29.1.12

Nneka - My Home (Coki of Digital Mystikz Remix)

Perfect for a contemplative Sunday run...
run like 'elle. x

28.1.12

Mount Kilimanjaro says run like 'elle

My friend Jay climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa, and carried the weight of a run like 'elle sticker or two, to stick them at the top!






I'm particularly proud of him, because - like me, Jay's a somewhat unexpected athlete. More accustomed to shoe shopping and bar hopping than mountain trekking.

He's raising money for an admirable cause, FOCUS - Focus Humanitarian Assistance, and 100% of the money raised will go directly to improving the lives of people affected by natural and man-made disasters.

If you'd like to support his cause, you can donate to his Virgin Money Giving page

All love to Jay. Mount Kilimanjaro will forever say run like 'elle!

Running in Paris

I've been in Paris for the last six days, for menswear fashion week.

I got my first hit of Olympic excitement as we were leaving St Pancras station on the Eurostar, and I saw the huge Olympic hoops. Not long now!


I always really enjoy menswear - especially as I'm a bit of a tom boy, and the Carven menswear collection was a highlight for me.

This is London designer Omar Kashoura dressing a model in an outfit from his latest collection.

I was greeted by a scantily clad surprise at the Les Garcons presentation, where each room of a hotel housed a group of models posing in their pants!

Paul Smith is a brand I'll always be fond of - I worked there for three years. And it was great to see the show with all the old team.

I made myself go for a run whilst I was there, and this is a little of what I passed on my way...

Even when it's grey, Paris is indisputably beautiful.








Oh yeah and a cheeky run like 'elle branding!

27.1.12

Redlight - Get Out My Head

This time I last year, this man and I - along with a bunch of other friends, were lying on a beach in India.



This time this year and Redlight is releasing one of the biggest - and best records for running - and raving to.



Hear it here, support the cause, spread the sound and buy it now!

Run like 'elle x

15.1.12

Running in Florence

Last week I was in Florence for Pitti Uomo, an event which marks the beginning of menswear fashion week, and I was reporting live from the stands, shows and presentations.

I never fail to be absolutely mesmerised by Florence's beauty. The weather was crisp and sunny, and  I managed to fit in a couple of runs during my time there...





Love locks on the Punto Vecchio

I always love the window displays at Louis Vuitton


On my morning run I passed...

The sun





I love this signage truck. The symmetry, the signs - it's too much

My other form of transportation

More symmetry

Cold toes on frozen leaves

Thanks Florence, one of my favourite stomping grounds. 

Run like 'elle

Sportswear inspires

The spring summer 12 and Pre Fall 12 collections were full of sportswear inspired pieces, from the inclusion of technical fabrics like neoprene, nylon anoraking and Gortex to key shapes being racer back vests, rugby shirts, varsity jackets and anoraks.

The designers looked to sportswear styling for detail inspiration too, with statement zips in plastic or metal with rounded ring pulls being a key feature.


Sass & Bide


Proenza Schouler

Acne

Blumarine

Alexander Wang

Daks

Ermanno Scervino

Kenzo

Sportmax

Tommy Hilfiger

Topshop Unique

Zero & Maria

I think this is a really strong trend for its vibrant colour and bold shapes, but it also links back to my initial reason for looking at sportswear – because for me, sportswear should should also hold strong aesthetic value as well as being technically functional.

I love the idea of mixing your sportswear wardrobe with your everyday one. I have seen so many pieces in the spring summer sportswear collections that could easily double as fashion items – be it luminous crop tops worn under a washed denim shirt, running shorts with crisp tailoring, colour accented trainers with prim pleated skirts and of course, anything in grey marl (my favourite).

Get experimenting. Here are a few ideas I like...

A simple grey marl sweat with something quite ornate

A rounded varsity jacket with a structured formal dress

Athletic running shoes with anything

A running vest with a tailored jacket

Technical fabrics become special fabrics
A baseball cap with everthing

Track pants working with heels & fur - who'da thunk it?!



Run like ‘elle. x