Graham and Green Design Consultation

I have long been a BIG fan of Graham and Green, and after I moved into my new flat there was very little question in my mind over who to contact for some interior inspo.  Since 1974 the company has been well known for specialising in characterful, yet contemporary, furniture and home accessories. Quirky and frequently ethnic, there are always dozens of items available at any one time that Graham and Green have available which I would very happily home all fitting in with my own eclectic style and wanderlust.

After having a Graham and Green interior stylist visit my flat and take some measurements, we soon decided the flat’s style was ‘industrial chic with a twist of romance’ (I love that!)  The stylist then went to work on creating the perfect mood board for me, recommending particular Graham and Green items that would work with for the flat.  Visiting the Graham and Green showroom, a veritable Aladdin’s cave, to view my mood boards and many of the items suggested in the flesh, was a delight.  Not only were there macaroons and Moroccan mint tea, I loved seeing so many of the brand’s gorgeous items en masse and displayed in concept rooms, guided by the ultra charming and helpful team. 

Below:  I decided to choose some stunning, and impactful, orange coral art for my blank canvas of a sitting room and a long black mirror (frequently seen on my Instagram in my outfit selfies!)  for my hallway, matching my black wooden floors.  All these items work so well in my flat and have really set the bench mark for the rest of my interiors… which is the problem; shopping at Graham and Green is addictive!

Below are some of my current Graham and Green favourites…

Above: L-R (Clockwise):  Bone Inlay Floral Chest of Drawers in Yellow, Pineapple Table Lamp Base,  Butterfly Print,  Bronze Finish Pineapple Lamp, Butterfly Print, Bone Inlay Floral Side Table in Yellow, Neon Art Lights - Amour.

Above: L-R (Clockwise):  Beaded Antique Mirrors, Copper Angled Floor Lamp, Bees Wine Glass, Three Flamingos Matchbox, Antoinette Armchair and Footstool in Herringbone, Bahama Cushion, Cactus Vase, Coral Framed Prints, Set of 7 Decorative Ceiling Roses.

For a Graham and Green interior's consultation or advice contact showroom@grahamandgreen.co.uk

Shop TLC's Look...

#TLCComp: The London Chatter and Wahanda's #BookYourselfieFabulous

This week, I've teamed up with the lovely peeps at Wahanda to give away five of these SENSATIONAL inflatable flamingos which I had the pleasure of splashing around with recently!  Lets face it, these pink pals of mine have been THE summer accessory of 2015, so to win one of your own, AND a £50.00 Wahanda voucher, make sure to follow both of our accounts on Instagram and tag your best summer selfies with ‘#‎BookYourselfieFabulous’ for a chance to win! Good Luck everyone!

FACT:  A flock of flamingos are known as a FLAMBOYANCE!

Speaking of the summer, I am a huge advocate of fake tanning!  Not only do I loathe lying bored and baking in the sunshine, I am utterly paranoiac about sun damage and skin cancer. Having been raised on the equator, in Kenya, I annoyingly already have the inevitable brown patches on certain areas of my face, so love to arrive on holiday already tanned (accompanied by a vat of Factor 30, another of Factor 50 and a beautiful, big sun hat!)  Lots of people are nervous about fake tan, especially spray tans, worrying about the oh-so well documented ‘orange effect,’ or ruining white bed sheets, so I asked Wahanda Editorial Director Liz Hambleton to talk first time tanners through the ins and the outs of a summer leg's spray tan...

“Tanned legs look better. Fact. They also make you feel better. Another fact.  If you’ve yet to do the big summer reveal (we’re into August people so don’t leave it too much longer!) then a spray tan could be exactly what you need to get those legs out.  And yes, you could just slap on a few applications of gradual tanner in the comfort (and privacy) of your own bathroom but there’s something about a professional spray tan that goes a whole lot further. How so, you ask?  A) A professional job makes you feel slimmer, fitter and more toned – instantly. B) Clever contouring can add definition and shape to your legs and C) Your skin feels softer, smoother and way more supple.  You also don’t have to mess around with tanning mitts, wayward patches and trying to reach awkward spots that only a lifelong yogi could dream of reaching.  Interested? Then read on for the six facts you need to arm yourself with before spraying up for summer…

1)   Don’t shave or wax your legs before having a spray tan.  The colour can settle in the open pores and create a strange spotted effect.  Do it at least 48 hours beforehand to avoid any trace of dotted leg syndrome…
2)   A little Vaseline on your brows, hairline, lashes and even your nails can reduce any tan grabbing and staining on area that really don’t need a tan!
3)    Moisturise at your peril.  Turn up for your tan with clean, freshly showered (ideally) skin to allow the formula to develop as it’s designed to. Throw another product into the mix and things could get ugly!
4)   Wait at least 8 hours before showering if you can.  Many salons say you can shower sooner but in our experience the longer you leave it the longer lasting the tan.
5)   Don’t be afraid to exfoliate; a nightly buff in the shower will actually freshen your faux glow and help it wear off evenly. Most spray tan brands offer their own exfoliators that will work well with your tan. 
6)   Top up your tan and take the edge off any blemishes, marks or bruises on your legs with an illuminating, bronzing product. We love Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body, £45.”
 
Find your perfect spray tan at www.wahanda.com

And now you have your spray tan and inflatable flamingo sorted, don't forget your sun cream and sun hat!!

The Net-a-Porter Clearance Sale

Despite having the most fantastic time on a recent trip to the U.S, I was aware I was missing the sales back in the U.K... Well thank tha'Lord for the internet!  One night I found myself, as I'm sure many of you also do, glazing over the collections on Net-a-Porter.  Usually I create the most sensational of shopping baskets, see the immense final total, laugh heartily, close my Ipad and fall asleep... However, on this occasion I nearly choked when I saw the teal coloured Bella Freud 'Je T'aime Jane' jumper, the one I had several times forcibly removed from my oh-so-very-near-possession, staring back at me with a JOLLY reasonable price attached to it in the sale!  Treating myself, I arrived back from the Americas to a wonderfully wrapped, 'Dear Kelly, Love Kelly,' post-holiday-blues pressie, one which I imagined I would have to wait several months to wear.  I seemingly forgot how unpredictable the Great British Summer could be!!  With the grisley weather we've been experiencing in the capital this week, I found the prime opportunity to debut my new purchase (below, worn with Forever 21 dungarees and Topshop Brogues).  'Every cloud' so they say! 

Yet ANOTHER happy surprise was to receive an email this morning notifying me of the Net-a-Porter clearance sale.  I looked, I squealed, I purchased.  Below are some of my favourite items that are, as of right now, still available (everything is selling out QUICK though!) Hover over the item and click on through!

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...

L.K. Bennett's SS'15 'Inspiring Women' Campaign

When I previously imagined British high L.K. Bennett, I had images of the Duchess of Cambridge in her tan wedges and various shift dresses, in sorbet hues, worn by women (in my opinion) who look far too young to be in them.  HOWEVER, when I recently appeared in L.K. Bennett’s digital ‘Inspiring Women’ campaign (such an honour, although not necessarily deserved!) styled by L.K. Bennett ambassador, and general cool cat,  Alex Meyers,  I realised just how much more there was to this veritable treasure trove of fabulous, bright and accessible pieces I immediately felt I could incorporate into my often quite quirky wardrobe.  Their collection of feminine ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags and accessories really do have something for everyone; from the demure to the stand out, but all equally elegant. I’m thrilled to have taken part in this campaign and really excited to have some gorgeous new L.K. Bennett pieces to wear this summer.  I recommend you also take a look ladies (especially at the Giselle heels - swoooooon!)

Following on from the success of last year’s collaboration with Caroline Issa, L.K. Bennett has teamed up with the effortlessly and eclectically stylish Laura Bailey.  I went to the launch of the model’s Capri-insired, 11 piece, vibrant collection wearing, and in an attempt to Bring Sexy Flat, I wore the pair of Anna flats I had worn in my photo shoot earlier that week –  I totally love them and they have become a real SS'15 staple of mine! Below are my favourite pieces from the collection…

Hair by Neville Hair and Beauty (5 Pont Street, Belgravia, SW1) 

TLC Vacation: The Peninsula Paris

When I was young, growing up in Africa, I dreamed of Paris.  Nothing much has changed, as my ever-increasing collection of Breton striped tee’s, daily use of red lipstick and a flat peppered with French objet d’art will attest to (I have an actual Eiffel Tower shaped lamp made from an old olive oil bottle I’m particularly proud of!)  In short, I regularly imagine that I actually am un petit French fille and subsequently have supremely high expectations of Paris and visit there with extreme caution to avoid any disappointment.  You can therefore only imagine how quickly I said OUI when I was asked to travel first class on the Eurostar and stay at the Peninsula Paris for two nights. 

Above:  Distracting myself from my overwhelmingly naked passport with a handful of magazines (does EVERY blogger apart from me have a monogrammed Louis Vuitton passport cover?!)

After a 4 year, £341 MILLION makeover, the five-star Peninsula Paris, the first Peninsula in Europe, swung its gloriously immaculate doors open at the end of last year.  The original building, which dates back to 1908, is steeped in artistic and political history, with George Gershwin penning ‘An American in Paris’ within its walls in 1928 to housing the Nazi military command whilst Paris was occupied during WW2.  Located across an entire block near to the Arc de Triomph and Champs Elysees, the hotel now boasts 200 suites (starting at £800 a night), 34 suites, a penthouse suite with its own lavish rooftop garden (a mere £20,000 a night), an underground spa and 20m swimming pool, 600 incredible staff and a fleet of BMWs, Mini Coopers and two Rolls-Royces.  Yes. I was also wondering how I managed to bluff my way past their uniformed bell boys and polished, marbled lobby (Shhhhhhsh... I won’t tell if you don't!) 

After a delicious lunch (above) at the aviation-themed L’Oiseau Bleu, one of the hotel’s six bars and restaurants, named after an early French biplane and with 360˚ views of Paris, I made my way to my room.  And by room, I mean basic apartment.  Just as immaculate and glossy as the rest of the hotel, my suite had everything I could possibly need, dream of and even more.  From a Nespresso machine, to a hidden printer, a nail-varnish dryer in my dressing room (I’m not even kidding), a television in the bath tub (I had four square-eyed baths during my short stay), Oscar de la Renta amenities, and a state-of-the-art, touchscreen tablet which controlled the lighting, heating, curtains, TV and room service (dangerous!) There were complimentary international calls, a complimentary mini-bar (helllooooo!) and after an immensely busy few weeks collapsing into my giant, sumptuous bed for an afternoon disco-nap was totally dreamy.  

That evening, after cocktails in Bar ‘s randomly brilliant outdoor cabin, I dined at their increasingly famous Cantonese restaurant, LiLi.  The rich interior was inspired by the drama of Chinese and French opera and the food, although not the place I would advise a strict vegetarian to go, is prepared by the fantastic, award-winning Hong Kong chefs in their own impressive Chinese kitchen within the hotel. 

Above:  By the striking ‘Dancing Leaves’ installation consisting of 800 hand-blown twinkling crystals leaves in the hotel’s main lobby.  It really is a truly beautiful sight, especially at night. 

After yet another bath and another (far longer) sleep, the next morning entailed breakfast in the stunning, Belle Epoque’esq Lobby Kléber, where we also later sampled a traditional and spoiling Japanese tea to coincide with Japanese Spring.  After one (ok, two) sugary ‘mini’ kouglofs by the hotel’s award winning pastry chef, I went to a chocolate workshop in the impressive kitchens.  My diet when left unsupervised… WOW.  There was a real moment I actually anticipated rolling back to London…     

So frequently on work trips you are so busy running around the city, you are almost unable to enjoy the amazing room you are staying in.  After a couple of super brief spells into town (I say 'super brief' as the weather was super chilly and super wet!) I luckily, after the most relaxing and revitalising hour long, hot–stone ESPA massage in the hotel’s enormous, 1800 sq m spa, and a short spell in the relaxation room, I was able to retire to my suite for an evening of room service, movies and sleeeeeeeep.  After an incredible lie-in, followed by EVEN MORE room-service the next morning (this couldn’t have been more heavenly!) I enjoyed one last delicious lunch with the team.  I felt truly refreshed by the time I headed back to London.  

Thank you to The Peninsula Paris Hotel and Eurostar.

TLC ON TOUR... PARIS SUITCASE:

(Click on the items below for their direct links)

Coach: 'What's Your Swagger?'

Coach’s latest handbag, The Swagger, is clearly going to be a big hitter this Spring, especially as you can accessorise it in so many different ways.  I was trilled to receive one of the spacious, matte black carryalls and given the opportunity to show a little of my personal ‘swagger’ off by customising the bag in my own, individual style.  

After removing the bag’s detachable strap, I made my new bag feel unique and more by wrapping a vibrantly colourful scarf around one of the leather handles, and adding a Masai beaded bracelet with a bronze charm of Africa around the other, instantly transforming the bag ready for me to take out and about.  Strolling around Ladbroke Grove, in between the early April showers, I bought some gorgeous yellow spring tulips from a market stall and headed for a relaxing coffee at Pizza East (with Cara, Suki and Georgia!) feeling like a true Portobello Warrior; totally my swagger!  #WhatsYourSwagger?!

TLC LOVES... THE SWAGGER

Hello There: Bionda Castana

Last week I attended a Bionda Castana trunk show, organised by Alex Meyers, and held at The Arts Club on Dover Street, Mayfair - sipping healthy green juices made a delightful difference to the usual, less healthy, cocktails I usually enjoy at this particular venue in the wee hours!  Bionda Castana, although only established in 2007, has fast become a regular heel spied on the red carpet and I regularly see their beautiful designs featured in magazines.  the founders, Natalia Barbieri and Jennifer Portman, manage to effortlessly blend a London cool aesthetic with beautiful Italian craftsmanship and expertise. I particularly loved the rose gold Lana’s (below), the ultimate femme fatale evening court! 

TLC LOVES... BIONDA CASTANA

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2015

This Sunday is Mother's Day and if you were thinking this was just another Hallmark centric, schmultsy, meaningless day, I suggest you take a minute to watch this…

Yup.  Soooo, now we are on the same page, we can commence the appreciation…!

Now, if there’s one day of the year that beautiful flowers are essential (…aside from Valentine’s Day… Your Birthday…. Tuesdays….) it’s, of course, Mother’s Day!

This year Roses Only are gloriously offering TLC readers and followers a 15% discount on all their stunning bouquets, with next day delivery throughout the UK and same day delivery within London.  Now there’s no excuse for any last minute panics or petrol station bought carnations!  Give them a call on 0208 772 6699 and use the code MD2015.  Alternatively, these pressies (hover over each product for direct links) would also make any Mummy smile…

#MySaboStyle at the AW'15 London Fashion Week

Knowing how much the jewellers Thomas Sabo love fashion, and so seamlessly always embrace the current and developing trends, it I was thrilled to wear my favourite pieces at the AW’15 London Fashion Week.  With so much variety, from the playful to the elegant, the rockstar to the romantic, there was a collection to suit everyone’s different tastes and express their personalities. 

I am particularly into stack rings at the moment and was in heaven trying on all the different combinations available.  Men’s watches are also something that I love to wear and their rose gold ‘Rebel At Heart’ time piece (RRP. £250.00) was my first, almost immediate, choice, which coupled with two, dark 'Glam & Soul' black eternity rings (£159.00 and £275.00) made the perfect statement.  The rose gold 'Glam & Soul' eternity ring (£89.00) was so delicate and perfect for my everyday wear.  Seldom understated, all the jewellery I tried was really striking and unique and so very, very Instagram worthy (which lets face it, is now of vast importance when picking fashion week attire!) Thank you Thomas Sabo for #MySaboStyle!