TLC VACATION: The Rose, Venice Beach, CA.

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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! 

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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. 

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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. 

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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!

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"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.

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

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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. 

Valentine's Gift List 2017 - For Him

Let’s be honest, Valentine's Day should kinda be all about the ladies, but regardless of how much of a ‘lad’ your fella might be, there isn’t a chap in town that doesn’t appreciate a little sweet Valentine gesture.  So what to give our menfolk to show that we care too?!  Well, aside from the obvious (beer, food, socks, you...) here are a few little gift suggestions to spoil your beau.

Hover and click on the items for their direct links...

Above:  Frangipani shirts, inspired by travels around the world and ancient block printing, manage to make the boys (and the girls that go on to steal them) stand out from the crowd whilst not looking too garish. There is a pattern for everyone and an occasion for them all.  Check out their new linen designs too.

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2015


This Sunday is Mother's Day and if you were thinking this was just another Hallmark centric, schmultsy, meaningless day, I suggest you take a minute to watch this…

Yup.  Soooo, now we are on the same page, we can commence the appreciation…!

Now, if there’s one day of the year that beautiful flowers are essential (…aside from Valentine’s Day… Your Birthday…. Tuesdays….) it’s, of course, Mother’s Day!

This year Roses Only are gloriously offering TLC readers and followers a 15% discount on all their stunning bouquets, with next day delivery throughout the UK and same day delivery within London.  Now there’s no excuse for any last minute panics or petrol station bought carnations!  Give them a call on 0208 772 6699 and use the code MD2015.  Alternatively, these pressies (hover over each product for direct links) would also make any Mummy smile…

Valentines Gift Guide 2014 - For Him

While I do believe (quite stongly!) Valentine’s Day should be aaaaall about us Ladies, I suppose the dear men in our lives deserve a little love-recognition also.  Below are some sliiightly more tasteful ideas that thankfully stretch far beyond the ghastly teddy bears holding ‘I Wuv You’ hearts, pink fluffy handcuffs or cheap chocolate body paint that are currently smothering our high streets.  We do still wuuuv you though…

Above (Clockwise L-R):   Herschel Grey Heritage Suede Detail Backpack (RRP. £80.00),Cevice Peruvian Kitchen Cookbook (RRP. £25.00), Garman SatNav Projector (RRP. £129.99),Poker Case of 350 Chips (RRP. £745.00)Kiehl’s Facial Fuel (RRP. £21.00) 

Above (Clockwise L-R):  Hawksmoor at Home (RRP. £25.00)Godminster Cheese Lovers Gift Box (RRP. £50.00)Prestat Banoffe Truffles (RRP. £11.50)Topshop Tan Leather Document Holder (RRP. £60.00)Nick Bronson Knitted Silk Tie (RRP. £40.00)‘Remember That I Love You’ Shaving Mirror (RRP. £30.00)

Above:  The 'Jaipur Stripe' shirt collection by Tobias Clothing (L-R:  Jaipur Light Blue StripeJaipur Blue StripeJaipur Pink Stripe - all RRP.65.00) with 10% of their profit go directly to the Akanksha Foundation in India.  

Above (Clockwise L-R):  Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet (RRP. £53.00)Wallace & Barnes Weekender at J Crew (RRP. £450.00)Zara Cermamic Jars (RRP. From £19.99)Zara’s Grey Stripes Gift Set (RRP. £84.94), Fornasetti Civette Candle (RRP. £99.00)Apple TV (RRP. £72.99)REN Multi-Tasking After Shave Balm (RRP. £20.00) 

All He Wants for Christmas 2013

The Christmas count down has officially begun and with the chaos and mad panic on every twinkly-lit highstreet, finding a present for the lucky menfolk in your life can prove both tricky and stressful.  Rather than resorting to making an IOU voucher booklet (that ol'chestnut!) here is some TLC giftspiration which may make life a liiiittle easier...

I also asked LA-based Brit musician and all round dude Dhani Harrison and the evvver hilarious Irish actor and comedian Chris O'Dowd to share with us their Christmas wishes. 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Drakes Knited Wool Tie – RRP. £95.00,  Ray-Ban Mirrored Aviators –RRP.135.00Anthropologie Moscow Mule Mug – RRP.£16.00Spotty Happy Socks at ASOS –RRP. £13.00Cox & Cox Wooden Letter Rack – RRP. £65.00 J Crew Flecked Wool-Blend Sweater – RRP. £90.00

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Nike Air Max Trainers – RRP. £94.99Suits (Season 1 and 2) – RRP.£34.99 £20.00Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energising Face Wash  RRP. £25.00Leica D-Lux 5 Camera– RRP. £644.00Laguiole Carving Set – RRP. £31.00Graham and Green Winston Antique Globes – RRP. £79.00 - £89.00The Kooples Straight Cut Wool and Cashmere Coat with Leather Details – RRP. £420.00 £336.00