UPDATE: TLCxAuree: The Tembo Collection

Last week, on World Elephant Day, Auree Jewellery and I celebrated reaching quite an exciting and wonderfully unexpected milestone...

Influenced by my Kenyan roots, the seven Masai bead inspired Tembo Charity Bracelets from my collaboration with Auree Jewellery have collectively raised £30,000 (!!!) which has been donated to For Rangers, with a giant bow on it.

I’m so proud that 100% of the profits from our collection went towards supporting the brave heroes across Africa risking their lives every day to protect our endangered wildlife, and so grateful to have this platform (my own ‘digital soapbox!’) to share the causes I feel so passionately about.  

Thank you to everyone who bought one (or two, or three...) of the Satao, Pembe or Shina bracelets… You will have directly contributed towards the fight against elephant poaching, and the extinction of this iconic, important animal. 

Buy To Give:  Head to Auree Jewellery to secure one of the last few bracelets... 

#TLCxAuree

Photography: Frances Davison
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Secret Spa

Links of London's Royal Ascot Collection

In just under a week, one of the most fashionable events in the entire British social calendar commences; Royal Ascot.  Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the four-day racing festival has become a pageantry filled national institution, one where both the horses and the elaborate hats in attendance share focus and press. 

With a strict dress code, Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance, thus, whilst inevitably enjoying a lil’flutter on the GG’s, it’s always the elaborate hats which have my eyes on stalks each year. Underneath all the silk flowers and high-fashion head toppers however, it is just as important to make sure your jewellery is just as on point (to point).    

Luckily for the attendees, and all race aficionados in general, for the second year running, Links of London are back in the saddle as the official jewellery license holder at Royal Ascot. The much-loved British jewellers and have once more designed a stylish, racing-inspired collection that will not only complete your look, but will be treasured by its owners for many more years to come.   

Amongst the specially crafted diamond necklaces, colourful charms, and engravable cufflinks for the often-overlooked gentlemen, I decided my favourite pieces from the Links of London Ascot Collection were the Horseshoe designs.

Simple in style, with an obvious nod to horse racing, the delicate chain bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings and adjustable cuffs available in sterling silver, yellow gold vermeil and 18k rose gold, are utterly timeless.  

I’m hoping that by wearing some of this collection I will have some luck at the races, and beyond…    

Shop TLC's Look...

Hats: Jess Collett Milliner
Seville Dress: Tephi
I'm a Goddess Jumpsuit:  Bozena Jankowska
Bag: Baraboux

In collaboration with Links of London
Photography: Joseph Galvin
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

'The Season' with LK Bennett

This season LK Bennett cordially invites you, me and EVERYBUDDY, to celebrate in true style… Whether you have some confetti to throw or some lucky bets to place, whatever the summer soiree may be, LKB has you covered with their effortlessly chic edit of beautiful occasion wear. 

With an exciting barrage of summer events on the horizon, I decided to style my three favourite LK Bennett looks from their The Season edit, all which felt easy-to-wear in both shape and fabric (always key in the hotter months) and that could also be worn from day well into balmy night. 

The Eve Cranberry Silk Dress

I adore this tea-dress inspired Eve Cranberry Silk Dress from The Season collection, and the tie-waist makes it so flattering.  The dress is so versatile, and could just as easily be worn with flat flat gold sandals as with these incredibly luxurious, burnt orange velvet Henie platform heels. 

As a well-documented fascinator-hater (*facihater?!) I keep my hair pretty natural (aka. scruffy) at smart summer events, preferring a killer pair of sunnies or some sort of kooky hair accessory… Here, I chose to highlight the whole vintage feel of this dress by adorning my favourite Cat-Eye sunglasses and faux-pearl hair slide. The LK Bennett Lucille clutch, a 100% raffia handbag, keeps this look feeling fresh, summery, and slightly more casual, which I tend to prefer. 

The Sukie Pink Multi Silk Dress

The Sukie Pink Multi Silk Dress is a true silky beauty, and the ¾ length sleeves are ultra-flattering if like me, you prefer a little bit more coverage when in the sunshine. I wore this dress with the sky-high LK Bennett Annabella Green Satin Sandals (also available in rose pink) and felt instantly party ready. The khaki colour of the cork platform sandals worked perfectly with the floral print of the dress, and the LKB Adriana Sunglasses, with their black and taupe tortoiseshell two-tone finish, were the cherry on the outfit cake.  

The Loren Navy White Silk Jumpsuit

I have always been a real jumpsuit girl, and the LK Bennett Loren Jumpsuit, with its flowing and fluid silhouette, an flattering tie-wast, obviously caught my eye instantly.  I have attended several weddings and super smart occasions in silk jumpsuits before, and felt just as glamorous amongst all the dresses.  By wearing this jumpsuit with metallic heels, and a box clutch, you would feel instantly more elegant, but I kept things comfortable and cool by once again, wearing burnt orange Henie platforms.

Which is your favourite look of the three?

Shop The Season HERE. 

In collaboration with LK Bennett
Photography: Joseph Galvin
Hair: Taylor Taylor London

A Boots Story with TOMS

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of TOMS, a really unique brand that has inspired much of my own ‘fashion for good’ conservation work over the years. With giving at its core, TOMS fantastically matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of shoes for someone in need.  To date, this brilliant ‘One for One’ mission has seen over 75 million new pairs of shoes given to those in need around the world, with over 1/3rd of those shoes being produced in the regions where they are distributed, including back in Kenya.

This season, TOMS has introduced a selection of boots, ones that not only look great (with, as I found out, EVERYTHING you pair them with), but like all other TOMS products, they also give back; It’s a win, win!

TOMS asked me to style up some of their Ella and Alpine Boots in celebration of their launch, and I found that not only were both pairs extremely comfortable and versatile, but also really stylish, which is of course, just as important…

The Ella Booties...

Instead of going dark, like the rest of my usual winter boots, I chose to wear the Ella Booties in Desert Taupe Suede Metallic (RRP. £89.00). A favourite of Queen Victoria, the timeless Chelsea Boot style, characterised by it’s high-top, slip-on design, and inherent simplicity, are the easiest of silhouettes to wear. The light colour of these boots makes them really inter-seasonal, and the inclusion of the metallic, makes the feel both modern and fresh. These boots conveniently work with every outfit I throw together and look set to be pretty hardworking additions to my wardrobe!

Not all heroes wear capes. But some do. In their TOMS. I’m never usually too far from some leopard print, and in this case Britney and Justin, I will take your Double Denim and I will RAISE YA! Yup, I went Double Leopard, all black everything else, with my Ella Booties balancing the outfit. Gloves, socks and a beanie will be merry additions as it gets colder.

I love winter whites on a bright, cold day, and the combination of my Liz Hurley’s (a.k.a. my white jeans) and sandy Ella Boots, mixed with some textured tweed and a darker polo neck led to one of my favourite looks of the day which I will certainly be replicating.

I mean, just when you thought I couldn’t possibly throw any more leopard your way… A statement coat like this can always do the talking, so I just had to rely on my neutral Ella’s to do all the walking.  And in case you were wondering, no, that teeny bag doesn’t fit a thing… But that’s not really the point now, is it?! #Fashion.

The Alpine Boots...

I also chose a pair of Toffee Suede Alpine Boots (RRP. £84.99) which literally put the fun into functional. The boots are everything you crucially need for a bitter winter, without having to sacrifice your style in exchange for keeping warm. Despite being water resistant, and promising to keep those tootsies snug-as-a-bug, the bold pattern they feature is sprightly.  These will be exactly what I need to keep myself distractedly cheerful, whilst tackling the impending street slush in the next few, darker months!

Having the sweetest tooth known to man, the whole toffee’ness of this outfit appeals hugely. Not only do the Alpine Boots stop my jacket from feeling too Frank Butcher, I love how my (*epic) bag highlights their coloured details.  This look is definitely one I’ll be enjoying during The Big Chill.

All the layers of this outfit, along with the wool of the Alpine Boots poking out, immediately makes me feel cosy and peaceful. I just need to accessorise with a hot chocolate (or mulled wine… what time is it?!) pronto.  

And there it is. The beanie. The beanie which will be attached to my head for the foreseeable future (I’ve even been known to sleep in them… Don’t judge me, I’m from Africa and I’ve never grown used to these winters!)  A coat that could double as a dressing gown, and the feet cuddles the Alpine Boots are giving me, makes the whole getting out of bed in the morning and leaving the house whilst its still pitch dark thing, a whole lot easier.

I loved styling up my new TOMS boots, but best of all, I love knowing that by wearing them, someone else less fortunate than me in the world is also now walking around in a pair of shoes that they so desperately needed. It is that thought really does put a spring in my step.

Click to see about TOM's Boot's Story...

In collaboration with TOMS.

Photography: Francis Davison

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Nails: Sophie Gass

#OneForOne

Jo Malone's 'Just Because' Dinner

We all know there is nothing better than receiving an unexpected gift, especially when said gift arrives in a distinctive pale yellow box with a black ribbon!  It is with that exact warm, fuzzy feeling in mind, and that celebration of generosity, which lies behind Jo Malone’s ‘Just Because’ campaign.  

Being thoughtful and spoiling a friend or loved one with some gorgeous Jo Malone treats completely out of the blue, for no particular reason, is a pretty darn lovely idea, and one we honoured recently over a lavish dinner at the Jo Malone Townhouse in Marylebone. 

Amongst hundreds of cream and black balloons, a mountain of gift boxes and a multitude of glowing Jo Malone candles exuding heavenly scents, guests (including Portia Freeman and Laura Jackson, below), enjoyed overflowing glasses of champagne and a delicious dinner. 

Not only were each of us totally spoilt with our very own ‘Just Because’ gift, all which were personalised with a unique reason for the kind gesture, but we were also able to have a go on the now famous Jo Malone pier-style Gift Grabber.  I managed a record grab of three small pressies at one time, a triumph I obviously gracefully down played… WHATEVER, I WON BIG PEOPLE, BIG! HUUUUGE! I’M THE WINNNNNERRRRRR!!  Errrrrrrm... Like I said, graceful.

Below:  My Basil and Neroli 'Just Because' gift from Jo Malone, adorably citing ‘Just Because we think Willow would approve…” referencing my beloved niece! A much appreciated, random act of kindness on a random Tuesday... #JustBecause! Thank you Jo Malone xx

TLC Loves.... Jo Malone

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#TLCComp: LKB x Boyarde

Last year, L.K.Bennett asked British pop-artist Boyarde customise several of their Mariel cross-body bags with the striking initials of some of their favourite influencers, to be used as place settings at a press breakfast (below).  Errrm… Spoiling or what?!! An Instagram frenzy ensued over our green juices and granola, and L.K Bennett spent the next few weeks apologising to the stampede of disappointed customers who were unable to get their own bespoke, now iconic, Mariel bag. Until now...

L.K. Bennett has collaborated once more with Boyarde, who created a collection of the most distinctive and bright leather alphabet stickers (RRP. £19.00 each) to attach to your own Mariel Bag (RRP. £145.00), or well, anywhere. In fact, I currently have a ‘K’ sticker stuck onto my laptop and everyone keeps commenting on it. 

My sister was one of the aforementioned disappointed peeps, unable to get her hands on one of the original L.K.Bennett x Boyarde bags. Knowing this would make the best gift, I was so excited to get one of the new styles with personalised monogrammed stickers; a ‘CE’ for her, and a ‘W’ for her daughter Willow.  I obviously didn’t want to feel toooo left out (an annoyingly frequent and expensive issue I regularly face when buying gifts!) so grabbed myself the new Mariel Multi-Print Bag (RRP. £165.00) to bespoke too! 

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TLC LOVES LKB x BOYARDE...

And get your LKBxBoyarde Stickers HERE!

#TLCComp...

My friends at L.K.Bennett have SA-WEETLY offered one of my lucky readers a chance to win their own customised Mariel Bag (*colour subject to availability) with their Boyarde-designed initials ready to stick on. Head over to my Instagram ('thelondonchatter') for further details. I will be picking the winner on New Year’s Eve; A happy new bag for a Happy New Year!  

Good Luck!

Shop TLC's Look...

Black Friday and Cyber Weekend Discount Codes 2016

Like all the best American things (Cronuts.. Ryan Gosling, the Gilmore Girls) ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Weekend’ has also been welcomed onto our fine British shores with gusto.  With UK retailers dicing and slicing their prices, shoppers on this side of the pond are expected to spend an overall £3 billion this weekend… LUCKILY, its not all elbows at the Oxford Street ready, or elbows at Westfield dawn, as you can enjoy the online discounts from the comfort of your own home whilst enjoying a cuppa and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,' out on Netflix today! Hallelujah!  

Here are the links and codes you need, with a few bargainous suggestions from me…

#TLCForHer

ASOS
20% off with code: GOGOGO

TOPSHOP
Up to 70% off

RIVER ISLAND
UK - 50% off selected stock

MANGO
20% off everything all weekend with code: BLACK
 

MISS SELFRIDGE
Up to 50% off everything

MISSOMA
30% off all lines, an additional 30% off older lines from 27th November

& OTHER STORIES
50% off selected stock (25th-27th November)

ACCESSORIZE
25% off, 30% off selected bags

LK BENNETT
20% off

HUSH
25 % off 25 items

WHISTLES
25% off selected lines

LARSSON & JENNINGS
15% off with code: LG15

REVOLVE
Up to 50% off

URBAN OUTFITTERS
Buy one get one 50% off

ME & EM
25% off Winter Warrmers

SHOPBOP.COM
25% off with code: GOBIG16

SELFRIDGES
20% off
10% off beauty & fragrance with code: SELFCCE

HARRODS
30% off luxury womenswear brands  

HARVEY NICHOLS
25% off fashion, 15% off beauty

MONICA VINADER
30% off

THE OUTNET
up to 85% off selected brands

 STYLE.COM
20% off with code: STYLE20

KURT GEIGER
20% off online & In store

SWEATY BETTY
20% off worldwide

OFFICE
20% off with code: WONDER

THE BODY SHOP
40% off with code: 19805

UGG
20% off

SEPHORA
20% off worldwide

 

#TLCForHim

MR PORTER
30% off selected styles

TOPMAN
Up to 50% off selected lines

ASOS
20% off with code: GOGOGO

 

#TLCForHome

MARKS & SPENCER
Up to 50% off selected lines from home, beauty, sleepwear, lingerie, toys & books

JOHN LEWIS
Competitor price match

SELFRIDGES
20% off (Restrictions apply)

ANTHROPOLOGIE
20% off with code: GIFT

MADE.COM
FREE delivery in UK & EU

WEST ELM
Up to 30% off with code: SAVENOW

GRAY MALIN
30% off ALL prints with code TURKEY30 (includes framing for US orders)

The Tembo Collection Launch at Bronte

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Last month I hosted a blogger’s breakfast at Bronte to launch The Tembo Collection (which I wrote about in detail HERE), my seven piece, Masai bead inspired bracelet collaboration with Auree Jewellery.

100% of all profits from the sales of these bracelets will go to For Rangers, a campaign in conjunction with Tusk, which directly helps the brave heroes on the front line of conservation in Africa, who risk their lives daily to protect elephants and other endangered wildlife from extinction.

Above:  With Will Carmichael, one of the founders of Auree Jewellery, outside Bronte on the Strand.

I knew the quickest and most effective way to to spread the good word far and wide, was to gather a group of my most talented digital buddies, and over a breakfast feast of pancakes and avocado on toast (natch), ask them for their help in raising some vital awareness.  Niomi Smart, Liv Purvis, Peony Lim, Emma Bates, Sarah Mikaela and Juliet Angus were amongst the 22 gorgeous ladies who arrived at Bronte, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and ready to learn more about the collaboration and its goal. 

I knew, having previously visited Bronte for a breakfast meeting earlier in the year and fan-girled over the pretty pink Tom Dixon designed breakfast bar and copper light fixtures, that it was the exact place I wished to have the #TLCxAuree breakfast, and the team there could not have been more accommodating.

The tables were adorned with gorgeous wild flowers arranged by Maua London, and each guest had a personalised engraved bracelet waiting at their place, each with a calligraphy label by Sophia Vaughn. 

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After speaking to everyone about the campaign, and why it one so close to my heart, I showed everyone a short video (below) that I knew would speak volumes louder than I could ever convey. 

“The statistics are unbearable, over a thousand rangers have been killed in the line of duty since 2003. By joining forces with Auree Jewellery and The London Chatter we hope to make a difference, raising funds to ensure that rangers are enabled with good-quality equipment, training and general welfare, including support for the families of rangers killed or injured in the line of duty. These are the men that are risking their lives to save Africa’s iconic species – it is dangerous, tough and thankless work and we must do all we can to help them.”  Sam Taylor, Founder of For Rangers.

By buying these bracelets (£50.00 - £140.00) you will directly be helping to protect elephants across Africa… Now THAT is some guilt free shopping, people! 

www.aureejewellery.com

Shop TLC's Look...

(Click on the items for direct links)

Photography:  Ella Sadika

#OOTD: 01.11.16

I think you miiiight have noticed by now, I’m not particularly someone who shies away from a little colour. I am not saying I don’t have my more monochromatic, Skandi-inspired moments, but day to day, colour is what I’m drawn to and it makes me feel brighter and happier.

I love Autumn with its greying skies and flame red and crimson leaves scattering the pavement and parks.  Year after year, the colours I'm more inclined to wear during this season have an overtly British feel to them; mustard, teal and burgundy.  I also this year have been really fond of magenta – a little more vibrant and warm than burgundy but goes equally as well with my other favourites. 

This ASOS cropped-sleeve, fluffy knit encourages me to feel as energetic as it looks, and matches perfectly with my favourite Tom Ford lipstick, ‘Plum Lush.’  Its ruffled neckline is totally on trend and the metallic lined frills act as its own accessory so I only needed to stack some Monica Vinader Signature Bangles.

This peacock teal Fran Coat from L.K Bennett is a total sensation!  The soft wool and cashmere coat literally envelopes you like a cosy dressing gown, and together with the colour-popping magenta, a good pair of Citizens of Humanity dark blue skinny jeans (oh, and a random backdrop of burnt orange and pale gold leaves, no less) guarantees to pack a mean Autumn punch.

Shop TLC's Look...

Photography: Ella Sadika

TLC Staycation: The Hari, London

I can’t even tell you how spoiling it was to stay at The Hari, London during London Fashion Week… But I can try!  At a time where I zoom around like a mad thing, keeping to a tight schedule with multiple outfit changes for varying shows and events, it was a total dreeeeam to have The Hari, a little gem of a hotel in London’s Belgravia, as my beyond comfortable base, with their phenomenally helpful team on hand to make sure I was as Happy as Larry… So happy in fact, that actually leaving was pretty heartbreaking!! 

Above: Checking in with my Rimowa Limbo Suitcase and personalised Tephi Garment Bag. 

There are 85 bedrooms, including 14 luxury suites, at The Hari, created in an almost Mad-Men’esq way by leading British interior designer Tara Bernerd.  Think plush velvets, hardwood oak floors, eclectic furnishings, marbled bathrooms… Heaven!

Above:  Now that's a welcome!  Being met in my rooms by bubbles, truffles and and an indulgent LFW Survival Kit which included treats from Biscuiteers, Ren, and a Sunday's Mini Moon eye mask.

The Hari was perfectly located for me to zip in and out of town without any hassle, being only a five-minute walk to Knightsbridge tube station, or quick ride in an Uber... But juuuust about far away enough from all the buzz to really be able to zone out and relax when needed. 

Above:  My Sisley Paris beauty products and Tom Ford make up looked more than at home in my chic marble bathroom at The Hari. (Jewellery from Laura Gravestock, Missoma and Auree). 

The 24-hour room service was a totally blessing - not only did I enjoy the most amazing breakfasts each morning (I quickly learnt I was just MADE to be woken up with fresh orange juice and sea salt porridge with maple syrup), but having delicious, healthy food on hand after long days rushing about grabbing snacks on the go, was incredibly appreciated. (Masini and  Chern Barbados Pyjama Set at Apples & Drawers).

The hotel’s impeccable concierge service was utterly amazing, helpfully receiving any of my deliveries and catering to any of my particular whims. I don’t have many particular whims in case you were wondering, but HOW comforting to know that, in case of emergency, they would have been meticulously catered for! 

When not spending every possible second at The Hari snuggled up, resting my poor battered feet, there were plenty of chilled areas around the hotel to enjoy a little R&R (and a cocktail or two…) The terrace is particularly gorgeous and bar area was clearly a popular evening option for guests and non guests alike. 

Shop TLC's LFW Looks...

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Below:  Checking Out.  Thank you to The Hari for being the ultimate LFW haven to lay my hat (and eight dresses, six pairs of heels, three pairs of boots… and... and...)