The Watamu Turtle Pouch

This week I launched my second ‘Buy To Give’ collaboration, the limited-edition ‘Watamu Turtle Pouch,' (£25.00) with the wonderful British home wear designer Elizabeth Scarlett.

I am proud to say that 100% of the profit from our limited edition, intricately embroidered cotton pouches goes straight to Local Ocean Conservation, a non profit organisation based in my home village of Watamu, on the beautiful Kenyan coast.

Local Ocean Conservation are committed to the preservation of Watamu’s spectacular Marine Park and Reserve. With a focus on protecting critically endangered turtles, they use practical conservation, community involvement and development, education, research and campaigning to promote the sustainable use of Kenya's marine resources.

I have grown up in awe of the work that this project achieves, and have been lucky enough to help with many of Local Ocean's turtle releases, and I can tell you first hand, nothing brings more joy than watching these beautiful beings healthily return back into the wild.

Nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as endangered, slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells.  They also suffer from habitat destruction, plastic pollution, accidental capture in fishing nets, and having their nesting sites seriously affected by climate change (which is actually a real thing, Donald…!)

Being an avid fan of Elizabeth Scarlett, and sharing such mutual passions with the beautiful Lizzie herself (primarily, conservation and sustainability - oh, and a seeeeerious love of pineapples), I’m thrilled to be working together with her to raise some vital awareness and funds for Local Ocean Conservation.

Please Buy To Give this Christmas…  #TLCxES

The 'Watamu Turtle Pouch' can be purchased online at Elizabeth Scarlett.

All proceeds will go direct to Local Ocean Conservation.

Photographs of Elizabeth and TLC:  Ella Sadika

OMEGA 'Her Time' Exhibition, Paris

There are invitations, and then there are INVITATIONS.  Last month I visited Paris with OMEGA for the latter. With an itinerary that included meeting supermodel (and all round superhuman) Cindy Crawford, a spoiling stay at Le Meurice, a sunset cruise down the Seine for dinner, and an opulent party celebrating the ‘Her Time’ exhibition where the latest brand ambassadors were to be revealed had this girl, someone who let's not forget, hasn’t moved quicker than a strut since the mid 90’s, sprinting to catch the Eurostar!!

OMEGA is recognised as one of the greatest watch brands all over the world (and even outside of it, thanks to their buddies at NASA), and since 1848, this Swiss brand has continuously redefined watchmaking, with their ground breaking and stylish watches accessorising the most glamourous and adventurous of wrists, from Olympians to presidents, and even Bond. James Bond.

It was wonderful to meet with the eye-poppingly beautiful Cindy Crawford at the Paris Peninsula (see my hotel review here) ahead of the party, and hear her talk so passionately about her relationship with the brand, one she quipped, she’d been in a marriage with longer than the one with her husband.  Cindy joined the OMEGA family in 1995, and has relished the experiences she has had with them, specifically visiting Peru to see first hand the amazing eye surgeries OMEGA funds through their charity partner Orbis International, a non-profit non-government organization of doctors who volunteer their free time to fly around the world providing life changing eye surgeries and training local doctors.  Cindy revealed she didn’t have a stand out favourite style of OMEGA as she feels attached to all her watches, and like bracelets, she likes to change up her watch style according to her outfit and mood, however, she did say she felt very connected to the Constellation design.

Above:  Here’s a great idea Kelly; How about standing next to Cindy Crawford for a photo whilst wearing flats that resemble penguin feet? Not enough filters in the goddang world…!

Above:  Le Room Service (F.Y.I. My favourite French word? Pamplemousse.)

Above: TIME to party with OMEGA…

Despite it BUCKETING it down that evening, the OMEGA Her Time exhibition and the party, held in the historic Hôtel de Sully’s courtyard, was just as stylish as you might expect, complete with many a handsome garçon holding a smart parapluie to guide you in between the differing displays.  After exploring the selection of OMEGA’s most famous and exquisite women’s watch designs, the company’s charming President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann introduced Cindy and the brand’s newest ambassadors onto the stage; Her model children, Presley Gerber and (girl du jour) Kaia Gerber. 

To celebrate the family’s sponsorship, a series of black and white family portraits of the beyond genetically blessed Gerber family, taken by renown Peter Lindberg, were presented (below). With legacy, history and family being at the core of OMEGA’s brand ethos, there couldn’t have been a more fitting reveal.  

Below:  After the After Party... Putting the French into French Fry back at Le Meurice. 

At a time where so many of us are leaning so heavily towards the digital, and can so easily read the time on our phones, there is something so reassuring and special about wearing a traditional watch, and I really enjoyed borrowing an OMEGA watch in Paris and for the week that followed, back in London-Town... 

In collaboration with OMEGA

London Photography:  Frances Davison

London Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Nails: Swanky London

Watch More Here...

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Friday Feathers with Matthew Williamson

There is nothing, nooothing, that can put you in more of a party mood than one of Matthew Williamson’s signature cocktail dresses.  From the intricate, sparkling embellishment, to their ostrich-feather trimmed skirt, these show stopping, conversation starting, razamatazz inducing, form-fitting dresses are unashamedly feminine and oodles fun.  Some of my most frivolous and fanciful nights in London have been spent shimmying around in one of these fancies.  Ohhhh, the stories they could (but thankfully won’t) tell…!

I recently enjoyed the most unashamedly girly morning with the ‘Gown Gang’ playing dress up in Matthew Williamson’s new Belvoir Collection (see more here).  With Brown’s Hotel acting as our lavish host, Charlotte Tilbury’s team on hand to make us look our best, and an army of Jimmy Choo beauties standing to attention, I couldn’t help but try the Matthew’s latest, one-of-a-kind, Rose Lace Feather delight on to share with you.  Friday - Watch out, buddy!

Above:  Wearing the 9ct Gold Satao (RRP. £140.00) and the Silver Shina (RRP. £50.00) bracelets from my Tembo Collection with Auree Jewellery (100% profits of entire collection go to For Rangers and wildlife conservation across Africa - See More Here) and an Assya London Oriental Cross Ring (RRP. £195.00)

Shop TLC's Look...

TLC LOVES... Matthew Williamson Feathers

Photographer:  Moeez Ali

Hair:  Secret Spa

Nails:  Sophie Gass

Matthew Williamson's Belvoir Collection

In a wonderful attempt to coax the Spring sunshine out of hiding, Matthew Williamson’s ‘Gown Gang’ congregated at the palatial Kiping Sweet in Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair to play dress up in our favourite designer’s new Belvoir Collection. 

Matthew's opulent collection is inspired by Belvoir Castle and its beautiful interiors, with beautifully flowing countryside florals and eccentric patterns featuring monkeys and peacocks. 

After a breakfast feast comprising of acai bowls and chocolate dipped bananas (and apple pastries, which I admit, I ate four of – but they were REALLY REALLY TINY, people!) Charlotte Tilbury’s amazing team were on hand to give us all gorgeous make-overs. 

After each choosing one of the show stopping dresses to wear, and grabbing a pair of Cinderella worthy Jimmy Choo's, we braced the chilly streets of London for our multi-coloured Sun Dance (a little like a Rain Dance but with less stomping, and a lot more of our signature swooshing!)

Now, we don’t want to compleeeeetely take credit for the recent heavenly rays shining through the grey… But I don’t want to fully discount this theory either.  Jus’sayin.

Shop the Gown Gang's Looks...

Photography:  Moeez Ali

Hair:  Secret Spa

Nails:  Sophie Gass

Yin Yoga with Nike Women

After weeks of hanging out sofa-side with my horribly sprained wrist (having two hands is now something I count among the highest of blessings) I have been feeling in desperate need of stretch! Not being able to function at my usual fast paced rate, where I usually dash all over London at all hours, has made me go out of my mind, and feel unusually frustrated.  I’ve felt soft in body predictably, but also in mind.  When Nike Women approached me and asked me to attend a private yoga class with Jessica Skye, kitted out in all their newest active wear, this wee marshmallow jumped at the chance! Now that my wrist is feeling stronger, this was exactly the push I needed to start my road back to feeling tough and sprightly again.

Nike currently have a relaxing pop-up yoga studio in the basement of FaceGym UK, on the King’s Road in Chelsea. I arrived with all the gear - and absolutely no idea!  There had been so many great Nike yoga options to choose from, but I had decided on some Nike Zonal Strength High-Rise Training Tights (I love their ombre’esq black to grey colour and the v-shaped waist band is ultra flattering), a supportive Nike Indy Cooling Sports Bra, and a super soft and loose fitting Nike Dry Training Top. 

I was soon in the softly lit studio with the wonderful Jessica Skye (Yoga Guru, SLASH DJ, SLASH Nike trainer, SLASH major babe) who instantly came up with a gentle Yin Yoga routine for me to follow, which would make sure my objectives were reached; to feel a little more mentally relaxed and suitably stretched - all while keeping my wrist free from any pressure or weight.

Yin Yoga, Jessica explained, comes from the Taoist tradition and is all about finding stillness, and cooling the body.  This practice is great for those who are already active but who suffer from mental overload and “mind chatter’ (errrrrrm, hello?! Yes! Hand raised!) With one eye constantly on my phone, replying to emails and updating my social media, these slow-paced poses and bends can prove to be the perfect antidote.  

After the class I felt so relaxed, and a lot more awake and alert than I had in weeks. I was given my own monogrammed Nike sports bra and a delicious cold pressed juice before heading upstairs to try the signature FaceGym facial.  I definitely feel ready, now I have my bounce back and my wrist is feeling stronger by the day, to start getting fitter – and with all the best kit to wear, I now have no excuse!

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Some other TLC Nike Yoga faves...

In collaboration with Nike Women
Nails:  Sophie Gass.  Photography:  Maria Bazhanova

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. 

#TLCxAuree

Photography: Eva K. Salvi 

Hair:  Clo and Flo

Make Up: Charlotte Cowen

R.E.V by Rêve En Vert's #SustainableStylist Campaign

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place in Paris next month, and intense discussions about cutting global CO2 emissions will be at the forefront of proceedings.  With many figures from all professions, including fashion, lending their voices to the cause in the lead up to the summit, my friends at Rêve En Vert asked me to help raise awareness with them in their #SustainableStylist campaign for #COP21.  Given that the effects of climate change do and will affect us all, and that preserving our planet is of course all our responsibility, I was thrilled to become involved.

Founded in 2013, Rêve En Vert focusses on sustainable luxury; fashion made from a place of consciousness, stocking designers who not only create stylish, long-lasting clothes and accessories, but who also respect our planet and their customer.  What's not to LOVE?! 

Founders Cora and Natasha, who I met earlier this summer in Utah, recently developed their own collection of entirely organic prima cotton basic tees, R.E.V by Rêve En Vert, made at an environmentally sound Peruvian factory just outside Lima. Every part of this range has been created with great care and respect for both planet and consumer (even the labels are printed on environmentally low impact fabric from natural dyes!) and I absolutely love my super soft Linda Tee (RRP. £48.00), the perfect accompaniment to my oh-so-predictable but oh-so-loved jeans evvvvveryday look!  A donation from the sales of any of these basics will go to support the work of Fashion Revolution in spreading awareness of the true cost of fashion. 

Photography:  Ella Sadika

TLC Vacation: Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

There are many reasons as to why growing up in Kenya lead to a rather magical, privileged and enviable childhood, but one of them was almost certainly my close proximity to Giraffe Manor.  I grew up visiting it’s neighbouring Giraffe Centre, a breeding programme for the endangered Rothschild giraffe, most days after school (frequently feeding the giraffe from my mouth, driving the tourists wild, and driving my poor mother to absolute distraction!)  I would often gaze onto the Manor ahead, dreaming one day I would live there, alongside my wondrously leggy and lashy friends.

Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, half an hour outside Nairobi, on 12 acres of picturesque private land, next to 140 acres of forest with stunning views of the Ngong Hills.  In 1974 Jock Leslie-Melville and his American wife Betty, who founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), bought the Manor, bringing with them two baby Rothschild giraffe, the first of many generations to inhabit the estate.  After Jock passed away, Betty opened the house up to visitors, and to this day staying at this colonial residence, and having giraffe poking their heads into the dining room looking to share your breakfast, is one of THE most unforgettable experiences you can have in Kenya, if not Africa. 

Well, my dream of owning Giraffe Manor sadly did not come true, but I did have two wonderful recent opportunities to visit the Manor.  Before Christmas I was invited for breakfast with my sister and my niece Willow. Willow, a New York resident, was six months old and on her first trip visiting her mother and aunt’s beloved Kenya.  Sharing darling Willow’s first meeting and greeting with my giraffe pals was so unbelievably special.  Not an ounce of fear in her little body, my niece launched forward to touch Helen’s face, who seemed far more interested in the grain pellets I had in my hand than the tiny baby poking at her eye (a relief to us all as as these gentle giants have been known to give a ferocious head butt if irritated… I unfortunately, albiet amusingly, have a couple of experiences of this!... OUCH!) 

Steering clear of the warthog, hilariously funny to watch following the giraffe around in the hope of finding discarded food, but obviously less baby friendly, we ate delicious pancakes and enjoyed fresh juice and coffee to the accompanied sounds of Willow’s excited shrieks. 

Then earlier this year, I was asked, alongside some other bloggers and journalists, to stay at Giraffe Manor for the night by The Safari Collection, the latest owners of the residence and several other luxury holiday hot spots around Kenya. I know… I say it time and time again, but my job does NOT suck.  Reminiscent of the homes existing in Kenya’s colonial heyday, a time when my grandparents were living in the country, the hotel is cosy and romantic, and a little insight into a bygone era.

After a wonderful morning visiting the elephant orphans at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, we returned for a lovely lunch (munch, drool and slurp!) on the Manor's sunny verandah.  We were then left to enjoy the Manor in it’s entirety for the afternoon. There are spa services available, a gift shop and copious wildlife photography books, and famous colonial Kenyan’s autobiographies scattered around the sitting room and library for your perusal; an entirely relaxing environment.  That is, until 4pm, when non-residents can now venture in for their afternoon tea. This is a brilliant time to explore the nearby boutiques or historical attractions (feeding giraffe, as experienced with Willow, can cause extreme excitement and squeeeeals!) 

After a delicious red wine fuelled evening dinner in the candle-lit dining room we all sat by a roaring fire (Langata, and Karen where I was raised, can be notoriously chilly at night due to their high altitude) drinking our choice of tea and sharing stories. Old-school elegance at it’s best.

Sadly, no giraffe came to my window the next morning but boy, did Ed over-compensate for that at breakfast!  One of the larger males, Ed showed no desire in waiting his turn in line, as he repeatedly lunged through the dining room windows towards our plates of pancakes and fruit – totally hilarious, and yes, like I said, an unforgettable experience that only this unique property afford you.

Yes, some of the bedrooms in the main house are a little basic and could use a minor lift… Yes, the wifi frustratingly only works in the Manor’s extension, and not in the main house… BUT, lest we forget, YOU GET TO EAT BREAKFAST WITH GIRAFFE!!  And for that amazing reason, these small details are easily forgiven.  A brilliant, and beyond special, start or end to your holiday in Kenya. 

Below:  Could my giraffe-tastic SENSO IDA XI mandals beeee anymore perfectly placed?! 

TLC ON TOUR... GIRAFFE MANOR SUITCASE:

(Click on the items below for their direct links)

Below:  Willow's experience at Giraffe Manor clearly stayed with her.  When back in New York she immediately went to kiss her giant toy giraffe, a trick her naughty Aunty maaay have taught her!  See below (and hover for links) on some of Willow's favourite 'Sophie La Girafe' toys and products.

FACT: One of the Manor's giraffe is called Kelly. A coincidence? I think not.

Thank you to Giraffe Manor and The Safari Collection.

To make a donation to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife please go HERE.

The Coronation Cup with Piaget

There is nothing nicer at this time of year than a day spent with some fun fashunnnn friends, all dressed up in our finest, watching some polo in the sunshine.  I was both flattered and excited to be invited to the annual Coronation Cup by Piaget, the Swiss luxury fashion, watch and jewellery brand, which happily coincided with a visit from NYC by my sister, Claire Eastwood, which made the whole occasion even more fun, as we were driven through Windsor Great Park, with it's astounding hydrangea (my favourite!) towards Guard's Polo Club to spend a rare day, just the two of us. 

Following a delicious three course lunch where my sister and I both wore stunning Piaget Possession rings and chatted with the wonderful(s) Camila Carill and Victoria Ceridono, we briefly (thank goodness, baring in mind the height of our heels!) all stood on our chairs and saw off silver tumblers of Royal Salute, the title partner of the prestigious Coronation Cup!  Giddly, we all then headed off to watch two of the strongest international teams in polo – England vs. South America, competing for the Golden Jubilee trophy.

Now, I’m not sure why I was seated in the Royal Box alongside Prince Charles either people, but I certainly wasn’t going to ask any questions!  After some fast galloping and delicate champagne quaffing, the crowd all accessed their inner Vivian’s and Edward’s to stomp on some divots at half time (“beware the steaming divots?”) whist being entertained by a fabulously British marching band. 

England soon triumphed, and were awarded their trophy, and we soon were awarded with a delicious afternoon tea, and later, some Pimms - my first (and not the last...) of the Summer! 

Below:  With the lovely Camila (in Dior) after the match, wearing Isolda, Miu Miu and Pringle.

SHOP TLC'S LOOK:

L.K. Bennett's SS'15 'Inspiring Women' Campaign

When I previously imagined British high L.K. Bennett, I had images of the Duchess of Cambridge in her tan wedges and various shift dresses, in sorbet hues, worn by women (in my opinion) who look far too young to be in them.  HOWEVER, when I recently appeared in L.K. Bennett’s digital ‘Inspiring Women’ campaign (such an honour, although not necessarily deserved!) styled by L.K. Bennett ambassador, and general cool cat,  Alex Meyers,  I realised just how much more there was to this veritable treasure trove of fabulous, bright and accessible pieces I immediately felt I could incorporate into my often quite quirky wardrobe.  Their collection of feminine ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags and accessories really do have something for everyone; from the demure to the stand out, but all equally elegant. I’m thrilled to have taken part in this campaign and really excited to have some gorgeous new L.K. Bennett pieces to wear this summer.  I recommend you also take a look ladies (especially at the Giselle heels - swoooooon!)

Following on from the success of last year’s collaboration with Caroline Issa, L.K. Bennett has teamed up with the effortlessly and eclectically stylish Laura Bailey.  I went to the launch of the model’s Capri-insired, 11 piece, vibrant collection wearing, and in an attempt to Bring Sexy Flat, I wore the pair of Anna flats I had worn in my photo shoot earlier that week –  I totally love them and they have become a real SS'15 staple of mine! Below are my favourite pieces from the collection…

Hair by Neville Hair and Beauty (5 Pont Street, Belgravia, SW1)