Sophie Gass Nail Boutique
This is not just any nail salon (yes, I heard that in an M&S voiceover too!) Sophie Gass is a concept fashion, flowers and nail boutique in the heart of Holland Park. Launching in 2012, ex-banker Sophie not only offers luxurious, yet reasonably priced, nail treatments, but also one-off, affordable fashion pieces and accessories alongside beautiful flower arrangements and an array of other gifts; a one stop ‘spoil-me’ shop! Errrm, a place to relax, pamper and shop? HOW was this wondrous haven not already on my speed dial?!
I was kindly invited to by Sophie (above right) for a Shellac Manicure, a popular gel polish that lasts for up to three weeks and dries almost instantly. After finally deciding on Wild Fire Red (the amount of time I spend choosing my nail colour, you'd think actual lives were at stake... "Do I cut (choose) the red wire (polish) or the blue?!" The nail treatments themselves, starting at an ultra reasonable £16.00, feel utterly indulgent and the antithesis of the now commonly seen New-York style London nail bar experiences! Sophie Gass is both chic and calm (think NEOM candles, ipads on your cream leather pedi-chairs and tea served in cups that look like works of art!) and a week later (above, with my rescue kittens Harry and Lloyd!) my nails look just as glossy and vibrant - Thank you Sophie!
The exclusive range of clothes, affordable accessories and sparkling jewellery are all designed by Sophie herself and are available from as little as £15.00. There is very little chance of walking out of the door without a small treat for yourself or a girlfriend, andSophie Gass gift cards are, unsurprisingly, incredibly popular. The items designed for children are both creative and beyond adorable – especially the little animal hats above!
A definite new TLC favourite, Sophie Gass can be found at 4 Ladbroke Grove, W11.
Kelly Hoppen's 'Design Masterclass' Book Launch
Last week I went to the Perrier-Jouët and chocolate macaroon filled launch of Kelly Hoppen’s latest interiors book, ‘Design Masterclass: How to Achieve the Home of Your Dreams,’ at Belgraves Hotel. As one of the world’s leading contemporary interior designers, a talent for which she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Kelly Hoppen is world-renowned for her minimalist yet luxuriously elegant interiors. The latest member of BBC2’s ‘Dragon’s Den’ panel, Kelly is responsible for designing some of the world’s most lavish houses, apartments and yachts; she operates the celebrated Kelly Hoppen Design School; and she has created a successful range of furniture and home accessories. ‘Design Masterclass’ is a professional guide to home decorating, beautifully peppered with inspiring images of some of her latest projects.
Above (L-R): Kelly Hoppen with Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Victoria Beckham (in Celine).
Below (L-R): Kelly Squared with Kelly Hoppen and with my old school pal Sienna Miller.
Below: Wearing a Kate Spade New York Pink Cape, Leather-Look River Island Skinny Trousers (available HERE - RRP. £35.00), Rag & Bone Harrow Boots in Clay (RRP. £395.00) with a Soru Jewellery Double Green Opal Ring (available HERE - RRP. £120.00) and a Torula BagsBond Street Black Canvas and Leather Clutch (available HERE - RRP. £145.00).
Kelly Hoppen will be signing copies of her latest book and discussing her incredible career at Waterstones on the King’s Road this Thursday, 28th November 2013, from 7.00pm.
'Design Masterclass' is available at Waterstones HERE, RRP. £40.00 £30.10
HAWT: Daisy Lowe in Miu Miu
Hawt = A late 1940's and early 1950's acronym for "Having A Wonderful Time."
Now the word is used on the internet as slang for something reeeeally hot.
The second I saw Daisy Lowe dressed as Jessica Rabbit (think long red latex!) at a mutual friend’s ‘OTT’ party on Osea Island, she became an instant girl crush.
This was once more confirmed when I saw pictures of the twenty-four year old English model attending theBritish Heart Foundation’s ‘Tunnel of Love’ themed fundraiser in London (left)wearing this diiiivine Miu Miu A/W’13 party dress.
The shocking pink and red strapless bustier frock with a foldover sweetheart neckline was accessorized demurely with black peep-toe heels, a black satin Pradaenvelope clutch with red lipstick and a retro up-do, allowing this showstopper dress do the talking.
HAWT!
Alexander McQueen and Damien Hirst Collaboration
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the iconic skull scarf, Alexander McQueen has collaborated with artist Damien Hirst (not adverse to skulls himself!) and launched a 20-piece limited edition collection. The line is inspired by Hirst’s Entomology series and the designs feature butterflies and spiders in kaleidoscopic shapes, in addition to the signature skull imagery.
The unique designs, available in Chiffon, Pongé, Twill and Cashmere with prices ranging from £315.00 to £715.00, are exclusively available from Alexander McQueen boutiques and online HERE.
Below: Photographer Sølve Sundsbø's short video celebrating the collaboration.
Musical Moment: Lily Allen ('It's Hard Out There')
Just when we thought it was safe to relax, sit back, tear in eye, and enjoy a more sereneLily Allen singing Keane’s ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ in the John Lewis Christmas advert(as an aside… are that bear and the hare actually an item?!) the singer goes and releases the track, ‘Hard Out Here,’ knocking us for six. No, Lily has not become the all sugary sweet, apron wearing, strawberry jam-making, mother of two John Lewis would have us believe! Still a feminist to her core, this week Lily released a casual evisceration of the pop music industry sexism we have, particularly of late (thanks Miley and Robin) had violently twerked in our faces. Lily’s song is a sarcastic take on body image and the outlandish expectations projected upon women, the ridiculous phenomenon of twerking and the horrendous double standards women still seem to endure. I love the subversive swipe atRobin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ balloons and the liberal use of the word ‘bitch’ repetitively sung alongside the catchy tune - another statement against its unimpressive overuse in popular culture. Yes. Just Yes. Welcome back Lily.
" I won’t be braggin’ ’bout my cars, or talkin’ ’bout my chains
Don’t need to shake my ass for you ‘cuz I got a brain..."
J Crew London Launch
You would have had to of been living under a rock to have not heard the preppy clad tremors of the J Crew brigade landing in London last week and I was thrilled to be invited (by balloon, no less) to their glitzy pre-opening party. With 227 stores across the United States, J Crew’s gargantuan 17,000 sq ft of flagship store fun at 165 Regent Street was buzzing with excitement; finally the Brits can have easy access to the label’s rainbow of cashmere, bejeweled accessories and clashing jacquard prints without having to fork out for the plane ticket alongside them!
The shop is divided into three interlinking sections, for men, women and children and is a visual feast. The evening's (J) crew comprised some of the biggest names in British fashion celebrating the launch by enjoying great music, a flip book booth, an enormous table of retro sweets (obviously I spent much of my evening hanging out here) and, of course, exploring the extensive preview of colourful designs which were immaculately displayed.
Below: I was lucky enough to have a chat with the unbelievably charming and awesomeJenna Lyons, creative director of J Crew and all round style icon (not to mention also the owner of the most perfectly long ‘selfie’ arms, as put to the test below!)
Below (Clockwise) L-R: William Woodhams and Annabel Simpson, Julia Neel and Kelly Eastwood, David Grievson, Amy Williams, Lauren Scott and Kelly Eastwood.
Below (L-R): With fellow bloggers Ella Catliff, Laura Fantacci and stylist Martha Ward.
Below: Wearing a polka dot Topshop playsuit with black lace back (available HERE - RRP. £48.00), a Zara perspex statement necklace, a Wilbur & Gussie Coco Clutch (similar available HERE - RRP. £265.00) and a massive bag of J Crew retro sweeties.
After a couple of glasses of champagne I left clutching an embarrassingly large bag of sweeties, a London-friendly J Crew Umbrella and one seriously extensive shopping list!
Below are some of the current items in stock that I now have my eye on…
Above: Colourblock Funnelneck Coat - £RRP. £398.00, Etta Sequin Pumps - RRP. £350.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Chevron Fingerless Gloves in Citron Grey - RRP. £35.00, Statement Flower Necklace – RRP. £198.00, Double-Zip Sweater in Colourblock – RRP.£89.50, Hughes Satchel in Pale Graphite – RRP. £298.00, Jewelled Cuff - £125.00, Jewelled Donegal Sweater in Slate – RRP. £98.00
Above: (Top) Collection Café Capri in Tie Silk – RRP. £198.00, (Below) Toothpick Jean in Velvet Pack Green – RRP. £110.00
Hello There: Kirsten Goss
Since launching her first jewellery collection in London in 2002, South African designer and gemologist Kirsten Goss’ unique designs continue to go from strength to strength. Despite being an internationally enjoyed brand, with celebrity fans including Sarah Jessica Parker and Rosamund Pike, and a shop in Kensington, Kirsten likes to keep her brand South African at heart with all her designs being created in in her design studio in Durban, saying “I love that we’re on the international stage but keep what we do South African.”
Kirsten Goss’ most recent collection is entitled ‘Arcade,’ (below) and was inspired by the flamboyance of 'The Great Gatsby’ and the opulence of the art deco era. This beautiful range includes elegant earrings, striking cuffs and cut-out necklaces made with semi-precious stones with delicate silver and gold vermeil.
Below (Clockwise) L-R: Dandy Earrings - RRP. £335.00, Wilde Earrings - RRP. £135.00, Queenie Bracelet - RRP. £325.00, Sweetpea Ring - RRP. £295.00
Above: I was very sweetly given an early birthday present by Kirsten Goss; a Lifesaver Necklace with my gold initial and green agate pendant (below at the Chelsea Farmer's Market). I adore it and have barely taken this beauty off since I received it. Versatile and fun, I am excited to add more of the affordable and interchangeable semi-precious pendants to my collection, allowing me to alternate its look depending on my outfit.
The 'Arcade' collection and Lifesaver Necklace are available online (www.kirstengoss.com) and from Kirsten Goss' London shop (29 Holland Street, W8 4NA).
Skate at Somerset House Sponsored by Coach
The (albeit slightly wonky?!) Christmas tree is up and the water is freezing over which can only mean one thing... Skate at Somerset House, sponsored by the American luxury design house Coach, is one of London’s most glamourous and fashionable ice skating experiences, opens this Thursday 14th and I cannot wait to go! Nothing can beat an evening skating alongside a live soundtrack spun by top DJs, whilst enjoying rink-side yuletide treats (welcome back mince pies and mulled wine, my old friends!) followed by dinner at Tom’s Kitchen and a wander around the luxury pop-up Christmas market.
Tickets start from £7.50 and are available until January online HERE
Rosewood London Launch
I was really happy to attend the launch of Rosewood London, to check out the capital’s latest luxury hotel. The 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque Grade II-listed building property in the heart of High Holborn has had an £85 million refurbishment and boasts 262 rooms and 44 suites which magnificently combines a traditional English heritage look with a contemporary London aesthetic. After arriving trough a massive courtyard and walking down a beautiful hall of mirrors (see below), I arrived at the hotel's opulent bar room, designed by Martin Brudnizki, where I enjoyed a pretty huge celebratory Scarfes Royal Punch cocktail whilst listening to an acoustic performance by the gorgeous Anglo-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti (above), who I am a big fan of. Later, DJ and The Saturdays’ Mollie King (above) took to the decks to entertain the Rosewood revellers.
Above L-R (Clockwise): Kelly Eastwood and Jack Freud, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaccs with Katy Wickremesinghe, Jack and Kate Freud, Steve Merchant.
Above: Wearing high waisted Topshop shorts and a navy silk Greta ruffled top, accessorised with my bright orange Zara heels and the Emerald Wilbur & Gussie Charlie Clutch with a jewel encrusted lion clasp (RRP. £150.00, available to purchase here).