Matthew Williamson x LikeToKnow.it Summer Party

June 21, 2016

If there are two things we all know Matthew Williamson excels at, it’s making beautiful dresses and throwing faaaabulous parties. Upon returning from New York last week, I attended a summer party thrown by Matthew and the President and Co-Founder of RewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it, Amber Venz Box.

Held at the heavenly Clifton Nurseries, amidst great music, bongo drums and mahoosive bubbles (yup!) we celebrated Matthew’s high-summer 2016 collection, Mirage. Three exclusive #MWxLTK looks (each ready to shop via. Instagram that night) were also revealed that night, amongst the tropical flowers and tropical cocktails, worn by myself, Donia Ciobanu and Rosie Fortescue (below).

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Below: Marbilicous with Matthew's Artistic Director Georgie Macintyre and Business Director Rosanna Falconer. Rowan Lewis' amazing floral installation was like being inside a floral piñata!

The evening ended in a lot of multi-coloured swooshing on the dance floor, the mass devouring of marbled chocolate and the releasing of hundreds of British butterflies into the wilds of Clifton Nurseries. FANTASTICAL.

Above (L-R): Talking Heads with MW by some of his collection, with Venetia Falconer and Niomi Smart.

Above: Where there be a giraffe, there be a Kelly! #YouCanTakeTheGirlOuttaAfrica....

Above/Below: Forever Blowing Bubbles with Venetia Falconer.

Shop TLC's Look...

TLC Loves.... Matthew Williamson's Mirage

TLC STAYCATION: Ham Yard Hotel with Sisley Paris

March 31, 2016

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...

Above:  Driftwood crocodiles and 3D butterflies on the dance floor, next to the bowling alleys (below). Just amazingly fun.

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!

The beautiful Petersham Nurseries (Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10)

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).

The obligatory shot taken 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

All She Wants For Christmas 2016

December 10, 2015

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)

Jimmy Choo's 'Choo Hound' Launch

September 3, 2015

This summer Brazilian artist Rafael Mantesso and his Bull Terrier, Jimmy, collaborated Choo to launch ‘Choo Hound,’ a capsule collection of leather accessories featuring playful images of his Bull Terrier Jimmy. The collection included tote bags, purses, cosmetic bags and iPhone cases, not to mention the limited edition leather dog collars which sent the Lapdogs of London into a frenzy.

To celebrate the collaboration Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director Sandra Choi, alongside Olivia Palermo, co-hosted an adorable tea party at the newly opened Ivy Chelsea Garden (now a firm favourite of mine.) The entire garden had been transformed by the brilliantly creative Polar Black Events, with the monochrome style of the collection reflected in the setting’s aesthetic, complete with a central doggy fountain!

A traditional, yet quirky, afternoon tea was served, which included delicious iced dog-bone shaped biscuits, Slush Puppies (of course!) and paw-print lattes. Adorable!!

Below: Despite many of the fashionista guests attending with their gorgeous canine counterparts, there was really only one guest of honour… internet sensation Tuna, the chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund, who knew?!) from L.A with over one million Instagram followers (@tunaMeltsMyHeart) who was at the time 'summering in London!' Tuna, you really did melt our hearts… LOOK AT THAT SWEET LITTLE FACE!!

Below: The amazing shoes and handbag I wore for the event... Swooooon!!

TLC LOVES... JIMMY CHOO

LFW SS'15: Jimmy Choo Townhouse Launch

October 6, 2014

During London Fashion Week I went to Mayfair’s gorgeous new Jimmy Choo Townhouse on New Bond Street for an utterly spoiling, pre-launch party.

The three-floor house, complete with chandeliers and marble staircase, was designed by David Collins Studio and contains a VIP room, a champagne bar (yes, really), personal shopping services and more gorgeous shoes than your inner Imelda Marcus could possibly imagine.

Gorgeous sunglasses, leather handbags and delicious smelling fragrances were also on display, nearby a table piled high with Jimmy Choo’s limited edition red acrylic Phone Box Candy Bags, a bold and patriotic nod to the brand’s British roots.

HOW stunning is this Monica Vinader Lemon Quartz Riva Cuff I'm wearing? (RRP. £495.00)

SHOP TLC's LOOK:

We were treated to NARS manicures, plenty of bubbles and almost too sweet to eat Prêt-à-Portea pastries, the fashionably edible result of the recent Jimmy Choo collaboration with The Berkeley in Knightsbridge. I reluctantly left the Townhouse, restraining myself from outright claiming Squatters Rights, with the most enviable, goodiest of goody bags (below).

TLC LOVES... JIMMY CHOO:

'Honestly Healthy For Life' Book Launch

March 31, 2014

Last week I attended the launch of vegetarian chef Natasha Corrett and nutritionist Vicki Edgson’s second alkaline cookbook, ‘Honestly Healthy for Life,’ at Notting Hill’s Bumpkin. With over 100 new and anticipated easy-to-make recipes to choose from, this book promises a diet that will boost your energy and immune system, improve your mood and aid digestion. Fear not sweet teeth, HH also offers some healthier versions of your naughty favourites, including sticky toffee pudding and doughnuts! (*cue my face lighting up!)

The alkaline diet has become one of the biggest eating trends of recent years, with Victoria Beckham naming Honestly Healthy as her favourite cookbook. To summise, our blood is 7.35/7.45 on the pH scale, making it slightly alkaline, so staying clear of acid forming foods, and eating more alkaline meals, keeps us at our optimum health.

Above: Guests, including Laura Whitmore, Sienna Miller (in an elegant nude Chloé shirt and sparkly Jimmy Choo brogues which hadmy inner magpie squawking with envy) and Jo Wood all enjoyed bite-size quinoa beetroot and spinach burgers, mini-slices of orange and almond cake, crunchy toffee popcorn (yum!) and vodka coconut mojitos.

Above: Natasha’s proud-as-punch mummy interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Below: On yer Honestly Healthy Bike! With Natasha Corrett and Katy Wickremesinghe.

Below: The London Chatter wearing a dusky pink jacket from H&M (RRP. £39.99), Black Ripped Jeans from Zara (RRP. £39.99), Senso Qimat Boots in concrete (RRP. £152.00), Mulberry Lily (RRP. £750.00) and a leopard print coat similar here from Topshop).

Raw Green Curry with Courgette Noodles.

A quick, fool-proof recipe packed full of flavour from ‘Honestly Healthy For Life.'

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:
1/3 cup dried or fresh curry leaves
1 cup raw cashew nuts, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
½ cup water
Juice ½ a lime
½ cup coriander, chopped
Generous ¾ cup coconut milk
1 tsp each of ground cumin, ground ginger, dried lemongrass, fresh chilli (chopped), ginger root (grated) and ground coriander

For the Courgette Noodles:
5 courgettes
1 cup bean sprouts
1 ½ cup snow/sugar snap peas
200g baby corn, sliced
raw cashews to garnish

Instructions:

Put all of the sauce ingredients into a blender and whiz until smooth. Set aside. Spiralize the courgettes, and mix through the sauce. Next, add in the chopped vegetables and pack everything into containers and refrigerate until ready to serve. If you prefer you can make the sauce a day or so ahead and mix with the spiralized noodles just before serving.Garnish with a sprinkle of cashews and coriander leaves just before eating.

Below: The London Chatter featured in Grazia Magazine.

‘Honestly Healthy for Life’ is available HERE from Amazon (RRP. £̶2̶5̶.̶0̶0̶ £12.41)

Cannes Film Festival 2013

May 22, 2013

There's Something About Carey... Carey Mulligan was this years Belle du Jour at theCannes Film Festival, with red-carpet and photo-call outfits being as elegant and quirky as the actress herself. Accessorising her sleek and refined outfit choices with a couple of beautiful co-stars and a giggle, Carey wore a striking concave-chested Balenciaga jumpsuit to the 'Great Gatsby' photo-call with Leonardo Di Caprio, and an art deco inspired Vionnet gown at the 'Inside Llewyn Davis' premiere with Justin Timberlake.
A masterclass in understated glamour.

Left: Speaking of understated glamour.... I have absolutely no idea who this lady is and why she was on the red carpet at Cannes... But with her golden Ferrero Rocher tray dress, I kinda just love her!!

Below: Another actress who NEVER fails to make me style-swoon on the red carpet is the beautiful Marion Cotillard. The French actress looked perfect at the 'Blood Ties' photo-call wearing a teal mini dress from the Antonio Berardi A/W14 collection and Jimmy Choo nude heels and then later at the Chopard lunch in a Vivienne Westwood Couture pink and ivory striped dress. Ooh La La.

Below: And then there was Cara... Cara Delevigne looked showstopping at the premiere of the Great Gatsby wearing a Burberry gown and Chopard jewels. Wow.

Stella McCartney receives OBE from the Queen

March 26, 2013

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!!

Versace Hits the Highstreet

October 24, 2011

After H&M’s successful designer collaborations in the past (Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Matthew Williamson…) I was excited to see the pictures emerge last week of Versace’s forthcoming range for the clothing giant.

I can honestly say there is not one single thing in the entire gaudy range I would wear... And then there is the men's collection which I am honestly surprised is being released on November 17th and not in time for Halloween...

It appears that when it comes to Versace lust, I'd save your pennies for the real thang.

Too Many Women

June 27, 2011

The totals are now in - a group of my girlfriends and I managed to raise nearly £11,000 at our 'Spring Fling' fundraiser last month, held at Guy Pelly's PUBLIC nightclub. All this money will go towards Harry Beecher's Two Many Women Campaign - raising money for Breast Cancer Research.

Thank you to all those who donated raffle prizes (which included goodies from Mulberry, Temperley, Jimmy Choo - to name but a few!) for the generous donations and for everyone who came down and helped to make it a really fun night.