Matthew Williamson x USA Pro

This summer Matthew Williamson released a twenty-piece capsule collection of active and yoga wear with sportswear specialists USA Pro and I attended the collaboration’s launch at the South Kensington Club.  

The distinctive collection of leggings, zip-up jackets and sport's bra tops, combine USA Pro’s in depth technical active wear knowledge, with three of Matthew’s signature vibrant and exotic prints. The results are super stylish, yet practical - perfect for the gym, the mat... and more likely for me, the sofa... "Doing absolutely nothing in my (*Matthew Williamson) active wear...!"

“I view active and loungewear as a key component of our expansion into lifestyle in 2016. I am delighted to be able to design for another part of every modern woman’s wardrobe – distinct from ready-to-wear yet important for their everyday lives.”  Matthew Williamson. 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  With Rosanna Falconer, Alicia Rowntree, Matthew and Sienna Miller.

Above: It's Miller Time with Matthew and my school pals, Savannah Miller and Sienna Miller.

I wore my Kaleidoscopic Butterfly Wheel printed High Neck Bra Top and Shorts in my first kick boxing class whilst on holiday in Kenya recently. The infamous saying, ‘all the gear and no idea’ has never been relevant, seeing me definitely float like a butterfly, not sting like a bee...! 

TLC LOVES... Matthew Williamson x USA Pro

Tried and Tested: RUUBY APP

I frequently have those, ‘Thank God (and Steve Jobs) for my iPhone’ moments during the day... How did we cope beforehand?! Seriously?! I recently had a clear out and stumbled across my well-thumbed, little pink A-Z I had to so heavily rely upon when when I first moved to London as a jobbing, auditioning actress… Kids these days, especially ones with no sense of direction like Baby Kelly, will NEVER know that level of stress (or ever have to own a calculator... or have to wait in the rain praying for a Black Cab to appear!) New apps which continue to make our lives easier, photos better, and sentences shorter are released every day and knowing which ones to download that will actually make a helpful impact, rather than take up vital storage space is key.  Ladies… I’ve found one. 

Ruuby is London’s original, and most popular, free digital beauty concierge.  Offering you direct and last minute access to London’s top spas and salons (each vetted meticulously by Ruuby) at the mere quick tap of a screen, leaving those ol'days of googling random places and calling them up in the frustrated hope of a free appointment, or experiencing a lacklustre treatment, back in your past alongside your own little A-Z.  Even more relaxingly, Ruuby also offer therapists who can visit and pamper you from the comfort of your own home, allowing that cherished ‘me time’ to be easily fitted into even the busiest of schedules.

I was asked by Ruuby to try out some of their treatments… I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; My job does NOT suck.  

First up was a mani, pedi at home.  Usually I enjoy the hub-bub of my local Notting Hill nail salon, frequently visiting for a catch up with my bestie.  However, on this particular exhausting day, being able to just zone out and watch some The Gilmore Girls (televised Soul Food) whilst having my favourite Essie colours applied to my hands (‘Lilacism’) and feet (‘No Place Like Chrome’) was pretty heavenly. The best part? No smudging the paint en route home, which let’s face it, aaaaalways happens to me regardless of how careful I am!

I then tried an at home spray tan.  With a pop up spray tent set up in my sitting room, I was goldenised with Siena spray before being able to pop on some loose, unflattering dark clothes and hop into bed.  Waking up to a quick shower and looking a whole lot healthier without any sun-damage, or more importantly not having to bump into any friends (or exes!) whilst looking like a potato, was the dream! 

Next I headed to Richard Ward’s salon on Chelsea’s Duke of York Square, famous for assisting the Duchess of Cambridge with her famous glossy locks – Well, if It’s good enough for Kate…!  The salon is vast and overwhelmingly slick. With a dedicated team of around 80 professionals, amazingly comfortable Japanese reclining chairs, a glitzy beauty zone and an enticing bar area, you can understand why getting appointments here is usually not easy. Using Ruuby however, I could make a fuss free, last minute appointment for the perfect hair swishing party-ready blow dry. 

Finally, I decided to book an appointment with Ruuby’s famed braider, Shabnam, who visited my flat one morning to plait my hair ahead of a lunch at Eight Over Eight, organized by my friend, Rosie Fortescue. I love having my hair braided, especially when it looks a little undone, with a few strands coming out, creating that much-requested ethereal feel.  Also, as long as you don’t go crazy, or get the style wet, it can last a coupe of days.  It was great having my braids done, whilst checking my emails and having my morning cuppa – multi-tasking at it’s best! 

TLC LOVES:  Ruuby...

As I was so impressed with my experiences, I’ve teamed up with Ruuby and we’re offering my readers and followers £10.00 off any treatment when you use the code ‘TLCLOVESRUUBY’ for the whole of September 2016.  Yoooooou’re welcome! 

The Outnet's Clearance Sale 2016

Sound the klaxons!! Today is THAT day again people, the day where The Outnet slice and dice their already pretty tasty price tags, and hold their epic CLEARANCE SALE!  I should mention today is also usually the day that most of us also end up basically bankrupt, but with 85% off their designer treasures, from Charlotte Olympia and Miu Miu, to Dolce and Gabbana and Valentino, it’s liiiike, tooootally worth’aaat.  

As a little clearance teaser for you, I thought I would show you one of the aforementioned treasures and the item I have my bargain-hunting eyes on this morning; a silk crepe de chine Adie Dress from Iris and Ink, The Outnet’s own clothing line.  At a fraction of it’s original cost (reduced from £165.00 to £85.50), this is the perfect summer-in-the-city stripey dress and it is gonna fly off its digital rails (and hopefully into my wardrobe...)  

Here are some other pieces I'm checking out... (click on the images for a direct link). This sale is NOT to be missed... On your marks, get set, GO...!

In Collaboration with The Outnet

HAWT: Naomie Harris in J Mendell

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.

I attended the opening of the new Rimowa store last week, and alongside being rather dazzled by the brand’s signature, lightweight and totally glistening luggage, I was utterly mesmerised by Naomie Harris’ outfit.  Wearing a J Mendel cut-out, peek-a-boo dress (my favourite style), Christian Louboutin heels, an Edie Parker white quartz clutch and Monica Vinader jewellery, the Bond actress looked beautifully chic.  

After some giggles with Juliet Angus, an illustration from Clym Evernden, and several salted-caramel macarons, I had a selfie taken with Alessandra Ambrosio (which sadly did not capture her thigh-high leather boots… Sorrrrry fellas!)  And yes, I’m the one that clearly looks like she should be on a Starbucks run. Repeat after me Kelly, ‘Do Not Take Selfies With Supermodels.’ Lesson learnt.

TLC LOVES... RIMOWA

Credit Buy: COxAP Purrrfect Briefs Set of 3

Over two years ago I found two abandoned kittens on my doorstep, and Harry and Lloyd soon (and yes, predictably) became my permanent buddies.  Soooo, imagine how thrilled I was with this Charlotte Olympia for Agent Provocateur underwear set… Beyond purrrfect, new feline faves for this loud and proud, cray cray cat lady! 

Purrrfect Briefs Set of 3 (RRP. £95.00)

Shop TLC"s Style: 

Debit Buy: H&M's Sleeveless Blouse

Whenever I wear my H&M ruffled top I am inundated with people asking me where I bought it.  Although I purchased it recently in store recently, it was an instant sell-out (having been featured in several magazines), and no longer available. HOWEVER, H&M have just released a similar style online (left), which may actually, with it's lighter, softer material, be eeeeeven more appropriate for the summer months (when they actually decide to begin...!)  

Quick, quick now, I don't expect this little on-trend frilled number with stand up bib collar will last long on the shelves either. 

H&M Sleeveless Blouse (RRP. £14.99)

Auree Jewellery Walton Gold Russian Wedding Ring (RRP. £295.00)

Matthew Williamson x LikeToKnow.it Summer Party

If there are two things we all know Matthew Williamson excels at, it’s making beautiful dresses and throwing faaaabulous parties. Upon returning from New York last week, I attended a summer party thrown by Matthew and the President and Co-Founder of RewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it, Amber Venz Box.

Held at the heavenly Clifton Nurseries, amidst great music, bongo drums and mahoosive bubbles (yup!) we celebrated Matthew’s high-summer 2016 collection, Mirage. Three exclusive #MWxLTK looks (each ready to shop via. Instagram that night) were also revealed that night, amongst the tropical flowers and tropical cocktails, worn by myself, Donia Ciobanu and Rosie Fortescue (below).

Below:  Marbilicous with Matthew's Artistic Director Georgie Macintyre and Business Director Rosanna Falconer.  Rowan Lewis' amazing floral installation was like being inside a floral piñata!

The evening ended in a lot of multi-coloured swooshing on the dance floor, the mass devouring of marbled chocolate and the releasing of hundreds of British butterflies into the wilds of Clifton Nurseries. FANTASTICAL.

Above (L-R):  Talking Heads with MW by some of his collection, with Venetia Falconer and Niomi Smart.

Above:  Where there be a giraffe, there be a Kelly!  #YouCanTakeTheGirlOuttaAfrica....

Above/Below:  Forever Blowing Bubbles with Venetia Falconer.

Shop TLC's Look...

TLC Loves.... Matthew Williamson's Mirage

Summertime with Links of London

I was thrilled to be asked by Links of London to visit their Chelsea store recently and make an edit of my favourite summer pieces.  With so much to choose from, from the contemporary to the timeless, you can imagine this was quite a task!  However, being a total rose gold fiend and a real sucker for some personalised engraving, my choices took far less time than you would imagine...

The 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil & Taupe Cord Mini Friendship Bracelet (RRP. £140.00) was my first choice. The shimmery metallic cord is perfect for the summer, especially when paired with other bracelets, for an on-trend layered look.  Which brought me quickly to choosing the more classic Effervescence 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Bangle (RRP. £120.00) with its bubble-like design working perfectly alongside the friendship bracelet.  This beautiful, will-go-with-everything, duo is a great mixture of bohemian and traditional, and will be so useful this summer in the city and on the beach, from day through to night. 

I decided to pair the Narrative 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Small Oval Disc Pendant (RRP. £95.00), with the Narrative 18kt Yellow Gold Vermeil Long Pendant (RRP. £85.00) and engraved the very apt first lines of the song my father used to sing to my sister and I to help us go to sleep, “Summertime… And the living is easy.”  It’s funny how something can suddenly become so special once personalised with such a simple message, but the necklace automatically became a treasure.

Come and meet me and the the team from Hello! at the Links of London store (491 Oxford Street, WC1 2AU) this coming Thursday 23rd June, from 6pm - 9pm, where you can enjoy some delicious canapés, some even more delicious cocktails, and 20% off your (full price) shopping.

Photography: Ella Sadika

Hair and Spray Tan: Secret Spa

In Collaboration with LINKS OF LONDON

Shop TLC's Look...

#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).