A Holiday in Your Bathroom

This week Tom Ford is launching his Neroli Portofino spa range exclusively at Selfridges. The Italian Riviera in my bathroom? Yes please.

Just because I got a Rocket

Shoe lovin'

Bye Bye to a Legend

RIP Lizzie.

She's still got it

We love you Gwen.

(images Elle magazine)

Urban hat for the girls

If you have a bike in London then a safety is a must, and this gorgeous girl friendly leopard print helmet is just the way to protect that noggin. Now just to get a bike...

Limited edition Sawako Furuno helmet £74 available at anddutch.co.uk

The Nadir of New York

So this is my ode to the 1970s trend - a study of New York city. A place now so magical it's hard to believe it was once tarnished as "dirty, dangerous and destitute."

I think I'm in love with Sarah

One simple concept - create a "wall" theme and then sell it. Genius. Having created bespoke walls for Tatty Devine, Fred Butler, Patternity and many more, Supermarket Sarah walls are now available in Selfridges.

image source supermarket sarah

Cakes for Japan

Cakes for Japan is taking place at one of my favourite establishments, the gorgeous Maiden gift shop on Shoreditch High Street. Conceived by the Mad Artists Tea Party the concept is simple - cake makers and bakers create & donate sushi / Japan inspired edible cake wonderfulness. These are then sold with 100% of all money taken being given to the Red Cross to support the people of Japan.

Bakers donating to the more than worthy cause include Ms Cupcake, Molly Bakes, Flavor Von Sponge, The Kooky Cake Company, Leshie Loves Cupcakes, Nevie Pie, London Baking, Choy Cheam, Cowbridge Cake Company and Gastrogeek. 


Friday 18th March 2011 at Maiden

Image source: Cakes for Japan

The inspirational tattoo mademoiselle of the contemporary art world

I first came across the work of Angelique Houtkamp at the lovely Nelly Duff store on Columbia Road. On delving a little deeper I discovered that she is not only an artist but that these musings come from her first profession of tattooing - even better. In her own words the "classic old school tattoo imagery mixed with haunting Hollywood romance" is what makes her pieces stand out.

Another inspirational titbit from the world of Angelique - she only got her break into tattooing at the age of 30, has never looked back and now exhibits worldwide.

Hope for us all then!

images salonserpent.com

The sparkle of Balmain

Apparently sequins are on the way out. I on the other hand will always be attracted all that is glitters, and one brand whose vision agrees with this whole heartedly, creating such shiny treasures to perfection is Balmain.

Christophe Decarnin appointed artistic director of the House of Balmain at the end of 2005, remains true to his priorities: clothes and the way in which they determine a style, a character and an aura. But also realism in its most contemporary form, and the way in which it should become part and parcel of glamour.

Surrounded by a small team of people, still operating from the same address, 44, Rue François Premier, he explains: "My references are very visual. Anything and everything can inspire me: the women in my life, a piece of fabric, a colour, a photo, my imagination. But the important thing is to be able to transpose it all realistically. Because, after all, an item of clothing is made to be worn. Pierre Balmain had a very on-trend approach to fashion: he wanted to create the appropriate outfit for the appropriate moment. That is also my ambition."

So there you go - sequins and sparkle to be worn.

And if your pocket can't stretch to Pierre Balmain's ambition then why not grab a piece of Balmain at a fraction of the price at The Outnet - every girl's favourite destination for discounted designer collections.

Balmain metallic double-breasted brocade jacket at The Outnet - was £2435 now £852.


Balmain sequined cutout bodysuit at The Outnet - was £2190 now £657.

Balmain chainmail-embellished sequined linen top at The Outnet - was £12,270 now £3,067. 

Conrad Roset

When I first came across Conrad (or Konrad) Roset's elegant delicate watercolour nymphettes I assumed they must have been painstaking created by the patience of a female.

Wrong.

Conrad Roset is not only a man, but a Spanish 27 year old 'Professor of Illustration'.  Intriguing yes.

Having worked for Adidas, Zara and Coca Cola you would think his work would have been tainted by such corporate giants but his illustrations are still wonderfully untouched.

I think I'm in love.