Christmas comes early

Screw Christmas, for me the most exciting times of year are the first Autumn Vogue (used to be the September issue but usually now in August), the first drops of tweed and leather in stores and those Autumn windows! The windows usually launch long before our brief British summer materialises which ends up in an endless circle of constantly wearing the wrong clothes and longing for the weather to change. I am one of those who buy my new season winter coat in 30 degree sunshine in August. Nothing makes me smile more that a perfectly designed, created, executed and styled window display. In London a touch of Autumn has launched. Bond st is doing Chanel tweed, and LV glitz. How beautiful are these golden dinosaur windows? Xx

Take my word for it...

My opinion will always only be my opinion.  When I'm not found blogging (or recently trying to fix my blog) I am found in London working my day job styling trends, sorting windows and putting together editorials for High St brand Dorothy Perkins.  This week you can find me doing both on Dorothy Perkins fun online magazine.  What do you think of these outfits?? x

Dorothy Perkins Magazine and Blog

Daytime savings

I simply cannot get enough of sunshine at 5am.  My long days are made 100 times better when I can wake up and see miles of fields and cows before heading to the big city.  Yesterdays outfit bared bare legs even though it was still fresh.  A plum Dorothy Perkins origami mini skirt with my favorite H&M New Icons white tee and last years Topshop suede desert boots.  I finished off this super simple look with a Kurt Geiger choker and my D&G butter soft leather jacket.  Simple xx

The end...

A few days ago I lost every photo from my blog.  Every banner, button and post vanished for no reason.  Thanks blogger.  For all you bloggers out there make sure you spend the time backing up photos.  A blog is not for life, it is a moving timeframe.  Onwards and upwards.  Hopefully everything will re-appear, but if not, I am sorry for the exit signs across the nude stylist for the moment. Xx

Witching hour

It doesn't get better than long summer days.  British summer isn't really playing ball this year but I have finally given in to bare legs - probably the biggest trend of SS13, if legs class as a trend. Long evenings are met with midi length swishy skirts and ankle boots.  This black mesh panel skater midi is a Dorothy Perkins one that will be landing in store soon.  I'm wearing mine with my classic D&G leather jacket, Gap tee and Topshop boots.  I do feel a witches hat would finish this look rather nicely.  Xx

Skater skirts at Dorothy Perkins, more coming soon.

 
 
 
 

 

That scent

 

There is nothing quite like smelling that smell.  Someone else's incredible perfume, freshly gut grass, blossom in London - a smell can change your mood in a second.  

I  am certainly no perfume expert, however I have grown to know what I like in a scent.  I stear away from anything very sweet and usually towards something fresh, or even fruity.  Chanel's Chance in Eau Fraiche is a favourite, with light citrus and cedar notes. Recently my Boyfriend made the mistake of buying me Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia cologne -  and it's devine! This fragrance will be on my list forever and I am eyeing up the other products too, especially after he bought the body butter.  It is like heaven in a Jar! Mistake for him, her product are not the cheapest.

A recent fragrance launch from L'Occitaine had me rather excited as I am a huge fan of their products.  The new range didn't disappoint.  The Grasse Collection is named after the city of Grasse in Provence, known as the perfume capital of the world. The Jasmine & Beramote is my favourite of the four scents and combines local Grasse flora with Easten ingredients to create this light yet rich Perfume.  It lasts well, looks beautiful and at £49 these fragrances are a great price for such a high quality fragrance.  The collection also includes The Vert & Bigarade (very fresh and summery), Magnolia & Mure and Vanille & Narcisse.  All delicious.  Make sure to pop into your L'Occitane store or visit www.uk.loccitane.com.

Xx

 

  
 

Grrr Tiger

Just how perfect is all this 'animal print'.  Tigers were huge at the Matches Fashion AW13 press event. Seriously eyeing up the Kenzo pumps and trainers. Throw on with a black dress, blazer and gold choker for Autumn. Xx

In store from August at www.matchesfashion.com

 
 

Karl would approve

Chanel AW13 show. If you haven't watched it yet then enjoy xx 

http://www.youtube.com/fashionchannel

A little weekend baking.

At the weekend I turn into a bit of a feeder and baking is high up on my list.  Soups, pies and puddings are all needed! This chocolate mousse cake is very easy and tastes amazing. It's a shortbread base and a rich chocolate mousse topping. Best made the day before and so great for dinner part preparation.  Enjoy xx

Shortbread base

240g plain flour

90g caster sugar

170g unsalted butter cut into small cubes

Mousse topping

300g dark chocolate

150g unsalted butter

6 eggs, separated

55g caster sugar

Cocoa powder for dusting.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees c.

Grease a 20cm round springform tin and line with baking paper.

Base - whisk flour, sugar and butter then pat to form a ball and flatten into tin.  Prick with a fork all over and cook for 18-20 mins. Allow to cool completely.

Mousse - melt chocolate and butter in bowl over a pan of simmering water. Tip egg whites into large bowl and whist into stiff peaks.  Whisk yokes and sugar in another bowl until pale.  Add chocolate mix into yokes and then fold in whites gently. Pour into cake tin and cook for 15-20 mins.  Leave to cool completely.  Best kept in fridge and served next day.

 

 

 
 
 

Simple summer

Today was easily the hottest day of the year and it was another busy day in London.  These are just a few pics of my outfit before I left the house.  Also, I finally got my hair done today at the fabulous Jamie Stevens salon in Kensington... Can't wait to show you the photos! Xx

Backless tee Zara

Skirt Topshop

Shoes Kurt Geiger

 
 

 

Back to basics

Hanging out in London Town after a busy day of work in the city.  Easy outfit, accidentally consisting of 90% Zara.  You can't go wrong with black.  Lets hope the sunshine stays out a little longer. Xx

Blazer, scort and tee all Zara

Bag Burberry

Sunglasses RayBan

 
 
 

Training

I am so in love with trainers for smart! I love my Topshop ones that I have shot for you before.  I feel the need for a second pair in my life, and these are some of the best.  Let me know which ones you love...

Top - £55 Topshop

Middle - £95 Kurt Geiger

Bottom - £90 Nike at & other stories

 


 
 

Monday was only one day, and then it was gone.

I still can't quiet believe it's summer, and seem to be incapable of leaving home without a jacket.  Monday always comes to soon.  I threw on my trusty Dolce and Gabbana leather jacket, H&M boyfriend jeans and my new Jack Wills blouse with Kurt Geiger chain necklace before gulping too many shots from the espresso machine and running out the door. #todayimwearing

 

 

 

Holiday at Home

This weekend felt like a holiday, at home.  The sun was out and the countryside was at its best.  We jumped on the motorbike and rode through the tiny villages to Tunbridge Wells where we enjoyed a lovely lunch in the Pantiles.  We sat sunning ourselves at the tiny, highly rated Gastronomia restaurant eating delicious Italian dishes! If you visit the town it is well worth a visit.  

After riding around the country we decided to, ride around the country.  We got the push bikes out and explored the beautiful old iron works surrounding our village. The woodlands were not only filled with bluebells but rare British orchids. A lovely lovely weekend before a busy week back in London xx

 

 

 

 

Home sweet home

Last year I renovated by beautiful home with the help of the bf. It hadn't been touched for over 100 years and needed some serious love.  My main aim was to restore and save as many features as possible, and our bedroom on the third floor had this stunning crumbling chimney.  After weeks of repointing it was saved, and now this is one of my favourite rooms.  Where better then to keep a selection of my favourite shoes and a dress or two. 

Dress by Burberry,

heels by Kurt Geiger, Burberry, Christopher Kane, Nelly.com and Alexander Wang

 Xx

 

 

 

 

Summer loving.

I am such a Bumble and Bumble Haircare fan.  I remember the summer that I discovered the Surf spray that gave me that perfect summer of salt soaked beach waves. Well recently there have been many more products that have caught my eye, and they haven't disappointed.  The BB prep is my new essential.  This nutrient rich detangler is sprayed onto damp hair and conditions it perfectly, great for simple summer wash and go hair routines.  Another great product is the lightweight heat activated styling balm known as the straight blow dry. Smooth this on to damp hair before drying and styling and it gives you silky smooth locks.  I can't wait to try out a few more of their great products! Visit bumbleandbumble.co.uk or available in larger boots stores. Xx