TIMEX Fairfield Weekender Collection Launch

TIMEX recently revealed their new SS’16 Fairfield Weekender watch collection and I was very kindly invited to the European launch.  With a night’s stay at the fabulous Mondrian London’s on the South Bank, a fun afternoon spent touring Borough Market and an evening partying at Shoreditch House, this was twenty-four hours of pure fun, food and frivolity in the capital. 

We started our TIMEX adventure with a delicious lunch held in the Mondrian’s Rumpus Room where, alongside the best possible views in London, we learnt more about the brand from the TIMEX Design Director Giorgio Galli, the man responsible for creating the brand’s watches for the last decade. It was at this lunch I was given two of the new watches, both personalised with my initials, and given my particular obsession with orange accessories, I was thrilled with my new arm candy. 

The afternoon was spent with a tour of Borough Market.  I have lived in London for years, and I was still so excited about this. I loved meeting all the stall vendors and having a taste of so many of the amazing treats available to buy (the sea salt fudge and the coconut pancakes in particular!) We ended our trip with some wine tasting and doughnuts!... Yup, I rolled my way back to the hotel to get ready for the party!

The party at Shoreditch House commenced, and alongside the popcorn and candy floss (a nod to the brand’s American heritage) there was a customisation bar for guests to choose their own TIMEX stylish watch face (which all light up I later discovered, much to my delight!) and a fun, interchangeable, colourful strap from a large selection, pick'n'mix stylie! 

In the morning, wearing my AscenoxRollingStones PJ's (a collaboration that coincides with 'Exhibitionism') feeling a little bleary-eyed and after some delicious room service (yes, pancakes covered in syrup, obviously), I made my way down to the hotel’s beyond relaxing spa to enjoy a heavenly massage before heading back over the river, and home.  Such a fun TIME, thank you TIMEX! 

Shop TLC's Look...

An Afternoon with Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths, the largest luxury jewellers in the UK, have always been a trusted, reliable and handily local source for those important, life long purchases and treasures, however big or small.  The brand recently not only had their London stores sparklingly refurbished and opened a new store on London’s hustly, bustly Oxford Street, but they have also started stocking some seriously aspirational watch brands which will have us all clambering for in the lead up to Christmas (including Cartier, TAG Heuer, and Breitling).

I recently attended the Victoria store’s re-launch (left) and was really impressed with not only the variety of Goldsmiths and other branded jewellery that was on display, but also the useful services on offer to their customers. I was told that they organised for your Cartier watches to be serviced and also for your rings to be re-polished on site.  I knew I had to try these new services out when heading into town for some shopping and drinks with friends before Christmas. 

Returning with my friend Charlotte shortly after, I had my vintage Cartier Panther (a spoiling 30th birthday present from my parents, to match my mother’s) sent to be serviced and a friend’s engagement and wedding rings cleaned, which I have to say, came back after only a few minutes dazzling.

I then set about trying on A LOT of the jewellery and the watches (how could I resist?!) The service at Goldsmiths is always second to none, so authoritative yet friendly, and always feel very looked after.

I eventually (after literally trying on everything and more!) chose a mixture of Goldsmiths' own jewellery and several pieces from their surprisingly reasonable Michael Kors section (above) to wear with friends later that afternoon for drinks at the Mondrian London’s stunning Rumpus Room overlooking London... 

Designer Kalita al Swaidi looked stunning in one of her upcoming creations, accessorising with a Michael Kors necklace, Michael Kors Tortoiseshell Ring and a Goldsmiths' Double Layer Ring. 

Make up artist Charlotte Cowen looked beautiful in her Goldsmith Gold Twist Hinge Bangle and three gold bangle, and a gorgeous Michael Kors Tri Tone Layered Ring. 

The Rose Gold Oval Locket Pendant by Goldsmiths and Michael Kors Arrow Motif Rings in both rose gold and yellow.  I wore were my favourites of the day… “Dear Santa…!!” 

Photographs: Ella Sadika, Make Up: Charlotte Cowen.

Created in collaboration with Goldsmiths.

Getting Christmas Ready with River Island

Just imagine HOW excited I was to be asked by River Island to pop down to their giant flagship, Oxford Street store earlier this week to curate a look worthy of the fast approaching Christmas parties.  It really it already THAT time of year!  With all the Christmas lights already sparkling on Oxford Street, I was certainly in the mood and couldn't wait to get perusing.

Narrowing down my vast array of choices in their very sleek, newly installed Parkhouse Style Studio, with a lovely stylist and some much appreciated champagne on hand, was beyond fun, and if I behaved slightly like a kid in a candy store, welllll… #SorryNotSorry!

Despite being totally tempted by the multitude of sparkles on the rails, and a gorgeous, almost structured lace black dress and toe-less boots combo (left) it was a stunning emerald toned, silky limited edition, belted trench coat which caught my eye and stole my heart, and I quickly decided that this was my must have item for the festive season, and I would work the rest of the look around it.   

Striking, yet demure, I kept it fun and festive by adding some leopard print heels (you can take the girl outta Africa…) and some lace and tie up detailing peaking through with my top and Amelie jeans - black needn’t be boring after all.    

Accompanied with my own Nathalie Trad clutch which is never far from my side after dark, I headed to the Mondrian London’s gorgeous Rumpus Room to give the look a little pre-Christmas test run.

What do you reckon? Mission 'Christmas Party' accomplished?!  Find me under the mistletoe... Or you, know, probably the bar.

Shop TLC's Look

Photographer:  Ella Sadika

Make Up:  Charlotte Cowen

Hair:  Clo and Flo