Ooh La La: Le Crazy Horse

Image by Riccardo Tinelli 

The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Le Crazy Horse. Though a cabaret may not be an obvious option for your first trip to Paris, Le Crazy Horse is in a league of its own.

Founded in 1951 by Alain Bernadin, the show fuses artistic impulse with incredible design, shaped by cultural influences. A Parisian institution, standing pride of place on Avenue George V, the cabaret has played host to all manner of extraordinary "Guest Creatures" including Dita Von Teese and Beyoncé (she filmed the promo for 'Partition' there, don'tcha know). Choreographed and styled to perfection, each and every show is a masterpiece.

Ooh La L'Agent

1. Marisela black balconette bra £50.00 by L'Agent by Agent Provocateur (buy yours here)
2. Marisela black briefs £28.00 by L'Agent by Agent Provocateur (buy yours here)

Do you really need another lingerie set? No? Good, that makes two of us. No one ever 'needs' beautiful lingerie, but that's the charm.

Underwear is my biggest vice, and this month I have been led astray by Agent Provocateur's alluring  L'Agent line. The Autumn/Winter 2014 collection has been designed in collaboration with the Cruz sisters, drawing on their dance backgrounds for inspiration. Some pieces are showgirl-ready – namely the cerise satin bodysuit – but others are rather more reserved, like the lace-trimmed set pictured.

Though the promotional video is not the most tasteful – boys, you may (will) disagree – the collection itself is strong, particularly for those with smaller cup sizes. Most of the bras are designed in a balconette style to elongate the neck and accentuate the bust. They are pretty and playful, with a little touch of Agent Provocateur naughtiness.

Treat yourself. Next on my list? The cerise Marisela set with powder-pink trims.

BEST OF THE REST

The Cat's Miaow

 1. Topshop Disco Unitard here.

2. Etsy Lace Cat Ears here.

3. River Island over-the-knee boots here.

4. Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry- the perfect gloss for a girly girl's dark lip. Buy here.

5. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner- a great long-lasting liquid liner that will perfect those cat eyes and also those whiskers. Buy here.

6. Huit Arpege Bra in Black - I adore this sexed up take on the classic black bra. Buy here.

7. Claires Accessories Velvet Nails kit here. 

Hallowe'en is just around the corner. If, like me, you are seriously lacking in costume creativity, throw caution to the wind and dress up as an ultra-cool cat...  I don't think it's been done before?

Everybody wants to be a cat, after all.

Here is a pretty kitty ensemble that really is the cat's miaow- snap up these slick pieces now. 

Dolly Mixture

Looks like Autumn/Winter is going to be rather sweet, ladies. I know my previous post was suitably sugary, but I felt I would attempt to perk up this sunny Monday with some lipstick pink pieces. 

1. Only recently did I realise how wonderful Net-A-Porter's online bookstore is. With everything from Rizzoli's Big Book of Chic through to this charming Camilla Morton fairytale book, this is a great stop for Christmas presents for those fashionable sorts who really do have everything. 

2. BaubleBar jewellery is a huge hit across the pond, and a regular fixture in Instagram's many #armparties. Sadly BaubleBar does not appear to ship to the UK, but we can still ogle at this beautiful costume jewellery. I love this candy pink bangle with glossy buckle detail. 

3. If you are on the hunt for a beautiful colourful coat that taps into this season's hottest colour trend, then look no further. This aptly named Dolly coat, coming soon to ASOS, is trend-led but wonderfully feminine and wearable. With a curved hem and collar, this candied coat really is all sweetness and light. It will be online next month for £85. 

4. Rebel rebel at heart? Spice up a saccharine sweet dress with this expletive ring by Jacquie Aiche at Austique. The New York jewellery designer is another Pinterest/Instagram favourite of mine, and these naughty but nice rings are sure to spark a few conversations. If anyone is appalled, tell them it clearly says "luck" and that they have a filthy mind. 

5. Ciaté polishes are always on the money, and this hot pink Raspberry Collins shade is the perfect way to nod to next season. From their latest Suncatcher collection, and named after an equally yummy cocktail, I love this candied shade on toes worn with fierce sandals like these. It's a cool £9 here. 

6. Prada Candy is my current fragrance of choice, for it smells like a sweet shop. Can't really get much better than that- it's good enough to eat and that 1960s inspired packaging is equally delicious. 

7. A sign of my maturity if ever there was one, I have now grown to love liquorice allsorts. Once repelled by the bitterness of liquorice, I now am more than partial to a coconut roll or ten. Thankfully, Mrs Kibbles offer these sweets individually, so we don't have to bother with the rest. Additionally, how on trend are these sweeties? Unlikely style icon, much. Buy 'em here. 

8. I do love a little bit of underwear-as-outerwear, and this neon pink triangle lace style by Topshop is made to be seen. Try under a sheer silk shirt, buttoned to the top. 

Friday Flirtations!

Smile girls- it's Friday!

I have been super duper busy of late, but I just thought i'd share with you these divine underwear sets from Topshop which I have been very naughty and snapped up this week.

I don't think there are many things in life more indulgent than gorgeous lingerie. I feel it is the perfect way to treat yourself without spending too much money.

New pretty lingerie + a gorgeous bottle of champagne + yummy Laura Mercier body soufflé = unparalleled happiness.

These sets are wonderful value and just gorgeous for showing off under one of Topshop's signature silky camisoles. Pair with super skinny jeans and heels for a dinner date look that is pretty but still elegant.

Go on ladies, treat yourself. It has been a rather long week!

1. This balconette bra is wonderfully flattering, complete with a little flourish of double eyelash mint lace against a cream background. It is £18 here.

2. For something even prettier, opt for this unpadded lace bra with soft lace detailing and flirty bow detail. It is also £18 here.

3. The matching briefs are £8 here.

4. The matching thong is £8 here. 

Good Enough To Eat

1. Rose pink push up  bra with silk - £17.50 here
2. Rose pink Brazilian knickers with lace trim - £9.50 here
3. Pistachio green silk push up with lace trim - £17.50 here
4. Pistachio green Brazilian knickers with silk- £9.50 here

Happy sweet Saturday all !

Following a little discussion with my super sweet chum Harriet (check out her website Discover + Escape here for some luxury lifestyle inspiration... If you feel like treating yourself) this morning, I thought I should share with you the finest underwear out there just now, from Marks and Spencer no less.

Popping along to the High Summer press day a few weeks ago (post here) I was blown away by the utter gorgeousness of a number of pieces, but being such a ridiculous girly girl I was drawn to the scrumptious silken lingerie from Limited Collection.

Though I am personally waiting with baited breath to buy the mint and cream version of the sets featured above (hopefully in store soon- somebody put some aside for little old me), these pretty pastel versions are a lovely Springtime treat to make your weekend that little bit special.

The minute I laid eyes on the pistachio offering I was reminded of those gilded Ladurée boxes containing artfully crafted, feather light macaroons in a rainbow of sorbet shades. This sweet set also brought to mind the beautiful Ladurée cafes that are dotted around London offering rosy teas and the finest Champagne cocktail money can buy- The Laduree (rose syrup topped up with rosé champagne.)

The shape is universally flattering and sure to make you feel that little bit prettier for any occasion. Nothing feels nicer than wearing lovely lingerie, and these adorable Limited Collection pieces are certainly topping my wishlist this season.

Oh Hi, Summer!

This week I have been insanely busy, sorry that I have hardly posted, but my university deadline is just around the corner so I can promise i'll be blogging more over the next few weeks!

Following the ever so slightly hectic fashion week season, all the summer press days are now upon us and, I must say, we are in for a treat!

This week I headed along to Marks and Spencer's Marble Arch store for their high summer press day where I was greeted with all things bright and beautiful!

Aaah summer, how I have missed you. 

M&S have come a long way in the past few years and this season they have really outdone themselves, particularly in their Limited Collection range and the lingerie department, of course. 

The treats on show at the press day were pretty eclectic. From metallic blue leather pencil skirts as featured in glossy magazines through to boxy clutches reminiscent of those by Alexander McQueen, there is not a trend that has been untouched and there are some real hit pieces that are sure to enliven an ailing winter wardrobe.   

I personally loved the neon pieces and the rails of crisp white pieces in tempting textures. Though shoe-wise I was not taken aback, the handbags at M&S are one of the high street's best kept secrets and this season this is more true than ever before with glossy clutches and roomy beach bags. 

The press day itself had an adorable British summer vibe. After all, what brand is more synonymous with Britain than M&S? 

The food was predictably indulgent and delicious. I ignored the burgeoning bikini-based doom and feasted on scones with clotted cream and rhubarb jam, salted caramel profiteroles and crisp dainty macaroons. I then munched on the tangy rhubarb M&S rock on the way home.

The bikinis themselves were, of course, pretty lovely. I actually fell for a number of one-pieces, one in a graphic monochrome print with fluoro beading was a favourite. You can shop the swimwear here, just to get in the summer mood as we brace ourselves for another flurry of snow (WHY?!)

The lingerie was splendid, as ever. The silken Limited Collection balconette sets in sweet shades of mint, pistachio and lemon were particular favourites and I really can't wait to get my hands on them. I'm a little obsessed, actually!

If you're a lingerie lover like myself, then have a browse here... I can't promise you'll be able to resist a purchase though. Ah well, we've earned it.

The Rosie for Autograph collection is looking rather tip-top as well. With the classic rose bra interpreted in rich raspberry satin and softer shades of peach and cream, there is something for everyone: from sexy to subtle.

My favourite fact of the day? Rosie's lunch of choice at M&S meetings is an egg sandwich with a packet of crisps- no mad raw-food cleanses here, ladies!

I have a list as long as my arm of all the things I fancied adding to my summer wardrobe... And it mostly consists of lingerie!

Thank you to the lovely team at M&S for having me along- here's to summer!

Gift Guide: The Romantic

Christmas is, undoubtedly, a time to spend with loved ones, and if you're lucky enough to be all loved up this Christmas, then you'll no doubt be hunting for the perfect gift for your special somebody.

 And, as a much as i'm sure a lovey-dovey Christmas is beautiful, I must admit that I don't really envy you- buying the perfect present is a total nightmare.

In saying that, though, I simply must put my hands up and say that it is even harder for the boys. We're a picky lot, us ladies, and the worst part is that when men feel defeated and deflated after a good few hours of trawling the department stores, they will simply march to the lingerie department and buy some'it there. 

STOP. Read this first. Underwear is not as simple as "Ooft, that looked fit on Miranda Kerr so my girlfriend will look equally amazing in this hot pink lace corset with nipple tassels and suspenders."

Shopping for lingerie is a bit of a tricky one, but Marks & Spencer are reaching out a helping hand to you lost souls, with a lingerie buying guide on their website. This little godsend goes alongside their gorgeous collection of beautifully crafted, understated underwear (shop it here) that any lady would welcome with open arms on Christmas day.

You can read it here, but here are a few of my own little tips to ease you in... 

1. PICK THE RIGHT RED

For some reason, you guys seem particularly drawn to bright red lingerie, but you have to be careful. The wrong red is tacky, tomato bright and, more likely than not, cheap and nasty satin. Pick something a rich, black cherry shade with subtle lace detailing like this featured Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Autograph set in Ruby... I just received this set and I think I am a little bit in love, it is decadent but still demure enough for everyday wear, and it fits like a dream.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE 

It's all too easy to go a bit OTT when browsing the lingerie department, but you need to remember that this is a gift for her, not you. She is probably more drawn to pretty and feminine lingerie, so think about what she likes to wear rather than what you like her to wear.

3. ALWAYS GET THE RIGHT SIZE 

This is an obvious one, but a tricky one at that. She will not be grateful to unwrap a luxurious silken bra on Christmas morning, only to find that it does not fit. That will almost certainly have you in the bad books. Make sure it's the right size before you buy. Always.

1. This black lace set by Autograph at Marks and Spencer is sexy but still flattering and sophisticated: the balconette bra is a favourite of mine as it elongates the neck and boosts a smaller bust. The bra is £27.50 and the matching french knickers are £17.50.

2. A little champagne goes a long way, and is the perfect little extra for your lovely lady this Christmas. This Oudinot Rose champagne from Marks and Spencer is £28... It's also deliciously indulgent.

3. Light up her world with this heavenly candle by Diptyque. Nothing is more romantic than candle light and this delectable scented offering by Parisian favourite Diptyque has a heady and sensual Jasmine aroma that she will simply adore.

4. Give your girlfriend the gift of relaxation with this Jo Malone bath oil in seductive Pomegranate Noir. The scent is powerful and darkly luxurious and leaves skin soft and supple £52

5. My pick has to be this Rosie for Autograph set in Ruby. The rich dark red is glossy and festive, but still sophisticated and elegant. This underwear is the perfect balance of sexy and wearable. The bra is reduced to £18 and the matching knickers are reduced to £10.

6. My favourite set also comes in a number of other pretty colourways, including this soft oyster pink. Peachy pink lingerie is feminine but still sexy, and will always be a hit.

7. Another hit of jasmine comes from this ridiculously indulgent Tom Ford Private Blend fragrance in Jasmine Rouge. It smells seductive, sensual and richly opulent. A heady floral with a woody note, a little goes a long way and this £135 bottle will look fabulous in any boudoir.

8. All I want for Christmas is a man who is happy to buy me Agent Provocateur lingerie until it is coming out my ears. This little Selena set is beyond hot- I absolutely adore it. The bra is a cool £110 and the matching knickers are £96.

9. If you fancy buying something a little more pretty, then this Rosie for Autograph teddy in oyster pink silk is just stunning. It is flattering but still exudes glamour. This lovely piece is £45.

10. I absolutely adore Mimi Holliday by Damaris, and always keep my eyes peeled for it in post-Christmas sales, but if you're lady friend is an innocent one, then stick to this crisp cream set. The bra is just £45 and the matching lace knickers are £39.

11. Last but not least, if all else fails, buy 'er some chocolate. These passion fruit flavoured salted caramels by Artisan du Chocolat are so moreish that I could just eat them all day. Perfect with champagne. These are £13.45

Ooh La La La Perla