Friday 29 April 2011

Royal Wedding? Oh I do love a commemorative royal cup....

I love a wedding, ever since I was personally seized with wedding fever for my own, I have loved fawning over tulle, discussing veils, food choices, music and don't get me started on the jewellery! (I would absolutely love this as a job, should the fashion party come to an end...)

Of course, I am truly in the grips of the wedding fever of a certain Prince and his chosen one....and seeing the beautiful flags all along Regent Street and Pall Mall, it has also brought out the patriotic side in me and most of London (even though they do love to be-moan the state of mania)...

However, the best (and worst) of huge national celebrations must be the cute, funny and tacky memorabilia and souvenirs. Behold.....

Lambswool gloves, £35, http://www.donnawilson.com/


Tea towel, £10. http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/


Print, £29.95, http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/


Sick bag, £3, Lydialeith.bigcartel.com

Tea towel. £10, http://www.oliverbonas.com/

Ooops, who is she marrying???

Thursday 28 April 2011

In-My-Bag Zara trousers

A great Spring-y cool take on a Marni print with cute ankle skimming length, Zara - thank you for these lovely trousers!!
Cotton printed trousers, £39.99 Zara

Wednesday 27 April 2011

I-Spy Somthing Beginning with G

Many designers are associated with a certain detail, that soon develops into a brand - think Louboutin's red soles, Louis Vuitton monograms - and Gucci is very much associated with the use of bamboo in its accessories and summer collections. These lovely flat summer sandals are chic and perfect for a holiday relaxed look.
Leather, rope and bamboo sandals £340, Gucci

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Gorgeous swimwear from States....

Getting a lot of publicity in the States, Marysia is a (fairly) new simwear brand, which although isn't available to buy in UK yet, I think is absolutely gorgeous and a must-have...

Bikini top $110, bottoms $112, swimsuit $229


Bikini top $110, bottoms $108


Wednesday 20 April 2011

Regent St is proud to be British....

My schedule today included press days for next season, adding some more products to a last minute shopping page, and trawling through style.com for the Autumn Winter shows, but I had to stop and admire the festive pride on display on Regent St....


Tuesday 19 April 2011

I-Spy Somthing Beginning with F

Freda is alabel sold exclusively through Matches stores and online, it blends evening dresses, chic daywear with leathers and a great mixture of fabrics - silks to knits. I'd wear the Alice dress with a stripy short cardigan, flats and an oversized day-clutch bag....

Alice crepe dress £495, Freda at Matches


Monday 18 April 2011

In-My-Bag French Connection Apollo dress

On your to-do list this week - get yourself onto the French Connection website! There is so much desirable pieces at a great price point - from loose billowing cotton blouses and tunics to fab party dresses, my favourite (of many) is this crepe dress perfect for work, thnaks to an elegant hem-line and available in 3 great summery fruity colours, ultra blue, lake and grapefruit...
Apollo dress, £92 French Connection


Friday 15 April 2011

Mini-Margaret...

Margaret Howell is a passionately British designer, and is mostly well known for its unique style of home-grown traditional womens (she is must-see on the London Fashion Week schedule) and menswear clothing collections. In her stores as well as online, she also has the most sought-after vintage looking furniture and home-wear including lighting, ceramics and chairs/tables.



Margaret Howell store, in Paris
Recently in-store, I fell in love with the line of childrenswear with the same natural feeling style as the adults line....
Cashmere cotton sweater, £175


Classic Merino, £135


Thursday 14 April 2011

Floral explosion instore at Carolina Herrera

Spring arrived at Carolina Herrera in London this week - flowers galore to launch their liberty floral print accessories line. Along with the beautifully decorated store, they treated us to a cocktail party to coincide with their fragrance launch, another floral explosion.

Whilst in-store, keep an eye out for the amazing jewellery at great prices - cocktail rings, gold chain bracelets, and gorgeous bags etc. Head downstairs for clothing, men's and the delightful childrens range....




CH Carolina Herrera, 120 Mount Street, London, W1 020 3441 0965; http://www.carolinaherrera.com/

Wednesday 13 April 2011

I-Spy Somthing Beginning with E

Equipment is a new French label which recently arrived in UK. Specialising in silk blouses, they are great quality and cool design - regularly with pockets and an array of colours.

Silk polka dot blouse, £230, Equipment at Browns


Tuesday 12 April 2011

In-My-Bag Kurt Geiger sale sandals

Mid-season means sales - Kurt Geiger have one of the longest sale periods especially online, and these gold leather strappy sandals are sleek and modern, which won't date, and a bargain at a reduced price from £180 to just £49.

Monday 11 April 2011

SamCam's Smythson triumph

I felt privileged to meet Samantha Cameron last week at the Smythson Autumn Winter 2011 press day, amid the covetable new season bags and gorgeous leather accessories. She guided us through the new collection with her approachable and friendly manner. My lips are sealed, but expect chic and minimal bags of the season including a bowling shape, a small shoulder bag on a long strap and a spacious tote bag in pillar-box red, classic navy or rich tan. The stylish Cooper tote gets a winter update in all-over leather.

Leather Cooper tote, £715, Smythson
Among the fuller collection sits the new Maggie, a small leather bag, perfect for a new mother with her hands full with a buggy, toys etc. Florence, her newborn, will be sure to have a stylish assortment of accessories as she grows up...

Friday 8 April 2011

Stars all round!

I was pleased to read that Petersham Nurseries has been awarded its first Michelin star. Well done! I love Petersham Nurseries, and although pricey, the beautiful seasonal food, rustic decor and all-round feminine restaurant makes it a very special place. For a taster of the incredible food on offer, at a fraction of the price, venture into the Teahouse where you can sample weekly changing menus including bruschetta, soups, tarts as well as cakes and a huge choice on exotic teas.


Whilst you're there, you cannot avoid the gorgeous shop full of gardening essentials and decorations, homeware and gifts...Head there this weekend to enjoy the weather close to the Thames, for anyone who loves flowers, great food and indulgent treats, you'll while away the hours here...(p.s. keep an eye on the website for events which include tastings, cooking classes and flower arranging)


Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AG Tel: 020 8940 5230

Thursday 7 April 2011

Anthropologie - great for the home as well as wardrobe

Anthropologie used to be a secret haunt for whenever I travelled to the States for work. A couple of years ago, when it landed on British soil (along with Banana Republic) it brought a new attitude to fashion and  eclectic style.

In their own words "Although you enjoy the clever details and fine craftsmanship of our products, you come to us for more than that. You come to escape and to connect, to spend time and to make time."

Fashion-wise it is slightly boho, beautfiul and never main-stream. My favourite is to strol laround the basement of the Regent St store (another store is on Kings Road) in the homewear section, and my new must-have obsession lies in the shape of this lovely tablelamp.

Steel and bone china lamp, £100 Anthropologie


Wednesday 6 April 2011

ahhhh the sun is out...

Today has been the hottest day of the year so far - the sky was gloriously blue and bright and warm. For a summer-y uplift, check out these gorgeous vintage-style sunglasses from asos.
Bar detail round sunglasses, £12, asos

Tuesday 5 April 2011

sshhh Kate Spade news!

Today has been the first of many very busy days, in the business called Press Days, where each and every shop, designer etc show their new collections to press for the new season (Autumn Winter 2011). Earlier today, I saw a great agency who have Kate Spade within their clients. A ubiquitous all-American brand, which has a sunny California feel, slightly preppy always cheerful.

A Day Away Gemina tote, $225

Effie blouse, $245

Fawna, $285


"I do" necklace, $78
 The website is transactional from the States, but I was quite excited to overhear that she is opening 2 stores in London in August...I can't wait! with clothing, accessories, as well as homeware adn a lovely wedding section, it'll be a great place to stop by...

Monday 4 April 2011

"With winter fading and boots packed away, I am looking at my shoes for spring. I need flats, but don't really want ballet pumps from last year...suggestions please!"

The choice of footwear in heels is vast - wedges, stilettos, chunky platforms etc. However, the number of flatties out there is limited, with the majority of us wearing pair after pair of ballet pumps. This is, of course, perfectly fine, except that many styles have thin soles which don't protect or cushion our feet.

A chic flat alternative is the classic loafer, which takes inspiration from men's tailoring. Good leather will age well, and will look chic with cropped trousers. Similarly, the moccasin needn't make you think of the Pocahontas, in simpler shape and darker colours, they are very wearable.
Leather, £80 Bertie


Suede, £125 L K Bennett
As the weather heats ups, we can attempt to bring our toes out...it's sandal season. Anything from rich brown leather gladiator styles to brightly coloured strappy flats.
Leather, £45, KG by Kurt Geiger

Patent leather, £95 L K Bennett
I am absolutely not saying, not to buy or wear ballerina pumps - I love them and wear them all the time. I do suggest though, buying quality (not expensive). Check heels and soles of pumps to make sure they will last and support your feet. As they are such classic, well-known shapes, look for fun colours, prints, embellishment or other details.
Suede, £39.99 Zara


Friday 1 April 2011

In-My-Bag Topshop oh-so-pretty shorts

So pretty I don't know where to begin. The innocent pale cream colour, with the adorable cut out detail, make these Topshop shorts a must-have....

Ivory Cutwork Hem Shorts £38 Topshop