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.

#TLCCOMP: #MYMV Wishlist

It’s certainly no secret how much I LOVE Monica Vinader jewellery, and I was thrilled when they asked me to create my own ‘Wish List’ in time for Christmas this year.  Narrowing down their sparkles and jewels is always a difficult task, but this year the coloured gems with rose gold really stood out for me.  I love wearing bright clothes and accessories, but even if you are into wearing black everrrrything (errrm… do you work in fashion by any chance?!) this is a great way to incorporate some more colourful accents into your look. 

To be in with a chance of winning £500.00 worth of Monica Vinader jewellery, create your own wish list and share it on your Twitter or Instagram tagging @MonicaVinader and #MYMV.  

See HERE for more details. T&C’s apply. 

TLC LOVES... Monica Vinader

All She Wants For Christmas 2016

It's THAT time again folks; The mad dash to buy your loved ones gifts and the mad hope that they in return take a look at this page (handily left open on their desktop, iPhone and iPad...) before using their own initiative and buying you anything...!  Hover over the items for their direct links. 

Above:  Missoma's beautiful Gold Half Infinity Rings look stunning stacked. (RRP. £65.00)

Above:  Bespoke womenswear label Tephi’s tailor made, personalized Tephi Garment Bag has made transporting your Sunday Best a whooole lot chicer.  With zipped compartments for your dresses and shoes, this is both stylish AND practical... #WinWin (RRP. £175.00)

Above:  Elizabeth Scarlett's distinctive embroidered Velvet Cushions, inspired by her many colourful travels, make beyond gorgeous additions to any home. (RRP. £55.00)

Above:  The Penmayne of London midnight blue Willow Fedora with a leather and guinea fowl feather – utterly chic. Have the silk lining initialed for that added touch. (RRP. £319.00)

Above:  The gift of some Bliss UK pampering and peace... I mean, the dreeeeeam.

Above:  The most beautiful addition to your home is a Feu de Beaumont candle. Each heavenly smelling candle (my favourite is Feu de Bois) comes with a gold-plated lid which can be engraved.  (RRP. £59.00)

All He Wants For Christmas 2016

Rather than resorting to making IOU voucher booklets (Ha! That ol'chestnut!) here is some TLC giftspiration which may make life a liiiittle easier over the the next few weeks... Hover over the items for direct links. 

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!!

Shop TLC"s Look...

#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. 

Shop TLC's LOOK...

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.