Ralph Lauren at Abbey Road Studios

I can’t tell you how excited I was to be invited BY RECORD no less (above) to the infamous Abbey Road Studios for the launch of Ralph Lauren’s Spring’14 collection.  

Right:  Wearing a mixture of Kate Moss for Topshop and H&M with my Astley Clarke locket (similar HERE) Riley leopard print shoes by Senso (HERE, RRP. £143.00) and my charcoal Codrington clutch by Beauchamps of London (HERE, RRP. £250.00). 

Inspired by ‘the bold spirit and playfulness of swinging London in the late Sixties,’ the usually all-American Ralph could not have picked a more iconic venue; the unpretentious, yet insanely cool, Studio 2 where artists such as the legendary Beatles, Pink Floyd and Oasis all recorded albums. 

Whilst I, alongside Tallulah Harlech and Amber LeBon, sipped our aptly and adorably named ‘Penny Lane Plum’ cocktails and ‘McCartney Mules,’ there was live music from Zeno to be enjoyed.

Models were soon gliding down the staircase, parading confidently through the crowd wearing a spectacular mix of monochrome mini’s and bright, citric shifts.   The collection included striped page boy hats, patent heels and polo-neck shifts (I particularly loved the dress above) which contrasted starkly with the eye-catching lime greens, tangerines and canary yellows which followed.  All the sunglasses were utterly fabu(g)lass. 

Below:  A little sneak peak of the night's show I recorded...

Ralph Lauren said, when recently discussing his latest collection and its influences, “I've always loved Britain - the character and charm of Fair Isle sweaters and beautiful tweeds. But most of all, I am drawn to the people.” Oh stop Ralph, we’re blushing! 

Right:  Everyone's favourite Beatle, the amazing George Harrison. 

Below:  When at Abbey Road... I couldn't resist! 

Ralph Lauren., Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Spring 2014, Ralph Lauren Abbey Road Studios, Abbey Road Studios, The Beatles, Tallulah Harlech, Amber LeBon, Kelly Eastwood, Lucy Myners, The London Chatter, Zeno, Topshop,H&M, Beauchamps of London, Codrington Clutch, Senso, Senso Riley, Astley Clarke Locket,Astley Clarke

HAWT: Cate Blanchett in Valentino

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.

There surely needs to be a new word created in honour of Cate Blanchett.  An aspirational word named after this consummate red-carpet professional, who manages without fail, to nail EVERY event she attends EVERY time!!  Cate Blanchett, looked stellar (or some might say, "looked so Blanchett!") in Pre Fall 2014 Valentino, at the Chopard event she attended at Cannes last week.  The statuesque actress’ dramatic gown, in fifty shades of grey, had cap sleeves and beautifully intricate silver leaf details. The result was nothing short of regal...  Nothing short of Blanchett. 

Maison Lejaby's 130th Anniversary Show at The Lido, Paris

Last week I woke up at the crack of sparrows and jumped on the Eurostar headed for The Lido in Paris to celebrate French lingerie leader Maison Lejaby’s 130th anniversary.  

The decadence of The Lido at the heart of the Champs Elysees was the perfect setting for the dazzling one-off, hour-long show the lucky audience was spoiled with.  Over seventy of the Lido’s infamous resident dancers, alongside several prima ballerinas, burlesque dancers and opera singers, took their guests throught the decades of the brand’s history, performing various enchanting routines whilst showcasing some spectacular Maison Lejaby couture, ultra-feminine RTW lingerie sets and striking swimwear.  

The highlights for me were the stunning Swarovski encrusted, boned ballet tutu (above, which took over 150 hours to create!) worn to open the show and an ethereal and mesmeric white silk gown worn during a solo performance to close (below).  

I thought the extensive Art Deco and Art Nouveau (below) collections were particularly elegant, and the flowing silk gowns and full-length chiffon robes extremely glamorous.  

Below:  A little (albeit quite fuzzy!) sneak peak of the show I made on my phone...

Maison Lejaby’s CEO Alain Prost, appointed in 2012, spearheaded the event and was emotional about the brand’s return to the French couture spirit.  Whilst on stage, Alain explained, “this event marks a new chapter for Maison Lejaby and gives us more strength and even more energy for our project Esprit Couture à la Française. This day will remain an unforgettable moment for our company and for the whole team for years to come.” 

BELOW:  Afterwards I went for the most delicious lunch off the Champs Elysees (wearing a skirt from H&M, heels from Zara, a vintage shirt from Budapest and a Mulberry Bryn handbag) where I had the most incredible fresh cream macaroons… Ooh La La all round!

Maison Lejaby now has a salon on the Rue Royale in Paris and offers the most beautifulHaute Couture, which of course represents the very essence of French luxury.  Lucky Londoners can head over to Rigby and Peller for an underwear makeover and buy their pretty Maison Lejaby sets (which come in an impressively wide variety of sizes) HERE. 

Hari's Hairdressers, Brompton Road

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

For appointments at Hari’s Hairdressers (305 Brompton Road SW3): 020 7581 5211

Hari's, Hari's Hairdressers, Hari's Hair Salon, Hari's Salon,The London Chatter, Hari's Salon Brompton Road, Hair Salon West London, Hari Salon Chelsea, Beauty, Hair, Monica Vinader, Topshop, Senso, Wilbur and Gussie, Mode, Mode Notting Hill, Mode Ladbroke Grove, Mode Supperclub

HAWT: Blake Lively at Cannes 2014

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.

Look, I’m not sure what Blake Lively was doing at Cannes either, but what I am sure of, is that I’m mighty glad she was - in all her blonde bombshell glory.  Blake does good Cannes.  From the minute Mrs. Reynolds stepped her long legs and ‘nudist heels’ (these are now ‘a thing’ apparently) off her boat wearing a Giambattista Valli SS’14 Couture white textured mini dress with pink embroidery and crystal detailing (right) I knew we were in for some serious fashaaan moments from the actress over the two day festival.  I was quadruple right...
 Right:  Blake next transformed into my childhood dream Barbie, wearing a stunning, 3D, iridescent Chanel SS’14 Couture dress with Sophia Webster (one of TLC's faves) heels at the ‘Mr. Turner’ premiere.  The dress made her already teeny tiny waist look teenier and tinier and I adore the pocket detailing. 

Below:  Blake's two-toned bordeau Gucci Premiere gown, with it’s bold slit worn and halter-neck, worn with the actress' favoruite style of bed-head fish plaits to the ‘Grace of Monaco’ premiere, won red-carpet high fives all round.  Well played Blake, well played. 

Below:  Blake’s final look was a fifties-inspired, dramatic, white and black stapless Gucci Premiere gown, which she wore accompanying her utterly infatuated and beaming husband (who could blame him?!) to the premiere of his latest film, ‘Captives.’ 

Blake Lively, Blake Lively Cannes 2014, Blake Lively Chanel, Blake Lively Giambattista Valli, Sophia Webster, Giambattista Valli, Chanel,Chanel Couture, Giambattista Valli Couture, Gucci Premiere, Cannes 2014, Red Carpet Fashion, The London Chatter
 

Monica Vinader's Friendship Bracelets

At school some of my friends were renown for their sporting prowess, their academic superiority, or their ethereal choral charms… Me? Aside from an obvious flair for the dramatics, I was pretty revered for my (…drumroll) Friendship Bracelet making skills… Oh yes, take that you long-limbed netballers!   I was always making my school pals Friendship Bracelets in their favourite colours and if they managed to keep them hidden from all the matron’s eagle eyes, all desperate to confiscate anything which might allow your uniform some colour of charisma, they were enjoyed for a long while.  

You have to imagine my joy when I realised Monica Vinader sold Friendship Bracelets. Obviously far more chic, coveted and long lasting than any of my childhood creations, these bracelets still have friendship at their core and make the perfect presents.  

A large group of my girlfriends (which includes the beautiful Charlotte and Jessica, above enjoying smoothies at Moosh with me)  have spent the last year marking our birthdays and friendships by giving each other colourful statement Fiji bracelets, which we had engraved with our initials or names (a complimentary service offered in store).   

Available in silver, gold vermeil and rose-gold vermeil, and offered in a variety of adjustable and colourful cords, with a rainbow assortment of gems symbolizing different meanings (pink for love, turquoise for peace, nude for calm, etc) if so wanted, the three designs (Fuji, Bali and Esencia) can be worn alone or mixed and layered up together.  

Below:  There are some more expensive and elegant diamond chain bracelets now also available which are slightly more evening-dress appropriate, and I am particularly loving the recent festival and Ibiza-friendly fluoro additions which really pop in the sunshine.   

All Monica Vinader Friendship Bracelets are available in store and online HERE.

Make Up:  Charlotte Cowen
Photography:  Ross Ferguson 

My Necklace and Stacking Rings:  Monica Vinader
My tangerine bespoke Lined Notebook (from RRP. £55.00): Noble Macmillan
My Chinti and Parker Star Sweater (RRP. £350.00) and Jerome Dreyfus Igor Bag (RRP. £490.00) both available at Iris Fashion Boutique

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. 

Astley Clarke Jewellery Lunch at Marcus

I was recently invited, alongside a bevy of London beauties, to an exclusive VIP jewellery lunch to toast Astley Clarke’s new Fine Jewellery collection.   Hosted by Bec Astely Clarke (above with Poppy Delevingne) and chef Marcus Wareing (above with Bec) we dined in The Salon Private Dining Room at the sparkly new ‘Marcus’ restaurant at The Berkeley.  

Above Clockwise (R-L):  Bec Astley Clarke hosting Chloe Delevingne, Zoe Jordan, PoppyDelevingne and Tori Cook,  Jemma Powell and Beatrice Savoretti, Tori Cook and Poppy Delevingne, Marissa Montgomery.  Below:  Smooches with my school pal Sienna Miller.

Not only were we spoiled with lots of bubbles and a delicious lunch (quail with a raddichio and pine nut salad, followed by salmon with buttermilk and faaaar too many chocolate truffles!) we were sent home with Marcus’ cook book and a beautiful rose gold Astley Clarke locket which had been personally engraved for all us girlies whilst we dined.

Above Right:  I decided (after much anxious deliberation!) to get the title of DG and my favourite song ('Just One Look' by Doris Troy) engraved on the back of my locket (cheesy?!) and I love it so much I haven’t taken it off since!  Thank you Bec and Marcus for such a wonderfully gorgeous afternoon!  Astley Clarke lockets available HERE.

Above:  With my great friend Jemma Powell.  I accessorised my Topshop shirt and bold print Zara trousers with Wilbur and Gussie's Orange Bee Edith Clutch (RRP. £180.00).

Above:  Featuring in Grazia magazine alongside Poppy Delevingne, Chloe Delevingne,Sienna Miller and Jemma Powell. #TheChainGang

Ralph Lauren's Ricky World Tour

Designed in 2005 and named after his wife, the Ralph Lauren ‘Soft Ricky’ handbag is one of the label’s most iconic and popular pieces.  To celebrate its success, Ralph Lauren’s giant ‘Ricky’ bag, that took a month to create and measures 1.8m high and 1.5m wide (so maybe juuuust big enough to fit all my stuff in!) begun its world tour last September, travelling to New York, Tokyo, Paris and now… LONDON.  Yes, that’s right, the ‘Ricky’ has landed at the Ralph Lauren New Bond Street store and I paid homage to the XXL accessory last week while it held court at Ralph Lauren and Vogue’s fun, cocktail-fueled shopping event in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Above:  Accessorising my Zara top, shoes and statement necklace, and my new H&M embellished scuba skirt (available in store, RRP. £39.99) with my grandmother's aquamarine cocktail ring and my Lulu Guinness lips clutch (available HERE, RRP. £325.00) which I momentarily swapped for a gorgeous, coral-orange 'Soft Ricky.' 

Above:  Bag smoochin' with super stylist Martha Ward.  Below:  My great buddy DJ Izzy Lawrence and the delicious, rainbow-coloured Ricky bag biscuits to take home.

Below:  The multi-coloured Ralph Lauren 'Soft Ricky' bags available HERE (RRP. £1750.00)
#OneInEveryColourPleaseRalph!

Debit Buy: Zara's Rubberized Effect Sunglasses

I’ve been enjoying my sky blue Rubberized Effect Sunglasses from Zara (above, on the way to pick up the keys to my new HOUSE – hence, the shocked/excited/confused look!) ever since the sun put his hat on, albeit briefly, earlier this year.  Although now sold out, Zara have just brought out this sea green pair (below right) which are just as awesome and affordable.  A summer must have methinks.  Available HERE (RRP. £15.99).