Princess Diana - Original Royal Fashion Icon

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana.

She was known for many great things including her charity work but today we are remembering her for being the original royal style icon. Take a look at some of our favourite Diana fashion moments.

Do you think that Kate Middleton will ever rival the true style and glamour of Princess Diana? We are undecided in here, I think not but Nikki and Jilly believe that Kate is already more of a style icon

Image courtesy of: http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/08/31/princess-dianas-fashion-moments--on-the-15-year-anniversary-of-her-death-we-cele.htm

Image: http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/08/31/princess-dianas-fashion-moments--on-the-15-year-anniversary-of-her-death-we-cele.htm

Image- http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/08/31/princess-dianas-fashion-moments--on-the-15-year-anniversary-of-her-death-we-cele.htm

Oh, What a Night....With Roksanda Ilincic, Diane von Furstenberg, M Missoni and many more...

Last night we saw the return of our fabulous event at the Scottish Gallery Cafe and Restaurant due to popular demand.

The event opened with a fabulous Dries van Noten look and continued with the same amazing calibre of designers including a few favourites such as Diane von Furstenberg, M Missoni, Fabiana Filippi, Erdem and showcasing our new portfolio of brands such as Issa, Roksanda Ilincic and Mabrun.

There really is nothing more we can say so we just thought we'd present a few gorgeous shots from the evening.

Enjoy!

Love,

The Girls at Jane Davidson x

Back to school cool.....with Victoria Beckham

Over the weekend we got a delightful surprise from Ms Eva Arrighi...

Our beautiful Victoria Beckham dress was featured in The Herald in a back to school style photo shoot and we are in love with it.

Image courtesy of The Herald

Also, featuring the Bryn bag from Mulberry which Nikki featured on our blog as our new must-have bag so all-in-all the perfect outfit!

We've also just had our first delivery of Issa - a brand which Laura is in LOVE with - the perfect wrap dresses and easy-to-wear knitted pieces.

Love,

Catherine

A sore sight for eyes...Christina Aguilera

Well, this will be a very short blog...

Image courtesy of Daily Mail

....because we're not quite sure what to say about these photos. Christina Aguilera has, to put it bluntly, squeezed herself into this body con dress for her latest video.

Both Nikki and I were shell-shocked and had to sit down after we saw these photos because we couldn't quite believe what we were seeing.

I am all for curves and having a more curvaceous figure - BUT - this is extreme. A cut-out body con dress which looks perhaps a size too small.

Or are we being prudish - should we applaud Christina for her outlandish style? What do you think? 

Pull yourself together Christina - and in a much nicer outfit (or sack your stylist?!)

Love,


Laura

Life Through A Lens...

There is something both enchanting and at the same time familiar about looking at photographs of times gone by which really captures my attention.

It is a surreal quality which the photographer Cecile Beaton always managed to manipulate in his images from the early twentieth century.

Image courtesy of www.runninginheels.co.uk

It was with great interest then that I read about the Imperial War Museums upcoming exhibition of his imagery called 'Cecil Beaton:  Theatre of War' (6th Sept 2012- 1st January 2013). Of course the portrait photographer is best known for his iconic work  with Vogue and latterly for his stage works. Yet, for the artist it was his commission by the Ministry of Information to document images throughout the Second World War which had the  most profound effect. With well over 250 images the exhibition casts a light on the far flung reaches of  war and captures the lives of those that were on the brink of insurmountable change.

Image courtesy of Time Out

The exhibition in my mind presents a contrast between his extremely beautiful fashion images with those of the horrors of war and one can only imagine what that really presented to the man behind the lens?

This is definitely one exhibition that warrants a trip to London in my eyes...Fingers crossed it might make it's way up north.

Love,

Nikki

Shoes

Yesterday was a very special day for me. I took my two beautiful grand-daughters to get new shoes for going back to nursery.

What fun we had, it was nice to be on the other side of the retail fence for a change. It amazes me that the girls already, at such an early age,  know exactly what they want!

Image courtesy of Liffey Studios

I can just tell that we have so much fun to look forward to...


Love,

Jane

Light Fantastic!

When our Store Manager Nikki came back from her Ibiza holiday telling us that she keeps seeing strange lights on the top of Arthurs Seat, we did wonder if two weeks in the sun had been enough!

As it turns out, she is not going mad, what she can see from her lovely flat is an amazing light show that has been running for the duration of the Festival. The Culture Show has also run a feature on it.

Called Speed of Light, the show is a work of public interactive art which involves walkers and endurance runners wearing special light suits and carrying portable light sources.

As they are guided along the many winding pathways, our famous landmark comes to life in a most spectacular fashion.

The groups meet at the base of the base every 15 mins from 9.15 and the show lasts for 2 hrs 30 mins, so if you haven't already seen it, choose your spot and take a look.

Image Courtesy of:
 http://festival.london2012.com/events/9000961755

Fiona

A Case of The New Clothes?

So, we've all had a look at the pics of Prince Harry in the buff, and we have all had our say on it....

I've heard everything from "He's a young guy doing what he should be doing", to "How could his security team let him get into this situation?".

No one has, or will probably get to the bottom (excuse the pun!) of what went on.

My own take on Harry's crazy night is on with a fashion edge (naturally)...

Do you remember the fairy story of The Emperors New Clothes?

It's a story of a gullible, slightly silly royal who gets duped into parading around naked and is too proud to admit he made a mistake.... Ring any bells?!

 I'm thinking'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' is a phrase Prince Charles has never uttered until now!

What do you think of the Harry does Vegas story?

Image Courtesy of:
 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2192284/Prince-Harry-Vegas-pictures-Charming-loveable-I-fear-hes-little-lost-boy.html

Fiona

Running through my mind with Prada, Nike and KG

I have an admission to make - I don't like trainers.

Despite my love of fitness (insert running joke here) I don't wear trainers, I don't own a pair of trainers and if you ever see me wearing a pair please stop me and call the local police because I've obviously gone crazy.

However, a lot of our fabulous customers have been coming into the store wearing a selection of super-fashionable and wearable trainers (and think how comfy your feet would be!?)

This is taking the plimsolls we wore at school to a whole new level and making them utterly cool. Here's my top picks....

Mui Mui sparklers....

Image Courtesy of LeBlow

Nike for Liberty of London hi-tops....

Image courtesy of FreshMag

KG at Kurt Geiger Lucca trainers (the most amazing selection and a FAB price too! I think I want these  in nude too)

Image courtesy of Kurt Geiger

With all this choice - will I ever wear smart shoes again? Okay, Okay I won't go THAT far...

 Which ones have you found which are worth mentioning?!

Love,


 Laura

Holiday Not So Blues...

Hola, my first day back in the store today has frankly been one of complete and utter temptation!!!! Is it too early to be seriously writing my Christmas list?!?

Fresh back from Ibiza where it was a baking 40+ degrees (honestly!) I am as porcelain white as ever and ready to embrace my favourite season. As you can see fro the picture I am already in autumn mode and this beautiful new delivery from Mabrun has got my name all over it. (Please excuse the very questionable model!)

Slightly reminiscent of Fabiana Filippi in some areas and Moncler in others this capsule collection promises to sort out all of your winter coat dilemmas...pop in store now to have a cheeky wee look.


Love,


Nikki

Generation Xhausted

When I was reading the Economist last night

Ok that's a lie - I was actually reading Grazia but my DH showed me an article in the Economist that struck a cord. It was all about Generation Xhausted and how changes in demography and job patterns are altering the age distribution of stress.

Image and story courtesy of
http://www.economist.com/node/21560546

It used to be thought that mid 40's were the most stressful period for most people. The "sandwich generation" were caught caring for adolescent children who stay at home longer and also for their elderly parents. Now the oldies are living and staying healthy for longer it's Generation Xhausted we should pity.
Professional parents in their late 30's are now the victims of two colliding trends. Life is slowing down and speeding up at the same time; families arrive later as careers are accelerating. The most gruelling part of child-rearing now coincides with the make or break phase for careers and many professional couples in their late 30's are simply exhausted - and I count myself into that statistic!

I'll be interested to watch how Marissa Mayer gets on - the recently appointed and pregnant 37 year old new chief executive of Yahoo. Could she be the new pin-up for Generation Xhausted?

I'm off to re apply some more Touche Eclat,

Sarah x

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Last night I had a blast of a time at the Tattoo...

As a last minute opportunity I was lucky enough to get tickets and I have to say - after years of avoiding it - it was a great evening!

Featuring acts from across the world, along with our own homegrown talent, the Tattoo celebrates the evening culminated in a brilliant firework display and the Lone Piper playing a haunting lament.

My highlight of the evening was the Top Secret Drum Corps a high precision drum corps based in Basel, Switzerland - words cannot describe how awe-inspiring they really were!

So my advice to you is - if you can get any last minute tickets - snap them up!

Apologies my photo's aren't great - we were in the second top row (just a note - if you're not a great fan of heights check where your seats are first!)

Love,

Laura

J Brand bring THE perfect Jean!

Ok - have you ever felt that there is not THE perfect jean for you?

Well - don't despair. It's as if J Brand have been listening to all your woes and all your denim dilemma's to come up with the answer. We have the jean which WILL fit every shape.

Image courtesy of J Brand

We'd like to introduce you to the Maria - high rise, skinny fit, glorious fabric, perfect pocket position for a pert posterior (try saying that after a few cocktails!) and in the most amazing classic blue.

It is literally running out the door - I NEED a pair (it's not a case of want ladies it's NEED!), and although they are slightly more expensive (£260) trust us - they are worth every hard earned penny.

You will not have these off your legs - from being tucked into boots, worn rolled up with pumps or a leg lengthening heel... I could go on all day but there's work to be done. They ALSO come in a great black fabric - which I love too - and I can't quite make up my mind which one I need - so perhaps it's both?!

I'll be wearing mine with my cream Vince Knit and Gerard Darel grey Coat.

How would you wear yours?

Love,

Laura

p.s. pop in to try a pair today - we're also open from 11-5pm tomorrow (Sunday 19th August) - I'll hope to see you all there!

Faux Fashion

As an avid supporter of the fashion industry, there is nothing I detest more than fake designer goods.

From the design studio, to the catwalk, to the shop floor, we who work in fashion know the time, effort and thought process that goes into producing beautifully crafted clothing and accessories that are so special, and it is this care and attention to detail that warrants the price tag.

I understand that we live in an age of fashion for the masses, and I have no problem with high street retailers stocking goods which are catwalk inspired, that is after all how the cycle of fashion works, but when I read about a huge shipment of fake Louboutins being seized by customs in Los Angeles 'The total retail value is estimated to be of £11.5 million ($18 million)' as quoted in Vogue, I was more than a bit vexed.

The shoes were destined for one of the many 'fashion' websites that sell fake designer goods. They had been shipped from China, and having been there last year and seen the fakes of every designer you can think of, on a grand scale, I can tell you that I felt nothing but turned off by the whole thing.

I and many others like me would love to own a classic Chanel handbag or a pair of Louboutains, but I would want to know that I had earned them and that they were the real deal, not some cheap knock off that in the end can be anything but a disappointment.

Image Courtesy of:
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/08/17/louboutin-fakes-seized

What do you think about fake designer goods? We would love to know your opinion.


On a lighter note, as we know you, our online followers love to shop, we would like to remind you that we will be open on Sunday 19th Aug. This is a great chance to view our amazing new season collections.





Fiona

I Love S Luca

I'll let you into a little secret...

For all you ice cream lovers out there you will be happy to know that S Lucas now have a little shop in Rose Street.

Image courtesy of the Edinburgh Reporter

I say a shop but it is a little police box full of ice cream and fab coffee !

So you will no longer have to travel to Morningside or Musselburgh to get a cone or tub, the perfect accompaniment to any festival afternoon.


Love,

Mandy

Flat Pack Holiday

What a lovely idea…..assemble your own hotel room.

Just imagine it: you could totally pick and choose the design, colours and layout of your dream suite……….

 But that’s where the sweet dreams end. It’s actually just another clever idea from those people at IKEA, who have today announced that they are looking to roll out 100 budget hotels across Europe. And yes, Edinburgh is on the hit list!

 But going back to my original misconception, I was having fun thinking about what my priorities would be a) Big comfy bed with crisp white sheets and towels b) Cleverly designed storage, with doors that actually close properly c) Cocktail cabinet and fridge (fully stocked) d) Stunning views (with sunshine) e) Butler to assemble all of the above.

 Oh, and someone to remove all the left over nuts and bolts please! Sorted.

Jilly's dream hotel!

Image courtesy of
http://www.free-stories.net/fairy-tales/the-princess-of-the-pea.html

Jilly

Help...

I've just realised the Festival Fringe ends in 13 days - and I don't feel I've got my fix of festival-ity...

I firmly believe that word of mouth is THE best way to find the best of the fest and so with that in mind I'd like to ask you - what have you been to see that is good? Or what have you been suggested to go and see?

Image courtesy of Billy Currie

I've been lucky enough to see 'The Boy with Tape on his Face' - I know it sounded ridiculous at the time - but with hindsight it was one of the better show choices I've made with regards to the fringe. A Chaplin-style comedy where a boy literally does sit with tape on his face for an hour. Especially good if you can muster the energy for the 9.40 show time...

I've got a couple of things in the schedule lined up such as Fork - an a capella group who do AMAZING unexpected covers which I am extremely excited about, and also Craig Hill (extremely crude but also guaranteed a laugh!) who I'm going to see tonight.

So please, help me out in my quest to be festival'd out by the end of August - what should I go see?! 

Love,

Laura

Britain Knows How to Party...

I spent yesterday evening lounging on the sofa, so why did I feel like I had been out partying when I woke up this morning?!

It could be the fact that I was so hyped up at watching the Olympic Closing Ceremony that I may as well have been there!

There were so many highlights that it's hard to choose, but if pressed I would have to say John Lennon singing Imagine (did you see the image his face appear?!! Magic!), and Annie Lennox who looked and sounded every bit the diva she is.

I danced to We Will Rock You!, cringed at the Spice Girls and almost shed a tear for Garry Barlow...

All in all it was the best of British and then some.

 I am hoping that as a country we can ride on the back of this high for a long time, because we did it; we gave the world an Olympics that we can all be so proud of.

I wish it didn't have to come to an end, but like all of the best parties, we have lots of pictures and tales to tell about it.... I'm already counting down to Rio!

What was you favourite moment of last nights concert? We would love to know.

Image courtesy of
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/slideshows/channels/world/news-pictures-13-august-2012-934

Image courtesy of
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/ceremony?before=1344815251

Image courtesy of
 http://www.billboard.com/photogalleries/photos-london-2012-olympics-closing-ceremony-1007808552.story#/photo

Fiona

And now the end is near...

I have to say - I'm quite disappointed that the Olympics are coming to an end.

After watching Daley jumping into bronze position and getting quite emotional, I can fully say I've thoroughly enjoyed the last 2 weeks!

Image courtesy of Artlyst

But next time I'm in London I will definitely be checking out this exhibition to reminisce these Games, The BT Road to 2012: Aiming High.

It's at the National Portrait Gallery and features 100 photographs of everyone from key athletes to those involved in the cultural, artistic and operational aspects of the games - from catering managers, to torch bearers, to transport supervisors.

And the question on everyone's lips is - who else will be honoured from these Games? Sir Chris Hoy already has his golden postboxes but will there be title honours for some of our other inspiring athletes.

What do you think?

Hope you are having a lovely weekend!

Love,

Laura

P.S we're open today until 5pm! Pop in to have a wee glass of fizz (or a coffee....)

Another Great Day In Edinburgh

Morning!

Image courtesy of: Daily Mail

It's another great day in Edinburgh, town is buzzing, it feels so international. George Street is like Mecca for beautiful people.

Another exciting thing which is happening is Tom Daley diving and then the Olympic closing ceremony which takes place tomorrow evening - Spice Girls, can you believe it?! Here's a photo of them rehearsing for tomorrow, dancing on black cabs - we can't wait!

Jane Davidson is open tomorrow (and next Sunday) 11am - 5pm for beautiful new season pieces and some end of sale bargains - enjoy!

Jane x

Are Brangelina getting married this weekend?

Rumour has it that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt could finally tie the knot this weekend.

Image courtesy of : http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/08/brad-pitt-angelina-jolie-wedding-rumors-family-event-france

  They are hosting a party in their French chateau this weekend to celebrate Brad's parents' 50th wedding anniversary. It is speculated that this is just a cover and that the couple are actually planning a surprise wedding! The whole world appears to be attending, including Angelina's private jeweller.

However, if you are not attending the Pitt/Jolie Party at the weekend, then why not come and see us! We are open this Sunday (and next) and have some beautiful new things in store, as well as our "up to 70% off sale". Who wants to go to a party in a French chateau anyway!?

What Your Colour Choices Say About You...

What we wear can shape our experiences and emotions and the way others perceive us.

Scientists believe that colour and mood are strongly linked.

 What colours say about you:

BEIGE - Earthy and aspirational - unthreatening welcoming colour.
LIGHT BLUE - laid back and relaxed.
DARK BLUE - Rules regulations and obligation.
BLACK - linked to the moon and darkness, for the thinker.
GREEN - Signifies new ideas ventures and money.
GREY - Smooth and methodical.
ORANGE - Linked to the sun, creativity and new ideas.
PINK - Unconditional love and friendship.
RED - Bold and passionate - used to boost confidence and in the powers of seduction.
WHITE - Associated with the sun, daylight and action.
YELLOW - Detachment and release new beginnings.

Do you think this is the case, and if so, how will you be dressing tomorrow?

Image courtesy of Alison Owen
 http://www.alisonowendesign.com/blog/atelier-olschinsky-frida/#more

Mandy

The Famous Spiegeltent- our new neighbour

For those of you who haven't ventured into Edinburgh city centre in the last week, you are in for a surprise

the Famous Spiegeltent has moved to George Street. Happily for us it has brought with it the Famous Speigelterrace which is a huge outdoor bar which is taking over George Street. A bit too handy for an afterwork lemonade we say! If you are feeling peckish try the next door Buffalo Farm for a burger. You can follow @FamousSpeigel on Twitter. Also check out @FringeCelebSpot which retweets celebrity sightings in the city. You heard it here first - Eddie Izzard was in Zen yesterday getting his Shellac redone!
Enjoy the Festival
Sarah x

Catherine is Truly Great

I love the Festival, but I also like to find somewhere to go for some peace and quiet.

If you are of the same mind then pay a visit to the National Museum of Scotland to see their latest exhibition: Catherine the Great: An Enlightened Empress.

Catherine's story is one of humble beginnings and her rise to become one of Russia's most powerful and influential rulers. She amassed one of the largest collections of art the world has ever known, most of which is housed in the State Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

I had the pleasure of visiting last year and I have never seen luxury on such a grand scale before- definitely one for your bucket list! The pieces which are on show here in Edinburgh will give you a taster of the life of a real woman of steel and substance.

Image courtesy of National Museums Scotland

Fiona

Patriotic Nails

Nail art is having a bit of a moment. Nail blogs are popping up all over the place, and everyone from Rihanna to Alexa Chung are sporting these arty nails. The most recent development in this craze are the Olympic athletes who are showing their colours with patriotic nails. Here is the amazing Rebecca Adlington showing her bronze medal and her union jack nails.

Image : http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/8/1/1343837919182/Rebecca-Adlington-poses-008.jpg

Here in Jane Davidson, we are more about a french shellac and we feel that crazy nails can often look a bit cheap (especially when it chips!) but in the case of the olympians, we think that it is a fantastic way of showing their personality.

 Let us know what you think of the nail art trend, a great way of brightening up your day or is it just tacky!?

Lots of Love,

Megan xx

Gold aHoy!!!

We love to give credit where credit is due at Jane Davidson, and with that we say well done Sir Chris Hoy!!!!

The greatest British Olympian of all time is quite an accolade and very well deserved title. I do find myself getting more and more emotional as the games go on and apparently welling up at the mere mention of the national anthem....I think it is definitely holiday time for me!



Given this, we were all quite amused by Jilly's paparazzi shot taken on her way to work this morning of the Royal Mails' tribute to Hoy's gold medal win. Looks like it was still a work in progress...let's hope it's a permanent change!!

Well done again and keep up the fantastic work Team GB!!!!


Love,

Nikki

Olympic Fever at Jane Davidson

The girls at Jane Davidson are really getting into the Olympics and not just the mens diving! Tom Daley - is that wrong?!

So we loved these pictures by uber-stylist Lynne McCrossan- follow her blog "the lady in the leopard print shoe." We think our Diane von Furstenberg clutch makes an inspired Olympic Baton!

images courtesy of The Evening News

We also loved this sport - chic outfit. DVF sweater with chain mail and chiffon hem detail. The amazing new J Brand coated jeans and of course some Victoria Beckham sunglasses.

Almost puts me in the mood to get my trainers on - but maybe I'll just watch more Olympics instead.....

Sarah x

MiH Pheobe Jean

We knew that the MiH Pheobe jeans were going to be big news from the moment they arrived.

Image courtesy of: http://www.mih-jeans.com/lookbook/

Our beliefs have now been confirmed by this month's Elle magazine. They have dedicated an entire article to the jeans, explaining why they are this season's IT jean and how to wear them. The Pheobe jeans are essentially men's jeans, reworked for women. They should either be worn with a pair of brogues or a pair of killer heels - and remember, the higher the hem, the more attitude.

Image courtesy of: Elle, September 2012.

Also, speaking of MiH, have you seen how great Jessica Alba looks in the MiH Oversized Shirt!? We just can't get enough of MiH this season, we love it all!

Image courtesy of: http://www.mih-jeans.com/mih-live/celebrities/