Heart 'Feel Good Challenge'

Knowing that this time of year can prove quiiiiite the struggle for many of us (I mean, January is the Monday'ist of all the months, and February is kind of, well, a bit 'meh' too) those cheery lot at Heart (my personal antidote for all dem'winter blues) has launched the #HeartFeelGoodChallenge. Here comes the science bit; Challenge yourself by trying a feel-good activity, inspired by a feel-good song you heard played on the station.  

I always have the radio playing as I write, and last week, fresh off the boat from Kenya, wearing 84 layers of clothes and feeling ultimately sorry for myself, Heart played one of my faves, 'Say You'll Be There' by the Spice Girls, no less. This bouncy, deliriously infectious girl power anthem is ultimately all about how actions speak louder than words, which resonates slightly, given my New Year's resolution has proved, thus far, to be mostly hot air! Promising myself I would start doing some exercise in 2018 didn't quite go entirely according to plan… 

Being a life-long member of the 'Fitness Protection Programme,' I have always struggled to commit to any kind of exercise regime, let alone enjoy any classes that I've tried.  As I get older I am increasingly aware that the health benefits of exercise cannot be denied, and a little toning here and there is always a welcome perk.  'Say You'll Be There' definitely leaves you feeling pumped, ready to leap off that comfy sofa and get moving, so yes, it happened…I leapt; A Frame gym membership was sourced, and Barre classes and Reformer Pilates signed up to...

I have to say, despite the anticipated pre-gym grumbles and subsequent aches and pains associated with squats, the endorphins have been released, and I'm really looking forward to my next class; 80's aerobics (and yes, there will be leg warmers and a scrunchie… I may not be well versed in exercising, but accessorizing? Oh, I've got that down, people!)

I'd love to hear if you have also taken up the #HeartsFeelGoodChallenge and started any new mood-boosting activities to help you get through these grey ol'months… And please share any 'pick me up' song recommendations you've heard play on Heart which might help keep us all stay motivated...!

SHOP TLC's LOOK

In collaboration with Heart
Photography: Ella Sadika
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

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)

Valentines Gift Guide 2016

Once again ladies, I am here to save those darling men in your lives from making any highly-flammable lingerie or petrol station-bought floral disasters… You’re welcome!  

Gents - Hover over the images for the direct links... This LITERALLY couldn't be ANY simpler! Good Luck. 

As an aside, if anyone happens to be secretly in love with me, NOW would be the time to holler y'all... ;)

Above (L-R):  I don't have pierced ears, but if I did, I'd be hoping for these...  Missoma Gold and Pink Tourmaline Arc Jackets (RRP. £130.00), Missoma Gold and Diamond Bolt Hoop Earrings (£225.00)

Above:  Woo and Wow your lady with Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart's STUNNING Pimlico Bouquet (RRP. £85.00), a beautiful mix of pink roses and spray roses, clematis and anemones.

Above:  A personalised, tailor made Garment Bag (£175.00) from bespoke womenswear label Tephi would make the chicest luggage for that roooomantic weekend away he’s booked… #NoPressureLads.

Below:  Sick of wearing your heart on your sleeves?  Try moving it to your jeans... These Christopher Kane Love Heart Boyfriend Jeans (RRP. £845.00) are BEYOND cute. Yes please. 

Below:  Star crossed lovers?!  Smythson are taking an astrological approach to Valentine’s Day this year, with their ‘Written in the Stars’ campaign.  Until February 14th you can have any of your gorgeous purchases (over £175.00) personalised with a particular star sign motif.  given a complimentary personalisation service.  Despite being a Scorpio, I recently had my super sleek red Mara Leather Card Holder stamped with a Lion symbol… Nothing against my sign, but lions beat creepy crawlies!

Below:  Launching just in time for Valentine's Day, these stackable, rose gold  Diamond Alphabet Pendants (RRP. £150.00) from Monica Vinader would make the most perfect, sparkling pressie.

Below:  If champagne and choccies are not your thing (FYI we prooobably wouldn’t be friends, but I digress...) then maybe your fella can spoil you with Imbibery London’s Valentine’s Day Mylk six pack of limited edition cold pressed juice (RRP. £32.00).  It's actually very delicious!

All She Wants For Christmas 2016

It's THAT time again folks; The mad dash to buy your loved ones gifts and the mad hope that they in return take a look at this page (handily left open on their desktop, iPhone and iPad...) before using their own initiative and buying you anything...!  Hover over the items for their direct links. 

Above:  Missoma's beautiful Gold Half Infinity Rings look stunning stacked. (RRP. £65.00)

Above:  Bespoke womenswear label Tephi’s tailor made, personalized Tephi Garment Bag has made transporting your Sunday Best a whooole lot chicer.  With zipped compartments for your dresses and shoes, this is both stylish AND practical... #WinWin (RRP. £175.00)

Above:  Elizabeth Scarlett's distinctive embroidered Velvet Cushions, inspired by her many colourful travels, make beyond gorgeous additions to any home. (RRP. £55.00)

Above:  The Penmayne of London midnight blue Willow Fedora with a leather and guinea fowl feather – utterly chic. Have the silk lining initialed for that added touch. (RRP. £319.00)

Above:  The gift of some Bliss UK pampering and peace... I mean, the dreeeeeam.

Above:  The most beautiful addition to your home is a Feu de Beaumont candle. Each heavenly smelling candle (my favourite is Feu de Bois) comes with a gold-plated lid which can be engraved.  (RRP. £59.00)

All He Wants For Christmas 2016

Rather than resorting to making IOU voucher booklets (Ha! That ol'chestnut!) here is some TLC giftspiration which may make life a liiiittle easier over the the next few weeks... Hover over the items for direct links. 

Father's Day Gift Guide 2015

Father's Day is THIS weekend and if you haven’t managed to already find a pressie for the father in your life (or your child’s father) and the kitchen cupboard is already heaving with novelty ‘No.1 Dad’ mugs (best present ever, SURELY?!) then here are just a few ideas… We love you Dads! You rock.

Click on the picture of the items you like for their direct web links...

Below:  Frustrated by the lack of dedicated boxer shorts for men, Liverpool artist David Huglin set about creating something that combined his artistic vision with a commitment to comfort. Burtonwode’s boxers and PJ’s are all made in the UK and are 100% cotton.  I have a pair of lemon PJ bottoms (from £60.00) myself, and if that is not enough affirmation, Eddie Redmayne OBE is said to have been married wearing a pair of Burtonwode boxers (from £17.50) beneath his tails! 

Below:  Unique and colourful, and perfectly suited from beach to bar, Frangipani’s designs (RRP. £75.00 each) are made of 100% power-loom cotton and influenced by travels around the world.  Matthew Williamson loves them and Poppy Delevingne steals them from her husband.

Below:  Ampfly is the brand new iPhone case that makes your music three times louder, all without batteries. Yup. THREE TIMES LOUDER PEOPLE.  A summer fun essential. (RRP. £19.99)

Below:  Collar Club makes the finest quality Egyptian cotton shirts without the unnecessary mark-ups.  Designed in Britain and made in Italy, the ready to wear shirts, available in five fabrics and two styles cost £59.00, and the made to order service allows you to choose from slim and tailored first and a variety of collar and cuff styles for £69.00.  Collar Club's revolutionary concierge service is also worth considering for any London-based Don Draper Daddy's; for the price of a yearly subscription, eleven made-to-measure, Jermyn Street-quality shirts, are made for you, and collected, washed and ironed for you once a week.

This kills me...

Walkies

Today we took Jack's puppy, the black beauty Zee Zee (a working cocker spaniel) for a walk in Richmond Park... You can just about make her out camouflaged next to me!

Denim Skirt - Similar found at H&M
Sunglasses - Similar found here
Handbag - The Mulberry Alexa
Straw Hat - Urban Outfitters
Gold Brooch On Skirt- Vintage
Topaz Ring - Sourced by Goode And Son
Lipstick - MAC 'So Chaud'
Nailpolish - Essie 'Sugar Daddy'

As an aside... What do they say about Dogs looking like their owners....?!