Thankyou India

Spending the last 1.5 years in London searching for a dream Fashion Buying position but proving unsuccessful (for now) after interviews with Yasmin Sewell, Topshop (Arcadia Group), Acne and Jaeger to name but a few I was at a loss for where to search next, nursing a broken spirit and a demotivated soul.

Cue: unintential spiritual journey. And I found everything I needed and more in India.

Ashrams, yoga, meditation, ridiculously inspiring people, a Reiki course, detox, hug from Amma and forced reflection has made me the most content I've ever been in my life. Please remind me of this in the future if I become less 'zen'!

While finding my inner peace I also managed to scope out some fashion finds. Definately will be popping back for more in the near future hopefully. Being taught that ultimate bliss and consciousness is loss of ego and becoming unattached from anything in life, fashion can feel like it's at the opposite end of the spectrum. But I have always believed the positive effect you have from feeling confident about what you're wearing goes beyond ego. It is your soul reflecting who you really are. And that's absolute inner truth. So I encourage you to look in the mirror every morning and really see yourself, be content that you are in the right place in that very moment and love the soul reflected in the image that stares back at you.

Ommmm shanti.

Credit to Jonathan Clifford for his amazing photos, top three, taken in North India on a separate journey but at the same time in November 2010.

 

Because COS

Enamel and silver square braclets (GBP12 each) I wish I'd purchased.

Again, a skirt I wish I'd added to my collection last season. Crochet with a plastic feel (GBP49).

A great take on the Burberry zip-at-the-waist winter coat (GBP150).

 

James Bond cool. Men's blazer (GBP175).

Dress with oversized bow (GBP99).

 

Hipster cool. Ankle length chinos (GBP79).

In my opinion, COS (Collection of Style) is the best high street label in the UK. Only young, it opened in 2007 with the first store on Regent St London, still the flagship. I'm enamoured by its consistent design aesthetic, creating beautifully simple pieces, wearable day and night. The brands clean cut design doesn't stop there, incorporating the look into the store interior (simplicity at its best, by interior architect William Russell). And this is what the recession has brought...a minimalist trend. They say, the brand is 'for women and men who want high fashion with good quality, at an affordable price'. COS begins where H&M (it's parent company, based in Sweden) ends. Taking pride in fair trading, 80% is manufactured in Europe and 20% Asia. When I interviewed with Yasmin Sewell, she was also a big fan, as is purse-friendly blogger of Wearing it today, Laura Fantacci. Visit http://www.cosstores.com/

My muse, Yasmin Sewell

Yasmin, described recently by Tommy Ton in 2010's best dressed on style.com as 'never too contrived and always at ease, knows exactly how to adopt a signature piece and make it her own'. I love that she's an Australian who's had her own trials and tribulations in London but has gone from strength to strength starting with her own Soho boutique, to Buyer at Browns, now Consultant to Liberty and the world. Having been interviewed for her Assistant role this year I am even more in awe of her personality, style and energy. She's photographed here with Australian jewellery designer Michelle Jank.