All She Wants For Christmas (In Her Stocking) 2015...

If I have been a good girl this year (which, to be fair, is still under some debate), I hope to discover some of these little treats waiting for me on Christmas morning by my bedside... Alongside Ryan Gosling covered in fairy lights Please Santa-Baby...  Click on the items for their direct links - Enjoy! 

Above:  Le chocolat des Français, created in a small village near Paris using 100% pure cocoa butter. 
Parce que la dame aime le chocolat...

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

Hello There: Shinola

I was recently introduced to the brand Shinola over catfish gumbo and corn bread (my new favourite thing) at The Lockhart.  Whilst tucking into the most spoiling, hearty Southern fare (and a few too many Shinola Colas) I became enthralled at the history of the young, start-up, known as the brand that is making a difference.

In 2013, Tom Kartsotis (the entrepreneur behind Fossil watches), with ambitions to reinvigorate manufacturing in America, set up a factory in the economically depressed city of Detroit. 

Having suffered the largest municipal collapse in US history, America’s once famous ‘Motor City,’ was by the early 2000’s, $18.5 billion in debt, with a dwindling population, 78,000 rundown, abandoned buildings and a high rate of crime and unemployment

Starting with assembling a collection of quality, yet affordable, handcrafted and built to last watches, Shinola soon followed with a series of beautifully bound, luxury leather goods and accessories, and the most stylish range of bicycles.

 I am a huge fan of their 'throw-it-all-in' Medium Leather Shopper Tote Bags (above!) and their Double Wrap Leather Strap Watches.  Oh, and if anyone would like to get me my dream bicy-Kelly... See below!!

The brand hasn’t cured Detroit from all its financial devastation, but it has ambitiously brought a soothing level of hope and self-respect to the city.  With business currently booming, and 500 skilled employees, Shinola has flagship stores in Detroit, Minneapolis and New York, and as of quite recently, London’s very own, 13 Newburgh Street, W1. 

Above and Below:  There are plenty of watches and accessories for the fellas too... #ChristmasSorted.

I’m very excited to announce I shall be hosting an evening at Shinola next Tuesday, giving my friends and followers the opportunity to explore this brand further. The quality and beauty of this brand speaks for itself; It’s not flashy, it’s sturdy and soulful and if you are looking for a long-lasting, meaningful present this Christmas, I can help pick one out with you.  There will also be some Shinola treats awaiting, and complimentary in-store embossing available for any leather goods purchased. With a carefully edited selection from all of Shinola’s celebrated categories, I’m quite sure there will be something you find (for her, for him… or for you!) and I’d love to see you down there for a glass of wine and a 'chatter' (naturally!) 

RSVP: shinolarsvp@tcs-uk.net

TLC Staycation: North Yorkshire with Natural Retreats and Emu Australia

Having landed fresh off a plane from NYC early last month (I say fresh, but I really wasn’t, having just celebrated both my birthday and Halloween…) I ventured t’uuup North for some country air and relaxation with Natural Retreats and Emu Australia.  This couldn't have been better timed! 

Arriving in the beyond foggy Yorkshire Dales (at times I did feel like I was on a horror movie set… Woodlands… Mist… RUNNNNN!) with a bag full of sheepskin Emu Australia boots, Carly, Josie  (left) and a rather large dose of jet lag, I went on to enjoy two days of country rambles and exploring, cycle rides (yes, I can sometimes be athletic, try and not faint!) soothing massages and some beautifully loooooong, cosy sleeps in our Swedish’esq Natural Retreats log cabin (below). 

I took ankle height grey Emu boots for travelling in (my faves, I now want every colour), snuggly slippers (above) for hanging out in the cabin and generally feasting on all the crumpets and biscuits strewn across the kitchen for us (they saw us coming!), waterproof Emu boots for all my stomping through the dewy Dales, and some smarter, lacy black boots for our evening out on the ‘toon.  Basically, my feet were spoilt for choice, and ultimately warm, dry and insanely comfy at all times with not a heel or stiletto in sight!

Above:  Farm Style Emojis...!   Below:  Picturesque surroundings by the River Swale. 

Above:  All together now, "Swooooooooooooooooon!"

Above:  A ramble around the impressive ruins of Easby Abbey, founded in 1152.

Above:  Making fast friends with Saxon... (that awkward moment you lean in for a hug and 'he' goes for full face!)  Below: Aaaaaaand RELAX!  A heavenly few days, thank you!!

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#TLCOMP: My Sparkling Wish with Swarovski

Supermodel Miranda Kerr has collaborated with Swarovski and created a spirited collection of jewellery, each piece infused with a beautiful meaning just in time to share ‘My Sparkling Wish’ for this Christmas.  

The symbols Miranda has designed are all extremely sweet and there is definitely something which will resonate with everyone in the collection.  For me, the rose toned wings caught my eye.  It made me think of strength, of guardian Angels and the quote, ‘Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly’ came to my mind.  Regardless of how stressful a time I am having, this necklace can serve as a constant reminder of how I can get through any tough situation with some deep ol’breathing and by remembering that maybe, hopefully, there is some sort of higher power at work who’s got my back!

My rose gold toned necklace has been easily incorporated into my my wardrobe, and given its versatile elegance, it takes me from day to night with real ease, allowing me to sparkle all day long with its layered, pretty wings, regardless what I'm wearing. 

Aside from jewellery, SWAROVSKI would love to hear your sparkling wish for a loved one.  Follow @SwarovskiUK on Twitter and tweet your Christmas wish for a loved one using the hashtag #MySparklingWish and tagging @SwarovskiUK, for a chance to win a SWAROVSKI Christmas Hamper, including baubles, shimmer tea lights and pieces from the Miranda Kerr collection.  T&C apply. Good Luck!!

View Miranda Kerr's entire collection designed with SWAROVSKI HERE.

Photography:  Ella Sadika

Created in collaboration with SWAROVSKI.

L. K. Bennett SS'16 Breakfast

Earlier this month I was utterly spoiled by the wonderful peeps at L. K. Bennett, alongside a gaggle of my fashunnn faves, with a delicious breakfast at the stunning Mondrian London’s Rumpus Room, hosted by Brand Ambassador, the formidable Alex Meyers. 

We were given a sneak peak at the upcoming (predictably gorgeous) SS’16 collection (the over-the-knee boots will be a BIG hit, and are firmly now on my wish list) and each given a ‘goody bag’ to end all goody bags; a brand new L. K. Bennett Mariel Bag, hand-painted with our initials by esteemed British artist, and TLC Fave, Boyarde.  I meeeeean…!! You can only imagine our excitement!

Above (L-R) Clockwise:  Alex Meyers, Pippa Vosper, Kelly Eastwood (TLC), Anna Hart and Laura Fantacci. 

My bag was in orange, a favourite of mine for accessories (LKB had clearly done their homework!) and I couldn’t wait to hit the streets (whilst also wearing my prized Fianna Suede Ankle Boots) to give it a twirl. 

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After all of our bespoke Mariel bags had hit Instagram, there was such a demand for these gorgeous, bespoke bags that. L. K. Bennett decided to run a competition to win one, hand-painted with the winner’s initials.  Sign up on their mailing list HERE to automatically be in with a chance of winning. 

Street Style Photography: Ella Sadika

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.

R.E.V by Rêve En Vert's #SustainableStylist Campaign

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place in Paris next month, and intense discussions about cutting global CO2 emissions will be at the forefront of proceedings.  With many figures from all professions, including fashion, lending their voices to the cause in the lead up to the summit, my friends at Rêve En Vert asked me to help raise awareness with them in their #SustainableStylist campaign for #COP21.  Given that the effects of climate change do and will affect us all, and that preserving our planet is of course all our responsibility, I was thrilled to become involved.

Founded in 2013, Rêve En Vert focusses on sustainable luxury; fashion made from a place of consciousness, stocking designers who not only create stylish, long-lasting clothes and accessories, but who also respect our planet and their customer.  What's not to LOVE?! 

Founders Cora and Natasha, who I met earlier this summer in Utah, recently developed their own collection of entirely organic prima cotton basic tees, R.E.V by Rêve En Vert, made at an environmentally sound Peruvian factory just outside Lima. Every part of this range has been created with great care and respect for both planet and consumer (even the labels are printed on environmentally low impact fabric from natural dyes!) and I absolutely love my super soft Linda Tee (RRP. £48.00), the perfect accompaniment to my oh-so-predictable but oh-so-loved jeans evvvvveryday look!  A donation from the sales of any of these basics will go to support the work of Fashion Revolution in spreading awareness of the true cost of fashion. 

Photography:  Ella Sadika

Blogger's Fashion Sale for the Wild At Heart Foundation

I was so happy to be asked to donate some of my wardrobe, alongside fashion bloggers Julia Lindin and Silk and Suits, to raise funds with Edit Second Hand in support of the Wild At Heart Heart Foundation.

There are 600 million stray dogs worldwide and this project, set up this year by Nikki Tibbles, founder of London's most sought after florist and Nadine Kayser, raises donations to sponsor rescue and neutering programmes, awareness campaigns and education initiatives.  Bally, the gorgeous dog who I was photographed with outside Wild at Heart, Pimlico, was rescued off the streets as a pup in Romania and re-homed in London. She is just toooo cute and thanks to the foundation, has a happy life ahead of her.

The sale featuring pieces from my wardrobe will be on until December 5th HERE.  

See further details on how to donate to the Wild at Heart Foundation HERE. 

'Christmas A Little Different' with Crew Clothing Company

It’s beginning to look a lot like… Yup!  CHRISTMAS!  Today I walked past my first Christmas tree and I can already taste the mince pies and mulled wine.  However, unlike most of you, who can leisurely enjoy such festive, warm treats, regularly ice skate across the season and settle down with a box of Quality Street surrounded by twinkly lights and baubles… I spend each Christmas with my family back home, in the baking hot sunshine, without a pine needle or snowflake in sight, in Kenya!  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am certainly not complaining – you’d be surprised how easy it is to enjoy the big day whilst bobbing around the Indian Ocean, Pimms in hand, with pressies under the palm tree… But there is something magical about a British Christmas I know, and I therefore always try and cram in lots of fun, traditional Christamassy things in before I jet off each year, sun cream and good book in hand...  

Each year, my best friend Lauren and I like to spend a chilly morning hunkered down with some choccies, croissants and champagne, watching classic Christmas movies together in a pair of cosy pyjamas. After having popped out first thing to get supplies (above, wearing my Hazelwood Jumper) Lauren arrived and we jumped into our gorgeous, matching Pyjama Sets and beyond delicious Cashmere Socks from Crew Clothing Company, who are currently celebrating, ‘Christmas A Little Different.’  Well, I certainly do that! 

Crew Clothing Company's accessible and timeless classic clothes are perfect for wrapping up to brace the cold, or chilling out by the fire over the festive season, so they were an obvious choice for our morning spent in hibernation-mode watching ‘Meet Me in St.Louis’ and ‘Home Alone,’ (Kevvvvinnnnnnnnnnn!!”) 

Actually getting out of our beyond soft pyjamas and socks, and having to start our Saturday afternoon took some real persuasion… I’m not ashamed to admit it, I was on countdown to get back into them by nightfall!

I’m so happy and grateful that once again I got to experience some festive British Christmas cheer with my bestie before signing off on 2015 and heading back to Africa.

Crew Clothing Company are hosting a series of Christmas Picnics which you can attend.

See HERE for more info.

Photography:  Ella Sadika

Created in collaboration with Crew Clothing Company.

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.

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Photographer:  Ella Sadika

Make Up:  Charlotte Cowen

Hair:  Clo and Flo