something old. something new. and something mcqueen. keep these august picks on hand for the weeks to come:


queen of rock.
britain's enfant terrible, alexander mcqueen, has launched mcq a new lesser priced range of skinny jeans and tartan dresses. think rebellious street wear meets rockabilly. available at selfridges. oxford street. women's contemporary 2nd floor. www.alexandermcqueen.com


deckchair design.
those communal park benches and chairs are usually pretty darn ugly. but london's getting it right. artists and designers including mario testino, yoko ono, and paul smith have fashioned deckchairs for charity, which are now on display in green park and others throughout town. www.royalparks.org.uk


copycat.
we're not talking repro louis vuitton sold on dodgy street corners. more like worn by, a t-shirt and sweater co. selling new but once-worn items from icons of the past. legally. get as cool as chrissie hynde in '83, or muhammed ali in '73. bottom line, they're new tees once made famous by someone. 020.7524.3320 for stocklists. www.wornby.co.uk


townhouse living.
the 16-room townhouse hotel mantagu place brings the term B & B to a whole new level. the rooms are categorised by price and size (what else?) like fancy or comfy, which depending on what you opt for, could save you some for shopping on nearby marylebone high street. 2 montagu place. W1H 2ER. 020.7467.2777. www.mantagu-place.co.uk


have a cow.
combine pampering with partying and you've got the new cowshed pretty party package. includes treatments, champagne, nibbles, a two-course dinner, wine, and goodie bag to go for you and seven of your nearest and dearest. 119 portland road. W11 4LN. 020.7078.1944. www.cowshedclarendoncross.com


street party.
the notting hill carnival first started in '64, and come month's end, the streets will once again be packed. follow the steelbands for the summer's last bank holiday weekend. 27-28 august. 12pm-7pm. notting hill. www.lnhc.org.uk