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…

The Haig Club

Sometimes I cannot believe my luck.  Last week I was invited for dinner at the Haig Club, David Beckham’s pop-up member’s club inside London’s iconic Wellington Arch.  The retired footballer, who launched the single grain Scotch whisky last year with UK drinks giant Diageo and music mogul Simon Fuller, welcomed guests to the illuminated Hyde Park landmark throughout the week, everyone enjoying a modern interpretation of the brand’s original ‘clubman series’ of advertisements from the 1920’s.  The pop-up was unbelievably chic – I couldn’t believe the level of detail that had been created for only such a short amount of time! 

Nikki Tibbles flowers exuded an incredible scent around each room and each course of our meal (cooked by Brett Graham, Mike Robinson and Alex Harper, of the Michelin starred Harwood Arms) was enjoyed alongside a different Haig Club cocktail created by Sweet and Chilli in collaboration with the whisky’s global ambassador Ewan Gunn.  

After supper we were treated to MORE whisky (this time piping hot cocktail) outside on the Wellington Arch’s terrace (what a view!) before a whisky tasting back inside.  What followed, from what I remember, was a mojito-making lesson, and a… ummm… I think another cocktail class?!... Ah yes, I drank an Old Fashioned... Forgive me, but by that stage everything was understandably hazy!...  Thank goodness there was a car waiting to take me and my new Beckham-signed bottle of Haig Club home before I fell asleep in that cosy ol'whisky snug!

#MySaboStyle at the AW'15 London Fashion Week

Knowing how much the jewellers Thomas Sabo love fashion, and so seamlessly always embrace the current and developing trends, it I was thrilled to wear my favourite pieces at the AW’15 London Fashion Week.  With so much variety, from the playful to the elegant, the rockstar to the romantic, there was a collection to suit everyone’s different tastes and express their personalities. 

I am particularly into stack rings at the moment and was in heaven trying on all the different combinations available.  Men’s watches are also something that I love to wear and their rose gold ‘Rebel At Heart’ time piece (RRP. £250.00) was my first, almost immediate, choice, which coupled with two, dark 'Glam & Soul' black eternity rings (£159.00 and £275.00) made the perfect statement.  The rose gold 'Glam & Soul' eternity ring (£89.00) was so delicate and perfect for my everyday wear.  Seldom understated, all the jewellery I tried was really striking and unique and so very, very Instagram worthy (which lets face it, is now of vast importance when picking fashion week attire!) Thank you Thomas Sabo for #MySaboStyle! 

Hello There: My Insiders

At the start of London Fashion Week a band of merry women, myself included, attended the London launch dinner of myinsiders.com, a new members-only website and app which promises to be the ultimate tool to curate our busy lifestyles.  Whichever city you may find yourself at a loss in, the 'Insiders' will provide you with a library of trusted lifestyle recommendations to help you discover the ideal place to shop, eat and dance! 

Membership is through nomination… Become a member by knowing an insider…!

Above:  At Skye Gyngell's 'Spring' restaurant at Somerset House with some fellow 'Insiders!' 

Below:  Teaming a pair of tan Felder Felder leather shorts with this Sister Jane (my new obsession) 'Pearls of Wisdom' blouse (RRP. £52.00) a man's Rebel at Heart Watch (RRP. £250.00) and two Glam and Soul Eternity Rings (RRP. £159.00) all by Thomas Sabo.

Musical Moment: Ellie Goulding ('Love Me Like You Do')

Despite probably being the only woman on earth to have not read or seen 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' I am currently totally obsessed with Ellie Goulding’s latest song, written for the film's soundtrack.  ‘Love Me Like You Do,’ has been the fastest selling single of the year so far, knocking Mark Ronson off the top of the charts.  Clearly a catchy song, I do wonder however, if this musical furore maaaay also have a little something to do with the sporadic images of Jamie Dornan’s ripped torso flashing up in the music video?!... 

"You're the light, you're the night
You're the color of my blood
You're the cure, you're the pain
You're the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much..."

HAWT: Emma Stone in Elie Saab at the 2015 Oscars

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.

In what must be up there as one of my favourite Oscar looks of all time, TLC fave Emma Stone, nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Birdman,’ WOWED on the red carpet in this stunning, long-sleeve, backless, high-slit beaded Elie Saab gown.  Paired with matching green Christian Louboutin ‘Gardnera’ heels, Emma once again managed to look so fresh and current in a sea of hairspray and tulle.  Classic yet quirky, always flawless, you get one BIG red carpet high five lady!!

The EE BAFTAs with CÎROC

There is being invited to celebrate the EE BAFTAs, and then there is being asked to celebrate the EE BAFTAS with CÎROC, the well-known (and I freely admit, well loved by me!) vodka brand!   Knowing that delicious CÎROC cocktails would be a’flowing provided new levels of theatrical appreciation... January, with all it’s associated detoxing and sombre behaviour, was truly about to end, and not a minute too soon! 

Wearing a dream of a Matthew Williamson cocktail dress, with Malone Soulier shoes, a Natalie Trad clutch and Monica Vinader Baja jewellery, I headed to the STUNNING Berners Tavern, alongside Ella Catliff (La Petite Anglaise), designer Charlie May and Doina Ciobanu (The Golden Diamonds). Ella and I had not planned on being feathery, sequined sisters that night (above), but fully embraced the sparkling situation (obviously read that as, 'took lots of sparkly selfies together!') 

After a delicious meal, which was peppered with regular and exciting updates from the ceremony (#TeamEddie!), I decided that éclairs were due a massive come back... Soz macaroons.

We then headed to Grosvenor House for the official EE BAFTA after-party (no one approves more of shaking their tail feathers on a Sunday than me... especially if those tail feathers happen to be Matthew Williamson!) and several hours/CÎROC cocktails/trips to the photo booth later we eventually called it a night.

Thank you CÎROC!  For a full list of winners see HERE. 

SHOP TLC'S LOOK:

The next day I poured over the red carpet fashion from the night before and quickly decided that there was undeniably one stand out look… French actress Lea Seydoux, the latest Bond Girl, shone brightly in her sunshine marigold Prada gown (below). Just... WOW!

Special mentions definitely go to a glowing Keira Knightley in Giamnattista Valli, Laura Bailey in her high neck and full skirted Emilia Wickstead dress and to Julianne Moore, who looked red hot in Tom Ford. 

The Cambridge Satchel Company's Collaboration with Peanuts

Just HOW excited do you think I was to receive an intimate dinner invitation to celebrate The Cambridge Satchel Company’s collaboration with Peanuts?!  I mean, with every nostalgic heart cord pulled, I couldn’t have accepted this most happy and colourful invite quicker.  The fun factor at this dinner, held on the top floor of the company’s stunning six-floor flagship store in Covent Garden, always promised to be HIGH. 

The Cambridge Satchel Company, founded in 2008 around a kitchen table by fashion entrepreneur and mother Julie Deane (left), has long been a street style fave amongst ‘schlebs and bloggers alike (namely, Alexa Chung and Susie Bubble).  Following on from previous collaborations with Vivienne Westwood, Erdem and Comme des Garcons, the latest satchels and zip-pouches will feature characters from the popular US cartoon strip, all adorably seeing Woodstock (my childhood favourite!) riding the company’s famous bicycle logo.

"This collaboration is close to my heart - Snoopy has always been a favourite of mine," the lovely Julie Deane told us.  "The collection makes me smile and that's the very best way to feel about what we can offer our customers. The logo was adapted to find a special place for Woodstock - always the industrious figure in the background, I am proud to have him on our iconic bicycle!"

Above:  With Sasha Wilkins (Liberty London Girl) and Julie Dean.

Having recently been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours list for her services to entrepreneurship, Julie Deane hosted us at the most gorgeous and playful of tables for a delicious feast, spoiling us with gifts from the range (above) and Snoopy cookies!  The rhubarb and almond crumble with maple syrup crème fraiche should probably get it’s own special mention because… Oh… My… Sweet… Lord.

This exclusive collaboration will launch online HERE tomorrow, 19th February 2015, and in store from this Saturday 21st February. The pouches will cost £70-£90, with the satchels ranging from £140-£155.

TLC's Valentine's Wish List feat. Missoma

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! 

"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)

J&M Davidson's 30th Anniversary

I recently attended the most beautiful of dinners at the Connaught in celebration of J&M Davidson's 30th anniversary.  I knew my evening was to be a special one when my invitation arrived in the form of a limited edition, silver clutch bag (which I carried on the night).  The dinner was co-hosted by John and Monique Davidson and Tanya Ling, an illustrator who has a long history with the husband and wife team. 

Tanya Ling's unique, illustrated menus and name cards were stunningly placed amongst the most elegant of Wild at Heart flowers by Nikki Tibbles. Just BEAUTIFUL!! 

John and Monique Davidson launched J&M Davidson in 1984 from their home in Chiswick.  Now a global British brand with a French twist, their constantly evolving collections include covetable handbags, handcrafted belts, clothing and knitwear, all available online or from their colourful Notting Hill store.  

SHOP TLC's LOOK:

Above L-R (Clockwise):  Louisa Preskett and Katy Wickremesinge, Bip Ling, Katie Readman with Amy Williams and Alice Naylor-Leyland, Pandora Sykes.  Below:  "But first...." with Katie Readman and Bip Ling.

Below:  Some of J&M Davidson's current collection.  I am eyeing up their Medieval Blue Carnival bag – but the canary yellow drawstring one will no doubt be a SS’15 must have!