Net a Porter 2017 Summer Sale

Summmmmer Tiiiiiime... And not only is the living easy, but the Net-a-Porter’s sale has kicked off!  To save you some time (and timing is of the essence when it comes to this) I’ve curated an edit of my favourite pieces - much of which you've seen me wear myself over the last few months.  In undertaking this task, i might also have made myself veritably bankrupt... I couldn't help it... That unobtainable digital shopping basket suddenly got a whole heap more obtainable!  Anyway, it's not what your spending, it's what you're saving, right?! RIGHT?!

Hover and click on the items below for their direct links.

TLC STAYCATION: Ham Yard Hotel with Sisley Paris

I recently was utterly spoilt, spending two glorious nights at Soho' s Ham Yard Hotel as a tourist in my own town, courtesy of Sisley Paris. The entire experience had my eyes on stalks (and my fingers on my Instagram!) as it was certainly the most colourful, chic and fun few days I’ve spent in a long time...

When I told my sister and friends I was to be working with Sisley Paris they were all incredibly jealous, as the brand is a much loved staple on their bathroom shelves and in their make up bags. Founded in 1976 by Hubert d’Ornano, Sisley Paris is known far and wide for its innovative cosmetic and skincare products, using a combination of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. The plant extracts and essential oils are perfect for sensitive skin, such as my own, and I was really excited to try the amazing samples left for me in my hotel room (alongside their accompanying Biscuiteer replicas!) upon my arrival at Ham Yard Hotel.

Above:  Checking into the Ham Yard Hotel, with my two of my most favourite and trusted travel companions; My Bric Bellagio Suitcase and my personalised Tephi Garment Bag.

I fell crazy in love with Ham Yard Hotel.  I’m sure you could see on my Instagram account, Kit Kemp’s magnificently vibrant, British interiors are a social media dream.  You feel like you in a Wes Anderson film and everywhere you look there is something unpredictable and eclectic which catches your eye.  From the butterfly and drift wood crocodile decorated dance floor, the bowling alleys, the neon signs, quirky art and the television IN MY BATHTUB (below right), it was a total joy to refer to this hotel as ‘home’ for two nights… As a consequence, my once fabulous flat down the road from this hotel, now seems just a wee bit ‘Meh!’ 

Above:  Wes Anderson, much?! Just call me Margot...

Over the course of the two days we got to dine at THREE of my favourite restaurants in London; the suntrap that is Petersham Nurseries, the celebrity trap that is Chiltern Firehouse and the delicious taco haven that is La Bodega Negra. I know… My job does NOT suck (#SorryNotSorry) and despite being just a few days late to spot pre-Oscar Leo at Chiltern, it was great to chat with the other bloggers and the Sisley Paris girls in such fun locations over one (or three) cocktails. London at it’s very best! 

Above/Below:  Too soon for rosé  ? Not when at the Petersham Nurseries (Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10).

Below:  The obligatory shot taken in the ladies at Chiltern Firehouse (1 Chiltern St, London W1U).

Above/Below:  With the formidable Juliet Longuet and the rest of the lovely GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS at La Bodega Negra (9 Old Compton St, London W1D).

We spent our second day all together at Christine d’Ornano’s S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G West London home.  It turns out I’m actually neighbours with the glamorous Global Vice President of Sisley International, and let me tell you, there isn’t a house nearby I’d prefer to turn up at to borrow some sugar!  After a presentation introducing us to the brand, revealing it’s family-run history, and demonstrations showing us the latest Sisley Paris skincare and cosmetic additions to the brand, Christine hosted a delicious lunch for us.  

After lunch, behind velvet doors (when I grow up I'm having these in my house!) we were all given a make over, using Sisley Paris products, by the fabulously talented British make up artist, Tania Grier. 

 I was very impressed by all the naturally active products I tried, and by their chic aesthetic (obviously being from Africa the zebra print had an obvious appeal!) but there were obviously always gong to be some favourites which I thought I would share with you...

1.  Black Rose Cream Mask (RRP. £95.50):  My sister had already warned me this would become a ‘must have’ after I’d used it once, and she was right.  Known as a cult product in France for it’s nourishing, rich anti-aging benefits, you apply a generous layer for up to fifteen minutes before blotting away any residue (of which I had none of because my greedy face ate it all – yum!)

2.  Phyto-Lip Twists (RRP £29.00) I am well known for loving a bright lip, day and night, so these were always going to be a real winner for me.  Appearing like a tinted balm, but with the strong pigment of a lipstick, and the shine factor of a lip gloss these fun, chubby Lip Twists are as hydrating as they are long lasting. Ideal and in my handbag at all times. 

3.  Phyto-Eye Twists (RRP. £29.00):  I love how easy these are to apply, and they are perfect to use either as a thick eye-liner or a smudgy smokey eye. Enriched with plant-based active ingredients, so your delicate eyelids are protected, the Eye Twists are waterproof and available in multiple colours which all compliment each other so well (you’ll end up purchasing quite a few…) but Lagoon and Topaze were my faves. 

4.  All Day All Year Moisturiser (RRP. £236.00): Jam packed full of antioxidants like Apple Skin Extract and White Willow Extract, this heavenly product shields your face pollution, sun, and every day environmental toxins. Swoooon… My hero! 

TLC ON TOUR... SOHO SUITCASE:

(Click on the items below for their direct links)

Thank you Sisley Paris! Bisous xx

The Net-a-Porter Clearance Sale

Despite having the most fantastic time on a recent trip to the U.S, I was aware I was missing the sales back in the U.K... Well thank tha'Lord for the internet!  One night I found myself, as I'm sure many of you also do, glazing over the collections on Net-a-Porter.  Usually I create the most sensational of shopping baskets, see the immense final total, laugh heartily, close my Ipad and fall asleep... However, on this occasion I nearly choked when I saw the teal coloured Bella Freud 'Je T'aime Jane' jumper, the one I had several times forcibly removed from my oh-so-very-near-possession, staring back at me with a JOLLY reasonable price attached to it in the sale!  Treating myself, I arrived back from the Americas to a wonderfully wrapped, 'Dear Kelly, Love Kelly,' post-holiday-blues pressie, one which I imagined I would have to wait several months to wear.  I seemingly forgot how unpredictable the Great British Summer could be!!  With the grisley weather we've been experiencing in the capital this week, I found the prime opportunity to debut my new purchase (below, worn with Forever 21 dungarees and Topshop Brogues).  'Every cloud' so they say! 

Yet ANOTHER happy surprise was to receive an email this morning notifying me of the Net-a-Porter clearance sale.  I looked, I squealed, I purchased.  Below are some of my favourite items that are, as of right now, still available (everything is selling out QUICK though!) Hover over the item and click on through!

British Fashion Awards 2013

Celebrating their quarter century, a whole bevy of British beauties descended upon theLondon Colliseum on Monday night for the much-anticipated 2013 British Fashion Awards.  What I love about the British fash pack, is that they never arrive at awards show looking too over done.  This year (with the exception of Rita Ora and Rosie Hunting-Whitely who perhaps tried a bit harder) the fashionistas arrived ready to let their dishevelled bed head hair down (rose-gold ombre hair in Sienna Miller’s case!) and wearing couture and designer gowns with the perfect nonchalance. These are some cool cats. 

Above: (Clockwise) L-R:  Kate Moss (in Alexander McQueen) and Rita Ora (in Vivienne Westwood), Alexa Chung in Stella McCartney, Laura Bailey (in Roksanda Ilincic) and Rosie Huntington-Whitely (in Antonio Beradi).

Above:  My favourite look of the night was 21 year old Suki Waterhouse who wore a plunging lilac lace Burberry dress, accessorized with a Smythson clutch and a Noor Fares dangling necklace.  The model wore her ash blonde hair in a scruffy up-do.

Amusingly, having scooped the last three British Style Awards herself, Alexa Chung passed the style baton on to none other than Harry Styles!  I wasn't entirely aware that it was fashion that ol'Harry was known best for... Perhaps that's what the kids are calling it these days.  In any event, the award obviously must now be retitled the British Styles Award?!  

Above (Clockwise L-R): Lily Donaldson (in Marc Jacobs), Harry Styles (in Saint Laurent byHedi Slimane), Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Model of the Year Edie Campbell (in Louis Vuitton) and Poppy Delevingne (in Emilia Wickstead).

Above: Kate Moss, synonymous with British style, received a special recognition award celebrating her success in the fashion industry.  Discovered at 14 years old and turning 40 next month, this does beg the question,  why did this take so long?!  Congrats KM!  

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

        Womenswear Designer of the Year - Christopher Kane
        Menswear Designer of the Year - Burberry
        International Designer of the Year - Miuccia Prada for Prada
        Designer Brand of the Year - Burberry
        Accessory Designer of the Year - Nicholas Kirkwood
        Emerging Womenswear Designer - Simone Rocha
        Emerging Menswear Designer - Agi & Sam
        New Establishment Designer - JW Anderson
        Model of the Year - Edie Campbell
        Red Carpet Award - Erdem
        Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Lady Amanda Harlech
        British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone (voted by the public) - Harry Styles
        Special Recognition Award - Kate Moss
        Special Recognition Award - Suzy Menkes
        Outstanding Achievement in Fashion - Terry and Tricia Jones, founders of i-D

Above (R-L):  Agi Mdumulla and Sam Cotton, Suzy Menkes OBE, Lady Amanda Harlech,J.W. Anderson with model & Arizona Muse, Simone Rocha and Tim Walker.

PFW: Stella McCartney SS'14

Amidst the modern tomboy aesthetic Stella McCartney has long been associated with, some lighter, more romantic designs were also displayed on the catwalk during this Paris Fashion Week.  J'adorrre these two delicate lingerie-laced SS’14 dresses (above) worn by supermodels Miranda Kerr and Cara Delevigne.

Stella McCartney receives OBE from the Queen

Stella McCartney was the perfect poster girl for her brand yesterday as she collected her OBE for services to fashion from the Queen.  Wearing a bespoke navy suit of her own design, with a vintage platinum headpiece by Cartier and velvet pumps, Stella told the Press Association, “I feel really proud and really excited and honoured to be here."  Stella also revealed that despite the Queen looking “very chic” she felt the 86 year old monarch should have been wearing Stella McCartney, “I slipped her a card…”
 
Stella McCartney joins fellow designers Dame Vivienne Westwood and Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, as well as Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon in being awarded the Order of the British Empire.  Congratulations Stella!!

Stella McCartney's Red Nose Day T'shirts

Stella McCartney created a capsule collection of t'shirts in celebration of this Friday’s 25th Red Nose Day - and one of the designs features her dad alongside his fellow Beatles all sporting red noses!  The t’shirts, which also feature Kate Moss, Tommy Cooper and Marilyn Monroe, were made in Africa using 100 percent Fairtrade-certified organic cotton.

Stella (above with supermodel Kate Moss) commented, “I admire the Red Nose Day Team and their achievement for this incredible worthwhile cause… To be able to be a small part of supporting that is extremely rewarding.”
 
Available in store at TK Maxx now from £9.99

All I Want For Christmas Is....

All I want for Christmas is you... And this... And maybe a few of these... Oh, and this too...

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Oliva von Halle Silk Pyjamas - £330.00, Smythson 2013 Soho Diary - £180.00, CandleBarr-Co. Candle at Anthropologie - £20.00,  Stella McCartney Days of the Week Knickers - £130.00, Daisy Jewellery's Stackable Rings - £37.00 each,  Accessorize Rectangular Clutch - £35.00.

Above Clockwise (L-R): Brilliant Books from Amazon...  'Kate: The Kate Moss Book' - £50.00 £42.50, Tim Walker's 'Story Teller' - £45.00 £24.30, Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld's 'The Little Black Jacket' - £65.00 £55.25, Mel S.Elliot's 'Colour Me Good Ryan Gosling' - £7.50 £6.00, Camilla Morton's 'Diane Von Furstenberg and the Tale of the Empress's New Clothes' - £12.99 £8.83, 'Grace' by Grace Coddington - £25.00 £21.25.

Above Clockwise (L-R): Madeleine Thompson Cashmere Beanie - £125.00, Olympia Le-Tan 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Embroidered Clutch from Net-a-Porter - £955, Bliss Spa Snow Wonder Gift Set - £29.00, Charlotte Olympia's Kitty Embroidered Flats - £465.00, Miu Miu Pentagon-frame metal sunglasses at Net-a-Porter - £225.00.

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Apple Mini iPad - From £269.00, REN Duo Gift Set from SpaceNK - £38.00,  Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 from The Conran Shop - £64.50, Floral Print Umbrella from Topshop - £16.00, GEEK Sweater from Topshop - £29.00, Dreyfuss 500 Phone from Graham and Green - £59.95.

Above Clockwise (L-R):  The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks - £32.00, Knitted Bead Necklace Jumper from Topshop - £40.00,  Alice and Olivia LillyAnne Puff Dress from Austique - £360.00, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Flamingo - £36.00, Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse at SpaceNK - £40.00, Mou Eskimo Boots in Stone - £170.00.

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Sophia Rogge Silk Scarfs - £190.00 or £270 for personalised, Plates from Anthropologie - £16.00 - £26.00, Anya Hindmarch Studded Leather Cosmetic Case - £225.00. 

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Movies and Music from Amazon... 'Moonrise Kingdom' (DVD) - £11.99, 'Homeland' Season 1 (DVD) - £24.97, 'The Hunger Games' (DVD) - £10.00, Rihanna's 'Unapologetic' (CD) - £8.99, Jake Bugg (CD) - £7.99.

Oh... And World Peace. 

The British Fashion Awards 2012

Last weekend’s glamourous British Fashion Awards, at The Savoy Hotel, was a STELLAr evening all round… Stella McCartney (above) not only won Designer AND Brand of the Year, but a many of the most stylish guests (including Salma Hayek and Rita Ora) also wore her designs on the night.  My favourite fashionista Alexa Chung once again won the British Style Award (voted for by her adoring public for the third year running!) and Cara Delevigne (left, wearing a green metallic Burberry Prorsum SS’13 minidress), won Model of the Year – thoroughly deserved following her recent marathon Fashion Month.  Harold Tillman - who steps down from his role as British Fashion Council chairman in January – received the Special Recognition.

Below (L-R): Alexa Chung in Simone Rocha with Nicholas Kirkwood shoe-boots, Erdem Moralioglu and Samantha Cameron in Erdem, Jourdan Dunn in Topshop.

Designer of the Year: Stella McCartney
Designer Brand: Stella McCartney
New Establishment: Erdem
Menswear Designer: Kim Jones for Louis Vuitton
Emerging Talent Award (Ready-To-Wear): JW Anderson
Emerging Talent Award (Accessories): Sophie Hulme
Emerging Talent Award (Menswear): Jonathan Saunders
Accessory Designer: Nicholas Kirkwood
Red Carpet Award: Roksanda Ilincic
Model: Cara Delevingne
Outstanding Achievement in Fashion: Manolo Blahnik
Special Recognition: Harold Tillman
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Louise Wilson
British Style brought to you by Vodafone: Alexa Chung

Above: Amber le Bon in Stella McCartney. Below: Dita Von Teese in Jenny Packham

Cara Delevigne - Model Du Jour

Phew!! Was there a single catwalk in the past fashion month that Cara Delevigne did not walk?!  The British model du jour, Cara appeared in 28 shows over the course of New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, making her the most booked model of the season. Cara walked for Burberry, Matthew Williamson, Marchesa, Jason Wu, Rag & Bone, Fendi, D-Squared, Sass & Bide, Mary Katrantzou, Ermanno Scervino, Acne, Marc Jacobs... And the prestigious list goes ON! This girl deserves a BIG holiday (and a foot rub...)

And behind the scenes... Some of Cara's Tweets. What's NOT to love about this girl?!!