Joining the Cocoon Club

I’m thrilled to have discovered Cocoon, the circular, sustainable solution for (*commitment phobic) bag enthusiasts...! Founded by Matt Heiman, Maya Taras-Nelson and Ceanne Fernandes-Wong, Cocoon has been created to allow consumers to “experience luxury in a more responsible, less wasteful way,” with a monthly £99.00 subscription allows you to get your hands swinging the most sought-after styles, without any buyer’s remorse or additional environmental impact.

Luxury bag brands featured on Cocoon include Bottega (ooh, yes please!), Gucci, Chloe, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Shrimps - and Celine, like I’m wearing here.

Remember, sharing is caring, y’all…

Wearing: ‘The Patti’ by Rock The Jumpsuit, made from organic stretch denim produced sustainably in Portugal.

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Photography: Rosalind Cazar

OOTD: 08.05.19

We had such high hopes after that scorcher of a Bank Holiday last month, but annoyingly, ever since, my newly packed away winter clothes are one by one returning at pace, and I’ve intermittently had the heating back on! HOWEVER, these gloomy mornings and random downpours shall not rain on my parade or ruin my lewwwk – mainly thanks to this ALEXACHUNG vinyl hooded trench coat.

Waterproofing and insulation aside, I love the pale blue colour of this trench, which can be worn over separates or even styled as a dress (like it was on the runway), and it has a real retro feel to it, which I love.

I paired the trench with a Maje snake print mini skirt (I know, I’m usually a leopard lass through and through, but this chic skirt unsurprisingly slithered its way happily into my wardrobe), a sky-blue Jacquemus ribbed-knit top and some white ankle boots, the perfect transitional accompaniment for any season. This particular pair of much loved and worn boots are pretty old, but there are still some great options available, and I will pop some of my favourite alternatives below. I also recently discovered Sarah and Sebastian, ethical jewellers from Sydney, and I love their gorgeously delicate gold vermeil, petal-shaped Rosa pendants.

SHOP TLC’S LOOK…

And now, EVERYBODY…

Photography: Frances Davison

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Dressed by Net a Porter

#OOTD: 28.11.18

I fell for East London based brand Mother of Pearl hard over Fashion Week this season, not only because of their renown sustainable credentials, but also because this pyjama/jogger trouser/pearl lined shirt combo struck the perfect balance between casual and luxury – my sartorial happy place!

“I have a vision to make products that travel the minimum amount of miles, using the minimum amount of chemicals possible, and are socially responsible and organic,” says Amy Powney, Mother of Pearl’s creative director. Using only cotton and wool from ethical production methods (including minimised water consumption and zero toxins) Mother of Pearl’s feminine ruffles, use of faux pearl detailing and cooler than cool masculine silhouettes are well worth having on your radar (and in your wardrobe.)

Shop TLC’s Look…

Photography: Frances Davison

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Nails: Sophie Gass

Black Friday with Farfetch

Wave ya hands in the air like ya… KNOW BLACK FRIDAY IS COMING…!

As your email inbox miiiiight be alerting you, Black Friday is heading straight towards us, with discounts too good to ignore. Whilst this bargain-heavy day can be enjoyed online, your digital elbows need to be just as ready, so preparation is KEY, people!

On Friday morning I intend to be hopping straight on the Farfetch website, as not only do they sell all the top designer pieces each season, they also sell gorgeous clothing and accessories from an unparalleled number of emerging designers. On a day I can feel a little less guilty for treating myself, I plan on investing in a little summin’ summin’ from one of these new designers that you’ve probably seen all over your favourite Instagram accounts this year.

I’ve had my eye on this cherry’licious and watermelon bag for the last few months. Each one of Susan Alexandra’s whimsical bags take six weeks for designer Susan Korn and her team to make in New York’s Chinatown, with each one consisting of between 300 - 1500 beads each. I feel they would be tantamount to carrying around pieces of pure sunshine. Shop Cherry Bag Here / Shop Watermelon Bag Here.

Despite only being founded in 2016, By Far already boasts a huge celebrity following. The brand’s contemporary and hard-wearing designs are handmade in a family-run factory in Bulgaria, and these winter white and lizard brick red ankle boots, made with sustainable Italian leather, will go with evvvverything, all year round. Shop White Boots Here / Shop Brick Red Boots Here.

Miaou, pronounced ‘Meow,’ create the most distinctive denim, and for a loud and proud, crazy cat lady like myself, these cropped leopard print jeans would be purrrrfect for any season. If you feel you need to roar a little louder, pair your jeans with the matching jacket. Shop Jeans Here / Shop Jacket Here.

I already own one Vampire’s Wife dress, and nothing makes me feel more regal, feminine or glamorous. The label is the brainchild of English model Susie Bick, taking its name from her husband’s abandoned book project. Taking this season’s trend for corduroy to the next level, these dresses with their ruffle trimmings are total classic, day to night investments. Shop Navy Dress Here / Shop Brown Dress Here.

I fell hook, line and sinker for London-based, Korean-born designer Rejina Pyo at her first ever London Fashion Week show, and each season her unique silhouettes are always at the top of my wish list. I can’t decide what I love more, this brown, grey and orange print wool duffle coat with its oversized collar and adorable toggle fastenings, or her blue Olivia leather box bag?! Mind you, the two would go terribly well together... And remember, when it comes to Black Friday, it’s not what you spend, it’s what you saaaave ;) Shop Coat Here / Shop Bag Here.

Photography: Joseph Galvin, Dress: Karen Millen, Hair: Taylor Taylor London

#OOTD: 17.10.18 (With Marks and Spencer)

Who doesn’t have a lil’soft spot for Marks & Spencer? Traditionally my go-to, one-stop-shop for underwear, roses, smoked salmon, commemorative tins of biscuits (don’t judge me) and Percy Pigs, it is now also the location I’ve found some of my favourite staple Autumn/Winter’18 wardrobe additions.

Over the years I’ve found some real little winners to wear from M&S (I think I bought the entire Alexa Chung collection, and the washable cashmere is always an ‘Add To Basket’ investment) but I’ve never seen the amount of wearable, on-trend (and affordable) fashion as I have found online and in-store this season.

As we’ve now officially come to the end of the longest summer EVER (the heating is on as I write…) I decided to style together some of my favourite new-season M&S separates, which each also tick many of the Fall’18 trends; Animal print, corduroy, berry tones and winter whites.

What I love most about this outfit (aside from the clear 1960’s Mary Quant, Chelsea vibes!) is that each one of my chosen pieces can be so easily integrated into my existing wardrobe, giving the items I already own the perfect refresh they need.

Shop TLC’s Look…

TLC Loves… M&S

In collaboration with Marks and Spencer
Photography: Frances Davison
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

Moon Hair Clip: Estee Rose

With thanks to Enrique the pug.

Making it Personal with Links of London

I’m not sure if there was something in the water last year, but I’ve had a recent rush of the most gorgeous god-children and other miniature cuties appear in my life!  Deciding what to buy them to celebrate their arrivals has been so much fun, and alongside an obligatory Sophie la Girafe, I decided to give them all some of their very own engraved treasure to welcome them into the world. 

I headed straight to Links of London, knowing they not only have a renowned selection of covetable, yet affordable, jewellery, but they also generously offer complimentary engraving.  From pens to pendants, watches and tie bars, Links of London is filled with copious amounts of personalised giftspiration and I was spoilt for choice.  

For the boys, I decided to get sterling silver cufflinks with their initials (can we take a moment to appreciate that I have a god-son called Lukas Axel… #FutureRockstar #JusSayin…) and for the girls I got gorgeous sterling silver and 18kt gold heart-shaped disc charms engraved with their names.  These hearts can be added to charm bracelets or worn alone on a necklace, and although these gifts might not be ones the children can immediately enjoy, they will feel all the more special and sentimental once they can. 

The pieces of jewellery I hold most dear are always completely unique to me, engraved with my name, or of those closest to me, personalised with meaningful dates, lyrics or sweet, ‘in joke’ phrases.  These pieces instantly become heirlooms, and the reason why I tend to veer towards this idea for presents for others, and ermmm, myself.  What?!  You didn’t think I was going to leave myself out of this equation, did you?!  Do you not know me at all by now?! 

With my sister living in New York, my mother living in Kenya, and with me living in London, I thought I would engrave us some matching Links of London friendship bracelets with each of our initials engraved on the cord's toggle. How sweet?! 

Now, purely for safety (slash, fashion) purposes, I decided I obviously needed to road test all three bracelets together... Which annoyingly, has now made me want more, as they are the perfect stacking bracelet...

Fear not, friends, I managed to behave.  Both my mother’s engraved 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil & Taupe Cord Mini Friendship Bracelet, and my sister's engraved 18kt Yellow Gold Vermeil & Ruby Red Mini Friendship Bracelet, were both dutifully wrapped up and sent to each of their far-flung destinations! Severe brownie points all round. 

Shop TLC's Look...

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

Go Your Own Way with Oris

Having spent most of my twenties not wearing a watch, or really even caring that much about the time in general (oh, sweet youth…) I have certainly upped my wrist game since hitting 30. Telling the time, and most importantly, being on time, aside, a great watch can really set the tone for your whole look, acting as both a style and personal character statement. 

As we tend to wear watches more frequently than any other accessory, investing in a time piece you really love feels pretty justifiable, given the eventual ‘cost per wear’ (a little formula not taught at school, but one I use far more regularly than the Pythagorean theorem…) and amidst an influx of smart watches and new technology flooding the market, I am even more appreciative of traditional, beautifully crafted and charismatic watches which can be passed down from generation to generation. 

This summer I discovered Oris, the luxury Swiss watch brand renowned for their distinctive, 100% mechanical designs. Founded in Holstein, Switzerland, in 1904, the independent company launched a standalone concept store on London’s fashionable South Molton Street, which gives British customers a chance to explore the brand, its rich watchmaking heritage and ultimately to ‘Go Your Own Way,’ by finding your perfect watch. 

One of the highlights at the pop-up, for this history geek at least, is the Oris mini museum, featuring classic pieces from throughout the brand’s 114 years.  The latest collections are also on display, and of course available to buy or pre-order, and my eyes definitely fell upon the Artelier Grand Lune Date Diamond Automatic Watch (now, try saying THAT several times in a row…)

To me, this watch is both classic but also wonderfully modern, and although embellished with beautiful diamonds and sapphire crystal, in keeping with my day-to-day style and work, it doesn’t feel too ostentatious or feminine, due to the bigger dial size and deep, midnight blue sustainable leather strap.

The distinctive and decorative large moon and series of twinkling, reflective stars add a really special and almost poetic touch to the watch and one that truly had me at hello (or should I say, grüezi…) 

Passionate about our earth and wildlife, what was of obvious interest to me, is the brand’s #ChangeForTheBetter campaign, and their continuous, and active support of non-profit organisations that protect endangered species and conserve threatened habitats. This year Oris started using sustainably sourced and produced leather straps, which appeared in the company’s classic collection of Artelier watches, such as the one I chose to wear.  Knowing that the watch I chose to wear has been so ethically created makes this particular collection even more charming and covetable, and although also available in stainless steel, I can imagine the leather strap will age really beautifully over time, telling unique stories from each owner’s wear, and I find that really enchanting. 

‘This is both an elegant, feminine piece of watch design, and a wonderful example of Oris’s watchmaking abilities,’ said Oris Chairman Ulrich W. Herzog. ‘The new Oris-developed Calibre 763 is the latest in a long line of Oris innovations and brings the traditional ‘grande lune’ complication into orbit for stylish women who are looking for an attractively priced Swiss Made watch.’ 

In collaboration with Oris
Photography: Frances Davison
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

BA&SH After Hours: I Do Yoga & Drink Tequila...

I have long since been a fan of ba&sh, the French fashion brand which allows us to access that effortless Parisian style we all covet, with a welcome twist of California cool, on our very own British high streets. 

Season after season, their never-out-of-style, fresh and floaty bohemian aesthetic, with its touch of rock and roll, urban chic, is the direct result of a beautiful friendship between Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief.  Fifteen years ago these life-long, joined-at-the-hip besties decided to create the now hugely popular lifestyle brand, filled with feminine and timeless wardrobe must-haves fit for any occasion.  

I was really excited to be given the opportunity to help spread the good word about ba&sh’s first yoga capsule collection, a collaboration with Ana Hart, a young brand co-designed by interior designer and yogini Amanda Ibgui, and her former yoga teacher and mentor Rachel Novetsky. 

On the first properly sunny day of the year, surrounded by show-stopping, instagram-worthy blossom trees in a nearby private Notting Hill garden (all so very "Whoopsie Daisy," Richard Curtis), I wore some of the pieces to a Jivamukti yoga class with the fabulous Dannii Jordana from the famed Sangye Yoga School.

Wearing the ba&sh x Ana Hart Romy Jumpsuit. 

The perfect balance of ba&sh’s natural fabrics and feminine styles, alongside the technical support of Ana Hart’s designs, has made for a unique, contemporary and super soft collection with a deliciously cheeky edge.  In fact, the hero t’shirt I wore might just sum up ba&sh in une nutshell; 'I do yoga and drink tequila.' 

Above:  Wearing the ba&sh x Ana Hart Kloe leggings and Moove T'shirt.

Above:  Wearing the ba&sh x Ana Hart Moti T'shirt.

This capsule collection is created for women that love to keep fit and healthy, but also like to have a little (or a lotta) fun… Ladies who balance out their green juices with their cocktails and their warrior poses with their table dancing… Which sounds an awful lot like many of my friends!

Speaking of my friends… I was thrilled when ba&sh invited a group of my nearest and dearest along to a special ‘After Hours’ drinks party at my local Westbourne Grove store, where I introduced them to not only the new yoga capsule collection, but also to the latest ba&sh Spring/Summer’18 designs. 

Above:  Hosting my friends wearing the ethereal, metallic Pipa Dress.

As suspected, it didn’t take my buddies long to get well acquainted with the stunning ba&sh designs (or some of the first rosé of the summer), and most predictably, shopping bags were soon filled with some seriously enviable wardrobe additions. 

Complimentary hugs were issued with every ba&sh purchase... 

Soon after we piled into cars which took us to a private apartment on Golborne Road, my favourite road in my neighbourhood, where a sumptuous vegetarian feast and a plethora of cocktails awaited us, beside an edit of my favourite ba&sh Spring/Summer’18 pieces.  

Each of my guests also found gifts from the ba&sh x Ana Hart yoga collection on their seats, and took home posies which made up the beautiful bouquets around the room. 

The entire night felt dreamy; like a birthday celebration (or in my case, a 'Kellybration') where you got to enjoy all the feels without having to turn another dreaded year older…!  I loved seeing so many of my girlfriends and my energy and love levels were sooooaring (more hugs, anyone?! Anyone?!!)

Merci ba&sh for such a spoiling evening. xx

In collaboration with ba&sh
Yoga Photography: Frances Davison
Catering and Floristry: The Hill Food Company
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

Chinti and Parker x Women for Women International

My lovely friends at Chinti and Parker joined forces earlier this year with Women for Women International and model Arizona Muse to create a really special, limited-edition collection of cashmere which sees 100% of the profit go towards supporting survivors of war living in some of the world’s most dangerous places.  An ode-to-sisterhood, and the perfect statement Spring coverup, what's not to LOVE?! 

Stronger Women = Stronger Nations.  

Shop TLC's Style...

Photography:  Frances Davison

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Nails: Sophie Gass