imagine if you will Miss Haversham crossed with a Las Vegas drag queen, Mother Superior crossed with a Laura Ashley sofa...Strangely for one who writes every day, I am finding it quite difficult to write this one!

My father, The King, a man of few words, would put it simply - Drama Queen! He called me Mata Hari (infamous actress, dancer and spy) when I was growing up, in reference to my, *ahem*. individual approach to my life and my wardrobe.

Now grown up, I recently had a moment of clarity which shockingly showed that I have modelled myself on Neptina from Marine Boy ( an old japanese cartoon) and AquaMarina from Stingray, both of whom I loved very much. Strangely, or not so strangely, both are mermaids so that explains the hair, the false eyelashes, the pearls, the sequinns and the tail..