The Cat Hat

So again, it's been a little while but I've now finished my course at the London College of Fashion, which means I'm now getting a little bit of time off!
As Winter is now over (so they say), I thought I would share with you a story about something that has given me entertainment throughout the cold season, as we go in to summer.
So, this hat I got- what could be so exciting about a hat right? Well it's a great hat, and I love wearing it, but it's more about the attention it brings, rather than keeping my ears warm!

Just after Christmas, I came back to London to work and as everyone I live with was still at home with their families, as most normal people would be on 27th December, my mum came back to London with me to stay with me for a couple of days.
I managed to get an afternoon off so we went to the V&A museum.
This is where I found the Cat Hat.
In the gift shop (the best bit of museums right?), there it was- an Alice Hannah knitted black hat with cat ears and 2 big blue jewelled cat eyes. I had to have it, as cats are my favourite animal, and I liked how it was a little different from the standard animal hats we are seeing on the high street today.
Done deal, in the bag, its mine.
Now, as I started to sport this hat, I realised that it had a certain power. It started with a few odd looks on the tube in the morning, which is understandable- the suits are always a little tired and I think those big blue jewels might startle anyone at 7am on a Monday. Then it moved on to the man in Pret, 'That's a cool hat- are they ski goggles?', well, good try man but no it's a cat.
Then people at college and at work- 'Where did you get that hat from? It's so cool!'. Needless to say I came across some odd looks when I said the V&A museum.
Next was the lady in Pret (yes, a different Pret), 'Your hat is so nice- what is it?'. It's a cat my friend. People tend to just see the blue jewels and not the cat ears. Then the lady at the Post Office counter, 'What is your hat? It is so pretty and different!'. So you get the jist- people see it and comment.

I was feeling quite satisfied with my cat hat and thinking it was definitely a good investment. Until the other day.

I had just finished work and was checking my phone when I guy came up to me: 'Wow! What's your hat about? It looks cool.' I proceeded to tell him, like most, that it was a cat.
After 5 minutes of chit chat, and a date proposal later, he finally left me alone.



Forgetting about that experience, I have come to the conclusion that this is possibly one of the best items I have ever bought.

Peridot London

It's that time of year again where I have to start getting my head down and learning a years worth of work in 2 months. So naturally, instead of revising for exams, I had a day out with a good friend.
I got a message the other day from my friend, Jade, about the Peridot London S/S preview customer event, so she emailed and we got put on the list to attend.
We first saw Peridot at Vodafone London Fashion Weekend (February 2013), and have loved their designs ever since.
I didn't really know what to expect, so was going with an open mind.
We met at Baker Street station and headed towards the location. Once we got there, we buzzed up, and were greeted inside by two lovely girls. We took off our coats, had drinks and began to browse.
There were some fantastic colours, bright oranges and greens, as well as deep navy.
There were some great staple pieces- white shirts with a twist like a layered bottom or textured panel. I was loving the "Neville" shirt dress- navy with green detail pockets (S/S13 collection), but the length was just a bit too long for me (basically, I am too short).
Jade was taken by an amazing orange blazer. It was a longer line blazer, with super soft lining. A piece that really makes an outfit go 'pop'. (from the S/S13 collection)
There were also a few pieces left from the A/W12 collection, and these stole my heart (and money!). I saw the "Isaac" jacket and had to have it. It was so timeless but stylish. Short length, baggy arms, and a fur collar. 100% wool, with silk lining. What more could you ask for? Oh and of course in black.

My second piece was this "Salsa" silk shirt. It's just what I have been looking for. Straight cut, which usually doesn't fit me but this was great. It hangs really nicely and looks fab with a statement necklace. The sleeves are bracelet length so there is a real opportunity to wear with statement jewels.

Jade bought some fabulous "Lady" cat eye sunglasses. They had a vintage edge to them but are super on trend and will stay stylish for years.

Overall, our experience at Peridot today was lovely. The girls who helped and looked after us were so nice, and couldn't do enough to help. They offered really great advice with the clothes too.
This is a brand that really knows their image and is comfortable with its culture. Peridot has its collection available to buy online and at Dover Street and Notting Hill (for UK buyers), but I really hope they get their own store soon as I'm sure it would be wonderful.

'Like' Peridot London on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeridotLondon?fref=ts

View their collection: http://www.peridotlondon.co.uk/