Strike a Pose

Voga

At long last summer has arrived in London. I don't know about you, but when the weather is so glorious, I can't abide staying indoors – I literally just want to be outside all the time, particularly when it comes to working out.

Don't get me wrong, even the most sweltering conditions will not deter me from my bi-weekly Psycle classes, but all other indoor activities are off the cards for however long this heatwave continues (I'll give it three days, four tops.)

Thank goodness, then, for all the al-fresco fitness classes in the capital this summer, my pick of which has to be Vogue d'Argent at the Coq d'Argent roof garden in The City.

A feelgood fusion of yoga and Vogueing, Voga is all about stretching and posing to an 80s beat – think yoga with a whole lotta sass. It's genuinely one of the most fun workouts I've ever tried, made all the better by the gorgeous surroundings of the Coq d'Argent roof gardens.

The perfect way to spend a Sunday, there's only one more Vogue d'Argent session to come this summer, a Madonna Party Class on 31st July kicking off at 11am, so I'd snap up a ticket now (£20 here) before they're all gone.

Don't just stand there, let's get to it, strike a pose there's nothing to it.

The loungewear label you need in your life...

1. Glen Coco sweatshirt £72.00 - pre-order here
2. Cream Tarts tee £48.00 here
3. St Tropez tee £48.00 here
4. Brunch sweatshirt £72,00 here

Party season? No thanks. 'Tis the season to be cosy.

Though you may not have a free night in your diary until March, sometimes every girl needs a little downtime with a good old-fashioned chick flick and a bowl of something gloriously carby.

So, rather than giving you another glitzy partywear edit, I thought I'd introduce you to Gem&i – my latest Instagram obsession.

The brainchild of NYC girls Gemma Henry and Lauren Barnett, Gem&i is all about comfy, cool casuals with a twist. Featuring quirky slogans like 'No Crème Brûlée before St Tropez' and 'it's not my fault, I'm on a cleanse', the collection is spot-on for self-confessed basic bitches (personally I've had far too many soy flat whites and avocado brunches to argue otherwise).

Also worthy of note is the 'Four for you Glen Coco' sweater – it's a fabulous alternative to novelty knitwear. Throw it on with matching joggers and your slippers of choice for the ultimate Christmas morning get-up.

Which is your favourite?

Starting at £48.00, the Gem&i collection is available online here. Check them out on Instagram @gemandi_ for a little bit of inspo.

Reasons to ❤️ Winter

PHOTO @SWfashion_

Guys, it's official: winter is here and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. While we could all sit here and bemoan the lack of sunshine and the inability to go bare-legged on a daily basis, resistance is futile. Winter is here, whether you like it or not, and guess what? Christmas is about six weeks away... Gross, isn't it?

So, bid adieu to daydreams of chilled rosé on the No. 32 terrace – now is the time to wrap up and wholeheartedly embrace winter 2015...

IF YOU LOVED: Terrace-hopping

YOU'LL LOVE: The new Below & Hidden clubroom at the B&H Buildings in Clerkenwell

Small but perfectly formed, Below & Hidden is an elegant, intimate alternative to the extravagance usually associated with London nightlife (no Champers'n'sparklers here, sweetie). The man behind the intriguing drinks list is Jim Wrigley, who has curated a menu of creative bottled cocktails inspired by monthly themes and seasonal ingredients. Complete with a DJ and dancefloor, the clubroom will be open until 2am every Friday and Saturday so you can shake off your winter blues with the best of them.

You Saucy Scoundrels

London-dwellers will know there is no shortage of cocktail bars in the capital. For every budget, every occasion, there’s a watering hole to suit. From speakeasies, so many speakeasies, through to tequila taquerias and craft whisky pop-ups, us French 75-swigging sorts are spoiled for choice.

The only chink in the armor is the lack of fabulous central spots. In a sea of All Bar Ones and high-end, high-cost haunts, it’s tricky to find somewhere fun and fabulous for a little post-shop pitstop. Well it was, until Cahoots showed up and changed the game.

Nestled away in a disused underground station beneath Kingly Court, Cahoots is the latest venture from the Inception group. Taking its cues from post-war Britain, this swinging party spot is decked out like a 1940s tube carriage with mismatched furnishings and bunting a-plenty. Bustling with swing dancers, piano sing-songs and, of course, delectable cocktails, it’s truly one of a kind.

The Chic List

Image from Skandilicious

From Monday morning cosies to tempt you out of bed through to warm-and-fuzzy Friday night funsies, here are a few of my favourite things for the week ahead.

On The Agenda

Casa Negra

It's cold. It's raining. Everyone on the tube is moody. All you want to do is go back to cuddle up in bed with a hot chocolate (current obsession? Options Salted Caramel - ooh mama) and a croissant for a Modern Family marathon. As Russell Bateman (aka Mr SBC) puts it: the first five days after the weekend are always the hardest. Never has a truer word been Insta'd.

Nevertheless, the autumn onset need not be a totally sombre affair, and London has plenty to lift your post-summer spirits. Covering all bases from cinema to cachaça, here are a few dates for the diary that will surely make your working week fly by.

Wine a Bit

I must admit that I am hardly a wine expert, but I do have a heartfelt appreciation for the stuff, particularly that fancy one with the bubbles. My parents have always been very interested in wine, and they have instilled this in me from a young age. I am far from a wine snob, but I have vino running through my veins (not from excessive consumption, I might add).

Naturally, my first taste of red wine went something like this. Ten years down the line I am texting my dad to tell him that I actually like red. His response? "Great. How much is that going to cost me?".

In my view, wine is about relaxing and unwinding, and there is something joyous about a glass of crisp white in the summer sunshine. On that note, London Wine Week kicks off tomorrow, the capital's first celebration of wines from the world over.

At the heart of LWW is the pop-up Riedel Hub on the first floor of Kingly Court which will be home to all manner of tasting flights and events during the course of the week. It will also be serving as a rather charming city centre wine bar with an extensive selection of wine by the Riedel glass. The hub is also one of the collection points for the LWW wristband, which offers discounted wines at partnering venues across the city, detailed here.

So whether you are a budding sommelier, or simply like a glass now and again, there is certain to be something to your tastes. Here are my picks for the week:

Riedel Hub, 1st floor Kingly Court; Monday-Saturday 12PM – 9PM; Sunday 12PM – 5PM.
Buy your London Wine Week band here.
A full list of London Wine Week events can be found here.

A Pretty Plateful

There is much more to healthy eating than crudites and cold pressed juicing. While working on my final major project, a magazine combining health and fashion content, I have come to appreciate how exciting and diverse healthy eating can be. It is not just for budding Gwyneths or yummy mummies, nor is it just for those with pockets deep enough to splurge on 'superfood' powders and organic veg. It also isn't as London-centric as most would think.

Healthy eating is actually very easy to do, regardless of your age, location and occupation. It is just about making clever choices and allowing yourself enough time to prepare lighter meals at home. I  look to the Deliciously Ella app for balanced tasty meals, but I am also rather smitten with The Detox Kitchen.

Lily Simpson founded The Detox Kitchen in order to design and deliver meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Lily started off by working with chefs and nutritionists to create a range of calorie-controlled meal plans to deliver directly to her clients across London. Reacting to the restrictive nature of traditional "diets" or "cleanses", the daily packages are not ridiculously low calorie and are far more manageable than juice cleanses. They also taste great.

Tres Cheeky: The New Girl in Town

 

In New York City, a daily blow dry is practically an essential. In such a fast-paced city of ultra-glossy girls, it is inevitable that blow-dry bars are as commonplace as chi-chi coffee bars and Scandi-chic boutiques. In Manhattan there is practically one on every corner, full of  Proenza-clad ladies chit-chatting over Americanos, while beauty girls are busy buffing and bouffant-ing.

Blow dry bars have undoubtedly made an impact in London, but they are often replicas of hit NYC haunts, not to mention ludicrously expensive. The latest addition to the scene, however, is so uniquely London it hurts.  Say hello to your new home-from-home: Cheeky Parlour on Redchurch Street.

On approach, I couldn't help but feel a little déjà-New York. Redchurch Street is like a little pocket of Nolita in London's hipster hub, and at the top of the road by the cool kid Aubin cinema is the Cheeky Parlour, the latest venture from those clever cats that brought you Cowshed and Neville.

Cheeky is all about affordable, fun preening- a kitschy beauty brand that has been winning over beauty aficionados across the land since it's launch. 

The Parlour is a bright lofty space with a nail bar, blow dry stations and a cafe/bar for post or pre-pamper treats. You can then nip over to the "Selfie Station" and dress up for a few snaps (check them out on Instagram with #urcheeky). It is the ultimate hub for a girly day out- unpretentious and oodles of fun. 

The express manicures are great for busy girls, and fantastic value compared to competitors (£10 for a manicure, and you get to take the polish home to keep chips at bay). In addition, you can add a little feature nail to your manicure, with festive favourites including cutesy Tiffany-esque gift boxes.

You can plump for a healthy brunch while browsing the blow dry menu, or sip a cheeky Cherry B (a super sweet drink of cherry wine topped up with lemonade) while pondering a little naughty nail art. Or, if you're feeling flush, you can top up your beauty cabinet with some of Cheeky's cheap and cheerful beauty buys, all of which you can buy online.

From shampoos to plumping powders and colourful polishes, Cheeky's beauty range is ideal for last minute secret Santa pressies. 

So whether you pop over on your lunch break or you make a day of it, it's time to get Cheeky.

M&S Autumn/Winter 2013

Good old Marks & Spencers, eh? While I will put my hands up and admit that I would happily live on Marks & Spencers ready meals and yummy lunches for the rest of my existence, this is supposed to be a fashion blog (in theory...) so I shall write about my other favourite F word here instead. 

I always get rather excited going to the M&S press days, especially since the last one was so gorgeous (see my post here) and their collection for AW13 certainly did not disappoint. 

With new Style Director, Belinda Earl, at the helm of the ultimate heritage Brit brand, M&S have really gone that one step further on the fashion front with a select few trend stories and some wonderfully crafted pieces which champion great British manufacturing, a focus for which M&S was once celebrated. 

The press day took place at the glorious One Marylebone, a spacious and stylish location which just exudes exclusivity. From the monochromatic banners outside the building through to the devilishly handsome waiters stood by the door a selection of suitably tempting tipples (don't mind if I do...), this felt like a thoroughly stylish affair from the offing. 

While M&S may not be an obvious choice for high fashion piece, sometimes it is good to look beyond the Zara/Topshop comfort zone and try something a little different. As far as quality, style and cut go, M&S is always a good bet...  

With a tailored edit of trends, this collection covers all bases from forties frivolity through to punchy punk and languid luxury. With killer coats, embellished dresses and grungy knitwear, there is a little something for every taste.

The accessories on display in the first room of the press day really were top drawer. Between you and I, if you were to tell me that the above earrings were actually by Shourouk, i'm almost certain I would believe you you.

All ready and raring for the party season, these dazzling earrings, bracelets and necklaces are sure to liven up an ailing jewellery drawer.

With jewellery covering all bases from punky bracelet stacks (or Arm Parties) through to statement emerald green collars, it really is all about the sparkle for M&S for AW13. They certainly know to appeal to my internal magpie...

If there is one standout fixture of the collection, though, it has to be leather. From stretch-back leather leggings in black and Oxblood, through to leather trimmed tuxes and cuffs, M&S have certainly got their leathers on for AW13.

With a slightly more "fashiony" (technical term) aesthetic, the punk inspired collection offered up an eclectic and so-wrong-it's-right clash of studs, leopard, tartan and lace.

Finding a gorgeous handbag on the high street that A) isn't from Zara and B) hasn't already been snapped up by all your friends is no mean feat, unless you know where to look.

I have long been a fan of M&S handbags, and I love this monochrome splatter clutch in on-trend ponyskin. It looks particularly chic with the marine boxy tote with golden detailing.

Suddenly that Céline isn't looking so appealing... Oh, who am I kidding. 

Androgyny is one of those trends that never seems to go away. It lies dormant for a few seasons with little resurgences here and there, before taking centre shade every now and again with some form of natty update.

M&S have launched a new initiative which goes back to the core values of the brand. The Best of British campaign offers some stylish and well-made tailored pieces which are all inspired by British heritage and, of course, are all made on these fine shores. 

This grey tweedy suit with pink pocket square perfect toes the line between dapper and darling. 

Sheer leopard print? Trust me on this one: it's so much better than it sounds. This strokeable tee blouse was in the punk section but I would be inclined to wear with white skinny jeans and lots of golden jewellery. It is sexy but still elegant with velvety leopard spots and a boxy tee style.  

The most "me" thing at the press day = this update on the classic creamy shirt. I adore the folksy, Babushka aesthetic that is kicking around for Winter, and i'll be more than a little bit tempted to snap up this number when it hits stores later this year. Paired with my favourite black skinny jeans and some towering wedges, this is a look that means business. This is potentially my favourite piece from the collection. 

Yes. I am predictable. What of it?

Very Christian Dior, this woolen fit and flare coat is so fabulously 1940s that it could almost pass for vintage. It is ladylike but foxy with a nipped in waist and full feminine skirt. 

Much more to my tastes on the coat front, though, is this cream cocoon style in wool. Cosy but still simple enough to remain versatile, this coat transcends trends for a worthwhile investment that is worth every last penny.

Keep your eyes peeled on the M&S site and in store, as the collection is in stores from July.

Stay tuned for a little lingerie-themed post from the press day and please do let me know what you think of the collection- it's always so nice to hear from you!

It's Shoe Time: Kurt Geiger AW13

Last week I popped along to the Kurt Geiger press day to feast my eyes on their delicious shoe collections for next season and I must say that I was not disappointed.

I was so enthralled with all the shoes that I did not indulge in a Breakfast Club Bloody Mary until after browsing the collections, stroking each and every shoe and compiling a mental list of all the shoes that will make my life that little bit better.

You can sort of see for yourself how gorgeous these shoes are, particularly those by Kurt Geiger London which have a distinctly high end aesthetic that is often nowhere to be seen on the high street. 

With everything from glossy patent stilettos with an elegant cigarette heel through to chunky mock-croc biker boots offering a feminine twist on the iconic Doc Marten style, there is something for everyone and every style. 

As per most of the AW13 collections, the Kurt Geiger pieces have an overarching punky aesethetic following this Summers' big exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC- PUNK : Couture to Chaos. 

With lashings of red, black, acidic lime and fluoro tiger print: this is a collection for good girls gone bad. 

No offence to any die hard Doc Marten fans, but I have never been particularly fond of these iconic boots. Granted, they can look awesome on some people, but they always look rather daft on me so I tend to be suitably wary.

When I spotted this glossy mock-croc Kurt Geiger version, though, I totally surprised myself by kind of falling for them. They are chunky, yes, but they have a slightly more feminine look than the original docs and the cool croc effect adds a slightly luxurious fashion-forward edge. 

I'd pair with a little cream camisole slip dress for a 90s look that is pretty with a generous hit of grunge.

A feminine style with a little crescent cut-out above the toe, these snaky courts are great for adding a touch of rebellion to a work look. 

Wedge boots are always a hit with me, especially given that I now wear heels on a daily basis so need something comfortable. These ponyskin black skater boots from KG by Kurt Geiger are set to make an appearance on my Christmas list! They are glossy, sexy and very chic. 

How glorious are these neon yellow snakeskin Bond courts? Viciously pointy, these stilettos are an iconic style from Kurt Geiger and this colourway is bang on for the Winter months. 

Kitten heels are not to everyone's tastes, but these Buckingham ones are right up my street! In luscious leopard print, these ponyskin pointed heels are just lovely with super skinny jeans and a simple black sweater.

You can't really tell from the image but the heels are bright red for a naughty scarlet suggestion as you walk. 

Ponyskin is set to be everywhere next season and these luxurious Britton courts are a great way to tap into the trend. 

The perennially popular Britton court style was renamed this season to re-establish the Brit ties of the Kurt Geiger brand, whose HQ stands proud on Britton street in East London. 

I have been obsessing over androgynous shoes since I shot with In Style's Natalie Hartley for Atelier-To-Go. Natalie Hartley is one of those enviably cool girls who could literally style anything to look contemporary and fresh. Adding her Balenciaga chunky boots to every look from florals through to crisp mint Carven, Natalie really brought the look to life.

These mannish brogues and boots are a great way to add a little edge to your wardrobe. 

Shop the current Kurt Geiger collection here. Follow them on Twitter here for more updates on the collections!

Fash-fun Friday

1. Lanvin's ingenious Alber Elbaz
2. Does this woman need any introduction- tis the divine Ms Wintour, of course
3. From one Anna to another (anna-other?) the street style snapper's favourite: Ms Anna Dello Russo
4. Karl Who? You know who. Don't be silly.
5. Last but not least is the most iconic, cutting fashion journalist of recent years- Suzy Menkes

It's Fridaaaaaaay ya'll ! I'm so excited for the weekend, especially given as the blue skies are finally out and the temperature is borderline bearable.

For a little Friday fashion fun, I thought i'd share these amazing necklaces I found on Boticca today- how amazing are these little fashion pendants from Défilés from Paris?

It's high time to wear your favourite fashion figure round your neck with these long pendants with everyone from Karl through to the genius Alber Elbaz

Though they are not necessarily my personal style, there is no denying that these pendants are super cute and would make sure a lovely gift for any fashionable girl or guy out there. They are all around the £124 mark and are available here.

My personal pick has to be Anna Wintour and her signature bob/sunglasses combo. I'd pair with my current favourite Urban Outfitters blouse (this one- it's gorgeous on) and super skinny J Brand denim (got my eye on these Atelier-To-Go ones)

Which is your pick?

Kat Maconie Shoes A/W13

This week I paid two visits to Soho House- I felt well glam- one for a lovely Butter London event with Nicole (who's got a cracking blog over here) and the other for the Profile PR AW13 press day.

Profile look after a selection of lovely brands, but i'm a shoe fiend so I was pretty much there to feast my eyes on the new collection from Kat Maconie- my favourite accessible designer shoe brand du jour (check out a couple of posts featuring her chunky but chic footwear here and here)

The Autumn Winter collection is honestly every bit as covetable as Kat's stunning Spring collection. With a versatile colour palette featuring cream, black, petrol blue and hot pink, this is an exciting collection that is instantly recognisable, not to mention a little too covetable for my liking... Or, should I say, my credit card's liking.

Kat Maconie shoes are wonderfully striking and sculptural, and I was particularly fond of these cutaway peep-toe boots complete with gleaming gold hardware, as pictured above. The style is modern but edgy and, though I am instantly drawn to the black leather style, the glistening petrol blue velvet is really quite something and would really pop with a little cream dress and some statement jewellery. 

These leather lovelies are a classic style from Kat Maconie, with her Spring collection featuring a neon yellow interpretation among others. For Winter she's gone a little to the dark side and reinvented the style in glossy black and mirror shine petrol blue. I love the bold blue which has an almost oil-slick appeal to it.

Just imagine with black leather pants and a sheer cream blouse... Gorgeous!

I must admit that Kat Maconie shoes are not really for "girly girls". If you are obsessed to spindly Louboutins and cutesy heart-adorned Charlotte Olympia styles, then these probably aren't going to tickle your fancy, but I personally love the chunky aesthetic of Kat Maconie shoes along with the directional edge they add to an outfit.

There really is a reason that these are a favourite for runway shows- they are statement shoes that don't cost a bomb and they make everything look that little bit cooler. 

What do you guys make of the new collection? 

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall : The Time and Lace

I was lucky enough to go along to the recent Louis Vuitton Pre Fall press day this week, unlucky in some respects given that I ended up falling in love with a number of truly divine pieces that I cannot quite afford... Yet.

With a 1960s aesthetic, Prefall 2013 both classic and contemporary and full of truly covetable pieces of the utmost quality. You're best looking away now if you're trying to be good on the spending front. 

What's hot? Fresh ways of interpreting lace, luxe fur detailing, boxy evening jackets and revamped frock coats with baroque lace trompe l'oeil. As ever, though, the shoes come out on top... The studded pointed courts are such a great investment piece: the perfect way to marry together gold and silver jewellery in an outfit. I am also smitten with the LV detail chelsea boots- can I have them?.. Please?

My favourite piece, though, has to be the reversible shearling and leather coat which would just make every outfit enviably chic and decadent.