#HFMFashionSpin

This London Fashion Week saw Hello! Fashion Monthly partner with Land Rover to produce a series of interviews with some of their FROW faves in between shows.  With champagne and delicious on-the-move snacks (beat THAT James Corden!) the crew picked me up after the Emila Wickstead show for a chat (above) with HFM Deputy Editor Jill Wanless about my favourite designers, the impact of blogging on LFW, my love of the British High Street…

This was one of my favourite outfits over London Fashion Week. I paired a velvet mustard top and full-length forest green skirt from Charlie Brear, with some Zara Leather Mid Heel Shoes and a Leopard Print Hill and FriendsTweency Chain Shoulder Bag, whist my friend Marissa Montgomery wore Sophia Kah

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The Outnet's Clearance Sale 2016

Sound the klaxons!! Today is THAT day again people, the day where The Outnet slice and dice their already pretty tasty price tags, and hold their epic CLEARANCE SALE!  I should mention today is also usually the day that most of us also end up basically bankrupt, but with 85% off their designer treasures, from Charlotte Olympia and Miu Miu, to Dolce and Gabbana and Valentino, it’s liiiike, tooootally worth’aaat.  

As a little clearance teaser for you, I thought I would show you one of the aforementioned treasures and the item I have my bargain-hunting eyes on this morning; a silk crepe de chine Adie Dress from Iris and Ink, The Outnet’s own clothing line.  At a fraction of it’s original cost (reduced from £165.00 to £85.50), this is the perfect summer-in-the-city stripey dress and it is gonna fly off its digital rails (and hopefully into my wardrobe...)  

Here are some other pieces I'm checking out... (click on the images for a direct link). This sale is NOT to be missed... On your marks, get set, GO...!

In Collaboration with The Outnet

Summertime with Links of London

I was thrilled to be asked by Links of London to visit their Chelsea store recently and make an edit of my favourite summer pieces.  With so much to choose from, from the contemporary to the timeless, you can imagine this was quite a task!  However, being a total rose gold fiend and a real sucker for some personalised engraving, my choices took far less time than you would imagine...

The 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil & Taupe Cord Mini Friendship Bracelet (RRP. £140.00) was my first choice. The shimmery metallic cord is perfect for the summer, especially when paired with other bracelets, for an on-trend layered look.  Which brought me quickly to choosing the more classic Effervescence 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Bangle (RRP. £120.00) with its bubble-like design working perfectly alongside the friendship bracelet.  This beautiful, will-go-with-everything, duo is a great mixture of bohemian and traditional, and will be so useful this summer in the city and on the beach, from day through to night. 

I decided to pair the Narrative 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Small Oval Disc Pendant (RRP. £95.00), with the Narrative 18kt Yellow Gold Vermeil Long Pendant (RRP. £85.00) and engraved the very apt first lines of the song my father used to sing to my sister and I to help us go to sleep, “Summertime… And the living is easy.”  It’s funny how something can suddenly become so special once personalised with such a simple message, but the necklace automatically became a treasure.

Come and meet me and the the team from Hello! at the Links of London store (491 Oxford Street, WC1 2AU) this coming Thursday 23rd June, from 6pm - 9pm, where you can enjoy some delicious canapés, some even more delicious cocktails, and 20% off your (full price) shopping.

Photography: Ella Sadika

Hair and Spray Tan: Secret Spa

In Collaboration with LINKS OF LONDON

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Summertime with Iris Fashion

Anyone who lives near one of Iris Fashion’s three boutiques (in Queens Park, Battersea and Chiswick) knows it’s virtually impossible to walk by and not walk in, and subsequently to walk out empty handed! Known for being a yummy mummy and fashionista gem at the heart of each of their neighbourhoods, Iris is consistently jam-packed with a stylish and eclectic edit of womenswear (designer and the brand’s own), gorgeous jewellery, lingerie, coveted pressies and some of the inky dinkiest of kidswear for your wee ones.  I’m always really excited to consistently discover new brands I’ve not heard of, hanging on the rails alongside some of my faves, like APC and Isabel Marant

I recently popped in to my local Iris in Queens Park to choose some of my favourite looks for the (currently M.I.A) summer!  Not only do they have some seriously great holiday must-haves currently in store, they also have a brilliant array of wearable summer in the city attire, so whether you are enjoying the sunshine at home or abroad within the next few months, your wardrobe is sorted - High Five!

Discovering the Spanish brand Masscob was a real highlight of the day, and I loved the feminine, relaxed feel of their Savina White Paisley Dress.  I wore the dress with some Zan Zan Avida Dollar Sunglasses (I’m a big fan of this brand and of pink sunglasses in general – so much softer on the face than tortoiseshell - I need them!), a pretty Deborah Cadby Leaf Necklace and some Penelope Chilvers (a firm foot-fave!) Jude Tan Leather Platforms.

As we all know, I’m a BIG jean’s girl, and I could live in boilersuits, jumpsuits and playsuits.  This MIH Jeans Saint All-In-One Jumpsuit is super lightweight and can be dressed up or down with trainers or heels.  I paired the jumpsuit with a vibrant Iris Pom Pom Clutch (I LOVE POM POMS!), some more Zan Zan Avida Dollars Sunglasses and a pair of the ferociously popular Isabel Marant Etoile Leather Bart Trainers.

This Masscob Calma Lace Panel Top is such a summertime winner for me, combing both lace and ruffles, two of my all-tie favourite things! Worn with a pair of ultra soft, vintage wash Le Skinny Crop Jeans by Frame Jeans, a beyond cute Gary Gold Fringe Bag by the allllways cool Jerome Dreyfuss, and a pair of Iris Gladiator Sandals.  Trust me, these sandals will be your summer essentials; The brushed metallic colour is unique and unlike many other sandals, these are really flattering and don’t cut you off at the ankle.

Created in collaboration with Iris Fashion.

Photography: Maxim Garcha.  

Makeup: Charlotte Cowen

Hair:  Tatiana Karelina and Nails:  Sophie Gass

The Launch of Matthew Williamson for Duresta

Being invited to a veritable ‘Lock In’ at Harrods by Matthew Williamson is one thing, but it’s utterly next level to also have your outfit personally chosen by the designer himself...

In celebration of his vibrant first furniture collaboration with Nottingham-based sofa manufacturers Duresta, Matthew, knowing I not only LOVE orange (it's my happy colour) but frequently ‘wear the trousers’ amongst his ‘Gown Gang’ (aka: his flamboyance of feathery super fans), dressed me in one of my favourite MW outfits to date; archive coral trousers and an exotically printed Tangerine Parrot Wing Cowl Neck Shirt from his latest, much coveted, Amazonia collection.

The furniture collection includes five brightly coloured velvet upholstery ranges and several unique occasional pieces (including side tables with flamingo legs, no less!)  As to be expected, there is some serious colour which would, without fail, add some drama and opulent flare to your home.

“Making my first line of furniture with Duresta has been a passion project; it’s been a real journey to see the pieces come to life over the past year.”  

Matthew Williamson.

There was a wonderful mix of glamorous guests all perching on the bold turquoise and fuchsia sofas, from Lindsay Lohan (above, with Matthew) to Plum Sykes, but as we're both Instagram-addicts, it was Maureen, Matthew’s ultra charming and glam mother, who I enjoyed speaking to the most!

Above:  MW and Venetia FalconerBelow:  With MW's Business Director, my bud, Rosanna Falconer

Duresta for Matthew Williamson is available exclusively in-store at Harrods on the Third Floor.

Joined by MORE of the #GownGang team; Gabriela Fones, Anisa Soijka and Niomi Smart

Below:  After dying in bed for over a week, my ghostly corpse was revived and made MW party-ready with the help of a spa-maaaazing Bliss Spa Triple Oxygen Facial, "Princess-Belle-Meets-Alicia-Vikander-At-The-Oscars-Hair pleeease" by Tatiana Karelina and lots of spoiling new Tom Ford makeup... #ItTakesAVillage.

TLC LOVES: MATTHEW WILLIAMSON'S AMAZONIA COLLECTION...

A Spring In My Step With Boden

Fiiiinally… The blossom is starting to bloom, our arctic attire is beginning to shed its faux fur skin, and all our moods are joyously lifting as we all make way for SPRING. There’s no denying it, there are few better places to be in the world than England in the Spring, and I cannot wait to start wearing dresses sans tights and finally emancipating my (albeit, extremely white) ankles from their imprisoned UGG-state.

My style is known to be quite eclectic; one day I might look like a fourteen-year-old boy in baggy jeans and trainers, and then next be in a bright, sparkly gown with killer heels (“I’m a lady, don’t you know!”) The most important thing present in all my outfits, is that I feel comfortable, and also colour is key to me.  There is certainly no time like the Springy present to inject some colour into your wardrobe if you’ve been hibernating in black for the last five months. 

Boden has some great Spring pieces this season and I decided to style up some looks whilst hanging around my local Portobello ‘hood.  Let me know what you think...

For me, loose white jeans are synonymous with sunshine.  Liz Hurley likes’em skin tight, and this may scare off many without her bod (so all of us basically), but the more boyfriend-look, cropped jean works for most, and goes with practically everything (except coffee, red wine or black cats… all my favourite white-perils!)  Whilst buying some gooooorgeous flowers from Harper and Toms, I teamed the jeans with some basic white trainers (you really can’t go wrong) and a sunshine-friendly linen shirt which I only tucked in at the front giving a more relaxed vibe. Alongside the classic olive/tortoiseshell Sadie sunnies (such little winners, and a match for so many of their designer contemporaries) I wore a khaki jacket which has obvious appeals to my safari-loving self, but is also super versatile and will be a staple inter-seasonal cover up for me.

So light and easy to casually wear with jeans or tucked into a skirt for smarter uses, the unpredictable red and pink clash of this jumper was too good not to share with you (or immediately purchase myself!) Rainbow clashes were seen on many of the major SS’16 runways (Christopher Kane, Gucci, Balmain and Dries Van Noten to name a few) and this top is an easy way to emulate that trend.  I teamed the jumper with the previous same jeans and trainers, but added some dark pink Sadie sunglasses to compliment the look. 

You can take the girl outta Africa… It wasn’t going to take long was it? Growing up on the equator, my wardrobe is filled with olives, khakis and a pride of leopard prints, so this outfit has an obvious lure for me. This jumpsuit is not only flattering and chic, but can so easily be styled up or down, situation (and shoe height) dependent. I wore the jumpsuit to Pizza East Portobello with some bold African jewellery, tortoiseshell Sadie sunglasses and the most perfect, classic leopard-print flats which will work for city and beach alike this Spring/Summer. A bright clutch would be a welcome and contrasting addition.

This dress (also available in white) will be a huge hit for Boden this season. The style is totally classic but its heavier texture is far more luxe and warmer, than you would imagine which makes it perfect for smarter Spring events. Likewise, the tassled heels are also perfect for smarter occasions and come in a variety of colourways.  See you in the sunshine peeps! 

Photography: Eva K. Salvi

In Collaboration with BODEN

LK Bennett's SS'16 'Inspiring Woman' Campaign

I was so thrilled when L.K. Bennett asked me back to feature once more as an 'Inspiring Women' for their Instagram campaign (see my previous SS'15 shots HERE.)  I really enjoyed wandering around my local neighbourhood with stylist Alex Meyers and photographer Eva Salvi, being snapped wearing a variety of the brand's latest pieces now available in store and online (click on items below for direct links).  With quite a classically eclectic style, I regularly find many of the L.K. Bennett creations fit effortlessly with my lifestyle, and their more quirky pieces work really well with much of my current wardrobe.

'No pain, no game,' is NOT my vibe!  Jumpsuits and flats are my idea of heaven - especially when said jumpsuit is covered in stars, and said flats are bright pink!  This shot was taken outside Nikki Tibbles Wild At Heart floristry in Westbourne Grove, where I could literally stand just inhaling by for hours... 

I love how Alex styled this particularly Chanel'esq boxy jacket with my never-take-them-off boyfriend jeans. The silver and gold metallic heels were a firm fave of the day... and miiiight have come home with me. #WerkPerk 

I like to call this pose the, 'Where's My UBER?!'  Dressed to impress as L.K. Bennett's New Year's Eve Girl. I particularly liked tucking my hair underneath this chic lil'tuxedo jacket - which is now in the sale FYI!  

Drinking my 'Clean and Lean' hot chocolate (who knew?!) at my new healthy hangout, James adn Christy Duigan's 'Clean and Lean' cafe on Westbourne Grove. BIG into these trousers, and yes, that's my favourite LKB Mariel Bag personalised by Boyarde in the background. 

The food served at the new 'Clean and Lean' cafe is all unprocessed, seasonal and seriously yummy (*as yummy as this cardigan which goes with EVERYTHING.)  

I loved the accessories Alex chose to compliment and bring out the vibrancy of this dress. I love this whole outfit and it's very much on the TLC Wishlist. 

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

Hello There: Sorel

Founded in 1962, Sorel became the staple boot for rugged outdoorsmen, with it’s warm lining and sturdy rubber soles being perfect for the snowy Canadian terrain.  In the last couple of years however, this hard wearing, practical brand decided to get in touch with its feminine, softer side and the results have been staggering.  Combining its well known functionality with some lighter, more Autumn-friendly materials and a sleeker, more fashionable aesthetic, Sorel has been seen on many a stylish foot this year.  Worn by Hollywood’s most glam at the Sundance Film Festival, models and editors alike during NYFW, and by copious fashion bloggers throughout the year, these unpretentious, affordable, and actually just seriously useful, boots were recently described by Vogue as ‘the surprise must-have of the season.’ 

I was really thrilled to be asked to pick out some of my favourite Sorel boots recently, where I was beyond impressed with the range of styles, heights, and materials.  I was obviously immediately drawn to the the Low Print Booties (you can take the girl outta Africa…!) and the Winter Carnival Boots (love me some neon laces!) and know they will be just perfect for London’s inter-seasonal weather.  

Above:  Major Low Premium Print Bootie in Leopard and Zebra (RRP. £100.00)

Above:  Winter Carnival Boot (RRP. £85.00

The minute my sister saw my Sorel selection, she immediately went out to buy the same pairs, which we both wore with our matching, aptly named, Sibling jumpers in NYC recently (this is not something we regularly do FYI...!  Not wanting to leave my niece out of proceedings, I got Willow some Toddler Snow Commanders (RRP. £40.00) for her to wear in this Winter. They looked BEYOND adorable!!  

Photography:  Ella Sadika

Created in collaboration with Sorel.

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!

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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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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