My New Favourite Thing

Teen Queen

2012-02-05T12:00:00.000Z

I'm 27 but, to be honest, I never really left 15 behind. I still love pink, would prefer a coke float to a glass of red and spend an ~~alarming~~ disproportionate amount of time watching films set in that theatre of dreams, the American High School. I think this latent tween-dom has something to do with the fact that growing up in the late 90s/ early 00s, I had so many teen icons to love. Cher Horowitz is still my ultimate, obviously, but Blossom, Clarissa, Angela, the girls from The Craft - they all convinced me that, despite the odd breakout/ mate trying to kill you and nick your boyfriend, a teenage life was the only one really worth living. Especially since it looked like, in their world, they never had to shave their legs with a blunt Bic, or wrap their head around French subjunctives, or wait for hours in drizzle for the 127. AND they had highlights that certainly didn't look like they'd attempted to do them themselves with a Wella kit from Boots and an overzealous, ham-fisted friend. Yep, I'm pretty sure I could've dealt with attempts on my life in exchange for really good hair.

All these memories came flooding back when I discovered Teenage Bedroom, a Tumblr which peers into a world unlike any other - that sacred inner sanctum that oh my god, like, SAYS so much about you. A place where clutter is king and the desperate need to prove your personality in a physical way reaches hyperactive levels. A trait which I've now swapped for clothes, evidently. The below two pictures are from my first year university room, at age 18. The third one down is my little brother standing in my room as it was from the age of 13 until I came back from uni. Sadly, the only photo I seem to have. Just FYI, my arrested development is not so drastic that that my room still looks like this. It looks like this now.

Here's a preview of other gems to be found on the tumblr...

What did your teenage bedroom look like?

Hashtag Totes Amaze

2012-01-29T14:22:00.002Z

Things that worry me about the following videos...

1. That I hear and/ or say at least 3 of these sentences on a daily basis.

2. That my Karen Walker Number One tortoiseshell sunglasses look better on him than me.

3. That this makes me want to ask the Pierre Hermé or Ladurée/ heels or flats/ Essie or OPI/ Karl Lagerfeld or Daphne Guinness question almost constantly.

Prize for best line? "She kept calling it RodART." Cue disgusted face. All together now: obSESSED!

Quote Of The Day

2012-01-26T20:10:00.001Z

~~Tumblr~~ A wise person once told me...

Fearlessness is no bad thing.

5 Things To Be Excited About

2012-01-22T11:10:00.000Z

It's the middle of January; not the most cheerful of times. Luckily, things to look forward to right now are ten a penny. Here are my 5 faves...

1. Meadham Kirchhoff Nail Rock wraps

As if the Meadham Kirchhoff boys didn't bring enough joy into the world with their SS12 collection, now the sugary, so-kitsch-it-hurts nail wraps from their show are going into production and being sold at Topshop from Feb 8th. For me, this alone is a reason to get up in the mornings.

2. Bill Cunningham New York - The Film

It's always good to be ahead of the curve, but not quite as satisfying if nobody knows you were. So I'm shamelessly linking to when I reported about Bill Cunningham New York the first time around, nearly a year ago. Hashtag smug face. Anyway, the film, documenting the life and adventures of the godfather of street style snaps (Scott who?) is finally making it to our fair shores on March 16th. Hooray!

3. New faces at London Fashion Week this season

Being a die-hard Moschino fan, I was overjoyed when I heard that Cheap & Chic will be showing at LFW this season. Let's hope Rossella Jardini throws caution to the wind and recreates a wilder ode to Franco's 'Waist of Money' collection. McQ and Stella are also joining in the fun. Quite the trio.

4. Ladurée make-up - Autumn

Face powder pressed into rose petals? Unabashed Marie Antoinette styling? Enough pink to give you diabetes? GIMME!

5. New season wardrobe!

A guaranteed way to beat the January blues? No, it's not getting your endorphins on at the gym (as if), but glorious piles of more stuff. Topping my wish list at the moment are Ash's wedge trainers, Current/Elliott's mint leopard-print jeans and Maria Francesca Pepe's pearl and stud ring.

And one for luck... a TV prequel to Sex & The City, The Carrie Diaries, has just been confirmed. AND it's set in 80s Manhattan. Score.

What are you excited about at the moment?

In Good Company

2012-01-16T23:35:00.005Z

I know, I know. I've been seriously AWOL of late. But I am still alive - see below clipping from Company as proof.

It's no great bombshell that The Boy has certain, er, reservations about various items in my wardrobe. This just immortalises it in print. It also reminds me of my favourite ever post, the one where he styled me up for 5 different occasions. If you haven't read it and fancy a little giggle, you can find it here.

We've since had stern words.

This is the reason I will never stop reading Teen Vogue...

2012-01-07T10:05:00.000Z

Kitsch rockabilly editorials steal my heart.

P.S. Would do bad things to get my hands on that pink metallic leather biker jacket.

2011: The Year That Was

2012-01-02T22:09:00.000Z

As is tradition, I've spent the last three days ~~scrabbling together memories from a mind like Swiss cheese~~ introspectively dissecting the past year with a view to making the next one even better. It's hard. But I've tried to learn the lessons, count my blessings and expand my mind - although by the look of these pictures, the only thing I've truly been intent on expanding is my waistline. Food, as always, played a major role in my 2011, with meals at Dinner by Heston and St John, as well as an embarrassingly prolific number of afternoon teas at Sketch. Fashion, too, was a constant source of income, woe and giddy delight in equal measure. 2011 was also a year of the New. New York twice and also a new face, once. I had major jaw surgery in August and my braces removed last month - hence why you now have the dubious pleasure of seeing my toothy, village-idiot grin in nearly every photograph. Making up for lost time and two years of me moodily refusing to smile properly for the camera. Paris was also on the agenda, as were wonderful trips to Cornwall and Cambridge with The Boy. I irritatingly turned 27, grew up a bit (and I stress a bit) and spent far too much money. I didn't learn French, move out or sew that missing button onto my trench. Still, there's always 2012. Bring it on!

Must've been good this year...

2011-12-31T17:03:00.000Z

Spoilt? Well, yes, but grateful too, which I always feel is far more important. My favourite gift was from The Boy (he may now have to be promoted to The Wonderful Boy) - a nifty little Fuji X10 which takes fabulous pictures (well, it would if I could figure out how to take it off Auto), looks brilliantly retro and is infinitely more portable than my old Canon DSLR. I win.

Honourable mention goes to my Debrett's Ladies Diary, Kooples fedora, DKNY coat and the Go Away I'm Writing mug that I'm drinking Earl Gray from as we speak. Oh, and the poached pears in wine that my mum makes for me every year, without which Christmas may as well be cancelled.

At the risk of sounding insufferably mawkish, I really do feel very blessed and hope you all had brilliant, cockle-warming Christmasses too. Now off you go to celebrate New Year's Eve in style!

A Very Happy 2012!

Olivia xxx

New Favourite Restaurant: So

2011-12-29T12:00:00.000Z

Ranking right up there with Douglas Booth's cheekbones and a nice cup of tea, Japanese food is, for me, one of life's greatest pleasures. Feather-light tempura, buttery sashimi and eye-bleedingly hot wasabi (the more eye-bleeding the better. If you're not wimpering, there's not enough in your mouth) - are my three weaknesses. Then begins the territorialism. I don't like to share. The Boy knows this and yet continues to escort me to restaurants - he even pretends to have a nice time. That's love.

One of our latest jaunts was to So; a Japanese eaterie located in the glossy part of Soho, boasting dishes grilled over volcanic rocks imported from Mount Fuji. Misleadingly understated from the front, So is actually pretty slick on the inside - all dark varnished wood and flattering lighting. A friend of mine has a rule that she doesn't eat in restaurants with pictures of the food on the menu. I've always been inclined to agree, but So's weren't of the faded, 70s, on-holiday-in-Torremolinos ilk, just helpful indicators of what you'd be getting if you fancied the sound of Yakitori or Gobo Salad.

We started with Barbary duck smoked on Jack Daniels wood chips which had a full-flavoured, gammon-like quality. But it was the foie gras nigiri that came next that brought out the worst in me. The Boy, armed with nothing but chopsticks, was powerless. It was sticky and buttery and salty and sweet. Utterly delicious. He never stood a chance.

The sashimi was unbelievably fresh which meant it tasted as beautiful alone as it did clumsily dunked in soy sauce and buttered with a thick layer of wasabi. Mmm. Another highlight was the aubergine denngaku - generously sliced segments, grilled, coated in salty-sweet red miso paste and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Did I already mention how I feel about tempura? Well, I feel the same about black cod in miso. Dare I say it, but So's, marinated in sayiko, was better than Nobu's. (I tried to sneak that in in the least pretentious way possible. Did it work? Probably not.)

It's a testament to the food that after all that, I still had space for - and finished - dessert. There was even minimal judgement from our lovely waitress.

The verdict? An old school one - don't judge a book by its cover. You could easily walk past this unassuming little place, mistaking it for just another Japanese in London. The Boy, ever-observant, pointed out a little sign in the window, however. Best Japanese in the UK as voted by Japanese residents. If that's not a fantastic recommendation, I don't know what is.

With thanks to the lovely folk at So Restaurant, 3-4 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5LS. 020 7292 0767

12 Days Of Christmas...In Outfits

2011-12-28T00:44:00.000Z

Fine, so this might not be The 12 Days of Christmas In Outfits proper (I may have snuck in the same dress/ day twice), but it's all about the sentiment, friends. Please enjoy my last few gratuitous outfit shots of 2011, taken everywhere from La Centre Pompidou in Paris to a barstool in Covent Garden...

Day 1: Last day in Paris. Wearing: Vintage fur gilet, Topshop leather jacket

Day 2: Festive drinks in the pub. Wearing: Vuitton scarf, Zara jumper & leather skirt, New Look coat

Day 3: Engagement do. Wearing: Aqua by Aqua dress, Lulu Guinness clutch

Day 4: Running errands. Wearing: New Look jeans, M&S glitter pumps, Boohoo jumper, Thomas Wylde bag, Topshop leather jacket

Day 5: Carols at Westminster Abbey. Wearing: Nicole Farhi coat, River Island jumper, Topshop OTK boots, Lanvin bag, Yves Salomon ear muffs

Day 6: Wrapping presents. Wearing: Whistles joggers, Vintage pearls, Zoe Karssen GTL T-shirt

Day 7: Present shopping. Wearing: J Brand jeans, Thomas Wylde bag, Mille Rostock at My-wardrobe gilet, Dune boots

Day 8: Christmas Day. Wearing: DKNY coat, Zara jumper & skirt, Whistles necklace, Lanvin bag

Day 9: Christmas Morning. Wearing: La Senza pyjamas

Day 10: Christmas Eve baking. Wearing: J.Crew neon T-shirt, J.Brand Houlihans

Day 11: Christmas Drinks. Wearing: Aqua by Aqua dress, MAC's Russian Red lipstick

Day 12: Cocktail Party. Wearing: H&M dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, Noir ring, Mawi bracelet, Camilla Skovgaard shoes

What did you wear over Christmas? And what are your outfit plans for New Year's Eve?

Joyeux Noel From Paris!

2011-12-22T22:41:00.000Z

Skipping around the city of lights in the run-up to Christmas seems to have become a bit of a tradition for The Boy and I. Well, rolling around is more accurate a description since we eat nothing but cheese, meat and monstrous pains au chocolat the whole time we're there. Kind of like a stomach-stretching warm-up before the 25th arrives. We have a deal; I absorb all the calories while nine times out of ten, he comes back thinner than before we left. Annoying, yes, but I shan't let it stop me taking one for the team. After all, Paris is not a city in which to practice restraint. Too many delectable little treats winking at you from every angle - a cream-filled crepe here, a pistachio macaron there...I can never resist!

A Very Chanel Christmas

2011-12-21T16:30:00.000Z

If Karl Lagerfeld was Santa, the whole world would look like the Printemps windows in Paris every single Christmas.

Let's all just take a minute to meditate on that, shall we?

*Hashes out Jack Skellington-style mechanics of kidnapping the big man and replacing him with Karl in a fat suit.*

Last Minute Stocking Fillers Under £35

2011-12-18T22:42:00.002Z

From top left:

Cox, Cookies & Cake Cookery Book - £9, Amazon

Spiked iPhone case - €20, Shampalove

Debbie Harry Paper Doll - £7.50, Bouf.com

Ponyskin purse - £20, Miss Selfridge

Maison Lancome Blusher - £34, Lancome

Prestat Champagne Truffles - £15.50, Liberty of London

Every Cloud Umbrella - £35, Lulu Guinness

Ornamental Self Select Eye Colour - £12, Paul & Joe at BeautyBay

They See Me Rollin' Art Print - $20, Aled Lewis at In Print

Jewelled False Lashes - £18, Shu Uemura at Selfridges

Horse clutch bag - £30, ASOS.com

Pyramid Stud Friendship Bracelet - £7.50, Miss Selfridge

Fashionista's London Print - £20.50, Not On The High Street

Faux Pas Notebook - £12, Archie Grand at Culture Label

Sweetheart Satin Lingerie Set - £20 (bra) £18 (briefs), Playful Promises

Personalised Blended Tea - £27, Blends For Friends

Heart-shaped Mirror Compact - $7, Marc Jacobs

Ring - £14, Miss Selfridge

Faux-snakeskin Make-up Bag - £17.99, Fiorelli at New Look

Kiehl's Beauty Cracker - Selfridges

Nail Rock - £6.50, Miss Selfridge

Christmas Gift Guide - For Me Me Me

2011-12-15T00:07:00.000Z

For: Yours Truly

Likes: toast, making demands, watching the same Girls of The Playboy Mansion episode over and over, Minx mani/ pedis, having a nose through other people's handbags, pigeon post, baking pies, singing obnoxiously loud, collecting fancy beauty products then only ever using facewipes and water, chopped herring bagels, getting black cabs, tanning, Hello Kitty paraphernalia, mum's baked cheesecake, wandering aimlessly through Liberty picking things up then putting them down, Paris, finding exactly the right gift, quoting from Jersey Shore (cabs are here), a bloody good list.

From top left:

Taschen's New York Book - £20.06, Amazon

Isabel Marant wedge trainers - Selfridges

Yes Neon Light - £570, Bianca Hall

Bunny Sunglasses - $300, Karen Walker at Acrimony

Necklace - £104, Swarovski Crystallized

In The Spirit Of Capri Book - £30, Liberty

Rose Perfume - £132, Le Labo at Liberty

Zip-detail gloves - £32.50, Kurt Geiger

Raspberry coat - £587, DKNY at My-wardrobe.com

Go Away Im Writing Mug - £10, Not On The Highstreet

Leather Pouch - Personalised with your own text - £28, Bouf.com

White BlackBerry Bold 9900 - £512.06, Amazon

Rose Gold and Crystal Pave Ring - £190, Eddie Borgo

Platform heels - £159.99, Kandee

Canvas Tote - $40, Maude & Tilda

Leather Notebook - £49, Lulu Guinness

Metallic Clutch - £440, Alexander Wang at Net-a-Porter.com

Christmas Gift Guide - For The Little Ones

2011-12-14T23:43:00.000Z

For: The Kids

Like: coming out with corkers in public, Granny's chocolate brownies, e-numbers, getting away with murder.

From top left:

'Rill' knitted fox - £35, Donna Wilson at Soma Gallery

M is for Metal Alphabet Book - £61.55, Amazon

Mermaid Sleeping Bag - £95, Howkapow

Burger Bobble Hat - £20, Lazy Oaf

Doodle Bedspread - £45, Cox & Cox

Hello & Goodbye Mittens - £4.19, New Look

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner Babygro - £18, Not On The Highstreet

1980s Colouring Book - £7.50, Bouf.com

Hello Kitty Patent Bow Clutch - $39.95, Neato Shop

Singing Bird Cage - £12.50, Cox & Cox

Rocket Playhouse - £40, Design Museum Shop

Fairy Princess Biscuits - £30, Biscuiteers

Family Tree Wall Sticket - £24, Cox & Cox

Christmas Gift Guide - For Your Other Half

2011-12-14T21:00:00.001Z

For: Your Boyfriend

Likes: reading books by people you've never heard of, Argentinean red wine, eating more oysters than is advisable in one sitting, surprising you with presents, obscure Baroque concertos, reading the papers in bed, having an irritatingly neat wardrobe, his mum's chicken curry, having full-blown conversations with his dog, being ever so slightly pretentious.

From top left:

On Booze by F Scott Fitzgerald - £5.99, Amazon

Pencils - £15, Paul Smith at Selfridges

Memento Mori wax skull candle - £77.50, DL & Co at Selfridges

Concealed Book Shelf - £12.50, Cox & Cox

3.1 Phillip Lim Coat - £855, My-wardrobe.com

Moustache Bottle Stopper - £18, Jonathan Adler

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Perfume - £75, Selfridges

Bulldog Lamp - £295, Abigail Ahern at Bouf.com

Velvet Slippers - £175, Aspinal of London

Heroin & Cocaine Salt & Pepper Shakers - £70, David Shrigley at The Hermit Store

Epicure Hamper - £275, Fortnum & Mason

The Hell With Work Hip Flask - £24, Bouf.com

Canon PowerShot G12 camera - £359.99, Amazon

Christmas Gift Guide - For Your Sister

2011-12-14T09:00:00.007Z

For: Your Sister

Likes: spoiling you rotten, telling people she's younger than you, 'borrowing' your Hermes body lotion, doing the 'shuffle and poke' on the dancefloor, sharing harrowing poo stories about her kids, having you over for breakfast, being mortifyingly honest with strangers in changing rooms, speaking in nothing but Elf quotes from December 1st, asking you when you're getting married, ordering champagne for no reason.

From top left:

The Great Food Box Set - £140, Penguin

Pink iPad case - £165, Mulberry

Pineapple Lamp Base - £95, Graham & Green

Missoni Down-filled Cushion - £110, Net-a-Porter.com

Hand-painted Babushka Music Box - £69, Plumo

Anya Hindmarch Heart-studded purse - £125, Net-a-Porter.com

Leather Diary - £43, Debretts at Liberty

Personalised Poster Print - £38, Not On The High Street

Glitter Peep-toes - £59, Dune

Multicoloured necklace - £495, Shourouk at Matches

How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran - £6.47, Amazon

Alexandra Satine Handbag - £183, Boticca.com (they have such amazing shoulder bags!)

Calf & Half Creamer Jug - $25, Acrimony

Christmas Gift Guide - For Your Dad

2011-12-13T15:29:00.003Z

For: Your Dad

Likes: 16-year-old Laphroaig Whisky, turning the thermostat down, driving fast, really good marmalade, pretending to do work but actually playing rally games on the computer, stinky cheese, knowing everything about everything, The Great British Pub Lunch, tea from a proper pot, haughtily reminiscing about the good old days.

From top left:

Senna DVD - £10.99, Amazon

London Mantle Clock - £39, Plumo

Fairisle jumper - £215, Polo Ralph Lauren at My-wardrobe.com

Steve McQueen Foldable sunglasses - £280, Persol at Mr Porter

Twitterature: The World's Greatest Books retold Through Twitter - £5.44, Amazon

Luxury Wet Shave Gift Voucher - £45, Murdoch of London at Liberty

Printed tie - £55, Liberty

Leather Travel Bag - £249.95, Barbour

Kindle - £89, Amazon

Wooden wall unit - £115, Cox & Cox

Crocodile Watch Box - £295, Aspinal of London

The Magnificent Martini Cocktail Kit - £38.50, Bouf.com

Heston Blumenthal At Home Book - £16, Amazon

Christmas Gift Guide - For Your Little Bro

2011-12-13T09:00:00.004Z

For: Your Little Brother

Likes: celebrating Movember all year round, eating cereal from a salad bowl, The Kinks, accosting people with environmental debate when they least expect it (like when they're trying to watch Desperate Scousewives), surreptitiously sneaking your Dad's old vinyl out of the house one single at a time, cooking obnoxious smelling things in the kitchen, texting you inappropriate jokes at work which may or may not have resulted in you spilling tea all over your keyboard.

From top left:

Work Hard & Be Nice To People Art Print - £40, Anthony Burrill at Soma Gallery

Blanket backpack - £140, Libertine at Urban Outfitters

iCade for iPad - £79.99, Firebox

Dert T-shirt - £30, Lazy Oaf

Vinyl Record Frames - £8.50, Not On The High Street

Know-It-All Pencil Set - $10, Paper Pastries

Scratch-off Map - £17.99, Not On The High Street

Peek-a-boo Pin-up Girl Mug - £9.50, Bouf.com

Orange Watch - £34.99, OClock

File Paper Wallet - £15.95, The Literary Gift Company

Viking Hat - $29.99, Beardhead

Dream Pillowcases - €55, Minimall

Make your own iPhone case from your Instagram photos - Casetagram

Christmas Gift Guide - For Your Best Friend

2011-12-12T20:13:00.004Z

For: Your Best Mate

Likes: sparkle, a good gossip over brunch, silently judging your overgrown handbag collection whilst simultaneously encouraging you to spend money you don't have, paying compliments, being able to cook better than anyone else, secretly watching Newlyweds re-runs in her pyjamas, dragging you to nightclub loos to do blue steel in the mirror, over-ordering in Ping Pong, poking you in the bladder when you need a wee.

From top left:

Tiger jumper - £325, Joseph at My-wardrobe.com

Lucky print - £69, Bianca Hall

Rose-gold watch - £219, Michael Kors

Fluoro clutch bag - £155, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Decorative bird house - £35, Cox & Cox

Set of 3 Mini Candles - £60, Diptyque at Liberty

Playing Cards - £55, Lanvin at Net-a-Porter.com

Karl Chic cashmere & wool-blend scarf - £125, Yarnz

Dangerous Women: The Guide To Modern Life book - £8.24, Amazon

Leopard-print make-up case - £150, Mulberry

Glitter iPad case - £260, Jimmy Choo

Urban Decay Midnight Emergency make-up kit - £28, Beauty Bay

Glitter & gem ballet pumps, £39.50, Marks & Spencer

Christmas Gift Guide - For Your Mum

2011-12-11T17:50:00.003Z

For: Mum

Likes: fresh strawberries on toast, afternoon tea at Sketch, anything with a rose print, showing off to the neighbours, Absolutely Fabulous re-runs, dark red manicures, evil eye jewellery, falling asleep dangerously close to the fire, Barbara Streisand movies, collecting pointless knick knacks from car boot sales, stealing your L'Occitane hand cream, hoarding.

From top left:

Birds Of Paradise tea towel - £34, Cox & Cox

Leather Fashion Diary - £200, Smythson

Dara Ettiger rings - £60, V&A Shop

Glossybox monthly beauty subscription - £10/ month, Glossybox

Bespoke map heart - £48, Not On The Highstreet

Lipstick keyring - £45, Lulu Guinness

Evil Eye bracelet - £105, Aamaya by Priyanka at My-wardrobe.com

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel book - £23.97, Amazon

Sleepmask - £45, Otis Batterbee at Liberty of London

Hand-tied floral bouquet - £110, The Real Flower Company at Selfridges

Jewelled espresso spoons - £22, Cox & Cox

Teacup and saucer - £13.95, Pip Studio at John Lewis

Amalia Voyage leather suitcase - £2110, Lanvin at Net-a-Porter.com

New York Dreams: Part One

2011-12-05T21:16:00.009Z

To my mind, there is literally no better place on earth than New York City. A buzz that can't be replicated, streets paved with gold and a sense that you're really, truly somewhere and your story is just beginning...

{The view from The Standard Hotel bar, Meatpacking}

Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette - this picture-perfect diner has not changed since it opened in 1925. Well, not much anyway. We had breakfast. Then we had dessert. What?

Of the many - and there were many - lists given to me of tips of where to go in NYC, Parisian-style brasserie Balthazar topped them all. Once I had the waffles with warm berry compote and hazelnut cream, I understood why. I'm wearing; Jumper: Zara, Necklace: Dannijo at My-wardrobe.com.

I'm wearing: Gilet & Leather Jacket: Topshop, Jeans & Jumper: Zara, Pumps: Office, Bag: Chloe, Necklace: Dannijo at My-wardrobe.com.

Katz's was pretty much always second on the list. If you asked me for my tips, however, I would make it first. Famed for, among other things, as the place where they filmed the infamous When Harry Met Sally orgasm scene, Katz's Diner is New York proper. They serve cowfee and hotdogs and the kind of pastrami on rye that made me have a bit of a Sally moment, too.

{Economy Candy on Rivington. Willy Wonka eat your heart out.}

{Cocktails at The Jane Hotel under the original Studio 54 discoball. I bet it could tell a few stories.}

{Meatpacking. I'm wearing: Parka: Marks & Spencer, Scarf: Louis Vuitton, Jumper: Preen Line at My-wardrobe.com, Leather leggings: Topshop, Boots: Dune, Bag: 3.1 Philip Lim at My-wardrobe.com.}

{Cocktails at The Standard - totally Bond circa Goldfinger. Preen Line jumper @ My-wardrobe.com}

{Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Just a quick explanation as to why there's a photo of me in the loo. These were, without doubt, the craziest toilets I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. After hunting around for a curtain for about 15 minutes, it slowly dawned on me that it was just me, the toilet bowl, and a huge, floor-to-ceiling, utterly exposing window overlooking Diane von Furstenberg's office and a section of The Highline. Hello, world, here I am! And I'm peeing.}

{I'm kind of defeating the object here by telling you, but since we're such good friends, I'll let you in on the secret. There's a dive hotdog joint in the West Village called Crif Dogs. Crif Dogs is the abandoned back bedroom to Please Don't Tell's Narnia. The wardrobe is an old-skool phone booth in the corner of Crif Dogs - you go in, dial, then get let in to a prohibition-style speakeasy through a secret door. There's taxidermy, exceptional cocktails and next door's hotdogs on the menu. One word: Amazing.}

{The Boy and I at the opera at The Met. I'm wearing: Coat: Nicole Farhi, Dress: Elizabeth and James, Bauble earrings: Dorothy Perkins}

It's no wonder I'm obsessed. Part two coming soon!

All pictures taken with a Canon 5D Mark II, a Canon 85mm fl.2 II lens and a Canon G12 camera.

Cambridge Or Bust!

2011-11-26T00:35:00.001Z

I'm off to beautiful Cambridge for the weekend. Try not to misbehave while I'm gone.

Image via We Heart It

The Illustrated Nail

2011-11-24T20:49:00.003Z

I was recently lucky enough to have my nails done by the lovely Sophie of The Illustrated Nail at the Matalan SS12 press day. Obviously, I chose 2 of my favourite things to grace my fingertips: Cake, and The Boy.

Sophie's designs are seriously impressive...hit her up on 07816 081 213 or theillustratednail@live.co.uk.

The Life Aquatic

2011-11-23T11:02:00.003Z

The Little Mermaid was always my favourite Disney film. Partly cos Eric was so fit, but also because making bras and hairbrushes and musical instruments out of shells always looked like such a damn good time. I doubt Karl Lagerfeld also once sat around feeling a deep spiritual affinity with Ariel, but I like to think that he had a little (poss. emotional?) singalong to ‘Part Of Your World’ whilst sketching his elegantly aquatic Spring/ Summer collection for Chanel. I’d like to fantasise the same of Sarah Burton, whose otherworldly, she-Poseidon offerings at Alexander McQueen were nothing short of magical. The kind of magic that can only be inspired by Disney, I’m sure.

When two such power players decree a mood for the upcoming season, it pays to sit up and take note. But the memo wasn’t just limited to their coral-encrusted gowns and phosphorescent tweed frocks, however. Holly Fulton and Mary Kantrantzou got in on the act too, but with a vibe that was more wet ‘n’ wild than majestic ocean goddess. Digital prints in Crayola colours and thigh-skimming hemlines made for cheeky cocktail numbers that were stamped with energy and wit. Think our old crustacean mate Sebastian’s noisy ‘Under The Sea’ carnival and you’re there.

Originally published for Lyst.com

New Favourite Colour: Yves Klein Blue

2011-11-22T14:00:00.000Z

You know a colour has seeped into your subconscious when the last 3 items you've bought are all saturated in the self-same hue. The Crombie coat I'm wearing below, a 60s-style mini which makes me look like a PanAm extra and a killer pair of platform peep-toes from Steve Madden in New York; all in vibrant, bold Yves Klein blue. According to smarty-pants trend forecasting website, Editd, I am very much a product of the mind-addling properties of the catwalk. To wit: the shade in question, also known as cobalt or electric, appeared in no less than 36 Spring/ Summer collections across the 4 fashion week cities. I was clearly ~~brainwashed~~ taking notes. I love how it looks with neon pink or black and white graphic prints.

Dress: Rory Beca at Shopbop.com

Jeans: J Brand at My-wardrobe.com

Boots: Giuseppe Zanotti at Luisa Via Roma

Tote: Phanton Bag by Celine

Peep-toes: River Island

Blazer: Zimmermann at My-wardrobe.com

Closet Confidential: The Kardashian Sisters

2011-11-21T19:43:00.004Z

Fact: I will never, ever tire of nosing around other people's wardrobes. Unreserved thanks, then, to US InStyle, who evidently are on exactly the same page. Behold the closets of The Sisters Kardashian in all their gilded glory...

Dream wardrobe wish list:

1. An island in the centre (just the one. I'm not greedy) with drawers for lingerie and jewellery.

2. Rotating shoe closet a la Joanna Stayton in Overboard.*

3. Zebra print ponyskin rug

4. Daily fresh roses and peonies

5. More Diptyque candles than are sensible in a room of predominantly cloth.

And speaking of nosing around other people's wardrobes, if you're vaguely interested in what used to furnish mine, I am having a big eBay sale which you can find here. And I'll give you a little insider tip, since I like you. The fuchsia silk-crepe Vanessa Bruno trousers are a gem of a buy.

*Seriously, how many times do I have to bring this up? Someone TAKE THE BLOODY HINT.

Gramercy Park Hotel, NYC

2011-11-17T12:02:00.028Z

I can't say there's been many times that I've walked into a hotel and gasped. Especially to the point of embarrassing whoever I'm with, whilst they do the casual, 'yeah, I stay in places like this all the time' underwhelmed dance. There are certain moments when I am strictly anti-gawp; fashion week, fancy-pants restaurants, celebrities at parties (although I have to admit, this usually goes out of the window after two G&Ts or if David Gandy's knocking about). But the Gramery Park Hotel in New York positively shook it out of me - eyes wide, mouth agog - upon entering...

Intimate but grandiose, the entire hotel is done up like a kind of very cool, rustic bordello - lots of deep reds, heavy drapery and flattering low lighting, made edgy by off-kilter furnishings, reclaimed wooden finishes and more modern artwork than you could shake half a pickled cow at. Speaking of Damien Hirst, his is one of the first pieces you come across in the lobby - a giant arch-shaped frame filled with a mosaic of exactly symmetrical real butterflies called Posterity - The Holy Place. The rest of the hotel is peppered with sculptures and paintings by everyone from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Andy Warhol.

(PS - my first ever video so bear with me! Hope you enjoy it.)

Opulence is a buzzword here, with luxury seeping out everywhere but in a charmingly bohemian, haphazard sort of way. You feel like you've stepped off the streets of New York and into Dali's drawing room in 1920s Paris.

I'm wearing: Vintage fur gilet - Brooklyn Artists & Fleas, Scarf: Louis Vuitton, Leather jacket: Topshop, Jeans: Siwy, Boots: Dune, Sunglasses: Karen Walker, Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim at My-wardrobe.com.

Below: Richard Prince - Untitled

Off the lobby are the Rose and Jade Bars, opulent little coves perfect for after-midnight cocktails. The Rose bar is so-called after Guns 'n' Roses' Axl Rose played in there. Pretty cool, no?

The Boy and I were lucky enough to stay in the Loft on the Penthouse floor - a decadent but eclectic suite complete with a kingsize bed, office area, walk-in wardrobe and beautiful bathroom. There was a serious gravitas about the room - oak wood floors, plush jewel-tone furniture and imported rugs - but it also seemed to have a dark sense of humour; a kind of Tim Burton-esque undertone that made everything seem a bit dreamlike and hyper-real. No doubt symptomatic of being the brainchild of artist and filmaker Julian Schnabel, whose creations also grace some of the walls.

I loved the mini bar set in a custom mahogany English drinking cabinet. It was the most comprehensive I've ever come across, featuring everything from a martini-shaker to a baseball cap. Well, why not? The staff also left a stack of books in the room, and informed me that in-room massages and spa treatments could be arranged should I so wish.

iPad: Apple

iPad case: Stella McCartney

The only thing I love more than a gorgeous hotel bathroom is a fabulous back story. The hotel was built in 1925 on the site of flamboyant architect Stanford White's home. It's seen Humphrey Bogart marry his first of four wives here, as well as JFK and his family living on the second floor for several months before they moved to London. The hotel's website says: "...it was the headquarters for high bohemia, where artists, adventurers and bonvivants rubbed elbows." Good enough for me.

The terrace was the perfect breakfast spot - half indoors, it boasts a retractable roof 16 stories above the city and struck the ideal balance between buzzy and relaxed. Exactly what you need before you head out onto the subway...

I'm wearing: Jeans: New Look, Slippers: Dune, Belt: Vintage, Top: J.Crew

I'm wearing: As first outfit apart from Scarf: Matthew Williamson (similar here), Gloves: Zara (similar here), Sunglasses: Stella McCartney, Gilet: Topshop (similar here), Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim at My-wardrobe.com.

Alongside the utterly inspiring decor and exclusive key access to the the only private park in New York City, the level of service was also pretty exceptional. 24-hour room service, ultra-helpful concierge and cheeky bellhops who offer hilarious opinions on the art: "He must've been on crack to do that!" In a good way, obviously. The Gramercy Park was a little bit of everything: glamorous, magical, beguiling - in fact, exactly like NYC itself. Given half the chance, I'd be back there in a heartbeat.

My New Favourite Thing was a guest of The Gramercy Park Hotel, New York City. Click here to book a room. Or just to ogle more pictures.

All pictures and video taken with a Canon 5D Mark II, a Canon 85mm fl.2 II lens and a Canon G12 camera.

So good, they named it twice...

2011-11-11T11:16:00.004Z

Just a little taster of what's to come from my trip to New York, New York!

Lady And The Vamp

2011-11-09T12:10:00.002Z

First the Bloods and the Crips, then Jen vs. Ange, now it’s Ladies or Vamps. In fashion, as in life, there are usually two disparate groups of thought on all things Really Important. This season is no exception, with us expected to sit either on the prim or provocative side of the fashion fence. There are very few who can seamlessly swing from one incarnation to the other (think Belle du Jour and her erstwhile alter ego). No, most of us are born with just the one inherent in our veins. A quick litmus test; (and it doesn’t have to be quite so blatant as babydoll vs. suspenders): leather or cashmere? Gloves or boots? Even a dog vs. cat preference can be a sneaky giveaway of your Autumn/ Winter predilection.

Both styles have their allure; a spray-on pair of leather skinnies winning the practicality trophy but failing miserably on the flattering front. A sharply-tailored pencil skirt, on the other hand, makes every woman feel like Sophia Loren - although slightly less so when having to run for the bus in one. As trends go, ‘ladylike’ is always going to sound infinitely more viable than ‘fetish’, but lacks the glint-in-eye, let-people-stare element that makes fashion so much fun. Marc Jacobs at Vuitton had the right idea, creating a collection so full of body-con leather it practically squeaked down the runway – a noise only muffled by the sound of men everywhere rejoicing.

The flip side was the catwalk’s answer to Middleton mania, with designers like Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi and Bottega Veneta sending out perfectly proper attire fit for a princess. Or at the very least a duchess. Below-knee skirts, pleats, twinsets, even tweed was on the agenda, all imbued with a 40s-slash-60s-slash-70s flavour.

So there you have it, ladies – this season it’s the duchess vs. the dominatrix. I know which one I’d back in a fight. Just saying.

Originally published for Lyst.com

Flu Chic

2011-11-08T16:16:00.006Z

I have flu. Pity party. Everyone's invited.

The following would definitely make me feel better...

J. Crew striped cotton pyjamas

Diptyque Jasmine candle

Hot water bottle - Not On The High Street

Holly Golightly sleep mask

Angora bed socks

Cashmere robe

Hand bell

Why Don't You? Audacious Advice For Fashionable Living by Diana Vreeland

Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Everything, the DVD box set

"I Never Saw An Ugly Man With Money"

2011-11-05T13:19:00.004Z

One of the best things I discovered whilst wandering around New York was the existence of Ruth Wallis. She was a fabulously camp novelty cabaret singer from the 40s and 50s and I think she's my new personal icon. Hope the below song makes your weekend that little bit better...

"When I meet men short, fat and wealthy they all look tall, dark and handsome to me."

Packing: Take Half Of What You Think You Need, And Twice As Much Money

2011-11-02T17:55:00.004Z

Like applying mascara on the tube or assessing the optimum water level for a Pot Noodle, packing for a holiday is an art form that should never be underplayed. I feel I am in a select group of packing elite equipped to loftily edify you with how it's done - simply for two reasons. One, I can inexplicably fit 27kg into a suitcase designed for 23kg at a push.* And two: Carnets. A carnet is basically a painfully detailed list of merchandise you're transporting to another country to shoot - each item must be labelled, numbered and put in a place where a customs officer can shout "Show me number 106!" on a whim, and you must scramble to find it whilst attempting to look calm and guiltless. You have ten suitcases and ten seconds. It's like a Crystal Maze version of The Wire.

Anyway, apart from laying things as flat as possible, the thing I've come to rely on most while packing are these fabulous Pack It! lists from Knock Knock. I'm a sucker for novelty stationery goods anyway, but this little memo pad is actually incredibly helpful as well as providing plenty of opportunity for the eminently satisfying Ticking Off Of Stuff. The litmus test? I've not forgotten anything for a trip since buying them.

*Disclaimer: May or may not be a socially accepted view of 'good packing'.

Wish You Were Here

2011-10-29T22:34:00.004+01:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I'm currently eating my weight in pastrami in the big apple. Follow me on twitter at @FavouriteThing for live updates, showy tweets and/ or quite a lot of twitpics of French toast.

Below: the bar on the 18th floor of The Standard Hotel.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Reinventing The Heel

2011-10-24T12:36:00.002+01:00

That Marilyn Monroe spoke a lot of sense. She told us diamonds were a girl’s best friend, that Chanel No 5 was the only acceptable thing to wear in bed, and that the right pair of shoes could help us conquer the world. Of all these, however, it’s the latter that womenfolk have really run with. Well, hobbled and then jumped into the nearest cab with. We all know the intrinsic power those cantilevered inches hold, but just incase we’d forgotten, the humble heel is staging a serious comeback.

After having well and truly usurped the It-bag as the accessory of choice, the statement heel is currently enjoying being celebrated in multimedia form. Coffee table tome High Heels: Fashion, Femininity & Seduction is due for release in October, new documentary God Save My Shoes is to be screened imminently at Paris Fashion Week, even street style snappers have turned their lenses downward of late, perhaps realising that fabulous footwear gets our collective heart racing more than anything else. Just look to editrixes Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt – each know it’s a killer shoe that maketh the outfit, often forgoing a bag entirely to create that achingly hip Parisian nonchalance that we all yearn for.

Shoes are pivotal to this Autumn’s trends, too. In fact, never have there been so many must-have heels shoehorned into one season before. Are you a lady? Try Celine’s pointy heeled loafer. A vamp? Choose YSL’s risqué lace-up boots. Individualist? Miu Miu’s glitter peep-toes. Carnaby Queen? Prada’s snakeskin knee-highs. They’re the fastest shortcut to new-season cool you can get. A one-step solution, if you like. And each with the sex appeal, the allure and the drama that a Mulberry Alexa could never have.

From top: Christina Aguilera, Kourtney Kardashian and Fergie's shoe closets.

Originally published for Lyst.com

13 Halloween Style Icons

2011-10-23T09:18:00.010+01:00

It's just a happy (or spooky, depending on your predilection) coincidence that there are thirteen iconic characters I look to for style inspiration come Halloween. From Lydia Deetz's Viktor & Rolf-esque blood-red wedding dress to Wednesday Addams' ironic Puritan collar and knit (seriously...how AW 11?), I always relish the chance to pour over their looks and plan my costume accordingly. It's basically also a great excuse to watch my favourite movies (buy them by clicking the links and enrich your life immediately). I think I'll start today with Hocus Pocus!

Scream Queen: Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice

Quote: "I plan to have a stroke from the amount of MSG that's in this food."

One of Tim Burton's best, hands down. Special mention to Michael Keaton's stripy suit and liberal use of Harry Belafonte songs.

Scream Queen: Nancy from The Craft

Quote: "We are the weirdos, mister."

I've lost count of the amount of sleepovers spent playing Light As A Feather, Stiff As A Board. Credit goes to The Craft entirely. A seminal tween movie for me.

Scream Queen: Madeline Ashton from Death Becomes Her

Quote: "Wrinkled, wrinkled little star, hope they never see the scars."

This is one of my all time favourite films. Sod Sophie's Choice, this was Meryl Streep's career-defining role.

Scream Queen: Elvira from Elvira Mistress Of The Dark

Quote: "Revenge is better than Christmas."

Confession: I've never actually seen this. But it has my name all over it. Feel free to buy it for me as a Halloween present.

Scream Queen: Star from The Lost Boys

Quote: She doesn't say much. But she does dress well.

The original (and best) teenage vampire movie. And it's packed full of 80s New Romantic ensembles and leather. Win.

Scream Queen: The Bride from The Bride of Frankenstein

I've always wanted to fashion my hair into this fabulous electric-shock confection that sits atop Frank's bride's head. Maybe this year is the year...

Scream Queen: Sarah from Hocus Pocus

Quote: "AMOK! Amok, amok, amok, amok..."

I have the distinct memory of, at age eight, trying to re-enact this as a play with a cast of three. It was tough.

Scream Queen: Wednesday Addams from Addams Family Values

Quote: "We're going to play a game. It's called 'Is there a God?'"

Morticia's vampish, femme fatale style was so obvious. I always felt that Wednesday rocked the look noir far better than her mother. Plus, any girl who can make-over her other half so successfully gets snaps from me.

Scream Queen: Casey from Scream

Quote: "Who's there?"

Drew had the low-fi 90s look down in the opening sequence to Scream. Too bad she got butchered - we could've been privy to more of her chic knitwear collection.

Scream Queen: Pam from True Blood

Quote: "I am over Sookie and her precious fairy vagina and her unbelievably stupid name!"

I am girl crushing so hard on Pam from True Blood right now...but not so much that I couldn't sneak in a cheeky pic of Eric too. Double swoon.

Scream Queen: Alexandra Medford from The Witches of Eastwick

Quote: "I think... no, I am positive... that you are the most unattractive man I have ever met in my entire life. You know, in the short time we've been together, you have demonstrated EVERY loathsome characteristic of the male personality and even discovered a few new ones. You are physically repulsive, intellectually retarded, you're morally reprehensible, vulgar, insensitive, selfish, stupid, you have no taste, a lousy sense of humor and you smell. You're not even interesting enough to make me sick."

This was one of the movies I used to steal from my Dad's VHS collection and watch in secret when I was ill off school. It was rated 15, had a few naughty words in it and one extremely graphic cherry-pip vomiting scene which came completely out of left field and scarred me for life.

Totally worth it, though.

Scream Queen: Dr Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Quote: "Don't dream it, be it."

Obsessed is not the word. This is one of Richard O'Brien's biggest gifts to the world. That's right. More than The Crystal Maze.

Scream Queen: Ann Darrow from King Kong

Quote: *SCREAM*

Fay Wray should be every girl's style icon, really. Ripped négligée, artfully dishevelled hair, inexplicably non-smeared red lipstick... She's got a touch of Courtney Love/ Meadham Kirchoff SS12 about her, no?

What movies do you watch to get you in the Halloween spirit?

Lap(top) Of Luxury

2011-10-16T09:15:00.002+01:00

My-wardrobe.com get fashionistas. Dell, evidently, do as well. Hence why I was so over the moon to be given one of their brand spanking new 15R Inspiron laptops with switchable lids at My-wardrobe's recent AW11 preview. It means I can match my laptop to my bag/ nail varnish/ bedroom/ delete-as-appropriate should the mood strike. And being a complete diva, the mood does strike. A lot.

Pink lid: OPI for Dell, Snakeskin lips clutch: Lulu Guinness, Dior lipgloss: Selfridges, Essie nailvarnish: Beauty Bay, Gel pen: Muji, Smythson notebook: My-wardrobe

Skull lid: Dell, Sunglasses: Stella McCartney, Gloves: Zara (sold out - similar here), Smythson notebook: My-wardrobe, Pen: Mont Blanc

Thankyou My-wardrobe.com and Dell!

Vintage Pleasures Weekend at Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

2011-10-15T18:02:00.002+01:00

A vintage weekend by the Great British seaside? I was always going to be all over that. Last Friday, with a too-large suitcase and Lucy Luxe Life in tow, I jumped aboard a First Great Western (first class, darling - is there any other way to travel?), and zoomed down to the Cornish coast to partake in the retro stylings of The Bedruthan Steps Hotel. A weekend of hoola hooping, jive moves and fish 'n' chips awaited...

The vibe was wholesome but luxurious - the kind of place you'd take your kids to learn about the simple joys of sandcastle building, but still be able to indulge in a champagne bellini and a seaweed wrap if the mood took you.

Our room looked over the breathtaking scene of Mawgan Porth Beach; a quaint, golden cove peppered with whitewashed cottages. It served as a stunning reminder of how beautiful pockets of England can be - always worth remembering when I'm yearning for somewhere more exotic than Platform 13 at Clapham Junction!

The Vintage Pleasures weekend, an initiative set up by the sisters who own the hotel, tied in beautifully with the retro feel of the property itself. The family wanted to create an event which would involve the whole community - an ethos which really came across as we were strolling along the beach. Packed with locals and holidaymakers alike, everyone was getting stuck in - from the old ladies who put the young 'uns to shame on their wooden belly boards, to the whole families who turned up to play volleyball and skittles. You couldn't escape the strong sense of community spirit - add that to the impossibly glorious weather and I could've sat on the rocks soaking up the atmosphere for hours! However, a slap-up fish 'n' chip lunch and cupcake decorating called, so we tore ourselves away from the fantastic cookery demo on the beach and walked back up to the main hotel.

I was really impressed that my lunch consisted of 3 different types of fish, as well as proper hand-cut chips and the requisite mushy peas/ tartare sauce. The serving staff couldn't have been sweeter and didn't even judge us when we mentioned that after our strawberry and meringue dessert that we'd be moving straight on to cupcake decorating.

An adorable vintage pop-up shop selling homeware as well as clothing was overflowing with retro goodies, while The Vintage Cream, a Cornish company that organises vintage styling among other things, had set up a dream-like tea party at the next stall.

Make do and mend was a prominent theme with the philosophy of the hotel being sustainable and ethical, as well as a workshop teaching you how to sew accessories from scraps of pretty vintage fabric. Who needs to buy a new iPhone case when you can make one instead?

Retro hair and make-up makeovers finished the activities in the hotel so Lucy and I decided to chill out with a cup of tea in one of the cocoon beds on the terrace that overlooked the beach. Before we knew it, it was dinner time and we had the pleasure of another 3 course meal before the live band and jiving lessons in the ballroom. The hotel focuses on organic, locally sourced produce that's in season and - aside from a mean fish 'n' chips - serves dishes like smoked mackerel paté with tarragon, horseradish and wholemeal toast, and pan-fried duck breast with braised cabbage, pancetta, baked apples and cranberry jus. In a word; yum.

Being the princesses we are, Lucy and I decided hot chocolate in bed would be the perfect nightcap. Even though it wasn't on the room service menu, the lovely girl who took my order said she "was sure they could track some down somewhere". Lo and behold, they did - complete with mini marshmallows sprinkled on the top. We sipped them in bed wrapped in fluffy Cadbury-purple robes (how apt). The perfect end to a perfect weekend!

Book here for future themed weekends including Cath Kidston (29th-31st Jan & 9th-11th Mar), Alice In Wonderland (25th-27th May & 12th-14th Oct) and Yoga & Pilates (16th-18th Mar, 6th-8th July & 9th-11th Nov). Full list here.

With thanks to the lovely folk at Bedruthan Steps.

The Lazy Girl's Guide To Blogging

2011-10-13T20:41:00.011+01:00

aka posting your BlackBerry pictures from the last 2 weeks...

This is actually Luxe Life's pic of me on the beach at Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

Givenchy wheelie luggage in Liberty. I die!

Shu Uemura glitter lashes at Handpicked Media's L'Oreal event

Dune's miniature Dorothy shoes - selling in Selfridge's for charity. Buy the full-sized ones here!

French toast and berries for breakfast at The Knightsbridge

Champagne, Anya Hindmarch and 3.1 Phillip Lim at My-wardrobe.com

Cocktails and canapes at Vanilla London

Friday night homecooked dinner

Delicious fringed dress in the window of Aqua off Carnaby Street. Perfect for NYE, no?

Shooting Oscar for a Christmas story in the magazine

Cupcakes at My-wardrobe.com blogger event

New ponyskin slippers, crisp leaves and autumn sunshine

Loving Debenhams' Edition lines - the purple Roksanda trousers have my name all over them!

Jonathan Saunders coat & Preen dress

Shoot location in Berkshire. The perfect country home.

Marks and Spencer have really upped their game! This dress looks like Preen.

Krispy Kreme's new doughnuts - Millionaire Shortbread and Jaffa Dreamcake

Rhinestone sunnies at Liberty

One Day I Will Live Here

2011-10-10T14:01:00.006+01:00

...Devon Radziwill and her husband may have to move out first, though. I don't share.

Everything about this downtown New York apartment is perfect, from the exposed brick walls to the hand-painted Dior tableware. Sadly, no picture of the bathroom to drool over but if my fantasy has anything to do with it, I'm sure it has a freestanding tub and a chandelier knocking about somewhere.

Images from Vogue.com

Sunday Supplement: Special 3rd Birthday Edition

2011-10-09T10:27:00.007+01:00

The following are best enjoyed with a glass of champagne and a big fat slice of My Little Pony birthday cake...

Yes, that's right, today my little blog turns from a 2 year old infant into a screaming 3 year old toddler. I won't mawkishly bang on about how happy/ proud/ emotional this makes me. All I'll say is thank you for all the support, it really does mean the world to me. Oh, and keep coming back, there are big changes afoot!

Olivia xxx

Carrying on the birthday theme, it's only right to link to one of my favourite posts, a retrospective of my childhood birthday cakes as lovingly baked by my talented mama.

I'll be needing these delectable personalised notecards to write all my thankyous on once the birthday pressies come rolling in.

The Vintage Patisserie is my idea of the perfect party - hosted in your own home, they bring chintzy mismatched china, bunting, champagne, homemade cakes and a dressing up box. Dream world.

No birthday should be without a new dress. This cobalt Notte by Marchesa number would do me nicely. And so would these shoes, since you asked.

Sod Stevie, Altered Images' Happy Birthday is the best bday song evah. Fun fact: there is no better tune to dance round your room like a twat to. I do it all the time.

Image via We Heart It

My New Favourite...T-Shirt

2011-10-08T15:12:00.004+01:00

Sorry that I've been MIA for a while - normal service will resume as soon as possible, I promise! In the meantime, please behold and appreciate the below, fabulous "Lost Icons" T-shirt from concept store, The Cloak.

Buy it here. Thank me later.

RIP Steve.