Need a new exercise regime ahead of the summer? Look no further... Prancercising! Described by its 61 year old creator Joanna Rohrback, in uncomfortably tight white leggings, as "a springy, rhythmic way of moving forward, similar to a horse's gait," prancercising has become an internet sensation. The workout includes trotting ("it's really hot!") galloping ("we are gonna really cut the noose and let it loose!") and shadowboxing ("it's better to be punching into space than in your face!") If horsing about along a path is neigh your thing, watching this video will at least have you in stitches.
Sixty Years a Queen
Loving London celebrating the Queen's 60th Anniversary of the Coronation!
Queen Elizabeth II Marks 60th Coronation Anniversary
Today marked the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and this was celebrated in a service at London’s Westminster Abbey this morning.
In 1952, the then Princess Elizabeth, whilst on holiday in Kenya, received the news of her father George VI’s death and subsequently flew home a Queen. 16 months later she was crowned at the age of 27, with the service broadcast live to the nation. Only Queen Victoria, who was Queen from 1837 to 1901, has reigned longer than Elizabeth II.
The Dean told the congregation, “we gather to give thanks to almighty God for the faithful ministry and dutiful service the queen continues to offer God and the people of this nation, the overseas territories and the realms, and as head of the Commonwealth.”
Further events are being organized to celebrate the queen’s 60 years, including a four-day Coronation Festival in the gardens of Buckingham Palace (July 11 to July 14) and an exhibition of coronation outfits. 'Long Live The Queen!'
J. Crew Pop-Up
I recently attended the J. Crew pop up, a two-day sneak peak of the autumn/winter ’13 collection ahead of their launch in the UK on Regent Street this November. I was met by a rainbow of delicious Italian cashmere (which you could charmingly have monogrammed), a plethora of gorgeous, wearable printed silk and a selection of sparkling, custom-made jewel collars which would make any outfit delightfully unique.
Below (L-R): Henry Conway and Annabel Simpson, Astrid Harbord and Kelly Eastwood
I love J. Crew’s easy and accessible approach to dressed up daywear, and I was specifically enamored with their statement necklaces. some of which were created by New York based jeweller Lulu Frost. Although vintage in style, these necklaces are thoroughly modern and awoke my inner-magpie… I want them ALL!
Above (L-R): Astrid Harbord, William Woodhams and Annabel Simpson with Coco Bear
The all-American retailer also announced they are teaming up with Central St Martin’s fashion school on a series of design projects as well as offering a new scholarship.
My top J. Crew picks for the summer...
Above (L-R): Bijoux Bow Ballet Flats - RRP. £207.26, Crystal Compilation Necklace - RRP. £143.69, Vacationland Blouse - RRP. £108.85, Collection Cashmere Sweater in Punk Floral -RRP. £224.68, Mini-Pineapple Bikini Set - RRP. £85.07
London Boutiques: This Month - June
I'm really pleased to announce I will be have a regular monthly feature recommending the best London based fun & fashion on the newly relaunched eCommerce site, London-Boutiques.com! My June hightlights include (...drumroll please) Love Brunch at Kensington Roof Gardens, Charlotte Tilbury's Rock'n'Kohl at Selfridges, enjoying Trooping the Colour at Vista on the Trafalgar Hotel's rooftop, watching Wimbledon at the Bluebird Chelsea, the epic Hard Rock Calling and Chris Levine's 'Light' exhibition at the The Fine Art Society Contemporary... Phew! Enjoy!
Friday I'm In Love
Mr Foggs
The imaginative Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes have yet again provided Londoners with an impressively extravagant bar. Following in the footsteps of Barts, Maggies andBunga Bunga, this dynamic duo have recently opened Mr Fogg’s, on Mayfair’s Bruton Lane. The beautiful bar pays tribute to the adventures of the famously eccentric explorer Philieas J Fogg. I visited this bar last week with girlfriends and was immediately transported whimsically into the 1870s, being met by an immaculately dressed porter who showed us to our table. The entire room is brimful with trinkets from Mr Fogg’s travels; quirky artifacts, unusual antiques, portraits, leather luggage, birdcages, maps and an immense hot air balloon (in which he travelled for 80 days) taking centre stage. The drinks and menu are also themed with Victorian Absinthe cocktails served in antique punch bowls. Extraordinarily unusual, utterly elegant and highly recommended.
Below: Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling with his beautiful wife Zoe Stirling.
Mr.Foggs (15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, W1) open Monday-Saturday 5pm-1am.
Cannes Film Festival 2013
There's Something About Carey... Carey Mulligan was this years Belle du Jour at theCannes Film Festival, with red-carpet and photo-call outfits being as elegant and quirky as the actress herself. Accessorising her sleek and refined outfit choices with a couple of beautiful co-stars and a giggle, Carey wore a striking concave-chested Balenciaga jumpsuit to the 'Great Gatsby' photo-call with Leonardo Di Caprio, and an art deco inspired Vionnet gown at the 'Inside Llewyn Davis' premiere with Justin Timberlake.
A masterclass in understated glamour.
Left: Speaking of understated glamour.... I have absolutely no idea who this lady is and why she was on the red carpet at Cannes... But with her golden Ferrero Rocher tray dress, I kinda just love her!!
Below: Another actress who NEVER fails to make me style-swoon on the red carpet is the beautiful Marion Cotillard. The French actress looked perfect at the 'Blood Ties' photo-call wearing a teal mini dress from the Antonio Berardi A/W14 collection and Jimmy Choo nude heels and then later at the Chopard lunch in a Vivienne Westwood Couture pink and ivory striped dress. Ooh La La.
Below: And then there was Cara... Cara Delevigne looked showstopping at the premiere of the Great Gatsby wearing a Burberry gown and Chopard jewels. Wow.
The Chelsea Flower Show
Headlined as a Pageant of Loveliness by the Observer in 1935, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is this week celebrating its hundredth year anniversary. Amongst the spectacular colours and hedonistic scents, this year’s highlight is the Forget-Me-Not garden designed by Prince Harry, created to promote his African charity Sentebale, and in memory of his mother. Garden gnomes, previously banned at the show for being inelegant and crude, will also feature this year – I love the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge gnomes!
Despite it being wholly predictable (“Florals? For spring? Ground breaking!”) this is the most opportune time to look blooming hot in your prettiest flowery prints...
Below: Topshop Tattoo Floral Teadress RRP. £45.00
The Met Ball 2013
The Met Ball in New York took place last weekend, the fashion industry’s annual opportunity to show off the most beautiful gowns on the most beautiful people. This year designers created outfits inspired by ‘punk chaos’ so safety pins, colour clashes and stud embellishments were key in creating some of the most show stopping gowns....
Above: Cara Delevigne perfectly punked in a plunging Burberry dress armoured in tiny gold spikes. Hands down the best dressed of the night.
Above: The saying goes, 'Go Hard or Go Home' and Sarah Jessica Parker went Hard as NAILS! SJP accessorised her voluminous Giles Deacon ball-gown (and lace knickers!) with thigh-high velvet TARTAN Louis Vuitton boots and a Philip Treacy Mohican headpiece!
Above: Some celebrities really embraced the theme with punk hairstyles and make-up, particularly Anne Hathaway who, wearing vintage Valentino (1992) with yellow nailpolish, took the opportunity to debut her new peroxide hair. I LOVE punk Anne!
Above: A little safe and not particularly 'punk chaos' but I will NEVER tire of Rooney Marawearing white on the red carpet. The actress contrasted her dark lipstick with her delicate white lace Givenchy gown. Otherworldly.
Above: Errrrrrrm... Yup. That would be a floral upholstered Kim Kardashian in a Riccardo Tisci designed Givenchy gown, complete with 'gleeves' (glove sleeves). Dreadful.