TLC's Valentine's Wish List feat. Missoma

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As a renown magpie, regularly adorning myself in sparkly British designs and shiny vintage treasures, I was thrilled to be asked by Missoma to choose my favourite piece of their jewellery for their Valentine's Gift Guide. Although picking just one design was hard, I imagine as hard as choosing a favourite child, there was one particular piece which shot out, like an arrow through the heart...  If you're clever boys, this last minute treat could win you some serrrrious brownie points! 

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"Who needs red roses when you can have rose gold?! Yup, that's the line I'm taking this Valentines Day, and the Missoma diamond arrow bracelet, worn stacked or alone, is high up on my wish list. Don't say I didn't give you fair warning fellas..."  

 

Note to the Menfolk:  If she's told you she hates Valentine's Day, that it's a cheesy, naff occasion that is not worth celebrating... She's lying.  Panicking now?! Run Menfolk Ruuuun (to the shops...) 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Jess Collet Ash Trilby (RRP. £240.00), Choux à la Crème Greeting Card (RRP. £3.50), Village England's Mini Cranleigh Crossbody Bag (RRP. £128.00), L’Amour Trinket Tray (RRP. £10.00), Escentric Molecules 01 (RRP. £66.00)

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Mermaid Perfume (RRP. £36.00), Deliciously Ella (RRP. £20.00), Peas in a Pod Socks (RRP. £3.00), Larsson and Jennings Gold-Plated Watch (RRP. £220.00), China Book Vase (RRP. £26.00), Naughty Little Card Shop Valentine’s Card (RRP. £3.00)

Tried and Tested: Duck & Dry

I used to consider having a blow dry in London justifiable before a friend’s wedding, a little ritual to make up for my lack of feathery hair apparel (I’m a renown facihater).  However, more and more so, I am enjoying a blow dry, well, just ‘cos!  Like a quick pick-me-up mani/pedi, that now you can enjoy on most street corners, a blow dry in London can now be deemed a mere pre-night out, pre-meeting, pre-nothing-really treat, with several, affordable blow dry bars popping up around London – so very New York of us!

My favourite of aforementioned, more affordable blow dry bars is, without doubt, the newly opened Duck & Dry.  Duck & Dry, a light and bright, distinctly cool yet accessible, salon on the King’s Road in Chelsea, allows you to choose from a menu (above) of 8 signature styles of blow dry and 8 signature updo’s, the subsequent creations twisted and tousled to your desired preference, all whilst flicking through the latest and mags enjoying a glass or two of bubbly or a coffee.  This could become worryingly habitual... 

I was invited by the founders, former management consultant Yulia Rorstrom and celebrated hair stylish Snowden Hill, to Duck & Dry and sweetly treated to a (purposefully) disheveled braided style (below) before a night out with friends, which I LOVED.  I can, from this experience, definitely recommend you all visit the amazing Duck & Dry stylists; in 30 minutes they (in their Emilia Wickstead designed uniforms no less!) will send you glossily on your way for an unusually reasonable fixed price of £25.00 for a blow dry, and £35.00 for an updo, regardless of your length or hair type.  Blown away. 

Duck & Dry:  333-337 King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5ES (0203 4899370)
(Open: Mon to Fri 7.30am-7.30pm, Sat 8.30am-7.30pm, Sun 10am-5pm)

All She Wants For Christmas (in her stocking...) 2014

Regardless of your age, NOTHING beats waking up to a stocking at the end of you bed (... or in mine and my sister's case; stockings strewn across the floor, having already been opened around 4am, having stumbled back from some annual, terribly civilised Christmas drinks on the beach with friends...) If I have been a good girl this year (which, to be fair, is still under some debate), I hope to discover some of these little treats waiting for me (early!) Christmas morning... 

Hover over the items for their direct links - Enjoy! 

Tried and Tested: Elemental Herbology

As I have incredibly (and super annoyingly) sensitive skin, I am always looking out for natural, yet effective, products - not as easy as you may think!  I was recently sent some Elemental Herbology products to try out (available at ASOS and Space NK).  I fell immediately in love with the British brand’s sleek packaging, but also their mighty fine ethics; the communities who provide their ingredients are supported, alongside their environment, by the company and their partners.  I was looking forward to giving them a whirl.  

The brand’s founder, Kirsty Cimesa, is a qualified acupuncturist, with a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Kirsty aimed to find a way of rebalancing skin that is taxed daily by the environment, hormone levels and lifestyle.  Jam-packed with nutrients, essential oils, vitamins, antioxidants and bioactive ingredients, this high-performance, luxurious skincare range really does deliver.

My skin really began to look radiant and clear after sticking to a routine of cleansing twice a day with the ultra-nourishing Purify and Sooth Cleansing Balm, using the light, hydrating Calendula Damask Facial Moisturiser in the morning and the deeply hydrating Facial Soufflé at night.  Twice a week I also applied the Cell Food serum at night which helps your skin repair by boosting the production of collagen and elastin (and Laaawd knows, we all be needing as much of that sweet goodness as possible these days!)

“We believe in looking after your skin both inside and out. I am proud of everything that we put into our products, and proud of what we leave out. Made in England, we support the responsible harvesting and production of all raw materials and ensure our products are 100% free from synthetic fragrance, artificial colour, mineral oils, sulphates, parabens and preservatives. Live life, live Elemental Herbology!"  Kirsty Cimesa.

 

When the products eventually ran out (they wonderfully last rather a long time) I begun to test out some other products; ones with unpronounceable names I’d been sent, some I found sitting in my bathroom cabinet that I can’t even remember buying…  I regret to say, and as the children and horses I currently frighten on the street daily will testify, I have a red rash across my chin from using a very drying cleanser and a far too rich day cream.  It’s penitently obvious I must immediately return to my Elemental Herbology routine pronto, anything else would be just Kelemental! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist…) 

 

TLC LOVES... ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY:

Hari's Hairdressers, Brompton Road

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I was recently asked to the launch night of Mode, London’s newest and hottest night spot, coincidentally and conveniently on the same day I was due to visit expert hair stylist, the more than a bit divine Benjamin, at Hari’s Salon on the Brompton Road.  How was THAT for some perfect party planning?!  The decadently decorated salon, known for it’s bustling atmosphere and host of characters, is the ideal place to go for a little pre-party pampering; the music is loud, the energy is high and the delicious fresh smoothies you can order upon your arrival certainly provide you with the much needed dose of health and goodness before any impending wild night on the toon!  After my hair had been cut (nothing too dramatic, just some much needed shape) and blow-dried, I was whisked upstairs to have my makeup professionally applied by Andrea.  This is just one of several beauty additions you can book alongside your hair appointment, making getting ready for any event or party utterly breezy.  ​Feeling oh-so-glossy and fresh as a daisy I went forth toMode (below left), for what turned out to be around six hours of non-stop dancing and hair swishing with friends.  Two enthusiastic thumbs up all round!  Thank you Hari's! xx

QMS Medicosmetics Spa

Last week I was invited to have a facial at the QMS Medicosmetics Spa in Chelsea (*sigh…sometimes my job is such a struggle…!) After a long winter’s worth of foundation and fake tan I obviously leapt at the chance to give my face a good ol'Spring clean!  When I arrived I soon realised that I had definitely come to the right place… If my face was to end up looking remotely as as squeaky clean and pristine as the spa I had just entered I’d be thrilled!  This is not some dark, heavily incense scented beauty room filled with whale music, but more like a futuristic laboratory where glowing ladies in stark white lab coats welcome you.  Too often people choose to have facials to chill out or to tackle their current breakouts or problems, at the QMS Medicosmetics Spa however, the facials aim to maintain your skin’s actual health, providing  an experience that certainly feels more medical, and ultimately more important. 

The process and the popular products were created over 25 years ago by Dr. med. Erich Schulte, a leading and respected specialist in skincare.  After working intensely with burns and trauma victims, the doctor German created a technique whereby collagen could be re-introduced and improve the skin’s elasticity and general appearance.  This innovative collagen-enhancing process is at the core of QMS Medicosmetics.

Having the process and the regenerative products explained to me throughout, an entirely bespoke facial was conducted.  During my 75 minute treatment I experienced 98% pure oxygen being delicately blasted onto my face, a hot steam, a fruit enzyme exfoliating cleanse and a heavy, cold marine mask applied over my entire face (including over my lips and eyes which made me feel a little like Mrs. Doubtfire!)  This mask is latterly shown to you to inspect, interestingly showing you areas of dehydration and patches of potential ageing that have been imprinted on to it.  Until the end, where I was treated to a brief massage, my facial was not particularly relaxing, but it certainly was effective.  I left with plump and soft skin and a little bag of samples to try at home.

Treatments start from £45.00 for 30 mins.
QMS Medicosmetics Spa, 43 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3. 

Swanky Lash & Brow Bar

I was recently invited to Swanky Lash & Brow Bar on the Portobello Road, one of two salons (the other being in Kensal Rise) owned by sisters Sophia Chrifi-Alaoui and Donia Chrifi-Alaoui.  Perfectly placed opposite some of my nearby Notting Hill faves (Pizza East Portobello, Meli Melo and Lowry and Baker) this vibrant and affordable salon is usually chockablock full of loyal regulars (I advise booking) and I could easily tell why… With a room full of talented beauticians and real characters, you would be hard pressed to find a more personable, chatty and buzzing environment to get pampered. 

 Arriving early (yes, this sometimes happens!) for my mani-pedi, a treatment Sienna Miller recently raved about to Vogue, I got my eyelashes tinted.  After this, Sneeha, one of Swanky’s more hilarious employees, suggested I also had my eyebrows threaded; a quick and relatively painless treatment I always seem to forget about yet find so effective.  I found it hard to keep still whilst listening to Sneeha’s amusing stories and jolly giggles but luckily the results revealed otherwise!  

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My manicure and pedicure was made far easier by Donia (above right) speedily helping me decide which colours to wear (a usually agonizing procedure for me and any poor technician waiting).  I went for ‘Tiki Tiki Laranga’ gel polish for my hands, and 'Where Did Suzi's Man-go’ from the latest SS’14 O.P.I range (above left) for my toes.  Two weeks down and both tips and toes are still going strong.  I have been hapilly able to show them off the last two weekends running; in Cornwall over Easter (below left wearing my Zara slides) and at a friend's wedding (below right wearing my Topshop jumpsuit, Zara Sunglasses, Monica Vinader stack rings, Astley Clarke locket and my customised Bags By M Book Clutch) and just in time for the sun to make a much-appreciated appearance.  
​Thank you Ladies, I'll see you again VERY soon! 

'Honestly Healthy For Life' Book Launch

Last week I attended the launch of vegetarian chef Natasha Corrett and nutritionist Vicki Edgson’s second alkaline cookbook, ‘Honestly Healthy for Life,’ at Notting Hill’s Bumpkin. With over 100 new and anticipated easy-to-make recipes to choose from, this book promises a diet that will boost your energy and immune system, improve your mood and aid digestion. Fear not sweet teeth, HH also offers some healthier versions of your naughty favourites, including sticky toffee pudding and doughnuts! (*cue my face lighting up!)

The alkaline diet has become one of the biggest eating trends of recent years, with Victoria Beckham naming Honestly Healthy as her favourite cookbook.  To summise, our blood is 7.35/7.45 on the pH scale, making it slightly alkaline, so staying clear of acid forming foods, and eating more alkaline meals, keeps us at our optimum health.  

Above:  Guests, including Laura Whitmore, Sienna Miller (in an elegant nude Chloé shirt and sparkly Jimmy Choo brogues which hadmy inner magpie squawking with envy) and Jo Wood all enjoyed bite-size quinoa beetroot and spinach burgers, mini-slices of orange and almond cake, crunchy toffee popcorn (yum!) and vodka coconut mojitos.  

Above:  Natasha’s proud-as-punch mummy interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Below:  On yer Honestly Healthy Bike!  With Natasha Corrett and Katy Wickremesinghe.

Below:  The London Chatter wearing a dusky pink jacket from H&M (RRP. £39.99), Black Ripped Jeans from Zara (RRP. £39.99), Senso Qimat Boots in concrete (RRP. £152.00), Mulberry Lily (RRP. £750.00) and a leopard print coat similar here from Topshop).

Raw Green Curry with Courgette Noodles. 

A quick, fool-proof recipe packed full of flavour from ‘Honestly Healthy For Life.'

Ingredients:
 
For the Sauce:
1/3 cup dried or fresh curry leaves
1 cup raw cashew nuts, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
½ cup water
Juice ½ a lime
½ cup coriander, chopped
Generous ¾ cup coconut milk
1 tsp each of ground cumin, ground ginger, dried lemongrass, fresh chilli (chopped), ginger root (grated) and ground coriander

For the Courgette Noodles:
5 courgettes
1 cup bean sprouts
1 ½ cup snow/sugar snap peas
200g baby corn, sliced
raw cashews to garnish

Instructions:

Put all of the sauce ingredients into a blender and whiz until smooth. Set aside. Spiralize the courgettes, and mix through the sauce. Next, add in the chopped vegetables and pack everything into containers and refrigerate until ready to serve. If you prefer you can make the sauce a day or so ahead and mix with the spiralized noodles just before serving.Garnish with a sprinkle of cashews and coriander leaves just before eating.

Below:  The London Chatter featured in Grazia Magazine.

‘Honestly Healthy for Life’ is available HERE from Amazon (RRP. £̶2̶5̶.̶0̶0̶ £12.41)

Lululemon's Movement Yoga Class at the Royal Opera House

I am known for many things, but my athleticism would not be one of them!  Having not moved quicker than a strut in the last decade, I was more than a little apprehensive when invited to take part in Lululemon Athletica’s 400 person Movement Yoga Class… Lets face it, that’s a 399 people to make a complete fool of myself in front of!

I was then generously sent the most comfortable, super sleek and sculpting Lululemon‘Wunder Under Pants’ (RRP. £72.00) made with Full-On Luon™ 'second-skin' fabric, and I immediately felt more confident… Well, at least I would look the part!  #AllTheGearNoIdea

My girlfriends and I made our way to the beyond stunning Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, alongside a beyond huuuge and enthusiastic crowd of self-named ‘Lulu-Heads.’  Despite originating in Canada and being the ‘go-to’ yoga wear brand in the US,  Lululemon has clearly built a seriously impressive cult following within the UK.  

The massive (and free!) yoga class was held in the Royal Opera House’s vast conservatory and with the sunshine streaming through it’s glass ceiling, we begun the hour long jivamuktiyoga class, conducted by Emma Henry and assisted by a more than helpful hoard of yogi adjusters, whilst the London Philharmonic Orchestra played live classical music. The whole experience was nothing short of euphoric and other worldly.

I will never forget the beautiful, heavenly sound of the orchestra playing ‘Adagio for Strings’ (below) during the relaxed Savasana (a.k.a 'Corpse Pose!) Prosecco and dark chocolate was served afterwards and we were all allowed to keep our Lululemon yoga mats ('The Mat' RRP. £62.00).  Exercising might not be so terrible after all… Namaste. 

Lululemon will be opening it’s first UK store in Covent Garden on the 28th of March. 
In the lead up, the brand will be teaming up with 13 yoga studios across London offering complimentary 'Cheeky Yoga!'  Can't get out of work to join in?  Fear not... Print out a doctors note to give to your boss from the Lululemon website!  See HERE for details. 

 

All She Wants for Christmas 2013

We all know that most men fear, dread and loathe shopping so rather than ‘accidentally’ flambéing him instead of the Christmas Pudding as thanks for that last minute, delightfully flammable red underwear he left for you under the tree (“but it’s festive!”) may I suggest you help the poor fella out this year by kindly leaving this page open on his desktop…!  

Above (Clockwise) L-R: Kate: The Kate Moss Book – RRP. £50.00, Jonathan Adler’s Mr and Mrs Muse Mug at Amara – RRP. £24.30, Topshop Rasberry Bow Heels – RRP. £55.00, Anya Hindmarch Girlie Stuff Wash Bag – RRP. £95.00, Princess Tam Tam’s Folie Bra – RRP. £58.00

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Dannijo Joanie Stud Earrings at Matches – RRP. £125.00, Topshop Collar Jacquard Dress – RRP. £75.00, Monica Vinader’s Gold Vermeil Stacking Rings - RRP. £50.00 - £100.00, Anthropologie Lady Bugs Dinner Plate – RRP. £24.00, Anthropologie Multitude Hairbands – RRP. £14.00 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Smythson 'Shoe Queen' Leather Notebook at Matches - RRP. £38.00, Topshop Velvet Sequin Pencil Skirt – RRP. £42.00, ‘Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!’ at Amazon – RRP. £37.50 £23.25, Limited Edition Diptyque Candles at Space.NK– RRP. £25.00 -£45.00. Graham and Green Ceramic Animal Boxes – RRP. £15.00 - £18.00 

Above (Clockwise) L-R: DVF Diane Von Furstenberg Lips-Print Iphone Cover - RRP. £30.00£21.00, Wilbur & Gussie’s Penny Clutch - £295.00, Soru’s Double Green Opal Ring in Gold –RRP. £120.00, Beulah’s Shibani Shawl – RRP. £120.00 (10% from each Shabani shawl purchase goes to the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking), Biscuiteers Nativity Biscuit Set – RRP. £35.00, Just Ballerinas’ Leopard Print Slippers – RRP. £139.00

Thank you to actresses Anna Kendrick, Sienna Miller, Tara Summers and Ella Smith,  presenter Louise Roe and fashionistas Savannah Miller, Tanya Semikoz and Natasha Rufus Isaacs, for sharing with The London Chatter their 2013 Christmas wishes. xxxx