London`s Glentworth Street Party

Yesterday, I let my hair down at the Glentworth Street`s party, to celebrate the 110th year since one of the mansion block`s, Clarence Gate Gardens, was built there. This was the third such party, organised by the locals in the last four years, the most memorable being – of course – the Jubilee Street Party. I am wearing a tunic by Michael Kors, and my glittery trousers are also from Michael Kors.

The street was closed to traffic and a long table was set up, down the middle of the road. The rules are simple here: you need to know one of the local residents, and you need to bring food and drinks and share with others, no matter if you know them or not.

A lovely String Quartet was playing, followed by a dance band...... and we didn`t need any special invites to boogie.

 

In the past, Barbara Windsor, a well-known British actress, turned up….the party was broadcasted by one of the radio stations….and we even had a marriage proposal at one of the events.

What a fab way to spend the afternoon – champagne, gossiping and dancing.

 

Roland Mouret for Banana Republic

You have to be in good shape for Roland Mouret`s designs as his limited-edition collection that hit Banana Republic today, features figure-skimming skirts and hourglass dresses.

I did try this slim-fitted skirt, so characteristic of the celebrated Frenchman`s genius, who made his name with the Galaxy dress in Spring/Summer2006 season.

It fitted well thanks to their sizing that starts at 0, but I reminded myself I owned several black pencil-skirts, which I don`t wear (!) - I mainly wear dresses - so acquiring yet another black miniskirt, wouldn`t be the smartest thing to do. I very quickly gave it back and almost run out of the shop, not wanting to change my mind. I like the fabric, and its intricate pattern, and the garment is well made. I am wearing a dress by Melissa Odabash, sandals from Michael Kors, and sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

One shouldered styles and geometric colour-combos were particularly popular, but these simple silhouettes in black are elegant and modern.

The clothes are priced below £100, with dresses almost reaching that number, and skirts and tops, coming at around £60.  This is a well-priced, and competently-designed collection; a perfect capsule wardrobe for an office-based fashionista.

 

Selfridges Opens Its Christmas Shop in August

Yes, if you are in a mood, you can start shopping for Christmas baubles, crackers, wrapping paper, ornaments and even Christmas trees, right now, about 140 days before the big day. Selfridges claims to be the first store in the world to open its Christmas department, which is situated on the 4^th floor.

And, of course, Father Christmas will see you, if you have not been too naughty, since the last year`s festivities. I am wearing a vintage dress and shoes from Michael Kors.

The most expensive item on display here is this soft reindeer, which retails for £999.

Other exclusive merchandise include a white peacock, made of real feathers. It retails at £69.95

This cute looking laughing snowman can be yours for £44.95.

And how about this bird in a glass bauble? It cost £22.95

But you don`t have to possess deep pockets to shop here. This lovely trinket sells for £5.95.

And you can get super-shiny wrapping paper for £3.50.

 

They also offer eight party crackers for £9.95. In fact, you would be spoilt for choice, as Selfridges presents you with 300 types of cracker……and I hear there are nearly 450 varieties of Christmas trees to choose from.

 

 

Estée Lauder`s Fab Facial for Modern Muse

Today I discovered that Estée Lauder, a manufacturer of prestige skincare and beauty products, occasionally offers high-power facials.  They are delivered in a specious beauty room, hidden away from the gawping hoi polloi, behind cosmetic counters, on the ground floor of Selfridges.

 

My facialist was a dynamic and gorgeous looking Lydia. Her relaxed style, coupled with an extensive knowledge, immediately filled me with confidence that I was in the hands of a true expert. 

Firstly, we sat at a table and discussed my priorities, concerns, and expectations of today`s treatment. The music was blaring out this month`s hits when Lydia decided to use a range of Re-Nutriv products to sooth my sun-induced rosacea. I particularly enjoyed having a light mask applied; it felt nourishing without being cloggy. The brand`s super-potent super-creams and potions deliver high octane benefits: advanced hydration and anti-aging ingredients.

 

Lydia passed on a few valuable beauty tips, including the one about applying my blusher very, very high on the cheeks if my rosacea returns, as it will divert the eye from the redness. My favourite however was her glamorous gran`s advice: re-touch your make up at the end of the day, before you see your loved one - clearly, Lydia`s nana rocks!

I bought this night repair serum, which aids skin`s own night time purification process. A powerful hyaluronic acid helps rebuild and strengthen natural moisture barrier.  

Thank you Lydia for making me into a more luxurious self – a modern muse!

 

Alyn Williams at the Westbury Deserves a Michelin star

I have been very well looked after at Alyn Williams restaurant at The Westbury, every time I dined there. It is like a beautiful gem, set in the middle of Mayfair, and offers sophisticated yet friendly experience. I am wearing a silk dress by Temperley London, and a crocodile handbag bought in Africa.

This Michelin star restaurant had amassed many prestigious awards, and commendations for its seasonal ingredients, unpretentious but absolutely scrumptious cuisine, and exquisite presentation. This dish contains duck egg, girolles, and beach vegetables.

And how about this plateful of blackcurrants, beetroot, and white chocolate?

I like its timeless décor and attentive service delivered by a very knowledgeable team; last time I was with a friend who grilled them on every dish offered to us, and they passed the test with flying colours!

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.