Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Going for Rose Gold


For what seems like ages I've been on the hunt for a rose gold watch. You know how it is, you can't find what you want, then 4 great options come along at once...

Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Folli Follie are all known for their stylish rose gold designs, but at a recent press show I was introduced to Oozoo watches - and guess what? Their rose gold watch is the best at the lot and definitely a winner at £69.99!

Clockwise from top right: Michael Kors £219, Marc by Marc Jacobs £200, Folli Follie £173, Ooozoo £69.99

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Discover London with SalesGossip Shopping Walks

It's true - I do love London! With some of the best shopping in the world, what's not to love?


There are so many amazing department stores, designer boutiques, independent shops and pop-up sales - the only problem can be finding the best places that lie off the beaten track, and I've still got a lot of places to explore.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, shopping on Oxford Street can feel like groundhog day. Every few steps you've got another branch of H&M followed by yet another branch of Zara. So I'll definitely be trying out SalesGossip's series of London Shopping Walks this summer.

Produced in collaboration with Trip Stylist, the guides of Carnaby Street & Soho, Shoreditch, Savile Row, Covent Garden, Marylebone & Primrose Hill, and Knightsbridge each include clear instructions on how to get there along with handy maps - so even I couldn't get lost! The routes take you to recommended shops and even tea stops.


If you're going to be visiting London for the Olympics, the Shopping Walks offer the perfect way to see more of the city. Take a look and choose the one that suits your style...

As for the personalised tea cup, it's £15.99 from www.justengraved.co.uk.



Wednesday, 13 June 2012

The Queen Comes to Nottingham with Wills & Kate


Jubilee fever is far from over yet! Early this morning I grabbed my union jack once more and headed off to Nottingham with my best friend Toni. Having learnt a lesson from not seeing a great deal at the Jubilee river pageant we made sure we got ourselves a front row spot to see the Queen arrive in the city with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate was re-wearing her blue boucle coat by Missoni which she is reported to have bought from the Bicester Village outlet in Oxfordshire.

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

A Right Royal Weekend

The bunting was out and so were the crowds as the nation prepared to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend. From my (not so prime) position on Chelsea Embankment I attempted to see the flotilla pass by - and got pushed, shoved and my hair pulled in the process, but it was still well worth going along to mark such an historic occasion.



As the Royal Barge, The Spirit of Chartwell, came into view everyone surged forward and held their cameras in the air blocking my view entirely - but by climbing on a barrier I made sure I got the glimpse I'd been waiting a fair few hours for. Kate's choice of bright red Alexander McQueen dress ensured everyone could spot her on board and I could just make out a royal wave from the Queen herself. Sadly my photos are very blurry - but at least I can identify who's who.

The highlight of my 4 day weekend? It has to be standing in The Mall for the Jubilee concert. The atmosphere was amazing even during the build up. Whoever was in charge of the big screen footage has my thanks for keeping the camera fixed directly on Prince Harry. Then the concert began with Robbie Williams - cue hysteric screams from yours truly. One was most definitely entertained thank you very much!

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Keep it Zipped

As part of Adult Education Week I went along to a free jewellery making workshop today - but this wasn't just any old jewellery, it was upcycled eco fashion at its very best!

As if by magic, we were shown how an old zip could be transformed in to a chic corsage in an instant (well, an hour or so).

I've seen zip jewellery like this before - usually being sold in posh gift shops with an expensive price tag to match - but I'd never realised how easy a corsage would be to make.


Simply take a 50cm zip and separate it in to 2 halves. Cut 6 pieces measuring 7cm and 6 pieces measuring 6cm and keep what's left for later. To make a petal, take a section of zip, overlap the ends and secure in place with a stitch. Sew the 6 larger petals around the outer edge of a round of felt, then sew the 6 smaller petals inside. Take the left over section you saved earlier and twist is into a spiral to be stab stitched into the centre of the flower. Cover any messy stitching on the back with a second round of felt, sew on a brooch back to complete your corsage and voila - you've got a versatile new accessory to add to your collection!

What's great is that you can use the same corsage design to make any revamp anything you like - attach it to a cuff or a how about a hair clip? I'm hooked!

Saturday, 5 May 2012

Jenny Packham No.1

What have I got in common with Jennifer Aniston, Keira Knightley and the Duchess of Cambridge? Not a lot - but we are all big fans of Jenny Packham's romantic designs. That's why I was so excited to see the latest Designer at Debenhams...

The Jenny Packham No.1 occasionwear collection features everything you need for that summer wedding or a day at the races. Alongside the dresses, there are shoes, clutch bags, feather fascinators and of course some glittering Jenny Packham jewellery to complete the look.

Jenny Packham No.1, Brooch £25
Jenny Packham No.1, Necklace £35 












A total magpie when it comes to anything shiny, my eyes lit up with delight when I saw the latest additions at the Debenhams jewellery counter. The only problem was choosing what to buy. In the end (apologies to the very patient sales assistant) I settled on a necklace and a brooch.

Luckily my Mum was with me so I could give her some very clear hints as to birthday presents.

Thursday, 3 May 2012

Anna Dello Russo for H&M

After all the excitement of Versace and then Marni for H&M, we now know who's next. Bring on Accessories by Anna Dello Russo - a collection of jewellery, bags, sunglasses and shoes plucked from the unbridled imagination of Japanese Vogue's Editor at Large herself...



Who else wants Anna's apartment? Wow! But I suppose I'll settle for some bling when the collection hits selected H&M stores in October 2012.