#TLCComp: Jess Collett Milliner Summer Illustrations

Everyone must know by now that I loves me a Jess Collett felt trilby, rendering me virtually unrecognisable in the Winter months without one firmly affixed to my head. With the London sunshine fiiiinally playing ball and putting its very own hat on, Jess’ summer styles, from her neon, pom pom adorned straw trilbies to her beyond creative, dramatic headpieces, are ready to take centre stage. Whether you have upcoming weddings, races, regattas or are simply heading to the beach, this Notting Hill Mad Hatter has got your back… or, you know, head!

 

As you may remember I organised a competition to find an illustrator to create some backgrounds for some of Jess’ most event-worthy pieces.  Thank you to every one for your wonderful submissions, I’m thrilled to announce Parisian illustrator Habile Buston has won a Jess Collett made-to-measure summer trilby worth £220.00 after designing these fabulous and vibrant interpretations of my impending summer fun! 

Make Up: Charlotte Cowen
Dresses: Matthew Williamson Archive. 
Photographer: Janie Airey

Alice Through the Looking Glass at Fortnum & Mason

To celebrate last week’s release of ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass,’ London’s much-loved Fortnum & Mason have collaborated with Disney, bringing together Lewis Carroll’s and Fortnum & Mason’s shared passions and eccentricities; visual splendour, adventure, exploration, time and… CAKE!

Speaking of cake… After seeing the beautiful windows (oversized butterflies, huge chess pieces, swinging pendulums, etc… all on display throughout June and July) and a recreation of the film in the flower-lined atrium, I took my nearly two-year old niece for Afternoon Tea upstairs.

Willow (very clearly!) loved the scones, or should I say the clotted cream, which ended up smothered on everything, including the smoked salmon sandwiches.  I mean, she could be on to something?  Maybe we shouldn't knock it until we've tried it... but, maybe let's just not. 

What hadn’t been smothered in cream, my sister and I enjoyed, alongside pots of Fortnum’s popular Wedding Breakfast Tea, created to mark the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. The special blend is a mix of top-quality Assam and Kenyan tea, a nod to the location of Prince William’s proposal (and obviously enjoyed by Claire and I, being Kenyan girls ourselves!)

Below:  "Willow Out..."  My niece and the most sugary, chic take-away (cake-away?!)

Below:  I also spotted some wonderful Alice in Wonderland tea ware, a collaboration between Fortnum’s and Halcyon Days, and all hand crafted lovingly from English fine bone china. Adorable! (Available HERE).

An Espadrille Workshop with Penelope Chilvers

I still remember the flurry of excitement amongst my school friends upon finding baskets filled with colourful espadrilles outside a cheap as chips boutique when on a daytrip to Paris.  We returned back to England that afternoon a few Francs lighter but feeling infinitely more bohemian and chic.  Many (oh-so-depressingly many!) moons later, high street and designer espadrilles are readily accessible to us all back in Blighty, and the variety of eye-catching colours and designs are now infinite. 

Penelope Chilvers, who’s shoes and commitment to the flat I have long admired, organized an Espadrille Workshop at her Duke Street shop.  An invited group of press were invited throughout the day to meet Penelope, enjoy delicious smoothies from Farm Girl Cafe, and create our own pair of espadrilles. 

With a basket filled of striped, floral and plain coloured canvases, and another filled with multi-coloured velvet and cotton ribbons, we all created unique customised designs which Penelope then had traditionally made up for us in her Spanish workshop.  SUCH a treat!

I was immediately drawn to this multi-coloured, almost Missoni'esq striped canvas, and thought it went really well with this jewel-toned, deep pink velvet ribbon...

At the workshop, Penelope told us the espadrilles she liked the best would go on to be produced in her upcoming SS’17 collection...

I’m really excited to tell you, that the KELLY ESPADRILLES will be hitting the Penelope Chilvers shelves next Summer!  That's right, I WON!!!  Woooooo Hooooo!!!  I shall now been known as, #EspadrellyKelly!

Thank you PC, I love them! xx

If your sun kissed tootsies are looking for some gorgeous espadrilles to wear this summer, Penelope has some other really gorgeous summer must-have espadrilles available HERE.

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

Hill and Friends x Samaritans

Ex-Mulberry creative director Emma Hill’s own brand, Hill and Friends, has been a real favourite of mine since its launch.  The colourful leather hues and love of leopard print couldn’t be more my thaang, not to mention the trademark ‘winking’ twist-lock fastenings on each of their covetable bags – Errrrm… LOVE!  

So, if all of that wasn’t friendly enough, Hill & Friends are offering you 20% off their range of gorgeous emerald leather handbags, and a £50 donation from each purchase of either a Happy Green Shoulder Bag, Happy Green Satchel and Happy Green Clutch made (until the end of June) will go to the Samaritans.  

It feels sooo good to go green… 

“I have been engaged with Samaritans for some years and wholeheartedly support the service they offer. We are delighted to count Samaritans as an official ‘Friend’ of Hill and Friends.”  Emma Hill.

Shop the collection HERE. 

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone who is struggling to cope.  www.samaritans.org

Shop TLC's Look...

The Duchess of Cambridge for British Vogue

Vogue celebrates their centenary issue this month, and only went and scored HRH The Duchess of Cambridge for their cover!  This is the first time Catherine has consented to being shot for a magazine, and what a debut.  The magazine’s June issue (out now) features seven photographs of the Duchess near Anmer Hall (the Cambridge’s house in Norfolk), taken by Josh Olins, and styled by Lucinda Chambers (and I Imagine also by Kate herself) in fairly accessible, simple clothes worn to reflect her love of the countryside. 

On the cover Kate is seen wearing a Burberry trench coat and white jacquard shirt, with a vintage hat from Beyond Retro.  Other clothes worn include a striped jersey from Petit Bateau, 70’s-style flared denim dungarees from AG Jeans, Dune knee-high navy boots and a checked shirt from Cabbages & Roses.

By choosing British Vogue for her first-ever cover Kate is following in famous footsteps. Princess Diana famously graced the cover of the magazine four times (1981, 1991, 1994 & 1997).  Alexandra Shulman Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue said: “To be able to publish a photographic shoot with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge has been one of my greatest ambitions for the magazine.”  

Shop HRH The Duchess of Cambridge's Vogue Looks...

The shoot was a collaboration by Vogue and the National Portrait Gallery – of which the Duchess has been patron from 2012. Two of the pictures are now currently being displayed in the gallery’s exhibition, ‘Vogue 100: A Century of Style.’  The exhibition runs until the 22 May 2016 (BOOK TICKETS HERE).

TIMEX Fairfield Weekender Collection Launch

TIMEX recently revealed their new SS’16 Fairfield Weekender watch collection and I was very kindly invited to the European launch.  With a night’s stay at the fabulous Mondrian London’s on the South Bank, a fun afternoon spent touring Borough Market and an evening partying at Shoreditch House, this was twenty-four hours of pure fun, food and frivolity in the capital. 

We started our TIMEX adventure with a delicious lunch held in the Mondrian’s Rumpus Room where, alongside the best possible views in London, we learnt more about the brand from the TIMEX Design Director Giorgio Galli, the man responsible for creating the brand’s watches for the last decade. It was at this lunch I was given two of the new watches, both personalised with my initials, and given my particular obsession with orange accessories, I was thrilled with my new arm candy. 

The afternoon was spent with a tour of Borough Market.  I have lived in London for years, and I was still so excited about this. I loved meeting all the stall vendors and having a taste of so many of the amazing treats available to buy (the sea salt fudge and the coconut pancakes in particular!) We ended our trip with some wine tasting and doughnuts!... Yup, I rolled my way back to the hotel to get ready for the party!

The party at Shoreditch House commenced, and alongside the popcorn and candy floss (a nod to the brand’s American heritage) there was a customisation bar for guests to choose their own TIMEX stylish watch face (which all light up I later discovered, much to my delight!) and a fun, interchangeable, colourful strap from a large selection, pick'n'mix stylie! 

In the morning, wearing my AscenoxRollingStones PJ's (a collaboration that coincides with 'Exhibitionism') feeling a little bleary-eyed and after some delicious room service (yes, pancakes covered in syrup, obviously), I made my way down to the hotel’s beyond relaxing spa to enjoy a heavenly massage before heading back over the river, and home.  Such a fun TIME, thank you TIMEX! 

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TLC VACATION: Puente Romano Beach Resort and Spa, Marbella

After the most depressingly long hibernation, and several bouts of rotten flu, the shiniest of tickets came my way; an invitation to stay at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa on Spain’s Golden Mile, Marbella, where the sun shines for 320 days a year! HOORAY!  

Grabbing my friend Charlotte Cowen en route, I arrived at the most luxurious of hotels.  Designed to recreate an Andalusian village, the beachfront Puente Romano, with its endless array of restaurants, three swimming pools, Six Senses Spa and newly opened nightclub, La Suite, had everything both our mischievous and holistic desires required.   

Our room was found amongst the white-washed walls and baskets of geraniums of the grounds, and we were thrilled to find we had a gorgeous little balcony (room service locaaay sorted!) and adorable beach baskets and towels as gifts. 

Wearing: Daisy Mini Crop Set by Mochi.

Oh, I should also mention the giant plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries – soooo spoiling! 

The heavenly Six Senses Spa offers an array of treatments, and Charlotte and I were generously treated to a hugely relaxing Couple’s Massage (hilarious!) in one of the spa’s nine treatment rooms.  

The blue-tiled swimming pool, with its view of the ocean, has amazing waterfall-style windows, and the spa also features a hydrotherapy pool; a cold plunge pool; heat and ice experience showers with different types of water flow and mood lighting; herbal steam room; sauna and hammam. UTTER heaven, and you can see why people travel the distances they do to unwind and spend time being pampered there.

Wearing:  Anna Kosturova (name to watch!) Dreamcatcher Halterkini from Beach Cafe.

There is a gym and a tennis court on site, and the resort is also very close to Marbella’s old town, but given that there are nine (yes, nine!) restaurants throughout the resort, it is quite possible to spend your entire stay hopping from one to the other… I can think of worse ways to pass the time!  The Sea Grill (above) is right on the beach and where we were treated to an array of fresh seafood and sushi on our first night. 

Two-Michelin-star-holding chef Dani Garcia’s playful concept restaurant Bibo was where we spent most of the next afternoon (I’m not even kidding, we feasted for for what seemed hours – NOT that any of us were complaining!) With an imaginative menu and Alice in Wonderland’esq touches in abundance (even the list of cocktails were presented in the form of Tarot Cards, which I made each of our party choose from - best game ever?! #EveryonesAWinner) the beyond imaginative tasting menu left us defeated, but amazed (I’d fly back merely for another portion of his INSANE New York-inspired cheesecake!)

Wearing:  Gold Diamond Moon Charm Necklace and Gold Diamond Horseshoe Necklace by Missoma.

Mid-way through our amazing meal, Dani surprised us with the most amazing truffle treats in his kitchen...

We also enjoyed a delicious evening of sushi at UNI, several Turkish Delight smoothies at Rachel’s Organic Cafe (above, also my favourite spot at the hotel for sun bathing and reading) and a very healthy lunch at Celicioso, Marbella’s only 100% gluten-free restaurant (below).

Enjoying the sunset with Charlotte and our friend, the Fashion Director of Marie-Claire, Tanya Philipson.  The last time I was in Marbella was actually for Tanya's wedding, so it was great to see her, and this time with her gorgeous new son Archer!  Would you just look at those CHEEKS!!  Beyond edible. 

Wearing:  Dia White 70's Maxi Dress by Lily and Lionel.

You also might not expect to find Marbella’s hottest new club amongst the sub-tropical gardens of Puente Romano, but this hotel is full of surprises as well as palm trees.  La Suite held its glamorous launch party on our last night, and launch it we certainly did…!  With a mixture of old Roman architecture and ultra-modern touches, the club is the perfect addition to the resort and will no doubt, be well frequented by guests and local revellers alike. 

The next morning Charlotte and I were treated to breakfast (pancakes, naturally) on our balcony (I mean, this entire stay was such a romantic friend-moon!) and coconut water and lavender scented eye masks were brought to us to assist with our much needed R&R… I mean, next level thoughtful! 

Just the perfect little mini-break!  Thank you to all the lovely folk at Puente Romano! xx


TLC ON TOUR... MARBELLA SUITCASE:

(Click on the items below for their direct links)

The London Chatter was a guest of Puente Romano Beach Resort and Spa for two nights. 

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 Falconer. Below:  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...

TLC STAYCATION: Ham Yard Hotel with Sisley Paris

I recently was utterly spoilt, spending two glorious nights at Soho' s Ham Yard Hotel as a tourist in my own town, courtesy of Sisley Paris. The entire experience had my eyes on stalks (and my fingers on my Instagram!) as it was certainly the most colourful, chic and fun few days I’ve spent in a long time...

IMG_4440.jpg

When I told my sister and friends I was to be working with Sisley Paris they were all incredibly jealous, as the brand is a much loved staple on their bathroom shelves and in their make up bags. Founded in 1976 by Hubert d’Ornano, Sisley Paris is known far and wide for its innovative cosmetic and skincare products, using a combination of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. The plant extracts and essential oils are perfect for sensitive skin, such as my own, and I was really excited to try the amazing samples left for me in my hotel room (alongside their accompanying Biscuiteer replicas!) upon my arrival at Ham Yard Hotel.

Above:  Checking into the Ham Yard Hotel, with my two of my most favourite and trusted travel companions; My Bric Bellagio Suitcase and my personalised Tephi Garment Bag.

I fell crazy in love with Ham Yard Hotel.  I’m sure you could see on my Instagram account, Kit Kemp’s magnificently vibrant, British interiors are a social media dream.  You feel like you in a Wes Anderson film and everywhere you look there is something unpredictable and eclectic which catches your eye.  From the butterfly and drift wood crocodile decorated dance floor, the bowling alleys, the neon signs, quirky art and the television IN MY BATHTUB (below right), it was a total joy to refer to this hotel as ‘home’ for two nights… As a consequence, my once fabulous flat down the road from this hotel, now seems just a wee bit ‘Meh!’ 

Above:  Wes Anderson, much?! Just call me Margot...

Above:  Wes Anderson, much?! Just call me Margot...

Above:  Driftwood crocodiles and 3D butterflies on the dance floor, next to the bowling alleys (below). Just amazingly fun. 

Over the course of the two days we got to dine at THREE of my favourite restaurants in London; the suntrap that is Petersham Nurseries, the celebrity trap that is Chiltern Firehouse and the delicious taco haven that is La Bodega Negra. I know… My job does NOT suck (#SorryNotSorry) and despite being just a few days late to spot pre-Oscar Leo at Chiltern, it was great to chat with the other bloggers and the Sisley Paris girls in such fun locations over one (or three) cocktails. London at it’s very best! 

The beautiful Petersham Nurseries (Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10)

Above/Below:  Too soon for rosé  ? Not when at the Petersham Nurseries (Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10).

Below:  The obligatory shot taken in the ladies at Chiltern Firehouse (1 Chiltern St, London W1U).

The obligatory shot taken at Chiltern Firehouse (1 Chiltern St, London W1U)

Above/Below:  With the formidable Juliet Longuet and the rest of the lovely GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS at La Bodega Negra (9 Old Compton St, London W1D).

We spent our second day all together at Christine d’Ornano’s S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G West London home.  It turns out I’m actually neighbours with the glamorous Global Vice President of Sisley International, and let me tell you, there isn’t a house nearby I’d prefer to turn up at to borrow some sugar!  After a presentation introducing us to the brand, revealing it’s family-run history, and demonstrations showing us the latest Sisley Paris skincare and cosmetic additions to the brand, Christine hosted a delicious lunch for us.  

After lunch, behind velvet doors (when I grow up I'm having these in my house!) we were all given a make over, using Sisley Paris products, by the fabulously talented British make up artist, Tania Grier. 

 I was very impressed by all the naturally active products I tried, and by their chic aesthetic (obviously being from Africa the zebra print had an obvious appeal!) but there were obviously always gong to be some favourites which I thought I would share with you...

1.  Black Rose Cream Mask (RRP. £95.50):  My sister had already warned me this would become a ‘must have’ after I’d used it once, and she was right.  Known as a cult product in France for it’s nourishing, rich anti-aging benefits, you apply a generous layer for up to fifteen minutes before blotting away any residue (of which I had none of because my greedy face ate it all – yum!)

2.  Phyto-Lip Twists (RRP £29.00) I am well known for loving a bright lip, day and night, so these were always going to be a real winner for me.  Appearing like a tinted balm, but with the strong pigment of a lipstick, and the shine factor of a lip gloss these fun, chubby Lip Twists are as hydrating as they are long lasting. Ideal and in my handbag at all times. 

3.  Phyto-Eye Twists (RRP. £29.00):  I love how easy these are to apply, and they are perfect to use either as a thick eye-liner or a smudgy smokey eye. Enriched with plant-based active ingredients, so your delicate eyelids are protected, the Eye Twists are waterproof and available in multiple colours which all compliment each other so well (you’ll end up purchasing quite a few…) but Lagoon and Topaze were my faves. 


4.  All Day All Year Moisturiser (RRP. £236.00): Jam packed full of antioxidants like Apple Skin Extract and White Willow Extract, this heavenly product shields your face pollution, sun, and every day environmental toxins. Swoooon… My hero! 

TLC ON TOUR... SOHO SUITCASE:


(Click on the items below for their direct links)

Thank you Sisley Paris! Bisous xx