If you’re suffering from the serious medical condition of ‘Back to Work Blues’ then Dr. TLC can only prescribe one thing… Surfing the sales for an instant pick-me-up. Take THAT January!
Hover over the top left of the items you like for direct links... And remember this my friends, it's not what you're spending, it's what you're saving… Right?! Enjoy!
It's THAT time again folks; The mad dash to buy your loved ones gifts and the mad hope that they in return take a look at this page (handily left open on their desktop, iPhone and iPad...) before using their own initiative and buying you anything...! Hover over the items for their direct links.
Above: Missoma's beautiful Gold Half Infinity Rings look stunning stacked. (RRP. £65.00)
Above: Bespoke womenswear label Tephi’s tailor made, personalized Tephi Garment Bag has made transporting your Sunday Best a whooole lot chicer. With zipped compartments for your dresses and shoes, this is both stylish AND practical... #WinWin (RRP. £175.00)
Above: Elizabeth Scarlett's distinctive embroidered Velvet Cushions, inspired by her many colourful travels, make beyond gorgeous additions to any home. (RRP. £55.00)
Above: The Penmayne of London midnight blue Willow Fedora with a leather and guinea fowl feather – utterly chic. Have the silk lining initialed for that added touch. (RRP. £319.00)
Above: The gift of some Bliss UK pampering and peace... I mean, the dreeeeeam.
Above: The most beautiful addition to your home is a Feu de Beaumont candle. Each heavenly smelling candle (my favourite is Feu de Bois) comes with a gold-plated lid which can be engraved. (RRP. £59.00)
When I was young, growing up in Africa, I dreamed of Paris. Nothing much has changed, as my ever-increasing collection of Breton striped tee’s, daily use of red lipstick and a flat peppered with French objet d’art will attest to (I have an actual Eiffel Tower shaped lamp made from an old olive oil bottle I’m particularly proud of!) In short, I regularly imagine that I actually am un petit French fille and subsequently have supremely high expectations of Paris and visit there with extreme caution to avoid any disappointment. You can therefore only imagine how quickly I said OUI when I was asked to travel first class on the Eurostar and stay at the Peninsula Paris for two nights.
Above: Distracting myself from my overwhelmingly naked passport with a handful of magazines (does EVERY blogger apart from me have a monogrammed Louis Vuitton passport cover?!)
After a 4 year, £341 MILLION makeover, the five-star Peninsula Paris, the first Peninsula in Europe, swung its gloriously immaculate doors open at the end of last year. The original building, which dates back to 1908, is steeped in artistic and political history, with George Gershwin penning ‘An American in Paris’ within its walls in 1928 to housing the Nazi military command whilst Paris was occupied during WW2. Located across an entire block near to the Arc de Triomph and Champs Elysees, the hotel now boasts 200 suites (starting at £800 a night), 34 suites, a penthouse suite with its own lavish rooftop garden (a mere £20,000 a night), an underground spa and 20m swimming pool, 600 incredible staff and a fleet of BMWs, Mini Coopers and two Rolls-Royces. Yes. I was also wondering how I managed to bluff my way past their uniformed bell boys and polished, marbled lobby (Shhhhhhsh... I won’t tell if you don't!)
After a delicious lunch (above) at the aviation-themed L’Oiseau Bleu, one of the hotel’s six bars and restaurants, named after an early French biplane and with 360˚ views of Paris, I made my way to my room. And by room, I mean basic apartment. Just as immaculate and glossy as the rest of the hotel, my suite had everything I could possibly need, dream of and even more. From a Nespresso machine, to a hidden printer, a nail-varnish dryer in my dressing room (I’m not even kidding), a television in the bath tub (I had four square-eyed baths during my short stay), Oscar de la Renta amenities, and a state-of-the-art, touchscreen tablet which controlled the lighting, heating, curtains, TV and room service (dangerous!) There were complimentary international calls, a complimentary mini-bar (helllooooo!) and after an immensely busy few weeks collapsing into my giant, sumptuous bed for an afternoon disco-nap was totally dreamy.
That evening, after cocktails in Bar ‘s randomly brilliant outdoor cabin, I dined at their increasingly famous Cantonese restaurant, LiLi. The rich interior was inspired by the drama of Chinese and French opera and the food, although not the place I would advise a strict vegetarian to go, is prepared by the fantastic, award-winning Hong Kong chefs in their own impressive Chinese kitchen within the hotel.
Above: By the striking ‘Dancing Leaves’ installation consisting of 800 hand-blown twinkling crystals leaves in the hotel’s main lobby. It really is a truly beautiful sight, especially at night.
After yet another bath and another (far longer) sleep, the next morning entailed breakfast in the stunning, Belle Epoque’esq Lobby Kléber, where we also later sampled a traditional and spoiling Japanese tea to coincide with Japanese Spring. After one (ok, two) sugary ‘mini’ kouglofs by the hotel’s award winning pastry chef, I went to a chocolate workshop in the impressive kitchens. My diet when left unsupervised… WOW. There was a real moment I actually anticipated rolling back to London…
So frequently on work trips you are so busy running around the city, you are almost unable to enjoy the amazing room you are staying in. After a couple of super brief spells into town (I say 'super brief' as the weather was super chilly and super wet!) I luckily, after the most relaxing and revitalising hour long, hot–stone ESPA massage in the hotel’s enormous, 1800 sq m spa, and a short spell in the relaxation room, I was able to retire to my suite for an evening of room service, movies and sleeeeeeeep. After an incredible lie-in, followed by EVEN MORE room-service the next morning (this couldn’t have been more heavenly!) I enjoyed one last delicious lunch with the team. I felt truly refreshed by the time I headed back to London.
Thank you to The Peninsula Paris Hotel and Eurostar.
(Click on the items below for their direct links)
This Sunday is Mother's Day and if you were thinking this was just another Hallmark centric, schmultsy, meaningless day, I suggest you take a minute to watch this…
Yup. Soooo, now we are on the same page, we can commence the appreciation…!
Now, if there’s one day of the year that beautiful flowers are essential (…aside from Valentine’s Day… Your Birthday…. Tuesdays….) it’s, of course, Mother’s Day!
This year Roses Only are gloriously offering TLC readers and followers a 15% discount on all their stunning bouquets, with next day delivery throughout the UK and same day delivery within London. Now there’s no excuse for any last minute panics or petrol station bought carnations! Give them a call on 0208 772 6699 and use the code MD2015. Alternatively, these pressies (hover over each product for direct links) would also make any Mummy smile…
I was recently asked to visit Topshop's Personal Shopping area at their Oxford Street branch for an utterly spoiling A/W'14 wee spree. I know... My job does not suck. I have always seen their amazing flagship store as the ultimate grown up girl's sweetie shop, and I can eeeeasily spend hours wandering aimlessly admits all the season's newest styles, frequently finding things I never EVEN knew I needed, but OBVIOUSLY cannot live without! On this particular occasion however, knowing I only had a one hour appointment in my more than luxurious fitting room, I had done some research and online prep, enabling me to whizz around the shop like a Topshop ninja, pinpointing the items I wanted to try on. One of the brilliant personal shoppers was on hand back to help change any sizes for me and help search for alternative styles if the ones I chose didn't suit me. As a result, I managed to put together three very different looks (much of which is now in the sale, so be quick!) in record time - especially for me!
Topshop's Personal Shopping is a complimentary service offered in eight of their stores. Various different appointments can be made, catering to your specific styling needs, and if short on time, or in dire need of a quick wardrobe update, I really recommend booking yourself one HERE.
Which is your favourite look? I'd be lying if I didn't say the light up trainers...! Thank you Topshop xx
I was very excited to be invited to the annual Reward Style Party, one of the most talked about parties each year during New York Fashion Week. Sponsored by InStyle and Topshop, I joined hundreds of the world’s most popular bloggers on the rooftop of The Empire Hotel (where is Chuck Bass when you need him?!) for many a cocktail in the sunshine.
Below: I chatted with fellow crazy cat lady, DJ Harley Viera-Newton, during her set. If you haven’t already, you must check out the videos of her cat showering (yes, really!) on Instagram.
Obvvvviously the best part of attending a party like this, and being surrounded by so many fashionistas, is the immense style stalking opportunities (but first, let me take a selfie...)
Above: Roughly translated. "P*** Off!' Love the versatility of this H&M polka-dot skirt.
Above: These Red/Bronze Nike trainers are amazing! #NEEDWANTMUSTHAVE!
Above: Model Coco Rocha in Christian Siriano
One of my favourite parties of the summer was the first birthday of Bumpkin Chelsea, hosted by Matt Hermer and his wife, hostess with the mostess, Marissa Hermer (above, and left).
Marissa’s ‘Ladies of London’ cast mates and a bevy of other Bumpkin-loving beauties spent the balmy evening playing giant garden games (turns out, I’m ACE at Giant Connect Four… who knew?!), sipping endless bubbles and enjoying a delicious BBQ, all amidst the luscious palms and colorful blooms at the Chelsea Gardener.
also discovered a new, delicious drink called ‘Pedrino,’ - keep a look out for this orange-tinted alcoholic tonic that is faaar too easy to quaff…! A truly gorgeous and summery evening!
Thank you M & M xx
Above L-R (Clockwise): Karim Khelil and Malika Dalamal, Julia Neel and Kelly Eastwood, with Amy Williams and Louisa Preskett, Fred Kooij and Stephanie Phair.
Above: The London Chatter appearing in Tatler's Bystander with Lady Julie Montagu.
Even in the heat of the summer I am a real jeans girl... so wearing jeans with fully installed air conditioning?! Errrrrm... Perfect!
Topshop jeans are hard to beat, with a consistently up to date range of styles and accessible prices, and I am loving wearing their MOTO Pretty Bleached Ripped Hayden Jeans. Boyfriend in style with very of the moment distressed and shredded rip detailing, they are relaxed and cool. Real COOL.
RRP. £45.00
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
I was recently asked to the launch night of Mode, London’s newest and hottest night spot, coincidentally and conveniently on the same day I was due to visit expert hair stylist, the more than a bit divine Benjamin, at Hari’s Salon on the Brompton Road. How was THAT for some perfect party planning?! The decadently decorated salon, known for it’s bustling atmosphere and host of characters, is the ideal place to go for a little pre-party pampering; the music is loud, the energy is high and the delicious fresh smoothies you can order upon your arrival certainly provide you with the much needed dose of health and goodness before any impending wild night on the toon! After my hair had been cut (nothing too dramatic, just some much needed shape) and blow-dried, I was whisked upstairs to have my makeup professionally applied by Andrea. This is just one of several beauty additions you can book alongside your hair appointment, making getting ready for any event or party utterly breezy. Feeling oh-so-glossy and fresh as a daisy I went forth toMode (below left), for what turned out to be around six hours of non-stop dancing and hair swishing with friends. Two enthusiastic thumbs up all round! Thank you Hari's! xx
For appointments at Hari’s Hairdressers (305 Brompton Road SW3): 020 7581 5211
Hari's, Hari's Hairdressers, Hari's Hair Salon, Hari's Salon,The London Chatter, Hari's Salon Brompton Road, Hair Salon West London, Hari Salon Chelsea, Beauty, Hair, Monica Vinader, Topshop, Senso, Wilbur and Gussie, Mode, Mode Notting Hill, Mode Ladbroke Grove, Mode Supperclub
