French Sole x English National Ballet

French Sole founder and designer, Jane Winkworth, has designed a limited edition, sparkly pink pair of shoe in aid of English National Ballet, an arts charity she and her brand have supported in the last couple of years. The ‘Henrietta’ style, which has a silver leather insole stamped with the English National Ballet’s logo, are a gorgeous addition to any ballet lover’s wardrobe…. And any non-ballet lover for that matter!
 
Female dancers can go through up to THREE PAIRS of pointe shoes in just ONE performance of a full-length ballet (that’s A LORRA LORRA twirls) so it’s easy to see how the girl’s pennies for pointes mount up!  As a result, the English National Ballet, which spends around £145,000 on pointe shoes every year, has set up the Pointe Shoe Appeal.  This appeal is vital to keep English National Ballet’s dancers performing world-class ballet to audiences around the UK and beyond.

French Sole’s beyond pretty pink pumps are available to purchase HERE for £120.00 and 50% of each sale will be donated directly to the English National Ballet’s Pointe Shoe Appeal.

‘Cinder Embers’ by Mister Finch at Anthropologie

I was recently invited to Anthropologie’s King’s Road gallery for a preview of 'Cinder Embers,' the celebrated British textile artist Mister Finch’s solo exhibition and book launch.  

I also managed to fit in one or three tea cups of Sipsmith/Champagne Cocktails (above) and some suuuuperb selfies with the artist himself (below).  Welllll,  it would have been terribly rude not to...

With a background in fashion, this dapper, self-taught artist from t'up North, now sews and creates original sculptures from recycled material, breathing new life and adventure into old velvet curtains, threadbare wedding dresses, vintage aprons, etc.  Not only does this make Mister Finch’s ‘storytelling creatures’ beautifully ethical, but utterly charming and magical. 

For this particular exhibtion, Mister Finch has taken inspiration from beyond his usual influences of nature and folklore, and instead draws on the story of the celebrated Parisian taxidermy shop Deyrolle. The iconic, famed store burned to the ground in 2008 and the charred remains of the stuffed animals were subsequently captured in haunting detail by investigative photographer Laurent Bochet. 

Fifteen soft and mysterious sculptures, including a regal crowned swan and a seven foot sly fox, will be displayed in Chelsea’s Anthropologie until January 4th.  If you can’t make it down, do buy Mister Finch’s fantastical debut book, ‘Living in a Fairy Tale World’ (RRP.£30.00), which features stunning imagery of his extraordinary one-of-a-kind creatures – the perfect coffee table addition (click on image below).

Musical Moment: George Ezra ('Budapest' and 'Blame It On Me')

I have recently become a huge fan of George Ezra, the 21-year-old British troubadour who burst onto the music scene earlier this year.   With a number one album, and a recent tour that sold out within a mere 10 minutes (!!!) you will also, no doubt, fall for his soulful, bluesy voice.

Here are my two current favourites from George; ‘Budapest’ and ‘Blame It On Me.’

"Ooh, for you... Ooh, you... Ooh, I'd lose it all..."

"We counted all our reasons, excuses that we made,
We found ourselves some treasure, and threw it all away...
What you're waiting for?"

#HenryFest: Wireless Festival 2014

I was suuuper thrilled to be asked to accompany Henry Holland and the team from Gather.ly to Wireless Festival.  Not only was I dressed entirely in ‘H! by Henry Holland’ (Henry’s festi-friendly diffusion line available from Debenhams) but I was also to given a VIP pass, allowing me the best possible view of  the main stage… and free drinks and ice-cream all day…  The DREAM!  After a delicious triple-stacked pancake, champagne breakfast at the Ace Hotel’s ‘Hoi Polloi’ (best name ever?!) we were off to Finsbury Park.

I had earlier in the week visited Debenhams on Oxford Street to choose my ‘H! by Henry Holland’ outfit, opting for a navy Toucan Jumpsuit (RRP. £40.00 £32.00), Silver Embellished Strap Sandals (RRP. £35.00 £17.50), and the Grey Grained Satchel Bag (RRP.£40.00 £32.00).  Without any tent or welly cares in the world, we all enjoyed lunch and cabaret entertainment in the VIP area, occasionally venturing out, in between large jugs of Pimms, to watch one of the truly phenomenal acts from the all star line up...  

The day started off with Iggy Azalea, whose song ‘Fancy’ has been a firm 2014 favourite of mine.  I didn’t know many of her other songs, and honestly still don’t, but she and her back up strippers dancers were mesmerizingly entertaining...  I don’t think I blinked once throughout their entire performance.  

Pharrell gave the audience hit after hit after hit...  The smokin’hot, pocket rocket sung a mixture of NERD classics, solo hits, and several renditions of songs he has produced over the years, all sung in his signature falsetto voice.  Pharell also gave a feminist interlude, speaking about equality in the workplace and respecting women... before beginning a gyrating performance of ‘Blurred Lines.’  Literally. Hitting. My. Head. Against. My. Desk.  The audience went predictably, nuts for Pharrell’s neo-soul hit ‘Happy,’ and all we all returned for more ice-cream beaming.

To close the evening was Kanye West… Despite Kim not being there swaying in the crowds with a bejewelled Swarovski clipper lighter (I'm sure she has one?!) as I had hoped, I still felt I was about to see something truly epic.  Epic it was.  Epically weird and epically arrogant.  After resounding loud and aggressive dog barking, Kanye appeared wearing a bejewelled Maison Marin Margiela mask, the first of three he was to adorn throughout his time on the stage.  Excellent songs were interrupted, mid-flow, by the singer himself, either to direct the cameras to his better angles or just merely to complain to the audience about his varying First (Class) World Problems.  During one particular rant (which lasted 20 minutes) and saw the singer booed by the impatient crowd, Kanye attacked Louis Vuitton for not allowing him to design for them.  According to Kanye, this is because he is black and a celebrity... and nothing to do with not being a celebrated fashion designer. Yeeeeeeezus Kanye. Thankfully, post-rant, impassioned perfomances of ‘Diamonds,’ ‘All Falls Down’ and‘All of the Lights’ followed.  

Above:  Snippets of Friday's acts recorded on my iPhone...

I returned to Wireless Festival on the Sunday.  DG is a huge OutKast fan and had booked tickets months ago to see their much anticipated summer reunion.  Wearing some ‘H! by Henry Holland’ Skinny Sydney Jeans (RRP. £30.00 £15.00) and my Ganni Palm Print Shirt, we watched the darling Ellie Goulding perform, drank cider and shared a classic  99 Flake (which actually now cost £2.45… who knew?!) whilst waiting for OutKast. 

The show, and the rain, soon begun and MAN, Andre 3000 (in his platinum wig) and Big Boidid not disappoint!  They were AHHH-MAAAY-ZING.  Playing their first UK show in over a decade, these suuuuper slick and eccentric hip-hop innovators are born performers; totally at ease, totally hilarious, totally professional and totally talented.  Basically, just totally COOL -  in a league of their own.  We left on a major high missing headliner Bruno Mars… to be fair, nothing could top what we’d just seen, and it was bucketing down.  Soz Bruno, I’m sure you were amazing… “just the way you arrrre.” 

Thank tha Lord – and obviously the lovely Seasalt Cornwall  – for my waterproof Seafolly Jacket (RRP. £79.95) which made watching OutKast and my ‘shakin like a Polaroid picture’ during the rain storm all the more enjoyable!  Also BIG thanks to Mophie for sending me one of their GEEEENIUS mobile phone Juice Pack Air chargers, doubling my mobile's battery life, so I could keep instagramming and tweetin’ all the live long day.  

Zoë Jordan's 'Pretty Vandals' Fundraiser for The Amber Foundation

I was recently invited by Zoë Jordan (left), the designer worn and loved by all the coolest of cats, to Chelsea’s Rossetti Studiosfor a shopping evening in support of The Amber Foundation, a residential centre aiming to reduce the level of unemployment amongst the 17-30 year old age group.  

Whilst chatting with friends and enjoying DJ Miss G’s set, I virtually drooled over the SS’14 'Pretty Vandals' collection.  Inspired by the 90’s, Zoë beautifully balances graffiti prints and perforated leather alongside a palette of elegant water colour pastels. I was particularly drawn the citron neon garments, which set against Miranda Donovan’s graffiti themed art installations, looked amazing.

US Vogue contributor Sarah Mower interviewed both a past and a present resident of Amber.  Amber’s residential centres offer disadvantaged young people a fresh start and a chance to build their confidence and gain practical skills and qualifications which can lead to full time employment and more secure futures.  Kara and Natalie were both extremely honest about their experiences and were a real testament to Amber’s success. 

Above L-R (Clockwise): Beatrice Savoretti (wearing Zoë Jordan), Margot Molinari andJemma Powell, artist Miranda Donovan, Katy ickremesinghe with Kelly Eastwood.

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Above:  With designer Zoë Jordan, wearing a vintage silk shirt from Budapest with my Mulberry Bryn handbag in Flame.  Below:  With musician Jack Savoretti.

To help transform young lives please donate to The Amber Foundation HERE. 

Ralph Lauren at Abbey Road Studios

I can’t tell you how excited I was to be invited BY RECORD no less (above) to the infamous Abbey Road Studios for the launch of Ralph Lauren’s Spring’14 collection.  

Right:  Wearing a mixture of Kate Moss for Topshop and H&M with my Astley Clarke locket (similar HERE) Riley leopard print shoes by Senso (HERE, RRP. £143.00) and my charcoal Codrington clutch by Beauchamps of London (HERE, RRP. £250.00). 

Inspired by ‘the bold spirit and playfulness of swinging London in the late Sixties,’ the usually all-American Ralph could not have picked a more iconic venue; the unpretentious, yet insanely cool, Studio 2 where artists such as the legendary Beatles, Pink Floyd and Oasis all recorded albums. 

Whilst I, alongside Tallulah Harlech and Amber LeBon, sipped our aptly and adorably named ‘Penny Lane Plum’ cocktails and ‘McCartney Mules,’ there was live music from Zeno to be enjoyed.

Models were soon gliding down the staircase, parading confidently through the crowd wearing a spectacular mix of monochrome mini’s and bright, citric shifts.   The collection included striped page boy hats, patent heels and polo-neck shifts (I particularly loved the dress above) which contrasted starkly with the eye-catching lime greens, tangerines and canary yellows which followed.  All the sunglasses were utterly fabu(g)lass. 

Below:  A little sneak peak of the night's show I recorded...

Ralph Lauren said, when recently discussing his latest collection and its influences, “I've always loved Britain - the character and charm of Fair Isle sweaters and beautiful tweeds. But most of all, I am drawn to the people.” Oh stop Ralph, we’re blushing! 

Right:  Everyone's favourite Beatle, the amazing George Harrison. 

Below:  When at Abbey Road... I couldn't resist! 

Ralph Lauren., Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Spring 2014, Ralph Lauren Abbey Road Studios, Abbey Road Studios, The Beatles, Tallulah Harlech, Amber LeBon, Kelly Eastwood, Lucy Myners, The London Chatter, Zeno, Topshop,H&M, Beauchamps of London, Codrington Clutch, Senso, Senso Riley, Astley Clarke Locket,Astley Clarke

Musical Moment: Daft Punk ft. Pharrell and Nile Rogers ('Get Lucky')

French veteran electronic duo Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter ofDaft Punk have teamed up with Pharrell and Nile Rogers to deliver THE song of my Summer.  Currently at number one in the British charts, it doesn't get any better than this... 

Musical Moment: Hozier ('From Eden')

Following the success of the blues rock-inspired debut EP, ‘Take Me To Church' last year, Irish singer-songer writer Hozier recently released the captivating ‘From Eden.’  The combination of 23 year old Andrew Hozier-Byrne’s sentimental and weathered, soulful voice alongside a heavenly acoustic arrangement makes this song irresistible.  ‘From Eden’ is available on iTunes HERE and for Hozier’s upcoming UK tour dates see HERE. 

"Babe, there's something tragic about you
Something so magic about you
Don't you agree?
Babe, there's something lonesome about you
Something so wholesome about you
Get closer to me...'

HAWT: Taylor Swift in Gucci

Hawt = A late 1940's and early 1950's acronym for "Having A Wonderful Time."
Now the word is used on the internet as slang for something reeeeally hot.

This year’s Grammy Award’s saw 22 year old singer/songwriter Taylor Swift, once again glittering on the red carpet, a look she has perfected and I am certainly not bored of.  Despite missing out on the four awards she was nominated for, Taylor’s sensational short-sleeved column Gucci dress certainly secured the singer the ‘Best Dressed’ accolade of the night.  Renown for her penchant for metallic and sparkles on the red carpet, Taylor’s gorgeous gown, accessorized with silver drop earrings and platform heels, was utterly showstopping, proving to us all; ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.'  Taylor told E!'s Ryan Seacrestthat she loved the design, "it's like chain mail, ‘it's bullet proof. It's really heavy. It's all the things you'd expect it to be - it's like a suit of armour."  Country Strong. 

 Below:  America's Golden Girl Taylor Swift in a red carpet myriad of masterful metallics...

And moving swiftly (sorry, couldn't help myself...) from HAWT to, well just damn right HOT… Did you catch power couple Beyoncé (in a sheer Nichole de Carle body suit and La Perlathong) and Jay Z's steeeeeamy PDA/rendition of ‘Drunk in Love’…

SJP Shoes by Sarah Jessica Parker

Last September we struggled to remain composed when Sarah Jessica Parker announced she was creating a shoe collection.  

The first image to be released was of the elegant Mary-Jane style 'Diana' heels (below) which have a diagonal strap and are particularly similar to the black Manolos SJP’s ‘Sex and The City’c haracter Carrie Bradshaw picks out to wear in the ‘Urban Shoe Myth’ episode.  All the SJP shoes are crafted in Italy and this particular patent pair of stilletos will cost $395.00 (approximately which is a round £240.00). 

 SJP actually credits her shoeaholic character Carrie as igniting her interest in shoe design stating, “Carrie's love of shoes meant I got to wear literally hundreds of pairs - and the more I wore, the more I realised that they are often the starting point of the style choices we make. Sometimes in fashion, little else matters but the shoe." 

The SJP collection will also apparently include kitten heels, laced booties, flats and strappy heels and will be unveiled later this month at Nordstrom.   There is currently no UK launch date in the pipeline but the shoes will be available online for us SJP fans across the pond so we can thankfully Keep Calm and Carrie On.