29.11.2010- Cold as Ice

Baby, it's cold outside. No wait, it's freezing. And although I haven't seen any snow yet, there is forecast to be some on the way here tomorrow. Great. Having said that though, it's not all doom and gloom. Last week saw the official opening of the Skate at Somerset House, something which has become a firm festive favourite here in London over recent years.

This year, the pop up rink is being sponsored by Tiffany & Co., and, as you would expect, looks set to be a suitably glamorous affair. The rink itself is overlooked by a giant Christmas tree dripping in Tiffany decorations, and music is provided by a host of London DJ's. Most exciting of all, however, is the Tiffany Tuck Shop, where you can get your hands on all sorts of goodies, including Tiffany cupcakes, sweets, and exclusively designed jewellery. And, as if that wasn't enough to get you feeling festive, The Nutcracker Hour takes place on selected Tuesdays throughout the season, allowing you to embrace your inner sugar-plum fairy and whirl (or in my case, fall) around the ice to the tune of some of Tchaikovsky's most famous music from The Nutcracker. Even if you're a complete skating novice like myself, this looks like a great way to while away a few wintery hours. And if you do take a tumble, you can always console yourself with a cupcake!

To find out more about the Tiffany and Co. Ice Rink at Somerset House and to book tickets, visit somersethouse.org.uk. Best get your skates on though (sorry, I couldn't resist!) as the rink is only in residence until January 23rd.

What do you think of this idea? Have you been ice-skating at Somerset House before? Or are you, like me, a bit Bambi-esque when it comes to co-ordination on ice?

(Image credit: somersethouse.org.uk.)

26.11.2010- Weekend Wishes

This weekend, I wish I could look this stylish in the snow...

Amanda Nørgard by Sofia and Mauro for New York Times Style, Winter 2010.

...as it is I'll probably be wrapped up in about ten layers before I leave the house! What are your wishes and plans for this weekend? Are you braving the cold at all?

(Image credit: NOIR FACADE.)

24.11.2010- Buy, buy, buy!

I've got some very exciting news for you! Tomorrow Urban Outfitters is holding a 20% off event online, and all you have to do to redeem the discount is to enter the code 'TODAYONLY' when you checkout. With Christmas just around the corner, this is the perfect way to get organised, by stocking up on pressies early and saving some money in the process. And with such bargain prices, I'll definitely be treating myself to a couple of sneaky purchases at the same time! Here's my wish list for tomorrow:

Vaudeville and Burlesque Floral Dress, £80 (£64 with discount).

A beautiful winter floral dress, perfect for an afternoon of tea and cake I have coming up in a few weeks!

Knitted Cat Slipper, £14 (£11.20 with discount).

How adorable are these slippers? Great if you (like me) suffer from freezing cold feet in this weather, or a great gift for Christmas.

Pins & Needles Fur Trim Cardigan, £68 (£54.40 with discount).

With a winter blizzard expected any time now, this is the perfect winter warmer- I love the fur collar. 

Shearling Mitters, £20 (£16 with discount). 

The perfect accessory to keep your hands nice and toasty during this cold spell.

 Diamante Bird Earrings, £6 (£4.80 with discount).

Ever since I lost one of my swallow earrings down the drain I've been looking for the perfect replacement pair- these might just be the ones!

Metal Leaf Necklace, £12 (£9.60 with discount).

The perfect way to capture the essence of autumn in your outfit.

New York Tee, £25 (£20 with discount).

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in America, and as much I wish I could be in the Big Apple watching fireworks and enjoying the festivities, this t-shirt is sadly about as close as I'll get. 

O&O Paisley Blouse Dress, £45 (£36 with discount).

I love this dress, but then you know I'm a bit of an obsessive when it comes to anything with a print!

Don't forget, all you have to do in order to redeem the 20% discount is enter the code 'TODAYONLY' at the checkout. The offer ends at midnight (G.M.T) tomorrow, Thursday 25th November. 

What do you think of my picks? Is there anything you'll be buying tomorrow? And how are you getting on with your Christmas shopping?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters.)

21.11.2010- Winter Winds

Just in case the bitterly cold weather and seemingly never-ending onslaught of Christmas adverts on the telly at the moment haven't got you ready for winter, this stunning editorial from W magazine's December issue is sure to do the trick. Shot by Paolo Roversi and starring the beautiful Lindsey Wixson, this spread is darkly beautiful and very atmospheric:

As far as traditional December issue shoots go, it's about as far away from red and gold sequins as you could possibly get, but I really love the mood it evokes; it almost reminds me of a series of antique portraits that have been found in an attic or at the back of a wardrobe somewhere. The lion certainly brings a suggestion of some Aslan magic, don't you agree?

What do you think of this editorial?

(Image credit: NOIR FACADE.)

18.11.2010- Violet Vintage

I have a confession to make- I'm a complete and utter jewellery addict. In my bedroom I've got two necklace racks which are heaving under the weight of an array of pendants and chains, a ring holder which is constantly toppling over, and about four jewellery boxes filled with bracelets, brooches and earrings. I really love accessorising with jewellery and can rarely resist picking up something more to add to my collection when I'm out shopping, so imagine how excited I was when I found out about Violet Vintage, who specialise in vintage and antique jewellery. The Violet Vintage Originals collection features an array of antique jewellery from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods, their Reworked pieces are vintage designs with a modern twist, and the New Vintage range is vintage inspired but newly made from semi-precious metals and stones. I've been perusing their website in search of some treasures to share with you, and here are some of my favourites:

Solid 9 Carat Gold Diamante Ring, £140.

24 Carat Gold Plated Hummingbird Charm Pendant, £38.

Vintage Style Gold Tone and Diamante Bow Heart Earrings, £27.

1950's Vintage Stratton Gold 'Robin' Compact, £38.

French Art Deco Resin Carved Brooch, £38.

I really love the hummingbird pendant, don't you? And I think each of the pieces are really reasonably priced, given that they are so unique and different from the mass produced jewellery you find on the high street. With my birthday just around the corner (in less than two weeks I'll be 21, help!) and Christmas looming, I might just have to treat myself...

To see all of Violet Vintage's collections visit violetvintagejewellery.com.

What do you think of the Violent Vintage pieces? And are you as addicted to jewellery as I am?

(Image credit: Violet Vintage.)

15.11.2010- A Stylish Man

Here's the perfect thing to cheer up a miserable Monday evening- an exclusive first look at Tom Ford's long awaited Spring 2011 ready to wear collection, as featured in the December issue of US Vogue.

Shot by Steven Meisel and featuring a stellar cast of models including Karen Elson, Joan Smalls and Stella Tennant, this first peek at the collection showcases a strong seventies influence, and features some of the exquisite tailoring which Ford's name has become synonymous with. I can't wait to see more.

What do you think of this look at Tom Ford's Spring 2011 collection? Are you impressed?

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue.)

14.11.2010- Night at the museum

Last Friday, my best friend Sarah and I were lucky enough to attend the Kenzo Fashion in Motion Event which took place at the Victoria and Albert Museum as a celebration of the 40th birthday of the label. Tickets for the event were free, and as you can probably imagine, very much in demand. My frantic phone calling a few weeks ago paid off however, as we were both seated in the front row (how very exclusive!) For the event, creative director of Kenzo Antonio Marras presented a beautiful array of designs inspired by the Japanese heritage of the label (founded by Kenzo Takada in the 1970s) and the vivid culture of Marras' native Sardinia. I particularly loved the prints and the vibrant colours that were on display, as the designs presented really encapsulated the heritage of the brand, as well as demonstrating a unique fusion of cultures through fashion. The Raphael Gallery, where the event was staged, was also the perfect location for the show, as the designs really came to life against such a vast backdrop.

Sarah and I before the show.

Front row seats!

The Raphael Gallery.

The show begins...

The Japanese influence shines through in the Geisha-inspired footwear.

This outfit was so elaborately embellished, it was stunning in the flesh.

The finale.

The museum at night, doesn't it look lovely?

All in all, it was a fantastic evening; a great opportunity to see some truly visionary designs up close, and the ambience of the museum at night is brilliant. If you ever get the chance to go to one of these events, I'd really recommend it.

(Image and video credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)

12.11.2010- Weekend Wishes

A very simple wish for this weekend: I wish the sun would shine!

An Elegant Mystery shot by Jamie Nelson and styled by Anna Katsanis, Elle Mexico, 2010. 

What are your plans or wishes for the weekend ahead?

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue.)

11.10.2010- Harry Potter and the magical red carpet

Tonight here in London it was the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One. I've already written about how excited I am for the release of the film next Friday, and, judging by the thousands of fans who braved the cold and wet in Leicester Square this evening, I'm not the only one. A lot of pictures are still being posted or are yet to come in, but here's a glimpse of my favourite looks from the red carpet so far:

Emma Watson, looking lovely in head to toe black. The crop is really growing on me.

Clémence Poésy, one of my many style crushes, looking effortlessly chic in navy lace. I also adore her clutch bag!

J.K Rowling in the third lace gown of the evening. Spotting a trend?

Bonnie Wright, keeping things minimal in black. I do love the red lipstick.

Rebecca Ferguson, the only X-Factor contestant who will ever feature on this blog (safe to say I am finding the whole show more than tedious!) I love her voice, her attitude and her style, and here she looks every inch the star. Team Rebecca.

Helena Bonham Carter, in what I think is a Vivienne Westwood gown. I do love her quirky style. 

What do you think of the red carpet looks from tonight's premiere? Any that stand out for you?

(Image credit: The Leaky Cauldron.)