Specs-tacular

Today I have been inspired by a friend, so this post is dedicated to her. She has inspired me on many levels but today is purely materialistic, she bought new specs!

She “instagramed” a picture of her new super cool and trendy frame by Oliver Peoples. This reminded me of a post I published last year so I had to go and check their new collection, just to satisfy myself that they are still bang on trend, and they so are!

I notably spotted this frame for men which is classic, elegant but quirky at the same time.

Their Sun Shop is also a delight. There is not one pair you won’t want to buy so don’t get your purse out of your bag! The collection has a retro-chic cool which would add glamour to any outfit and makes you want to book your next beach holiday. From so many pairs to choose from, here are my selection of must-have:

For more wonders, check http://www.oliverpeoples.com/

Coast is your black-tie one stop shop

Christmas is fast approaching again. With Christmas come the party season and who says party says also black-tie dos. Although, no need to panic as Coast has all you need under one roof so you do not need to run around from shop to shop. You can even shop whislt on the move with their easy to use app:
http://m.coast-stores.com/?lng=en&ctry=GB&

Here are my choices from their latest collection which should remind you of the Great Gatsby. Simple choices for a super elegant outfit. Simplicity is key and less is more! Also, as you can never predict how formal the evening will be, if you opt for a strapless dress, always take a bolero with you to give you more options.

The great Gatsby is leaving it’s print, again

Have you seen The Great Gatsby? I haven’t, or not yet. I will probably watch it on DVD. However, there is no need to have watched it to realise how much of an impact it’s had on the fashion industry.

You can check most retailers new ranges, they all have some of this great Gatsby mark. The film has had a real influence and I like it. It promotes a true fashion era that was the 1920’s. This period had flapper dresses, long gloves, hair bands and costume jewellery, pearl necklaces, such a classy and chic look.

You can obviously find costume jewellery on the cheap, notably from Accessorize which has a great and very affordable range. However, if you want truly stunning jewellery then go straight to Tiffany. Their Jazz Glamour range will amaze you by its simplicity.

These are my favourite pieces:

Reaching new highs

Comfort is key. That said, you cannot sacrifice style for comfort, or can you? I finally found out that it is not exclusive. I can give you the big secret….. it’s Kurt Geiger. Fashionable shoes, bang on trend and comfy! And it’s not all, they are affordable.

Here is my pick right now: party shoes and casual chic, both great with skinny jeans!

Polloni shoes give an edge to your office look

The summer is officially over. Therefore, it is time to put your nude patent heels back to where they now belong, either the loft or the bin. You can invest in a black pair for the winter, and should you do so, M&S is a reliable place to start your hunt.

Alternatively, you can decide to go for something edgier which will make you stand out from the rest of the office crowd by checking out http://www.pollini.com/eshop/home/ and investing in a pair of Polloni. They have a wide and uber-cool selection to suit all tastes and moods such as these little beauties:

Otherwise, they also do gorgeous heels for party girls and comfy boots for a chic country weekend look or a trip to your local coffee shop (of course Dish Cafe in Hampton Court) on a wet Sunday morning!

Aonie the must-have Italian jewelry

I am always on the hunt for something different, something bespoke, something that I will be the only one to wear. I do not like bumping into other ladies wearing the same outfit or same accessories as this makes you look common and not so original.

I was therefore very pleased when a friend introduced me to Aonie. She was wearing a pair of earnings from their recent collection and I fell in love with it. They have such classy, original and smart designs that you can wear in all circumstances. Their prices are reasonable too, a nice treat for a friend or yourself!

I definitely recommend you visit their website: http://www.aonie.it/?lang=en

Nat et Nin bags – the new Paris craze

I wrote before on Nat and Nin handbags. They have been very popular in France with the boho crowd and continue to be. Their popularity is growing to the point where they are now having private sales, also known in the French jargon as Ventes Privees.

Despite their growing popularity, rumour has it that the quality of the finish is not as good as it was once. We can only hope this is a temporary glitch that they are addressing and sorting out.

No matter what, the Nat et Nin handbags are still worth hunting and fighting for, especially as their website and e-store is super friendly! So you can get your hands on their new collection first!

http://www.nat-nin.fr/en/

Neverunderdressed….. room for improvement

I like reading the Stylist supplement of the evening standard. They often have new accessories or funny furniture advertised.

This week’s edition was a bit on the boring side though. Anyhow, flicking through I was attracted by an advert for NeverUnderdressed. Having never been on their website, I decided to try and see what it was all about. Well, the mission I set myself was a arduous one I have to report.

I wanted to try it on the go and therefore used my good trusted and favorite device, my android phone. This is where the disappointment struck! Their website maybe be working on an iPad or a PC but their mobile version doesn’t quite deliver, which is a pity as it puts you off. Shame as they have gorgeous dresses! I may try again from home but not sure I will have the patience….

Try it for yourself at:
http://www.neverunderdressed.com/

and my main frustration vous that I cannot even download a picture to illustrate my post!

Thai wine experience

What can I say? First impressions count and god this one did! My first sip made me think honey, but allegedly it is meant to be nectarine. Overall, this local Thai wine, although being a chenin blanc tastes like a really strong chardonnay. Sensible palates please abstain…. you have been warned!

Come Dine With Me Scousers version

OMG…. If you can do catch up TV, well….. Just don’t catch up on this episode of Come Dine With Me in Liverpool!!! Whilst I have nothing against vegetarians, this guy Ray, was just SO annoying! I know it is exactly what the producers are looking for and they are looking for “challenging and opinionated” characters, but he did beat most of the ones I saw before!!! Mr I know it all….

And he talked, talked, and talked again! But what a bore! Me me me me me! I have rarely encountered someone so self-centered, except for…. Well, I can’t write it on my blog, it wouldn’t be very PC!