27th August N4

Had a delightful trip to DSM with W11 yester and it had so many treats for the eyes. I had the hots for a tasseled structured shoulder top by a label called Toga by the designer Yasuko Furuta, all amazing peices (see the pics below). I also fell in love with some carrot cake in the cafe on the fourth floor. Yum.

After Balmain shook the catwalks last season with statement jackets with terrifyingly cool and harsh shoulders its seems A/W is definitely all about working the shoulder pads. Pleasingly This look totally suits me as I have small sloping shoulders and short arms and it definitely gives me some kind of body stature (well I think so). So after already investing in a pair of Russell & Bromley thigh high boots I thought it only natural I get the shoulders to match. So I have invested in one wool jumper with perky shoulders from Topshop and a silk top with HUGE shoulders from Zara. What a way to start my autumn wardrobe.
And just incase you thought I was walking down the dark side colour wise I bought a camel sherling coat to mix it up.

I'm just secretly wishing is was autumn already so I can rock my new wardrobe in public and not just in my livingroom. Also the handbag buyer at work popped in to the office today and commented that I'd lost weight. My lame attempt at the special K diet must have worked (or maybe it was the shoulder pads?) Who knows?

N4 x

SW6 - 27th August

Woke up early to hoover my flat for the American girl viewing it later, NOT impressed. Although I should be honest I am moderately obsessed with my Dyson, hoovering my flat is a minor addiction I have, I find it to be very theraputic!!!
Boss is back in the office today after 2 weeks off - bought me back to reality!
Managed to get a quick swim in after work (I am not going to get into it again but WTF!).
Met Americqn socialite, I felt like I was on a blind date and not a good one. I may be desperate but NO way! She was worse than I had imagined; completely vacuous, everything was 'so cute' and yes in a patronizing way (don't worry W11 it sounds completely different when you say it).
Baked a huge batch of cookies for the journey to France tomorrow and then got ready in record time; 1 hour (that is including hair and I have a lot of it) was quite impressed with myself. Chose a red dress, something about wearing red always makes you feel fabulous.
In the end 2 of the girls bailed out as they wanted to pack (all the more for us)! So it was just myself and one of my best friends in the world and the ultimate dancing partner (lets call her dancinggirl). We always seem to get ourselves into such mischeif when we are together and tonight was no exception. The boys ended up taking us to Movida (NOT somewhere I usually ever go but it was the lesser of two evils). Saw some very interesting looking outfits in there, Herve Leger has a lot to answer for!!!
I ended up having a cheaky snog (eew i hate that word, not really sure whtat else I can call it though; a pash, tonsil tennis?!?). I know he is a bit of bad news but soo good looking it would have been rude not to, one day i might just be attracted to someone decent!! He also happens to be an old friend of my older sister's and I can't decide who will be in more trouble if she finds out...luckily she lives on the other side of the world!

W11 - August 28th, 2009

Today had lunch with my W11 Yummy Mummy friend Julie and her delicious baby, Daisy! Went to Cha Cha Moon. Think I might start calling my hoo ha my Cha Cha Moon from now on. My friend Gina calls it her Juliette, which I enjoy immensely! Other main to do today is packing and picking outfits for Paris, as we leave super early tomorrow morning on the Eurostar! So far have a little Philip Lim, Chloe, APC, Paul Smith and a couple of my Provence purchases…see some potential outfit above! Went a bit Frenchified 80’s. I may even be wearing my hair in a high side pony tomorrow for the train! Wanted to bring some of my fun new sexy lingerie too, but we’re sleeping on a sofa bed at a friend’s apt, so that might be a tad inappropriate! Besides Cha Cha Moon is a little crampy this weekend. YESS FIRST USAGE! NAILED IT!

This afternoon stopped by one of my fave W11 boutiques, Couverture & Garbstore on Kensington Park Road. Pic of store above. Everything they carry is exactly how I wish I dressed. Especially loved items by a brand called Colenimo. http://www.colenimo.com/.

AND since it was ridiculously Autumn like today, I took my new Miu Miu patent flat mary janes out for a test drive. Picked them up at the outlet in Tuscany on a whim, but actually surprisingly pleased with them! See pic above.

W11 - August 27, 2009

W11 – August 27, 2009

Arrived 30 mins early for my interview this morning, per usual, so got a quick mani in the mean time! WIFE GOES ON! So apropos! Interview went well I think – although I always seem to think that, and I still don’t have a job. They represent all high street clients, but I think they do a lot of cool events. We’ll see if they get back to me.

Spent the rest of the day with N4. Checked out the new APC store on Dover Street. Small, but really cool. A little more modern feeling than a lot of their other stores. Then popped across the street to Dover Street Market, which is always the epitome of cool. Especially loved a Charles Anastase leopard print fur jacket! The fourth floor is always my fave though. Perused the Comme de Garcons collections for a while and then, too tempted by the cakes from Rose Bakery, sat down for some tea and a brownie. N4’s roomie, styling a shoot nearby, stopped by for a mint tea as well.

All in all a great day in fashion!

Check out pics of the cool shop girl at DSM, spread of goodies at the 4th floor cafe, pair of Comme des Garcons saddle shoes that I heart! AND A/W 10 looks from Charles Anastase and APC.

N4 - August 26, 2009

So I just discovered the marc by marc jacobs specials store on Mount st W1. I mean I had no clue it was there?!

Ok so its cheap stuff, mostly made from plastic but there's some cute pieces at bargainous prices. Like men's white shirts, gloves, perfume (my fave is the rain scent) Anyway love and great for gifts.
Its a store I love heading to for cheap bits in NYC and now its down the road, brilliant! Everyone can have a piece of the marc jacobs pie.

N4x

W11 - August 26th, 2009

Today’s highlights…

WELL, had lunch with SW6, wearing my new black tunic dress from Monoprixe, red Ali Ro cardi, silver prada sandals, suede Miu Miu bag and the piece de resistance – Gold and silver giant owl necklace from an antique shop in Nashville! $4! NAILED IT! (pictured here).

Cooked a fab Chicken asparagus parmesan risotto dinner from a cookbook by my FAVE chef in the world, BILL GRANGER! Big success – hubby loved!

Finally watched Entourage from last week – PLEASE tell me Ano-Ashley is off the show for good now! Couldn’t have been happier when she slammed the door in E’s face. I mean I don’t know which producer’s daughter she is, but she needs to check into the eating disorder clinic and get a new career, ‘cause acting isn’t it!

And that’s pretty much it for me! Exciting I know! Just prepping for my interview tomorrow – and by prepping I mean picking my outfit! A little nervous for it, but not really sure what to expect. It’s with an agency (and I much prefer inhouse) and their clients are high street brands (have always worked with luxury.) The woman also said she felt the posish was a bit junior for me, so we shall see. Always good to get interview practice in anyway. Fingers crossed it’s not a scary HR type sesh!

OH and I had a fun conference call with a friend of a friend in NYC and her business partner about a new media site they’re setting up. I was kinda nervous because they wanted my ADVICE on PR/Marketing – since it has to do with fashion, popculture etc. Thought I would be useless, but they actually seemed genuinely interested in my ideas and quite pleased with our little talk. SO that was nice and made me feel slightly less retarded than the day before!

SW6 -25th August 09

BAD start to the day, I have a pair of J brand Love story jeans that are my tester jeans - they tell me when i have put on weight... I have! WHAT? I have been swimming for 2 weeks now and I know it takes time and so on but whatever how can I have put on weight? I know I haven't exactly been healthy but I have been EXERCISING. And now it is bugging me that I clearly care so much about my weight, it is not like I am actually over weight I am a size 10, grab a hold of yourself SW6! This is pathetic..

Heard Alexandra Burke's new song this morning, it's no Bleeding Love but I reckon I could have a little shimmy to it. Am putting money on her wearing leather in the video.

Met W11 for lunch which was a treat, have to make the most of it as from next week all of senior management will be back and no more long lunches. Have 3 big store launches in Asia coming up which will take over my life as well as 2 big project launches here in London going on. It is like the quiet before the storm in the office.

Just found out that my new flat mate who was supposed to move in in 2 weeks has bailed so have been searching like crazy for a new one. Meeting some American socialite moving from Paris tomorrow night, not sure what I think of that. I cant believe I am going to say this allowed but have always lived with quiet girls who don't threaten my ego (did I really just admit that) I know that sounds awful but I just don't want to live with some skinny, beautiful IT girl who is going to make me feel bad if I eat a brownie or have a sofa night!

Had a message from Rugby boy who still hasn't found a job in LA and heard on the rumour mill that he has been pissing around at playboy parties in LA and trips to Vegas, probably for the best that nothing materialised there, I mean does this sound like someone who is about to turn 30 next month?

Had a pretty manic but boring evening, last free night before girls trip to France; swimming (why is this not getting me anywhere?), waxing, packing and planning outfit for tomorrow night.
Have been invited out with a group of guys (I only know one of them) who are trying to Cheer up a recently dumped friend, obviously facebooked them and it looks like it could be a fun night!!! They look a little on the slick side but mustn't be too quick to judge from facebook. Taking girlfriends that I am going away with this weekend so should be a fun start to the hols... what to wear!?!

Just seen the Vogue's Fashion's Night Out TV ad and yes SJP shopping is 'For Good' and of course I will do my part to assist our economy!!

OH had the most Hilarious voicemail from a guy I went on categorically the worst date of my life with a few weeks ago (It was as second date - he used the word 'us', told me off for not covering a spot properly, told me I wasn't allowed to wear my hair up, changed age 3 times during the course of the evening, told me I shouldn't wax my pubic hair and left me to get the tube home on my own because 'directors of companies don't take the tube'!) He said that our last date was a little 'crazy' and I am obviously cross and we should 'talk about things' . Thinking of sending him a text saying:

'Just had a wax, got my hair in a ponytail and am not wearing concealer, I don't think 'us' is going to work out.'??

Fireboy is back from his hols tonight, can stop checking my phone...

W11 - August 25th, 2009

August 25

Back to reality. Woke up this morning extremely tired after last night’s journey. Got up at 7, when hubby's alarm went off, but stayed in bed until 9. It’s rough I know. Then got up, had a banana, checked my emails, made my grocery list, applied for a PR agency job that sounded lame and went to the gym to meet with my trainer. He of course asked what the hell happened to my bangs – well, what he said was, “ Who did that to you?” Thanks. OH I haven’t mentioned yet about my bangs. Or FRINGE as they say here. I’ll keep it short. (no pun intended!) Basically have had bangs for the last 9 years and last Thursday I got my first bad trim! My gayer than springtime Eastern European stylist (if you could call him that) sporting a Christian Siriano haircut (pictured to the right), told me he was making me “much more fashionable” as he snipped away. I asked for them to hit/cover my eyebrows and they are well above. AND they are cut all the way around my face! No offense to our Asian friends out there (love ya to pieces), but I look like a Chinese man with a bowl cut. OR like some groupy girl in the underground music scene in Chicago a la 1994. Totally High Fidelity and not in a good way. There I’ve said my peace. I cried and got very angry and have had to work my outfits around my fucking bangs ever since!

ANYWAY, after my workout, went to Tesco on Portobello road, which is always my hell on earth. Then went to Mr Christians to get some turkey breast for lunch, but they didn’t have any. NIGHTMARE. Decided to check out Daylesford. Daylesford, DID NOT have turkey breast either. UGHGHGH! SO then, of course, I had to get ham which is COVERED in fat. I mean how hard is it to be a deli and have normal every day turkey breast.? I have to say, this is one thing that REALLY bothers me about London. Stores constantly seem to be out of things. And not like strange request things. Like Tesco is ALWAYS out of everything. They are a MAJOR supermarket chain. Who does’t restock? AND who doesn’t know by now how much stock they’re going to need for a full day in that area? Or week or whatever? I came home all in a huff that I couldn’t find simple turkey breast and then, while getting the bread out of the freezer, SLAMMED my middle finger in the door and started bleeding. MELT DOWN! Crying, screaming, bandaids, bloodied papertowels ensued. MAYBE…it wasn’t just because of my finger and the stupid turkey breast. Maybe I’m just BORED OUT OF MY FUCKING MIND! I feel pretty useless and stupid and useless and lame. I have NO reason to dress up anymore, except for my bangs. And the occasional interview. This leads me to my next meltodwn worthy gripe. People think that I’m like qualified for greatness since on paper I look kinda impressive. I know nobody likes a showoff. But I do. I’ve worked for two amazing fashion houses and have seemingly done a lot. But I KINDA feel like I have just coasted by. I really wouldn’t know the first thing how to put a PR strategy together or how to actually GET editors to credit my stuff, unless I already worked for a company that people want to put in their magazines anyway. So I go to these interviews, and I get all these scary HR type of questions like, ‘Give me an example of how you implemented a PR strategy and the conclusions start to finish.” UHHH I MEAN WHAT!? I got an email from an editor asking for some sweaters for a cardigan story. I sent them over and three months later they were in the Octboer issue of Marie Claire. Is that good? Like I could not be more retarded. And the thing is, I don’t really care. Like I don’t CARE about being some AMAZING PR diva. I don’t want to run my own department one day. I just want to go to a nice place everyday, talk to fun people and maybe try on some clothes. Is that so much to ask?

SW6 - 22nd August

Went for an early swim (figured there was less chance of bumping into anyone). Cooked a big brunch for an old girlfriend; American pancakes, bacon, fruit, yogurt and smoothie (not really beneficial to Ibiza bikini diet) had a great catch up, she also told me that latinogirl’s (one of my best friends whose house I am staying in Ibiza) older brother is bringing my ‘perfect matching’ a charming, funny, down to earth Ferrari driving guy to Ibiza – is this true?? Verified with Latinogirl who agreed with description but said she didn’t know who would be more suited me or an another single girlfriend who will be there – the last thing I wasn’t is to compete but at least it is a little incentive to get to the gym!
After brunch went for blissful Mani-Pedi at princess nails in Fulham Broadway; a cheapy place who do a great job and stock Essie, last op before hols; France next weekend and then straight on to Ibiza. I went for Essie, Fifth Avenue, an orangey red which will look great in the sunshine. Devoured French vogue which has the best AW09 trend shoot I have seen this season; my favorites being Givenchy, Balmain (predictable), Giorgio Armani and Ferragamo (already working out how I can emulate that one).
Ran back in time for X Factor, oh how I have missed you!! Was sad to see Cheryl has lost it, she was looking over styled and her attempt at 80s hair totally back fired when pairing it with footballers wives makeup! Danni on the other hand totally won me over, love love loved all her hair styles and she was rocking some seriously fab rings. Obviously loving Daniel, the last audition – so my type. Not convinced by the live audience and singing with the back track also why is there so much fluff? Wanna see more auditions ITV!
Got a call from a friend at work who bummed into fireboy on the beach in the South of France, London isn’t the only small apparently Europe is a small place! Fireboy is an Adonis who is serious trouble; I have had various flirtations with him and maybe I had a sneaky liaison with last weekend. Friend reported that he was on very good behaviour and very charming – am a bit nervous about his return to London next week, I cannot be held responsible for my actions when he is around, especially when he is in a suit!
After X factor I went and tried on AW09 outfits, sad I know but I needed to stop myself from heading out. Secretly I am looking forward to winter, after having worked with the AW09 collection at work for the last 5 months I am so ready for my 80s flash back, bold shoulders, serious studding and leather. I have some great boots I am dying to get into too! I know after 2 weeks I will be wishing for summer again.

N4 “What’s it going to be then, eh?”- Expanding The Mind (and wardrobe)

So I start this journey of style and life in London with a not so typical weekend starting in North
London, but then I suppose when you live in London there is no ‘typical’.

With the boyfriend (DB’s) departed for the weekend and with the quest of expanding the mind I start my Friday night with book club.

Book club was recently started with a group of girlfriends in the hope of expanding our not so much used brains...to be honest it’s just turned into fancy dress booze and an overly lively/elicit discussion of the literature in hand.

So Friday night book club reads like this...7.30pm, 123 Orford road, E17 dissection of the Anthony Burgess’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’.

We are greeted at the front door by the host aka Mrs. Bamsey dressed in a all in one white boiler suit, bowler hat outer platties (pants over the suit) under eye lashes and wielding a knife. After having the initiation of under eyelashes drawn on CWO style, we then were treated to a shot of orange liqueur followed by orange coloured maize snacks.We vaguely discussed the book with Mozart's and Beethoven booming in the background and more booze and orange liqueur shots. What an intellectual way to start the weekend ay?

SATURDAY.....

Lie in (of course) and a delightful yet slightly depressing trip to Liberty’s. Walking around the store I secretly imagined I was walking around my own house in a few years time and all the other people shopping were guests....also managed to eye up an affordable Isabel Marant grey jersey top and a not so affordable Rick Owens leather jacket. Which reminds me I must start using my piggy bank again....

I managed to check out the ‘Prints Charming’ exhibition which I must say was bloody charming. LOVED the Grayson Perry scarf’s, having met the Artist recently at an event I found him to be one of the truly inspiring people you meet in life with many wonderful words of wisdom to hand out, Oh and a nutty attire to boot.


In the evening I had a visit from a friend/future bride to be (weddings in 2 weeks to be exact in Tuscany!) and another couple of Girl friends. With an eventful start to the evening with me locking us out the flat for an hour as a result of leaving my keys in the flat whilst popping to get a drink from the shop below opps!
We vaguely watched the start of Xfactor...or more commonly know as Cheryl vs. Danni.We all decide Cheryl looked liked a glorified pikey and that there must be at least six 10 year old girls in the middle east walking round bald after donating hair for her ever increasing mass of hair extensions.
Danni defiantly is winning in the style stakes for me...she’s not trying so hard which I LOVE. Plus I think her hair is mostly grown herself.

SUNDAY...

After a HUGE lie in and a sweaty tube journey to Notting Hill to meet SW6 girl I found myself in a Daylsford organic...and indulged in a cheese platter and cappuccino..Weird mix but yum!
We managed to pop into Whistle’s to see all the hype surrounding Jane Shepardsons influence on the brand...and yes they were correct as I wanted to buy at least 3 times. but lack of funds as per forbid this.

Anyway that the tune of my weekend...

peace out

N4 x

W11 - Weekend August 21st

Okay quick catchup! Went to Provence this weekend, mainly because I got the dates confused for the bank holiday, with hubby and friends J & Jo! Was a DREAM! On saturday we walked all around Aix en Provence, which is such a cutie town! Had pain au chocolate and some apricot tart thing for brekkie and sandwiches for lunch sitting outside by a fountain!! Tres picturesque! The weather was PERFECT the entire time! Our guide book said there was a Paul Smith shop in town - so found that, which turned out to be like some kind of weird PS surplus store. It had older season's stuff at a discount and then other great brands too. See by Chloe! Paul and JOE! Barbara bui - Repettos! DREAM! It was men’s and women’s so hubby was kept occupied while I ransacked the place! Luckily he likes his designer clothes! I got a SUPER cutie See by Chloe white dress (pictured to the right) - but tried on like the entire store! That evening J and Jo arrived - so met them for a drink and then went to dinner! Which was delightful! Well except I got diarrhea in the middle and Jo puked. I think she had a bad mussel at the cocktail bar – they served us those sketchy tapas that have probably been sitting on somebody eles’s table for a good 2 hours. And me, well I get diarrhea ALL The time, so wasn’t a big deal and not a real surprise to anyone. Still had an awesome night.
Next day - hubby and I had some more pastiries then picked up J & J and drove to Cassis! Super quaint beach town. Had SUCH good seafood at a little restaurant on the water for lunch. John Dory – YUMM! It was Jo’s bday by the way! Had a very philosophical talk with our waiter, whose family owned the restaurant. His English was excellent – thank god! My French is pretty non existent. I actually walked into the Sonia Rykiel store in Aix and said “OUVIOR!” in greeting. I was so mortified I babbeled to them about a dress from the AW collection that I loved and ran out. ANYWAY, after seafood lunch, we got some gelato obviously and then found ANOTHER cutie store, where I got a top and a dress (pictured above)! The dress was an I DIE moment! It's yellow, short and 60s ish! Very MOI! THEN we all got in the car and drove into the countryside and found two vineyards for wine tasting! Got a little giggly, bought some wine and lavender honey, (had to get SOMETHING lavender while in Provence), and then went back to Aix! That night another fun dinner and drinks! Topic of discussion was mainly Designer Vaginas! I mean who knew?!
THEN on monday went to a market and bought some delish juicy peahes! In the afternoon the four of us hiked up to Cezanne's old studio, checked that out - then J & J had to hop the train back to London! Hubby and I had a leisurely lunch then went into Monoprix – cheapy French department store. I was OBSESSED with everything. A lot of the clothes were like APC, my FAVE brand in the world, but WAY cheaper. SO got a black tunic dress, a striped frenchy shirt, heather blue/grey sweater, and a black camisole. After that we found this charming British bookstore/cafe. Looked at books for a while and acted intellectual until it was time to head to the airport. Got home around midnight Monday night! PHEW!! TOTAL DREAM WEEKEND! Once again sucks to be back to reality! Luckily just three days to paris! =)

SW6 - 21st August 09

After Rugbyboy left in July (a not so perfect strapping 6ft4 dark rugby player I was seeing for the past 8 months) to move to LA I found myself in Tuscany for W11's wedding with N4. It was a magical week but to make up for the emotions and being surrounded by a lot of smug couples and simply because it would have been rude not to I ate my body weight in bread, pasta, pizza and gellatto so on my return I decided to join the gym to prepare for Ibiza; what else do you do when you are newly single?
Little did I know I was signing up for emotional torture as well as physical and paying £80 a month for the pleasure! After a traumatic first session where I didn’t even make it past the changing room due to confusion over the lockers I was slowly beginning to feel comfortable despite the torrent on strapping boys and toned and completely tanned (and I mean COMPLETELY tanned) girls I went for a swim after work to distract myself from the clubbing ban I have imposed on myself this weekend. My wallet is recovering from 2 holidays in July and preparing for the 2 up and coming holidays over the next few weeks, and besides whilst everyone is away in August the dregs of London seem to take over even the coolest of clubs so hopefully I won’t be missing all that much. After having bumped into two friends on the way to the gym I was thinking to myself what a small place London can be when I bumped (literally) into Rugbyboy's dashing friends in the gym reception (to set the scene I was not looking my best to say the least, hair scraped back, jeans and flats; have been making the most of senior management being out the office in August and not having to rock the sky highs and cinched waists). I don’t know if it was because of my appearance or because I have been thinking about Rugbyboy lately but I was about as smooth as Muriel from Muriel’s wedding! My finest comment was asking them what they were doing here…er tying working out SW6 – what a plonker! Anyway after humiliating myself I didn’t think it could get any worse (little did I know someone upstairs seems to have a sense of humour) I bumped into an old crush (FYI he lives in Sloane Square and as far I was aware was a member of the Virgin gym in Kensington, what the hell was hell was he doing in the Fulham Broadway gym?). Instead of covering myself in my towel I decided to grab a float to cover my dignity – why oh why? After having a good laugh at me with my dishevelled hair and mascara round my chin he snapped a picture on his bb and emailed it round our mutual friends; at least I was wearing cute Heidi Klein one piece, although it doesn’t make up for float! Gym so far not doing wonders for my life as planned!