07.03.2011- Fashion Week Top Five: Milan A/W 2011

Whilst the world has moved on to Paris Fashion Week, which is wrapping up this week with the final few shows (so looking forward to Chanel and McQueen!), I've fallen very behind and am only just getting round to posting my picks from Milan. I found a lot of the shows quite disappointing, wasn't a massive fan of the stars on show at Dolce and Gabbana (Chanel did it much better in Spring 2008) and couldn't get enthused by the fish-scale skirts at Prada. Oh dear! There were, however, a selection of shows which did stand out:

1) Versace

 Loving the red-carpet ready dresses and opulence.

2) Just Cavalli

We all know I'm a bit of a print obsessive, and especially love anything cute and floral. This collection from Just Cavalli was unashamedly romantic and hippie inspired, and the long lines were charming.

3) Giorgio Armani

 Exquisite tailoring and sophistication. Simple and classy, just what we've come to expect from Armani.

4) Aquilano.Rimondi

 I really liked the pops of colour which were used in this collection, from the tangerine collar on a neutral coat to the beautiful pastel blue dress. I think this collection really captured a 20's feel, from the Art-Deco lines to the drop waisted dresses. Lovely stuff!

5) Gucci

The love-affair with the 70's started by Mr. Marc Jacobs continued at Gucci, where sheer maxi dresses, bright colours and bell sleeves were in plentiful supply.

What were you favourite shows from Milan Fashion Week?

(Image credit: style.com.)

04.03.2011- Weekend Wishes

This weekend, I wish I could follow the example of Jourdan Dunn and Karmen Pedaru and lose myself Robinson Crusoe style on a desert island:

Jourdan Dunn and Karmen Pedaru for UK Vogue, March 2011, shot by Mario Testino and styled by Lucinda Chambers.

 Hurry up summer!

What are your plans for the weekend? What do you wish you could be doing?

(Image credit: NOIR FACADE- warning: the editorial contains some nudity.)

02.03.2011- Tea For Two

Last week, my lovely mum and I went along to The Dorchester, where we indulged in a spot of afternoon tea at their luxurious Promenade restaurant. It really was a wonderful treat, and the food was absolutely delicious. The staff were so polite and helpful, and couldn't do enough to make sure that we enjoyed every moment of our tea sitting. And, just as we were preparing to leave, Kate Moss and Jamie Hince waltzed through the restaurant (ooooh!) However, I have to admit that I found the food that we were served more exciting, especially when we were able to take home a little goody bag filled with some of the treats we were simply too full to finish.

Our table, complete with a rose floating in water and tea strainer!

The beautiful china.

Delicious finger sandwiches (left to right: Cucumber and Cream Cheese, Salmon, Chicken and Mustard, Seafood Selection and Egg Mayonnaise, all served on freshly baked bread.)

Fresh Dorchester Blend tea- which I loved (and I'm not a tea drinker!)

The mouth-watering mango foam and mousse which we were served after our sandwiches.

Mumma! (making what I think is her debut appearance on the blog!)

Me trying my best to be posh!

Freshly baked scones which were brought to the table warm and served with clotted cream and jam.

Sweet things!

Our cake stand was topped with these beautiful French pastries.

The outside of the hotel, taken as we waddled to the bus stop!

We both had a fantastic time and would certainly go to The Dorchester for their afternoon tea again. Everything about the experience, from the service, to the surroundings and, most importantly, the food was faultless. If you ever get a chance to treat yourself, then definitely do- you won't be disappointed.

To find out more about the variety of afternoon tea experiences to be enjoyed at The Dorchester, visit thedorchester.com.

Have you ever been for afternoon tea? Did you enjoy it?

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