#TLCSplashMob: Ice Bucket Challenge for the Cove Guardians in Taiji

My friend, photographer/videographer/conservationist/dude, Jimmy Greenwood (Feral Film Productions) recently nominated me for the Ice Bucket Challenge.  Rather than chucking a bucket of water over my head (adding to the already over flowing Facebook walls of my friends), and inspired by Jimmy’s unconventional, and eco friendly, take on the challenge, I decided to rally the troops and make a SPLASH in London’s Serpentine for the love of dolphins, in support of Sea Shepherd’s Cove Guardians.

As you may know from my Instagram, I have attended several protests outside London’s Japanese Embassy in the last year (above), alarmed and disgusted by the brutal annual six month ‘cull’ of dolphins off the coast of the small fishing village of Taiji.

Annually, after a small selection of herded dolphins, porpoises and small whales are chosen for marine parks, thousands of others are brutally slaughtered and sold off for their meat.  Most citizens in Japan are unaware of these horrendous dolphin hunts, or the serious toxicity of dolphin meat, which contains extremely high levels of mercury and PCBs.

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Now, more than ever, it is important to add your voice to the growing global outrage and international protest against the drive hunt, as well as the captivity and slaughter these innocent creatures.  The strongest weapon we have is our voice. Please write to your local Japanese Embassy or consulate and use your social media platforms to let it be known you oppose the slaughter in Taiji.

Thank you to my girls for agreeing, without hesitation, to one of my more crazy requests, to the Masketeers and the Artful Badger, to Summer Watson and to Jimmy, a man as passionate about this cause as me, for his excellent camera skills, encouragement and enthusiasm.

Donate to Sea Shepherd's Cove Guardians HERE.

Hello There: Florian London

With visions of my summery straw clutches dissolving in the onslaught of rain fast approaching, my eyes have been on the lookout for a sturdier handbag to accompany me into Autumn. It is however, becoming harder and harder these days to find an affordable, yet elegant, British-made handbag label.  Enter: Florian London, the latest arm-candy I’ve recently discovered. 

Launching in 2011, and by British architecture, the brand recently celebrated international recognition, winning two design prizes at the prestigious Independent Handbag Awards ceremony in New York, and is now set to be stocked in Bloomingdales

SO… with handbags to fit both my lifestyle and wardrobe, ranging from roomy doctor’s bags, to brightly coloured totes and sleek clutches, picking just one to swing about town was a toughy!  I was however, particularly drawn to the Florian London City Shopper in sky grey (how apt!)  The structured leather shopper has gold hardware (always my preference), plenty of practical compartments (including one which fits my always on-the-move laptop!) and has THE most ridiculously sweet ‘Alice in Wonderland’ printed cotton interior (below).  The gorrrgeous people at Florian London even monogrammed my new bag for me... And we all know just HOW much I LOVE a monogram!  ​We’re now the best of pals and together, all set for what the heavens have to offer us in the coming months! 
Florian London City Shopper in Sky Grey RRP. £295.00

Secret Cinema's 'Dead Poet's Society' Screening

Only a few days after Robin William’s sudden death, I attended a sell-out Secret Cinema screening of the 1989 coming-of-age film, ‘Dead Poet’s Society,’ at the Troxy in London. 

Suited and booted, my friends and I dressed in our very best (rather last minute, in my case!) Welton Academy uniforms, and watched live poetry recitals, lit candles in memory of the much-loved actor, swapped well-thumbed, old books and nostalgically tucked in to some ‘school dinner’ (alas, the crumble was juuuust as I remembered it…!) 

The Secret Cinema actors really enriched the film’s atmosphere, at times even running around in the dark with torches at the same time as the actors on screen.  The Secret Cinema actors also stood on desks underneath the screen (whist we in the audience stood on our chairs) during the film’s (especially) emotional and poignant last scene, where the students stand on their desks in solidarity for their incredible, unorthodox teacher, John Keating (below).  My spine tingled from hearing the copious bellows of, ‘O Captain, my Captain,’ from within the weepy crowd.  This was the perfect tribute.  

Several other screenings of the film were organised elsewhere in the UK, as well as in New York and Prague, and in Robin Williams’ memory, the £24,000 raised from these screening's profits and text donations, is going to mental health awareness charities.  Contributions can still easily be made by texting CINEMA to 70660 to give £3.00 to Mind

Marcus at The Berkeley

The long established Knightsbridge restaurant, ‘Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley Hotel’ underwent a massive, shiny new renovation and reopened earlier this year as ‘Marcus.’   I was generously invited to the two Michelin starred restaurant for lunch, and of course asked DG to accompany me (this would make a well received, swanky change from the usual Pret à Manger lunch I have been known to regularly treat him to...!) 

The staff at Marcus could not have been more welcoming or helpful, in fact, the whole restaurant, despite being very elegant, with crisp white table clothes and chic place settings, is particularly unfussy, relaxed and comfortable.   After a welcome glass of champagne we were presented with the most delicious and beautifully presented food (decorated with tiny, bright flowers) and all accompanied with various delicous wines recommended by the most charming of sommeliers (left).

I wish I hadn’t eaten in a week (or had any afternoon plans!) as I could have happily camped out there all afternoon!  DG was in heaven, tucking into courses of frogs and snails (sans puppy dog’s tails) whereas the puddings (all three of them, due to my indecisiveness!) were obviously this sweet toothed gal’s highlight!  A real treat of a lunch and I really recommend you making a booking for an upcoming special occasion… Even if that special occasion is that you just sooo happened to have cancelled all your meetings and work for the rest of this afternoon and are feeling purposefully peckish!

Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London. SW1X 7RL

RIP Robin Williams (1951-2014)

Having studied acting at the Juilliard School in New York City, 63 year old Robin Williams shot to stardom in the 1978 TV sitcom, ‘Mork and Mindy.’  This mischievous, irresistible force of nature made us cry with laughter in his various comedies, and had us captivated during his more powerful, heartfelt performances.  Robin Williams, simply, made millions of lives brighter… mine being merely one of them.  This is just unacceptably sad.

I have just spent a (bittersweet) hour watching various scenes from the beloved Oscar winning actor’s much adored films, varying clips from hilarious interviews he gave and several teasers from his stand-up shows... Robin Williams was a true comic genius!

Below:  After the news broke, thousands of tributes began to pour in from heartbroken friends, colleagues and fans a like (and even from President Obama!)

Below:  The actor's 25 year old daughter, actress Zelda Williams, posted a beyond perfect quote from Antoine De Saint-Exupery’s beautiful 1943 classic, 'The Little Prince...'

Thank you Mr. Williams, the original Rockin'Robin, for bringing an extra dose of magic to my childhood, and leaving me inspired as a teenager. I hope your spirit has found peace… The world is an infintely less sparkly place without you. 

If you are dealing with depression, the charity MIND has many helpful resources. 
Alternatively, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

Credit Buy: Wilbur & Gussie Edith Clutch Bags

I have long been a fan of Wilbur & Gussie’s eye-catching clutch bags.  Using modern prints and vintage jewelled brooches, on a range of textiles designed in-house, Wilbur & Gussie’s designs have become synonymous with British wit and elegance, and a firm fixture in my wardrobe.  To celebrate the company’s new flagship store in London’s Marylebone earlier this year, I was spoilingly asked to pick a new clutch bag… The choice was overwhelming!  Entering the new shop is like diving into a large box of Quality Streets; so bright... so colourful... which one to pick... WHICH ONE TO PICKKK??!!

I eventually decided to go for the Edith Orange Bee Clutch, one I have had my be(e)ady eye on for a while!  I get so many compliments whenever I take her on the town and it is now, amongst some of it’s other pretty pals, in the sale! Hurry…  

RRP. £90.00 (in sale)

Bumpkin Chelsea Summer Party

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One of my favourite parties of the summer was the first birthday of Bumpkin Chelsea, hosted by Matt Hermer and his wife, hostess with the mostess, Marissa Hermer (above, and left)

Marissa’s ‘Ladies of London’ cast mates and a bevy of other Bumpkin-loving beauties spent the balmy evening playing giant garden games (turns out, I’m ACE at Giant Connect Four… who knew?!), sipping endless bubbles and enjoying a delicious BBQ, all amidst the luscious palms and colorful blooms at the Chelsea Gardener

also discovered a new, delicious drink called ‘Pedrino,’ - keep a look out for this orange-tinted alcoholic tonic that is faaar too easy to quaff…!  A truly gorgeous and summery evening!
Thank you M & M xx

Above:  Wearing a tropical print Zara jumpsuit with Topshop heels and handbag. 

Above L-R (Clockwise):  Karim Khelil and Malika Dalamal, Julia Neel and Kelly Eastwood, with Amy Williams and Louisa PreskettFred Kooij and Stephanie Phair

Above:  The London Chatter appearing in Tatler's Bystander with Lady Julie Montagu

#HenryFest: Wireless Festival 2014

I was suuuper thrilled to be asked to accompany Henry Holland and the team from Gather.ly to Wireless Festival.  Not only was I dressed entirely in ‘H! by Henry Holland’ (Henry’s festi-friendly diffusion line available from Debenhams) but I was also to given a VIP pass, allowing me the best possible view of  the main stage… and free drinks and ice-cream all day…  The DREAM!  After a delicious triple-stacked pancake, champagne breakfast at the Ace Hotel’s ‘Hoi Polloi’ (best name ever?!) we were off to Finsbury Park.

I had earlier in the week visited Debenhams on Oxford Street to choose my ‘H! by Henry Holland’ outfit, opting for a navy Toucan Jumpsuit (RRP. £40.00 £32.00)Silver Embellished Strap Sandals (RRP. £35.00 £17.50), and the Grey Grained Satchel Bag (RRP.£40.00 £32.00).  Without any tent or welly cares in the world, we all enjoyed lunch and cabaret entertainment in the VIP area, occasionally venturing out, in between large jugs of Pimms, to watch one of the truly phenomenal acts from the all star line up...  

The day started off with Iggy Azalea, whose song ‘Fancy’ has been a firm 2014 favourite of mine.  I didn’t know many of her other songs, and honestly still don’t, but she and her back up strippers dancers were mesmerizingly entertaining...  I don’t think I blinked once throughout their entire performance.  

Pharrell gave the audience hit after hit after hit...  The smokin’hot, pocket rocket sung a mixture of NERD classics, solo hits, and several renditions of songs he has produced over the years, all sung in his signature falsetto voice.  Pharell also gave a feminist interlude, speaking about equality in the workplace and respecting women... before beginning a gyrating performance of ‘Blurred Lines.’  Literally. Hitting. My. Head. Against. My. Desk.  The audience went predictably, nuts for Pharrell’s neo-soul hit ‘Happy,’ and all we all returned for more ice-cream beaming.

To close the evening was Kanye West… Despite Kim not being there swaying in the crowds with a bejewelled Swarovski clipper lighter (I'm sure she has one?!) as I had hoped, I still felt I was about to see something truly epic.  Epic it was.  Epically weird and epically arrogant.  After resounding loud and aggressive dog barking, Kanye appeared wearing a bejewelled Maison Marin Margiela mask, the first of three he was to adorn throughout his time on the stage.  Excellent songs were interrupted, mid-flow, by the singer himself, either to direct the cameras to his better angles or just merely to complain to the audience about his varying First (Class) World Problems.  During one particular rant (which lasted 20 minutes) and saw the singer booed by the impatient crowd, Kanye attacked Louis Vuitton for not allowing him to design for them.  According to Kanye, this is because he is black and a celebrity... and nothing to do with not being a celebrated fashion designer. Yeeeeeeezus Kanye. Thankfully, post-rant, impassioned perfomances of ‘Diamonds,’ ‘All Falls Down’ and‘All of the Lights’ followed.  

Above:  Snippets of Friday's acts recorded on my iPhone...

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I returned to Wireless Festival on the Sunday.  DG is a huge OutKast fan and had booked tickets months ago to see their much anticipated summer reunion.  Wearing some ‘H! by Henry Holland’ Skinny Sydney Jeans (RRP. £30.00 £15.00) and my Ganni Palm Print Shirt, we watched the darling Ellie Goulding performdrank cider and shared a classic  99 Flake (which actually now cost £2.45… who knew?!) whilst waiting for OutKast

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The show, and the rain, soon begun and MAN, Andre 3000 (in his platinum wig) and Big Boidid not disappoint!  They were AHHH-MAAAY-ZING.  Playing their first UK show in over a decade, these suuuuper slick and eccentric hip-hop innovators are born performers; totally at ease, totally hilarious, totally professional and totally talented.  Basically, just totally COOL -  in a league of their own.  We left on a major high missing headliner Bruno Mars… to be fair, nothing could top what we’d just seen, and it was bucketing down.  Soz Bruno, I’m sure you were amazing… “just the way you arrrre.” 

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Thank tha Lord – and obviously the lovely Seasalt Cornwall  – for my waterproof Seafolly Jacket (RRP. £79.95) which made watching OutKast and my ‘shakin like a Polaroid picture’ during the rain storm all the more enjoyable!  Also BIG thanks to Mophie for sending me one of their GEEEENIUS mobile phone Juice Pack Air chargers, doubling my mobile's battery life, so I could keep instagramming and tweetin’ all the live long day.  

Debit Buy: Topshop's MOTO Pretty Bleached Ripped Hayden Jeans

Even in the heat of the summer I am a real jeans girl... so wearing jeans with fully installed air conditioning?! Errrrrm... Perfect!

Topshop jeans are hard to beat, with a consistently up to date range of styles and accessible prices, and I am loving wearing their MOTO Pretty Bleached Ripped Hayden Jeans.  Boyfriend in style with very of the moment distressed and shredded rip detailing, they are relaxed and cool.  Real COOL. 

RRP. £45.00