Je T'aime Jane

"My look is a cocktail. I'm not as nicely turned out as the French, but I don't care like the English."

~ Jane Birkin

I love Jane Birkin. No, really. I love Jane Birkin. She is my ultimate girl crush, and if I could chose anyone to immediately morph into, it would be her, with her long, lithesome body and her big Bambi eyes framed so beautifully by that cool, instantly recognisable fringe. Singer, actress, model, muse, the woman who inspired the hugely coveted Hermes 'Birkin' bag, what's not to love about Jane?

I also love British Designer Bella Freud and am more than a bit partial to her wonderful knitwear collections (blogged here), so it was a given that I would eventually own her iconic 'Je T'aime Jane' sweater.

In the 1970s Jane and her lover Serge Gainsberg charmed and scandalised the world in equal measures with their wild love affair. 'Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus' is a very successful album featuring sensual performances by the notorious pair and it is playfully referenced here on the Bella Freud sweater. 'Je t'aime Jane' is emblazoned in white embroidery across the front, 'Gainsberg is God' is on the back, and 'Serge' is very aptly placed on the sleeve, where Jane wore her heart.

Styled very simply with a cute black suede mini skirt from online favourite ASOS and a gorgeous pair of Chanel shoes (a nod to Paris, Jane's adopted home), this is my own little homage to a true British style icon; je t'aime Jane!

Get The Look:

Jumper: Bella Freud 'Je T'aime Jane' Jumper in black

Skirt: ASOS Petite Suede Mini Skirt in black

Shoes: Chanel Mary Jane shoes in black/white (similar) 
Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©

The Fabric On My Skin

"A thousand eyes are fixed on your glory.

The fabric on your skin narrates your story.

The metal on your hands is a tribute to friends and freaks,

And to those who analyse the colour on your cheeks.

The height on your feet are an excuse to ignore.

The gloss in your hair is consolation for your ache and sore.

You are sheltered in the aura of grace and class,

As you admire yourself in the looking glass"

~ Tokoni O. Uti

From my very first glance at Emma Manley's gorgeous AW15 Lookbook, this was one of the standout outfits for me. A chic, edgy two-piece that had my name written all over it.

The sleek pencil skirt is cut from the softest metallic leather. Two slits on the side add a touch of sexiness to its lady-like length. The matching top strikes the perfect balance between feminine and sporty. Front and back panels are cut from soft leather, and framed with textured silk.

The styling potential for these pieces is vast; imagine the top with a pair of skinny jeans, the skirt with a crisp white shirt or a cool, slouchy rock n roll tee. My favourite thing about this cool two-piece though, is the colour; described on the website as 'petrol', it falls somewhere between navy, dark blue and grey. A metallic sheen gives it a very glamorous feel, and makes it the perfect choice for any party.

I finished my look off with the most fabulous pair of Christian Louboutin studded boots. I bought these boots years ago, and they still cause such a stir whenever they make an appearance. The studs are the perfect match for this rock chick twin-set.

Get The Look:

Top: Manley 'Carly' Top in petrol

Skirt: Manley 'Maya' Metallic Leather Skirt in petrol

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Ariel' Studded Boots in black (similar)

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Poem: Tokoni O. Uti ©