Hotel Chantelle

I was really excited to be invited to brunch at the new Hotel Chantelle behind Selfridges, having heard fantastic things about its famed New York’s outpost in the Lower East Side. Named after a World War II safe house, Hotel Chantelle is not an actual hotel.  Confused?  I was too. Hotel Chantelle is a ‘relaxed,’ but actually a strictly chic, restaurant with a late night bar set across just the one floor, with two outdoor terraces and a healthy wash of graffiti by the renowned, and super cool, New York street artist Bradley Theodore, who I had the pleasure of meeting.  There is, for your guidance, an enforced ‘dressy chic’ dress code, which may well result in putting off the very same London crowd they wish to attract, but I would ask you, even if in your forced finery, to venture in to taste the food – it’s worth it. 

With live jazz from the dapper Dandy Wellington and over-flowing Bellini's (surely what a good Sunday is all about?!) my friend Kalita and I settled in to what soon revealed itself to be, an EPIC brunch of EPIC proportions.  Advertised as having an American and French inspired fare, the imaginative menu (featuring a glorious Holly Golightly image) full of beyond unique recipes would make you assume it had been created by someone completely buzzed… Full English Breakfast Pizza anyone?! 

We were assured by the talented chef, Seth Levine, that he was not actually the ultimate stoner, and that his ‘molecular gastronomy, comfort food and haute cuisine,’ menu was all just down to his whimsical Willy Wonka’esq imagination!  Not a smashed avocado on toast in sight, I tell you!

Kalita and I were both soon presented with an assortment of delicious (and at times, potentially heart attack inducing) dishes that included Thyme Pomelo Brûlée, Frosted Flake-Encrusted Brioche French Toast, Baked Alaska Waffles (these were amayyyzing!) and Lobster Benedict. Forget ‘dressy chic,’ they should encourage diners to wear elasticated trackie-bums before rolling them home!  I'm intrigued to try the lunch menu next.

Hotel Chantelle is open seven days a week between 11.30am-11:00pm.
Late night dining will be available between Thursday and Saturday until 3am. 
Weekend brunch will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm

HOTEL CHANTELLE:  23 ORCHARD STREET, LONDON, W1

Iris at Annabel's

Last month I attended the Curzon Mayfair for a private screening of Iris, the much anticipated Albert Maysles documentary about Iris Apfel, the self-christened ‘nonagenarian It-girl.’  After watching the film amongst an audience of well dressed, over accessorised fashionistas (in honour of the ‘more is more’ starlet herself, naturally!) we all headed to the ever-fabulous Annabel’s, the iconic member's club, for dinner.  

Above:  Iris Apfel attended the dinner, welcoming us all warmly, wearing a bright orange faux-fur coat, copious Nancy Cunard bangles and her signature, magnified Edna Mode glasses. 

Above:  Let loose with the polaroid camera!  With journalist Amy E Williams, fashion blogger Ella Catliff and House of Hackney founders Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle.

My highlights included meeting Charlotte Dellal (above, I could be one of the biggest Charlotte Olympia fans around), being treated to the restaurant's reknown Bitter Chocolate Ice Cream (Oh. My. Sweet. Lord...) and managing to perfectly match my Matthew Williamson outfit and Miu Miu heels with the carpet and doors at Annabel’s…. Next level coordination commitment!  Excessive fun all round - just like Iris loves.

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Debit Buy: Novelty Socks

Depressingly, it’s time to go 'back to school' and back to shoes… I've decided the only way to cope with the severe lack of sand between my toes is to with some good ol’novelty socks.  Seriously, what doesn't alleviate the summertime withdrawals more than looking at your feet and seeing some hula dancing cats?!...  


Jimmy Choo's 'Choo Hound' Launch

This summer Brazilian artist Rafael Mantesso and his Bull Terrier, Jimmy, collaborated Choo to launch ‘Choo Hound,’ a capsule collection of leather accessories featuring playful images of his Bull Terrier Jimmy. The collection included tote bags, purses, cosmetic bags and iPhone cases, not to mention the limited edition leather dog collars which sent the Lapdogs of London into a frenzy. 

To celebrate the collaboration Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director Sandra Choi, alongside Olivia Palermo, co-hosted an adorable tea party at the newly opened Ivy Chelsea Garden (now a firm favourite of mine.)  The entire garden had been transformed by the brilliantly creative Polar Black Events, with the monochrome style of the collection reflected in the setting’s aesthetic, complete with a central doggy fountain!

A traditional, yet quirky, afternoon tea was served, which included delicious iced dog-bone shaped biscuits, Slush Puppies (of course!) and paw-print lattes.  Adorable!! 

Below:  Despite many of the fashionista guests attending with their gorgeous canine counterparts, there was really only one guest of honour… internet sensation Tuna, the chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund, who knew?!) from L.A with over one million Instagram followers (@tunaMeltsMyHeart) who was at the time 'summering in London!' Tuna, you really did melt our hearts… LOOK AT THAT SWEET LITTLE FACE!!

Below:  The amazing shoes and handbag I wore for the event... Swooooon!! 

TLC LOVES... JIMMY CHOO

HAWT: Emily Ratajkowski in David Koma, Balmain and Maria Lucia Hohan

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.

Emily Ratajkowski has once again been hitting the headlines, but this time more for what she HAS been wearing, rather than what she hasn’t!  The model-turned-actress, and ‘star’ of Robin Thicke's ‘Blurred Lines’ music video, made appearances on the red carpets at three premieres for ‘We Are Your Friends’ in the cities of London, Paris and Hollywood – all looking beyond HAWT! 


In London. Emily wore an electric blue David Koma A/W’15 dress with a Monique Lhullier ‘Stella’ clutch and Giueseppe Zanotti heels.  With her hair pulled into a ponytail, she really allowed the striking dress to do the talking and exuded high fashion.  In Paris, Emily once again pulled out all the stops and wore a shimmering jade fringed Balmain dress, which not only showed off THOSE legs in all their glory, but also brought a touch of rock’n’roll to the glamourous proceedings.  Lastly, the 24-year-old wore a show-stopping, plunging (welllll, it was bound to happen at some point) Maria Lucia Hohan Grecian style gown, Giuseppe Zanotti heels, and carried a rose gold clutch by Treesie. Red Carpet High Fives all round Emily! 

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TLC Vacation: Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

There are many reasons as to why growing up in Kenya lead to a rather magical, privileged and enviable childhood, but one of them was almost certainly my close proximity to Giraffe Manor.  I grew up visiting it’s neighbouring Giraffe Centre, a breeding programme for the endangered Rothschild giraffe, most days after school (frequently feeding the giraffe from my mouth, driving the tourists wild, and driving my poor mother to absolute distraction!)  I would often gaze onto the Manor ahead, dreaming one day I would live there, alongside my wondrously leggy and lashy friends.

Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, half an hour outside Nairobi, on 12 acres of picturesque private land, next to 140 acres of forest with stunning views of the Ngong Hills.  In 1974 Jock Leslie-Melville and his American wife Betty, who founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), bought the Manor, bringing with them two baby Rothschild giraffe, the first of many generations to inhabit the estate.  After Jock passed away, Betty opened the house up to visitors, and to this day staying at this colonial residence, and having giraffe poking their heads into the dining room looking to share your breakfast, is one of THE most unforgettable experiences you can have in Kenya, if not Africa. 

Well, my dream of owning Giraffe Manor sadly did not come true, but I did have two wonderful recent opportunities to visit the Manor.  Before Christmas I was invited for breakfast with my sister and my niece Willow. Willow, a New York resident, was six months old and on her first trip visiting her mother and aunt’s beloved Kenya.  Sharing darling Willow’s first meeting and greeting with my giraffe pals was so unbelievably special.  Not an ounce of fear in her little body, my niece launched forward to touch Helen’s face, who seemed far more interested in the grain pellets I had in my hand than the tiny baby poking at her eye (a relief to us all as as these gentle giants have been known to give a ferocious head butt if irritated… I unfortunately, albiet amusingly, have a couple of experiences of this!... OUCH!) 

Steering clear of the warthog, hilariously funny to watch following the giraffe around in the hope of finding discarded food, but obviously less baby friendly, we ate delicious pancakes and enjoyed fresh juice and coffee to the accompanied sounds of Willow’s excited shrieks. 

Then earlier this year, I was asked, alongside some other bloggers and journalists, to stay at Giraffe Manor for the night by The Safari Collection, the latest owners of the residence and several other luxury holiday hot spots around Kenya. I know… I say it time and time again, but my job does NOT suck.  Reminiscent of the homes existing in Kenya’s colonial heyday, a time when my grandparents were living in the country, the hotel is cosy and romantic, and a little insight into a bygone era.

After a wonderful morning visiting the elephant orphans at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, we returned for a lovely lunch (munch, drool and slurp!) on the Manor's sunny verandah.  We were then left to enjoy the Manor in it’s entirety for the afternoon. There are spa services available, a gift shop and copious wildlife photography books, and famous colonial Kenyan’s autobiographies scattered around the sitting room and library for your perusal; an entirely relaxing environment.  That is, until 4pm, when non-residents can now venture in for their afternoon tea. This is a brilliant time to explore the nearby boutiques or historical attractions (feeding giraffe, as experienced with Willow, can cause extreme excitement and squeeeeals!) 

After a delicious red wine fuelled evening dinner in the candle-lit dining room we all sat by a roaring fire (Langata, and Karen where I was raised, can be notoriously chilly at night due to their high altitude) drinking our choice of tea and sharing stories. Old-school elegance at it’s best.

Sadly, no giraffe came to my window the next morning but boy, did Ed over-compensate for that at breakfast!  One of the larger males, Ed showed no desire in waiting his turn in line, as he repeatedly lunged through the dining room windows towards our plates of pancakes and fruit – totally hilarious, and yes, like I said, an unforgettable experience that only this unique property afford you.

Yes, some of the bedrooms in the main house are a little basic and could use a minor lift… Yes, the wifi frustratingly only works in the Manor’s extension, and not in the main house… BUT, lest we forget, YOU GET TO EAT BREAKFAST WITH GIRAFFE!!  And for that amazing reason, these small details are easily forgiven.  A brilliant, and beyond special, start or end to your holiday in Kenya. 

Below:  Could my giraffe-tastic SENSO IDA XI mandals beeee anymore perfectly placed?! 

TLC ON TOUR... GIRAFFE MANOR SUITCASE:

(Click on the items below for their direct links)

Below:  Willow's experience at Giraffe Manor clearly stayed with her.  When back in New York she immediately went to kiss her giant toy giraffe, a trick her naughty Aunty maaay have taught her!  See below (and hover for links) on some of Willow's favourite 'Sophie La Girafe' toys and products.

FACT: One of the Manor's giraffe is called Kelly. A coincidence? I think not.

Thank you to Giraffe Manor and The Safari Collection.

To make a donation to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife please go HERE.

Hello There: Winser London

Alongside Emma Watson, I’ve also long been a fan of Winser London.   Not only do they have a jumper and cardigan coat named after Audrey Hepburn (was always gonna win me over!) but they also always have a multitude of classic, investment pieces available which work so well season after season.  With simple designs, made with only the very softest wools, hand-combed cashmere, silks and tweeds, Winser London is also surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at £35.00.  There are fresh pieces, in a variety of useful and chic colour ways, added to the collections each month and there is always something to spark my interest (usually the cashmere, I mean, can you really ever have too much in your life?! Non.)

This Autumn Winter, Winser London, for the fifth consecutive season, has the gorgeous Yasmin Le Bon fronting their campaign, embodying the brand perfectly with her effortless style and elegance. 

I recently popped into Fenwick of Bond Street to see their Winser London month-long pop-up (ends Aug 31st) to have a wee stock up on some of their new capsule essentials - I recommend you do also!  I am particularly excited about their cashmere hoodie and trouser travel set (below) to arrive. The idea would be for me to wear these gloriously comfy and chic pieces on an aeroplane (if you're not turning left you might as well at least FEEL like you should be!)  In reality, I think I’ll probably be wearing them for a lot more than travelling… meetings, dinner parties, doing the washing up… Just TRY and take them off me people!

BELOW:  Here are some of the other new pieces which caught my eye (all available HERE)

BELOW:  How gorgeous is this Milano Wool SB Coat? In each colour please… Please?!

BELOW:  Wearing my favourite boyfriend-style Winser London cardigan with leather pockets (past season), and like Emma Watson (below right) I also l wear an Audrey cashmere jumper to travel in. 

Credit Buy: JETS by Jessika Allen Statement Kaftan at Beach Cafe

I recently experienced some of the world’s most beautiful scenery on a road trip in the U.S.A.   The rivers and fields in Montana that I continuously stumbled upon were utterly idyllic and beyond stunning - but also, beyond hot!  I was so relieved to be wearing my JETS by Jessika Allen Statement Kaftan.  Not only is the kaftan's kaleidoscope and tassel print totally striking, but it’s light weight, soft material made this the ultimate cool choice for me to be hopping in and out of the car in (or patiently sitting on the side of a bank watching various live reenactment of 'A River Runs Through It' - Brad, eat your heart out!) 

I can’t wait to wear this colourful beauty again on my next beach holiday (which could NOT come soon enough!) as it really will be the perfect little poolside cover-up.  

Available (in the sale!) HERE at one of my favourite beachwear sites, Beach Cafe (£117.60)

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Graham and Green Design Consultation

I have long been a BIG fan of Graham and Green, and after I moved into my new flat there was very little question in my mind over who to contact for some interior inspo.  Since 1974 the company has been well known for specialising in characterful, yet contemporary, furniture and home accessories. Quirky and frequently ethnic, there are always dozens of items available at any one time that Graham and Green have available which I would very happily home all fitting in with my own eclectic style and wanderlust.

After having a Graham and Green interior stylist visit my flat and take some measurements, we soon decided the flat’s style was ‘industrial chic with a twist of romance’ (I love that!)  The stylist then went to work on creating the perfect mood board for me, recommending particular Graham and Green items that would work with for the flat.  Visiting the Graham and Green showroom, a veritable Aladdin’s cave, to view my mood boards and many of the items suggested in the flesh, was a delight.  Not only were there macaroons and Moroccan mint tea, I loved seeing so many of the brand’s gorgeous items en masse and displayed in concept rooms, guided by the ultra charming and helpful team. 

Below:  I decided to choose some stunning, and impactful, orange coral art for my blank canvas of a sitting room and a long black mirror (frequently seen on my Instagram in my outfit selfies!)  for my hallway, matching my black wooden floors.  All these items work so well in my flat and have really set the bench mark for the rest of my interiors… which is the problem; shopping at Graham and Green is addictive!

Below are some of my current Graham and Green favourites…

Above: L-R (Clockwise):  Beaded Antique Mirrors, Copper Angled Floor Lamp, Bees Wine Glass, Three Flamingos Matchbox, Antoinette Armchair and Footstool in Herringbone, Bahama Cushion, Cactus Vase, Coral Framed Prints, Set of 7 Decorative Ceiling Roses.

For a Graham and Green interior's consultation or advice contact showroom@grahamandgreen.co.uk

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