Making it Personal with Links of London

I’m not sure if there was something in the water last year, but I’ve had a recent rush of the most gorgeous god-children and other miniature cuties appear in my life!  Deciding what to buy them to celebrate their arrivals has been so much fun, and alongside an obligatory Sophie la Girafe, I decided to give them all some of their very own engraved treasure to welcome them into the world. 

I headed straight to Links of London, knowing they not only have a renowned selection of covetable, yet affordable, jewellery, but they also generously offer complimentary engraving.  From pens to pendants, watches and tie bars, Links of London is filled with copious amounts of personalised giftspiration and I was spoilt for choice.  

For the boys, I decided to get sterling silver cufflinks with their initials (can we take a moment to appreciate that I have a god-son called Lukas Axel… #FutureRockstar #JusSayin…) and for the girls I got gorgeous sterling silver and 18kt gold heart-shaped disc charms engraved with their names.  These hearts can be added to charm bracelets or worn alone on a necklace, and although these gifts might not be ones the children can immediately enjoy, they will feel all the more special and sentimental once they can. 

The pieces of jewellery I hold most dear are always completely unique to me, engraved with my name, or of those closest to me, personalised with meaningful dates, lyrics or sweet, ‘in joke’ phrases.  These pieces instantly become heirlooms, and the reason why I tend to veer towards this idea for presents for others, and ermmm, myself.  What?!  You didn’t think I was going to leave myself out of this equation, did you?!  Do you not know me at all by now?! 

With my sister living in New York, my mother living in Kenya, and with me living in London, I thought I would engrave us some matching Links of London friendship bracelets with each of our initials engraved on the cord's toggle. How sweet?! 

Now, purely for safety (slash, fashion) purposes, I decided I obviously needed to road test all three bracelets together... Which annoyingly, has now made me want more, as they are the perfect stacking bracelet...

Fear not, friends, I managed to behave.  Both my mother’s engraved 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil & Taupe Cord Mini Friendship Bracelet, and my sister's engraved 18kt Yellow Gold Vermeil & Ruby Red Mini Friendship Bracelet, were both dutifully wrapped up and sent to each of their far-flung destinations! Severe brownie points all round. 

Shop TLC's Look...

In collaboration with Links of London
Photography: Joseph Galvin
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

Go Your Own Way with Oris

Having spent most of my twenties not wearing a watch, or really even caring that much about the time in general (oh, sweet youth…) I have certainly upped my wrist game since hitting 30. Telling the time, and most importantly, being on time, aside, a great watch can really set the tone for your whole look, acting as both a style and personal character statement. 

As we tend to wear watches more frequently than any other accessory, investing in a time piece you really love feels pretty justifiable, given the eventual ‘cost per wear’ (a little formula not taught at school, but one I use far more regularly than the Pythagorean theorem…) and amidst an influx of smart watches and new technology flooding the market, I am even more appreciative of traditional, beautifully crafted and charismatic watches which can be passed down from generation to generation. 

This summer I discovered Oris, the luxury Swiss watch brand renowned for their distinctive, 100% mechanical designs. Founded in Holstein, Switzerland, in 1904, the independent company launched a standalone concept store on London’s fashionable South Molton Street (above, open until the end of August) which gives British customers a chance to explore the brand, its rich watchmaking heritage and ultimately to ‘Go Your Own Way,’ by finding your perfect watch. 

One of the highlights at the pop-up, for this history geek at least, is the Oris mini museum, featuring classic pieces from throughout the brand’s 114 years.  The latest collections are also on display, and of course available to buy or pre-order, and my eyes definitely fell upon the Artelier Grand Lune Date Diamond Automatic Watch (now, try saying THAT several times in a row…)

To me, this watch is both classic but also wonderfully modern, and although embellished with beautiful diamonds and sapphire crystal, in keeping with my day-to-day style and work, it doesn’t feel too ostentatious or feminine, due to the bigger dial size and deep, midnight blue sustainable leather strap.

The distinctive and decorative large moon and series of twinkling, reflective stars add a really special and almost poetic touch to the watch and one that truly had me at hello (or should I say, grüezi…) 

Passionate about our earth and wildlife, what was of obvious interest to me, is the brand’s #ChangeForTheBetter campaign, and their continuous, and active support of non-profit organisations that protect endangered species and conserve threatened habitats. This year Oris started using sustainably sourced and produced leather straps, which appeared in the company’s classic collection of Artelier watches, such as the one I chose to wear.  Knowing that the watch I chose to wear has been so ethically created makes this particular collection even more charming and covetable, and although also available in stainless steel, I can imagine the leather strap will age really beautifully over time, telling unique stories from each owner’s wear, and I find that really enchanting. 

‘This is both an elegant, feminine piece of watch design, and a wonderful example of Oris’s watchmaking abilities,’ said Oris Chairman Ulrich W. Herzog. ‘The new Oris-developed Calibre 763 is the latest in a long line of Oris innovations and brings the traditional ‘grande lune’ complication into orbit for stylish women who are looking for an attractively priced Swiss Made watch.’ 

In collaboration with Oris
Photography: Frances Davison
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

I'm On It: Bloody Good Period x Pink Parcel

With sanitary products being unaffordable for many, and the subject of periods being still relatively taboo, Gabby Edlin started ‘Bloody Good Period,’ a charity which donates feminine hygiene products to asylum seekers and refugees.  We can all help support this cause by purchasing one of these 'I'm On It' tees from Pink Parcel.  Designed by my podcast faves, journalists Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton, each purchase sees £5.00 go towards tackling period poverty.

I was saddened to have a pretty discouraging comment left on my Instagram after I posted this picture.  I was told this kind of shocking subject matter was not in line with my usually 'elegant' content...  Well, what I find far more shocking is that one in ten girls are unable to afford sanitary items in the UK alone!  The stigma (so clearly displayed by this one follower) and shame attached to discussing this subject can have a really damaging impact on the lives and education of girls across the world and that is exactly why I’m proud to speak up and wear this tee.  Oh, and in my opinion, there is nothing more elegant than standing up for the rights of people less fortunate than ourselves - especially young girls.  I'M ON IT.

www.bloodygoodperiod.com

Photograph: Joseph Galvin

Links of London's Royal Ascot Collection

In just under a week, one of the most fashionable events in the entire British social calendar commences; Royal Ascot.  Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the four-day racing festival has become a pageantry filled national institution, one where both the horses and the elaborate hats in attendance share focus and press. 

With a strict dress code, Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance, thus, whilst inevitably enjoying a lil’flutter on the GG’s, it’s always the elaborate hats which have my eyes on stalks each year. Underneath all the silk flowers and high-fashion head toppers however, it is just as important to make sure your jewellery is just as on point (to point).    

Luckily for the attendees, and all race aficionados in general, for the second year running, Links of London are back in the saddle as the official jewellery license holder at Royal Ascot. The much-loved British jewellers and have once more designed a stylish, racing-inspired collection that will not only complete your look, but will be treasured by its owners for many more years to come.   

Amongst the specially crafted diamond necklaces, colourful charms, and engravable cufflinks for the often-overlooked gentlemen, I decided my favourite pieces from the Links of London Ascot Collection were the Horseshoe designs.

Simple in style, with an obvious nod to horse racing, the delicate chain bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings and adjustable cuffs available in sterling silver, yellow gold vermeil and 18k rose gold, are utterly timeless.  

I’m hoping that by wearing some of this collection I will have some luck at the races, and beyond…    

Shop TLC's Look...

Hats: Jess Collett Milliner
Seville Dress: Tephi
I'm a Goddess Jumpsuit:  Bozena Jankowska
Bag: Baraboux

In collaboration with Links of London
Photography: Joseph Galvin
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

24 Hours in Mykonos with Figleaves

I was really excited to be invited to Mykonos a few months ago by Figleaves to get a sneak preview of their gorgeous Spring/Summer’18 collection, which has recently hit their digital shelves. 

I’d never visited the idyllic, white-washed Mykonos before, and over a whirlwind, bikini-filled 24 hours, I was able to really get a taste of both the glamour and simplicity of the Greek island. 

In the morning I explored the island’s capital, Chora, which gave me the opportunity to wear some of Figleaves’ new beachwear around all the narrow and winding, labyrinth-style streets.  Picturesque, and quaint, there are endless little souvenir and handicraft shops to peruse, and cafes to drop into, as you wander around the bougainvillea scattered narrow and winding, labyrinth-style streets.  

No trip to Mykonos would be complete without visiting the iconic windmills which overlook the sea, dating back to the 16th Century. 

Above: Wearing the Rowan 0ff The Shoulder Sundress (RRP. £38.00), also available in white. 

I was quite overwhelmed by the amount of stray cats in Mykonos, either happily soaking up the sunshine, or merely looking to share your lunch. To adopt a stray from Mykonos or sponsor their fostering or sterilization efforts, please contact Mykonos Animal Welfare. 

In the afternoon, I headed to the Alemangou Mykonos, a boho haven on Mykonos’ Ftelia Beach. The rocky landscape, golden sand and crystal Aegean seawater made for the perfect location to shoot some of the latest Figleaves swimwear.  My favourite piece from the new collection was the Surf Shore Soft High Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit (below, RRP. £45.00), which was an unusually sporty choice for me, but I loved its high neck and unique mesh detailing. 

I have always wrongly thought that Figleaves only catered for the more curvier figures, but I was so thrilled to realise that they have copious, sun-sational (couldn’t resist) fits for every shape and size, allowing us all to feel both supported and stylish this summer, whether poolside or at the beach.

Above:  How pretty is this Margarita Frill Triangle Soft Bikini?!  I prefer non-wired bikinis, and being not adverse to the odd frill or two, this bikini top (RRP. £20.00) was an immediate, 'add to bag!' 

Below:  A few other favourites from Figleaves that I have my beady little eyes on for this Summer; The Secret Garden Soft Cut Out Swimsuit (RRP. £45.00), the Tulum Tassel Kaftan
(RRP. £45.00) and the Frida Underwired Bandeau Swimsuit (RRP. £50.00).

Here is a little video of my whirlwind 24 hours in Mykonos...

TLC ON TOUR... MYKONOS SUITCASE:
(Click on the items below for their direct links)

In collaboration with Figleaves

BA&SH After Hours: I Do Yoga & Drink Tequila...

I have long since been a fan of ba&sh, the French fashion brand which allows us to access that effortless Parisian style we all covet, with a welcome twist of California cool, on our very own British high streets. 

Season after season, their never-out-of-style, fresh and floaty bohemian aesthetic, with its touch of rock and roll, urban chic, is the direct result of a beautiful friendship between Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief.  Fifteen years ago these life-long, joined-at-the-hip besties decided to create the now hugely popular lifestyle brand, filled with feminine and timeless wardrobe must-haves fit for any occasion.  

I was really excited to be given the opportunity to help spread the good word about ba&sh’s first yoga capsule collection, a collaboration with Ana Hart, a young brand co-designed by interior designer and yogini Amanda Ibgui, and her former yoga teacher and mentor Rachel Novetsky. 

On the first properly sunny day of the year, surrounded by show-stopping, instagram-worthy blossom trees in a nearby private Notting Hill garden (all so very "Whoopsie Daisy," Richard Curtis), I wore some of the pieces to a Jivamukti yoga class with the fabulous Dannii Jordana from the famed Sangye Yoga School.

Wearing the ba&sh x Ana Hart Romy Jumpsuit. 

The perfect balance of ba&sh’s natural fabrics and feminine styles, alongside the technical support of Ana Hart’s designs, has made for a unique, contemporary and super soft collection with a deliciously cheeky edge.  In fact, the hero t’shirt I wore might just sum up ba&sh in une nutshell; 'I do yoga and drink tequila.' 

Above:  Wearing the ba&sh x Ana Hart Kloe leggings and Moove T'shirt.

Above:  Wearing the ba&sh x Ana Hart Moti T'shirt.

This capsule collection is created for women that love to keep fit and healthy, but also like to have a little (or a lotta) fun… Ladies who balance out their green juices with their cocktails and their warrior poses with their table dancing… Which sounds an awful lot like many of my friends!

Speaking of my friends… I was thrilled when ba&sh invited a group of my nearest and dearest along to a special ‘After Hours’ drinks party at my local Westbourne Grove store, where I introduced them to not only the new yoga capsule collection, but also to the latest ba&sh Spring/Summer’18 designs. 

Above:  Hosting my friends wearing the ethereal, metallic Pipa Dress.

As suspected, it didn’t take my buddies long to get well acquainted with the stunning ba&sh designs (or some of the first rosé of the summer), and most predictably, shopping bags were soon filled with some seriously enviable wardrobe additions. 

Complimentary hugs were issued with every ba&sh purchase... 

Soon after we piled into cars which took us to a private apartment on Golborne Road, my favourite road in my neighbourhood, where a sumptuous vegetarian feast and a plethora of cocktails awaited us, beside an edit of my favourite ba&sh Spring/Summer’18 pieces.  

Each of my guests also found gifts from the ba&sh x Ana Hart yoga collection on their seats, and took home posies which made up the beautiful bouquets around the room. 

The entire night felt dreamy; like a birthday celebration (or in my case, a 'Kellybration') where you got to enjoy all the feels without having to turn another dreaded year older…!  I loved seeing so many of my girlfriends and my energy and love levels were sooooaring (more hugs, anyone?! Anyone?!!)

Merci ba&sh for such a spoiling evening. xx

In collaboration with ba&sh
Yoga Photography: Frances Davison
Catering and Floristry: The Hill Food Company
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass

'The Season' with LK Bennett

This season LK Bennett cordially invites you, me and EVERYBUDDY, to celebrate in true style… Whether you have some confetti to throw or some lucky bets to place, whatever the summer soiree may be, LKB has you covered with their effortlessly chic edit of beautiful occasion wear. 

With an exciting barrage of summer events on the horizon, I decided to style my three favourite LK Bennett looks from their The Season edit, all which felt easy-to-wear in both shape and fabric (always key in the hotter months) and that could also be worn from day well into balmy night. 

The Eve Cranberry Silk Dress

I adore this tea-dress inspired Eve Cranberry Silk Dress from The Season collection, and the tie-waist makes it so flattering.  The dress is so versatile, and could just as easily be worn with flat flat gold sandals as with these incredibly luxurious, burnt orange velvet Henie platform heels. 

As a well-documented fascinator-hater (*facihater?!) I keep my hair pretty natural (aka. scruffy) at smart summer events, preferring a killer pair of sunnies or some sort of kooky hair accessory… Here, I chose to highlight the whole vintage feel of this dress by adorning my favourite Cat-Eye sunglasses and faux-pearl hair slide. The LK Bennett Lucille clutch, a 100% raffia handbag, keeps this look feeling fresh, summery, and slightly more casual, which I tend to prefer. 

The Sukie Pink Multi Silk Dress

The Sukie Pink Multi Silk Dress is a true silky beauty, and the ¾ length sleeves are ultra-flattering if like me, you prefer a little bit more coverage when in the sunshine. I wore this dress with the sky-high LK Bennett Annabella Green Satin Sandals (also available in rose pink) and felt instantly party ready. The khaki colour of the cork platform sandals worked perfectly with the floral print of the dress, and the LKB Adriana Sunglasses, with their black and taupe tortoiseshell two-tone finish, were the cherry on the outfit cake.  

The Loren Navy White Silk Jumpsuit

I have always been a real jumpsuit girl, and the LK Bennett Loren Jumpsuit, with its flowing and fluid silhouette, an flattering tie-wast, obviously caught my eye instantly.  I have attended several weddings and super smart occasions in silk jumpsuits before, and felt just as glamorous amongst all the dresses.  By wearing this jumpsuit with metallic heels, and a box clutch, you would feel instantly more elegant, but I kept things comfortable and cool by once again, wearing burnt orange Henie platforms.

Which is your favourite look of the three?

Shop The Season HERE. 

In collaboration with LK Bennett
Photography: Joseph Galvin
Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Chinti and Parker x Women for Women International

My lovely friends at Chinti and Parker joined forces earlier this year with Women for Women International and model Arizona Muse to create a really special, limited-edition collection of cashmere which sees 100% of the profit go towards supporting survivors of war living in some of the world’s most dangerous places.  An ode-to-sisterhood, and the perfect statement Spring coverup, what's not to LOVE?! 

Stronger Women = Stronger Nations.  

Shop TLC's Style...

Photography:  Frances Davison

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Nails: Sophie Gass

OOTD: 30.04.18

I read in the paper yesterday that this week our capital looks set to be ‘battered by torrential rain and gales,’ with warnings of potential flooding. Sooooo, that’s a pretty big ‘no’ to Spring then, right?!  At a time where I should be perusing the pastels in my wardrobe, I’m leaning heavily back towards the cashmere. 

One colour I particularly feel weathers (for want of a better word) this unpredictable time of year well, is olive.  Olive is one of the most versatile colours you can wear, being both cool and casual, whilst also being a while lot more forgiving than the predictable summer khaki options that are currently available en masse on every one of our high streets.

This show stopper of a trench coat is by the wonderfully talented Huishan Zhang, who I have long been a huge fan of.  Combining both his Eastern heritage and Western design skills, the coat’s olive scallops are both powerful, yet pretty.

Worn with my high-waisted/wide-legged H&M black trousers, stripey Day Birger turtle neck (yup, back to those… Brrrrr…), my Jerome Dreyfuss circular bag, my Swedish Hasbeen’s clogs and my And Other Stories Sunglasses (a girl can hope…!) I am feeling as Springy as I possibly can right now!  Even if I’m not loving this weather, this coat?! Olive you longtime…

Shop TLC's Look...

Photography:  Joseph Galvin

Hair:  Taylor Taylor London

Nails:  Sophie Gass

TLC VACATION: The Rose, Venice Beach, CA.

After much kicking and screaming, this wannabe hipster eventually managed to drag herself away from the most spoiling, sun-soaked suite and jars of flakey croissants at The Rose Hotel, Venice... It was NOT easy! 

The Rose Hotel, a little low-key Venice Beach gem, was originally designed in 1908 by Abbott Kinney, has had a recent, and most perfect, renovation by fashion photographers Glen Luchford and Doug Bruce. Once a notorious 'late night hangout' frequented by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Jim Morrison, the hotel has maintained many of the original features, such as the reception's yellow counter slot for the working girl's keys, still in situ amongst the more recent flea market and vintage finds. 

I spoilingly stayed in the hotel's Pacific Suite, a 1500 sq ft penthouse, with a massive bay window looking across the broadwalk to the ocean, two bedrooms (both with Queen size beds), linen covered sofas and a lot of too-cool for school art.  Aesop bathroom products, the softest stripey sheets and a bottle of rosé in the fridge (thank you Mr & Mrs Smith!), all helped to make my brief two night stay in the always characterful Venice Beach perfectly chilled. 

Firstly, ALL hotels (and boyfriends) should provide designated little black make up towels to prevent the always inevitable, mascara and foundation induced 'White Towel Guilt.'  I know, a total bathroom epiphany!  Secondly, I brought some Ouai hair products with me to California to try (specifically, the hair oil and texturising spray) and HOLY MOLY they smell incredible - go get'em!

"We never set out to create the perfect hotel; our walls are thin, and the building is wonky... But its not like any other hotel. And we like it just like it is."  Glen Luchford and Doug Bruce.

Here is a little video of my stay at The Rose Hotel, Venice Beach...

Ohhhhh those Venice Beach sunsets... (*and ohhhh, those accompanying Margaritas...!)

TLC ON TOUR... VENICE BEACH SUITCASE:
(Click on the items below for their direct links)

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Smith for organising my stay.