PinkBow

In My Bag

2012-02-08T19:27:00.001Z

As a total bag addict - bags come way up on the priority list over shoes for me, I wondered why I hadn't looked in more depth at the handbag ranges when scouting for shoes on my monthly Spartoo shop. Far too many to choose from, both in and out of my budget. I eventually settled on this new-to-me French label Groom and chose the most beautiful leather day bag. The perfect size to fit in all of my essentials (even the dslr when necessary). I really like the attached purse inside the bag as I am always losing small things like keys, ear-phones, chewing gum etc - so this is the perfect way forward on finding these things in a hurry. I'm very impressed with the quality of the leather, lining and simple design. It's a robust leather but not at all too heavy before all of my things go in (I had a bad experience with my one and only ever purchase of Mulberry - so so heavy, I had to return it). All in all, one of my favourite Spartoo purchases so far...coming up in an outfit post very soon.

Groom Leather Bag via Spartoo ~ Make-up Bag ~ iPad2 ~ iPhone4 ~ Aspinal of London Wallet, Coin Purse, Keys, Travel Pass & Business Card Holder ~ Moleskine & Pen ~ Ear-phones & Charger

See here for other In My Bag posts

SAMPAR Glamour Shot Yeux

2012-02-06T20:30:00.005Z

SAMPAR, smart Skin in the City
Pioneer of urban skin care, SAMPAR has an ambition: to awaken the sleeping beauty in every woman, uncovering and revealing her natural allure. For her, SAMPAR created Urban Advance, an indispensable and powerful anti-pollution shield that reactivates the skin's natural vital functions and boosts the efficacy of SAMPAR natural ingredients, chosen specifically to work in depth at the heart of the skin cells.

SAMPAR presents Glamour Shot Eyes, transparent under-eye corrector that one minute after application erases dark circkles, brightening the areas around the eyes and blurs under-eye wrinkles and fine lines, providing a long-lasting anti-wrinkles action.

I was sent SAMPAR Glamour Shot Yeux to try about a week ago. I have now been using the product for a few days under my make-up (and actually today over my make-up as I had forgotten to apply it before). I love, love, love this product. I don't particularly suffer from dark circles thankfully but I'm not getting any younger and I do see the beginnings of some fine lines. Also, over the last few years, I have started to wake up often with puffiness around my eyes.

Glamour Shot Eyes is perfect for me and really seems to help with the lines which it brightens and the puffiness which it soothes. I'd love to hear how SAMPAR works from someone who does suffer from dark under-eye circles as so far this is like a dream product for me. I contemplated photographing me use the product but there is not that much to see. It is a colourless thick serum which gives more of an effect within the feeling of use, than of any dramatic improvement that you would actually be able to see. The skin around my eyes starts to feel tighter as the serum begins to dry. The perfect skin product. This is one I will definitely be buying again.

A Fleeting Visit to the V&A

2012-02-04T13:56:00.007Z

On Wednesday I took a train trip to London to attend a Press/Blogger Event (more on that in another post). Despite only having a spare couple of hours before the event, I still managed to squeeze in a very fleeting visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum. Probably my most favourite museum, it had been a few years since my last visit and although there weren't any specific exhibitions on, I decided that I was long overdue a return anyway. As usual, I misjudged how long it takes to get anywhere in London, so by the time I got there and had a bite to eat, there was only really time for a walk around the ground floor and a quick browse in the gift shop. Next time, I will dedicate a day to all of the museums around the area which are in such close proximity of one another. Hopefully then there will be an amazing fashion exhibition on too!

Favourites

2012-02-02T19:11:00.000Z

Here are some favourites of mine. Recent favourite shoe buys. In return, I would love for you to help me out with your favourites. Favourites on this blog. What you like, what you would like to see more of. Or what you would like to see less of. I quite often blog just for me, refusing to be a slave to comment numbers. But nonetheless, I would like to hear your views. Afterall, it's you who keep me going.

iPhone Pics - January 2012

2012-01-31T20:01:00.001Z

Filter: Valencia

Instagram name: pink_bow

Stepping Stones

2012-01-28T17:39:00.003Z

You may remember these boots that I acquired in December as part of my monthly Spartoo shoe shop. I've had quite a lot of wear out of them so far, helped along by the fact that I can still wear heels this winter due to the lack of snow fall. These boots are the most perfect stone/greige colour that work well with a neutral pallet as well as my most worn colour of black. They are by the brand Marian who design a lovely range of feminine shoes and boots, several of which I already have my eye on for next time.

Top Shop Hat ~ Zara Coat ~ Top Shop Dress ~ Marian via Spartoo Ankle Boots ~ Tabio 110d Tights ~ Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch ~ Various Bracelets from Top Shop, Etsy, Whistles ~ Antique Smoky Quartz Ring ~ Etsy Twisted Bow Ring ~ YSL Lipstick ~ Revlon Nail Enamel

Remembering Versailles

2012-01-26T07:23:00.000Z

Versailles definitely deserves a post of it's own. The gilt, the opulence is just breath-taking and the attention to detail is in a league of it's own. One day I would love to experience the luxury of walking through the hallowed halls and gardens without the large numbers of tourists.

See also Remembering Paris - Part 1 & Part 2

Designer Highlight - Kelly Love SS12

2012-01-23T19:47:00.004Z

SPRING/SUMMER 2012 sees KELLY LOVE travel back to the days of childhood bliss. Whimsical games by the light of the fireflies, bunches of posies picked fresh from the garden and fairytales read over and over.

Inspired by outdoor games from a child's imagination, nursery rhymes and picnics in the meadow along with the contrast of old fashioned feminity, vintage lingerie and 1930's cocktail parties.

Grown up fantasy exists in layered dresses with exclusive prints, crochet collars, pleated jersey in dusty rose, French antique lace and olive jacquard spotted silk.

Edgy dreaminess is the essence of POCKET FULL O' POSIES

When the lookbook from Kelly Love landed in my inbox, I was quite simply blown away. Pocket Full O' Posies has me aching for spring, (which believe me, is no mean feat as I am strictly an Autumn/Winter gal). The feminine florals, sumptuous silks and delicate lace is all that I should wish to wear this coming springtime. Never before have I seen such a cohesive collection which so imaginatively captures it's inspiration. The styling, photography and choice of model are perfection. I would wear absolutely any one of these pieces in a heart-beat... although my personal favourite has to be the long Posies in My Pocket dress. This is one designer from whom I am very much looking forward to seeing upcoming collections.

Collection: Kelly Love

Photography: Claire Pepper

Model: Georgia @ Milk Mangement

Hair & Makeup: Michelle Dacillo

Top Shelf

2012-01-21T08:33:00.003Z

I have many interests, whether they be fashion, beauty, art, film, music - hence the reason for this blog! Some days I want to spend my money on clothes or accessories, sometimes new records and other times beauty products. So, once I finished up my last batch of products, I started to look around for some new products to try. I found Into the Gloss a great tool for research, I especially like the Top Shelf feature. Inspired by this, I thought I would share with you some recent buys and my own Top Shelf, those products that are in daily use which win pride of place on my bathroom shelf. I've linked to as many as possible at the bottom of this post if you would like to know more about them.

Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair ~ La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes ~ Nip + Fab Spot Mix via the December Glossy Box ~ Avène Thermal Water Spray ~ Avène Extremely Rich Compensating Cream ~ Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser ~ Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish ~ Liz Earle Skin Tonic ~ Eve Lom Cleanser ~ Eve Lom Moisturiser with SPF ~ Eve Lom Kiss Mix

Take10 - Zign for Zalando

2012-01-18T07:56:00.001Z

This month's Take10 challenge was to style some shoes or boots from the Zign range at Zalando. We each chose a pair that was to our own style, my eye was immediately caught by these pink suede Mary-Jane shoes with a thick heel and slight platform. I chose a simple black smock dress to allow the accessories be the star players. I don't think bright pink shoes and a teal-green faux fur hat need much competition, although the amazing detail of the church door I found to stand in front of, gave them a pretty good run for their money.

Check out the Zign pieces the other girls chose from Zalando - Susie (Take-out in Couture)~ Sherin (Hi-Fashion)~ Ellie (Pretty Much Penniless) ~ Vicki (Magpie Girl) ~ Sarah (We Shop) ~Harriet (Where's Harriet) ~Sabine (Psynopsis) ~ Jen (A Little Bird) ~ MJ (Dreaming Spires)...

Zign via Zalando Pink Mary-Jane Shoes ~ Top Shop Faux Fur Hat (you may recognise it as the partner to the fur stole worn in this post - unlikely I would ever wear them together though!) ~ Family Affairs Homeward Dress ~ Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch ~ Antique Smoky Quartz Ring ~ Tabio 110d Black Tights (photos of me by dad)

Bits From My Weekend

2012-01-15T18:25:00.000Z

My weekend started with a latte. Browsing flowers and vintage clothing at the flea-market. A full English veggie breakfast at a nearby cafe. A new Paris map hung in my dressing room. Tried out a new Deborah Lippman nail enamel from the December Glossy Box. My first weekend spent in my own home this year, I made a celebratory breakfast plate with smoothie. I've had this Moleskine Style Journal for a couple of months now but not had chance to use it, this will help me keep on track in my quest for the perfect wardrobe. And finally, endless cups of tea.

A Cold Saturday

2012-01-14T13:54:00.005Z

I knew the recent mild temperatures were too good to be true. I was harshly brought back to reality this morning when I had to sit for fifteen minutes waiting for my car to defrost before heading out to the flea-market. I decided to layer with a wool jumper that always keeps me warm and a cosy fur stole, as well as some comfortable zipped ankle boots, a recent acquisition by the brand Ash as part of my monthly Spartoo shoe shop. Today is one of those days that despite the bright sunny weather, it is actually quite unpleasant to be out, it is so cold. So I fully intend to spend the rest of the weekend at home, cosy and warm, drinking lots of cups of tea.

Top Shop Faux-Fur Stole ~ Top Shop Boutique Coat (old) ~ Whistles Cable Sweater ~ High-Waist Jeans (old) ~ Ash Boots via Spartoo ~ Claire Vivier La Tropezienne Bag (photos of me by Louise)

Remembering Paris ~ Part 2

2012-01-12T06:01:00.000Z

See here for Remembering Paris ~ Part 1

Remembering Versailles deserves a post of it's own, coming soon...

Old-Fashioned Flowers

2012-01-09T19:42:00.005Z

I love nothing more than to while away a few hours browsing second-hand goods, unearthing treasures from a by-gone era. I found this book on a trip to Scotland last year, I was quite taken by it's old, dusty pages and the sweet illustrations with it's even sweeter title of 'Old-Fashioned Flowers'. I can't see any publisher year printed on it but it did have a torn page with the year '1952' neatly written inside one of the pages. It made me wonder how these illustrated flowers were seen as old-fashioned even then, sixty years ago.

Brighton Pier on Film

2012-01-07T08:30:00.000Z

What could be better, on a gloomy day in the deepest darkest depths of January, than to revisit a hot sunny day spent on Brighton Pier? So far, my short relationship with my first analogue camera has been rather temperamental. This is only my second roll of film and it was not without trouble. I took my Pentax ME on my visits to both Brighton and Paris last year but for some reason, once I got the roll of film developed, these seven shots were the only photographs to take. Very strange. So no 'Paris on Film' to share disappointingly. But, I love the results of this camera so much, I will eventually get around to getting it fixed!

Liberty Print

2012-01-04T19:38:00.001Z

One of my essential things to do whenever I visit London, is to call in to my favourite department store, Liberty of London. I love everything about this old store. It has remained traditional while at the same time stocking some of the most amazing pieces, the buyers are always so spot on. I also like the fact that their Liberty fabric is steeped in history and tradition and I love nothing more than browsing the fabric department or picking up other Liberty momentoes.

Pin Cushion from the Habberdashery department. Pencil case (which I use as a handbag tidy). Hello Kitty for Liberty tote bag - a gift from Kat. A scarf I treated myself to just before Christmas. Loyalty card. Fabric scraps. Notebook. Votive candles. Note block. Plastic bag.

Snack Attack ~ Cheese n Crackers

2012-01-02T17:26:00.002Z

So that's Christmas over with for another year. I always feel a little sad once it ends, it is a favourite season and I love the build up for the month prior. Worse still is the return to work tomorrow. Back to reality. But this doesn't mean that the delicious food needs to stop. I'm a big believer in all things in moderation. And a glass of red wine, a selection of cheese with baguette slices and Ryvita crackers still feels like the perfect cosy, winter snack.

2011 Revisited

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000Z

As is my tradition, I take a look back at the last year on PinkBow...

Row 1

January - Flea-market shopping in Barcelona

February - I buy a record player and start to build a vinyl collection

March - I take a Scotland Road Trip

Row 2

April - I have a 'big' haircut

May - I paint my nails 'Candy Colours'

June - I visit the amazing Vivienne Westwood Shoe Exhibition at The Bowes Museum

Row 3

July - I celebrate my birthday

August - I buy an old analogue camera with unexpectedly impressive results

September - I visit Brighton for the first time

Row 4

October - I eat amazingly well in Paris

November - I buy my dream Chanel shoes

December - The month of Christmas and I invite a friend for 'Festive Tea'

See here for previous years: 2010, 2009

Happy New Year everyone!

iPhone Pics - December 2011

2011-12-31T00:01:00.002Z

Christmas finally, the best season of the year.

Work Christmas night out - From Russia With Love.

Festive Mince Pies & Christmas Tea at Bettys in York. Bonne Maman biscuit gifts.

Early Christmas presents.

Festive scenes near my work - outside film showings and a twinkly Christmas tree.

Lately...

2011-12-28T12:54:00.003Z

A beautiful painting standing in the doorway of a shop. M&S Mini Macarons. Discovering I have access to 500 Sky films on my new iPad. Iced water with lemon, a favourite healthy drink. Pondering over starting a Le Creuset collection. New make-up. M&S Toffee Roulade. Lots of time for pampering. The latest hard copy of Betty magazine.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T16:18:00.004Z

Christmas Eve is traditionally for me a very special day. I love Christmas traditions that can be built upon every year and one of my favourite traditions is the father-daughter trip we take to Bettys Tearoom (yes, the second time in a week!) on Christmas Eve. This time to the Northallerton shop in North Yorkshire, England. Although a very small town, with only a small street of shops to walk up and down, we browse the market and admire the scrumptious food in Lewis & Cooper before finishing off with a Fat Rascal (this was the Christmas version with almonds and cinammon) and cup of coffee in Bettys.

Today I chose to wear my new boots, an amazing blue velvet ankle boot with gold zip by Kat Maconie. Every month I choose new shoes or boots from Spartoo and I am never disappointed. With the boots, I decided on an all navy blue outfit with just a splash of mustard - I quite like an all-colour top-to-toe look.

I can't believe it is Christmas Eve already, where has this year gone? I would like to wish all of my readers and sponsors a lovely Christmas - thank you for reading, commenting and generally supporting me. I hope you have a wonderful holiday whether you celebrate it or not. And I very much look forward to what 2012 will bring for all of us.

TBA Navy Princess Coat ~ Next Faux Fur Hat ~ Minkie at Top Shop Navy Polka Dress ~ Tabio Navy 110 Tights ~ Kat Maconie ia Spartoo Blue Velvet Ankle Boots ~ Mimco Mustard Bag ~ H&M Grey Mittens ~ Antique Quartz Amethyst Ring ~ Chanel Nail Enamel in Coco Blue ~ MAC Lipstick in So Chaud

(photos of me by dad) (tired look due to after effects of migraine from the day before!)

Glamorous Gadabout

2011-12-21T08:18:00.000Z

Last week I appeared as a Glamorous Gadabout on the Project Gadabout blog. You can check out the full posts here:

Introducing Paula of PinkBow

Ten Reasons to Get Yourself a Pink Bow

Style File: PinkBow Edition

Contents: The PinkBow Edition

Paula of PinkBow Takes You Shopping

Step into the Kitchen with PinkBow & Nigella

Also this seems like a good time to share a post that Florrie wrote for British Style Bloggers

Christmas in York

2011-12-18T09:13:00.003Z

Some pictures from my day yesterday. York in the North of England is the perfect place to go for a pre-Christmas trip. Narrow, cobbled Harry Potter-esque streets, lots of Christmas displays, window shopping and the obligatory Bettys visit for festive mince pies.

You can check out my last visit to York a year or so ago, here.

Food Lately

2011-12-16T08:24:00.000Z

Taken over the last month or two...

Red Velvet Cupcake

Organic yoghurt for breakfast and snacks.

Satsumas.

Breakfast of strawberries, yoghurt, granola and honey.

Gü Key Lime Pie

Chickpea salad with buttered baguette and a glass of red wine.

Halloween snacks.

Organic rice cakes with peanut butter. Blueberies. Iced chai latte.

Home-made American pancakes with Ladurée Salted Caramel Butter.

A selection of Bonne Maman biscuits brought back from the Birmingham Food Show as a gift

Sparkles

2011-12-14T19:27:00.001Z

When I first saw these boots by Marian on Spartoo, I thought they looked like they were decorated with tiny encrusted jewels. In reality, the effect is more due to the texture of the leather, which I love. A beautiful rustic shade in between grey and taupe, they will fit in with the rest of my wardrobe very well. I especially like the shape of these ankle boots, a simple design which I'm very fond of with a nicely shaped heel and rounded toe - I loved them so much that I bought another very similar pair. I will show you those another day!

Take 10 ~ House of Fraser

2011-12-12T20:35:00.004Z

This month's challenge was different yet again. Usually we are contacted by a brand who wish to work with us and we then choose items we like and vote between the ten of us for the most popular. House of Fraser requested that they choose for each of us, the theme being Party Dresses for the Christmas season. I must admit to being so hesitant about this. Although I often have to style things as part of the Take10 challenge that I don't like or aren't to my taste, I at least get chance to see them beforehand to be able to come up with an idea of how I will style the piece.

My worries this time were completely unfounded and when I peeled back the packaging from my House of Fraser delivery, I could see exactly why this dress had been chosen for me. Even though I perhaps would not have chosen it for myself upon first glance, as soon as I tried it on I immediately felt transported back to a Grace Kelly like era, I could imagine myself wearing this in one of my favourite 1950's Technicolor films. I also knew that it must be styled simply, the nude background and black lace of the dress accentuated only by shades of cream and black, courtesy of Chanel.

Check out the rest of the girls' party dresses - Susie (Take-out in Couture) ~ Sherin (Hi-Fashion) ~ Vicki (Magpie Girl) ~ Sarah (We Shop) ~ Harriet (Where's Harriet) ~Sabine (Psynopsis) ~ Jen (A Little Bird) ~ MJ (Dreaming Spires). You will see one of our 10 missing this month, Ellie (Pretty Much Penniless) had one or two problems with her dress, which unfortunately didn't get sorted out before this post was due.

Untold Lace Dress via House of Fraser ~ Tabio 110d Tights ~ Chanel Handbag & Shoes ~ Chanel Nail Enamel in Coco Blue ~ Tiffany Silver Bow Necklace

Party Essentials

2011-12-10T11:55:00.003Z

It was my work Christmas Party last night. The Russian themed event we booked months ago appeared to be more exciting than it actually was. Nonetheless, I made sure I was prepared with two of my top Party Essentials. Wearing my Killer Heels, I knew by the end of the night my feet would be craving flat shoes. So I bought these folding ballerina pumps from CocoRose London which have a small leather pouch and bag to put your heels in afterwards. And, knowing from experience that these organised special events can often be rather expensive on the alcohol front, I packed in my bag a small hip-flask from Urban Outfitters, filled with vodka - my nod to the Russian theme!

Home Sweet-Smelling Home

2011-12-08T08:09:00.000Z

I'm not sure what it is about this time of year but all I want to do is stay at home and 'nest'. Obviously the cold weather outside has a lot to do with it and the crazy Christmas crowds in the shops make me savour the calm, relaxed surroundings of my own home. And with this comes the necessity to update my interior with small but significant finishing touches. As a result, I decided to treat myself to a couple of pieces from the Ladurée Home Fragrance collection. I chose Caprice de Ladurée fragrance and the Délice de Ladurée candle. Not only is the packaging traditionally exquisite but the fragrance around my home is now so delightful.

Also, be sure to check out my 5 Favourite Things post by Dizzy Tea

Festive Tea

2011-12-06T11:31:00.000Z

I thought it would be a good idea to begin the festivities once my Christmas tree was decorated, by inviting a friend to my home for a small festive tea. We drank mulled fruit punch and then milky coffee and rose tea. We ate mini pecan pies, belgian raspberry waffles, mini percy pigs, some delicious milk and white coated chocolate biscuits, mini macarons, lemon drizzle cake, mini pitta bread with houmous and toasted mini buns with welsh rarebit. And we listened to the She & Him Christmas album with the sweet scent of Diptyque and the Christmas tree lights twinkling in the background.

One Sunday Afternoon

2011-12-04T06:06:00.000Z

Magnificent views of the bridges. Wearing my new shoes. Visiting BALTIC to see The Turner Prize. Good coffee.

(Wearing Top Shop coat, Whistles jumper, Zara trousers, Chanel shoes & handbag).

A New Friend

2011-12-01T20:09:00.003Z

Several months ago when shooting this post, my dad and I discovered a new friend in this gorgeous ginger tom cat. He immediately took to my dad (as all animals seem to do) and I tried to capture as many poses from him as I could, despite him trying to chase my legs. You have to admit...this is one good-looking creature!

iPhone Pics - October & November 2011

2011-11-30T08:04:00.000Z

I was a little wiped out in the month of October, with a nasty winter cold I couldn't seem to shake. Taking photographs was the last thing on mind and there weren't enough to make up my monthly 'iPhone Pics' post, so here they are mixed in with the month of November...

Autumn finally arrived. I took my new Marant boots for a walk.

Saturday lunch at Pan Haggerty's in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Cocktails at Malmaison in Newcastle upon Tyne. A walk along the Quayside in full view of the Tyne Bridge.

Mini cupcakes in Jaeger. The first day of Starbucks' Red Cups.

A friend bought me a sunshine cupcake. The remains of a healthy fruit lunch.

Fenwicks Window in Newcastle upon Tyne is the start of Christmas.

A movie poster in Popolo's in Newcastle upon Tyne. Elvis outside of an American Diner in Seaburn.

Call in at Costa Coffee on the drive to Manchester to sample their festive treats.

The Smoak Bar & Grill in Malmaison Hotel in Manchester. The sky over the Manchester markets.

Cocktails in the Ember Lounge in Malmaison Hotel in Manchester. Red vino in the hair salon.

The Vivienne Westwood (?) wallpaper in Malmaison Manchester. The Big Wheel.

The views over Manchester in the Big Wheel.

Inexpensive flowers. Another view of the Tyne Bridge.

The Turner Prize at BALTIC in Gateshead.

More coffee.

Tunes to listen to on my iPod for my Metro journey courtesy of She & Him and Nat King Cole.

The Take10 feature in Company magazine. Looking down.

Two-Tone

2011-11-28T19:02:00.000Z

I finally invested in the Chanel two-tone classic ballerina shoes I have had my eye on for a while. There were debates in the shop over these or the two-tone black but the classic combination of camel and black eventually won out.

Malmaison - Manchester

2011-11-27T09:19:00.003Z

Malmaison Manchester

Dinner. Bed. Breakfast.

Regular readers here, will know that one of my favourite things to do is to take off for the weekend on a city break. A couple of hours drive or train ride away and I can be transported to a different culture. Because believe it or not, within a small country like England, even two hours away can present you with the feeling of being in 'foreign territory', the towns and cities of England are so vastly different.

So a couple of weekends ago, a friend and I drove to Manchester in the North of England, about a three hour drive from our native city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Our first stop - Malmaison Hotel. Again another favourite, I adore the hotels in the Malmaison/Hotel du Vin group. It is quickly becoming my tradition to sample the hotels in each new city I visit.

While this wasn't my first visit to Manchester or the hotel, it had been a few years since my last visit so I was interested to see how things had changed. The hotel had in fact, changed quite a bit. This chain of hotels in particular are known for their French-inspired, almost Gothic interior style but the Manchester hotel is the first in the group to try something new. The hotel foyer has been revamped into a more casual, well-lit and brighter space than it had been previously. Upon walking into the entrance of the hotel, you are now greeted to the left by the new Smoak Bar & Grill, launched on 25th July of this year. It was a breath of fresh air to be faced with something so different and quite unexpected.

After arriving at the hotel, checking in and leaving our bags, we walked the short ten minute journey to the city centre and browsed the shops of Manchester. Several hours later we returned to the hotel and headed straight into the Smoak Bar to sample the delicious cocktails. One Cosmopolitan and Raspberry Mojhito later, we headed up to our room to get ready for the evening ahead.

The rooms remain in the usual Malmaison style, cosy and immaculate. Our room had twin beds, a small sofa and an adequately sized bathroom... with the best smelling products to sample.

After glamourising ourselves, we headed downstairs to the VIP Ember Lounge, a glorious cocktail bar with the most amazing decor and a barman more than happy to service our every cocktail need. Passionate in his job, I gave the ingredients I most like to drink in a cocktail and he came up with the most delicious and well-presented drink. Even the iced water we requested, was so aesthetically pleasing. Our dinner table wasn't quite ready, so we were given a token for a complimentary glass of wine for a wait. It's the small things that leave you smiling.

The amazing aroma of the nation's finest oak-smoked steaks and fresh fish, served to a pewter counter or cosy booth. Imagine great imported beers, cocktails and bubbly served from an unusual sunken bar, with highly skilled mixologists serving you while you stay seated. Picture a stylish, relaxed but chic interior, a mix of booths, banquettes and counter stools. Come lunchtime and it's locally sourced bread, generously filled sandwiches and salads or full blown grill dining for the more adventurous lunchtime escapee. Come sundown the mood changes and we turn the aromas up to eleven. The cocktails flow, the steaks sizzle, the music turns up and the night begins. We could tell you about the Ember Lounge - an immaculate and opulent cocktail bar furtively hidden to the rear of the bar. But your name's not on the list, so you can't come in.

The menu was amazing, so much choice even for a pescatarian, fussy-eater like myself. We started with Steamed Gnocchi with Spring Onions, Chestnut Mushrroms & Parmesan Shavings and Three Sausage Sampler with Smoaked Mash, Hot mustard & Caramelised Shallots. Our main courses were a Salmon Caeser Salad and Pan Fried Hake & Chorizo Risotto with Clams, Mussels & Fennel Pollen with side orders of Parmesan and Chilli Skinny Chips. Finally, for desert we sampled a selection of Ice-cream and Sorbet and a huge glass of Peach Melba. Actually far too much to eat but oh-so-good!

And so after a relatively late night but a very peaceful sleep, we were up bright and early the next morning for...breakfast. What is the point of a good weekend away if not to sample the most amazing dishes. And as breakfast is my absolute favourite meal of the day, this is probably what I most look forward to. The breakfasts at Malmaison cover every possible dietary need. Full English Breakfast, Continental pastries, Cereals, Fruit, good Coffee and my own favourite Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup. We sat and lingered for a couple of hours, sampling quite a few of the different options before making our way up to our room to pack and check-out... fully satisfied after another amazing weekend city-break.

Simple

2011-11-24T19:11:00.000Z

My most favourite outfits are generally the most simple. I like dresses for that very reason. I rarely wear trousers but already I have had a lot of wear out of these, slim cut at the right length around the ankle. A cable sweater and my new Killer Heels from Spartoo and I have the kind of simple classic style that I love. I may not be able to walk great distances in these shoes but sometimes you don't have to.

Whistles cable jumper ~ Zara trousers ~ House of Harlow 1960 shoes via Spartoo ~ Zoe and Morgan Love Lassoe ring

The English Rose Bakery

2011-11-23T06:53:00.000Z

When I was in Manchester the other weekend, I quickly popped to the cash machine while my friend browsed the nearby market. Upon my return a few minutes later, she was carrying a gift for me, held in a brown paper bag - a small box of macarons in my favourite flavours of rose, raspberry and salted caramel. Such a thoughtful friend I have.

Recent Acquisitions

2011-11-21T19:17:00.002Z

Some inexpensive flowers always brighten my day.

Fenwick's Christmas Shop Silver tray - I'm sure this was priced incorrectly at £2.50 as the square version was £14.50.

Diptyque Patchouli candle - these last me for ages but when they do reach their end, I love to try a new fragrance. Previous choices have been Figuier, Tubereuse, Feuille de Lavande and last Christmas' Orange Spice.

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre eyeshadow in Fantasme - not sure if this is limited edition but it is so amazing, it gives the loveliest covering of sheer glitter.

Chanel nail enamel in Coco Blue and Rose Exuberance.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in L'Exubérante. Nars lipstick in Funny Face - I'm all about hot pink and matte at the moment.

Whistles bracelet - perfect to wear with this bracelet.

Zoe & Morgan silver Love Lassoe ring.

Top Shop dusty blue textured coat (worn here). Whistles navy tweed skirt.

Whistles white tee shirt - I've been searching for the perfect tee shirt for years and I think I may have finally found it. I like a three quarter sleeve and the fabric to be the right consistency of sheer and soft, you wouldn't think it would be so difficult to find.

Whistles cable knit - again, the search has been on for the perfect cable knit. This is just the right length and although my initial search was for cream, I'm quite taken with this amazing teal green colour.

Next shirts - with a lovely silky feel. A true classic, so I bought one each in cream, navy and black.

Next knitwear - navy three quarter sleeve cable; brown & black striped sweater dress; black, peach & cream stripe sweater; pink three quarter sleeve fine knit; peach angora mix slouchy sweater.

The winner of the Innocent Big Knit Giveaway is Paperbacks + Postcards - I will be in touch soon for your address details. Thanks to everyone who entered.

Masculin, Féminin

2011-11-20T17:13:00.000Z

My hair is getting shorter with each haircut. I dream of looking like Chantal Goya in Godard's Masculin, Féminin.

(Wearing vintage silk polka blouse & Next angora mix sweater)

Killer Heels

2011-11-19T08:05:00.001Z

I'm a big fan of the 'shoe-boot' as a style of shoe. I have a few inexpensive pairs, but in my quest for the perfect classic wardrobe, I was on the hunt for some in plain black and with a good simple design. I came across the perfect pair on Spartoo by Nicole Richie's label House of Harlow 1960. Although initially concerned over the heel height, the platform sole is deceiving and they seem to be not too bad to walk in. I hope.

A Weekend in Manchester

2011-11-17T08:01:00.004Z

(Wearing Top Shop dusty blue coat ~ Zara jumper ~ M&S pencil skirt ~ Isabel Marant Cuba boots ~ Chanel handbag ~ Tabio 110d tights)

Take 10 ~ ASOS for Company Magazine

2011-11-15T07:54:00.000Z

Definitely one of the most exciting features to date was for our Take10 project to be featured in print as well as on-line. When Company magazine contacted us to style a plain LBD from ASOS, we jumped at the chance (or maybe less so for me as the majority of my friends and family still don't know about my blog!!) The ten of us are so different style-wise, I couldn't wait to see what everyone came up with.

The dress is probably something I would usually wear - a classic skater-style with an interesting detail to the neckline. Despite the plan to feature in the December issue of Company amongst lots of Christmas glitz, I chose to style the dress quite simply with good quality accessories - a beautifully-cut draped jacket, my ultimate favourite handbag and new boots from my recent trip to Paris.

Don't forget to check out how the rest of the girls styled theirs - Susie (Take-out in Couture) ~ Sherin (Hi-Fashion)~ Ellie (Pretty Much Penniless) ~ Vicki (Magpie Girl) ~ Sarah (We Shop) ~ Harriet (Where's Harriet) ~Sabine (Psynopsis) ~ Jen (A Little Bird) ~ MJ (Dreaming Spires).

ASOS LBD ~ Lui Jo draped jacket via Zalando ~ Tabio 110d tights ~ Chanel handbag ~ Isabel Marant Cuba boots

Innocent Smoothies - Big Knit

2011-11-13T08:13:00.000Z

I, along with several other bloggers, were asked to design a wooly hat to promote the Big Knit campaign held by Innocent Smoothies. The small bottle of Innocent Smoothie has to be the most stylish drink around, so I was more than happy to design a 'PinkBow' themed hat. Other designers this year include celebrities Sienna and Savannah Miller, Heston Blumenthal, Sophie Ellis Bextor amongst others. The campaign first started in 2003 to raise money for Age Concern and is set to become bigger each year. For every behatted bottle sold in Boots and Sainsbury's until 29th November, 25p will be donated to Age UK. They are so far on target to reach £200,000 this month to help keep old people warm this winter.

This was my original design for the hat, knitted up expertly over at Fruit Towers. Sent to me in a large size to give away and a mini size for me to keep - if you would like to win the large hat, leave a comment by 20th November (with blog link or email address) and I will post it out to you.

Scandi Wish List

2011-11-11T08:10:00.000Z

Scandi style is huge on the internet and we just can't get enough it would seem. Scandinavian bloggers, interiors and now shops hitting the UK, are making it easy for us to adopt the style for ourselves. Looking around the internet, I spent a pleasant hour or so building my own wish list, perfect to refer back to when I feel like parting with my pennies.

I've yet to order anything from Monki, I just keep looking at the website unable to decide as there is so much I like. I can't wait to hit the Monki concession in Selfridges the next time I'm in London.

Unable to attend the event hosted by Dena at the Wild Swans boutique in London, this didn't stop me looking through the website and choosing my dream items from labels such as By Malene Birger, Ganni, Baul and Pferdgarten, Day Birger et Mikkelsen, amongst many others.

This time of year always has me searching for new night and lounge wear, I love the idea of cosy nights at home in comfortable clothing. I was introduced to shop Ellos which has a lovely range of clothing, especially the nightwear by Ellos range.

Pureberg

2011-11-09T08:12:00.000Z

After spending some time last year visiting a relative in hospital, I became more than a little obsessed with hand sanitizer. I have a large bottle on my desk at work and some smaller bottles scattered between various handbags, so that I always have one to hand. Being an aesthetic-lover with a keen eye for pretty packaging, I was somewhat dismayed to be unable to find anything to suit in that department. I spend money on designer cosmetics and designer handbags, why couldn't there be a designer hand sanitizer to maintain the attractive and luxurious appeal for my handbag.

Well actually there is. Blogger-friend Dena kindly suggested me to Copenhagen brand Pureberg, to send me the product to try out. The brainchild of three friends from Denmark, their launch product is a delicately fragranced, hugely effective hand sanitizer within sleek and stylish packaging. An everyday luxury that is sure to become an essential beauty accessory for the handbag and home.

Kills 99.99% of germs. Extreme moisturising with added ingredients from a hand lotion: Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, ALoe Vera and Hydrogenated Castor Oil. Beautifually scented with jasmine, camellia and fresh rose. Paraben free. Dermatologist tested. Easy screw cap to prevent leaks in handbag.

PUREBERG Hand Sanitizer 50ml. Price: £11.95

Available on www.pureberg.com from October 2011

Next Christmas 11 Press Day - Decoration & Gift Guide

2011-11-07T19:51:00.001Z

So have you bought any Christmas presents yet? Me neither. I'm a bit of a last minute type, hating the busy shops, so putting it off for as long as possible. I don't have that many people to buy for, so I suppose I have a little luxury with time. Each year I always promise myself that I will buy gifts in the sale, so that I can afford really good things. But that never seems to happen somehow.

Looking over these photos I took back at the Next Press Day in July, I can finally start to get excited for Christmas. It's the best time of year, I think I enjoy the two month build up to it more than the event itself. It started with Starbucks Red Cups the day they were released and I knew my favourite season had begun.

Next excel particularly well at these kind of stocking-filler gifts and decorations for the house. The gifts are so cute, definitely for adults as well as children. And the decorations come in every colour scheme you could possibly want, I still use mine from Next that I bought when I first moved into my flat. My colours of choice... turquoise and silver.

Next Christmas Press Day - Part 1

Next Christmas Press Day - Part 2

Lalique

2011-11-06T18:33:00.003Z

I have long been an admirer of the work of René Lalique, so was happy to be sent a new book by Eric Knowles, published by Shire, celebrating the work of the artist. Existing in one of my favourite Art Deco periods, the glossy book is filled with beautiful images of Lalique's work.

René Lalique was one of the giants of twentieth-century decorative arts and a master of the Art Deco idiom. Born in 1860, early artistic talent led to an apprenticeship with Paris goldsmith Louis Aucoc. By 1885 Lalique had established his own workshop, and for the next twenty years he designed and made jewellery of great originality and beauty. Though this became famous worldwide, before the turn of the century he began experimenting with glass, and it is for this that Lalique is most famous: the fine art perfume bottles he produced for François Coty and a vast repertoire besides, including vases, lighting, clocks, car mascots and architectural commissions. This lavishly illustrated history, written by antique expert Eric Knowles, celebrates the extraordinary jewellery and glass of René Lalique, and the glass of the Lalique company up to the present day.

I don't want to spoil too much the essence of the book, preferring instead to share with you a few of my favourite pages. But if you have a love of art from the Art Deco period, beautiful perfume bottles or indeed any glassware of the decorative variety, this book is definitely for you.

My own collection of Lalique pieces is sadly rather limited. I have a beautiful blue crystal cabouchon ring that I have had for a few years and which I still love. I'm quite the collector of glassware anyway, so whenever I venture to flea-markets or antique fairs, glassware is generally what catches my eye. One such example is this perfume bottle that I bought for £1 at a flea-market. I basically just loved the opaque glass and shape of the apple without ever checking that it may have been designed by someone rather important. It was several months later when dusting my collection of perfume bottles that I realised that this little bottle was stamped Lalique. A short while later in a local jewellery stockist of Lalique, they were advertising the fact that some representatives of Christie's Auction House, specialising in Lalique, would be coming into the store. When I contacted them, they suggested I take my little bottle along. I found out that the apple bottle had been designed for Nina Riccci and despite the possibility of a slight flaw in the bottle stopper, still valued it at £100. So there I have my own little piece of Lalique history.

*Video track - The Melody of a Fallen Tree by Windsor for the Derby (Marie Antoinette soundtrack)

Hair Care

2011-11-05T10:49:00.003Z

I occasionally receive comments on my hair and how I manage to keep it looking shiny and in good condition. Although not in the best condition it could be in, I still decided to make a post to share my hair care routine and the products I use. A few of you may remember a few months ago, I had around five or six inches cut. It felt like a huge decision at the time but was probably the best thing I could have done. I had very long hair but it was starting to look straggly, that no amount of regular trimming seemed to help. I always knew that eventually I would have my hair cut to shoulder length and one day I just decided to get on and do it.

After washing, I comb my hair when wet using a wide tooth comb. I section and make my centre parting using a tail comb and sectioning clips for when drying. I use a retro style Revlon hairdryer which is relatively fast-drying and a (very old) Mason Pearson hair brush - I think they are the best hair brushes around. The scissors were donated to me by a hairdresser friend for when I choose to trim my own fringe.

My daily routine is fairly basic and inexpensive and for occasional use, nights out or when in need of a treat, I will use the 'luxury' products. I find that changing products every now and again really seems to make a huge difference to my hair. So for daily use, L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore Shampoo, Boots Coconut Leave-In Spray Conditioner, finished off with Boots Hair Serum and VO5 Gel Spray to smooth down flyaway ends (of which I have many).

My 'luxury' products consist of various Kerastase products which smooth and protect - and smell incredibly good! I use products from the Nutri-Sculpt, Chroma Reflect and Ciment Thermique ranges.

I colour my hair at home roughly every four weeks using L'Oreal Castings in Dark Brown. I have been using this colour or similar for the last twenty years. What was once for vanity purposes only has now turned into an absolute need due to the curse of the silver threads over the last ten years.

I confess to using a ghd styler most days when I leave my hair down. In an ideal world, I wouldn't straighten my hair every day but unfortunately I have the kind of frizzy hair which expands in any kind of humidity. Like every other girl in the world (I would imagine) with this problem, ghd revolutionised my hair grooming, enabling my hair to sit comfortably in every hair style I could possibly want - generally sleek and straight. This is my second pair of straighteners which I have just bought recently and although fairly expensive at around £100 are worth every penny, as my first pair lasted for ten years. My newest styler runs so smoothly down the hair shaft to make my hair as sleek as I could possibly want. I have tried other brands but nothing compares. I think ghd are so well known now that you all probably know this all too well also. As well as the new ghd air, you can also look here to view ghd range.

When I decide on a day when I need my hair out of the way, those days when I'm busy and I don't want to be bothered with my hair, I will use a 'bun ring' or 'hair doughnut', to style my hair into a high ballerina bun. This is so easy to do. I have had mine for a good ten years or so and have only recently started to use it again when I had my hair cut. (I didn't have the need for one when my hair was long, my hair was volume enough). But this is the perfect cheat and provides me with the most perfect top-knot. My big tip to this style is VO5 Spray Gel. I have a lot of flyway ends and this colourless spray holds the neat style all day and night.

So that is my routine pretty much. I'm quite basic with my hair, I like to keep the same classic styles - one version up and one version down, preferring to let my clothes do the talking. It makes for getting ready in the mornings quite easy too. Here are some photographs taken over the last year or two... and if you have any hair care tips of your own, I would love to hear them!

Designer Highlight - La Flux SS12

2011-11-03T20:11:00.006Z

This may be a collection for Spring/Summer next year but these pictures are too amazing not to share with you now. Vivid pastels (if there can be such a thing) and amazing candy-floss styling are just what I need for inspiration on this rainy, autumnal evening. Even better then, that this collection by Lu Flux is named A-Lu-Ha.

Remembering Paris ~ Part 1

2011-11-01T08:51:00.003Z

On my recent trip to Paris, I surprisingly took very few photographs. In part due to the unexpected high temperatures which made me more than a little hot and bothered but also when walking around the same places I had visited many times before, I realised I would be repeating myself. (I definitely need to discover some new places for my next visit). So, I trawled through my photographic archives from my last visit two years ago and dug out some favourites.

*I took a picture of a family near the Eiffel Tower which you can see above and wanted to include it on here for the first time because it gives me the biggest smile! However, if by some rare chance, any of these people are you and you would like the photo removed, please let me know.

Halloween at Alnwick

2011-10-30T06:55:00.000Z

Yesterday, Halloween came a day or two early as I took a small trip to Alnwick Gardens in the North of England. Upon entry to the Treehouse Cafe & Restaurant, we found Halloween decorations aplenty in the most perfect setting. Unfortunately the heavens opened as it poured with rain and blew a cold and gusty wind, so we took shelter for a while with coffee and cake, as well as taking time to look bemusedly towards the skeleton in the cafe.

Thankfully I felt snuggly warm in The Échapeau* sent to me recently by L for Lazarus. I love the concept of this scarf and hat combination as the two can be worn together or separate. My choice was the Livvy style in tweed grey, I really like the fact that I can feel warm but still stylish, the two rarely go together!

Readers are being offered a 10% discount until 12th November, using the code Pink Bow 007.

L for Lazarus Livvy Échapeau ~ Vintage 60's coat via Decades at Etsy ~ Jaeger breton top ~ Zara trousers ~ Jeffrey Campbell boots ~ Top Shop three quarter leather gloves (old) (photos of me by dad)

*Échapeau (Noun): An elegant hat and scarf combination created and named by L for Lazraus. derived from the French word for scarf (écharpe) and hat (chapeau). Can be worn as either one stylish piece, or as a classic hat and scarf set. For women who love to use the accessory to enhance their individuality.

Rose & Lavender

2011-10-28T08:01:00.000+01:00

I had been searching for the perfect rose confiture for a while now, assuming it would be easily found in every Parisian supermarket. But sadly, to no avail. So when I was contacted by Lianne of Everything Goes With Toast, to try a jar each of her Rose and Lavender Jam, I was more than happy to sample the goods. I bought some brioche and poured myself a cup of Marie Antoinette tea, and happily enjoyed the delicate rose and lavender flavours for the perfect Sunday lazy breakfast. Two of my most favourite natural scents, I enjoyed them just as much to eat. I found the lavender to have a slightly stronger taste and the rose to be delicately floral; they both lived up to my very high expectations and are set to become my permanent pantry conserves. As well as sharing the most amazing recipes, Lianne also sells her jams on her blog.

Autumn Finally

2011-10-25T18:56:00.001+01:00

This year feels as though I have been robbed somewhat of my favourite season. Autumn has always been my favourite time but this year it was delayed by a very unexpected late Indian summer. Hopefully the signs of autumn will last a little longer before winter sets in, despite many weather reports threatening early snow again. Each year, I look forward to an Autumn blog post - see here for last year and here for the year before.

I acquired the most perfect pieces to wear, that work so well with the vibrant carpet of leaves in my favourite local park. A mustard dress from label Love screams autumn to me, as does the colourful print on this tote bag from Fabric and Handle, lots of warm reds and rusts that looks like it was designed with autumn leaves in mind.

Lui Jo via Zalando jacket ~ Love mustard dress ~ Fabric & Handle Maryl tote bag ~ Tabio 110d black tights ~ Top Shop gold & black velvet belt (old) ~ H&M gold & black velvet wedge shoes (old) ~ Vintage smoky quartz ring ~ MAC lipstick in Morange

Qsilica

2011-10-24T20:14:00.002+01:00

Silica is important for healthy and strong corrective tissue in the body. It plays a key role in the production of collagen in the skin, the maintenance of healthy blood vessels and the metabolism of calcium in the body. Strong, healthy corrective tissue is necessary for smooth and flexible skin, strong hair and nails.

Although I am in no way a beauty blogger or expert in beauty by any means, I still have what I would consider to be a healthy female interest in beauty products. For the last ten years or so I have stuck quite rigidly to a regime of the Eve Lom range with the odd gap filled with Liz Earle products (for those times when funds are a little tight). Having said that, I am definitely of the opinion that skin, like hair, benefits greatly from a change in one's routine every now and again. Is it just me, but when I change my regular shampoo for something different, my hair takes a definite turn for the better?

And so, when asked to review skincare range Qsilica, I did so with great interest. Qsilica is an Australian brand, distributed through Planet Health. Founded in Australia in 1996, this natural health product business has grown to become a market leader, launching in the UK in January 2010, being stocked in Harrods, Selfridges and many other premium stockists. Most importantly for me, I was keen to learn that these premium natural health products are not tested on animals, contain no sodium laurel sulphate, parabens, petrochemicals, artificial colours or harsh preservatives and are 100% fragrance free. Qsilica promises to Revitalise and Restore from both the inside and out.

I have now been using the range for six weeks, enough time I think to be able to give an honest and frank opinion of how the products worked for me. My skin was a combination skin-tone with a prone to hormonal spots as a teenager, developing into a normal skin-tone as an adult, with a tendency for tightness of the skin during the winter months. Out of the eight product range, I was given the following to try:

Qsilica Colloidal Silica Gel - 10ml to be taken once or twice a day in water or juice
Qsilica REMOVE - Make-up & Grime Cleansing Gel - A one-step gentle cleanser to remove make-up and grim leaving skin fresh and ready for moisturisation
Qsilica REVITALISE - Smoothing Facial Exfoliator - shed dead skin cells and gently reveal new revitalized skin
Qsilica RESTORE - Intensive Facial Oil - A combination of rich, luxurious natural oils to deliver intensive skin restoration

When it comes to skincare and make-up, smell plays a very important part for me. I can't stand anything with an artificial perfume, I like my beauty products to smell, if anything, medicinal - and this range does just that. So as this range is 100% fragrance free, I immediately knew I would be able to try out the products for a long period of time. The cleansing gel is of a thick consistency that seems to melt away my make-up before washing it off. The exfoliator I found to be equally, although perhaps no better, than any other exfoliator I have used in the past but with the added benefit of being completely natural. My absolute favourite prduct was the Intensive Facial Oil - this I will definitely buy again. I love the feel of a night-time oil on my face after a good exfoliation, to feel like my skin is absolutely smooth and healthy.

The only stumbling block in the products I tried was the Colloidal Silica Gel to be consumed as a drink within water or juice. As smell plays such a large part in pretty much anything with me, I couldn't quite get past the light fragrance as I was trying to drink the water. Although not particularly over-bearing, my delicate sense of smell found it a little too much. And although I believe that working from the inside as well as the outside when working towards increasing health in skin, hair and nails, is of major benefit; I couldn't quite get used to this product and ended up concentrating instead on the outer products. I do believe that this is more an issue with me though and I wouldn't let this put you off trying it too. Overall, I was very happy with the range. My skin is feeling very healthy and radiant. I seem to have had a growth spurt in both hair and nails recently - although I am not sure this is specifically due to using the range... but you never know! If you plan on trying any of the products and have any questions, I will do my best to answer them for you.

If you don't have a stockist near to you, products can be bought on-line here.

At the Market

2011-10-22T08:38:00.000+01:00

It was suggested to us, that on the Sunday morning of our stay in Paris, there was a fresh food and flower market close to our hotel. So we took a stroll down the street, taking in the amazing displays of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers. Admiring also the shops lining the market filled with cheeses, wines and delectable baked goods. Although the city in which I live boasts an excellent indoor market, the attention to detail over the actual goods and displays is nowhere near anything I saw here. It seemed the fashion to take with you one of those old-fashioned granny-trolleys to hold all of the buys. And although very expensive, I couldn't help but wish that we could have something similar in the UK, it would make food-buying that much more enjoyable than the usual Tesco/Sainsbury scrum.

Take 10 ~ Next

2011-10-20T06:33:00.002+01:00

This month's challenge is a form-fitting red double-breast coat from Next. I decided to style it simply with only red lipstick and a black ballerina bun for company. See above how the rest wore theirs - Susie (Take-out in Couture) ~ Sherin (Hi-Fashion)~ Ellie (Pretty Much Penniless) ~ Vicki (Magpie Girl) ~ Sarah (We Shop) ~ Harriet (Where's Harriet) ~Sabine (Psynopsis) ~ Jen (A Little Bird) ~ MJ (Dreaming Spires).

Next Red Coat ~ Zara dress ~ Blue Inc Velvet boots ~ Tabio 110d tights ~ Chanel Black Satin nails ~ YSL red lipstick

Lovely and British

2011-10-17T19:43:00.005+01:00

I was very pleased to discover an alternative weekend morning shopping activity in my local area of Jesmond in Newcastle upon Tyne, to my usual Tynemouth flea-market treasure hunting. Lovely and British is the perfect place to visit, only a ten minute drive from my home, for those days when I choose to be indoors, savouring the warmth with a cup of something hot and sweet awaiting me post-shopping, in the newly enlarged cafe.

Lovely and British houses a beautiful selection of old and new, especially those little vintage treasures that could quite easily take me hours to uncover at the flea-market. As well as vintage trinkets, clothing and interior pieces, there are also accessories and jewellery ranges by small, independent up-and-coming designers from around the UK, which I am unlikely to find anywhere else in my local vicinity.

My friend and I spent a lovely couple of hours a few weeks ago, chatting over coffee, to owner Barbara Oliver. Her enthusiasm and ambition for her projects inspired us immensely and was so infectious. It was interesting to meet the face behind the brand, this is one of the huge benefits in my opinion, of independent stores over faceless chain stores. There is a comfort and intimacy that works very well in the small independent environment.

While I am always overjoyed to find something different in the North East of England to share with you here (creative and distinctive are fairly few and far between concepts in Newcastle), a sister store to Lovely and British also exists in London's Bermondsey Street. So this time shoppers at both ends of the country have the opportunity to experience these very Lovely and British lifestyle stores for yourselves.

*EDIT: Sadly, the shop in Jesmond is no longer open for business.

(all photographs taken within Lovely and British @ Fern Avenue)

Lovely and British @ Fern Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne

Lovely and British, 132a Bermondsey Street, London

Or check out on-line here

Saturday Night In

2011-10-16T09:50:00.001+01:00

What can be better, as autumn wraps itself around us, than to spend a Saturday night at home courtesy of Domino's Pizza? A couple of friends, a bottle of wine or two and a game of the very addictive UNO. We ordered Ham & Cheese (them), Tuna & Chilli (my favourite!) thin & crispy pizzas and a portion of wedges. Domino's have some great pizza offers, definitely worth a look for a cosy night in without having to leave the house!

Next Christmas 11 Press Day - Part 2

2011-10-13T19:47:00.000+01:00

It seems forever-ago that I last posted Part 1 to the Next Christmas Press Day that I attended in July. A great benefit to blogging, is that we have the freedom to post when content is most current. In this case presenting autumn/winter clothes in autumn and winter, unlike traditional print media which needs to work in advance. Not that there is anything wrong with having media available to plan your purchases ahead but instead I think the two sit nicely alongside each other. As a result, hopefully these things you see will be available to buy right now, if you so desire.

As with other Next events, I was most taken with the accessories and home-ware as well as the cute childrens-wear (wish I could be several sizes smaller to be able to wear them myself!) I will have another Gift Guide post for you very soon too, featuring some interior and decoration ideas. I also had to include the delicious canapes and drinks that were on offer at the event, they were too photogenic not to!

Cobweb

2011-10-10T18:49:00.005+01:00

I was more than happy to take up the offer to choose a piece from Motel, this cobweb effect sweater immediately caught my eye. I must admit the first time I wore it, I wore a vest underneath but I felt like being a little braver for the purpose of these photographs. I love the sheer knit but most of all it is the perfect length for skirts and trousers. Jumpers always end up being too long for me, I definitely need to find more like this. The cobweb effect of the knit together with my hat made me feel more than ready for Halloween in a few weeks time.

As it is Student Month at Motel, they currently have a 20% discount up until October 16th - available to all!

Motel Mabel Sheer Jumper in Black ~ ASOS Floppy Hat ~ Frank Usher Vintage Pleated Palazzo Pants via VintJunky ~ Kurt Geiger Two-Tone Shoes ~ MAC lipstick in So Chaud ~ OPI nail enamel in Jade is the New Black

Food Lately

2011-10-09T08:07:00.000+01:00

Eating and drinking my way around Paris. No, not really. In truth, I rarely eat big meals. I'm much more of a "little and often" kind of person. Paris was very expensive this visit. And very, very hot. Which meant we had many stop-offs for small meals of iced drinks and sweet treats. We did eat in restaurants but I ended up not photographing those. Here is a small selection of the food and drink I consumed...

The best breakfast of the trip - Cafe Au Lait, Pressed Orange Juice and Crepes with Salted Caramel Butter

Häagen Dazs, Champs Élysées - Caramel Explosion

Unisex, Champs Élysées - Small dish of nuts; Vodka, ginger, pineapple cocktail; Cosmopolitan cocktail; Iced Cappuccino (THE BEST iced cappuccino I have ever tasted!)

Yet another Cafe Au Lait at a pavement cafe - every cup I had throughout my visit was perfection

Organic Cafe, Galleries Lafayette - Hampstead Tea's Organic Darjeeling Cherry Iced Tea and a Raspberry Crumble

Bateaux Mouche - A can of Lipton's Ice Tea for the river cruise

Amorino, le Marais - A scoop each of Amaretto and Coconut gelato - the best ice-cream

A mini Heinz Ketchup for late-night fries

Blue Gem

2011-10-06T19:36:00.001+01:00

When contacted by US jewellery brand Anjolee to review their Tennis Bracelets, I was sent this very delicate Teardrop Link Gemstone Bracelet, made in 10k white gold with blue topaz gemstones. I liked the idea of being able to wear this on a day when I might not want jewellery overload, or I could also stack it with lots of other bracelets for true arm-candy. Blue is absolutely one of my favourite colours and I think the bracelet is the perfect accompaniment to my Lalique Cabochon ring. Originally founded as a high-end jewellery manufacturer, Anjolee developed a reputation for the Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Since then, their product range has expanded into diamond necklaces, diamond pendants, diamond ear-rings and rings.

As always with any e-commerce site, competition is fierce and it is my belief that it is the little things that count when choosing a luxury piece of jewellery - the experience if you like. So as well as the super-fast delivery and strong communication, my most favoured aspect of choosing a Tennis Bracelet from Anjolee is the freedom over the small details, to make up exactly the piece you would like to buy. You choose the metal in varying karat, the clarity of diamond, the exact length to suit etc. The scope for customisation is vast ensuring you have the freedom to buy the piece of jewellery of your dreams... which let's face it, isn't buying diamonds every girl's dream?

Anjolee bracelet ~ Reiss dress (old) ~ Lalique Cabochon ring ~ Chanel Black Satin nails

Souvenirs from Paris

2011-10-04T19:12:00.000+01:00

Leather coin purse from a street market near to our hotel ~ Eiffel Tower (to add to my growing collection) ~ Isabel Marant boots ~ Magazines (in English as well as French) ~ Serge Gainsbourg record (waiting for me when I arrived home but seemed appropriate to include here)

Shades & Champers

2011-10-02T10:42:00.001+01:00

What better way to kick-start my trip to Paris by Eurostar, than a visit to the Champagne Bar in St Pancras Station, wearing my new Etnia Barcelona sunglasses. This is a new-to-me range from Spain that offers both sunglasses and prescription glasses. As my eyes suffer from light-sensitivity, sunglasses are always one of my most used accessories, so it is nice to have several pairs to choose from. I particularly liked this pair, that I chose for the shaded gradients on the frame. They are in a simple style that I favour and a good size frame for my face that I think I will be able to use with many an outfit.

With an hour or so to kill, we ordered the Pommery's Seasons Tasting tray which offers samples of Autumn, Winter, Spring & Summer champagne along with a small dish of chilli roasted broad beans - delicious! St Pancras is such a beautiful train station. It is so calming, if that can be at all possible in a travel environment, so the perfect beginning for a trip by Eurostar. And the architecture is just stunning, I particularly like how my new shades picked up the reflection of the station ceiling!

Etnia Barcelona sunglasses ~ Zara dress ~ Tabio 110d tights ~ Top Shop patent flats ~ Prada silver leather cuff ~ Cartier watch ~ MAC lipstick in So Chaud ~ Revlon nail enamel in One Perfect Coral (pictures of my by Louise)

iPhone Pics - September 2011

2011-09-30T18:45:00.006+01:00

I took a trip to Brighton...

And a trip to London to attend a TK Maxx event...

I ate and drank...

I wore... and admired the simple things in life...

I stopped off at the Champagne Bar in St Pancras Station...

.... before heading off to Paris on Eurostar (and continuing the French diet once home).

Some other exciting things to happen this month were...

Being featured not once but twice in one of my favourite blogs Hjartesmil
Featured in the Manchester Fashion Network's 10 of the Best under the category Fashion Blogs
And being featured for the second time this year in VoucherCodes.co.uk Fashion 100: September 2011 Edition under Best Up-And-Coming UK Fashion Blogs

In My (Toiletry) Bag

2011-09-27T19:00:00.000+01:00

So by the time you read this I will have already begun my trip to Paris, I hope to have lots of memories to share with you upon my return. In the meantime, as I was packing I decided I hadn't done an In My Bag for a while, so photographed the contents of my toiletry bag. This is my 'dry' bag, I also pack a 'wet' bag with shampoo, conditioner etc. Here I have:

Lisbeth Dahl Toiletry Bag ~ Chanel No 19 Poudré Perfume ~ Revlon Nail Enamel in One Perfect Coral ~ Christian Dior Crème Abricot ~ Top Shop Nail Wipes ~ Top Shop Face Wipes ~ Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm ~ Marvis Toothpaste & Toothbrush ~ Mini Hand Mirror & Comb

Boux Avenue

2011-09-25T10:12:00.000+01:00

It is rare that anything exciting comes to the North East of England. But typically when it does, I have to miss it due to real life, ie working for a living. The opening of Boux Avenue in the MetroCentre, Gateshead was one such event. A beautiful lingerie store that absolutely fills a necessary gap in the lingerie world in my eyes. When in need of new underwear, I generally think M&S. Occasionally if I have a larger budget I will mail order from Agent Provocateur but alas that budget is not always readily available. When buying lingerie, I am also buying luxury and I want the pieces I choose to represent as such, in the way of plush details and feminine packaging. And so Boux Avenue fills a mid-range price gap but loses none of the luxury and feeling of decadence when buying pretty underwear.

Despite missing out on the store opening, I did manage to experience some Boux Avenue for myself at home in the way of this stunning dusky pink lingerie set and some sweet-smelling perfume products. I now can't wait to get to the store to experience it for myself, the promotional pictures look absolutely amazing. I have a friend's birthday coming up very soon and now I know exactly what I can buy her. (Boux Avenue is also available on-line here if you don't happen to have a store near to you).

Take 10 ~ Butler & Wilson at QVC

2011-09-22T20:53:00.004+01:00

Should I wear it? Should I use it as an ornament? Or should it be in a museum? When asked to choose a ring from the very bling-tastic Butler & Wilson range at QVC for this month's Take10 challenge, I was a little undecided. I'm not really one for large glitzy cocktail rings but ended up heading in the complete opposite direction and chose something totally wild... this huge owl ring, accessorised with some favourite women's designer shoes.

See how the rest wore theirs - Susie (Take-out in Couture) ~ Sherin (Hi-Fashion)~ Ellie (Pretty Much Penniless) ~ Vicki (Magpie Girl) ~ Sarah (We Shop) ~ Harriet (Where's Harriet) ~Sabine (Psynopsis) ~ Jen (A Little Bird) ~ MJ (Dreaming Spires).

Butler & Wilson Owl Ring via QVC ~ Reiss dress (old) ~ Seven Seconds Red Booties via Zalando ~

Chanel Black Satin nail enamel ~ YSL lipstick

Food Lately

2011-09-20T19:21:00.002+01:00

More food eaten at home lately...

Smoked salmon & cream cheese with cracked black pepper & lemon juice on Irish Soda bread with black coffee

Linguine with smoked salmon, wilted rocket leaves, lemon juice, garlic oil, chilli and parmesan

Starbucks Iced Latte (super-market bought) & Chocolate biscuits

Breakfast of granary toast with peanut butter; watermelon; granola with greek yoghurt, blueberries, raspberries & honey; black coffee

Greek honey with nuts (received as a gift from Greece)

Home-made sushi rolls with soy sauce & chilli dressing and ginger; miso soup

Chai spiced latte and Sesame snack (gift received from Greece)

Carrot & Coriander soup with parmesan and cracked black pepper; cheese tiger bread & butter

Milk lolly-pop

Activia strawberry yoghurt

Bowl of mixed fruit

Houmous with pitta bread & chilli crisps

Glass of milk with peanut butter on toasted English muffin

Quorn Fajita strips with mozarella pearls, roasted cherry tomatoes and julienne salad of carrot, cucumber, radish in rice vinegar with sesame seeds

Weekend Casual - Part 2

2011-09-18T08:15:00.004+01:00

Last Sunday morning I met up with my friend to visit a newly re-branded shop in nearby Jesmond. I still haven't got around to editing the photos I took there but I'll have them up here at some point in the near future. We then went on to a tiny quirky coffee shop called Heaton Perk where I drank a small bottle of Rose Lemonade as well as catching up on news with my friend. Before all of that I managed to coerce her into taking some photos of what I was wearing, it was so windy despite trying to find shelter in a side-street. Sunday's are all about comfort, I'm living in these Zara trousers at the moment, I like them with flats and heels. On this day I wore them with some silver jazz shoes from Spartoo. This style have been popular for a while now, I think rather than being a passing fashion, the style is very classic and here to stay. The distressed silver effect makes them a little different to anything I already own.

Zara knit sweater & trousers ~ Kesslord silver bowling shoes via Spartoo ~ Chanel handbag ~ Lalique cabochon ring ~ Links of London silver bangle ~ Anjolee white gold blue topaz bracelet (photos by Louise)