Some mothers do ‘ave ‘em, and some mothers don’t. Sadly this has nothing to do with Frank Spencer, but more to do with mothers and their funny little quirks (better known as “mumisms”).

Let’s take my own mother for example. She has a wonderful way with the English language - partly comprising of errors, occasional lack of common sense and old wives tales inherited from my marvelous Grandma Millie. I could write a book about the corkers she’s come out with over the years, but for the sake of her dignity - I will stick to a few paragraphs.

Up until I was around eight, I wholeheartedly believed everything my mother said. I spent the majority of my childhood forcing myself to eat crusts because I was convinced it was the only way to get curly hair, as well as being careful not to make a horrible face for too long (otherwise it would ‘freeze like that!’)

If I ever left a door open, I would be forced to question my roots as my mother would always inquire as to whether I was ‘born in a barn?’ And even now as I’m sat down indoors writing this very article, I’ve taken my coat off purely so I will ‘feel the benefit’ when I go back outside.

Of course, these sayings have been passed down from generation to generation so that children everywhere will be more inclined to eat their vegetables, be more courteous and close those doors. But it’s safe to say my mother has also invented a few herself, including her interpretation of why the moon is not always visible : ‘because sometimes, the moon just doesn’t want to come out at night’. Thankfully, a few lessons on the solar system from my father was enough to convince me that the moon does not suffer from agoraphobia after all.

While there is no denying that some of the sayings our mothers have may seem old-fashioned or just plain ridiculous, there is something strangely comforting and familiar about them. And though we may solemnly vow never to repeat them to our own children, it’s worth noting that these ‘words of wisdom’ have effectively coaxed children into eating carrots and crusts for years… So it may just be worth remembering them!

Whilst searching for the perfect winter satchel, I found myself in an beautiful little boutique just off Carnaby Street. Stepping into Ollie & Nic is like stepping into an intimate, cosy home; vintage-themed wallpaper, mid-century furniture and even a fireplace. This is just the showcase for a collection of gorgeous leather handbangs. Eclectic totes, practical satchels and heavenly clutch bags….

If you’re planning to pay a visit, wait until the Carnaby Christmas shopping event on the 18th and enjoy 20% off your desired bag (that’ll be all of them then?)

Calling all Londoners. For the latest looks from the catwalk, designer news and fashion advice - visit Uptown Twirl. The site, set up by the fabulous Cara Gray (an australian-turned-Londoner) also features video interviews with boutique stores around the city, as well as a daily ‘Espresso shot’ of news…

Because we all need a coffee fashion fix to start the day.

Just in time for Christmas, tonight SELFRIDGES.COM is exclusively launching Henry Holland’s latest collection for House of Holland. Everyone loves a Christmas jumper and if you buy one of Henry’s special designs during Vogue’s Fashion’s Night In he will personally sign a custom-designed Christmas card for you. 

Less than 29 minutes until  FNI ends! Go!

Whilst my search for the perfect camel coat continues, I have satisfied my desire to wrap-up with a military fix. My latest addition to the cloak room (pictured centre) is dashed with classic, soldier-like details that crop up every year (wrap-around belt is also included). Best worn with with a vintage satchel, burgundy scarf and chunky heels. 

Military Coat by H&M, £69.99

My name is Rachael and I’m a Sienna Stalker. Currently obsessed with: her seemingly infinite collection of 7 For All Mankind jeans. This pair are my favourite so far; faded black wash and ankle cropped. 

Whilst on the subject of Denim, Trilogy have now opened their third London store on Kensington Church Street. Pop in for the ultimate denim experience; a personal fitting, exquisite styling suites, expert advice and exclusive products. 

Two words (that aren’t ‘No Mascara’):

Vamp lipstick. 

(Source: the-front-row)

She’s incredibly beautiful, visually captivating and bears all the features of a young Audrey Hepburn. At first glance, Joy Mclaren defines many words; gracefulness, femininity and sophistication are just a few. Good enough reasoning, but it isn’t why I think she should win the sixth cycle of Britain’s Next Top Model. 

On a bias note, maybe it’s because she’s so… well, Northern? Perhaps. But more than that, Joy isn’t fazed by the serious, often terrifying world of Fashion. She doesn’t follow trends, rarely reads glossy pages and has yet to crawl up her own arse as a result making it to the final (as in the case of Aliesha). She’s brutally honest, admiringly awkward when it comes to commercialising herself (unlike Charlotte, who was born for television) and most brilliant of all, she’s hilarious without really knowing it. 

Anybody who can stroll in from Leeds and effortlessly impress Elle ‘The Body’ Macpherson, Julian Mcdonald and Grace please-take-off-those-specs Woodward deserves a vote. Anybody who can do it with a sense of humour and less-than-perfect teeth deserves two.

JUMP VOTE FOR JOY.

When it comes to outrageous and over-the-top outfits, the VMAs never disappoint. So here’s a quick snippet of some of the best (and worst) looks from this year’s white carpet…

Kicking off the list (and inevitably ending it) is of course, Lady Gaga. Cutting down her outfit changes to just three this year, she arrived at the awards looking like “an out-of-control couture Pocahontas”. The colourful concoction, designed by the late, great Alexander Mcqueen is a work of art. And she might have picked up a whopping EIGHT awards, but Gaga deserved another for walking in those terrifying lobster-claw shaped “Armidillo” shoes. 

She had to pop up somewhere. Not only a breathtaking performance, but a breathtaking wardrobe too. While anyone else would run the risk of looking washed out wearing this piece from Givenchy’s 2010 Fall Couture Collection, Florence’s signature red lips and hair ensured she looked like an old Hollywood film-star. 

Leaving little to the imagination, Katy Five-Colours-In-Her-Hair Perry showed off her latest henna tattoo… Oh wait. In her defence, perhaps she was planning to take to the set of Dancing on Ice afterwards? 

(Marchesa Fall 2010)

Vegetarians should look away now. For her final outfit of the evening, Lady Gaga looked like she’d taken some style advice from her local butcher. She wore a dress made out of what appeared to be raw meat (though it is still unconfirmed), complete with matching bag, fascinator and shoes.

Defending her desicion to wear a dress made from cuts of dead cows, she said ““Well, it is certainly no disrespect to anyone that is vegan or vegetarian. As you know, I am the most judgment-free human being on the earth.” 

“However, it has many interpretations, but for me this evening, if we don’t stand up for what we believe in and if we don’t fight for our rights, pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones. And, I am not a piece of meat.”

Don’t Let Go

Hurts and Manchester novelist Joe Stretch have created a wonderfully unique experience on Spotify in which you get to play the protagonist.

Narrated by actress Anna Friel, ‘Don’t Let Go’ is an interactive audio novel which utilises Spotify in a completely new and unexpected way. Each chapter of the novel has been published as a track on Spotify, and can be located by typing a unique code into the search field.

After listening to each chapter of the story you’ll be offered a choice of what to do next, along with the unique code for each action. Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to stop arch villain Guy Lockhart from distributing his heartbreak cocktail and condemning humankind forever to a loveless, empty existence.

Along the way you’ll also hear extracts of music from Hurts’ brand new album “Happiness”. If you manage to get to one of the story’s eleven possible endings without dying, you’ll be rewarded with an exclusive preview of an album track. So choose wisely…

Camel coat, crisp white shirt and clinched waist. The three C’s of the season.

(Source: hollymgolightly)