Spring/Summer 2015 Trend - Slogan Bags

I just discovered a brand of quality leather goods that carry intriguing maxims. The label is called Its Not Me Its You, and was established in late 2012.

The goods are hand-made in rainbow-coloured leather and printed in East London. They epitomise a vibrant, cool attitude associated with this arty part of the city.

Every single piece is embossed with a slogan.

The collection includes coin purses, envelope bags, oyster card holders, bags, iPad and iPhone cases. Many pieces are priced at £18 - £22, with a zip top tote selling for £85, and larger bags are more expensive.

Stockists include Fenwick in London`s Bond Street, but for those who can`t make their way to Mayfair, there is an easy to navigate website.

3 Trends to Take You from Winter to Spring

Some people call it `low hanging fruits`, others refer to it as `quick wins` - I am talking here about easy to implement solutions that would create big impact. It applies to business as much as it applies to fashion, so here are three trends that can be adopted right now to aid effective transition into spring and summer:

Lilac – the colour of choice of many designers for S/S15.  You may already have it in your wardrobe, or decide to purchase a new item, just to stay in vogue. Whichever way, this is easy craze to embrace as lilac is generally very flattering no matter what your complexion, and there are many hues on offer. My top is from Whistles.

Slogan bags – they may contain short and snappy messages like this Anya Hindmarch number….

…… or longer statements like these Miss Selfridge beauties. Bags with messages splattered across them are big news right now and will easily and effectively update any wardrobe.

Mid-heel – Block-heeled boots at Gucci might have been an inspiration to many, but for warmer weather, mid-heel sandals will cement your status as a true purveyor of fashion. I am wearing un-branded mid-heel sandals with a Michael Kors dress and a Fendi clutch.

5 Top Styles from Kurt Geiger S/S15 Collection

Since I remember Kurt Geiger always managed to deliver trendy and eye-catching collections. So today, on the coldest winter day in London, I went to check out the new style staples from their Spring/Summer 2015 range.

I was totally taken by these amazing high heel suedette shoes from Miss KG brand.  They retail at £75 and also come in black. Even the name - Candy – is enchanting. But my favourite part is a skinny heel in a pink metallic finish.

For those who are brave enough to stand out from the crowd, this red beauty, will deliver high octane glamour. Cigarette heel complements the classic pointed toe to perfection. Grab them before they sell out!

Gaze from Carvela Kurt Geiger are very on trend, combining triple ankle straps with a sharp, yet comfortable heel. They will add drama to any day outfit and will give you confidence at a party.

Another party-favourite is this suedette pair, called Gwen. Only come in black but the cut-out 10cm stiletto heel + lace-up front make them super-stylish and worthy of a £140 price tag.

And what about those who need to rush to the tube in the morning laden with a laptop, while terribly short of time? Well, Tiarella by Kurt Geiger London offers a 6cm heel without compromising on style – a great addition to a working wardrobe.

Fabergé Eggs at BonBonniere Club (London)

`Strikingly original` - was my first impression of the Mayfair-based BonBonniere Club. Created by the team behind the Armani Hotel, the club boasts an impressive display of glistening mini Fabergé Eggs alongside one wall. When LED lighting hits the wall, it turns it into a magical show. 

When I visited, we were treated to a multitude of yummy mini-burgers and canapés. But the main attractions here are drinks. Especially an exquisite cocktail, served in a Swarovski encrusted Fabergé Egg replica.

Pared-down loungers flank an imposing DJ booth that is shaped like…… Fabergé Egg….of course.

 

The music is capable of stirring the heart, the décor is as eclectic as it is elegant, the service is first-class and the location is just perfect – what not to like?

Philippa Craddock – the Empress of Elegant Blooms

Five years ago Philippa Craddock had a dream – to stock her stylish creations in Selfridges. At that time, she just moved from London to rural Sussex, left lucrative employment in the City, and gave birth to her first child.

Creating flowers for local weddings and parties at her kitchen table kept her entertained. Soon, she retrained as a florist and her passion for chic and calm floral arrangements fuelled a business venture – Philippa Craddock Flowers - that is now being commissioned by some of the world's most recognised brands and individuals, from Christian Dior to Claridges.

In October 2014 her dream came true. Philippa was appointed Selfridges' only in store florist – a testament to her and her team`s impeccable style, exemplary customer care, and drive to innovate and deliver truly inspiring seasonal displays.

I bumped into Philippa on a prominent spot of Selfridges` ground floor, in the room adjacent to the hall occupied by mighty brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Hermès. Here, Philippa`s flowers attract adoring glances from passers-by and style-savvy fashionistas come to purchase their blooms. Photo depicts Philippa in front of a magnificent display of imitation flowers.

The acclaimed florist caters for weddings and events, offers office and home contracts, and even opened a flower school in a studio in Sussex.

It is refreshing and inspirational to hear such a success story, but no doubt it took hard work, vision and determination to become – in the words of British Vogue - the 'Queen of London florists'.

 

Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair is 30 Years Old

The winter Decorative Fair, hosted between 20 – 25 January 2015, heralded 30^th anniversary for one of London`s leading events.

The Fair is held three times a year and offers antiques, pottery, contemporary ceramics, jewellery, vintage industrial furniture, 18^th century painted French furniture, lighting and all manner of objects to delight even the most discerning interior design connoisseurs and decorators. I am wearing a dress from James Lakeland and a bag by Michael Kors.

The Fair brings almost every period and variety of work of art and many interesting artefacts. From 1960`s onyx and gilt - very heavy! – telephone that was selling for £350…..

….through curiosities like these badgers for £300……

……..Moschino earrings from 1980s……..

.......and this magnificent piece of Italian pottery – a pair of eagles from 1930-40s, selling by A&L Antiques for £4,300.

Some dealers styled their settings very beautifully - I could happily move into this dining room.

My favourite finds included a gorgeous crocodile skin and silver mounted cigar case from 1912 for £180……

……a pair of French gilt metal and leather chairs from 1950s for £890…..

…….a large paining of radish by Mimi Roberts – oil on board – yours for £1200……

……..and a pair of servers c.1920 for £35.



Annual Designer Fabric & Wallpaper Sale (London)

Today, Lindley Hall, part of Royal Horticultural Halls, played host to a hotly-anticipated designer sale of fabrics, wallpaper, and household accessories.

For one day only, we could get our hands on heavily discounted designs from well-known names like Colefax and Fowler, Manuel Canovas, Larsen…..

…… and Jane Churchill, for £20 per metre.  

 

Above are some of the designs that were on offer today.

 

These magnificent wallpapers were selling very quickly.

No surprise – the patterns were exquisite and the price was…… excellent.

I discovered not only furnishings, but also a few pieces of furniture – these chairs could be yours for as little as £50.

Small items included cutlery, china, vases……

…….and wash bags.

The organisers ensured we had a cafeteria (in the mezzanine) to refuel.

There were experts on hand to help with measurements and to pack everything for you. They provided advice on which weight of fabric should be chosen for curtains, sofas etc.

Lindley Hall is a great venue – very airy and well appointed. It contains lavatories and a free of charge, fully manned cloakroom – a perfect shopping environment, even on a freezing day in central London.