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.

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!