I am totally in LOVE this Heart Pocket Striped T'Shirt from Chinti and Parker... Why exactly? Errrrrm, did I not mention the awesome combination of two of my favourite things? Breton style nautical stripes (a la Audrey) and hearts. This soft, 100% cotton, 3/4 length sleeve top is now on SALE (*wahoooo!) HERE at Iris Fashion.
it would be rude not to really...
Photography: Ross Ferguson. Make Up: Charlotte Cowen. Jewellery: Monica Vinader
I was recently invited by Zoë Jordan (left), the designer worn and loved by all the coolest of cats, to Chelsea’s Rossetti Studiosfor a shopping evening in support of The Amber Foundation, a residential centre aiming to reduce the level of unemployment amongst the 17-30 year old age group.
Whilst chatting with friends and enjoying DJ Miss G’s set, I virtually drooled over the SS’14 'Pretty Vandals' collection. Inspired by the 90’s, Zoë beautifully balances graffiti prints and perforated leather alongside a palette of elegant water colour pastels. I was particularly drawn the citron neon garments, which set against Miranda Donovan’s graffiti themed art installations, looked amazing.
US Vogue contributor Sarah Mower interviewed both a past and a present resident of Amber. Amber’s residential centres offer disadvantaged young people a fresh start and a chance to build their confidence and gain practical skills and qualifications which can lead to full time employment and more secure futures. Kara and Natalie were both extremely honest about their experiences and were a real testament to Amber’s success.
Above L-R (Clockwise): Beatrice Savoretti (wearing Zoë Jordan), Margot Molinari andJemma Powell, artist Miranda Donovan, Katy ickremesinghe with Kelly Eastwood.
Above: With designer Zoë Jordan, wearing a vintage silk shirt from Budapest with my Mulberry Bryn handbag in Flame. Below: With musician Jack Savoretti.
To help transform young lives please donate to The Amber Foundation HERE.
Launching in 2012, Salt Resort Wear was the UK’s first resort wear boutique and is consistently home to every girl’s dream summer wardrobe… mine included! Brim full, all year round, with the ultimate in luxury ready-to-wear summer clothes and accessories, Salt Resort Wear is the one-stop destination for any glamorous vacation or staycation shopping. Based on Walton Street, one of West London’s more exclusive streets, this beautiful boutique stocks a strict edit of covetable labels (including TLC faves, Mara Hoffman and Matthew Williamson) all of which will have you eagerly saving up this summer, to pack/squish into your suitcase alongside your SPF.
As a professional sun-seeker (growing up in Africa, it will come as no surprise that during the grizzly winter months I take any opportunity to travel in search of sunnier climes!) I am excited to announce that I will be doing some work with Salt Resort Wear this year. I will be sharing with you TLC’s shopping edits from the boutique and several beautiful, summery fashion stories I hope will inspire your own upcoming tropical fun in the sun.
My first Salt Resort Wear ‘challenge,’ so to speak, was to put together my two favourite#SaltSummer outfits from in store to coincide with the boutique’s current competion...
Follow @SaltOfficial on instagram and tag your favourite summer look with #SaltSummer to be entered into winning £1000 to spend in store or online. This amazing competition, whose winner will be the talk of the beach, is running until the end of July so quick, get ‘grammin!
Above Left: Admist all the tribal prints and sparkles I was particularly taken with these Cutler and Gross Intercast Multilayer White Mirror Lens (RRP. £340.00) sunnies.
Above: I loved the K Jacques sandals available in Turqouise with Zebra Print (RRP. £215.00) and Neon Pink with Snake Print (RRP. £195.00).
Above: The London Chatter's #SALTSUMMER Look One...
Basta Surf 's White Martinique Dress (RRP. £250.00 £125.00), Matthew Williamson for Linda Farrow's Neon Yellow Acetate Sunglasses (RRP. £238.00 £119.00), K Jaques' Turquoise Sandals with Zebra Print (RRP. £215.00), Venessa Arizaga's 'Lady Aloha Bracelet'(RRP. £55.00), Marie Sole Amore's Neon Pink Stone Sintch Bracelet(RRP. £18.00), Koku's Alexia Beauty Bag With White Palm (RRP. £86.00) and Eugenia Kim's Gabriella Hat with Bird Motif (RRP. £265.00).
Above: The London Chatter's #SALTSUMMER Look Two...
Mara Hoffman's Embroidered Maxi Dress in Cosmic Fountain (RRP. £476.00), Eugenia Kim Lillian Hat with Black Band (RRP. £250.00), Salt Resort Wear Pink/Yellow/Blue Beach Bag currently available in store (RRP. £40.00), bracelets both as before.
Which is your favouite look out of the two?
Salt Resort Wear
69 Walton Street, SW3 2HT
www.saltresortwear.com
I do not usually have an addictive personality, but recently I have become obsessed with soya/almond milk Chai Tea Lattes. OBSESSED. Based on the original ‘latte’ invented in India more than 5000 years ago, this aromatic blend of tea and spices is ultra calming and deliciously sweet. I currently wake up each morning thinking about Starbucks and then later I find myself planning my daily travel routes via Costa! This HAS to stop. Or does it?... When ordering some weekly groceries on Ocado last month (HERE), I came across a beaming, bright pink pot of ‘Drink Me Chai’ Spiced Chai Latte (RRP. £1.99) and obviously bought it immediately. It’s DELICIOUS. Starbucks and Costa?... See you latte.
I can’t tell you how excited I was to be invited BY RECORD no less (above) to the infamous Abbey Road Studios for the launch of Ralph Lauren’s Spring’14 collection.
Right: Wearing a mixture of Kate Moss for Topshop and H&M with my Astley Clarke locket (similar HERE) Riley leopard print shoes by Senso (HERE, RRP. £143.00) and my charcoal Codrington clutch by Beauchamps of London (HERE, RRP. £250.00).
Inspired by ‘the bold spirit and playfulness of swinging London in the late Sixties,’ the usually all-American Ralph could not have picked a more iconic venue; the unpretentious, yet insanely cool, Studio 2 where artists such as the legendary Beatles, Pink Floyd and Oasis all recorded albums.
Whilst I, alongside Tallulah Harlech and Amber LeBon, sipped our aptly and adorably named ‘Penny Lane Plum’ cocktails and ‘McCartney Mules,’ there was live music from Zeno to be enjoyed.
Models were soon gliding down the staircase, parading confidently through the crowd wearing a spectacular mix of monochrome mini’s and bright, citric shifts. The collection included striped page boy hats, patent heels and polo-neck shifts (I particularly loved the dress above) which contrasted starkly with the eye-catching lime greens, tangerines and canary yellows which followed. All the sunglasses were utterly fabu(g)lass.
Below: A little sneak peak of the night's show I recorded...
Ralph Lauren said, when recently discussing his latest collection and its influences, “I've always loved Britain - the character and charm of Fair Isle sweaters and beautiful tweeds. But most of all, I am drawn to the people.” Oh stop Ralph, we’re blushing!
Right: Everyone's favourite Beatle, the amazing George Harrison.
Below: When at Abbey Road... I couldn't resist!
Ralph Lauren., Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Spring 2014, Ralph Lauren Abbey Road Studios, Abbey Road Studios, The Beatles, Tallulah Harlech, Amber LeBon, Kelly Eastwood, Lucy Myners, The London Chatter, Zeno, Topshop,H&M, Beauchamps of London, Codrington Clutch, Senso, Senso Riley, Astley Clarke Locket,Astley Clarke
Hawt = A late 1940's and early 1950's acronym for "Having A Wonderful Time."
Now the word is used on the internet as slang for something reeeeally hot.
There surely needs to be a new word created in honour of Cate Blanchett. An aspirational word named after this consummate red-carpet professional, who manages without fail, to nail EVERY event she attends EVERY time!! Cate Blanchett, looked stellar (or some might say, "looked so Blanchett!") in Pre Fall 2014 Valentino, at the Chopard event she attended at Cannes last week. The statuesque actress’ dramatic gown, in fifty shades of grey, had cap sleeves and beautifully intricate silver leaf details. The result was nothing short of regal... Nothing short of Blanchett.
Last week I woke up at the crack of sparrows and jumped on the Eurostar headed for The Lido in Paris to celebrate French lingerie leader Maison Lejaby’s 130th anniversary.
The decadence of The Lido at the heart of the Champs Elysees was the perfect setting for the dazzling one-off, hour-long show the lucky audience was spoiled with. Over seventy of the Lido’s infamous resident dancers, alongside several prima ballerinas, burlesque dancers and opera singers, took their guests throught the decades of the brand’s history, performing various enchanting routines whilst showcasing some spectacular Maison Lejaby couture, ultra-feminine RTW lingerie sets and striking swimwear.
The highlights for me were the stunning Swarovski encrusted, boned ballet tutu (above, which took over 150 hours to create!) worn to open the show and an ethereal and mesmeric white silk gown worn during a solo performance to close (below).
I thought the extensive Art Deco and Art Nouveau (below) collections were particularly elegant, and the flowing silk gowns and full-length chiffon robes extremely glamorous.
Below: A little (albeit quite fuzzy!) sneak peak of the show I made on my phone...
Maison Lejaby’s CEO Alain Prost, appointed in 2012, spearheaded the event and was emotional about the brand’s return to the French couture spirit. Whilst on stage, Alain explained, “this event marks a new chapter for Maison Lejaby and gives us more strength and even more energy for our project Esprit Couture à la Française. This day will remain an unforgettable moment for our company and for the whole team for years to come.”
BELOW: Afterwards I went for the most delicious lunch off the Champs Elysees (wearing a skirt from H&M, heels from Zara, a vintage shirt from Budapest and a Mulberry Bryn handbag) where I had the most incredible fresh cream macaroons… Ooh La La all round!
Maison Lejaby now has a salon on the Rue Royale in Paris and offers the most beautifulHaute Couture, which of course represents the very essence of French luxury. Lucky Londoners can head over to Rigby and Peller for an underwear makeover and buy their pretty Maison Lejaby sets (which come in an impressively wide variety of sizes) HERE.
I was recently asked to the launch night of Mode, London’s newest and hottest night spot, coincidentally and conveniently on the same day I was due to visit expert hair stylist, the more than a bit divine Benjamin, at Hari’s Salon on the Brompton Road. How was THAT for some perfect party planning?! The decadently decorated salon, known for it’s bustling atmosphere and host of characters, is the ideal place to go for a little pre-party pampering; the music is loud, the energy is high and the delicious fresh smoothies you can order upon your arrival certainly provide you with the much needed dose of health and goodness before any impending wild night on the toon! After my hair had been cut (nothing too dramatic, just some much needed shape) and blow-dried, I was whisked upstairs to have my makeup professionally applied by Andrea. This is just one of several beauty additions you can book alongside your hair appointment, making getting ready for any event or party utterly breezy. Feeling oh-so-glossy and fresh as a daisy I went forth toMode (below left), for what turned out to be around six hours of non-stop dancing and hair swishing with friends. Two enthusiastic thumbs up all round! Thank you Hari's! xx
For appointments at Hari’s Hairdressers (305 Brompton Road SW3): 020 7581 5211
Hari's, Hari's Hairdressers, Hari's Hair Salon, Hari's Salon,The London Chatter, Hari's Salon Brompton Road, Hair Salon West London, Hari Salon Chelsea, Beauty, Hair, Monica Vinader, Topshop, Senso, Wilbur and Gussie, Mode, Mode Notting Hill, Mode Ladbroke Grove, Mode Supperclub
Hawt = A late 1940's and early 1950's acronym for "Having A Wonderful Time."
Now the word is used on the internet as slang for something reeeeally hot.
Look, I’m not sure what Blake Lively was doing at Cannes either, but what I am sure of, is that I’m mighty glad she was - in all her blonde bombshell glory. Blake does good Cannes. From the minute Mrs. Reynolds stepped her long legs and ‘nudist heels’ (these are now ‘a thing’ apparently) off her boat wearing a Giambattista Valli SS’14 Couture white textured mini dress with pink embroidery and crystal detailing (right) I knew we were in for some serious fashaaan moments from the actress over the two day festival. I was quadruple right...
Right: Blake next transformed into my childhood dream Barbie, wearing a stunning, 3D, iridescent Chanel SS’14 Couture dress with Sophia Webster (one of TLC's faves) heels at the ‘Mr. Turner’ premiere. The dress made her already teeny tiny waist look teenier and tinier and I adore the pocket detailing.
Below: Blake's two-toned bordeau Gucci Premiere gown, with it’s bold slit worn and halter-neck, worn with the actress' favoruite style of bed-head fish plaits to the ‘Grace of Monaco’ premiere, won red-carpet high fives all round. Well played Blake, well played.
Below: Blake’s final look was a fifties-inspired, dramatic, white and black stapless Gucci Premiere gown, which she wore accompanying her utterly infatuated and beaming husband (who could blame him?!) to the premiere of his latest film, ‘Captives.’
At school some of my friends were renown for their sporting prowess, their academic superiority, or their ethereal choral charms… Me? Aside from an obvious flair for the dramatics, I was pretty revered for my (…drumroll) Friendship Bracelet making skills… Oh yes, take that you long-limbed netballers! I was always making my school pals Friendship Bracelets in their favourite colours and if they managed to keep them hidden from all the matron’s eagle eyes, all desperate to confiscate anything which might allow your uniform some colour of charisma, they were enjoyed for a long while.
You have to imagine my joy when I realised Monica Vinader sold Friendship Bracelets. Obviously far more chic, coveted and long lasting than any of my childhood creations, these bracelets still have friendship at their core and make the perfect presents.
A large group of my girlfriends (which includes the beautiful Charlotte and Jessica, above enjoying smoothies at Moosh with me) have spent the last year marking our birthdays and friendships by giving each other colourful statement Fiji bracelets, which we had engraved with our initials or names (a complimentary service offered in store).
Available in silver, gold vermeil and rose-gold vermeil, and offered in a variety of adjustable and colourful cords, with a rainbow assortment of gems symbolizing different meanings (pink for love, turquoise for peace, nude for calm, etc) if so wanted, the three designs (Fuji, Bali and Esencia) can be worn alone or mixed and layered up together.
Below: There are some more expensive and elegant diamond chain bracelets now also available which are slightly more evening-dress appropriate, and I am particularly loving the recent festival and Ibiza-friendly fluoro additions which really pop in the sunshine.
All Monica Vinader Friendship Bracelets are available in store and online HERE.
Make Up: Charlotte Cowen
Photography: Ross Ferguson
My Necklace and Stacking Rings: Monica Vinader
My tangerine bespoke Lined Notebook (from RRP. £55.00): Noble Macmillan
My Chinti and Parker Star Sweater (RRP. £350.00) and Jerome Dreyfus Igor Bag (RRP. £490.00) both available at Iris Fashion Boutique
