Amazing Architecture of Old Town in Lublin (Poland)

I am in Lublin - the largest Polish city, east of the Vistula River.

Lublin Old Town is so gorgeous!

The Old Town hosts many precious, historic buildings. 

One of those is a Crown Tribunal - the yellow building on the right hand side. 

Another `gem` is a Krakow Gate, which dates from 14th century. I am wearing a dress by Michael Kors.

Lublin`s symbol is a goat with golden horns. So appropriate to see it here, as this year we celebrate the year of the goat in Chinese calendar.

Jimmy Choo Bull Terrier is the Season`s Hero

The most avid followers of Jimmy Choo must be delighted to have their very own mascot – a charming bull terrier that now adorns some of the brand`s bags and clutches.

And those who have never been besotted with the brand`s famous red-carpet-worthy heels may now find the reason to fall in love. Because Jimmy Choo`s new symbol is as creative as it is commercial.

The bull terrier is splashed across several accessories, from the tiniest coin-purse, to phone cover, a smart clutch and a large carryall.  It is the result of a new collaboration with Brazilian artist Rafael Mantesso whose whimsical illustrations appear on limited edition pieces especially created for pre-fall 2015 capsule collection.

The breed`s most recognizable feature - its head, described as 'egg-shaped' when viewed from the front –lends itself well to create a character that is cute but edgy enough to appeal to fashion connoisseurs.  And I think this adorable hero has a chance to bite off a large chunk of their disposable income.

Vintage Salt Rooftop Restaurant at Selfridges, London

Des McDonald group is again behind the third Selfridges` rooftop pop-up restaurant. Like their two previous eateries, On the Roof with Q which was opened throughout summer last year, and Le Chalet, which closed its doors earlier this year, the new venue is heavily themed.

It is called On the Roof with Vintage Salt, and evokes memories of a traditional British seaside.

We are supposed to think we are in a Cornish fishing village, and I could almost believe the hype when I visited as the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the temperature around 20 degree Celsius, and a joyful crowd of people inside was clearly enjoying some leisurely time with friends and family.

Oysters, fish and chips, and halibut fish finger sandwiches were served, accompanied by gin cocktails.

The décor is nautical and each menu has a print out of a weather report and shipping forecast.

There is a cute beach hut of a bar at the back of the restaurant, which provides a perfect spot to top up your tan, as it is uncovered and sun-drenched when the weather is fine.

Vintage Salt is open seven days a week from late breakfast to dinner. I am truly looking forward to bringing my beloved ones for a bite to eat to this mini-seashore, located……. surprise, surprise, on a rooftop of a mega department store in central London.  

Illamasqua – the Makeup Brand That Loves Drama

Since its launch in November 2008, Illamasqua – an independent, British make-up brand – has been perceived as cool and innovative. With roots in prohibited 1920s Berlin club scene, and expertise in manufacturing professional make-up for film and theatre, the brand appeals to performers, models, those who want to express their individuality and fashionistas who crave high-quality, `hot-off-the-catwalk` trends translated into makeup products, the minute the bright lights of a fashion week are switched off.

Illamasqua doesn`t disappoint. However, the vibrant colours of their highly-pigmented lipsticks or eye shadows might not be always suitable for wearing in a cold light of an office, or outside a chic members` club in Mayfair.  For a daily usage, their equally striking hues of nail varnishes offer a `safer` option, without compromising on quality. Well-chosen nail colour would definitely add the right amount of edgy attitude to any outfit.

I have a large collection of Illamasqua nail polishes and am still adding new `heroes` whenever I come across any arresting and simply irresistible examples.

A great thing about this `look at me` brand is that it acquired a Cool Brands status in 2011, for its uncompromising dedication to self-expression – how cool is that? It now sits alongside Apple, Prada, and Manolo Blahnik – just to name a few other Cool Brands winners – and provides inspiration and a toolset to achieve the look that is as individual as it is beautiful. I am wearing `theatrical` eyelashes from Illamasqua. My dress is from Mulberry.

The Quickest Way to Update Your Makeup Now

Majority of us don`t want to be stuck in `same old, same old` routine, and that principle also applies to makeup products that we use. Yes, we may have our favourites, but we also want to balance using those with reaching out for products that could update our makeup swiftly.

I am personally impressed with a Miracle Cushion from Lancôme. I can`t recall any other product making such a real difference to my makeup routine. What is it? It`s a light, hydrating, fluid foundation in a compact, so it allows for touch-ups – if needed - just before a night out. Don`t be concerned about a word `light` - this lightweight foundation offers excellent coverage, because you can build it up in the areas that you wish to cover more. The application is by pressing the sponge into the liquid `air cushion` and patting onto the face. The harder you press the more coverage you achieve. It will give some protection against harmful sun rays - SPF 23.

I first heard about `cushion` foundations when I was living in Singapore. So on my return to London, I rushed in and bought it as soon as it reached Selfridges` Lancôme counter a few months ago.  The technology is not new - Air Cushion was launched in 2008 in Korea.  The `air` cushion keeps the formula moist, which gives a truly luxurious feeling when applied onto a face. Each sponge has a number of ‘pores’, through which the foundation comes out evenly. The application pad is tightly woven to help you distribute the desired amount of product. But don`t forget to close the lid tightly after each application to preserve the freshness of the formula.  

 

Lancôme`s compact, which costs £29.50 comes with a sponge and can be refilled.

 

Cushion compacts are very popular in Asia Pacific and due to clear benefits of using this innovative technology we will see more and more brands developing their own versions of this product.

The Button Queen – London`s Hidden Gem

The Button Queen is a family-run shop dedicated entirely to buttons.

You will find here elaborate, brooch-like Swarovski crystal examples; you will be amazed by badge-like colourful plastic ones; and enchanted by buttons made of mother-of-pearl or horn composite. 

The shop is based on Marylebone Lane – a narrow, almost traffic-free side road, just off Wigmore Street, which runs parallel to the north of Oxford Street, in central London, and a walking distance from Selfridges.

 

It is worth bringing a garment you wish to buy buttons for because the choice is so vast, you are bound to get a good chance of perfectly matching the colour, size and style.