Thursday, 28 February 2013

Wear & Where for everyday reading and shopping

Wear & Where is the new offering from my good friend Natasha with her friend Alex. Both experienced writers and journalists, the site is an obviously easy and entertaining read, but also offers insight and ideas for the home, cookery, travel, fashion, books... well everything that interests most of us!

Some of my favourite posts include Anyone in the mood for some sunshine? (who isn't??), This weekend well be... full of tips on books, events, etc, and the can't-stop-reading riveting post on a taboo subject Would you care what sex your baby was?

Of course, what must-read site doesn't come with a Interiors Porn section? LOVE LOVE LOVE (so much so I've already bought from it!)

WELL DONE LADIES...

Friday, 25 January 2013

In My Bag BabyGap Peter Rabbit collection

High street favourite and mecca for all things kids and baby-related, Gap (through BabyGap) have released their timeless new collaboration with Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit.

Harking back to days gone by, this stylish collection is just for babies, both boys and girls. Cute printed cotton dresses, funny favourite foods on onesies and adorable knits galore.

I couldn't resist the yellow printed dress, pink mouse detail sweater and cute dotty jeans for my baby niece...
£16.95

£14.95
£14.95

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

A love letter to J Crew

Just before Christmas, London got an early Christmas gift that J Crew are opening their first UK store on Regent Street later in 2013! The UK have become loyal supporters since J Crew started UK shipping, and I'm sure the London store will be a massive success. In the meantime...which colour do I get this gorgeous cross body mini bag in??? Or - all 3?! They retail at £123.10 each.
Bitter Citrus

Rose Dust

Vibrant Fuchsia

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Don't get caught out in the cold...

Uniqlo have had thermal technologies in their clothing and this winter (and January snow) has seen a trend in puffer thermal jackets. Boring?? Check out these amazing colour-ways....also available in parkas, coats and gilets.


Monday, 21 January 2013

I-Spy Something Beginning with X

I challenge you to find a fashion brand or designer starting with X! So in it's place I have a couple of options for you fashion-hungry fans...
Kisses from Lulu Guinness, £60
X-large clutch bag £475 Lulu Guinness
Lulu Guinness has a great stock of lips and kisses, and I love this tote bag and the iconic lips clutch bag with chain...

Thursday, 10 January 2013

A new bathroom that didn't cost the earth...

After moving into my dream home over a year ago, we set about (slowly) redecorating and updating it, with the rule of one room at a time. The first, and my most exciting, was my dressing room (read about it here) and the second was the bathroom. Kirstie and Phil tell us that bathrooms and kitchen offer the most sway with buyers and can sell houses (or not) on their own. Whilst, we are definitely not selling, we wanted to have our dream bathroom. The problem is, that thanks to our ever-handy Mr Bell Senior doing most of the work on his own, we were at the mercy of odd weekends, so it took a LOOOOONG time! I wish I had more photos of the "before bathroom" but this one will show you how it looked.
yes, that's ORANGE
Although the bathroom itself was fine, the shower was faulty, so after finding out we'd have to rip down the shower wall to replace it, we embarked on a bathroom journey that took almost 9 months, countless coats of paint, boxes of tiles and online research well into the early hours. This is how it looks now...
Calm and serene...
The main components - shower, less than £300 from Homebase, free-standing wall-facing bath, no longer for sale, but £260 from Next Bathrooms, double sink and vanity unit £290 from Ikea.



We relayed the floor with porcelain floor tiles from Topps Tiles as well as the walls with their mini metros in white (the range called Chic Metal are same style but much cheaper) and a Victoria and Albert design navy accent trim.




Decorative accents were thanks to gifts (heart ceramic bowl), my endless supply of candles and a trip to Homebase again for the Venetian style mirror (a bargain at £56) and palm plant.  Also the blinds came from Tuiss and I have matching in my dressing room now, and the towel shelf also from Ikea. The only missing pieces are a framed sketch of a seaside image for the blank wall and a vintage sign for above the bath...phew!
Should I get this one....

...or this one??
Now - onto the next room! Hmm where do I start??

Friday, 14 December 2012

Happy Shopping at Bicester

I recently travelled back to Bicester Village for a pre-Christmas shopping trip. My only problem was that for each "gift" I purchased, I also got one for myself!! (I don't think the Spirit of Christmas is intended that way?!) But with so many incredible designers, fashion, home and lifestyle on offer, I defy anybody not to cave in!


My favourite stores included Prada (except for the crowds!), Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren HOME, Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry and the new Tory Burch and Rupert Sanderson. So much so, that this little Mulberry Christmas bundle had to come home with me (with a few other friends)!

Just in time for last-minute gift shopping, its open until 9pm on Thursdays...

Thursday, 13 December 2012

In-My-Bag Bimba & Lola ANYTHING!

Regular readers will know that this post is usually for a branded item I have seen and love, specifically at  more reasonable price-points. I have recently discovered, in Westfield, a wonderful Spanish store (I think I have a trait for loving Spanish brands! -> my love for Zara and Mango is well documented in my posts) called Bimba & Lola. it has a great mix of everyday fashion with great prints, fabric-mixes and accessories to die for with influences from Marni and Prada.

I bought these three items which I have already worn and loved...I have so much more already on my shopping list!
Collar top, (full price) £100

Silk and wool knit, (full price) £105

Printed elastic hem skirt (full price), £110
The great thing about the shop, is that on top of amazing designs and fun accessories, the have very tempting sales, almost all of the time, as well as offering new customers (who sign up to their newsletter) up to 40% off clothing, and less discount on accessories...get down their now to discover it for yourself! Also as it is not as prominent on the high street (it has just opened its second store on the Kings Road), it has a designer edge, because not everyone has seen it.

From a fashion stylists's point of view, their campaign and photography is unparalleled on the high street...



Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Insider secret...

Models and make-up artists hold many a secret to looking amazing, and the latest I discovered whilst on a Summer photo-shoot, was this beauty - Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil, a bargain of £5.33 (was £7.99) at Boots.
It smooths, hydrates and adds just enough oil without looking greasy. With a spray that works well, it's a must-buy!

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

I-Spy Something Beginning with W

This may not be the brand or product to revolutionise the world, but Wolford has made the legs of the world much sleeker and chicer. No longer a one-stop-shop for (the world's best) tights, the brand has been trading since 1949 and ranges now include bodysuits, lingerie, shapewear, swimwear and ready-to-wear.
Like most women, I love my opaques for winter-time, and only Wolford Velvet Deluxe 66 can stand the test of time and machine washing...

Their experience of smoothing shape-wear has been included in their swimwear, with stylish results
Estrella Forming Swimbody £155

When you are browsing online, don't forget to check out the Clearance tab for amazing sale items.

Monday, 10 December 2012

Much love for Mango

Yes, I know Kate Moss is one of the worlds' most famous and in demand models, but in the latest ad campaign for Mango she adds a sexy and very cool edge to the brand. It has a nod to the uber-cool French Isabel Marant designs, which is never a bad thing!

The knitwear and sexy tweed mix jackets are on my festive wish-list....
The tux is sexy this Christmas....
Kate Moss isn't the only supermodel working for the Spanish brand - Karlie Kloss, catwalk and campaign favourite for many top designers, also makes an appearance as the girl who every woman wants to be, or be friends with...

*** NEWS Miranda Kerr has been announced as the new face of Mango Spring Summer 2013....very exciting!

Mango is definitely having its moment right now with designs and styles that are modern yet not fashion-victim. Get online now....free shipping for purchases over £30!

Friday, 7 December 2012

Feeling the chill??

Winter is definitely here and Jack Frost is nipping at our fingers and toes...for beautifully cut and stylish clothing that will double up as a thermal layer, head to Hot Squash. A unique fashion brand, who makes both warming thermal clothes for everyday and smart occasions, as well as cooling pieces for when Summer arrives.
I love this Little Black Dress - especially for this time of year. Its a hard-working multitasking dress! See how it can be styled in three different ways...
I can give you a heads up....the upcoming Spring Summer 2013 collection is very exciting with lots of new product! Follow them on Twitter @HotSquash for news, discount codes and giveaways.
Heading for some Winter Sun? Their cooling collection is available all year.

Comfort is key when travelling

Cooling collection is perfect for fitness and sport fans too

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Curiouser and Curiouser...

Like Alice in Wonderland, I'm a fan of all things strange and curious. At a recent appointment at the Sanderson Hotel, I found an intriguing gift shop like no other Luna and Curious. (It also has a stand-alone store on Calvert Avenue, E2) I love the varied mix of home-ware and fashion accessories and weird and wonderful jewellery...perfect for interesting and personal gift ideas!


My favourites from their online shop are:
Dip-dyed feather necklace, £95 by Rheanna Lingham 
The Plantini (plant-house) £24.95 by Another Studio
Child's jumpsuit, in the sale £38.50 by  BangBang Copenhagen 
Bone china bathroom accessories, shampoo and conditioner £30 by Polly George
Ink blot bone china with 22 ct gold, £20 each by welovekaoru 
Silk jacquard shorts, in the sale £98 by Colenimo