Getting Christmas Ready with River Island

Just imagine HOW excited I was to be asked by River Island to pop down to their giant flagship, Oxford Street store earlier this week to curate a look worthy of the fast approaching Christmas parties.  It really it already THAT time of year!  With all the Christmas lights already sparkling on Oxford Street, I was certainly in the mood and couldn't wait to get perusing.

Narrowing down my vast array of choices in their very sleek, newly installed Parkhouse Style Studio, with a lovely stylist and some much appreciated champagne on hand, was beyond fun, and if I behaved slightly like a kid in a candy store, welllll… #SorryNotSorry!

Despite being totally tempted by the multitude of sparkles on the rails, and a gorgeous, almost structured lace black dress and toe-less boots combo (left) it was a stunning emerald toned, silky limited edition, belted trench coat which caught my eye and stole my heart, and I quickly decided that this was my must have item for the festive season, and I would work the rest of the look around it.   

Striking, yet demure, I kept it fun and festive by adding some leopard print heels (you can take the girl outta Africa…) and some lace and tie up detailing peaking through with my top and Amelie jeans - black needn’t be boring after all.    

Accompanied with my own Nathalie Trad clutch which is never far from my side after dark, I headed to the Mondrian London’s gorgeous Rumpus Room to give the look a little pre-Christmas test run.

What do you reckon? Mission 'Christmas Party' accomplished?!  Find me under the mistletoe... Or you, know, probably the bar.

Shop TLC's Look

Photographer:  Ella Sadika

Make Up:  Charlotte Cowen

Hair:  Clo and Flo

Parcafé at The Dorchester

I am loving The Dorchester’s latest offering; Parcafé.  This little gem of café can be found next to The Dorchester Ballroom on Park Lane and is the most luxurious coffee shop you will find.  With coffee created for you by South London roasters Alchemy (in the most envy-making, stand-out yellow La Marzocco coffee machine) and a variety of fresh juices, salads, pastries and THE most delicious red velvet cupcakes (selflessly tried and tested by me, youuuu're welcome), all freshly prepared at the hotel each morning.  Beautiful bouquets of flowers are also available to purchase, created by The Dorchester’s resident florist, and their scent, combined with the coffee is almost too heavenly.  Oh, and did I mention they serve home-made fudge?  I know.  I’m moving in too.  See you there...

Parcafé at The Dorchester Hotel: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1

Musical Moment: Jamie Lawson ('Wasn't Expecting That')

Earlier this year, British singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson was the first artist asked to sign to Ed Sheeran’s aptly named label, Gingerbread Man Records.  Equally talented and heart-meltingly soulful, it was a match made in singer-songwriter heaven.  Jamie’s first single, ‘Wasn’t Expecting That,’ which has skyrocketed to number one on U.K iTunes, tells the story of a couple, going back through their lives together.  It will LITERALLY have you all kinds of choked up.  Honestly, I’ve just watched it three times and I need a hug.  Perhaps I’m overtired, possibly hungover (don’t judge) or maybe, just maybe, I’m a sentimental ol’marshmallow, but weeping at my desk?... I wasn’t expecting THAT! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

"Oh and isn't it strange
How a life can be changed
In the flicker of the sweetest smile..."

Debit Buy: L.K Bennett's Martina Saffiano Tote

As Autumn has most certainly arrived and my wardrobe is becoming increasingly darker by the day, I am loving that the current apple of my eye, my L.K. Bennett handbag couldn’t be shining any brighter.  The classically styled bag is roomy, with three compartments, yet small enough to carry desk to dinner (and beyond!) Oh, and did I mention it’s in the sale?...

Apple Green Martina Saffiano Leather Tote (Was: £245.00 / Now: £165.00)

Below: The Martina is available in four other colours, click on the colour you like for its direct link.

'An Afternoon With Audrey' at Le Caprice

The National Portrait Gallery’s ‘Portraits of an Icon,’ the must-see exhibition celebrating Audrey Hepburn, teamed up with Le Caprice this Summer, and with only a few days left to go, I was thrilled to be invited to ‘An Afternoon with Audrey.’  For an amazing £35 pp, my girlfriend Kalita and I were spoiled with a delicious lunch (with a glass of bubbles, naturally) at the iconic London restaurant before heading to the gallery to enjoy over 70 images of the beautiful and elegant Audrey, taken by all the photographer greats; Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Terry O’Neill, Norman Parkinson and Irving Penn.  

With images spanning from her chorus girl days, to being one of the world’s most famous actresses and fashion icons, to her admirable philanthropic work in Africa in her later life, Audrey truly deserves her title of 'icon.'  A stunning wall of vintage magazine covers, original film stills and truly special archival material (such as her old, pink ballet slippers worn in the 1940’s, below) add to the whole experience.

‘An Afternoon with Audrey’ is available Monday-Friday between 2.30pm-6.30pm until October 18th. To book call 020 7629 2239 and quote ‘Hepburn.'

Penelope Chilvers for Tusk Trust

I have for a long time been a fan of Penelope Chilvers and with spending much of my year exploring Kenya's beautiful Samburu, I have lived in her fun and fashionable, yet safari friendly footwear.  I am therefore, in definite need of this safari-inspired rucksack in my life/on my back! In celebration of Tusk's 25th anniversary, Penelope is donating 20% of each of the canvas rucksack sales to helping the organisation raise awareness for wildlife and conservation across Africa. The adorable embroidered badges featured on the bag were designed by children from the Coaching 4 Conservation program in Botswana.  

Tusk Rucksack (RRP. £249.00)

The Conran Shop opens at Selfridges

The Conran Shop have opened an interiors haven within the illustrious and iconic lower ground level of Selfridges, and on the last night of London Fashion Week, my friend Rosanna Falconer (below, draped in glittering Matthew Williamson, as per) and I attended the launch.  Surrounded by a beyond stylish edit of multi-coloured gadgets and gizmos a’plenty, it took ultimate strength (of character, and at times pure manhandling) to not buy everything in sight after a glass (orrr two) of champagne. A go-to destination for note-worthy gifts and investment items for your home - Keep me away, this could be dangerous! 

TLC LOVES... THE CONRAN SHOP

Above:  I'm more than a little obsessed with these Medium Cactus Vases (£37.50) and Large Cactus Vases (£59.00). Next pay cheque, they're MINE! 

SHOP TLC'S LOOK...

Matthew Williamson for Osborne and Little

During London Fashion Week I decided to take a little fashunnnn time out go to the launch of Matthew Williamson’s latest collection of fabrics and wallpapers for Osborne and Little.  As I'm currently refurbishing my flat, I'm on the constant lookout for design inspiration - and what better place to start?  Matthew’s signature love of kaleidoscopic prints and his penchant for the exotic has been reflected in this collection of spirited, fruity fabrics and wild and whimsical wallpapers.

If you’re not currently looking to update your home with any crouching tigers, or not so hidden peacocks (and and I must ask, why not?!) I suggest you get yourself a FANTASTICAL Matthew Williamson for Osborne and Little umbrella.  I couldn’t have been more thrilled with mine on that day (my Clo and Flo blow dry was saved - Phew!!) and I can already foresee that my latest, fabulously flamboyant accessory will fast become my most useful!

See the full Matthew Williamson for Osborne and Little range HERE.

Nine by Savannah Miller at Debenhams

Savannah Miller, an old friend, has recently joined the Debenhams' Designer portfolio, and launched a 70-piece clothing range, with 45 accessories.  Nine by Savannah Miller is a laid back, boho, with definite references to both the 1970’s and 1990’s, both popular styles this season.

"I am delighted to become a part of the Designers at Debenhams offering with the launch of my new collection, Nine," said Savannah. "The range is inspired by the eclectic and bohemian, chic way that cool girls dress and comprises of relaxed, casual separates. Naturally there is a particular emphasis on amazing knitwear which can be teamed with perfect jeans to embellished sequin skirts."

I particularly like the Lou Bucket Bag, leather jackets, the Double Layered Faux Fur Gilet, and Steffi Biker Boots (all featured above) and I'm planning on maaaajorly stocking up on the navy and blush Breton style basic tops – you can never have too many and these ones are so soft and affordable. 

I recently met up with Savannah in THE most beautiful house in North London, and had a sneak peak at the collection...  Most of the collection works really well when worn together, taking away any worry of how to style a complete look.  Savannah talked me through how how she herself would wear the pieces together, creating simple yet elegant matches, and how she easily could take the looks from day into night, with accessories and make up. I hope you enjoy these clips we filmed… We certainly had a giggle making them!

Savannah Loves...

Below:  With Savannah at the launch night of Nine by Savannah Miller at Ham Yard Hotel. 

FACT:  The Debenhams' collection is named after Savannah’s lucky number, but also relates to her daughter’s name, Lyra, a constellation that shines most brightly after 9pm. 

Shop the full Nine by Savannah Miller collection HERE

The L.K. Bennett Social Skirt

I love wearing a mid-length, full skirt on evenings out in London. Aside from feeling automatically chic, the silhouette of the skirt is ultimately forgiving and flattering, hiding a multitude of sins; a win win! 

L.K Bennett’s beautiful array of ‘social skirts’ came to my attention earlier this year. Being oh-so-luckily frequently invited to some oh-so-faaancaaay evening events, I quite regularly and naturally gravitate to one of these characterful skirts.  Given the shape has a classic 1950’s aesthetic, the skirt could possibly come across in rather a prim way.  I like to therefore modernise the look, and make sure to keep it youthful, by wearing them with a flash of midriff, a slouchy cashmere jumper, or a little rocky t’shirt, with the highest of heels as an obvious necessity! The overall look is subsequently low-key and relaxed, but still omits a real hot to trot glamour for an evening out.

Having been inspired by many of the looks I admired over London Fashion Week, I decided to style up my L.K. Bennett Kenton Skirt (now on sale!) in the day time,  and have a little wander, with the fantastic photographer Ella Sadika, around my beyond colourful Notting Hill ‘hood. 

I decided to wear the Kenton Skirt with a Chinti and Parker cashmere top, a Nathalie Trad clutch (a total work of art) and some pink Sunday Somewhere sunnies.  I have literally not taken my L.K. Bennett black and rose gold Sally Platform Ankle Strap Courts off since I got them, and this day was no different...

An easy and more comfortable day time alternative to heels would be a pair of brogues (I like the LKB ballerina pink Elga Saffiano Leather Brogues) or a pair of boots (like the blue LKB Keri Knee High Boots) for when it gets chillier - a look I really love and will definitely be trying out more this fast approaching Autumn.  

Shop TLC's Look...

Below:  L.K. Bennett’s range of elegant social skirts come in a variety of textures, dramatic prints and fabrics, and there is definitely a style suitable for everyone's taste.  Check out the amazing mulberry Delfine Leather Skirt, an online exclusive which is in extraordinarily high demand.