Black Friday: Conscious Consumerism

I’ve been asked about my thoughts on Black Friday so much today and honestly, I feel it would be remiss of me, despite the threat of increased carbon emissions this weekend, to tell people to boycott it, considering I am in the lucky position to enjoy various discounts/loans throughout the year from my relationships within the fashion industry. I’m also aware that Christmas time can be expensive, not everyone can afford the wardrobes/beauty products/home wear they wish for at full price, and generous sales at this time can be insanely helpful. What I would encourage, however, is a level of Conscious Consumerism, where we all make really considered purchases, in spite of the excessive amount of enticing deals, to avoid buying unnecessary items destined for landfill. SO... My advice?

1. Make a list of what you actually need. For Christmas in particular, I find jewellery discounts to be the most helpful (Monica Vinader and Missoma are two old, firm faves of mine) but try and not deviate off track and make impulse purchases. In the moment, it's so easy to feel seduced by all the deals, so ask yourself two questions;

   Will I use this item more than 30 times?

   Would I be buying this if it weren't on sale?

   And, if your answer is no, pop it back.

2. If there is an expensive, investment (*the key word here) item you have been waiting to buy (a television, a new duvet, or in my case, a new camera) then this is of course, a great opportunity to enjoy a discount.

3. This could also be a great to time of year to try sustainable brands, which can be, for many, not as affordable as high-street options at other times of the year - I love Veja and Chinti and Parker.

4. Ask yourself, do I actually need anything?! Mending and not spending is the most sustainable thing you can do when it comes to refreshing your wardrobe, and many second hand/vintage/pre-loved shops/websites also have deals going on, ones which cause no further impact to the environment.

5. Lastly, consider renting rather than buying (check out My Wardrobe HQ and Hurr) if looking for a new festive one/off look with no eco/buyer’s remorse the next day!

Go forth, and be mindful out there in the crazy, y’all…

Spring Denim at Debenhams

A good pair of jeans is the ultimate addition to anyone’s wardrobe, as regardless of the weather or the occasion, some good denim is the most reliable ‘go to’ of dressing solutions. I am the ultimate jeans girl, with a day rarely spent not wearing a pair, so I leapt at the chance to style up some of Debenhams latest spring denim designs…

THE SKINNY JEANS

Last season we saw a real shift back to skinny denim, and it’s quite clear that this sorely missed style is here to stay.  Charcoal grey is always a great transitional colour jean, and the bold, playful Studio By Preen polka dot shirt, with its gorgeous wizard sleeves, really stands out when worn with together. After abandoning my socks (gloves, vest, and balaclava), I’ll be wearing this outfit as I merrily skip outttta Winter into Spring. 

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THE BOYFRIEND JEANS

Baggy, too-cool to care boyfriend jeans are a staple in my wardrobe, and it’s a style I usually contrast with slightly more feminine pieces.  This pair however, are uniquely adorned with striking floral embroidery, so I reached for my leather jacket, sneakers and more plain accessories to try and balance out the pretty.

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THE WHITE JEANS

It’s not just Liz Hurley who loves a good pair of white jeans… Regardless of the season, you’ll find my legs wrapped in gleaming white denim too. I wore this fitted pair with some white boots (a huge trend right now) and some pieces from Nine by Savannah Miller, who’s collections each season at Debenhams I look really forward to. FYI - her embellished khaki bag is a real keeper!

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THE BLACK JEANS

Worn from work and straight into play (do not pass go, do not collect 200…) nothing is worthier of investment than a good pair of skinny black jeans - they can literally do NO wrong!  I also really love this striped dress shirt, which I tied kimono style at the front, and with the addition of a strong red lip, your #OOTD would make the perfect #OOTN. 

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Shop my full Debenhams edit HERE. 

In collaboration with Debenhams
Photography: Eva Salvi
Hair: Taylor Taylor London  
Nails: Swanky

Cosying up with Oasis

Whatever the reason, be it the clocks going back, Millennials being perpetually concerned with their wellbeing, or perhaps even the recent release of the addictive Stranger Things Season 2, what we do know for sure, is that staying in is the new going out. 

As someone who relishes in spending time at home, and feels no shame in enjoying regular bouts of ‘JOMO’ (the ‘Joy Of Missing Out’), the fact that loungewear has actually become not only ‘a thing,’ but an actual trend, makes me one happy little couch potato – albeit, now a stylish one.

Oasis have just launched their own capsule collection of cosy loungewear and sleepwear, with suuuuper soft and slouchy separates for chilling at home on your weekends, for unwinding on those relaxing nights in, and for hitting that glorious hay. 

From box set binges, to bed, to brunch, these comfy Oasis hoodies, chunky bed socks and oversized cardi’s will keep you stylishly snug, and all set for the impending Big Chill.

My favourite pieces from the new Oasis Loungwear Collection include a relaxed fit, 'Wake Me For Brunch' tee, an oversized, extra-layer-of-cosy blue Edge to Edge Cardi, and an understated grey Ballet Wrap with matching grey, drawstring Knitted Joggers - the perfect, easiest of attire, to wear on that most arduous journey from bed to sofa, and back again!  

I would recommend accessorising all the above with a delicious candle, hot chocolate, and one seriously large pizza (sharing optional).  

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(Click on the items below for their direct links)

In Collaboration with Oasis

Photographer:  Frances Davison

Hair:  Duck and Dry

Nails:  Sophie Gass

Tried and Tested: Over-The-Knee Boots with Selfridges (Ad)

I must admit, rightly or wrongly, I have always associated wearing over-the-knee boots with being overtly sexual and Cabaret’esq, so have steered away from them, given ‘sexy’ is not really my go-to style.  In fact, I’d always rather a compliment over some eclectic ensemble I was wearing from a stylish woman than a wolf whistle or a manly leer, any day.  An ex (clearly!) boyfriend once told me my look was ‘moooore demure than sexy,’ and despite the intentions of his remark, I was incredibly appreciative!!  Give me Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Portman or even bloomin’Jane Austen over a Kardashian any day!  HOWEVER, my head was turned last Winter when I saw a few bloggers I know, and supermodels I don’t, wearing over-the-knee boots with dark jeans and it looked… well, kinda chic!  SO… Never one to not try something new, I decided to grab a pair from Selfridges and give them a wee whirl, making sure to adapt them to my own style, and not the other way around.  I, yes I, was going to wear these boots, they were not going wear me!

Let’s do this...

Firstly, I decided to pair some suede Carvela Sammy over-the-knee boots with some skinny, dark Diesel jeans and an oversize woolly jumper from Alexa by Alexa Chung (a beloved ambassador of the all things anti-sexy, in her ruffles and glittery flats!) and a Manu Atelier suede bag.  By pairing the boots with these winter textures, they instantly became softened and far more appropriate for daytime.  In fact, with the addition of my sharp Jess Collett Milliner fedora, the overall look felt pretty kick ass!  Yup, I definitely could hear some Beyonce playing in my head with each step (*finger snap, hair swish…)

For my second outfit, I paired the Carvela over-the-knee boots with a zippered Kitri shirt dress and the dinkiest of current It Bags, a Simon Miller Bonsai Bag.  I definitely think this is the kind of a look I would wear to Fashion Week, and although with certain wider strides, there were some good old fashioned thighs on display, the long sleeves, and length of dress counteracted any unwarranted incitement on the streets!

In summation, I still think these over-the-knee boots are pretty sexy, but not in the original, possibly negative way I had first imagined.  With the right, balanced outfit, these boots actually make you feel pretty damn empowered too.  Demurely sexy, some might say...! 

In collaboration with Selfridges

Photography: Francis Davison

Hair:  Taylor Taylor London

Nails:  Sophie Gass

A Spring in my Step with Temperley London

I have always loved Temperley London’s free-spirited aesthetics, in fact the first designer dress I ever bought myself (albeit when it hit the sale, with a staff discount added on top, back in my wee shop girl days!) was a sparkling Temperley cocktail dress.  The excitement of wearing one of Alice’s bohemian dresses or best selling, cooler than cool sequin jumpsuits never ends (or fails to turn the right heads!) and this season’s collection, inspired by dreamcatchers, is a vision.  Immaculately crafted with strikingly colourful prints and patterns, these pieces can easily take you from day to night, which was exactly what I was looking for when I attended my friend’s wedding in Chelsea last weekend.  

The Temperley London V-Neck Aura Dress beautifully encapsulates this time of year, with its bold thread work embroidery featuring flowers and the most gorgeous bees. With a dress like this you should keep all your accessories to a bare minimum; A good pair of Choos (the only skyscrapers I can comfortably stand for eight hours in) and a gorgeous draping of wisteria and you’re good to go, with a Spring in your step…

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Hair:  Taylor Taylor London

TLC LOVES... Temperley London SS'17

Valentine's Gift List 2017 - For Her

I feel sorry for Valentine’s Day, a rather sweet day of the year that gets an enormous amount of flack. Each year you can see it merrily approaching, brim-full of romance and possibilities, with a kick in its heel, glistening heart emoji-eyes, and a pink, oh so very pink, trail of fairy dust (or perhaps Gwyneth’s Goop-recommended Sex Dust?) in its wake… All to be met by an anxiety-ridden, Hallmark-hating, eye-rolling audience of cynics, all heading for the hills to hide, regardless of their relationship status. 

Now, I get it, if you’re single this can be a day, frequently fuelled by a bottle of dry white Lady Petrol, where you feel continuously reminded of your current lack of love, and if you’re in a relationship you can feel immense pressure to perform like some lame love monkey whilst spending a ludicrous amount of money. 

However, in Valentine’s defence, I think it can also be seen as a day where we all can take a little Time Out from our frequently monotonous daily routines, and pay a little extra attention to one another, or friends, and even ourselves... Sometimes we sadly do need a reason, or a day each year, to remind us to do that. 

Spending a lot of money is not mandatory, as a little imagination and thought can easily be just as spoiling; some of the most memorable moments can involve the simplest of gestures and just some designated time to hang out. I am however, always asked each year for Valentine’s gift suggestions from panic stricken men, SOOO gentlemen, here are a few ideas guaranteed to put a smile on all those pretty faces, without a naff teddy bear or flammable set of red underwear in sight (don’t worry Ladies, I got yo’backs too…) 

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

Above:  Jo Malone’s Valentine’s Day denim designed gift box is beyond dreamy.  The sets, which contain a 100ml bottle of Jo Malone Red Roses (a scent inspired by seven of the world’s finest roses) set amongst freshly cut blooms from florist Philippa Craddock, is available from Selfridges until Feb 14th (RRP. £130.00).

"The fire and excitement may be gone now that we don't go out there and sing them anymore, but the ring of fire still burns around you and I, keeping our love hotter than a pepper sprout."

Johnny Cash to June Carter Cash

"I don't know how to tell you just how much I miss you. I love you till my heart could burst. All I love, all I want, all I need is you—forever. I want to be just where you are and be just what you want me to be. I know it's lousy of me to be so late so often, and I promise to try a million times harder, I promise."  

Marilyn Monroe to Joe DiMaggio

Above:  'Buy to Give' this Valentine’s Day by not only spoiling your loved one with jewellery, but also directly helping to fight against ivory poaching. Every purchase from The Tembo Collection, a collection of seven Masai bead inspired bracelets I designed with Auree Jewellery, sees 100% of the profit go to For Rangers, a campaign in conjunction with Tusk that helps the heroes on the front line of conservation in their fight against elephant poaching across Africa.  (RRP. £50.00 - £140.00)

"So My Lumps... You’re off, by God! I can barely believe it since I am so unaccustomed to anybody leaving me. But reflectively I wonder why nobody did so before. All I care about—honest to God—is that you are happy and I don’t much care who you’ll find happiness with. I mean as long as he’s a friendly bloke and treats you nice and kind. If he doesn’t I’ll come at him with a hammer and clinker. God’s eye may be on the sparrow but my eye will always be on you. Never forget your strange virtues. Never forget that underneath that veneer of raucous language is a remarkable and puritanical LADY. I am a smashing bore and why you’ve stuck by me so long is an indication of your loyalty. I shall miss you with passion and wild regret."

Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor 

"My mouth hasn’t shut up about you since you kissed it. The idea that you may kiss it again is stuck in my brain, which hasn’t stopped thinking about you since well before any kiss. And now the prospect of those kisses seems to wind me like when you slip on the stairs and one of the steps hits you in the middle of the back. The notion of them continuing for what is traditionally terrifying forever excites me to an unfamiliar degree."  

Alex Turner to Alexa Chung

ABOVE:  Treat someone special to a rooooomantic stay at the swoonsome Artist Residence in London's Pimlico. To celebrate Valentine's Day, this eclectic townhouse, my fave home away from home, is offering champagne and choccies on arrival, late checkout and a free room upgrade, all for £50 on top of their usual room rates between 10.02.17 - 05.03.17. (T&C's apply, subject to availability.)

#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.

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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. 

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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...)

Winter Ready with Clarks

This season Clarks has our feet covered… Literally.  With the chillier weather swooping in (my tights were brought back out of their summer slumber only yesterday), this well-known brand has launched a plethora of boots for us to stylishly tackle the winter months in.

There are many new styles available but I decided to road test the new Carleta Lyon Boots in my neighbourhood.  Although available in darker, more wintery hues (navy, black and khaki) I thought I would ease my way into the cool with a tan suede pair, clinging onto the daylight and last rays of sun whilst I can!

As the song goes, these boots were made for walking (unlike most of my shoes which were definitely made for Uber!) The heel height is totally bearable, and my feet were the happiest they’ve been since before Fashion Week and its subsequent hobbling.

“Are you ready boots? Start walking…”

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Photography: Ella Sadika

Hair and Makeup: Secret Spa

Nails: Sophie Gass

In Collaboration with Clarks

An Evening with Monica Vinader and Jenny Walton

I recently attended an after hour’s dinner at Monica Vinader’s flagship store in Chelsea during London Fashion Week, to celebrate her Signature Bangle Collection and collaboration with Jenny Walton.

Global fashion icon Jenny (below), the Fashion Director of global street style blog, The Satorialist, has created six hand drawn and painted illustrations inspired by the coveted, now cult, bangles.

"I'm most looking forward to people seeing the beautiful illustrations and the fun ways we have made them come to life with videos and gifs. I also love the concept behind the project, of the different places you could wear such a beautiful bangle. It's simple but very chic, so you can easily wear it shopping with friends, stacked for an evening, or on a day trip to the beach."  Jenny Walton.

I wore Orla Kiely's Bubble Organza Sylvie Dress, the Anine Bing Havana Velvet Bag I am pretty much surgically attached to right now, and some Zara ‘go-with-EVERYTHING’ Leather Mid-Heel shoes.  My hair was inspired by the models I saw at the Emilia Wickstead show, and created at Duck & Dry.

The bangles are incredibly versatile, perfect for stacking together, and also engravable.  Using both strong, clean lines with flowing curves, the design of the bracelet, available in a wide variety of choices, is the perfect combination of both modern and feminine.

See Full Collection: HERE

TLC Loves... The Monica Vinader Signature Bangles

Signature Wide Bangle

Signature Thin Bangle

Signature Diamond Bangles

Jenny's illustrations are on display at Monica Vinader's Chelsea Boutique until October 11th.