I know, posts have been lacking…but this wedding business has been busier than I thought! So, this Thursday’s the day and then we’re off on our travels. Things of Random Coolness is looking forward to our little trek through Europe, with some well deserved respite in Marrakech to end our jaunt. So I shall be back in 3 weeks, with some photos and lots to tell…wish me luck.

Those of you that have perused my Random Flickr Coolness (right), will have noticed my appreciation for Joy Division and how I was particularly blown away by the inspirational biopic of Ian Curtis, Control. Its star, Sam Riley, extends his talents beyond the big screen, as he becomes the face of Burberry’s Fall ad campaign. Alongside English rose, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a striking duo emerges in the beautifully shot stills, by Mario Testino. I shall await their appearance in the ad-filled fashion bibles soon.

When the original founders of uber-high-street-brand All Saints launched a new venture, Bolongaro Trevor (yes really) was born. Kait Bolongaro and Stuart Trevor launched the new eponymous label to rapturous praise from the fashion press; perusing the website, you can see why. I am particularly taken with the new Autumn/Winter collection, that promises to be affordable, yet stylish. Not yet available online, Bolongaro Trevor is now stocked globally, so go search them out.

Although the British may not have had much opportunity to don their swim-suits, in our eternal stoicism, we await the sunshine with patience. If we have forgotten what a true British summertime can be like, Manoush provides us with an idealised view. Bohemian floaty dresses, ice-creams on a pebbly beach, striped beach apparel…perfect. Manoush’s view is actually French and probably photographed elsewhere in Europe but still appears stereotypically “British.” See Manoush’s nostalgic campaign here and prepare yourself for that possible chink of sunshine!

Regular readers will know I have been waiting in eager anticipation and finally American Apparel’s vintage side-line has now gone live on eBay. Check it out now…before these classic pieces are snapped up.

I have extolled the fashionable virtues of Miss. Power on the old version of my blog..but Monday night was my first live experience of her musical genius. The venue, Colston Hall, Bristol was actually very intimate and Chan Marshall (Miss. Power) was just hanging out on the steps with the Delta Blues Band as we arrived. Her voice evokes a strange analogy; it was almost like melting butter (it sounds sadly dweeby even as I write!)…so soulful and “raw.” So aside from her fashion icon status, Cat Power’s musical dexterity is now undeniable. Check out Chan Marshall’s vocal talent on her MySpace.

I think you can tell a lot about a business or organisation through their ethos or tag line…Vice and Vanity’s,

“We make vice things for vain souls. Baubles with soul…a possible beast? Ponder in the mirror.”

MMmmm…ponder I shall. My relationship with the fashion industry does hit ambiguous times; I love everything about clothes and trinkets, how they can express individuality, boost self-esteem AND then hate the pressure the industry can put upon us, to always look cool, to conform to a certain body shape/image (oh the ambivalence of fashion!) Vice and Vanity produce some very interesting pieces some of my favourites are showcased above. I adore jewellery than is multi-functional - Vice and Vanity offer us necklace-collars, brooch-buttons, therefore something more for your money. Take a peek and the website and let your vices take hold, with no restraint necessary.

Hurwundeki…what a name, what a concept - a fashion boutique/beauty salon. Exceptional and unique clothing pieces fuse with beautiful products and haircuts. The clothing is wearable yet unique and styled enviably on their website. Next time you are in Spitafields or near Marshall Street in the West End, please pop in and prepare to be pleased.

Miss. Suzy Style Bubble tipped me off to Shop Curious and today they finally launched their e-store. So, who are they? Creator Susan Muncey tells us, “ShopCurious is for lovers and collectors of naturally beautiful things. It’s the online shopping equivalent of ‘slow food’: A backlash against the must-have consumer frenzy of the branded goods crazed brigade.” The store itself is an eclectic piece of genius, full of unusual trinkets and nicknacks; from vintage to contemporary, clothing and furnishings. My favourite items have to be these resin bug bracelets - vintage bangles from the 60’s, housing formerly real bugs (slightly inhumane…possibly, gorgeous…most definitely.) Get curious and peruse the site.

I’m sure by now this has been posted over multiple blogs and will get massive exposure…but I just had to post about it too. Audrey is set to become the new face of Chanel but a much more anticipated project, in my world, is the up-coming film in which Miss. Tautou will play the eponymous Coco Chanel. On the right, we get our first glimpse of the film poster of Coco before Chanel (Coco avant Chanel) detailing her life as a cabaret singer. Director Caroline Benjo says, “It isn’t really a biopic because it is about Chanel before she became famous, it is about the events and people that shaped her.” I think Audrey will add her quirky sense of cool to such a monumental portrayal of a true icon of the industry.