Love, Life and a Double Latte

Loft love

2009-02-04T20:21:00.014Z

My obsession with lofts continues! This place all looks so homely and so chic. It must have been so tempting to stick with a neutral palette, but the burst of red and the icy blue walls look fantastic. I feel quite inspired!

(Photos fromLiving Etc)

Winter woolly hats

2009-02-02T16:12:00.009Z

The snow has been falling very thick and very fast here in London! It really is soooo beautiful outside and I've never seen Londoners looking so friendly and happy on a Monday morning! Because all the trains and buses have grinded to a halt, the streets are filled with families and couples out sledging and building giant snowmen in their gardens :) Still, it is absolutely freezing so I'm taking inspiration from the way these girls are stylishly sporting their toasty woolly hats!

(Photos via Style and the City, Vogue UK and Just Jared)

P.S. I found out that I got the job!!

Dream hair

2009-01-28T19:44:00.012Z

Seeing this photo on Altamira is once again making me seriously consider going for a thick blunt fringe. Even though hairdresers persist in advising me to resist the bangs (my face is a wee bit too round!), I still find myself wanting to take the plunge! These are some photos of girls with my dream hair cut - don't they all look amazing?!

(Photos by Altamira, The Sartorialist , Le Blog de Betty and Jak & Jill)

Alice in Wonderland at the Met Bar

2009-01-27T15:51:00.010Z

What a genius theme for a party?! Guests were greeted at the door by a white rabbit, clocks were hanging off tree branches and drinks were "Raspberry Tarts" that guests drank out of glass teacups. Sounds like so much fun!

(Via Urban Junkies, photos by Diamond Rogers)

I've been tagged!

2009-01-27T11:24:00.005Z

I've been tagged by the lovely Nicki Jane of The Cherry Blog to:

* Go to the fourth folder where you keep your photographs
* Choose the fourth picture
* Explain it.

Rather predictably, the photo was stolen from a street style blog (I'm unashamedly addicted!!), Style and the City. At first I saved the picture just because I thought her outfit was cute (I love the huge bow on her top, the wide brimmed hat and the ballet pumps), but, to be honest, the reason I've kept this image is that whenever I look at it, it reminds me of that excitement I get in the pit of my stomach before heading off to some new, exciting destination. The sunglasses and ticket (to who knows where?) held jauntily in one hand, the pile of suitcases in the other - it makes me wish for my next trip and that makes me smile :)

So, I now tag the following four bloggers!

* Style Pill
* Bel's Fish Bowl
* Little Girl Lost in London
* A Pretty Pill

Kanye's crew

2009-01-26T19:18:00.005Z

Check out Kanye and his colourful crew at Paris Fashion Week!

(Photo by Jak & Jill)

Angelic watercolours

2009-01-23T14:42:00.010Z

These washed out shades of peach, grey and white complement each other so beautifully don't you think? And on a rather damp winter afternoon, they make me remember that spring is only a hop, skip and a jump away!

Hope you all have a great weekend! Any fun plans?

(Photos via Moodboard, Olivia Graham and Style.com)

To dry for

2009-01-21T12:52:00.015Z

I love these humorous and sweet tea towels from website To Dry For - how can I not when I know they're going to make me actually want to clean up?!! Plus I reckon I now have parts of birthday presents for pretty much all the family. Ah, maybe I really will be more organised in 2009 ;)

For my Dad who never stops inspiring me through his determination to keep learning:

Because pregnancy surely is a time when you can munch on freshly baked cupcakes without guilt, this is one for my lovely sister:
Only an avid reader of Agatha Christie can appreciate this one quite like my mum:

To congratulate the boy's admirable recycling:

My other sister and her fiancé have been doing up a magnificant old house, so to celebrate their first new home, this one has to be for them:

And finally, from me to me because of my recent obsession with all things Parisian:

(Final photo via Desire to Inspire)

A shot of pink

2009-01-19T20:21:00.003Z

I'm not feeling very sparky today. I'd put it down to post-weekend blues but then I read this post on Coco's Tea Party. I think those psychologists might be onto something! So I thought I'd post about something that would make me smile. Amazing how just posting these pictures of interiors with the shots of fuschia pink has cheered me up!

I love the way the pink pops against the white and granite surfaces...

(Photos via The Selby, Desire to Inspire and Living Etc)

Plan for Paris: Ladurée

2009-01-15T16:04:00.015Z

I have about a month to go until I head to Paris so I thought I'd start to post about the places that I'm dying to visit while I'm there. Number one place on my list has to be the infamous Ladurée.

About four years ago, my friend and I headed off on a last minute trip to Paris. We truly had the best weekend away. Lots of amazing food, fantastic bars and the best markets (I'm yet to find anywhere else where you can get a pair of vintage leather boots for 5 Euros!) But the highlight was stumbling across a tea salon called Ladurée in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. We were completely entranced by the beauty and glamour of the rooms...

...as well as by the pastries, macaroons and teas (of course!) I always promised myself that I would go back there and repeat that experience.

(All photos from www.laduree.fr)

H&M Home

2009-01-14T19:36:00.007Z

I know its already done the rounds on the blogs but I'm so excited about H&M's new home range that I had to post some of these promotional pictures. It will be available in some countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands) in Feb - sadly there aren't any dates for when or if it will be rolled out elsewhere but fingers crossed that if it does well, it will soon be with us!

(Photos via Nitro:licious)

By the way, thank you all sooo much for your kind words of encouragement! The interviewers were lovely people, which always makes such a difference. Thinking back, I probably gabbled on for a bit too long but hey ho, what's done is done - all I need to do now is wait for the call!

Divine Idyll

2009-01-13T12:10:00.013Z

I have my interview tomorrow morning and then another one set for Thursday first thing, so in an attempt to achieve some Zen-like calm, I thought I'd post pictures from this lovely shoot in French Glamour.

I was convinced that I'd just gained insight into an idyllic day in the life of Johnny and Vanessa, but they're actually doubles (you can tell more with the Vanessa double I think) but still, the spread represents such a laid-back, beautiful lifestyle that it makes me sigh when I look at them...

(Photographs from French Glamour, via Flora's Box)

Three of the best: Golden Globes

2009-01-12T11:53:00.017Z

My eyes were immediately drawn to that amazing turquoise necklace. And, of course, the white dress looks stunning against her golden skin. I think what makes it for me though is the fact that she looks as though she's having so much fun!

Because I just love that print, that cut and all things Lanvin.

This truly is my dream dress. That colour looks fantastic on her.

(Photos via Glamour.com and WWD)

What to wear?

2009-01-08T19:11:00.011Z

A call came through yesterday to say that I have an interview for next week!

I've been searching through some of the street style blogs to get some inspiration for what to wear. I've always worked in dress down work environments so find choosing an outfit for interviews really tough. Too often, I end up looking overly corporate which just makes me feel uncomfortable. I really like what the girl in the photo above is wearing. I already have my interview failsafe black dress that comes down to the knee but like the idea of wearing it with a black blazer (with the pushed up sleeves of course!), brown belt and the heeled brogues.

What do you think? Interview appropriate? Any suggestions more than welcome!!

(Photo by Altamira)

Workspace

2009-01-07T19:03:00.009Z

So this is my first week without a job and its actually pretty exciting! I completely expected to be a bag of nerves but I actually feel calm and, already, much much happier. The one snag I do have though, is adjusting to working from home. Hunching over my laptop on the sofa for hours on end is a killer for my back, and I keep getting distracted by all the magazines piled on my coffee table. I love these home office spaces - my flat's tiny so these actually seem achievable. I also like the idea of having a big inspiration board/wall to throw up things/people/quotes that will keep my motivation on work and away from the remote...

(Photo 1 from Design*Sponge, photo 2 from The Selby)

Fancy a snooze?

2009-01-06T15:51:00.012Z

Wow, such a gorgeous room! I keep tearing out photos of bedrooms as I've never loved the way that mine is decorated. Too white and not enough warmth I think. This bed looks so comfy I want to jump right on in, and of course, I love the bare brick walls. I always love bare brick walls.

Oh and can't forget the little blue retro fan. Very cute.

P.S. Tons of other great food/fashion/interior photos on Trevor Dixon's website.

(Photo by Trevor Dixon, via Desire to Inspire)

A little magic

2009-01-05T14:09:00.012Z

Usually at this time of year I just want to completely forget about dressing up and get back to "normal" dressing, i.e. no party dresses and certainly no heels. But this year, I feel like I want to keep a bit of that sparkle! I'm not sure if that's because I'm being inspired by so many of the amazing style blogs out there or if I want to keep a little of the excitement of Christmas and the New Year going for just a smiggin' longer?

This photo by Garance Doré has been sitting in my inspiration file for a while now, but stumbling across it again reminded me of why I love her sequin jacket. You can embrace all things wintery with the browns and the greys but then the sparkle adds a little magic to the proceedings! I love it!

Parisian pad

2009-01-01T18:49:00.014Z

I'm literally counting the weeks until I go to Paris to celebrate my 30th in February! My lovely parents are treating the family (plus the various boyfriends and husbands) to a weekend there plus a visit to the Moulin Rouge. Am feeling rather spoilt and more than a little excited! Prepare yourselves for more than a few Parisian themed posts from me over the next few months. Check out this gorgeous Parisian apartment from The Selby . Oh to have that view over the rooftops! Its wetting my appetite for all things Français.

Oh Oscar!

2009-01-01T15:29:00.012Z

Hope you all have a fantastic 2009!!!! What resolutions are you making? I've decided to keep mine nice and simple for a change. Every year I write a ridiculously long list of all the things I want to achieve and tick off maybe a few of the more frivolous and fun things and let the more important ones slide, so 2009's resolution is just going to be focused on getting fit and healthy. I swear that one has been on my list for the last ten years!

How gorgeous is this Oscar de la Renta dress? I wish I had seen this post earlier. It went for £104 on ebay which is an absolute steal! To be fair, I'm a couple of sizes away from a UK size 8 but how motivating would it be to have this dress hanging on your wardrobe?!

Nearly there!!

2008-12-31T16:34:00.003Z

How quickly has this year gone? I cannot believe we're so close to 2009! Before I head out, I just wanted to wish you all a fantastic evening tonight and, of course, a very happy and fun-packed 2009!!

xxxx

(Photo by Nicholas Moore)

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-23T23:19:00.011Z

Have a fantastic Christmas!! I'll be heading back home tomorrow to spend mine with my parents and two sisters to eat and, probably, drink way too much! I can't wait!

(Fun photo by Chris Craymer)

New year, new career

2008-12-21T01:08:00.009Z

Sorry for the radio silence over the last few days. I stopped the months of umm'ing and ahh'ing and finally made the decision to leave my job. It was such a tough decision to make, especially given the whole economic climate, but too many late nights and weekends spent working replaced seeing the people that make my life so much fun and that kind of lifestyle just wasn't making me happy. Am just hoping that this will be one of those brave, bold moves that I can look back on and smile about! At the moment though, I can't decide if I'm excited or a bag of nerves!! At least I have Christmas and lots of mulled wine to focus on for the next week or so!!!!

(Picture by Chris Craymer)

Dream accessories

2008-12-17T15:29:00.004Z

Oh to own this fringe bag and the Louboutins! Completely and utterly out of my price range but a girl can dream, especially this close to Christmas...

(Photo by Jak and Jill)

Ian Stevenson

2008-12-16T15:57:00.004Z

These illustrations by Ian Stevenson made me chuckle!

(Via Creative Review)

Caped Crusader!

2008-12-15T13:50:00.004Z

I love capes! Wearing one is like throwing a warm blanket around your shoulders. Doesn't Betty look cute in hers?!

(Photos by Olivia Graham for UK Glamour and from Le Blog de Betty)

Dining under the trees

2008-12-14T18:45:00.002Z

How lovely to have this as your backyard. I think I'd want to spend every evening out there, regardless of the weather!

(Photo by NY Mag)

Dressing Michelle Obama

2008-12-13T15:40:00.020Z

These sketches are so so beautiful! WWD approached the big designers to ask them what they would like Michelle Obama to wear to the Inaugral Ball. The Diane Von Furstenberg dress has to be my favourite. I dream of wearing a dress like that! Which one is your favourite?!

(Sketch 1 by Monique Lhuillier, sketch 2 by Diane Von Furstenberg, sketch 3 by Michael Kors, sketch 4 by Kai Milla)

Umm cookies

2008-12-12T13:35:00.004Z

These cookies are deeelicious! I had an urge to bake last weekend and they're super easy to make and they taste soooo good.

They're best when they've been sitting for about half an hour - all lovely and crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, ummmm.

Gorgeous loft in Shoreditch

2008-12-10T18:07:00.001Z

I never ever tire of the combination of bare brick walls and stripped floorboards. Looks amazing with the colour of these furnishings.

Loving the chandelier in the kitchen.

Don't think I've ever seen inside window boxes before? The green plants against the brick makes the room seem more homely don't you think?

The pièce de résistance - a fabulously OTT bathroom!!

(Photos from Living Etc)

Grace Jones

2008-12-09T15:51:00.002Z

These are some absolutely stunning pictures of Grace Jones by Andrea Klarin.

“I don't try to represent the reality but I try to filter it through the imaginary world with some elegance and glitter!” Andrea Klarin

I love that quote.

Tache masters

2008-12-08T16:03:00.000Z

I'm mourning the end of Movember... Watching all the guys in our office grow their fantastic taches has been at times hilarious (who knew that they'd get sooo competitive?!) and insightful (some of them look darn good with the tache!!)

Check out this round up from The Guardian - especially like the readers' quotes:

"It makes me look slightly like a Super Mario villain, but my girlfriend genuinely likes it"

"My friend took this picture of me in San Francisco at Golden Gate park. Any resemblances to Ted Kaczynski are purely coincidental"

"I do look like my Dad circa 1979!"

Skirt lust!

2008-12-07T16:18:00.011Z

Isn't it great when you come across a blog and find that you love literally every post?! I have exactly that with Style Pill. The author is so personable and her style advice is truly excellent. Its kind of like having your own personal daily stylist!

This lovely skirt from Santoki Vintage has sadly sold out, but its ignited my hunt for something similar. I love the way these girls wear it:

I like the way Olivia Wilde plays down the rock element of the skirt - almost suitable for work, right?!

I love this skirt with the zip. Very flirty.

Looks great with the boyfriend blazer and grey vest.

(Photos from Just Jared and The Sartorialist)

Waterslide from work

2008-12-06T21:13:00.007Z

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Whenever I see this ad it never fails to makes me smile. How cool would it be to leave work like this every day?!

Carine

2008-12-05T18:30:00.005Z

This excellent post made me seek out the interview with Carine Roitfeld. Its an old one. Took place in 2005, but so fascinating. She actually comes across as quite fragile which I never expected. One other thing that I never expected - Carine as owning an old mini? Kind of love it though!

(Photo by The Sartorialist)

Hello December!

2008-12-01T20:51:00.005Z

Doesn't this lovely photo make you feel all warm and snuggly?!!

(Photo by Cig Harvey)

Style crush

2008-11-30T00:02:00.007Z

I am so in love with Alexa Chung's style. This style crush has been going on for at least two years; she never fails to look chic, often with a more than a touch of geek thrown in (my ideal combination!) I love love love the peter pan shirt in the photo above.

Oh to own this Luella dress!

This makes me want to invest in some grey over the knee socks, so darn cute!

(Photos from Elle UK)

Christmas lights!

2008-11-29T14:34:00.003Z

Some of the lights in London are so beautiful and magical this year!

(Photo from Wee Birdy)

Hanging chair. Again.

2008-11-25T08:28:00.002Z

I think its developing into an obsession!

(Photo from Desire to Inspire)

Magical

2008-11-25T08:26:00.002Z

(Photo from Desire to Inspire)

What a cutie!

2008-11-22T12:48:00.004Z

Check out her fantastic fringe and matching frames! So adorable!

LBD

2008-11-22T11:55:00.011Z

I love love love this! Has the lace, which I've been lusting over, plus nice snug pockets which are always good for me - if I get shy then at least I can shove my hands in my pockets instead of downing my drink!

And just thought. I can wear this in Paris when I go for my 30th in February! I feel that now makes the £169 price tag a little more justifiable!

Its arrived!

2008-11-20T21:04:00.003Z

I've been excitedly checking the post every evening for the Zakka Sewing book that I ordered. So pleased that its arrived before the weekend! Just skimming through makes me want to get started on some of the cute projects!

Lucky kid!

2008-11-19T21:04:00.008Z

Please can I be transported here with a really great book and a nice big glass of wine?

Gorgeous combination of colours

2008-11-19T13:36:00.002Z

(Photo by Garance Doré)

Candle Lanterns

2008-11-17T21:29:00.011Z

Have started the fun search for all things Christmassy. Think I've found my first buy. These are so lovely!

(Photo from Living Etc)

Sweet poetry

2008-11-16T18:00:00.010Z

I haven't written on the walls since I was a little kid. This makes me want to get out my permanent marker again!

(Photo by The Selby)

Loving her glasses!

2008-11-15T12:43:00.007Z

(Photo by Garance Doré)

Etsy necklace

2008-11-14T21:06:00.005Z

Isn't this necklace from Jewellery by Vanya cute?

Pedlars

2008-11-12T18:00:00.006Z

The Pedlars website has some fantastic finds. Here are a few of my favs...

To get me motivated for my craaaazy workload

Too cute and because it sums up my approach to saving...

I've always wanted an old fashioned cafe style kitchen

Back

2008-11-12T17:46:00.002Z

Two months is an awfully long time not to blog, so for those who do check in every now and then, thanks so much for your comments :o)

The stresses of work have been building up and I think working so hard at something that I don't feel passionate for began to take its toll. Amazing that blogging, which is something that I truly love to do, fell by the wayside...

From now on, I'll be making time for posting, maybe not as regularly as I'd like, but more regular than the two month gap!

Jaegar

2008-09-01T17:13:00.003+01:00

What a gorgeous description of Jaegar's spring/summer collection - could almost be a description of Tim Walker's photography:

"The summer collection is a real kaleidoscope of optimistic colour and print, a magical mystery tour through an idyllic British summertime; poppies and rainbows, maypoles, daisy chains and turtle doves, elements of UK folklore distorted through a blur of heat haze," designer Karen Boyd explains.
Source: Vogue

I know, I know, I should be focusing on all things autumnal but this made me yearn for Spring!

Me likey - Warehouse, £40

2008-08-31T18:00:00.005+01:00

Myleene wears it well:

Image via Look.co.uk

Lagerfeld teddy

2008-08-30T14:15:00.005+01:00

Have you seen the Lagerfeld teddy bear?! It really tickled me - so over the top but, I must admit, very cute. £750 though? Nooo way. I'd prefer a Paddington Bear any day :o)

Black & Spiro

2008-08-28T12:48:00.002+01:00

Gorgeous armchair in the window of Brisbane interior's shop Black & Spiro. Its covered in a Rubie Green fabric. Doesn't it just jump out at you?! No wonder one of their clients said she nearly had an accident when she drove past the shop window!

White shirt

2008-08-26T17:18:00.003+01:00

I bought a lovely long white shirt from H&M the other month which has been perfect for this spring-like summer - can pop it over jeans on the chillier days, or wear with just a belt and glad sandals when the sun rears her head. This girl shows the perfect way to adjust my little wardrobe staple for the upcoming autumn! I would never have thought of wearing it like this, but I love it:

The Selby

2008-08-25T19:04:00.007+01:00

What I find so endearing about The Selby is the fact that they feature homes that don't look like they've been styled to an almost impossible ideal. My current favourite has to be that of model Erin Wasson. Her NY home is fantastically electic and homely. It makes me want to jump in the pictures and housesit for a few weeks!

Wide is wonderful

2008-08-22T21:06:00.009+01:00

Saw this spread in last month's UK Glamour and have been desperately searching for the pictures to post here. I would love to wear every single one of these outfits!

Pictures via Punky B and A cup of Jo

Heart warming

2008-08-12T20:25:00.002+01:00

Oh this story in the NY Times made me well up!

It tells of 101 year old Elizabeth Goodyear, an avid reader who has lost her sight and is confined to her apartment after two knee operations. However, due to this email being forwarded around her neighbourhood:

“Liz has no family at all, and all her old friends have died, but she remains eternally positive and cheerful and loves to have people come by to read to her or talk about life, politics, travel — or anything else. She also loves good chocolate!”

she now has a roster of readers who regularly stop by and who have developed into this wonderful network of friends. Particularly love the description of the contents of her fridge on her 101st birthday - five bottles of Champagne and dark chocolate, ummm!

Heard about this story from Daily Good

Oo la la

2008-08-11T21:18:00.003+01:00

How do the French do it? A guy wearing not only a necklace but also espadrilles? Is it just me or does he completely pull it off?!

Picture from The Sartorialist

Rock goth

2008-08-10T17:14:00.013+01:00

Leigh Lezark's look seems almost custom made for autumn/winter's flirtation with all things goth. Her super straight jet black hair, angular features and porcelain skin would perfectly set off all the amazing black lace dresses that I keep seeing popping up in the shops (all pictures from style.com)

Refreshing interiors

2008-08-09T15:54:00.010+01:00

Find myself drawn again and again to the combination of green, white and wooden interiors. It seems to work perfectly in each room, creating a zen-like effect in the workplace below to a fun and glamorous setting for dinners under the stars (see final swoon-inducing photograph):

Picture from Desire to Inspire

Picture from Domino

Picture from This is Glamorous

Picture from Domino

Holidays!

2008-08-03T12:19:00.001+01:00

Off to Nice for a few days of sun, eating pastries and drinking good wine! See you soon!

I want to live in a house with shutters

2008-08-02T17:24:00.002+01:00

Photo from Living Etc

Always in Vogue

2008-07-31T16:04:00.005+01:00

Corine Roitfeld is always ridiculously well turned out.

I understand that at Paris Vogue she has access to the most fabulous wardrobe, but how does she manage to combine the role of Editor with maintaining that figure?!!

Bohemian chic

2008-07-30T09:09:00.003+01:00

Love their clothes, and now Temperley London has designed this fabulous One&Only Tipi! Its 17ft tall and the inside is adorned with a Parisian glass chandelier. Now that is how I want to camp!

Summer evenings

2008-07-28T20:27:00.008+01:00

Love long balmy summer evenings. Just walking back from work today felt like an absolute treat. Gentle breeze, beautiful smells wafting from the garden, the sun on my back...

This picture reminded me of those summer evenings when I was young. We spent hours and hours playing outside, making up new games, dragging our friends from next door over to work on the summer house, picking strawberries and making foul smelling rose perfume for my mum (that I made her wear...)

Poolside

2008-07-23T20:16:00.005+01:00

Loving this mini heat wave that's hit London, but right now I desperately want to be sitting on this lounger by an empty pool, cocktail in hand and book by my side - that would be heaven!

Image: Habitually Chic

Back to health

2008-07-21T19:00:00.006+01:00

Its so nice to finally feel healthy again!

Tried hard to restrain myself from going out this weekend, but slipped up on the Sunday. Met up with longtime pal, A, for late brunch at the old fav, Eagle Diner. Seriously, this place is becoming a habit now - their banana and peanut butter shake floors me everytime. Surely it can count towards my five a day right?!

By the way, if you're into vintage clothing, I've come across this lovely site, Ladies of Leisure, on Etsy. They have an amazing selection of vintage dresses and bags - I especially love this coral maxi - plus they're not extortionately pricey, bonus!

Positive Intent

2008-07-19T15:50:00.004+01:00

I love checking out fellow bloggers site recommendations. More than often, its how I come across new and interesting blogs/websites that I very much doubt I would have found otherwise. Belinda, author of one of my favourite blogs, Bel's Fish Bowl recommends Daily Good, an email service that sends you little daily snippets of good/inspiring news. July 18th's email featured an interview with PepsiCo's CEO, Indra Nooyi, who was answering the question: what was the best advice you ever got? Her response is fantastic - can't wait to put it into practice at work!

"My father was an absolutely wonderful human being. From him I learned to always assume positive intent. Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different. When you assume negative intent, you're angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, you will be amazed. Your emotional quotient goes up because you are no longer almost random in your response. You don't get defensive. You don't scream. You are trying to understand and listen because at your basic core you are saying, "Maybe they are saying something to me that I'm not hearing." So "assume positive intent" has been a huge piece of advice for me.

In business, sometimes in the heat of the moment, people say things. You can either misconstrue what they're saying and assume they are trying to put you down, or you can say, "Wait a minute. Let me really get behind what they are saying to understand whether they're reacting because they're hurt, upset, confused, or they don't understand what it is I've asked them to do." If you react from a negative perspective - because you didn't like the way they reacted - then it just becomes two negatives fighting each other. But when you assume positive intent, I think often what happens is the other person says, "Hey, wait a minute, maybe I'm wrong in reacting the way I do because this person is really making an effort."

Rosie's choice

2008-07-15T19:04:00.009+01:00

If I ever do go down the whole marriage path thing, then I intend to shamelessly copy Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's outfit that she wore to Leah Woods' wedding. Have to say that I do think the whole cream dress and tiara is a bit too bridal for a guest, but I can't deny that this is how I would absolutely love to look - from the vintage frock, to the ornate shrug and the subtle tiara in the hair. Perfection!

Fruit of summer

2008-07-15T18:50:00.003+01:00

Still poorly. Made it into work for all of three hours and then had to give in and crawl back to my duvet. All I've been craving today is greek yogurt, mashed with strawberries, a few teaspoons of honey, topped with chopped pistachios, ummm...

Sadly it doesn't look quite as "put together" as this mouth watering photo, but it gives you an idea!

Little Hands

2008-07-11T14:34:00.008+01:00

On Elle Decoration's SA blog they have an entry about a small company called Little Hands who illustrate and produce the most beautiful wallpaper for kids. How amazing would it have been to have had a room adorned with these designs when you were young! Just looking at them makes me feel all nostalgic!

Colour lust

2008-07-08T16:38:00.005+01:00

Absolutely loving the fleshy peach colour of the dresses in these pictures as well as the trousers in the final pic. Girly without being covered in florals - think I've had my fill of Luella-style dresses and skirts for this season! So perfect for layering during this schizophrenic summer weather!!

Image from Face Hunter

Image from Café Mode

Image from Face Hunter

Kipling's exceedingly good poetry

2008-07-07T19:04:00.004+01:00

I remain in Wimbledon mode I'm afraid! In one of the many rain breaks during Sunday's final they read out this Rudyard Kipling poem that really is so beautiful that I had to post it here. I remember reading it at school and realising that actually maybe poetry did have something to say to me. It still touches me as much now as it did then...

"IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!"

Wimbledon

2008-07-06T22:43:00.009+01:00

Spent today watching the men's finals. An amazingly tight match and jaw droppingly good tennis; it must have been the most nail biting final I think I've ever seen. Sad to see Roger lose. Love Federer and loved his specially made cardie - very yacht-chic! Still, Nadal played amaaaazingly well. He deserved it and seeing him clamber up the stands to hug his parents made me get a bit teary eyed!

Downtown

2008-07-01T22:14:00.008+01:00

I absolutely love the work of David Downtown. His illustrations capture the magical glamour of the catwalk and fashion that used to absolutely fascinate me when I was younger:

Especially love the work he did with Erin O'Connor - the black and white ink looks stunning set against the fuschia - oh to draw like that!!

Who would wear a playsuit?

2008-06-24T12:35:00.004+01:00

Argh, have been trying to resist the lure of the playsuit, but now Topshop and Oli have produced the cutest ones that I've seen so far! Have a sinking feeling that I will be investing in one/both of these and wearing them to death the minute the sun comes out...

Topshop:

Oli:

Travel journals

2008-06-24T12:09:00.005+01:00

Stumbled across the blog Pret a Voyager last night and have been inspired by her amazing travel journals! It truly puts my hastily cobbled together scrapbooks to shame! How amazing to have a log like one of these to flip through months, even years after a fantastic holiday...

Tim Walker - at last!

2008-06-23T14:25:00.003+01:00

Finally made it to Tim Walker's exhibition on Sunday. Beautiful magical photographs. They really do transport you to a forgotten time! Bought a few of the posters to adorn the hallway of my flat - excited to get them framed and up there!

Chloe in Rykiel

2008-06-22T13:30:00.004+01:00

Chloe Sevigny really does have an innate sense of style. Love this drop-waisted dress by Sonia Rykiel and the way that its combined with the brooch, black strappy heels and bag - stunning and love the fact that she looks as pleased as punch to be wearing something so beautiful!

Sooo cute

2008-06-21T15:41:00.007+01:00

Came across the cutest video of a piglet who suffers from a phobia of mud, so her owners have kitted her out in a tiny pair of wellington boots so that she can splash about with her brothers and sisters!

My day...

2008-06-20T22:52:00.005+01:00

Today was filled with... sorting out my random assortment of pics that inspire... laughing over awful school hairdo's... drinking lots of hot, strong and sweet coffee... pouring over Alexander Wang's muted tones in the Ladybird's Nest... chatting over email with L1... getting lost in Lionel Shriver's "The post-birthday world"... sipping calorific but oh so tasty cocktails with my sister and her friends in soho... devouring hotdogs, cheesey fries and peanut butter and banana milkshakes in Eagle's diner... cosying up on the sofa with my laptop and E for company...

MAC wonder

2008-06-15T20:45:00.004+01:00

Have fallen head over heels for this MAC nail varnish, or lacquer as they call it on their site (makes it sound so much more glam). I haven't got it in the vibrant red shade in the pic, instead I went for a fushia colour - Gee Whiz is its name - and it looks fab against (in my case, fake) tanned totsies! It also seems to last and last. Case in point: I applied it a week ago and zero chips. Still looks fresh and new. Know I'm sounding like an ad but I am not a nail varnish fan as I always have to re-apply again and again so am very pleasantly surprised to find something that fits into my low maintenance beauty routine!

Search for the perfect boyfriend blazer

2008-06-08T17:47:00.012+01:00

I thought that having to wear a blazer everyday to school for seven years had pretty much put me off ever owning one, but after having browsed through the likes of Garance Doré and Fashion Toast, I've been converted. I love the nonchalant way that these stylish lasses wear them (the following pics are from Garance Doré:

My dream buy has to be Fashion Toast's Rumi's Ralph Lauren navy blazer with big nautical gold buttons. Still raising the courage - and funds - to invest in one! (Pic from Fashion Toast):

J. K. Rowling

2008-06-07T17:42:00.005+01:00

As I've been in my holiday bubble for the last week, I'm probably focusing on something that has already been covered in the papers, but how amazing was J.K. Rowling's speech at Harvard?! She spoke about the dual importance of failure and imagination and its inspiring stuff.

A few extracts that really jumped out at me:

"So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged"

"Given a time machine or a Time Turner, I would tell my 21-year-old self that personal happiness lies in knowing that life is not a check-list of acquisition or achievement. Your qualifications, your CV, are not your life, though you will meet many people of my age and older who confuse the two"

"We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better"

Back from the Dam

2008-06-07T17:07:00.005+01:00

Feel like a spoilt little child typing this, but I wanna be back on holiday!

Had such a lovely time and fell head over heels for Amsterdam. Really feel that its as close to true bohemian city living as I've found. Our apartment overlooked a quiet canal but was right on the edge of Nieuwmarkt, so if we turned right we experienced an almost quiet suburban existence, but by turning left, had the hustle and bustle of the organic market. The fact that the flat was no smoking ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise; it was a great excuse to sit by the canal, feed the ducks, have a voddie and coke, get nicely stoned and enjoy the sunshine - still can't believe that the weather was so good! Definitely ate way too much (why oh why did I even bother with the gym in the run up to this holiday?!), smoked too much and probably thought too much (entire life re-evaluation took place in those seven days!) but I needed it - without doubt. Now I'm back with all these new shiny good intentions! Let's hope that they don't go the same way as those NY resolutions...

Working from home

2008-05-28T13:48:00.005+01:00

Working from home today which actually results in doing more work, and having more time to surf the net! Am eagerly awaiting the builders to sort out my leaking roof. My gaffer tape attempt at fixing the hole failed last night and I now have little puddles covering the floor - oh dear!

I'm too excited about seeing the Sex and the City movie! Look at how stunning SJP looks at yesterday's New York premier - how could Maxim readers vote her most ugly?! Just shows how men and women's opinions differ on looks...

Pangs for Monaco

2008-05-25T16:13:00.006+01:00

Am so pleased that Lewis Hamilton has won the Monaco Grand Prix! My parents have a place in Nice and venture over to Monaco every year to watch from the hillside. They've got it down to a tee with their collapsable chairs and picnic basket :) I keep promising to go with them, but when it comes up I always back out due to lack of money or just because of other plans for that weekend. Watching it earlier today I really regretted not splashing out on the flight and joining them for it. Next year, I promise!

Portman in Cannes

2008-05-23T11:04:00.007+01:00

How can someone be so successful, so stunningly attractive (even with bald head), and to top it all, so God damn clever (Harvard graduate if you please)?!!! Still, I do feel that the jealousy is slowly morphing into pure admiration, especially after seeing her outfits at Cannes. This white creation is a dream dress:

As is the blue ruffled dress:

And, as a lover of red, I think this red dress is amaaaazing:

Daisy's dress

2008-05-10T21:54:00.005+01:00

Wow, I love this dress! Daisy Lowe looks absolutely stunning!

Spring evenings

2008-05-10T21:28:00.002+01:00

I think spring evenings have to be my favourite time of the year. Decided to walk back from the station instead of taking the bus. The birds were singing, every garden I walked past brought with it a lovely whaft of flowers and the roads were practically empty. Felt hard to believe that I was in the city centre little over 20 minutes ago.

Met up with my mum in central London during the day. We shopped, drank lots of coffee, had a spot of early dinner and washed it down with a lovely bottle of rosé. Such a nice way to spend the day.

Pippa Lee

2008-05-02T17:14:00.005+01:00

I've just finished reading Rebecca Miller's novel - "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" - and what a novel. It should come with a warning - this book will seriously effect your social life; I haven't been able to put it down for the last two days! If you come across it in a bookshop then snap it up. I love the way Miller presents us with a series of Pippas and the way that each presentation gently unfolds more and more information about the heroine, so that when you look back at the Pippa you met in chapter one, your opinion is completely transformed. It really made me think... and not about work, which was an achievement!

Eat the seasons

2008-04-28T16:16:00.002+01:00

Came across a great website called www.eattheseasons.co.uk the other day. Trying to eat more fresh food and save a bit of money, so buying food that is in season ticks both those boxes. You can sign up to a weekly update and get the latest selection of foods currently in season in the UK. I've actually found it quite handy in terms of introducing variety into my diet. Too often I get stuck in a food rut and just reading about some different kinds of food that you maybe don't eat everyday is quite inspiring!

FYI, this week's food in season:

Asparagus
Jersey royal new potatoes
Radishes
Rhubarb
Spinach
Spring onions
Watercress
Bananas
Crab
Trout

I'm now craving rhurbarb crumble after typing that...

Bit a culture

2008-04-22T17:53:00.005+01:00

Felt like I needed a bit of culture in my life, so at lunch, me and L1 went down the road to see the Vanity Fair Portraits exhibition at the NPG. My old boss had seen it when she was in NY and wasn't mightily impressed. I, on the otherhand, loved it! Maybe that's because I'm not much of an art connoisseur, but some of the photography was mind-blowing (to my amateur eye anyway!). The one by Norman Jean Roy of Hilary Swank is one example:

Although I have to say that my absolute fav was the one of the Collins sisters by the great Annie Leibovitz, dolled up to the nines in their leopard print, full on war paint in their white limo. Pure 80s bling - really made me smile!