The Finishing Touches

Spring has sprung! Cue a mass wardrobe panic...

Yes that’s right, after months and months of baggy jumpers and jeans I’m starting to get excited about fresh, new pieces for spring.

We all know the UK isn’t famed for it’s reliable weather so I’m not reaching for the shorts and sandals just yet, but, I am however cooing over new accessories at Harrods for those ‘finishing touches’. No look is complete without good accessories and often it’s the accessory that makes an outfit so with this in mind, today I am sharing a little selection from my spring wish list from Harrods.com...

I (like most) seem to carry my entire life in my handbag. Whether it’s by day or night, I unequivocally will always be carrying a bag, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney always strike the perfect balance between femininity and striking design that I long for. 

1. Studded Skull Padlock Tote by Alexander McQueen at Harrods 2. Falabella Chamois Tote, by Stella McCartney at Harrods

I'm a sucker for statement jewellery and this season is no different. Chunky rings, wrist and neck wear in gold is the ultimate against a white t-shirt.

3. Hinge Bangle by Michael Kors at Harrods 4. Arrow Necklace by Stella McCartney at Harrods 5. Gold Flower, Skull Cocktail Ring by Alexander McQueen at Harrods

6. Paint Spot Print Scarf by Stella McCartney at Harrods 7. Skull Pashmina by Alexander McQueen

As for watches, for me Michael Kors is still the master and I'm still loving the Tortoiseshell Bracelet Watch that The Boy bought me for my birthday!

Rob Pruitt for Jimmy Choo

Shoe giants Jimmy Choo have created a capsule collection in collaboration with New York, contemporary artist; Rob Pruitt.

Pruitt's work is likened to that of pop artist Andy Warhol and is as playful as it is impactful. Pandas, animal prints, bold colour and glitter all feature in Pruitt's work and it's these elements that have been taken through to the designs for the collection.

Jimmy Choo's slick and grown-up shapes meet imaginative and dreamy design with this collection so you can imagine my joy when I was invited to preview the collection before it went on sale...

From luggage tags to gem encrusted clutches combined with Swarovski crystal, leather lining and hand finished soles, the collection is the perfect balance of cutesy fun and luxury, which in all honesty is a breath of fresh air when dressing for a UK winter.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE

Check out the animation created to accompany the collection here...

             

Many thanks to Jimmy Choo x

Sale Picks

It's sale time! Oh I do love a good sale, I seem to spend hours trawling websites, drawing up wish lists and convincing myself that spending too much money is 'ok' because the pieces I am buying are half the original price.

Here are a few of my favourite picks that are up for grabs this season...

   

 

 

1. Yves Saint Laurent at Matches, 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim at Matches, 3.Theory at The Outnet , 

4. Stella McCartney at The Outnet, 5. Topshop, 6. Kurt Geiger

Shimmy Shimmy

As I'm sure you are are aware, it's cold and raining, which means that the desired easy-breezy summer dressing has been put on hold and in it's place (well for me anyhow) is a collection of black jeans, black leather trousers and a stack of knitwear. Fed up of wearing my winter clothes (specifically in June) I have been cursing knitwear for the last week, that is until today when I came across Tim Ryan's latest collection on Avenue 32. 

Expertly crafted by the London-based designer, the collection is one hell of a statement and one that I am well and truly lusting after. As my friends and regular readers will know, I am a bit of a sucker for a statement knit, throw in some rainbow fringing and I am all over it. 

Using luxury fabrics including silk and cashmere combined with beautiful movement and texture, Ryan's pieces leave me yearning to take one out for a little shimmy on the dance floor.

Take a look for yourselves friends...

        

Charlotte Olympia SS12

It's raining in London...again. So when one should be meeting friends for après-work, pub garden drinks I am resorted to sitting in and watching Bridget Jones' Diary while The Boy watches the Euros (oh I am so pleased there is more football on, I was wondering what I was going to do when the season ended but thank god for the Euros *please note my sarcastic tone.) Anyhow...back to the topic in hand. So whilst watching a true classic I have been doing a spot of internet browsing and simply had to share these beauties by the master(ess) designer that is, Charlotte Olympia from her SS12 collection. 

So now I am dreaming for two things; the sun and Charlotte Olympia SS12.

Medwinds SS12 pop up store

A couple of weeks ago (yes, a tardy post I know) I headed to the Medwinds SS12 pop-up store. For those that aren't familiar with the brand, Medwinds are an online store designing mens and womenswear inspired by the free living of the Mediterranean.

Earthy tones and easy-to-wear pieces were in abundance, perfect for summer days in the city.

Visit Medwinds here.

Wolf & Badger's Dover Street store launch

I have championed Wolf and Badger from the get-go. Not just another fashion boutique, W and B promote, support and most importantly- stock emerging and independent design. The carefully (and brilliantly) curated selection of womens and menswear, jewellery, accessories and even home wear is enough to make even the biggest stylista's mouth water and their store concepts are pretty easy on the eye too.

What's most impressive about this wonderful brand is it's age. It was not long ago that Wolf and Badger was just a twinkle in the co-owner's (and brothers) Henry and George Graham's eyes and it has now just opened it's second London store on the coveted retail space that is Dover Street, Mayfair.

I was lucky enough to hit the launch party this week, here's what I saw...

As you may know from previous posts, I'm also a fan of Gerogia Hardinge so you can imagine my excitement to see that her A-Mazing SS12 collection is now being stocked at the store (goodbye savings account).

Shop online here.

Recent Obsession: Dagmar...

On a recent styling job I came across Swedish brand, Dagmar. It's true to say I'm now obsessed. The AW collection offers classic pieces in fresh cuts and shapes. Silhouettes are stretched and slim whilst layering and multiple textures offer an eclectic and bohemian feel to chic pieces.

IN LOVE - OBVS.

Event: Forever 21 London Launch...

What: Forever 21 UK Launch Party
Where: The Old Sorting Office
Drank: Berry vodka cocktails, topped with ginger beer

Wednesday night saw my beautiful friend (and blogging buddy) Sarah-Leigh and I head down to the UK launch of popular, US brand, Forever 21.

I was cynically anticipating a regular store event but I was overwhelmed with surprise. The brand have hit the UK with a bang by holding their launch in fashion week venue, The Old Sorting Office, and it wasn't your run-of-the-mill, ordinary launch either. As we walked into the venue it felt as though we were walking into a mini dream. A carousel, hotties on roller skates, tippie tents and beach huts brought an LA-cool vibe to a rainy London.

WAH Nails were dishing out treatments and a virtual, 3-D fashion show reminded us why we were all there. All-in-all a great launch of an already established brand in a new market.

The Oxford Street store opens tomorrow and if you can't wait, then shop online here.