Shopping

M’oda ‘Operandi: pre-tail to etail



Pre-tail site, M’oda ‘Operandi has been going for quite a while now and even though I’m still a novice online shopper when it comes to fashion (honestly, I can count my total clothing purchases on two hands), I do think it’s a clever concept.

For me it works as a research tool. It bridges the gap between seeing things on the runway (styled to the hilt as per the designer’s vision) and seeing them on a rail in store. We get to see clothes ahead of season styled in a more wearable way, including those by some of the lesser known designers. This week’s ‘trunk shows’ (the M’O name for its limited-time pre-order sales) includes Bouchra Jarrar’s winter couture collection (a designer I love, who was shortlisted for the Balenciaga gig and M’oda ‘Operandi’s first ‘couture’ designer) and J.W. Anderson pre-fall.

But like a lot of start-ups, it seems the plan is to develop the concept beyond its original, well, moda operandi. Since December, the site has also offered conventional, in-season etail in its ‘Boutique’, giving the M’O consumer the option to buy their favorite pieces and wear them the next day. As CEO Aslaug Magnusdottir says, “We want to better serve our current customers and reach a new customer base. We’ve been able to establish a name in various pockets of the world and we want to take advantage of our positioning and build our market share quickly.”

You can pre-order Bouchra Jarrar’s winter couture collection until 5th Feb and J.W. Anderson Pre-Fall 2013 until 4th Feb. Happy shopping!

Bouchra Jarrar

J.W. Anderson



Buy it now: new spring things



This winter I did really well on the jumper front so for now I can ease off on the knitwear buying. That said, I’m very drawn to Stella’s fruit salad chevron stripes and these Maria La Rosa socks. For tapping into the big 60s monochrome story, Motel’s block-striped top will come in very useful, both with tailored skirts (like Carven’s lush poppy red one) and boy fit jeans. Its loosely cut proportions are very flattering and the zip at the back makes it slightly more dressy. While the skinny cigarette heel is making a huge comeback, chunky heels and flatforms are still best for everyday city living – preferably dipped in silver or gold…



ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT:
TOP: Stella McCartney top; Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric; Marni shoes
MIDDLE: Olympia Le Tan book clutch; Motel top; Nina Peter gloves
BOTTOM: Maria La Rosa socks; Carven skirt; ASOS flatforms



Nail news: Spring nudes and the perfect pedi pink



On the nail front, the general consensus is that nude nails are in, and that includes the so-out-it’s-now-in French mani. I haven’t had a French manicure for years but I did go through a phase of having an American (the more subtle version) at Topshop every week. For doing it yourself though, it’s all a bit of a faff. The lazy-girl option could be Dior’s new, one-step clear Nail Glow. According to Vogue, it enhances white tips with one sweep of the brush. (more…)



Buy it now: red and green



Spring is (kind of) round the corner but I’m still feeling the pull of red and green for some reason. There are a few treats still lingering in the sale, from Valentino’s pine green stud bag, to this rough-n-ready scarlet sweater from American Vintage. The green vintage Mulgler top is a real find and looks utterly contemporary today. Add the broad-brimmed Borsalino hat to pre-empt Spring’s ‘witchy woman’ look…



ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT:
TOP: Shaun Leane bracelet, £385; Kenzo cardigan, £290; Valentino bag, £1075.16
MIDDLE: Borsalino hat, £93; Jonathan Saunders top, £118; Chloe boots, £773
BOTTOM: vintage Mugler top, £170.66; Hermes fragrance, $200; American Vintage sweater, £76