The Old Harkers Arms – UK Town Pub of the Year

My husband and I and our friends are in majority here, thinking so highly of the Old Harkers Arms in Chester. It has just been awarded UK Town Pub of the Year in the 2015 edition of the Good Pub Guide.

 

It is located by the canal, just a short walking distance from the city centre. The décor is quirky but interesting, with loads of character and interesting touches like a wall of old books. The service is fast, friendly and discreet in a good way; the portions are sizable and the quality of food is great, from steak, fish and chips and burgers to ale pie, yummy deserts and more. Drinks` list is substantial, and I know what I am talking about – we have been coming here for years!

The atmosphere is relaxed and jovial, and the fact they accept four-legged friends here, adds to conviviality, as strangers acquire about each breed and eating habits, and we have seen many stunners gracing the pub`s premises. And yes, we love it in here because we bring our own; he has been drawing admiring glances since he was a puppy and is still a real conversation starter.

The Old Harkers Arms is fittingly close to the hotel, where we like to stay – just a walking distance, perfectly manageable even in high heels. I am wearing a dress by Michael Kors and shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa. My fur jacket is by Anne Klein and my crocodile handbag is from Africa.

We just came back from Chester, but I can`t wait for our next visit.

 

Exclusive Launch of Le Peep Boutique Private Members` Club in London

On Wednesday, 24 September a truly extravagant members` club, restaurant and cocktail bar opened its doors to us, for an exclusive launch. Architect, Nick Leith-Smith created a gem of a bar; it has been hand-crafted to resemble in style 1920s theatre. My emerald dress is by Michael Kors, and my shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa.

Based in London`s Park Lane, Le Peep Boutique will be open to the public in October.

The inspiration for this place was the glamour and theatrics of 1920s Paris, and you can see an LED ceiling come to life throughout the night with projected scenes of Parisian landmarks.

I particularly like the hand-made silhouettes of Javanese puppetry - they took my mind back to Asia Pacific.

The bathroom provides surprising illusions, in form of images of scantily- clad young women, projected onto a mirror.  

The mischievous girls (real ones!) pouted seductively, reminding us that this venue is all about indulgence, elegance and good times.

 

Fashion Night Out in London

Vogue`s Fashion Night Out (FNO) returned to London on Tuesday 23 September, after last year`s sabbatical, when the event moved to Manchester. Tonight, all major retailers in central London: department stores, independent boutiques, affordable luxury emporiums, flagships, high street shops, and local eateries are celebrating late into the night by offering in-store entertainment, discounts, refreshments and goody bags, to entice customers to splash the cash. I am wearing a dress by Chloé, racoon fur gilet from the Soho Furrier, tights from Wolford, handbag from Anya Hindmarch, and I bought my shoes in Poland.

I started at Space NK where the dedicated teams of makeup artists were creating looks from cinema`s heydays. I skipped the makeover and instead posed on a red carpet for a professional photoshoot.

La Follia Duo entertained us on South Molton Street.

And Essie offered mini manicures and the opportunity to purchase a limited edition of Vogue FNO nail varnish duo kit.

I didn`t indulge, opting instead to celebrate FNO in my own style – by raising a glass of champagne to style icons and their followers, to street stylistas, beauty pros and fashion eds who make us look dazzlicious.

I was tempted by FRAE`s offer of free frozen yoghurt…..

…….but ventured into L.K. Bennett for yet another refreshment and to listen to a gorgeous DJ who offered a stellar collection of tunes.

Central London turned into my very own Singapore tonight as food stalls competed for my attention.

Candy Kittens were the prettiest and friendliest of them all.

Sadly, I didn`t have time to board Elemis SpaBus for a spot of treatment, or hear Emily Sheffield, Deputy Editor of British Vogue at Selfridges in conversation with  Erdem about his latest collection and unique creative vision.

Never mind….I fully enjoyed this annual `shop till you drop` night, and am glad I could show my support for London – a truly fabulous shopping destination.

Sharpen your Style at London Fashion Weekend

The bright lights of London Fashion Week are dimed till February, and the frenzy of the f-row moved to Milan, but the fabulous Somerset House is still as bustling with the fash-pack activities as ever. It is playing host to London Fashion Weekend between 18-21 September – a selling exhibition of key looks for autumn and beyond.

I didn`t need a town crier to convince me to attend but nevertheless welcomed his attention. I am wearing a dress by a young British designer, Miss Goodweather, belt by Moschino, shoes from a Singaporean brand Gripz, handbag from Gucci, and sunglasses by Marc Jacobs.

 

The brands that are participating include Amanda Wakeley, by Malene Birger, French Sole, Tatty Devine, Lulu Guinness, Maria Grachovogel, Joseph, and more. So whatever your style, from timid innocence to high wattage glamour, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

My favourite were these clutch bags from Versus – youthful sophistication at its best.

 

Whatever you are eyeing next – dear reader – this is a great opportunity to feast on some of the world`s most loved brands.

 

L.K. Bennett Fashion Bash in London

Following in the footsteps of LFW, L.K Bennett`s store in London`s Westfield, arranged a quick get together to present their A/W14 collection.  Silk tops, tweed dresses, wool capes, and beautifully crafted coats paraded in orderly manner on an impromptu catwalk.

 

The colours were vivid and the brand projected a confident collection.

I met a fellow blogger and stylist, Arian Humirang, who possesses a captivating combination of grace, good manners, inner confidence and an eye for adventure – simply stunning. I am wearing a Missoni dress, snakeskin shoes from Singapore, and am – of course – channelling Donatella….or is it Lady Gaga?!?!?

Flavilla Fongang from a fashion consultancy 3 Colours Rule added an unexpected twist when she plucked up a courageous fashionista from the crowd, and re-styled her in front of us, advising on shape, colour and style.

 

B-tempted flourless brownies were washed down with lashings of bubbly, and the designs on display reminded us that colder weather is coming, despite the fact that top designers are currently pre-occupied with showing their S/S15 collections. Shall I go back to Singapore when the dreary season starts in London? Or shall I simply refresh my wardrobe? I am certain Flavilla would know the answer to this conundrum.

 

 

London Fashion Week`s HQ - The Chiltern Firehouse

This is Claudia Fabian, reporting from the London Fashion Week`s HQ – the Chiltern Firehouse. Yes, the fashion folks favoured the hotel and its restaurant/bar throughout the event, and I spent as much time observing fashion shows, as discussing the collections over bottles of bubbly, in André Balazs` first London venue. I am wearing a dress by Missoni, my snakeskin boots are from Sergio Rossi, and my fur gilet is from Ochnik.

The countdown to ordering and owning Spring/Summer 2015 designs has begun. So what will we be wearing when the first rays of sun bring us back to glam, from the depths of winter? Huge bows in our hair if we follow the aesthetics showcased at Sibling, or slim trousers with sheer tops if we decide to take a sensible advice from Daks.

 

There is no denying that the silhouette is changing, and in anticipation, I already started exercising my legs, to be able to wear leggings, and mini tunics with platform clogs as suggested by Tom Ford. I will be also investing in metallic finishes, as seen at Markus Lupfer and McQ. I liked Paul Costelloe`s gentle ruffles but think they are too infantile for a woman who has seen five decades of fashion extravaganza, so would rather opt for Christopher Kane`s architectural `tough-meets-gentle` silk tulle dresses.

 

Diana Vreeland Inspired Perfumes at Selfridges

It is so very fitting, at the time when New York Fashion Week has wrapped up, and the show came to London, that Selfridges reveals a collection of fragrances inspired by Diana Vreeland. She was – after all - a true fashion icon, and a formidable force behind the early successes of Harper`s Bazaar and Vogue, both of which she edited with supreme vision, and unmatched taste.

On a trail of a `bottled up` icon in Selfridges` cosmetic hall - I am wearing a dress by Chloé. My costume jewellery is by Disaya - Central St. Martin`s graduate Disaya Sorakraikitikul. My shoes are from Zara, and handbag from Michael Kors.

Credit to Diana`s grandson, Alexander Vreeland who commissioned five perfumes that revive her love of grand statements, and eloquent language. Their names are based on her well-known colloquialisms, such as Simply Divine (it contains tuberose), Absolutely Vital (based on sandalwood) or Outrageously Vibrant (cassis, rose and patchouli).

These fragrances are unique and even though they won`t make you into dynamic fashion influencer over night, they are definitely capable of turning heads - I am constantly asked what I am wearing when I spray myself with Perfectly Marvellous -  a heady scent of night-blooming jasmine.

The World of Rick Owens at Selfridges

I popped out for a Starbuck`s coffee and ended up – as you do – at Selfridges….. where else? After a quick catch up with my dummy friend at Tom Ford, I went to see Rick Owens exclusive 20-piece fashion collection created solely for Selfridges, as part of a larger happening, called `The Masters`.  I am wearing a Moschino dress and a Missoni wrap. My bag is from Michael Kors.

Rick Owens - born Richard Saturnino Owens - is an American fashion designer, known for making grunge glamorous. He is the undisputed master of leather jackets and androgynous silhouettes. 

I didn`t expect to be greeted by this ginormous curio at the Concept Store, which hosts carefully curated compilation of Rick Owens clothes, jewellery, books and homeware.

My guide through the collection was this charming New Yorker, Eric. 

He explained that these astounding chairs were made from authentic antlers; they were individually numbered – a limited edition of only eight. The price was eye-watering but the quality and quirkiness rendered them almost priceless.

Black dominated the colour palette, and one would not expect anything else from the designer who celebrates `gothic romanticism`.

A quick reminder to Rick Owens aficionados - on 13 September from 6pm, the designer will be signing his limited edition coffee table book, which can be purchased from the Concept Store at Selfridges.

This year Rick Owens - Master of the Elements – celebrates 20 years of his creativity. I may not fully embrace or understand his vision but I strongly believe his street-style would gain me maximum impact while I put minimum effort into dressing up.

H&M STUDIO Brings Parisian Élan to London

H&M STUDIO is a brainchild of some clever H&M business people who have been bringing innovation to this high street retailer for the last few seasons. Not being content with bagging Lanvin and Donatella as their collaborators in the past, they put their A/W14 collection on a Parisian catwalk, and last week started selling it at selected stores.

This limited edition collection stands out from the usual apparel you find in H&M shops – leather trousers in red and camel compete for attention with slinky camisoles and satin shorts. Chunky knits and embellished dresses scream `high fashion` but display price tags that are well below £100, only occasionally stretching just over that figure. Shorts are retailing at £34.99; the jumper can be yours for £34.99; and the dress for £79.99

Oversized faux fur coats, slightly slouchy leather trousers and shiny mules create a modern silhouette. The fluffy coat cost £49.99; and the long dress retails at £34.99. The only one element that is missing in my opinion is the conversation clutch.

Leather mules can be yours for £59.99

All the designs are focused on cool trends and use good quality fabrics. This leather shirt cost £129.99.

This dress will set you back £99.99.

 

The collection contains statement pieces that bought together, will provide a very desirable capsule wardrobe.

 

 

Eaton Sq Hosts David Harber`s Garden Art Party

David Harber`s Indian fete in Eaton Square garden was the biggest party organised by his firm in this exclusive enclave of refinement and prosperity, to date.

I was channelling Donatella Versace, and one of my friends didn`t recognise me until I called her name (?!?!)

It was good to see old friends – his stunning garden sculptures, sundials and water features - and to welcome new arrivals.

This is definitely British art at its best!

http://www.davidharber.co.uk/about.htm#sthash.oijPcd03.dpuf