Mademoiselle Robot

Becoming Angela Chase - My So Called Life

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

For some reason, I have never written about Angela Chase here before. I am really ungrateful I suppose, since she shaped my late teens, gave me the thrills of a lifetime and generally made high school more bearable. I know I am not the only one who had (and still has) the insane hots for Jared Leto/Jordan Catalano. Gosh, I even have shoes who go by the name of "My So Called Heels". And I have to admit I got them probably 75% because of their name. I know, right?

Today is the beginning of a new adventure for me (more on this soon), and I needed the comfort and familiarity of Angela by my side. I was thinking of ways to channel her look and make it fit for what I am doing all day today... So here are the results of my investigations, today, we can all be Angela Chase for a few hours, have painful crushes, teenage thrills and massive nostalgia.

What are YOU wearing?

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:45:00 PST

I loved hearing about you SO much when I asked you to give me the Oohlala that I decided it was time to push this initiative even further.
I would like to feature YOU in your best attire on MademoiselleRobot.com.

If you want to participate, it is VERY simple: just upload a photo of your outfit in the fan photos section of the Mademoiselle Robot page on Facebook!

I will go through the photos once a week and pick someone to feature on the blog, along with a mini interview about your style.

How does that all sound to you?

H! By Henry Holland

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:07:00 PST

Henry Holland is a babe

I am just back from the unveiling of H! By Henry Holland, the collection he designed especially for Debenhams. The whole thing doesn't really scream Holland, instead it screams My So Called Life. There is a definite Angela Chase vibe coming from all the checks and floral prints. There is also something very comforting about the range, featuring a trouser suit that looks just like super cool jammies.

I. MUST. HAVE. THIS.

The whole thing is very coherent and above all, very wearable. It is quite removed from the runway trends, the colours are bright, the prints are bold... and it would seem that the key trend will be mixing and matching checks & florals. I quite like the way they subtly work together.

This is not going to change the face of fashion forever, this is not really bringing anything new to the table - it is even recycling some old ideas like the magazine bag for example, that was done by Patricia Field before - but it is unpretentious and cute. I would most definitely wear a lot of the pieces I saw tonight, but I would do so even if they weren't signed by Henry Holland. They are wearable everyday high street pieces (at high street prices, thank you) that will keep you going through the Spring and Summer basically.

Jordan Catalano says "Yes" to bum ruffles.

Brian Krakow says "YES" to boob ruffles.

The collection will be available from February in store.

They scream Open Ceremony, but they are announced at £30.

Aaaaaaand little old me - that's a lot of little old me for a day, I know, I knowz.

Jacket - Warehouse

Skirt - Vintage

Hair clips - Kamilla Antonio (I have a pair of these for you in my Christmas hamper... more on this on the 9th)

Since so many of you want to know what my nailspolish is, there you go, here is a link to it!
ASOS Paint (in Sienna)

Day of the Dead, some witching around in the park and conversation with some squirrels.

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:02:00 PST

Halloween weekend was pretty fun although no wild parties were involved. I was entertaining my 14 year old cousin so we stayed in, had a couple of friends over and watched Sam Raimi's Drag me to Hell. Just like any Raimi movies, it was pretty damn funny with a side order of gore. LOVE IT. I am pretty much a zombie/horror movie/serial killer fiend, so Halloween & the Day of the Dead are two of my favourite things.

There were multiple Day of the Dead related activities going on at the British Museum, so we went to check it out. I was especially excited by the parade as I absolutely love the Mexican skeleton figures. The aesthetic makes me all gooey inside.

I also got to witch around the park on the way, stomping on crunchy leaves and fully enjoying a perfect Autumn day. Seriously, I know it is raining half the time at the moment, but what's not to love in the Fall?

Cape - American Apparel

Trousers - H&M

Jacket (under cape) - Warehouse

Tee-shirt - Vintage

Shoes - Vintage

Bag - thrifted

Since so many of you want to know what my nailspolish is, there you go, here is a link to it!
ASOS Paint (in Sienna)

One thing you must know before I go, is that I am completely fluent in squirrel. If there is a squirrel anywhere in a park, I can call it and it comes and sits by my feet, or does a little dance, it depends. I SWEAR ON MY LIFE. On Sunday, I called about 5 (FIVE) squizzers in 5 minutes.

This is one of them:

He says "hi" by the way.

ASOS Beauty & The Bloggers

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:52:00 PST

Last week, I was invited to go to the ASOS Beauty event at their HQ in Camden. We were greeted by the three Cs: champagne, cupcakes and canapés. I have to say I am not overly interested in any of the three Cs when I go to an event (at home, I love cupcakes).

There was also a manicure table held by Charlotte Straughan, the CEO of Ciaté. It was wonderful to be able to get my nails done while getting all the new nailpolish trends explained by one of the leaders in the business. It was also very interesting to speak to another woman who has made it all on her own, despite being told everyday that hers was a silly idea. I love meeting driven women, it restores my faith in humanity.

A good opportunity for you to check out my engagement ring!!

Speaking of driven women, YouTube make up sensation Lauren Luke was also there to give us make up advice and promote her book. The book looks extremely promising, very clear and nice to look at. A great Christmas present! I didn't get to speak to Lauren as I was busy looking at everything and being interviewed by Grazia, but I tried her make-up range a few months ago and I would recommend it to anyone. The eye primer and lipsticks are especially good.

The ASOS Christmas beauty range was on display as well and I know a lot of you are going to be really happy about it: Benefit gift sets, beautiful Bourjois paint pots, ASOS paint by Ciaté, Paul & Joe lipsticks etc.

I also had a first look at the new ASOS Black range that just went online, including a crini mini dress I had seen in their magazine in the Summer. Well... It is definitely not something I could wear for obvious boobage reasons, but you should definitely check it out if you are more erm...small boobed than me!

And this is what I wore for the event (my apologies for the completely stoned look, I swear I only had OJ).

I am wearing my new Clothes Horse dress by Modcloth, vintage bag, My So Called Heels by Chinese Laundry from Modcloth as well and a vintage brooch (belonged to my grandma).

I would like to say here how impressed I am at those Modcloth heels, as I am not at all a heels girl for obvious crazy ankle reasons you can see by yourself on this photo. BUT My So Called heels are so comfy even though they are super high. I think it is because of the crepe platform and heel and also because the platform is quite high, but I love them! Also, they have the perfect pretty ugly look I love so much. Expect to see a lot of them in the coming months.

I love my maman

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:08:00 PDT

Today I would like to introduce you all to my beautiful maman, Nadia. She sent me this just now, it is an advert she did when she was working as a model. In the L'Oreal ad she is the brunette who speaks first. In the Maltesers ad, she is the one playing the violin. One day, I will have to write a whole article about her amazing style, till then watch this and then give your mum a call.

Wish List /Make it Mine

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:36:00 PDT

Yesterday, I went to Swanfield pop-up shop, in the heart of Kingly Court to meet Katherine Pont and have a first look at her new collection. She is an illustrator turned designer and the talent behind London based label Mine.

I was originally going to write a global post about the boutique, but everything there is special enough to deserve its own post! Put it this way: I rarely go into a shop where I would wear absolutely everything. Swanfield is a love at first sight, drool on the floor, epileptic fit, jaw dropping, making a fool of myself kind of shop. So yeah... Sit tight as there will be other posts on the subject.

But back to Mine (no this is not an invitation, boys)... The new collection is called "Tick Tock order" and was inspired by "Repent Harlequin!" said the ticktockman, a science-fiction short story from the 1960's. In the story, the future is regulated and people are punished when they are late. Being guilty of tardiness herself, Katherine has reversed the power play in her collection, turning the time keeper into a lazy cat, and using prints featuring Harlequin sitting on the hands of a clock.

The 60's inspiration is also felt very strongly in some of shapes Katherine used in her collection. You will find shift dresses etc, but with modern detailing such as deconstructed collars, cut out shapes and a play on volumes.

I absolutely love how pretty and girly everything is, while staying totally easy to wear and grown-up. The fabrics and colour palette are very delicate, the detailing is extremely clever and the whole thing just make sense. I love a collection that actually makes sense and fulfills its ambitions. I can't wait for the collection to be available to get myself a few pieces!

Swanfield will be in Kingly Court till January 5th, if you are in London, you should definitely go and have a look!

Giles Deacon & Cadbury's pop up shop

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:09:00 PDT

Tomorrow, when you visit this site, you will be able to get a Giles Deacon scarf for free in the online popup shop below. Stay tuned and keep checking my twitter and the caramel bunny facebook page for more information.

Get a grown up style with Ugly Betty

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:16:00 PDT

Teasers announcing Ugly Betty's new look were everywhere this Summer, so I was quite impatient for the new season to start to witness it first hand. I refused to look around for leaked set photos as I wanted to know the story behind her makeover.

I was a bit dubious at first as to why they would want to change her style, as it is such a big part of her identity and sums up quite how unique and different Betty is in this fictional fashion world full of dominatrix in killer heels. I am a big fan of Betty's usual style, from its terrible faux-pas to its genius layering and glorious patterns arrangements.

Without giving away too much in case you haven't seen the show yet, Betty basically gets a promotion and needs a more polished image to fit her new responsibilities. It all happens quite suddenly and the next thing you know, Betty is all grown up.

I really wanted to write about Betty's transformation because it is something a lot of people ask me for when they come to see me for style consultations: they want to achieve more grown up, more polished, style often because of a promotion, or just because of turning 30!

I think Betty's makeover is actually quite successful. They kept what makes Betty "Betty" (the colours, the chunky accessories, the glasses) but took it to the next level. The quirkiness factor is still there but she is now totally ruling the fashion industry.

I especially liked her take on the power suit, made more feminine by a blue jacket and cute yellow shoes (and that tiny red briefcase? I am going to stop breathing till someone gives me one). However I am not yet convinced by the Chanel inspired suit, as I find it too frumpy on her, despite that red belt. I loved the little black dress she wore at the end of the second episode (sorry I didn't get a screen cap of this one!).

Here is how to emulate Betty's new look - it is a great way to bring a bit of fun in the workplace.

I am very curious about what's next on Betty's makeover list. There has been talk about removing the braces which would be a big step, but style wise, I do wonder which direction they will take her in. Will they push her further and further into a more fashion conscious style or will there be a sudden plot change where she realises she wants to be her old self again and goes back to quirky layering?

What do you think? And more importantly, if you watch Ugly Betty: the makeover - yay or nay?

Newsflash - Giles Deacon online pop-up shop

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:00:00 PDT

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Giles for Cadbury's launch party. They were celebrating the new look of the Cadbury's bunny. She is now wearing a dress designed by Giles. The dress will be available in a pop up shop on Carnaby street... as well as some exclusive scarves.

The thing is: you won't be able to purchase the scarves in the shop. You will have to hunt for them in various online pop-up shops hosted by a few blogs, including Mademoiselle Robot. The scarves will be given away for free throughout the day. You will queue up (virtually) and watch shopgirls pack up your scarf!

I got my hands on a scarf at the party and it is so cute, it literally hasn't left my neck. All you have to do to get your scarf is to become a fan of the Caramel Bunny on Facebook. They will announce when and where the pop-up shop will be. This special online event will take place on Friday 30th October, so be prepared!

Give me the Oooh Lala.

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:07:00 PDT

I know a lot of you have been following this blog for a while now, and you know a lot about me. Today, I would like to get to know you better. The comments on this post are here for you to tell me a bit about your life, your aspirations, maybe show me a little photo of your faces... It would be great for me to know who I am sharing my life with.

Also, this is the time for you to tell me if there is anything you would like to see on these pages, how you found this website etc.

So go ahead and tell me who you are and what you think.

Thank you for taking the time to read me everyday and welcome to those of you who just arrived.

Twitter - Facebook - Mademoiselle Style

300% Eighties, or how my everyday outfits are a lot like Halloween costumes

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:29:00 PDT

It started off pretty simple

But I needed a cover up

deetazoids
Skirt & shoes- vintage
Tee-shirt - H&M
Jacket - Warehouse
Cape - American Apparel

For some reason some of the photos from this post vanished from my Flickr account. I will try and find them again!

Mademoiselle Robot still loves you - Catching up with Matthew Gray Gubler

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:23:00 PDT

After last year's interview series, I wanted to create a real link between you guys and the people I interview. I want to get an almost photographic portrait through my interviews. To begin this new catching up series, I chose one of my favourite interviewees, for many reasons. It is pretty obvious, Matthew Gray Gubler is one of those people who can do everything. Whatever he touches turns to magic.

First, I asked Matthew to step into the photobooth. He did say this picture would hurt my eyes.

❤ What have you been up to since our last interview?

I just finished a voice-over for the sequel to Alvin & the Chipmunks (it comes out Dec 25th in the US). 500 Days of summer came out in America, How to be A Serial Killer had a small release in America (comes out on DVD Oct 13). Season 5 of Criminal Minds started shooting, www.gublerland.com has finally been excavated. I started a record label, a T-shirt company, and have been getting into puppet manufacturing. I played a small part in The Great Buck Howard. I Just finished the album artwork for a friends record, and also got to collaborate with Jacques Cousteau's son on this super cool environmental zine for the Warped Tour. (they let me design and paint the cover)

I have been working on a children’s book that I am 90% done with. Hopefully it will have some puppets to go along with it.

But mainly, I have just been trying to walk for the past 4.5 months after completly shattering my knee, that’s been the big priority.

❤ What is the idea behind Gublerland?

A friendly playground on the internet where everyone is welcome except bullies and fascists. When I was little my favourite thing to do was play with puppets and toys. I would give them dumb voices and make up fake scenarios. It’s kind of hilarious that twenty years later I’m doing the exact same thing only now instead of playing with plastic action heroes on my floor, I am now playing with pixel monsters I have drawn on my computer, and instead of doing all of this with my imaginary friend, I do it all with my real friend named Steve who helps bring them all to life. At least Steve tells me he's real. That would be great if Steve Damstra ended up being my imaginary friend. Ha! Oh man. I hope that’s the case. Jaffe and Haruka too, what if it turned out you were just interviewing a total psychopath.

Anyway...

The site is going to keep growing. I am working on an underground Gublerland subterranean cave level and other hidden stuff.

Next we want to get into cartooning and alternate methods of story telling with fabric and pixels.

❤ What are you working on currently?

I am doing a few cartoon voices from our childhood. Scooby Doo and Superman. A total dream come true. I've been filming more fake documentaries,

I have also been making puppets and little monsters with a friend of mine named Haruka. We collaborate very well together. we are from the same planet. She has the innate capability to basically bring whatever i think up to life in 3 dimensions. We've been turning my characters into finger puppets, buttons, sock puppets, bags, etc. I am making those, and also tee shirts. I am trying to do tons of other things, besides the acting stuff. I love hanging out at fabric stores.

My friend Jaffe Zinn (Haruka's husband) is directing a movie called “Buhl” that starts filming in November. I play a character who’s going to be in his next movie (about Death Metal). He wanted to give the character some background, so he is introducing me in the prequel. I am so excited because it is the first time I get to work so closely with a friend on a feature length movie.

❤ Can you describe a normal day?

If it is a Monday, I wake up at 5 am, go to work at 5.30. If it is Criminal Minds, I don't get home until 7 or 8pm, try to look at my lines for the next day and then start it all over again on Tuesday. Occasionally I’ll have a day off and I will either do voice over, or meet with a director. If I am very lucky, I will get a spare hour where I get to draw or do something I like to do for myself. My weekends… Saturday evenings I just stay at home and try and make stuff of some sort then I eat a pint of ice cream, light a pumpkin candle and watch a movie, but only after I feel I have done something productive with my day. If I haven’t done something productive, I will carry on working through the night.

Photo FanPop - Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid

My job is really time consuming, but it is the greatest in the world! I love to work, even when I worked for retail shops in high school, nothing is better than a long hard day of work. If i don't fall asleep exhausted it feels like a waste of space.

The only bummer is there are so many things I want to do and so many friends I want to collaborate with, I just don’t have time to do everything. It gets to a point when I just have to say "no" and that is really frustrating. I know it sounds lame, but I have so many great things going on, I sadly can’t do everything.

Bath time is the only time I am not technically working, although actually, I typically learn my lines in the bath so scratch that, i'm always working.

❤ What did you do during the summer break?

I mainly destroyed my knee. I was going to go to London and Monte Carlo and hopefully Japan but instead I spent a lot of time back home hanging with the family like it was 1994. I had a bar mitzvah into manhood with that knee injury. The doctors tell me it was one of the worst cases ever recorded in North America. There wasn't even an existing protocol to follow with the post op rehab, because what i did had never really been done to that extent before. I am working on getting this specific type of injury named after me. Enduring constant mind bending pain for a third of a year has changed me for the better, its made me stronger, more focused, more patient, and more empathetic. I am so glad it happened. I feel like a damn cowboy.

❤ What was the soundtrack to your summer?

I have been pretty much exclusively listening to 1940s music on a station called 40sOn4, which is pretty big in America.

Garfunkel & Oates are so good.

The new Folded Light album as well is pretty sweet. Halloween Town is also amazing… I am trying to pretend like I am not giving press to my buddies here.

Truthfully though… Django Reinhardt and Angelo Badalamenti. The new Dinosaur Jr. tracks are also stellar.

❤ How was it working on 500 Days of Summer?

WONDERFUL! It was great fun to be a part of such a special film. Also, I rarely do movies with people who are anywhere near my own age. I’m usually the “little kid” in the movies I’m in. It was Marc Webb’s first film, he is from the music video world and he did a phenomenal job.

Zooey Deschanel is incredible in this, so is Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

I am proud of the message this movie sends, a completely accurate depiction of the rollercoaster known as love.

❤ Tell me more about How to be a Serial Killer.

It was the exact opposite of everything i have been doing on Criminal MInds for the past 5 years. The director (Luke Ricci) wrote this genius script but was willing to let us improvise which opened up a realm of freedom I had never known as an actor (outside of my own fake documentaries), for once I wasn't tied down to words on a page or notes from a studio/network, i had to constantly be thinking of what to say next. it was the best!!!! It essentially forced me to live as the character for the month it took to film. a very bizarre and hard to describe sensation. Bart (my character) is not the sharpest tool in the shed and with every passing day i could feel myself life loosing braincells, but gaining a new friend. I guess he's technically a "bad guy," a killer, but man... i really grew to love him. I miss him, i feel like i should send him a postcard. i hope he is well wherever he is...staying out of trouble.

Matthew Gray Gubler as Bart

❤ Tell me more about Cornstalk Recordings

Music is an area where I have no talent whatsoever. I am a pretty good whistler but that’s about it. What's weird is for some reason most of my friends are musical wizards. So I started a label in order to showcase their talents. There are two bands on it at the moment Folded Light and Halloween Town but there will be some more soon.

I put out the albums; occasionally do artwork, direct a video, fund the records, etc. im like a sugar daddy only i get high fives instead of kisses.

❤ What is the craziest thing you have ever done for a love interest?

Wow...let me think...I have done some pretty crazy stuff… I once hand made a girlfriend a 50 page leather bound book. It was an illustrated fairy tale about a princess and an eccentric magician. The magician had his heart broken so badly in the past that instead of keeping it in his chest where it could easily get hurt again, he kept it locked up in a rusty trunk under his bed, where it had withered into a shriveled apricot. a lot happens that cant really be summed up in one paragraph, but at the end, his apricot heart swells to the size of a house and they end up living happily ever after inside of it. It took me about a month to make, it was all rhyming, hand painted... something i was pretty gosh darn proud of. I really poured a lot into it, and I think its filled with some of my best paintings yet. Sadly in real life the story didnt end as happy as it did in the book. Lets just say i'm living alone in that giant apricot heart at the moment.

I once gave a girl a bloody fake ear in a TIffany jewlery box with a letter that said, "will you Gogh to prom with me" yeah, I guess I'm a romantic.

❤ Top Babes

Fran Drescher (I have no idea why I love her so much but I do)

Amelia Earheart (for too many reasons to list)

Mary Poppins (my first crush, beautiful voice, great style)

Elvira (oh man)

Lisa Bonet (one of the many reasons I loooove the Cosby Show)

Ashley Smith (a friend of mine photographed this painter/model in New York recently. I have no idea who she is but she has the most enchanting smile I have ever seen)

Ashley Smith

Bebe Neuwirth (I have a soft spot for ghostly pale women who wear their hair in tight buns)

Casey Wilson from SNL (a sense of humor is the most attractive thing in the world to me, I also like the fact that she's not emaciated. Ive seen so many beautiful curvy women gain success in hollywood and then wither into bobble headed stick figures in some grotesque attempt to fit a revolting hollywood trend) I like real women, not the broomsticks that Hollywood has been selling lately.

Winnie Cooper (when she broke Kevin's heart in the "Wonder Years", mine shattered into a million pieces, also the girl that plays her in real life, Danica McKellar, is a brilliant mathematician who has her own math theorem named after her)

Last but not least, I am wildly in love with pretty much all of the Disney princesses (that includes Jessica Rabbit). Their optimism/innocence/beautiful dresses/and old fashioned values drive me insane. Belle will always hold a soft spot for falling in love with the beast despite his horrific appearance.

❤ What’s your relationship with your fans?

I'm the luckiest person in the world because besides having the best, most loving, most awesome, and most unique family, friends, and coworkers in the world, I also happen to have the best, most loving, most awesome and most unique fans in the world. I can't begin to describe how blessed i am. They are so much more than fans they are "fands" (fans/friends).

I've never understood the notion of shunning or acting "too cool" for fans. I know, and occasionally work with, actors who seem to think it is beneath them to take 5 seconds to stop and sign an autograph or even shake hands with their admireres. To do that, you really have to be filled with a lot of self-hate and insecurity. An actors job is to entertain, how can you resent, or look down on the very people that find you entertaining? It would be like being a birthday clown who gets hired, goes to the party, shouts insults at the kids, and then kicks all the dads in the crotch. If you have the ability to make someone's day by giving them a moment of your time DO IT!

❤ Favourite Horror Movies

Something Wicked this way comes – Jack Clayton 1983

Watcher in the woods – John Hough 1980

Halloween – John Carpenter 1978

Night of the Hunter - Charles Laughton 1955

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari – Robert Wiene 1920

Still from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

❤ What is your interior style?

My apartment in new york is the size of a shoe box

My LA apartment is a tiny bit bigger, its the size of a hat box

I really like small confined areas, not only because i prefer to live modestly but because I find them creatively stimulating.
My dream would be to live in a hollowed out tree.

I guess you would say each place has a Victorian library feel, old family photos, red walls, taxidermy, some of my friends art, strange artifacts etc.

❤ What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

Beaker and Bunsen from the Muppets with one of my friends if he agrees. I am not sure yet.

Please do not reproduce this interview without permission. All photos and text are copyrighted to MademoiselleRobot.com unless stated. If you want to use parts of this interviews or photos, please email me.

Wish List / NW3 by Hobbs

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:47:00 PDT

Another "mum inspired" post. There must be a theme this week, even though we are far, far away from mother's day! Are you picking up what I am putting down? Yeah. It is all in the title. I am writing a wish list of stuff from Hobbs. If it wasn't for my dear maman, I would have never ever set foot in Hobbs, dismissing it as too classic or too old for me. Even though there is a shop minutes away from my house. It is just one of these brands, you know? Recently though, whether it is because I am getting older or because they are going through some serious rebranding, I have been finding a few things in there. I didn't buy anything, mind you as a) it is a little over budget for high street stuff and b) the dresses are too long!

But now the rules have changed since they have launched their new "contemporary" range, NW3. This is another thing I should have mentionned at the end of the Summer after I went to take a peek at the collection, but I wasn't in the mood then. Now with chilly Autumn banging on my door, all I can think about is this cape:

It is so pretty, so very autumnal it makes me want to go do cartwheels in Hampstead Heath, even though I can't do cartwheels. Ok, so a leaves battle will suffice.

Here are my picks from the collection, but go ahead and have a browse because there is a massive potential there ready to be unleashed and taken out of the Hampstead safety zone. No offence, Hampsteadites, I know some of you are the coolest people in the world ever, you know who you are, SMOOCHES.

Have you seen those shoes?!? I am a sucker for "pretty ugly" shoes and these mutant tassely brogues are just perfect. You gotta love a super chunks heel. I would give super special props to that mad satchel as well. Purple patent, yes please. I am just saying, Santa, but I have been a really good girl this year, I have worked my ass off and been a terrific mum, sitting through tantrums like a Shaolin Monk, so I THINK THIS SATCHEL SHOULD BE UNDER THE TREE. Yah? Thanks.

Are there any brands that surprised you this season? Who's your daddy?

Innerspace - Home Office details: the Filofax "Beauty GiftBox"

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:53:00 PDT

I love the internet, I love electronic gadgets, I love smart phones. I do everything on my computer: working, shopping, listening to music, watching TV. There is one thing however that I never really manage to translate from the real life to the online world and it is my diary. I need paper and I need post it notes. Like most women, I have a very emotional relationship with my diary so I need it to be tangible, I need to feel its weight in my bag and I need to use a pen to write in it.

Looking back at old diaries, I can tell what mood I was in when jolting down a meeting or scribbling a to-do list just by looking at the state of my handwriting. And I like this. As well as keeping my work and life organised, my diary is also a graphic record of my emotional state. I haven't been keeping an actual diary (in the "Dear Diary" sense) for years so it is nice to have this record on my agenda.

Last week, I went to the launch of the Filofax Beauty GiftBox, where I was kindly given a brand new Filofax. It is pink, with all the trimmings and it is already my new best friend. After only a weekend of usage, it has post-it notes, dates, article cuttings in the back cover, the works! I used to be a big Filofax fiend when I was in High School and University. I had a black leather one that ended up bursting because I was always filling it up so much. I think it is possibly my mum who gave me the love for FIlofax as I remember her using this bright red snakeskin effect one that for me was the epitome of glamour!

Now I have my own little glam pad, I wonder if Mila will be as fascinated by it...

I was talking about the emotional value of the FIlofax, and I think my new pink companion has taken the lead as it comes equipped with a mirror and an atomiser pen. What is more comforting than smelling your favourite scent anywhere, or seeing a familiar face (yours) in a scary meeting? There is a Feng Shui theory that basically says that taking a good look at yourself in the morning helps reinforce your sense of identity. Well now you can reinforce that sense of identity EVERYWHERE, in a subtle way.

As for the rest of the package, you also get a booklet of vouchers for various free beauty treatments, which is pretty sweet as well!

This special set is available online and it costs £40. I think that would make a cute gift, don't you?

What to wear for Halloween [redux]

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:21:00 PDT

My Halloween post last year was so well received I thought I would post it here again, for those of you who need inspiration for their outfits. I haven't had time to think about mine yet, so I might do a Marie-Antoinette redux!

I feel bad for having been so busy I neglected one of my favourite holidays, but I still hope to make it up to you, Halloween!

I compiled for you my version of some classic Halloween costumes:

The Vampire

Dress - Azzedine Alaia
Shoes - Katia Lombardo
Fan - Monsoon
Nailpolish - Chanel
Bag - ASOS
Necklace - Lady Luck Rules OK

The Witch

Dress - Topshop
Shoes - Celine
Bag - Vivienne Westwood

Freddy Krueger

Trousers - Les Chiffoniers
Top - Forever21
Shoes - La Garconne

The Grim Reaper

Top - Miu Miu
Trousers - Margiela
Bow - Shanalogic
Bag - Fendi

Zombie

Jacket - Miu Miu
Trousers - Topshop
Shoes - Chloe
Bag - Luella

And some more, this time inspired by some of my favourite movies:

❤ Baby Jane Hudson ❤

Dress - Azzedine Alaïa
Belt - Vintage
Shoes - Vivienne Westwood / Melissa
Bow - Topshop

❤ Carrie White ❤

Dress - Luella

Shoes - Moschino
Corsage - Urban Outfitters
Blood - Model's own

❤ Catwoman ❤

Dress - Miu Miu
Shoes - Kurt Geiger
Mask - Luella

❤ Rosemary Woodhouse ❤

Trench - Burberry's
Dress - Tibi
Shoes - Roger Vivier (vintage)

❤ Grady Twin ❤

Dress - Miu Miu
Shoes - Chloe
Socks - Monsoon
Belt - ASOS
Bows - Vintage

What are you all doing for Hallowen?

Jumble sale, Contest winner and Interview: a 3 in 1 post.

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:55:00 PDT

I have some news to share today...

First, I will be selling some clothes & shoes at the Wills Moody Rock 'n' Roll Jumble Sale at the Saint Aloysius Social Club on Sunday (18th). It is from 2 to 6, 21 Phoenix Road, just off Eversholt street near Euston station.

I have a lot of vintage dresses, tops, shoes, bags, scarves, you name it, I have it. I will be welcoming the lovely Loulou as well at my table to double the fun and multiply the gems. There will be a bargain basket as well as more expensive stuff (but not crazy expensive either, maybe around £20).

This jumble sale is always good fun and there are all sorts of things there, so do come down and say hello! There is also a little surprise for those of you who make it there, but shhhh.

Oh gosh i almost forgot!!! It is a special Halloween, which is filling my heart with joy. Very scary joy.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I have also been to my trusted Random.Org and picked the winners of the Rock'n'Rose competition (I am starting to think there is a subconscious Rock theme in this entry)...

My first winner is... Aimee Marie who asked for the Tea&Cake ring to "hopefully curb [her] real addiction for cake (or just fuel it, who knows!)".

My second winner is JennTRC who asked for the Robot Brooch!

And finally, the third winner, for the most coveted item is... Xayide, who gets the Winter Rose necklace.

Girls please get in touch asap, especially Xayide, as I couldn't find an email address for you anywhere!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

The last info of the day is that you will find an interview with me on Amelia's Magazine's website. It has been done a while ago but got delayed and delayed and then updated, but it finally is online, so go and have a look!

That's all for today, kittens and puppies. It is nice to see you again!

Becoming - Zazie dans le Métro

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:37:00 PDT

Since I am in Paris till Wednesday to do a spot of styling, I thought I would share with you one of my oldest style queens, although in this case, I should really say "princess": Zazie, from the book Zazie dans le Métro.

I saw the film when I was very little, and the imagery stuck with me, possibly planting the seed of vintage fashion and the old world's style.

I like the autumnal shades mixed in with breton stripes. To make the look a bit more grown up and up to date, I added some wedge shoe-boots and printed tights.

MR Crush on Rock'n'Rose... and presents for YOU

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:53:00 PDT

Rock'n'Rose is the brainchild of Jessica and Emily Lathan. Created in 2007, it sums up their love for all things "classic, kitsch and quirky" to use their own words... Now I wouldn't call their creations "quirky" anymore, since there are so many independent boutiques and designers offering the same type of vintage inspired, or vintage based jewellery. It has become something of a classic really.

As I said, it is not exactly original or ground-breaking, but when I looked at their site, I actually saw a few things that would look good around my neck/wrist/finger/all of the above... so I did a little selection for you:

Twinkle Stardust

Wooden Robot brooches? Well don't mind if I do. Of course these would catch my eye!

Tea & Cake

These days, it is much better for me to have a tiny slice of plastic cake on my finger rather than a giant slice of real cake in my hand. They can both end up in my mouth, but one of them is safe. Safe Cake.

Winter Rose

There is something really charming about wearing a flower around your neck for the Winter. Charming and comforting.

I liked these so much, I thought you guys should be able to wear them. So Emily kindly accepted to give one of each for you to win.

Up for grabs, are one Twinkle Stardust brooch, one Tea & Cake ring and one Winter Rose necklace.

To enter, just leave a comment below telling me which one you would like.

For extra entries, you can follow Rock'n'Rose or Mademoiselle Robot on Twitter.

The competition closes Thursday 15th October at Midnight. I will announce the winner next week.

Good luck!

London Fashion Weekend by Liane Eltan

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:01:00 PDT

I jetted off to Paris right after Fashion Week, so I wasn't there to witness all the incredible bargains I could get at London Fashion Weekend thanks to my tickets... But Liane was... and her finds made me green with envy!

After not knowing what to expect from London Fashion Week with it being a completely new adventure for me, London Fashion Weekend was something I knew quite a bit about. Well, I went to London Fashion Weekend when I first moved here and managed to spend £60 on a belt. I want to say it was an investment and I got it for less than half price but bottom line is: I spent £60 on a belt.

But I have learnt from past impulse buying and this time round I actually planned my trip. First of all, I was only going to spend an hour browsing and shopping – you don’t need more than that to assess the goods. If you do linger around for hours, you risk buying things because they’re half price off. I witnessed women with bags full of bizarre items, most of which I am sure landed on eBay within the hour.

I also had a plan: I set myself a budget and made a list of designers I would only buy from if I saw something I liked. London Fashion Weekend is not the time to be adventurous as big discounts can get you carried away. The budget I set was £50 max for one item and not more than 3 items – that way I can be sure that I really only buy what I love. I did get slightly tempted by an amazing pair of shoes for £150 and the voice in my head kept screaming: “It’s £300 off! £300!!!” I stuck to my plan and moved on swiftly. I ended up with a beautiful Luella bag and shirt and a cute Peter Jensen teddy bear shirt, all of which were very much within the budget.

London Fashion Weekend is a great event to check out shows from LFW and to get your hands on some very amazing designer pieces. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, no pushing or pulling but a very relaxed mood. Believe it or not, but there is enough stuff to go round. And a super secret tip is to go on a Sunday as prices fall even more (or maybe it's not that secret). I will definitely be going to the next LFWend , I'm already starting my prep.

I am yours for a day... Winners of the Mademoiselle Style giveaway

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:22:00 PDT

I have read all your comments over the weekend, matched a Style Consultation to each of you and then drew a winner at random.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

WINNER

This time, the winner is Miss Milki who said this:

"I love clothes, I love fashion, I even blog about it but I have no idea where my own personal style is at right now. I've been sick for the last 4 years so I don't get out much to go shopping much. Its just too tiring. Yet I still haven't got the hang of online shopping yet, especially when it comes to things like vintage. I worry that it won't fit right and I can't return it.
I love colour and pretty dresses, but I don't have much occasion to dress up. And on the other hand I adore the ease and simplicity of the chic French style of dressing, and I think that's probably the direction I should be going in, just maybe with a little quirkiness so it feels more me! I was in college when I got sick and now I'm in my late 20s so its probably time my style grew up a bit. I do get mistaken for a teenager from time to time!
My wardrobe is a mess of different styles (and sizes) of clothes from over the years. I clean it out every couple of years but its well overdue an overhaul at this stage! I've been putting it off but I need to do it and organise an winter wardrobe. Maybe a style consultation with you with help get me kickstarted and back on the right track. Oh I should probably mention also that I'm on a pretty small budget, I'm 5ft short (size 12/10) You could have a look at my blog to get an idea of what I like.

I admire your style and your blog and I'd really love your help! Thank you! :)"

Miss Milky, you win a Full Wardrobe Detox, as I am pretty sure you have what you need n your closet, you just need a helping hand to help you figure out how to navigate through it. I think it is also important to make sure you only keep what actually fits and suits you, to avoid depressing sessions in front of an open closet unable to fit in your favourite dress... Please get in touch to book your free wardrobe detox!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

RUNNER UPS

As I said, 2 other entries would get 50% off the consultation I recommend for them, and the two lucky runner-ups are:

Laura who said this:
"I was recently told by a good friend that lumberjacks should not be my style inspiration...
Clearly I am in need of a bit of help"

I'd like to offer you 50% off a Full Style Consultation... And I would like very much to see a photo of your friend with his jaw all the way down to the floor when he sees you after the consultation!

Sheena who said this: "This is a great giveaway. For me, I'd like to just find a way to make my style more classic and streamlined. I don't have a big budget these days, so I have to be very careful about what I buy. So I'm always on the hunt to find what works best for my body shape and that can be durable for more than one season :)"

I think you should try the Online Wardrobe Basics, this is the quickest way to a more streamlined, classic style. And with 50% off, it is pretty affordable, even on a small budget.

So girls, get in touch to book your sessions!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

YOU WON 20% OFF

The following people get 20% off any of my services (including Style Hotline): Frankie, Carrie, Melinda, Jerri, CCakaJapan, Diana, Valencia Lia, Bella Di Nonna, Dottie, Love of Yours, Miss_G, Kim and Anne.
The 20% discount is valid for any booking made till the end of 2009, all you need to do is contact me and mention it in your email when you book.

To thank all of you for entering, you also get priority on the list for a brand new service I am about to launch... You can contact me for more information about it, I have 15 places for it!

I will be in touch with all of you over the next few days to make sure you haven't missed this post and you can claim your prize!

Sur le bout des doigts...

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:46:00 PDT

I am a nail biter. But I can stop when I want to. Just like cigarette. No joke. I can. No seriously people, I totally can. That's my one and only superpower: mind strength... well only for certain aspects of life. I am incapable of dieting for example. But apart from that I am pretty strong willed, not to throw myself flowers or anything.

To cut this very long story short, whenever I decide that the time has come to stop biting my nails (eating my fingers would actually be more appropriate), I generally dig out some nail polish from my very exciting collection and stick it on. It looks really gross for a couple of weeks (try painting half eaten fingers), but then the nails grow and it starts looking half decent.

I have been really into matte nail polishes since I discovered Man Glaze about a year ago and I was going to paint my nails in matte black, but then Mila intervened and chose my nail colour.

OH BOY THIS IS THE MOST THRILLING POST EVER, RIGHT?

I can see that you are thrilled. Totes. Sometimes I really do wonder how far I will go with this.

She picked for me a combination of Navy Blue and Mint Green (both from Barry M), which I wouldn't have thought about myself but I actually really like it! All this to say, don't bother spending all your hard earned cash on the Chanel Jade... I know it is all trendy and shit at the moment, but still. If you want mint green, just get good old Barry M. It lasts for about 150 years (no joke) and the colour is really nice and bright.

I don't really remember what the main topic of this post was supposed to be, I have kind of fallen out with my editorial calendar recently, I am freestyling this totally. I have been sort of drunk on work recently so I decided to take it slow. You know? We were almost down to third base work and me, we were there tangled on the sofa, smooching and canoodling but I had to say STOP. I am not this kind of girl, Work. I like to take my time. So I ended up writing this bit about my nails. Tomorrow, maybe we will talk about fashionable boogers. Who knows? EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE, THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER. Till then, have a great weekend everyone, I am going to spend mine agonising over all the cute answers you gave me for the Style Consultation giveaway...

Innerspace - My home office

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:19:00 PDT

Since I often show you other people's interiors, I thought this time it was only fair that I'd open a little bit of my "innerspace" to you. I have recently reorganised the flat to make some space for a mini home office. My desk used to be in the bedroom and with the increase of work, I just couldn't deal with spending my days in the bedroom anymore. I also needed to get my work and personal space separated. It is quite a hard task when working from home and in limited space. Living in *very* central London means no extra cash, which means no spare room slash office for me... maybe one day. For now, I have this small space in our living room, and I have to say it does the job perfectly.

I separated the work area from the living room area by an open bookshelf which I use on one side to store all my reference books and magazines, and on the other side, I put some little decoration bits and pieces. The bookshelf is also convenient to hide my messy inspiration board from the rest of the family, as it really only inspires me in that state! I didn't want to be facing a wall because I need to be able to watch Mila like a hawk while working, and the position of my desk means I have a panoramic view of the flat.

After Fashion Week, the whole desk was covered in press materials, magazines and some items of clothing, but it is now clear and ready for action!

The competition to win a Style Consultation with me is now closed, I will have a look at all your entries and announce the winner in the next few days...

Tim Barber for Stella McCartney

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:49:00 PDT

I meant to share this look book with you a good while ago but I forgot, like the goldfish I am. I love the mish mash of gritty urban settings and at the same time complete softness in Tim Barber's photographs . I also adore the natural of his portraits.

The look book he shot for Stella McCartney lingerie range is a bit different as it is pure softness, beautiful posed portraits and nature, nature, nature with a touch of girliness. I am not sure how efficient it is as a look book as I think I didn't notice the collection once when I looked at it the first time, but it certainly works towards giving Stella McCartney a beautiful image for her brand... and it pleases my eyes. Mucho mucho.

Looking at it again, I did pay more attention to the subject and I did like what I saw from McCartney's 2010 line, but I would like to see it again out of these etheral shots to make up my mind for good.

Photos from Tim Barber's website

I really hope you enjoy these as much as I do... Remember you have till tonight to enter the competition to win a style consultation with me (click on the button in the left sidebar for more information).

London Fashion Week - Burberry Prorsum

laetitia@mademoisellerobot.com (Mademoiselle Robot ❤) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:39:00 PDT

Burberry was not one of the shows I was excited about, so I hadn't even bothered requesting invites to it. However, my interest was piqued when they announced they would stream their runway show live for everyone in the world to see. I keep reading articles saying that runway shows are increasingly expensive to run which is why more and more designers turn to presentations. Maybe organising a show with no audience that streams live would be the way forward? To keep the collections exclusive to the industry, they could issue electronic passes in the first place, and then open it up as an on-demand video once the season approaches...

More than just a show, it was an electronic revolution that I am pleased to have witnessed, along with possibly a gigabillion other people around the world who kept making dramatic statements such as "I am crying!", "I am so excited I could cry!", "I love Burberry so much I am going to poo in my pants!" etc. My comment (that I obviously didn't write on the site) was "well done Burberry for getting on with the programme and being so aware of online media".

Images are screen caps taken during the live stream of the show last night.