Blog Archives
The Californian’s definition of cold
This week, we’ve had terrible rain in California. And by terrible, I mean about 3/4 of an inch of rain in a day. Highs in the 60s Fahrenheit (around 17 degrees Celsius). Nothing crazy. Certainly nothing to warrant the medley of parkas and ski caps that I’m already seeing around here.
Last week I blogged about how Brits put on their summer’s best when the weather reaches a balmy 70 degrees. By the same token, Californians are guilty of dressing like New Englanders the moment temps dip into the low 60s.
One of my favorite parts of LA Story is an LA weather report from Steve Martin’s character Harris Telemacher:
Harris: And when the weather dropped down to 58 degrees this weekend, how did you cope?
Man on the Street: I went to make sure all the windows were shut.
Harris: And, what about your pets? Were they outside? What happened?
Man on the Street: Well, the cats were out till around ten. But it got a little too cold for them and they came in.
Harris: The cats were out till around ten. But it got a little too cold for them and they came in! Well, that’s how LA coped with that surprise low of 58 degrees that turned the weekend into a real weenie shrinker!
And on that note, may your weekend be warm and rain-free! Have a good one!
How to dress your dog like a Brit
Last week, I posted “How to dress your kids like Londoners” and before the metaphorical ink was dry, I could almost immediately hear the united sighs and bellows of American dogs everywhere, as if to say, “But what about us?”
In an effort of fairness, I’m happily submitting today’s post.
I haven’t put together a list of flat caps (or, heaven forbid, tiaras) or Sherlock Holmes costumes for dogs because I do think that a true British dog is far too noble and dignified for such things (American dogs, well, that’s a dog of a different color …).
Below is a collection of items that will bring out the British in your dog (regardless of whether he’s really a French poodle or an Irish setter).
Shown above, beginning to the right of the British bulldog puppy and moving clockwise: Union Jack Collar by Mascot, Furnam & Muttson Squeaky Dog Toy and British Flag Dog Bed by Jonathan Adler.
Have a fabulous weekend! Enjoy these last dog days of summer before fall sets in.
How to dress your kids like Londoners
It’s never been easier to dress your kids like Londoners (well, apart from moving to London). This summer, Janie and Jack released their Lovely London line, and now Gap has gotten into the act with their Portobello, Brick Lane, Covent Garden and Greenwich fall collections.
I am all for it because there is nothing cuter than a baby donning a union jack knit one-piece, except maybe a baby also wearing the matching union jack beanie.
Slap the union jack on everything, I say and I’ll buy it (well, not now since I’m still saving up to pay for my extortionate red-light ticket. But in theory…).
Shown above, moving clockwise) : Graphic Raglan T in Midland Gray for Toddler Boys, Union Backpack, Union Jack Slip-on Sneakers for Baby Boys, Union Jack Driver Cap for Toddler Boys, and First Original Jeans (Union Jack Medium Wash) for Toddler Boys.
The London line for girls is heavier on floral prints, ruffles and boucle (really adorable items!) and lighter on the Union Jack and other traditional British icons. But they do offer some cute graphic tees that are distinctly British.
Shown above: Portobello Charming Graphic T in Ivory Frost and Pink Granite for Toddler Girls.
Gap is regularly adding more items to these collections and they’re also having a Labor Day Sale now through Monday so kit out your kids’ wardrobe Brit-style.
Have a lovely weekend!
Wear what you read
In light of the earth-shattering news this week that J. Crew will now ship to the UK (what? You didn’t get the memo?), I wanted to share these kids’ litera-tees available at JCrew.com.
Now your child (or one you know) can wear a British classic like Sherlock Holmes or Treasure Island. Their shirt will be like an open book.
Even better, for every tee shirt sold, they will donate a book to a community in need. It’s part of the mission of Out of Print Clothing, the awesome company that produces the book shirts.
Wear what you read. It’s a great concept! If you could put your favorite book title on a shirt, what would yours be?
I’m pretty sure I’d get a Great Gatsby tee. Or The World According to Garp tee. Well, actually, maybe something by Ray Bradbury or Kurt Vonnegut. Hmm … I might have enough favorites here to create a wardrobe.
Mini Boden is big on style
The Brits have a knack for making lovely, high-quality children’s clothes and Mini Boden is proof of that. I’ve purchased a few items through their catalogue in previous years, but recently Nordstrom started carrying their line in its stores – not in its entirety but the highlights, which is good enough for me. Their fall collection can be pre-ordered now.
Pictured above: Layered Sleeve Tee in Blackcurrant Apple; ‘Bold Print’ Dress in Indigo Giant Flower; Heart Patch Pants (Toddler) in Raspberry Mouse; and ‘Fun Pocket’ Jumper in Aqua
BRITRISH.COM 