You asked, and we're answering!

so rachel wrote to us asking about a back-to-school theme party and how she could do this tastefully. we're thinking a cross between the japanese schoolgirl look and the classic sailor uniform: look for a loose fit blouse with a cute collar, a black/navy blue A-line skirt preferably slightly pleated, and finish off with our traditional white canvas sneakers/ballet pumps!

where to go: you can find the white school shoes (we think) at bata and definitely at almost all old provision shops in the neighbourhood. as for the attire, what luck! vain and vapid's latest collection (see top pic) totally fits this theme in the most tasteful way. click here to buy online. or try retailers that stock office-y outfits, you'll be surprised!

cute photo of school shoes put out to dry (haven't we all done that?) by guanness.