Musical Moment: Lorde ('Royals')

From obscurity to stardom in a matter of months, 2013’s break-through artist is without a doubt 17 year old, curly-haired New ZealanderElla Yelich-O’Connor – or Lorde, as she is now known around the world. Lorde’s first single, 'Royals', reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013, making her the first New Zealand solo artist to have a number one song in the United States.  For the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Lorde is nominated for a total of four Grammys, which include Record of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Royals' and Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Pure Heroine.'

I love this song (yes, it's on repeat... repeat... repeat...) and luckily there is much more where that came from… Lorde’s debut album, ‘Pure Heroine,’ was released in September 2013 to critical acclaim and it’s definitely worth the download (HERE).

Hello There: Bags by M

Maria Marigliano Caracciolo's Bags By M Book Clutches are inspired by her native Italy’s heritage and traditions.  Using the finest of leathers, silks and gold leaf, the customised book clutches are bound by Neapolitian craftsmen near Maria’s home in Palazzo Marigliano, using techniques passed down over the generations in a century-long tradition.

Every detail of your Book Clutch is personalized according to your preferences;  the colour, the material, the decoration, and of course, the title.  Both traditional styles (RRP. £240.00) and luxury designs (RRP. £350.00) are available and your name can be printed on the back of the clutch under the Latin phrase ‘Ex Libris (‘Library Of’), alongside your date of birth or dedication, making this a totally individualised and one-of-a-kind accessory. 

After speaking with Maria over a coffee at Megans one morning, I decided I would choose Karen Blixen’s ‘Out of Africa,’ as my title as I too “once had a house at the foot of the Ngong Hills,” having being raised in Kenya on the author’s former coffee plantation just outside Nairobi.  We chose the colours we thought suited the title and my style best, and then the perfect illustrations.  This is a truly bespoke and special gift, a lifelong treasure and I am totally in love with it!!  Thank you SO much Maria!! xxx

I have had SO many compliments this week over my Bags By M. Book Clutch, and I’m more than happy to spread the word of it’s origins... Something I won’t need to do for long as Poppy and Cara Delevingne (right) have  both ordered their personalised Book Clutches for Christmas (above and below) so this brand will be on the tip of every fashionista’s tongues by 2014! 

Order HERE today for delivery before Christmas and mention 'THE LONDON CHATTER' to receive a 10% discount on traditional clutches and 15% on luxury designs! 

Monica Vinader's Online Ring Stacker

I was so unbelievably excited to try out Monica Vinader’s new online ring stacking service (HERE) this week. Like a grown up pick’n’mix, customers can virtually load up their favourite rings, all designed to compliment each other, eventually designing one unique, interchangeable, piece.  Oh maaan… yet another tough day at the office!! (#ILoveMyJob)

“The ring stacking tool really builds on our ‘Make it Your Own’ concept,”  said Monica Vinader, “I am committed to creating jewellery that people can wear every day and reinvent by wearing the pieces together to showcase their individuality."

I relished in this opportunity to choose from a seemingly endless pool of beautiful gemstone and diamond everyday rings.  Spending the happiest half an hour rearranging and repositioning various sparkly combinations (examples of which are above)  I finally decided on the perfect personalised, bespoke stack from the comfort of my own home – one I can add to as time goes on and mix up depending on the occasion. 

The very next day the rings arrived, beautifully packaged in Monica’s signature pink bag and my virtual stack had become a bejeweled reality!  

Below:  With mixing my rings around I can create the perfect daytime and nightime stack! 

This was a really fun and simple process and the choices were endless.  I definitely recommend this as a Christmas treat (...preferably for yourself!)  
Thank you Monica Vinader xxx

British Fashion Awards 2013

Celebrating their quarter century, a whole bevy of British beauties descended upon theLondon Colliseum on Monday night for the much-anticipated 2013 British Fashion Awards.  What I love about the British fash pack, is that they never arrive at awards show looking too over done.  This year (with the exception of Rita Ora and Rosie Hunting-Whitely who perhaps tried a bit harder) the fashionistas arrived ready to let their dishevelled bed head hair down (rose-gold ombre hair in Sienna Miller’s case!) and wearing couture and designer gowns with the perfect nonchalance. These are some cool cats. 

Above: (Clockwise) L-R:  Kate Moss (in Alexander McQueen) and Rita Ora (in Vivienne Westwood), Alexa Chung in Stella McCartney, Laura Bailey (in Roksanda Ilincic) and Rosie Huntington-Whitely (in Antonio Beradi).

Above:  My favourite look of the night was 21 year old Suki Waterhouse who wore a plunging lilac lace Burberry dress, accessorized with a Smythson clutch and a Noor Fares dangling necklace.  The model wore her ash blonde hair in a scruffy up-do.

Amusingly, having scooped the last three British Style Awards herself, Alexa Chung passed the style baton on to none other than Harry Styles!  I wasn't entirely aware that it was fashion that ol'Harry was known best for... Perhaps that's what the kids are calling it these days.  In any event, the award obviously must now be retitled the British Styles Award?!  

Above (Clockwise L-R): Lily Donaldson (in Marc Jacobs), Harry Styles (in Saint Laurent byHedi Slimane), Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Model of the Year Edie Campbell (in Louis Vuitton) and Poppy Delevingne (in Emilia Wickstead).

Above: Kate Moss, synonymous with British style, received a special recognition award celebrating her success in the fashion industry.  Discovered at 14 years old and turning 40 next month, this does beg the question,  why did this take so long?!  Congrats KM!  

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

        Womenswear Designer of the Year - Christopher Kane
        Menswear Designer of the Year - Burberry
        International Designer of the Year - Miuccia Prada for Prada
        Designer Brand of the Year - Burberry
        Accessory Designer of the Year - Nicholas Kirkwood
        Emerging Womenswear Designer - Simone Rocha
        Emerging Menswear Designer - Agi & Sam
        New Establishment Designer - JW Anderson
        Model of the Year - Edie Campbell
        Red Carpet Award - Erdem
        Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Lady Amanda Harlech
        British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone (voted by the public) - Harry Styles
        Special Recognition Award - Kate Moss
        Special Recognition Award - Suzy Menkes
        Outstanding Achievement in Fashion - Terry and Tricia Jones, founders of i-D

Above (R-L):  Agi Mdumulla and Sam Cotton, Suzy Menkes OBE, Lady Amanda Harlech,J.W. Anderson with model & Arizona Muse, Simone Rocha and Tim Walker.

Hello There: Chavín Jewellery

Last week I attended the online launch of ethical jewellery brand Chavín Jewellery at speakeasy, Barts London. Amidst the moooreish vodka infused hot chocolate (adorably served in vintage espresso cups!) I liberally tried on most of the jewellery displayed – a delicious but dangerous combination! 

Right: Wearing a faux fur lilac/grey jacket fromOasis (similar HERE), pink shirt from Topshop and necklace from Lulu Frost for J Crew (similar HERE). 

Chavín (pronounced ‘shav-een’) was founded in 2011 by Simon Ogilvie-Harris, and named after an ancient Peruvian civilization that produced refined precious metalwork.   The collection beautifully fuses ancient Peruvian mythology with a modern design. 

Chavín is one of a new breed of designers;  those that amazingly give back right from the start.  Every piece of jewellery you buy from Chavín sees a donation made to SOS Children’s family strengthening programme, ‘Luz Y Vida.’  This programme helps to improve the economic situation and development of education within Peru, making any purchase from this company a responsible luxury (the very best kind of purchase!) 

I was immediately drawn to the Jaguar Collection, perhaps because Harry and Lloyd (my new rescue kittens who turned up on my doorstep at Halloween!) look like teeny tiny jaguars themselves!  Once seen as a sacred symbol in Chavín culture, the jaguar is also now used as the logo for the Chavín brand and the range of jaguar jewellery is really striking.  I was extremely kindly given the stunning Rose Gold Filigree Jaguar Head Pendant (RRP. £77.00)  which I and, unsurprisingly, my wild little kittens, adore!   

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