It's A Swing Thing

Aren't you a diamond? Earrings £17.00 from & Other Stories here

Okay, so it's almost been a week since pay day and, I don't know about you, but I've been really super-duper good since then. I've only eaten out once (Roti Chai, since you asked) and I've totally resisted the urge to spend all my hard-earned cash on faux suede separates and peep-toe ankle boots. I think it's called living within my means.

Still, such great behaviour surely warrants a little self-gifting? Any excuse. For a treat that won't break the bank- leaving just enough dollar to travel and eat and all those other annoying things you need to do to live- make a beeline for & Other Stories. I've fallen head over heels for the Scandi superstore's spring collection, and these swing drop earrings are le pièce de résistance.

Unique but still suitably pretty, they offer an instant update with plenty of pizzazz, adding interest to even the most boring white shirt and skinnies pairing. The best part? The kaleidoscopic glass crystals will take on the colour of whatever you're wearing, so you can rock them all around the clock. Or until you lose one, which is pretty much inevitable.

Anyways, I'll stop my rambling now, and continue compiling my 30-strong list of must-have pieces on & Other Stories' website. Standard.

Tick Tock Hot to Trot

 

Charlotte Olympia Timeless Pumps £525 here

There was a time when I dreamed in Louboutin: my heart and soul longed for a flash of scarlet sole.

These days, though, Louboutin stands alongside a number of other fabulous footwear fancies: notably Charlotte Olympia and Sophia Webster, both of whom combine wearability and wit in their designs. 

My latest obsession are these adorable "Timeless" pumps from the new Fall 2013 collection. A classic heeled slipper style, akin to those purr-fect Kitty heels (sorry), these velvety black pumps feature a golden clock for an idiosyncratic twist on a failsafe pump. 

A charming addition to any shoe collection, these timeless courts will work with everything from the new vinyl A-lines through to your sculpted new season coat. 

Treat yourself- they are timeless, after all.

MORE TEMPTING TREATS FROM @CHARLOTTES_WEB

At First Blush

1. Fluffy Topshop Sweater here
2. Lola Rose Boutique ring from AW13 collection, £59, shop here
3. Zara Studio coat £179 here
4. Smythson notebook here
5. Topshop Limited Edition dress here

You don't need me to tell you that the colour of the season is powder pink. A million miles away from Summery sweetness, the Autumn/Winter collections, both high end and high street, propose a sophisticated take on the girlish hue. 

Be it Zara's ankle-length masculine coat in sugared almond or MGSM's rosy interpretation of the urban sweatshirt, there is something to suit every style. 

Take your cue from the wonderful Simone Rocha, who brought a new dimension to candied pinks with her fall collection. Balancing feminine princess coats and sculpted shift dresses with contemporary bed-head and mannish brogues, Simone's directional collection is arguably one of the most successful of the season. 

Steer clear of any Barbie comparisons by pairing oyster pink with red (see here) or teaming pastel hues with varying shades of grey. Add glossy metallic accents, such as the Zara brogues below, and some Hoxton Blush earrings by Bijoux Bazaar for a fresh look. 

For a blushing beauty update, look out for the latest limited edition fragrance by Jo Malone. Peony & Blush Suede, launching September 2nd, is a complex full floral with sparkling apple top notes and a unique suede base. Inspired by Cecil Beaton and the intricacies of haute couture, the scent is suitably refined, working in perfect harmony with this season's sweet colour story. 

1. MSGM floral sweater here
2. Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede cologne launching September
3. Topshop Pink Sunglasses here
4. Topshop pale pink satchel here
5. Bijoux Bazaar Hoxton Blush earrings £12 here
6. Zara metallic brogues £49.99 here

BEST OF THE REST: 

Be My Baby Blue

Perk up your day with some delicious new shoes, and how could you get much cuter than these powder blue boots by Sophia Webster, available here from www.matchesfashion.com.

A delicate shade of sky blue, these feminine but modern shoes feature pretty bow and frill detailing along with polka-dot mesh for an extra helping of girlish innocence.

I'd keep it pretty and pair with a clean and crisp white shift for a fresh look. 

Shop these Sophia's delights here. 

Sartorial Sweetness: The Marshmallowists

If we are to believe all we are told, the fashion industry is a rather sour business. From snide remarks about "toothy" Sienna Miller in The September Issue through to whispers of haute couture fittings ending in tears, it is little wonder that we have come to view fashion in an unforgiving light.

In reality fashion folk can be rather sweet. Of course you are bound to encounter the odd inflated ego or catty comment, but in the grand scheme of things, fashion is a misunderstood art. It's all sweetness and light, really.

Were this not the case, then how else could we explain the trend for sweet treats among the editorial elite? From macaron aficionados (I always trust this lady's judgement) through to meringue artistes and jelly architects, the sugar high just got haute.

Cookies and cakes are now every bit as Instagram-able as elaborate manicures and glossy Rockstuds and, without a shadow of a doubt, there is now a place in fashion for the foodie.

If you find yourself looking for something rather chic to sink your teeth into, then you will be pushed to beat the feather-light treats from The Marshmallowists, which are only around 24 calories a pop.

A million miles away from Top Hats and BBQ tomfoolery, London-based duo Kim Smart and Oonagh Simms are single handedly putting "the fun back into marshmallows" with their gourmet interpretations of the classics. Sitting pride of place in every glossy from Vogue to Stylist, it is little wonder that we are all making a beeline for Portobello market to get our hands on these chic treats.

Intrigued? You are not alone, so I do hope you enjoy this little Q&A with The Marshmallowists themselves.

Sweet dreams!



What initially inspired you to launch The Marshmallowists?

Working in the drinks industry [Smart] and as a chocolatier [Simms], we both had a desire to do something creative with our respective knowledge.

It was late October 2011 when Simms and I first met in a West London cocktail bar. Simms has just returned from her four-year Chocolatier training in Paris and I [Smart] was ordering a drink. 

Conversation soon sparked about our shared love of all things French and confectionery-related. A few drinks later- Sally Cinnamons, to be precise- we had the idea of combining my food & drink industry knowledge with Simms’ expert hands.

After some flawed concepts and a little misspent money on cooking kit we never used, we realised our calling: homemade gourmet marshmallows, the first batch of which were set and cut in Simms' Shepherd's Bush kitchen.

We then set about using the best ingredients money could buy and were determined to please. It wasn’t until we started getting truly fantastic results that we looked for an outlet for our products, and that turned out to be on Portobello Road right outside the bar we first met in!

How best would you describe the brand?

Putting the F.U.N. back into marshmallows. We make a high quality product with super-expensive ingredients, but we don’t try to be snooty about it. I think our customers love the brand because they know it’s top quality but still value for money for gourmet confectionery.   

Why do you think your marshmallows have been such a hit among stylish ladies?

They’re extremely eye catching so they’re great for impressing at a dinner party, but they also taste delicious.  The alcohol-infused flavours also mean you can have a slight taste of tipple any time of the day without the hangover consequences.

Our marshmallows come in a variety of unusual but complimentary flavours including Raspberry & Champagne, Strawberry & Basil, Passion Fruit & Ginger and Blueberry & Portobello Gin – this definitely draws people in- the men too, for the gin!

You have some delectable flavours, which are your favourites?

The most popular flavour on the stall tends to be Raspberry & Champagne but I suppose our most unusual flavour is Strawberry & Basil. My favourite is Blackcurrant & Mint while Simms’ go-to is Passion Fruit & Ginger. 



Fashion and food are becoming ever more inter-related, do you think this applies to The Marshmallowists?

Absolutely, especially with having such a colourful product. We worked hard on the core range to make sure it had enough colour variance in it and I think people respond really well to that. We also take a seasonal approach to the flavours making sure that they are suited to the availability of the base ingredients and to different occasions. For example, our 2012 Winter range was designed especially for hot chocolate, with mallow flavours including Mulled Wine, Peppermint and Maple Baked Apple. 

Who are your style icons?

Smart – I love the sleek understated British style of Kate Moss and Rosie Huntington-Whitely for day wear but it’s fair to say I’m a massive Ri-Ri fan and for nights out I tend to wear more colour, prints, killer heels, shorts and an oversized t-shirt. 

Simms – I have a darker palate with more androgynous references. I love the scruffy chic of the Olsen twins and if I had unlimited funds would shop in The Kooples non-stop. 

Where do you find inspiration for flavours?

Working in the drinks industry and as a chocolatier respectively we both have a good inclination of what flavours work well together. But it is mainly trial and error- and there have been a fair few errors!.. Most importantly, we listen to what our customers say and work with them on bespoke flavours too.

Are you launching any new flavours for Summer?

Details of our new flavours are under wraps at the moment but we do have very exciting things in the pipeline- there was an actual high-five in the kitchen when we looked at Simms’ new ideas! We’ll be at Taste in Regent’s Park this summer (20-23 June) so come and see us there for a taste of summer, Marshmallowists-style!

What advice would you give to any budding culinary entrepreneurs? 

Think hard about what you want to do before you dive in and spend money. It’s getting tougher and tougher to differentiate from other brands or even stallholders. That said, the industry is fantastic and we’ve been delighted with how we’ve been welcomed into it, even by people we thought would be ruthlessly competitive. 

What does the future hold?

We’re working on making sure as many people as possible know us as the best in the business and when the time is right I’m sure you’ll see some totally new products under the Smart & Simms banner.

THE MARSHMALLOWISTS ARE AT PORTOBELLO MARKET EVERY SATURDAY, BUT YOU CAN ALSO FIND OUT MORE DETAILS HERE AND SHOP ONLINE HERE. 

FOLLOW THEM ON TWITTER HERE AND 'LIKE' ON FACEBOOK TO KEEP IN THE LOOP!

Blooming Beautiful: Wedding Wonders

Okay, clever clogs, this post is just a couple of days late... The Chelsea Flower Show took place this weekend with a flurry of fabulous flora engulfing Chelsea. From scrumptious afternoon teas with a floral flair through to champagne pop-ups beside the Saatchi gallery - the atmosphere in Chelsea was absolutely electric, and all these pretty pop-ups proved all-too tempting, as i'm sure you can imagine.

I personally adore Chelsea... The real Chelsea, not that Made in Chelsea lark. The Kings Road has so much to offer and all the surrounding pockets of moneyed marvels. I love the Bluebird, I love the glamourous boutiques and I just adore the vibe of the area, from Sloane Square to Walton Street.

If ever you are stuck for things to do on a Sunny Sunday in London, take a trip to Chelsea and just have a wander- you won't leave disappointed. At the moment, for example, there is the most compelling Hermés exhibition on at the marvellous Saatchi gallery. I went on Saturday with the lovely Kate (check out her enviably chic blog here) but we went at peak time so hardly got a chance to look around... Guess that means we'll have to go back? What a chore (!)

Anyway, I digress, for this post is all about occasionwear, this time inspired by the beautiful blooms at the RHS Chelsea flower show. The perfect feminine look for Summer weddings, I love this Zimmermann dress paired with the painterly floral jacket and futuristic clean accents. I feel that this look balances elegance with trend-led touches for a punchy but wholly versatile look.

1) I adore the simplistic design of Whistles handbags and clutches, and the Rivington clutch is a contemporary classic- without the price-tag that usually comes with such an accolade! In this sweet vanilla shade, this spacious pouch with golden accents is a relaxed clutch that will work for day or evening. It is £75 here. 

2) I have been obsessed with Australian boutique brand Zimmermann for a fair few seasons now, with both their RTW and swim collections boasting a sexy but subtle femininity. Atelier-To-Go have tailor picked a selection of simple SS13 dresses from the brand, which you can shop here, but my favourite has to be this raspberry ruched number, also available at Austique (on the Kings Road). This dazzling Dazed dress is flirtatious and romantic but still fashion-forward with flattering ruching and the most glorious movement in the skirt. It is £375 here.

3) Kate Spade is my go-to shop for gloriously girly gifts. I accidentally stumbled upon the store Westfield a few months ago and I can't stop popping in since- there are SO many kitsch and cute things that I never need, but always want. A New York label, I can't wait to pop in this July when I head across the pond. If you have a little time to kill then do check out their Fathom for Kate Spade city guides here- they are awesome. Anyway, this golden bow bracelet is high up on my must-have list, and has been for a few seasons. You can shop it here.

4) Floral scents are a Summer essential, and this new one from Jo Malone smells every bit as pretty as it looks. The Osmanthus Blossom scent is light but sophisticated, a complex floral that balances sweet blossom notes with a touch of the exotic. With tones of peach and apricot, artfully balanced with white florals this is a dreamy daytime scent. You can treat yourself here, where the cologne is £76 for 100ml or £38 from 30ml. 

5) Essie, Essie, Essie... The things you do to me. This balletic pink nail polish- Muchi Muchi- is such a staple shade and will work all throughout Summer. 

6) I really must stop buying jackets, but this one is next on my agenda. A fabulous floral print that marries together shades of coral, magenta, aqua and lime, this flattering cropped blazer certainly belies it's £69.99 price-tag. Ideal for jazzing up a dress for a wedding, this jacket will work with everything from icy whites through to on-trend neons. You can shop the jacket at Zara here.

7) I may, just may, have purchased these ASOS shoes with the 20% student discount. Well, a girl's gotta treat herself. These white caged sandals instantly reminded me of the Alexander Wang ones I have been obsessed with since I first laid eyes on the SS13 collection, and I simply had to have these. The nude sandals just got shunnned: it's all about bright white. They are £42, but if you are quick you can still grab them with 20% off with Unidays!

Le Flamboyance

Happy Sunny Sunday, all!

On a day like today, there is nothing more appropriate than some seriously pretty sandals, a floaty little sundress and copious amounts of ice-cream/frappuccinos/frozen-yogurt/Pimms (delete as appropriate).

If you are regular reader of my blog (hi Mum), then you will know that I am something of a girly girl with a penchant for all things glossy, pretty and cutesy. So, I am sure you can all imagine my elation on spotting these sweet Sophia Webster sandals on Never Underdressed.

I have been swooning over the bold, kitsch designs by Sophia Webster for a few seasons now, and these sandals (at Net-A-Porter) really embody the fun spirit of London's latest fashion force. 

With yellow and pink polka-dots on the cylindrical heel and cartoon flamingos kissing at the clear perspex peep-toes, these adorable shoes are like Mr Blobby meets Barbie, in the coolest way possible. 

Granted, they are not exactly a throwaway purchase at £315, but how could you ever be in a bad mood when wearing shoes that are so very jolly?

PS

FUN FACT TIME. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance... Such divas. 

PPS

If this has whet your Sophia Webster appetite, check out these bad boys... More fabulous than a flamboyance. 

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.

Pastel Sophistication

1. This Princess necklace by Mawi is a dream.
2. I love this Whistles creamy handbag - so chic.
3. This £10 Accessorize ring really does belie it's wonderful price tag.
4. I LOVE Zara's shoes at the moment and very nearly bought these block heel rose gold courts today.
5. It's nearly sold out online, but this pretty pink cami from Topshop is a steal at £18- a great summer essential.
6. The minute I tried these palazzo pants on, I fell in love. I can't quite bring myself to spend on a pair of white chiffon trousers that are so elegantly floor-sweeping... For they'll get filthy in NO time at all. But a girl can dream... And these are dreamy. 

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!

Flat-Spo: Cutie Coo!

1. Zara Mohair Throw £99.99
2. Paperchase Frame £5
3. Urban Outfitters East End Prints Wall Art £25
4. Word to Wall at Etsy £3.88 per tile
5. Macaroon Trinket Boxes, Not On The High Street £7.99 each
6. Zara Ornamental Bird Cage £39.99
7. Zara Lace Detail Tumbler £2.99
8. Not On The High Street Mirror £38

Another week, another fantasy interiors post to get me feeling REALLY rubbish about the fact that i'm skint. Oh well, onwards and upward!

I thought i'd go all sweetness and light on you and present you with some pretty, pastelly, cutesy- wootsey-woo home goodies. I absolutely adore all these light hearted treats that should get me through all those stressful uni days!

I love, love, love these macaroon trinket boxes, shown to me by a friend, and i'm certainly popping them on the Christmas list (too early you say? PAH we've entered the "-embers") 

I also have my little heart set on popping a few of these charming scrabble tiles up on my wall spelling out something uplifting- any suggestions? 

And nobody suggest YOLO, okay?