Friday 27 January 2012

My dream dressing room came true...

(But it was a bit of an Ikea Nightmare!)

Glossy, white and sleek - I have organised and sorted through all of my clothes, shoes and accessories - not bad, just 3 months after moving into the New House. Building the wardrobe was a feat of engineering - to figure out how to build it in the (relatively) small room. The husband was very satisfied and proud when he finished - just 3 days after he started! But its great - you decide if you want shelving or rails, drawers or smart storage...
Pax wardrobe 250x66x236, from Ikea

4 cupboards inside can be laid out as you desire...

In real life, its sleek and minimal (and huge!)

One half....
 
Everyday flat shoes underneath my trousers and skirts

Dresses and my partiest of party shoes

Special party shoes need their own space
 
Shelves home to my heels and bags

More shoes and boots!

My bargain painted drawers (from TK Maxx) home finish off the room

You can't play dress-up without jewellery!


Currently obsessed with my new Kate Spade shoes
 
I hang my scarves on hangers on back of the door

 
Mister the Cat approves - he likes my butterfly prints (my retro print from V&A waiting for the right frame)


Thursday 26 January 2012

Welcome to the world of Wardrobe Worship

Wardrobe Worship is a great blog on all things stylish - fashion, travel, food, culture from the point of view of an Aussie girl named Meg, in London... Its on my daily read list, my favourite recent post is her snaps of her life and wardrobe through Instagram - makes everyday things looks special with  a retro twist....

Just a snapshot of her shoe collection.....
 
Seeing London from an outsider's point of view


Wednesday 25 January 2012

H Stern red carpet dreams

Last week I was lucky enough to to be invited to the unveiling of the red carpet jewels that H Stern has to offer its celebrity fans who will be walking the red carpets in the next few weeks (Golden Globes had just taken place, Katie Holmes is their latest US model - looking SIZZLING HOT! and the Oscars and BAFTA are coming soon)

The jewels are mesmerising - I love H Stern's modern aesthetic - the love of colour, and bold shapes makes it a red carpet favourite (as well as a much-loved magazine cover brand - I regularly used them on celebs!) However, I was not only treated to fine jewellery - I was also lucky enough to be privvy to some of the A-lister treats on offer prior to the BAFTAs from The NaturaBisse Diamond Iced Crystal Facial at the agua Spa at the Sanderson Hotel.

The celebs will be preened and polished with this facial in the unique BUBBLE, offering (99.995%) pure air. The purity of the air inside the BUBBLE maximizes treatments effects, is an anti-aging treatment, aids collagen and skin elastins formation, as well as improving mental oxygenation, regenerates respiratory pathways, improves concentration, among more benefits!



After my facial, my skin felt revitalised, and "awakened". trust me - it needed it - it had been in hibernation since autumn! I loved the facial massage and the quartz crystals which focused my mind as well as clearing negative energy...now my skin is much clearer and tighter and I'm convinced its down to the diamonds! Not just for jewels...

Tuesday 24 January 2012

One ring just isn't enough....

De Beers is a world-class jeweller known for perfect pieces of jewellery - from showstopping to classic styles; their take on the trend for stacking rings is rather special....
"Stack of Sparkle" allows you to design your own choice of rings stacked high ...mix different shapes, colours, sizes and details to keep it personal - add to them as often as you wish (if you're lucky enough!). I love the pink gold petal band...

Wednesday 18 January 2012

I-Spy Something Beginning with S

Smythson is a classic British heritage brand, with its appeal stretching from Bond Street to handbags, notebooks and diaries across the country. Even with Samantha Cameron (my previous blog post featured her here) not working full time as Creative Director , Smythson remains a fashion favourite for classics; now the handbags each season a new design emerges with a lovely name (Emily, Agatha and Nancy are current styles).

My favourite from the current collection (just WAIT till you see the new season SS 2012 styles) is this classic tote bag...
Cooper leather tote bag, £750 Smythson

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Ted Baker new season winners...

Ted Baker ushered in next season with a glittering show and a finale to rival the shows at London Fashion Week! Sitting in the trendy Dairy (a regular space on the LFW schedule) for the show, we were kept warm with our adorable fleece blanket...

We were treated to a dazzling display of the top trends from Ted, for both men and women...

For the preppy guys, the collection felt British and very cohesive - taking them from their weekend attire (I love this look with the check scarf with mustard) to the cool everyday wardrobe - block colours, shorts, fantastic shoes) to pin-sharp suiting for their workwear. The girls have got a very exciting season ahead, and this one-stop shop covers all the big trends from the big-name designers....




Peplums, jumpsuits, bright yellow (and accordian pleats), nude eveningwear (a HUGE trend just seen at the Golden Globes!) and ladylike dresses all graced the catwalk and my favourite finishing touch included the adorable bow shape in the models' hair.

Accessory-wise, look no further, the in-house floral printed clutch bag and perfect height snakeskin and cork wedges are spot-on for the season ahead...

For the wedding season to come, Ted has every dress-code covered - bright coloured floor length dresses in all shapes are paired with slick suits for the guys. The silver tickertape parade made it impossible not to adore every look and I am convinced this ladylike season can't come quick enough!

Monday 16 January 2012

Monica & Joe head-to-toe in the sales

Monica & Joe is a fab website which is fairly new to the e-commerce market, with a unique husband and wife team at the helm. Products are bought strictly on their style appeal and looking into big names and smaller designers.

My choice of the bets picks from the final reductions of their sale, is this amazing look from Danish brand (and fashion-insider favourite) By Malene Birger...
Vedette Blazer, £102.50, Adelasia Blouse, £43.75 and Alesse Work Trousers, £60

A perfect work outfit, which can be broken up and worn to loads of different occasions (wear the blazer with a cocktail dress, or the silky blouse with a pencil skirt) for just over £200!

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Escape to the River....in the Park!

Feeling the need to take a mini-break? No inspiration? I challenge you not to be impressed by On The Water is a boat moored near Primrose Hill, in Regents Park! Upon arrival you will find your complimentary bottle of bubbly chilled in one of our fridges. Your organic breakfast consists of a basket of breads, home made jam and marmalade, home baked granola and muesli, yoghurts and juices. Coffee and tea are available too. 
Don't be alarmed by the strange noises coming from nearby London Zoo!
 
On the Water is also available for private dining parties, and charters...
On The Water is available to rent for a minimum 2 night stay. Click here for bookings and availability. (Sunday and Thursday: £250 per night, Friday and Saturday: £350 per night.)

Monday 9 January 2012

2 heads better than one...

Following a deal struck last year, the must-have in sports/lounge-wear and cool edgy clothing and accessories American Apparel is now available to buy on the equally fab asos.com. Shop for both menswear and womenswear, I'm tempted to get this for Mr Elle Belle...

Cotton striped sweater, £52 American Apparel at asos.com


Friday 6 January 2012

In-My-Bag Zara Sale From Home

Oh I do hate sale shopping - most times shopping stresses me out enough, so added in, messy rails, grabby shoppers and no staff on hand to help, then I'm hopeless. Hence, I always miss out on the sales....oh I do LOVE online shopping!! Even more when they have sales on! Zara (one of my favourite high street shops) still have their sale online, and I am toying with clicking on the following....

Cute shape in THE colour for 2012, now £29.99
 
A no-brainer day dress, now £25.99
 
"Looks like Celine" knit, now £19.99
 
Need I say more?? now £29.99

A ballet flat, but more special, now £19.99
 
Wrap me around knits as well as your cropped trousers, now £9.99


Thursday 5 January 2012

I-Spy Something Beginning with R

I was lucky enough to be invited to a super glamorous wedding this year - at Claridge's no less - so I pulled out my most glamorous dress (apart from my own wedding dress!) by Mr Roland Mouret. In a rich royal blue in lightest silk, I felt like a princess...

My princess dress (full-length)

On the catwalk, it appeared with a shorter hem...
Roland Mouret is definitely a designer for women, and not girls, and as such, on my ultimate wish-list lies one of his day-dresses - The Galaxy Dress is still available to buy in a selection of colours, but my eye is currently on 1940's inspired The Garnet Dress (also available in grey check or plain black) which is demure from the front, and dramtic at the back with a demi-cape. 
Garnet Dress, £1,350 Roland Mouret


Wednesday 4 January 2012

Jet Set year for 2012?

The only way to lift these grey clouds above my house this Christmas break, involved booking the annual Summer Holiday - it worked perfectly! 

So, if you are a regular at the check-in desks at airports, and lead a busy cosmopolitan life - OR NOT, if you simply like to look chic and stylish as well as feeling comfortable...then take a look at the beautiful offerings at Lounge Lover. Your one-stop-shop for beautiful everyday essentials as well as loungewear, you will not be disappointed. So, if you have a trip planned, or not, then just click here for your must-have Travel Set, available in grey marl and midnight blue.

A cotton blend wrap, paired with slim-fit cargo trousers worn over a black Strap Support Tank; £299 http://www.loungelover.com/