Tatler's Little Black Book Party with Polo Ralph Lauren

A few days before Tatler’s annual Little Black Book Party, I visited Polo Ralph Lauren’s gorgeous new Regent Street Store for a Styling Session with a Polo stylist.  Having an edit already curated for me in my changing room was amazing, and after a glass of champagne and a catch up with some of my fellow Polo Ralph Lauren-clad party goers, we were all interviewed on dating by Tatler’s Sophia Money-Coutts… 

Dressed head to toe in Polo Ralph Lauren I attended the party at the twinkly lit Ours Restaurant on the Old Brompton Road later that week.  Revellers (including Niomi Smart, the Watson to my Sherlock, below) enjoyed many a Beluga Vodka cocktail and maaaany a Gin Mare G&T…

Speaking of the vodka and the gin, thankfully all guests left with a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren sunglasses, which I’m sure proved all too necessary the next morning by everyone… Ouch!

Thank you Tatler for naming me, alongside Lady Violet and Lady Alice Manners, Oliver Proudlock and Tash Oakley, as one of the Best Dressed of the night (HERE).

Shop TLC's Look...

A #TLCxAuree interview with The London Chatter

The team at Auree recently interviewed me about our Tembo Collection collaboration in support of For Rangers, and why it was a cause so close to my heart.  I thought I would also share the answers with you here on TLC…  

‘We are excited to be collaborating with Kelly Eastwood on our first charity collection. As major advocates of travel, flair and colour – we’ve long been fans of The London Chatter, which is why its been a delight to create The Tembo Collection to raise money and awareness in the fight against Elephant poaching.  So a second first for The Auree Journal, we thought a good chance for a cuppa and a Q+A.  Move over Parky...' 

What was it like to grow up in Africa and how has it influenced you?

It was really magical; the animals, the epic landscapes, the beautiful beaches, the amazing mix of cultures. From an early age I was always aware of ‘the bigger picture’ and as such, however exciting and frivolous the whirlwind I sometimes find myself in, I always feel pretty grounded.

Tell us how the collaboration with Auree came about?

Having worn a personalised Auree bracelet rather religiously for about a year before finally meeting Amelia, we decided to meet for breakfast so I could learn more about the brand. It became apparent we both wanted to do a charity collection, and over avocado and eggs we not only decided to collaborate, but had already started sketching designs before the bill had even arrived. Amelia was very supportive over my plea to support the conservation efforts for elephants in Africa, a huge passion of mine. We agreed that neither myself or Auree would make a bean out of the collaboration, with all profits going directly to For Rangers, a wonderful campaign started by friends of mine back home.

How did your Kenyan roots inspire the Tembo collection?

Since I was a child, I’ve always been absolutely in awe of elephants; rather than Nellie the Elephant it was Kelly the Elephant!  As well as going on safari regularly, I would frequently visit the orphaned ele’s at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust near where I grew up in Nairobi, which allowed me from an early age to be acutely aware of the heartbreaking effects of poaching. As I’ve got older, many of my friends now work in conservation, and I’ve learnt so much more through them.

I love Maasai beads and the design of our bracelets were inspired by the single white Maasai bead bracelet I usually wear. The beads are so synonymous with the tribal, nomadic cultures back in Kenya, that it seemed an obvious element to incorporate into the jewellery, through the textured circular bead effect. I also now have permanent Maasai beading around my ankles, put on by the Samburu mamas at Ol Malo, a family-run ranch in Laikipia, which I regularly flaunted at London Fashion Week – paired with some good old Jimmy Choos naturally!

You are a frequent wildlife campaigner, what attracts you most about the important work For Rangers and Tusk carry out?

I think it’s the urgency, and the respect. Make no mistake, this is ultimately a war – a battle to save some of the most iconic wildlife before it’s too late, and it’s the rangers who are on the front line of this fight, daily risking their lives for these animals.  For this reason, they deserve our recognition and support. Earlier this year I visited Kenya’s beautiful Lewa conservancy, where I saw Edward Ndiritu (who was awarded with Tusk’s inaugural Wildlife Ranger Award, presented by Prince William in 2015) and his team awarded with silver pins of honor for their outstanding work, and the pride was tangible. 

For Rangers is a really small, grass roots campaign, with no overhead costs. It’s headed by passionate, knowledgeable people who have taken on extraordinary challenges to raise both money and awareness (including the Marathon de Sable and the Peruvian Jungle Run). Given that I’m hardly renowned for my athleticism (I’ve not moved quicker than a strut since the mid-90’s), I thought I would be better suited to help the cause accessorising not exercising…!

What has been your most memorable experience in Africa?

I’m having a stream of flashbacks of both the most exhilarating and also peaceful moments. Aside from my sister’s week long beach wedding near our home, and regularly visiting the Giraffe Manor’s endangered Rothschild giraffe after school when I was young, I would say anytime I’ve been lucky enough to go on safari. Watching a sensational African sunset, G&T in hand (obviously), with that buzz of wildlife around you, is beyond humbling, and for me, completely calming

What are your little black book entries and insider advice for anyone looking to visit Kenya?
 

in Nairobi. If you’re not staying as a guest at this beautiful house, I would definitely try and book in advance to have afternoon tea there amongst the endangered Rothschild giraffe that live at the sanctuary.  I would obviously recommend you go on safari to enjoy the exceptional wildlife we’re so desperately trying to preserve, and Richard’s Camp in the Maasai Mara is really great fun. For unforgettable experiences with the nomadic Samburu communities, both Ol Malo and Sasaab offer unbeatable opportunities.  I would also head to the coast. Some of Kenya’s long, white sandy beaches are rated amongst the best in the world. Watamu, a pristine marine reserve, is perfect for a family holiday, and not too far from Mombasa, where you can spend an evening sailing along the twinkling lit coast on the Tamarind Dhow. 

What are your must have items that you pack in your suitcase for a trip to Kenya?

Inside my vintage-style Brics Suitcase, I always carry my Ali Lamu safari bag so I can decant and travel light from within Kenya at a moment’s notice.  A good pair of Penelope Chilvers safari boots are imperative, and I love my massive Winser London massive cashmere for both the airplane and for enveloping myself in on those chilly early morning game drives on Safari. When the suns up, I’m always prepared with a good straw trilby from Jess Collett Milliner, my tortoiseshell Taylor Morris Zero sunglasses, a bikini or two from Beach Cafe, a Pitusa kaftan, my Sisley Paris Factor 50 and a kikoi bought locally from a beach stall. Rae Feather does some great personalised beach baskets and I throw everything haphazardly into one of those.

Tell us about your most treasured piece of jewellery and the story behind it.

A Victorian pearl and sapphire heart-shaped locket in the shape of a heart. My childhood best friend passed away when we were eighteen, and her mother gave it to me. There are flowers in the the back of it which my friend pressed and helped put in there when she was four. It’s my treasure of treasures.

What do you love most about your job?

In or out of London, I love the variety of the people I meet in such different fields, and being witness to such differing creativity. This platform has not only given me the ability to talk about and share the things I love, but also to champion the causes that are close to my heart, which is something I really focus on.

How would you describe your personal style?

Always colourful, always with lipstick (Tom Ford’s Plum Lush) and always with a touch of leopard print.

By Day: Topshop boyfriend jeans, Rose Rankin sneakers, over sized Boden linen shirts and Chinti and Parker cashmere (I particularly love their new Miffy collaboration – too cute!) I carry all my work and laptop in the tortoiseshell Aspinal of London Editor’s Bag – it’s so chic and even charges my phone – next level!

By Night: Jimmy Choo heels or L.K Bennett boots, Hill & Friends Tweency bag, and a swooshing Matthew Williamson dress. A blow dry or ethereal braids by Clo and Flo ups my glam game considerably.

What are your style tips for wearing jewellery?

I love stacking and mixing metals, which is why I particularly love the Tembo Collection – you can mix and match the colours and stack them together which looks great, yet still unfussy.

The Tembo Collection Launch at Bronte

Last month I hosted a blogger’s breakfast at Bronte to launch The Tembo Collection (which I wrote about in detail HERE), my seven piece, Masai bead inspired bracelet collaboration with Auree Jewellery.

100% of all profits from the sales of these bracelets will go to For Rangers, a campaign in conjunction with Tusk, which directly helps the brave heroes on the front line of conservation in Africa, who risk their lives daily to protect elephants and other endangered wildlife from extinction.

Above:  With Will Carmichael, one of the founders of Auree Jewellery, outside Bronte on the Strand.

I knew the quickest and most effective way to to spread the good word far and wide, was to gather a group of my most talented digital buddies, and over a breakfast feast of pancakes and avocado on toast (natch), ask them for their help in raising some vital awareness.  Niomi Smart, Liv Purvis, Peony Lim, Emma Bates, Sarah Mikaela and Juliet Angus were amongst the 22 gorgeous ladies who arrived at Bronte, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and ready to learn more about the collaboration and its goal. 

I knew, having previously visited Bronte for a breakfast meeting earlier in the year and fan-girled over the pretty pink Tom Dixon designed breakfast bar and copper light fixtures, that it was the exact place I wished to have the #TLCxAuree breakfast, and the team there could not have been more accommodating.

The tables were adorned with gorgeous wild flowers arranged by Maua London, and each guest had a personalised engraved bracelet waiting at their place, each with a calligraphy label by Sophia Vaughn. 

After speaking to everyone about the campaign, and why it one so close to my heart, I showed everyone a short video (below) that I knew would speak volumes louder than I could ever convey. 

“The statistics are unbearable, over a thousand rangers have been killed in the line of duty since 2003. By joining forces with Auree Jewellery and The London Chatter we hope to make a difference, raising funds to ensure that rangers are enabled with good-quality equipment, training and general welfare, including support for the families of rangers killed or injured in the line of duty. These are the men that are risking their lives to save Africa’s iconic species – it is dangerous, tough and thankless work and we must do all we can to help them.”  Sam Taylor, Founder of For Rangers.

By buying these bracelets (£50.00 - £140.00) you will directly be helping to protect elephants across Africa… Now THAT is some guilt free shopping, people! 

www.aureejewellery.com

Shop TLC's Look...

(Click on the items for direct links)

Photography:  Ella Sadika

#OOTD: 01.11.16

I think you miiiight have noticed by now, I’m not particularly someone who shies away from a little colour. I am not saying I don’t have my more monochromatic, Skandi-inspired moments, but day to day, colour is what I’m drawn to and it makes me feel brighter and happier.

I love Autumn with its greying skies and flame red and crimson leaves scattering the pavement and parks.  Year after year, the colours I'm more inclined to wear during this season have an overtly British feel to them; mustard, teal and burgundy.  I also this year have been really fond of magenta – a little more vibrant and warm than burgundy but goes equally as well with my other favourites. 

This ASOS cropped-sleeve, fluffy knit encourages me to feel as energetic as it looks, and matches perfectly with my favourite Tom Ford lipstick, ‘Plum Lush.’  Its ruffled neckline is totally on trend and the metallic lined frills act as its own accessory so I only needed to stack some Monica Vinader Signature Bangles.

This peacock teal Fran Coat from L.K Bennett is a total sensation!  The soft wool and cashmere coat literally envelopes you like a cosy dressing gown, and together with the colour-popping magenta, a good pair of Citizens of Humanity dark blue skinny jeans (oh, and a random backdrop of burnt orange and pale gold leaves, no less) guarantees to pack a mean Autumn punch.

Shop TLC's Look...

Photography: Ella Sadika

TLC Staycation: The Hari, London

I can’t even tell you how spoiling it was to stay at The Hari, London during London Fashion Week… But I can try!  At a time where I zoom around like a mad thing, keeping to a tight schedule with multiple outfit changes for varying shows and events, it was a total dreeeeam to have The Hari, a little gem of a hotel in London’s Belgravia, as my beyond comfortable base, with their phenomenally helpful team on hand to make sure I was as Happy as Larry… So happy in fact, that actually leaving was pretty heartbreaking!! 

Above: Checking in with my Rimowa Limbo Suitcase and personalised Tephi Garment Bag. 

There are 85 bedrooms, including 14 luxury suites, at The Hari, created in an almost Mad-Men’esq way by leading British interior designer Tara Bernerd.  Think plush velvets, hardwood oak floors, eclectic furnishings, marbled bathrooms… Heaven!

Above:  Now that's a welcome!  Being met in my rooms by bubbles, truffles and and an indulgent LFW Survival Kit which included treats from Biscuiteers, Ren, and a Sunday's Mini Moon eye mask.

The Hari was perfectly located for me to zip in and out of town without any hassle, being only a five-minute walk to Knightsbridge tube station, or quick ride in an Uber... But juuuust about far away enough from all the buzz to really be able to zone out and relax when needed. 

Above:  My Sisley Paris beauty products and Tom Ford make up looked more than at home in my chic marble bathroom at The Hari. (Jewellery from Laura Gravestock, Missoma and Auree). 

The 24-hour room service was a totally blessing - not only did I enjoy the most amazing breakfasts each morning (I quickly learnt I was just MADE to be woken up with fresh orange juice and sea salt porridge with maple syrup), but having delicious, healthy food on hand after long days rushing about grabbing snacks on the go, was incredibly appreciated. (Masini and  Chern Barbados Pyjama Set at Apples & Drawers).

The hotel’s impeccable concierge service was utterly amazing, helpfully receiving any of my deliveries and catering to any of my particular whims. I don’t have many particular whims in case you were wondering, but HOW comforting to know that, in case of emergency, they would have been meticulously catered for! 

When not spending every possible second at The Hari snuggled up, resting my poor battered feet, there were plenty of chilled areas around the hotel to enjoy a little R&R (and a cocktail or two…) The terrace is particularly gorgeous and bar area was clearly a popular evening option for guests and non guests alike. 

Shop TLC's LFW Looks...

Below:  Checking Out.  Thank you to The Hari for being the ultimate LFW haven to lay my hat (and eight dresses, six pairs of heels, three pairs of boots… and... and...)

Wonderba&sh

I first became aware of the luxury Parisian label Ba&sh earlier this year when I went to the Royal Chelsea Flower Show with my friend Rosie Fortescue who was wearing one of their striking pink jumpsuits.  Given I love all things Paris and all things Pink, I was soon hooked (or as the French say, ‘ooked).  The label started in 2003 by childhood friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief, and together they create those everyday, contemporary yet feminine designs we all wish hung nonchalantly in our wardrobes.

October, as we all know, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where many designers and big high street retailers create limited edition items for the cause.  For the third year, Ba&sh has got involved, this year releasing two slogan t’shirts donating all profits to the campaign.  I’ve been living in mine whilst hanging in New York, so c’mon y'all, make like all le cool cats and grab one for yourself HERE (RRP. £55.00).

TLC LOVES... Ba&sh

(Click on the images for direct links)

Winter Ready with Clarks

This season Clarks has our feet covered… Literally.  With the chillier weather swooping in (my tights were brought back out of their summer slumber only yesterday), this well-known brand has launched a plethora of boots for us to stylishly tackle the winter months in.

There are many new styles available but I decided to road test the new Carleta Lyon Boots in my neighbourhood.  Although available in darker, more wintery hues (navy, black and khaki) I thought I would ease my way into the cool with a tan suede pair, clinging onto the daylight and last rays of sun whilst I can!

As the song goes, these boots were made for walking (unlike most of my shoes which were definitely made for Uber!) The heel height is totally bearable, and my feet were the happiest they’ve been since before Fashion Week and its subsequent hobbling.

“Are you ready boots? Start walking…”

Shop TLC's Look

Photography: Ella Sadika

Hair and Makeup: Secret Spa

Nails: Sophie Gass

In Collaboration with Clarks

TLCxAuree: The Tembo Collection

After one crazy week I FINALLY have time to share on TLC what I’ve been up to for the last few months… I have collaborated with Auree Jewellery to design The Tembo Collection.  Influenced by my Kenyan roots, the seven Masai bead inspired bracelets (£50.00-£140.00) will hopefully raise both awareness and funds for the rangers on the front line of the battle to save Africa's elephants, a cause very close to my heart.

I'm hugely proud to say that 100% of all the profits from this collection will be donated to For Rangers, a campaign in conjunction with Tusk.  By buying and wearing the Satao, Pembe and Shina bracelets, you will directly be helping the fight against elephant poaching, and the extinction of this iconic animal. 

Above:  With Amelia Carmichael, Founder of Auree Jewellery

Elephants are so special.  Having been raised in Kenya (where my grandparents moved to in the 1920’s) I’ve been beyond lucky to have spent so much time amongst them, witnessing their beauty in the wild from an early age (when I insisted it was Kelly the Elephant, not Nellie…) Elephants share the same emotions and cognitive behaviour as humans and are capable of deep grief for their lost ones - you can see this most heart-breakingly in the trauma a baby experiences after losing its mother. They feel joy, empathy and are widely praised for their intelligence and memory.

Not only do communities around Africa depend on elephants for an income through sustainable tourism, as keystone species, the whole African ecosystem depends on their survival.  From uprooting trees to feed (clearing canopies in their wake and leaving grass to thrive for plain game - zebra, wildebeest, etc - to feed on, which in turn attracts predators), from their footprints providing water bowls for smaller animals and dispersing plant seeds far and wide through their dung, Africa and all it’s inhabitants, NEED their elephants.

When I was born in the 1980’s there was around one million elephant across Africa… Now there are only 350,000. This estimate, one far less than expected is from the Great Elephant Census completed a few months ago, showed that poachers are killing elephants at a far quicker pace than they are able to reproduce - and they're not just killing them by the way, they're brutally bloody butchering them. That’s 30,000 elephant slaughtered a year... That’s 90 a day… That’s 1 every 15 minutes.  At this rate, there will be no elephants left in the African wild by 2025.

This is a war.  There are many ways it is currently being fought, and one of them, and arguably the most important yet thankless one, is by the men on the ground, risking their lives every day to protect Africa’s most endangered wildlife. 

It takes a unique type of individual to perform the tasks expected of a ranger in what are often extreme conditions and over 1000 rangers have been killed in the line of duty since 2003.  

For Rangers aim to raise funds to ensure they are highly trained, fully equipped, well paid, incentivized and utterly respected. 

For Rangers was started by friends of mine in Kenya, a campaign in conjunction with Tusk. They are a dedicated group of individuals, with no overheads or running costs, who raise money for the welfare of rangers on the frontline of this battle to save elephants by undertaking insane feats to help raise money to support them; Last year, a group completed The Marathon de Sables across the Sahara Desert and this year, some took on ‘The Beyond The Ultimate’ Jungle Run in Peru.  Amidst other challenges, over $120,000 has been raised to date. Being more one for accessorising than exercising, I’ve made bracelets...!

I really wanted to create unfussy yet elegant, wear all day and through the night, stackable, bracelets, and in the tradition of Auree Jewellery, ones you can wear at the fanciest of parties, but also on the dustiest of travels. Both Amelia and I agreed to donate 100% of all profits from this collaboration to the campaign, which is unusual, but given the cause, we felt it was pretty damn vital.

By buying and wearing a Tembo bracelet you don’t only get to own a beautiful, tactile piece of jewellery, you are helping the fight against Elephant poaching. Guilt-free shopping!

Above:  The beautiful Satao (£140.00) is a solid 9ct three Gold bracelet named after one of Kenya’s largest and most famous elephants, killed by poachers in 2014. The polished reverse of the textured disc can be engraved with an initial, name or date to make it unique to you. 

 

Above:  The Shina, Swahili for Trunk, features an 18ct rose gold (£60.00), an 18ct gold (£55.00) or sterling silver (£50.00) vermeil textured polo-shaped disc, inspired by traditional Maasai bead jewellery, in addition to a little charm tusk at the clasp as a reminder of the important cause.

Above:  The Pembe, Swahili for Tusk, features an 18ct rose gold (£60.00), an 18ct gold (£55.00) or sterling silver (£50.00) vermeil textured solid disc, which is able to be engraved on the reverse polished side. 

Photography: Eva K. Salvi 

Hair:  Clo and Flo

Make Up: Charlotte Cowen

AW'16 Trends with Monsoon

With the summer sun setting, and the last of the rosé having been plied from my hand, it is now time to embrace Autumn.  According to The Great Gatsby himself, "life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall," and after the inevitable boho wisp, wander and pom poms you were likely adorned in over the last few months, it’s probably time your wardrobe had its seasonal revamp too.  Luckily, the first of the Autumnal drops have arrived on the great British high street and Monsoon have particularly embraced the trends we saw on the AW’16 catwalks back in February.  Although the idea of embracing fashion trends can sometimes worry many of us, this season the key looks were so varied that thankfully there really is something for everyone to enjoy, and at a snip of the runway price!

The catwalks earlier this year were particularly awash with rich velvets, regal ruffles and eccentric florals.  Being an avid fan of all the aforementioned, I was thrilled when I recently visited Monsoon to see that they have perfectly channeled these trends, in such stylish, yet attainable ways.  I decided to style up some of my favourite pieces to share with you, and hopefully you’ll be as inspired as I am to embrace those Pumpkin Spiced Lattes…

As I said, an AW’16 trend to note is velvet.  Taking the lead from Valentino and Ellery, this sumptuous fabric is no longer to be reserved for cocktails parties or goths, but can be incorporated casually into your daywear.  

The Harper Velvet High-Rise Skinny Trousers (£59.00) are so flattering and I found them to be the easiest gateway into experimenting with daytime velvet. Worn with some Electra Simple Flat Chelsea Boots (£49.00) and an oversized Libby Coat (£119.00), I feel the overall look was really relaxed, yet smart enough for my daily meetings.  These trousers are so versatile and can easily be paired with a heel for the evenings.

Full Disclosure:  I loved these Harper Velvet High-Rise Skinny Trousers so much (wearing them with heeled boots on the first day of London Fashion Week) I had to go back after the shoot and buy them in black too...

Taking the velvet trend to the next level, I decided to jump head first into a top-to-toe look, pairing these high-waisted Vivienne Wideleg Trousers (£69.00) with the loose-fitting Arlo Velvet Top (£59.00) which is subtly patterned with a mix of dots, stripes and florals. 

The overall look may be perfect for night, but once worn with some leopard print Bianca Pony Point Ballerina Shoes (£39.00) the outfit instantly became more daytime and casually chic.

The ‘I just raided my Grandmother’s Attic’ vibe on the AW’16 runways was clear for all to see.  From Mary Katrantzou to Kenzo, a wild variety of eccentric, mix-matched, and frequently floral, prints were presented with wild abandon and I for one, was thrilled. As a long-term fan of the flamboyant, nonagenarian fashionista Iris Apfel, and an avid admirer of the unconventional style of Little Edie, you don’t have to ask me twice to get my maximalism on!

I was excited to see Monsoon embrace this quirky Autumnal bloom, and fell pretty hard for their Blythe Devore Print Midi Dress (£129.00) with it’s vintage florals, and three-quarter length sleeves.  I wore this dress with some vintage-inspired heels, and my mother’s old belt from the 1970’s and some bubblegum pink sunglasses (try Illesteva's Leonard Sunglasses) Similar to add some fun colour pops.  For the brave, the addition of a headscarf, or some fishnet ankle socks would certainly ramp up the eccentric notch.

Ruffles will be HUGE this Autumn,  as we saw with JW Anderson through to Gucci.. As a real frill-seeker myself, I snapped up Monsoon’s high-necked Lacey Victoriana Lace Frill Blouse (£59.00) immediately, without passing go, or collecting 200. You can wear this blouse with a vest or slip underneath, or if you’re feeling a little more risqué, a black bra (try Anine Bing's Velvet Bra with Lace Trim or Rossell England's Crescent Bra) and a plum-stained lip (try Tom Ford's 'Wild Orchid'). The cuffed, statement sleeves are particularly regal!

Photography: Eva Salvi

Hair and Makeup:  Secret Spa (with thanks to Dr. Paw Paw)

In Collaboration with MONSOON

#HFMFashionSpin

This London Fashion Week saw Hello! Fashion Monthly partner with Land Rover to produce a series of interviews with some of their FROW faves in between shows.  With champagne and delicious on-the-move snacks (beat THAT James Corden!) the crew picked me up after the Emila Wickstead show for a chat (above) with HFM Deputy Editor Jill Wanless about my favourite designers, the impact of blogging on LFW, my love of the British High Street…

This was one of my favourite outfits over London Fashion Week. I paired a velvet mustard top and full-length forest green skirt from Charlie Brear, with some Zara Leather Mid Heel Shoes and a Leopard Print Hill and Friends' Tweency Chain Shoulder Bag, whist my friend Marissa Montgomery wore Sophia Kah. 

Shop TLC's Look