Primark`s Chanel-Inspired Necklace Rocks!

I am wearing a dress from Marni, shawl by Moschino, handbag by Gucci, shades from Bvlgari, snakeskin shoes from Singapore and a gorgeous necklace from Primark

When Karl Lagerfeld sent his Chanel models down the catwalk for Spring/Summer 2014, one accessory stood out – a necklace featuring two big, white pearls that met at the front. I forgot about the show and its star attraction until I recently talked to my younger sister Gigi. She praised the necklace`s design for its sculptural artistry and for creating a modern, yet major impact. Well, if Gigi liked it, I started looking at it in a favourable light.

The other day, while in Marble Arch area, I popped into Primark as in the past, I discovered they were selling beautifully decadent and insanely cheap jewellery. Can you imagine how surprised I was when I saw this eye-catching, Chanel-inspired necklace? It certainly delivers a striking, architectural look, my sister liked so much. I snapped up two, one – of course – a gift for Gigi - happy customer!   

The Glamour of Italian Fashion at V&A in London

Victoria & Albert museum (V&A)  is examining Italian fashion, from its conception, just after the Second World War, to today`s catwalk staples.

The exhibition, called The Glamour of Italian Fashion, charts the early examples of superb craftsmanship, like this Emilio Schuberth`s silk and cotton dress, that uses a subtle graduation of colour, called sfumatura. It was designed for his Autumn/Winter  1952/53 show.

Italy`s spectacular transformation from post-war ruins, to the driving force for luxurious fantasies had sprouted throughout the 50s, and 60s, helped immensely by Hollywood legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Their films that were shot on locations in Italy and their penchant for Italian clothing and accessories hit all the right notes and elevated Italian craftsmen to the undisputed sultans of style. V&A is a fabulously stylish venue; please note this amazing chandelier that hangs in its foyer……

…….but I was slightly disappointed with the exhibition; I felt it didn`t add anything to my knowledge of the subject, and the clothes and accessories were showcased in quite dark, uninviting rooms. Pity the style ambassadors such as Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and others, whose wonderful exhibits would have had more impact in a brighter and more appealing environment. I am wearing a top by Michael Kors, and sunglasses by Bvlgari. My handbag is by Gucci.

London`s Portman Village Street Festival

   

It started earlier today with a highly anticipated bake-off competition at Portman Square Gardens. 

After the judges made their decisions, we were treated to a slice of the winning cake in each category – what a delicious experience! I am wearing a dress by Malene Birger, shoes and handbag by Michael Kors and sunglasses by Bvlgari.

Beautiful crowd gathered in New Quebec Street and in Seymour Place for the evening of exclusive discounts, cocktail trails, drinks, raffle and music.

Charlene took to the stage ……

…..rivalled by Tyler Rix who amazed us with a few cool numbers played on the saxophone, and a couple of original songs written for the occasion.

I didn`t win anything in a raffle but I discovered a few businesses – Eliska`s interior design emporium amongst others – that I am going to explore further in the weeks to come.

Fun at London Regent Street`s Traffic-Free Sunday

I was papped today by these two paparazzi while walking with a friend on Regent Street, which is traffic-free every Sunday during the month of July.  I am wearing a top by Cacharel; I bought the skirt in Singapore, and the sandals in Poland; sunglasses by Marc Jacobs.

Pimms and other beverages were served at a pop-up wine bar, positioned in the middle of this West End thoroughfare, and we could take part in fitness classes or relax on deckchairs scattered around.

Street musicians competed for our attention. I particularly liked Dariella`s rendition of Amy Winehouse`s `Valerie`.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) opened a pop-up store for one day only, in the Quadrant Arcade.

They were selling canvas bags, jewellery, books, calendars, and also offered fashion illustration drawing classes for those who felt creative.

All in all, a good day out!

Cheshire Oaks – UK`s Largest Designer Outlet

Cheshire Oaks looks like a giant Krispy Kreme doughnut, with a hole in the centre. All 145 discount stores are positioned one by one around a roundabout, and a multitude of parking slots. I am wearing a dress by Michael Kors, shoes from Juicy Couture, fur by Ducie, sunglasses from Dolce & Gabbana, and a handbag by Michael Kors.

We started our shopping spree at Ralph Lauren and ended up in the same place at the end of our visit. No need to cross roads and no need to worry about getting lost, or not finding your favourite shop.

There are 145 stores here, some are designer outlets, like Mulberry, Armani, Burberry, some affordable luxury outlets such as Michael Kors and Lulu Guinness, and others are outlets of high street brands, for example Dune, Hobbs,  and M&S.

Stock differs; when I went to Michael Kors outlet, I couldn`t see anything super-exciting. But I asked if they had anything more va-va-voom, and the manageress brought new stock items, which were not displayed on the shop floor yet. Amongst them, there was this beautiful two-tone dress. I remember falling in love with it in Singapore, at the beginning of the year, but at that time, they didn`t have my size. I was very pleased I could get it now!

The price discounts vary as well; sometimes you can find a super-deal. For example I bagged a pair of faux leather trousers reduced from £110 to £19! Mind you, they were size 00 (double zero) so not many people were able to fit into them. One of the dresses I bought was reduced from £225 to £169. Another from £240 to £159, but the third one I bought for…..£49!

There are many coffee shops, bars and restaurants on the site, from Starbucks, to Wagamama. Access is easy, either by car (plenty of free parking slots), or there is a regular bus service from Chester and Liverpool.

 

Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

Magnum is 25 Years Old – Selfridges` Celebrations Continue

Selfridges is hosting several glittery window displays to celebrate Magnum's 25th birthday. I am wearing a dress by James Lakeland, and a handbag by Michael Kors, sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

Shimmering displays coincide with an in-store exclusive experience, where you can create you very own, and personalised ice-cream.  For eight weeks only, between 30 June and 30 August, all pleasure-seekers can mix and match their favourite flavours, toppings and coating and come up with an individual masterpiece at Make My Magnum Bar, on the ground floor.

 

I hear there is also a new Magnum available - exclusively at Selfridges – which has swirls of caramel sauce, caramelised sugar pieces and dense milk chocolate coating; the ice-cream has been inspired by no other than créme brûlée – yummy!

 

Amazing Street Theatre in Lublin (Poland)

While in Lublin I greeted with a kiss the city`s symbol – the goat. I am wearing a dress by Michael Kors and sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

And then, it was time for some cultural pursuits; a group of actors were performing a short play in a narrow, cobbled street in the Old Town, in front of the Goldsmith`s House. I am wearing yet another dress from Michael Kors collection, and a vintage alligator bag, which I bought earlier in Lublin.

The main character of this tragicomedy was a beautiful goldsmith`s daughter who was very naughty.

She was entertaining many lovers – amongst them a poet - despite her father`s wish to marry her off to a nobleman.

A jester, clad in a fanciful costume, narrated the play, and got the audience involved - we were all standing alongside the street.

At one point, the jester came and took my hand and lead me onto the `stage` - a middle of the cobbled street – talking about me as an example of an honourable woman of Lublin who possessed an unblemished character.  We were cheered by the crowd!

And the play continued with the goldsmith and the monk ranting and raving and plotting to marry his disgraceful daughter. No joy - the daughter was so set in her ways that the play ended with her happily ravishing more and more lovers!

I loved the design concept of having it performed on the street, and the long, lyrical lines. It was well played and the human characters were lively and likable. My stay in Lublin is coming to the end, and I will miss its sunny weather and beautiful architecture. In yet another dress by Michael Kors (I only packed Michael Kors dresses for this trip), a Fendi clutch, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, and shoes bought locally.
 

 

 

Malachowski Palace in Naleczow (Poland)

My adventure in Poland took me to a great 18th century baroque-classicist Malachowski palace. Situated in a spa town called Naleczow, it hosts a museum of a well-known Polish novelist, Boleslaw Prus.

 His sculpture sits in a lush garden, near the palace.

 The palace was designed by a royal architect Ferdynand Nax in 1771-1775.

The ballroom is very impressive, and is used by locals today for weddings and other special occasions. After 1778 the discovery of healing waters initiated the development of Naleczow as a health resort, and put the palace on a map. 

Today, the palace, the gardens and resort complex are visited by thousands, but it doesn`t feel crowdy. On contrary, I found its provincial, sleepy atmosphere very relaxing.

Outside, I bought some sensational semi-precious jewellery, from a local trader. I am wearing a dress by Michael Kors, a snake-skin handbag from Emilio Pucci, and sunglasses from Dolce & Gabbana.

All in all, a great day out!

Retro-Room in Lublin

While in Lublin (Poland) I found a fabulous antique shop, owned by a sweet-natured Joanna Kawecka. She told me her passion for old furniture and clothes pushed her to open this `Alladin`s cave` where she created her own world.

We discovered Christian Lacroix, Donna Karan  and other vintage finds.

I couldn`t resist this aligator handbag! Never bought a vintage bag before, but this is so unusual and charming.

Happy customer! I am wearing a Michael Kors dress; cardigan by Valentino; shoes by Bizzarro (bought in Lublin). 

Thank you, Joanna, for hosting us in your antique emporium.