Topshop's Personal Shopping Experience

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

Kelly Hoppen's 'Design Masterclass' Book Launch

Last week I went to the Perrier-Jouët and chocolate macaroon filled launch of Kelly Hoppen’s latest interiors book, ‘Design Masterclass: How to Achieve the Home of Your Dreams,’ at  Belgraves Hotel.  As one of the world’s leading contemporary interior designers, a talent for which she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Kelly Hoppen is world-renowned for her minimalist yet luxuriously elegant interiors. The latest member of BBC2’s ‘Dragon’s Den’ panel, Kelly is responsible for designing some of the world’s most lavish houses, apartments and yachts; she operates the celebrated Kelly Hoppen Design School; and she has created a successful range of furniture and home accessories.  ‘Design Masterclass’ is a professional guide to home decorating, beautifully peppered with inspiring images of some of her latest projects.  

Above (L-R): Kelly Hoppen with Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Victoria Beckham (in Celine).
Below (L-R):  Kelly Squared with Kelly Hoppen and with my old school pal Sienna Miller.

Below:  Wearing a Kate Spade New York Pink Cape, Leather-Look River Island Skinny Trousers (available HERE - RRP. £35.00), Rag & Bone Harrow Boots in Clay (RRP. £395.00) with a Soru Jewellery Double Green Opal Ring (available HERE - RRP. £120.00) and a Torula BagsBond Street Black Canvas and Leather Clutch (available HERE - RRP. £145.00).

Kelly Hoppen will be signing copies of her latest book and discussing her incredible career at Waterstones on the King’s Road this Thursday, 28th November 2013, from 7.00pm.
'Design Masterclass' is available at Waterstones HERE, RRP. £40.00 £30.10

Trend: Socks and Sandals

Ordinarily I can appreciate the merits of a new trend, especially when pioneered by modern day style icons and fashion heavyweights Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny and SJP.   I do feel however, feel the socks'n'sandals combo is a step too far.  On six year old girls? Fine. On Japanese Hirajuku girls wearing neon wigs?  Fiiiine.  On the grown women we have come to know, love and admire?  This is an open shoe step too far.   
Look, I know we struggle to let go of the summer in all it’s heavenly rosé glory, and returning our favourite new heels to their boxes to only replace them with that ol’wooly cardigan is excruciatingly hard… but sometimes it’s healthier, and a lot more stylish, to just let it go Ladies… it’s not cute and it’s not clever (clogs). 

LFW: Mulberry SS'14

After having sent out THE most adorable London Fashion Week tea cup invitations made by Wedgewood, Claridges was transformed into an English country garden, complete with fresh flowers, astro turf floors and a stuffed peacock, forEmma Hill to say “over and out” with her final collection as creative director for Mulberry.  Well known for bringin’ the brand’s sexy back, Hill emotionally commenced the show with an echoing voiceover from Sir Winston Churchill, ‘this House we have built together, brick by brick, stone by stone, this house we call home’ before blaring out ‘Our House’ by Madness as the models cue to strut.  Showcasing typically cheery designs inspired by the Sixties London, the models (including Cara Delevigne) wore wide-leg trousers, over-sized silhouettes and enlarged floral prints.  Turbo the British Bulldog wore a floral overcoat – expect one to adorn all the hottest dawgs next spring.

Above:  I am naturally always most interested in the new collection of bags swung on the catwalk, and alongside stripey Bayswaters and a midnight blue Willow, the Kensal, named after the brand’s London roots, was presented. The firey orange Kensal (below) instantly grabbed my attention (after my flame Bryn having being my constant companion for the last few months, I can’t recommend a mood lifting, bright bag for the summer more!) Emma Hill is leaving some very big shoes (and bags) to fill.

Below:  Alexa Chung with her pal Cara Delevigne at the Mulberry after-party.

NYFW: Christian Siriano SS'14

Christian Siriano’s SS’14 show at New York Fashion Week was FAB-U-LOUS.  I was actually shaking with excitement whilst pouring over the catwalk snaps of this collection. 

Inspired by a recent trip to Mexico’s Isla Mujeres, the designer showed a rainbow assortment of cute daywear and vibrant evening gowns.  The astonishing coral dress adorned with floral appliqués (below) is almost certainly a work of art.  Happiness would be a wardrobe filled with this beyond heavenly collection.  Love. It. All. 

NYFW: Monique Lhuillier SS'14

Monique Lhuillier’s SS’14 show this New York Fashion Week has easily been my favourite.  With no sign of any of the emerging trends for spring, Monique’s runway was filled with the most stunning of red carpet showstoppers.  Models were adorned in a collection of flowing and embellished gowns in hues of pink, orange and gold – I LOVE! 

Below:  WOW!  My favourite look was undoubtedly this silk linen gazar bandeau in hot pink, paired with a very full orange draped ball skirt... Did I say WOW?!  I foresee a Hollywood catfight to wear this lil’puppy on the red carpet.