Adorable Autumn

The new season started with a fun day out in the Chippenham`s Borough Parade where my friend Karen opened a fabulous Vintage Couture 77 boutique; we modeled designer outfits which she was selling on the launch day, fueled nicely by champagne and a massive cake shaped like a Chanel handbag. As Autumnal weather brought more rain, I found refuge in the Wallace Collection where I learnt about Sèvres Porcelain. The company was founded in 1738 and counted heads of state amongst its patrons and collectors, including Louis XV and Catherine the Great. As the leafs become red and yellow, I discovered Lanvin`s macaroons, a great collaboration between Alber Elbaz, who created a colorful box, and Ladurée, who filled it with deliciousness. As the wind intensified, I met Jackie Collins, who provided invaluable advice on writing. As the mornings got darker, I won a photo competition (first time in my life) with a creative take on what one can describe as quite dull everyday activity.

As I say `goodbye` to October, my diary is already full of interesting activities, which will keep me amused till Christmas.

A photo from Gazette & Herald, depicting opening of Vintage Couture 77 boutique

Changing Face of Chester

Recently, we visited Chester and stayed at a gorgeous Green Bough Hotel, the winner of Cheshire's Small Hotel of the Year 2011. It occupies a few well preserved buildings, offering a mix of authentic glamour, impeccable service, excellent food, and modern amenities, in a leafy Hoole area.

In Green Bough Hotel, wearing a James Lakeland dress

From there, one can easily get to the sites of Roman Chester, and adorable Grosvenor Mall, famed for its elegant Tudor facades of rows and rows of chic shops. Our bestest friends live in Chester, and we have been coming here for so long that we had become well acquainted with many delightful owners of designer boutiques, and made the Grosvenor our base from where we would ogle - over champagne and coffee - hundreds of newly acquired trophies: bejewelled dresses; outré animal print coats; ultra-high heeled shoes; and leather skinnies, all discovered during crazily indulgent shopping sprees. Many happy days, and fabulously decadent nights on the town would have us coming back for more, over the last decade. That was `then` and `now` Chester is losing many of its charming independent outlets, which used to offer excellent service and an incredible selection of high quality goods. Firstly, a few years ago MaxMara closed down, followed by Kurt Geiger. And then, the undisputed queen of style – Alizari – from where I amassed an impressive collection of Marc Cain`s fabulous garments and breath-taking accessories, closed its doors for good. I thought I would cry when Victoria texted me the news…… Jays is the latest victim of the prevailing recession.  When would it stop? How many dreams would be shattered before we can see ` green roots` of recovery?