J. Crew Pop-Up

I recently attended the J. Crew pop up, a two-day sneak peak of the autumn/winter ’13 collection ahead of their launch in the UK on Regent Street this November.  I was met by a rainbow of delicious Italian cashmere (which you could charmingly have monogrammed), a plethora of gorgeous, wearable printed silk and a selection of sparkling, custom-made jewel collars which would make any outfit delightfully unique.

Below (L-R): Henry Conway and Annabel Simpson, Astrid Harbord and Kelly Eastwood

I love J. Crew’s easy and accessible approach to dressed up daywear, and I was specifically enamored with their statement necklaces. some of which were created by New York based jeweller Lulu Frost.  Although vintage in style, these necklaces are thoroughly modern and awoke my inner-magpie… I want them ALL!

Above (L-R):  Astrid Harbord, William Woodhams and Annabel Simpson with Coco Bear

The all-American retailer also announced they are teaming up with Central St Martin’s fashion school on a series of design projects as well as offering a new scholarship.

 My top J. Crew picks for the summer...
Above (L-R): Bijoux Bow Ballet Flats - RRP. £207.26, Crystal Compilation Necklace - RRP. £143.69, Vacationland Blouse - RRP. £108.85, Collection Cashmere Sweater in Punk Floral -RRP. £224.68, Mini-Pineapple Bikini Set - RRP. £85.07

London Boutiques: This Month - June

I'm really pleased to announce I will be have a regular monthly feature recommending the best London based fun & fashion on the newly relaunched eCommerce site, London-Boutiques.com!   My June hightlights include (...drumroll please)  Love Brunch at Kensington Roof Gardens, Charlotte Tilbury's Rock'n'Kohl at Selfridges, enjoying Trooping the Colour at Vista on the Trafalgar Hotel's rooftop, watching Wimbledon at the Bluebird Chelsea, the epic Hard Rock Calling and Chris Levine's 'Light' exhibition at the The Fine Art Society Contemporary... Phew! Enjoy!

Mr Foggs

The imaginative Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes have yet again provided Londoners with an impressively extravagant bar.  Following in the footsteps of Barts, Maggies andBunga Bunga, this dynamic duo have recently opened Mr Fogg’s, on Mayfair’s Bruton Lane.  The beautiful bar pays tribute to the adventures of the famously eccentric explorer Philieas J Fogg.  I visited this bar last week with girlfriends and was immediately transported whimsically into the 1870s, being met by an immaculately dressed porter who showed us to our table.  The entire room is brimful with trinkets from Mr Fogg’s travels; quirky artifacts, unusual antiques, portraits, leather luggage, birdcages, maps and an immense hot air balloon (in which he travelled for 80 days) taking centre stage. The drinks and menu are also themed with Victorian Absinthe cocktails served in antique punch bowls.  Extraordinarily unusual, utterly elegant and highly recommended.

Below:  Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling with his beautiful wife Zoe Stirling.

Mr.Foggs (15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, W1) open Monday-Saturday 5pm-1am.

Cannes Film Festival 2013

There's Something About Carey...  Carey Mulligan was this years Belle du Jour at theCannes Film Festival, with red-carpet and photo-call outfits being as elegant and quirky as the actress herself.  Accessorising her sleek and refined outfit choices with a couple of beautiful co-stars and a giggle, Carey wore a striking concave-chested Balenciaga jumpsuit to the 'Great Gatsby' photo-call with Leonardo Di Caprio, and an art deco inspired Vionnet gown at the 'Inside Llewyn Davis' premiere with Justin Timberlake.  
A masterclass in understated glamour.

Left:  Speaking of understated glamour.... I have absolutely no idea who this lady is and why she was on the red carpet at Cannes... But with her golden Ferrero Rocher tray dress, I kinda just love her!! 

Below:  Another actress who NEVER fails to make me style-swoon on the red carpet is the beautiful Marion Cotillard.  The French actress looked perfect at the 'Blood Ties' photo-call wearing a teal mini dress from the Antonio Berardi A/W14 collection and Jimmy Choo nude heels and then later at the Chopard lunch in a Vivienne Westwood Couture pink and ivory striped dress.  Ooh La La.

Below:  And then there was Cara... Cara Delevigne looked showstopping at the premiere of the Great Gatsby wearing a Burberry gown and Chopard jewels.  Wow. 

The Chelsea Flower Show

Headlined as a Pageant of Loveliness by the Observer in 1935, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is this week celebrating its hundredth year anniversary.  Amongst the spectacular colours and hedonistic scents, this year’s highlight is the Forget-Me-Not garden designed by Prince Harry, created to promote his African charity Sentebale, and in memory of his mother.  Garden gnomes, previously banned at the show for being inelegant and crude, will also feature this year – I love the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge gnomes!

Despite it being wholly predictable (“Florals? For spring? Ground breaking!”) this is the most opportune time to look blooming hot in your prettiest flowery prints...
Below:  Topshop Tattoo Floral Teadress RRP. £45.00

The Met Ball 2013

The Met Ball in New York took place last weekend, the fashion industry’s annual opportunity to show off the most beautiful gowns on the most beautiful people.  This year designers created outfits inspired by ‘punk chaos’ so safety pins, colour clashes and stud embellishments were key in creating some of the most show stopping gowns....

Above:  Cara Delevigne perfectly punked in a plunging Burberry dress armoured in tiny gold spikes.  Hands down the  best dressed of the night.

Above:  The saying goes, 'Go Hard or Go Home' and Sarah Jessica Parker went Hard as NAILS!  SJP accessorised her voluminous Giles Deacon ball-gown (and lace knickers!) with thigh-high velvet TARTAN Louis Vuitton boots and a Philip Treacy Mohican headpiece!  

Above:  Some celebrities really embraced the theme with punk hairstyles and make-up, particularly Anne Hathaway who, wearing vintage Valentino (1992) with yellow nailpolish, took the opportunity to debut her new peroxide hair. I LOVE punk Anne!

Above:  A little safe and not particularly 'punk chaos' but I will NEVER tire of Rooney Marawearing white on the red carpet.  The actress contrasted her dark lipstick with her delicate white lace Givenchy gown.  Otherworldly. 

Above:  Errrrrrrm... Yup. That would be a floral upholstered Kim Kardashian in a Riccardo Tisci designed Givenchy gown, complete with 'gleeves' (glove sleeves).  Dreadful. 

There's Something About Carey

What a beautifully ethereal cover Harper's Bazaar have for their June issue.  Photographed by Tom Allen, the cover features Great Gatsby actress Carey Mulligan in a pink Prada coat surrounded by cherry blossom, and the result is completely dreamy.  
A newstand knockout!

The 'Great Gatsby' opens on both sides of the Atlantic on 10th May 2013.

Baku Magazine Website Launch

Last week I attended the launch of Baku Magazine online at Baku Cellar 164 .  Amidst the flame throwing, magic tricks by Fergus Flanagan and DJ set by Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong, I enjoyed some bubbles alongside half the cast of ‘Made In Chelsea’ (Baku is on Sloane Street after all, darrrrling!)  Awesome art by award winning street artist Rich Simmonswas also exhibited and is available to view at Baku Cellar 164 until May 15th when another contemporary artist will be showcased.   

Above:  Amongst Rich Simmons Art (Clockwise L-R):  Kelly Eastwood with Francis Boulle and Katy Wickremesinghe,  Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong, Me again (wearing a velvet and lace trim top by Sandro, the Heart Mac by Elizabeth Lau, bag by Mulberry).