Friday, February 13, 2015

the ICON 10 - Erdem 'Emiko Embroidered Organza Top'

Friday, February 13, 2015

I couldn't be more in love with this beautiful floral top by designer Erdem Moralioglu , available at Matches .   With its exquisit...

I couldn't be more in love with this beautiful floral top by designer Erdem Moralioglu, available at Matches.  With its exquisite 3D craftsmanship and ladylike aesthetic it is the perfect top to step into Spring.

If I was styling the Emiki top on a client I would team it with a pastel tone A-line skirt for full-on femininity and classic pointed pumps.

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

the ICON 9 - Dries Van Noten's Op-Art Prints

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Dries Van Noten launched his line in 1986 and is known for his artistic approach to fashion. Each season the brand delivers a colourful ...

Dries Van Noten launched his line in 1986 and is known for his artistic approach to fashion. Each season the brand delivers a colourful collection with directional prints. 

For Autumn Winter 2014 the collection delivered everything we expect and more. His signature elements were in abundance, op-art prints, florals adorning mannish coats and curves of colour.

As always I want it all, but one of my favourite pieces is this Kaleidoscopic Wool Top, available at Browns. I love how the bold yellow floral pattern is paired with a solid-color background and enhanced with an eye-popping central motif. Wear with a contrasting bold print or block-colour trouser.

Monday, August 04, 2014

the ICON 8 - Wedgwood's Butterfly Bloom Teaware

Monday, August 04, 2014

If you have ever viewed my instagram feed you will see I am very taken with life's little luxuries and in particular elegant tea ...

If you have ever viewed my instagram feed you will see I am very taken with life's little luxuries and in particular elegant tea ware. For me Wedgwood is the epitome of style and I find it hard to resist their beautiful collections and archive pieces. 

One of my prized possessions is my Wedgwood for Mulberry teacup and saucer, produced as 'tickets' for the Spring Summer 2014 show.  My ultimate favourite collection is Jasper ware, which I am collecting, featuring the iconic 'Wedgwood Blue' and typical white relief which was first developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s.

Today the collections are designed in the Wedgwood Studio in their Barlaston, Staffordshire, home. What I admire most about this renowned brand is how they seamlessly blend old characteristics and patterns with new prints and shapes. It isn't easy for a brand so steeped in history to continue to be 'current' but Wedgewood maintains their position bringing a taste of luxury to our tables which will stand the test of time.

The Icon this week is the Butterfly Bloom collection, the perfect set for a summer garden party. With it's vintage floral patterns, inspired by archive pieces, throw on a summer dress, deck the garden with bunting and set the table for a stylish Wedgwood tea party.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

the ICON 7 - Burberry Prorsum Tapestry Bowling Bag

Thursday, July 17, 2014

VIEW FULL SIZE IMAGE On occasion I fall in love with pieces quite out of character. My latest must-have is Burberry's structure...

VIEW FULL SIZE IMAGE

On occasion I fall in love with pieces quite out of character. My latest must-have is Burberry's structured bowling bag featuring a smooth leather trim and side panels which contrast with a bold geometric tapestry. The design was inspired by traditional rugs, and due to the striking style it is definitely one-of-a-kind which is why I think it is a deserved #theIcon.

However, having discussed my admiration for this bag with friends I became aware it wasn't a shared love and instead in the 'Marmite' love it or hate it category.

If I was styling this bag I would team it with a navy trench or dress, brightening up a winter look.

Monday, June 30, 2014

the ICON 6 - Percossi Papi Sun and Moon Earrings

Monday, June 30, 2014

When I was 15 I went to work in a jewellery shop at weekends. Living in a small Cotswold town the shop was independently run and an amaz...

When I was 15 I went to work in a jewellery shop at weekends. Living in a small Cotswold town the shop was independently run and an amazing Aladdin's Cave. We stocked semi-precious gemstone jewellery, silver and gold jewellery and fashion ranges. I was lucky to have a generous boss who allowed me to learn. I went from helping at weekends to eventually running the shop till I left for University and also went on buying trips to IJL.  I owe this little shop everything for developing my love of jewellery, helping me hone my visual merchandising skills, learn the art of customer service and finally for introducing me to Percossi Papi.

In 2000 our Cotswold shop was the second retail point for Percossi Papi, next to Tateossian within Harvey Nichols. I was completely smitten. Over the years I helped to sell Diego's jewellery and valued the traditional artistic techniques he used. I always hoped I would save enough to own something and just when I had saved enough my best friend stepped in and bought me a pair of blue topaz and akoya pearl earrings for my 18th Birthday. These earrings have been worn through many life events from graduations, interviews, to family dinners and parties. When the shop sadly closed I was able to buy myself another pair of earrings for my collection.  It is true to say that when you own a piece of Percossi Papi you become a lifelong collector.

Percossi Papi has been designing and hand-making jewellery since 1968 from his small atelier in the heart of Rome. His colourful jewels have starred in a number of films, including 'Elizabeth: The Golden Years', starring Cate Blanchett. Most recently Percossi Papi has launched on luxury e-tailer net-a-porter.com, which is exciting for me to see more possibilities for this family run jewellery brand.

My all time favourite piece from the Percossi Papi collection and also a design I have sold to many happy customers is the Sun and Moon earrings. These earrings have blue topazes, rubies and a mosaic of seedpearls.  

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

the ICON 5 - Sophia Webster's 'Mila' Peep-Toe Booties

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sophia Webster is the former assistant to the renowned shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood and is proving to be the go-to designer for f...

Sophia Webster is the former assistant to the renowned shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood and is proving to be the go-to designer for fun and fabulous footwear. With kaleidoscopic colorways, attention to detail and playful embellishments, Sophia Webster's colourful creations are adorning the feet of all fashion darlings.

Everytime I wear my own 'Riri' shoes, my friends are cooing at my feet! There is one occasion where shoes are the utmost of importance and this event is on your Graduation. Be sure to invest in a beautiful pair of shoes as your outfit is covered with a gown and guests are seated at shoe level. With a pair of eye-catching heels you can enjoy your special moment and command everyone's attention!

My current favourite from Sophia's collection is 'Mila', ankle-high cage heels featuring wavy suede straps and cut-outs. Fierce in detail and striking from a distance, these peep-toe booties are the shoes of the season. Team with a body-con mini dress or contrast with white cropped cigarette pants and a black structured blouse.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

the ICON 4 - Chanel's Perfume Bottle Evening Bag

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

This piece combines the merging of two iconic Chanel lines. The first is the classic and perpetual fragrance of Chanel No.5 and the se...

This piece combines the merging of two iconic Chanel lines. The first is the classic and perpetual fragrance of Chanel No.5 and the second is the luxurious Chanel accessories line. 

Regular readers, and those who follow me on Pinterest or instagram, will know I am a Chanel devotee and this love of everything Chanel will always be apart of me. To explain my level of obsession I am someone who would buy a Chanel skipping rope or a Chanel badminton racket in a heartbeat - should my accountant allow me, therefore when the No.5 bottle, which adorns my dressing table, is translated into an elegant and desirable evening bag this is my idea of sheer genius. Despite the minimalistic design it is so very pretty and undoubtedly the most covetable and iconic accessory.

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

the ICON 3 - Smythson's Panama Tote in Dove Grey

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

The Smythson  Panama Tote is one of the most covetable bags of the season.  Taking its name from the iconic diary designed, in 1908, b...

The Smythson Panama Tote is one of the most covetable bags of the season.  Taking its name from the iconic diary designed, in 1908, by Frank Smythson; this structured leather tote is wonderfully spacious, perfect for day-to-day use or a weekend away.  

It will come as no surprise to regular readers that my unceasing obsession with all things Smythson has extended beyond their elegant stationery and I am now lusting after every handbag within the Spring/Summer 2014 collection!

The Panama tote is available in a variety of sumptuous summer hues, although my favourite is the classic and trans-seasonal dove grey. I can see myself carrying it, everywhere, for many years to come.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The ICON 2 - J Brand's Aiah Leather Jacket

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

J Brand's 'Aiah' Hibiscus Motorcycle Jacket, at Donna Ida , is designed to make a statement, especially considering it...

J Brand's 'Aiah' Hibiscus Motorcycle Jacket, at Donna Ida, is designed to make a statement, especially considering it features this seasons perfect sugary hue. If you shop like me you may avoid buying investment pieces when they are in a trend colour, instead playing it safe with neutral tones and black. However with this leather jacket regardless of the colour the piece has timeless qualities.  Featuring an asymmetric zip front and quilted stitching at the elbows and shoulders it combines a classic aesthetic with a contemporary edge, adding bold silver double-zipper pockets and cuffs. There is no need to overstyle this sophisticated number, wear with blue skinny jeans and a white tee for an effortless day-to-night look.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The ICON 1 - Aspinal of London's Marylebone Tech

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

I made a few changes at the beginning of the year and started a variety of weekly posts to bring together my favourite items. This wee...

I made a few changes at the beginning of the year and started a variety of weekly posts to bring together my favourite items. This week marks the start of 'the ICON' another weekly post, but this time dedicated to my favourite timeless and elegant pieces.

'the Icon' number 1 is the Marylebone Tech Bag by Aspinal of London. This classic tote is made from black pebble textured Italian calf leather and is the new 'IT' bag of Spring/Summer 2014.

Although what makes the Marylebone Tech different to previous 'it' bags is that it is MUCH more than just another tote. The bag combines style with practicality featuring innovative compartments for your technology, one for your tablet and another for your mobile, with an integrated battery charger and cable pack inside, allowing you to charge both on the move. What's more the weight of the battery pack has been carefully considered to be the lightest as possible. The battery has enough charge to recharge a Smartphone up to three times, or add precious extra hours to your tablet.

I have always been a devotee of spacious handbags and with the Marylebone Tech the space is vast, catering for the busy 21st Century woman.

As with all Aspinal of London pieces there is attention to detail at the heart of the design with equestrian references, stylish hardware and a full length dual zip closure - one of my main requirements in a bag.

With its combination of style and functionality I am sure the Marylebone Tech will be a firm favourite amongst the fashion set and celebrities.