Wild Boy's Ball @ Kensington Palace

Last Friday, Kensington Palace opened late for the Wild Boy's Ball. With thoughts of Simon le Bon in my head, I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a fun evening of history, theatrics and fashion. Each room in the Palace was themed according to one of the princesses who once lived there.

The Room of Sorrows.

A dress worn by Princess Diana.

In Victoria's room, a dress made of thousands of paper cranes by William Tempest was suspended from the ceiling.

A gown by Vivienne Westwood.

Outside in the gardens, guests in fancy dress and masks drank Pimm's and danced to the string quartet on the manicured lawns. It was a very memorable evening and one that showed the Palace in a new light.

Recent bargains: part II

Very vintage-looking ivory-coloured cuff.

Just £4.

From Peacocks, of all places.

Who would've thunk it?

Browns: 40 years of Fashion Innovation

To commemorate 40 years of Browns, a cult store for well-edited high-end fashion, there is a free exhibition throughout May showcasing its favourite designers and brands including: Balenciaga, Hussein Chalayan, Erdem, Mark Fast, Christopher Kane, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Roland Mouret, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh and Sonia Rykiel.

Grace Kelly: Style Icon @ The V&A

Running until the end of September, the V&A has an excellent exhibition dedicated to the style of Grace Kelly, the all-American model and actress who made just 11 films before her retirement and new life as a Princess in Monaco.

The exhibition features gowns, accessories and jewellery worn throughout her life, including several from one of my all-time favourite films, 'Rear Window'. On display are shirtwaist-style dresses from her daytime wardrobe, along with evening wear from Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior and Madame Grès. Her classic Hermès bag, which now seems so small compared to today's fashion for a larger carry-all, was obviously well-loved showing visible signs of wear.

I left thinking about how she dressed in such a simple and elegant way, wearing her favourite pieces (including evening wear) to key events throughout her life...the definition of true style.

New shoes

A few weeks ago, I was asked to contribute articles for the Sarenza blog, a well-established French online shoe retailer which recently launched in the UK.

I didn't know much about the company but after some online research, I was impressed by their growing range of high-street brands and their high-end Boutique section featuring shoes from Clergerie, Marc Jacobs and Maloles.

There are thousands of shoes to choose from including every style for summer from flip flops to wellies and there are many end-of-line bargains to be had in the sale section. I have my eye on a pair of espadrilles to take on my upcoming trip to Barcelona.

New favourites

Pink candy floss hair

Gold aviators from TK Maxx

Doc martens (Only £14.60 in the 1st April promotion)

Grey Gardens

The combined effect of inches of snow and a horrible flu left me in a nesting mood today and wanting some comfort tv.

So I nestled under the duvet to watch 'Grey Gardens' with cat (just the one mind) to keep me company. A cult classic, from the same team who directed 'Gimme Shelter', the documentary features the Beales - Big Edie and Little Edie - Aunt and Cousin to Jackie Kennedy. Living in their now-rundown Hamptons mansion, it is an insight into their loving but highly dysfunctional relationship. Little Edie's unconventional signature style of headscarfs, brooches, underwear as outerwear and huge fur coats has influenced many a fashionista.

As I watched the bickering mother and daughter, often talking over each other with memorable quotes ("My body is a very precious place. It's concentrated ground.") I was reminded of another mother and daughter duo: Kath and Kim Day from the classic Australian series 'Kath and Kim'.

A well-observed black comedy with a constant source of quotable one liners makes this classic television that stands up to repeat viewing. If you've ever heard Kath chastise Kim with a stern 'Kimmy, look at me", you know what I mean.

Christmas / Sales

You got that hair slicked back and those Wayfarers on, baby

After a recent ebay win, I'm looking forward to wearing these come summer...

Thank you

Klompen

After seeing clogs in the Spring/Summer 2010 shows - particularly for Chanel - I was intrigued. I haven't worn clogs since I was a child; the closest I have come is the Gap Editions wooden soled sandals from Spring/Summer 2008 which I have worn to death.

Today at my local charity shop, I found a pair of Swedish wooden clogs for the bargain price of £3.50. Barely worn, the light nubuck is unmarked. With their comfortable 2-inch heel I'm going to wear them throughout winter with thick socks and then on their own, come summer. I think the boy is somewhat distressed by this development.

Over the knee

I wasn't convinced by the over-the-knee boot, as shown in numerous AW09/10 collections from Halston to McCartney to Rodarte. That is, until I tried on these numbers from Duo:

After years of playing tennis, my muscular calves prevent me from fitting into most high-street boots. Duo are my saviour - the boots are made to measure both foot and calf size. At £180 they are not a budget buy, but considering they are made to order, the cost-per-wear comes way down. I wore mine for the first time last night and they were the height of comfort even walking a couple of miles on a round trip from Camden to Kentish Town.

(Image source: Duo)