Fashion Daydreams: UK Fashion and Lifestyle Blog by Reena Rai

Here's a round up of my favourite shows from London Fashion Week spring/summer 2017:

Julien Macdonald SS17

For me, Julien Macdonald’s show is always a highlight of the LFW schedule. More often than not, grey skies and rain make an appearance so it’s a welcome relief to be transported into Macdonald’s high octane, super glam world. This season, Macdonald took his inspiration from Africa, albeit a luxurious molten gold Africa with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Next season, expect to see the Julien Macdonald girl clad in all shades of metallic with snakeskin and fringing details and cutouts galore. A stunning collection which was opened and closed with model-of-the-moment Hailey Baldwin, but for a show inspired by Africa I would have liked to see a bit more diversity.

Roksanda SS17

At first glance Roksanda Illincic’s vision of summer in 2017 doesn’t look, well, very summery. Long, languid layers in a colour palette of saffron, burnt orange, cool navy and liquid gold seem more well suited for autumn than summer. But with her signature effortless elegance, she has created a beautiful airiness with voluminous silhouettes which make me think of long, lazy days in Capri. A stunning collection.

Mary Katrantzou SS17

This season sees Mary Katrantzou return to form after a couple of tricky seasons. Known for her signature digital prints, Katrantzou diversified away from this aesthetic but spring/summer 2017 sees her return to her roots in more ways than one. Ancient Greek references such as key patterns and vase-like silhouttes merged with psychedelic prints resulting in a bold, sometimes chaotic, collection. Like the Roksanda show layers were key, skater dresses layered with slip dresses, peplums layered over maxi skirts, floaty tunics layered over flared trousers. Ancient Greece meets bold retro prints for huge style statement that is sure to grace the style set next season.

Simone Rocha SS17

Simone Rocha is a master of the artful juxtaposition and spring/summer is no exception. Pretty, white lace and buttercup yellow dresses contrasted with heavy duty rubber gloves and Perspex boots, inspired by Jackie Nickerson’s farm photography. The resulting off-kilter collection lands just on the right side of pretty, with the utilitarian accessories grounding the frothy innocence of the organza and broderie anglaise As usual, a standout collection during the LFW schedule.

Barbara Casasola SS17

Barbara Casasola’s spring/summer 2017 collection offered up a clean palette, a welcome change from London’s inevitable carnival of colour and print. Beautiful 50s Italian vibes echoed through the collection, with full skirts and runic tops alongside signature ribbed knitwear in an earthy, neutral shades. There was something extremely satisfying about such a clean, beautiful collection which has me yearning for summer.

Here's a roundup of my favourite shows from NYFW:

Delpozo SS17

There are very few designers who walk the fine line between ready-to-wear and couture but Josep Font is my absolute favourite. His collections for Delpozo always bring restrained drama and are part-fashion, part-art. His spring/summer 2017 collection is no different. Inspired by Spanish Impressionist Joaquin Sorolla and contemporary artist Soo Sunny Park, the collection featured beautiful periwinkle pieces, floral jacquard, cobweb knits and Delpozo’s signature bubble silhouette. A collection which was poetry in motion.

Jonathan Simkhai SS17

For spring/summer 2017, Jonathan Simkhai’s namesake collection is part ethereal sweetness and part sexy sensuality. Texture was key, with heavily embellished embroidery, shredded denim and cutouts all making an appearance throughout his collection. The movement and fluidity of the collection is so right for spring, it feels fresh and full of possibility. I can’t wait to see what Simkhai has in store next season.

Rodarte SS17

To the untrained eye, Rodarte’s spring/summer 2017 show was a typically beautiful, ethereal collection from the Mulleavy sisters. However, on closer inspection, delicate honeycomb layers and beehive bodice detailing became apparent. Even the pretty, frothy tulle was reminiscent of an intricate bee’s nest. The collection also saw a smattering of pretty floral prints. While the layers of tulle and florals could easily verge on saccharine, the Mulleavys made sure there was still a tough edge. Part queen bee and part rock n roll, one of their best collections for a few seasons.

Proenza Schouler SS17

There’s a new energy at Proenza. Seasons of neutrals have given way to bold, bright primary shades and a punchy new momentum. Confident blocks of colour and complex stripes made for a statement aesthetic, however the exquisite craftsmanship provided a solid grounding in substance. Taking techniques from Parisian couture ateliers, the collection saw striped dresses woven from leather and ostrich feather checked tops as well as boxy tees. Fun and fabulous.

Prabal Gurung SS17

While designers like Kim Jones are often inspired by their travels, some are more inspired by their everyday environment. For spring/summer 2017, Prabal Gurung was inspired by the current political climate and the impending election. Having already designed a tshirt for Hillary Clinton’s campaign, Gurung included speeches and quotes by prominent women including Susan B Anthony and stated that Gloria Steinem was one of his main sources of inspiration. The resulting collection was delicate and subtle and light…albeit with a strong political slant.

Here are my favourite shows from Milan’s hub of grown up luxury:

Bottega Veneta SS17

This season, Bottega Veneta celebrated a double birthday; the brand’s 50^th anniversary and Tomas Maier’s 15^th anniversary at the helm. The brand had a subtle celebration of sorts, with Lauren Hutton and Gigi Hadid closing the show arm in arm. Hutton was a nod to the past – she carried a Bottega Veneta clutch in American Giglo– and Hadid was a nod to the future, as the undisputed model of the moment. Known for enschewing obvious logos and headline-grabbing pieces in favour of restrained beauty, letting the beautiful craftsmanship speak for itself. The collection itself? Beautiful, seasonless and classic. As we would expect from Maier.

Dolce & Gabbana SS17

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for Dolce & Gabbana. Each season, the collections are a tad bolder and slightly more Italian. While each seasons Alta Moda show seeks to immerse editors into a regional Italian extravaganza, the RTW collection takes a pinch of said location and simmers it down to a more commercial collection. Little hints of Napoli pepper Dolce & Gabbana’s bold SS17 collection, from the street dancers who opened the show the prints of the sundresses. The light up heels and the D&G logo tshirts were a headline-friendly highlight.

Gucci SS17

Alessandro Michele has a knack for setting the zeitgeist. His must-have Gucci loafers are as much a fashion fixture as Anna Wintour and his advocacy of the glam 70s has long filtered down the fashion ecosystem to the high street. His SS17 collection walks a familiar line between crazy and beautiful but his deft hand guides the mind to see the beautiful. Heavy 70s nightclub vibe, complete with a pink carpet, the collection features sequins, glitz and taffeta cocktail dresses. Sublimely covetable.

Prada SS17

Miuccia Prada can usually be relied upon for intellectual collections inspired by the history of women. Opulent, elegant, more-is-more. This season sees that aesthetic stripped back; the show opened with a distinctly 90s, slightly techno look. The rest of the show unfolded as an ode to Prada’s favourite eras, the 20s, 30s and 40s. Beautiful chinoiserie pyjamas, tiny high waisted knickers and graphic print flared midis, though rather than a ‘greatest hits’ these looks were bought right up to present day thanks to the ostrich and marabou feather adornment on literally everything from necklines to shoes. One of the most beautiful collections this season.

No.21 SS17

No.21 is one of the major new labels to watch. Their simple shoes featuring intricate origami detailing have been seen on every street style star around the world. With Alessandro Dell’Acqua at the helm, it’s no wonder No.21 is creating such covetable pieces. For spring/summer 2017, the brand is all about femininity, in its many guises. Exploring juxtapositions between tough/feminine, sporty/delicate, light/dark, the collection creates a beautiful

Here are my favourite shows from Paris Fashion Week:

Alexander McQueen SS17

Lee McQueen shows were notorious for making your heart skip a beat. Intoxicating and immersive, they drew you into his inspiration for the season, whether it was the Scottish Highlands or Atlantis. For me, that depth has been slightly lacking in Sarah Burton’s collections. However, this season she flew her design team to the Shetland Islands to immerse themselves into the environment and beautiful nature. The resulting collection is a stunning ode to the Shetland Isles, all delicate cobweb wool lace, sturdy lace harnesses, floral embroidery and black-and-white plaid. Sublime.

Jacquemus SS17

It’s no secret that one of my passions is the creativity of emerging designers. Without the expectations of an established brand nor the constraints of creating something commercial, emerging designers can afford to be mavericks. London seems to be the only city which truly nurtures fresh talent, which is why it’s encouraging to see a young brand on the roster at PFW. I’ve silently observed Jacquemus for a few seasons, interested to see how the brand develops against a backdrop of iconic contemporaries. Simon Porte Jacquemus’ spring/summer 2017 collection does not disappoint. Filled with Provencal folk references fused with 80s haute couture drama, the collection felt like a natural progression of a designer just getting into his stride. One of the most exciting and optimistic shows in Paris.

Loewe SS17

The synergy between Loewe and Jonathan Anderson is perfection, it’s like this partnership was meant to be. In a few seasons, he has transformed this once modest Spanish label into one of the most covetable luxury labels, for the discerning customer. Though the quirky elephant bags are cute, the main collection is all beautiful, sumptuous luxury. This season sees Anderson playing with texture, linens, cottons, burlap, fringing, unfinished edges, plisse and of course leather. Accessories were the major taking point, shoes, boots, loafers, sandals and every single bag you could wish for. One of my favourites of the season.

Louis Vuitton SS17

I’m almost tempted to sum up Ghesquiere’s latest collection for Louis Vuitton with two terms – cut-outs and phone cases. The former is a continuation from his sports-luxe Cruise collection, albeit more grown up and sophisticated. A flash of shoulder here, a peek of a hip there in between some beautifully tailored looks, the best of which were slightly deconstructed and dishevelled. The real talking point was the incredible Petite Malle phone cases, which are already set to the THE must have accessory for spring/summer 2017.

Valentino SS17

This season saw many Creative Director changes in Paris. The most surprising was Maria Grazia Chiuri’s appointment at Dior, parting ways with design partner Pierpaolo Piccioli and ending their extremely successful tenure as joint Creative Directors at Valentino. Over the years, Valentino has evolved into one of a handful of brands which knocks it out of the park each season. I’m glad to say spring/summer 2017 was no different. Inspired by the work of Hieronymus Bosch and London’s very own Zandra Rhodes, the resulting collection consisted of predictably dreamy diaphanous dresses with delicate bird embroidery and developed a super covetable side in luxe daywear. Beautiful.

Can I let you in on a little fashion secret? The AW16 shoe collection from Next is phenomenal! This is their most fashion-forward collection ever and ticks every trend box, from pretty embroidery to must-have velvet, all with surprisingly reasonable pricetags. What more could you want?! I have to admit, Next isn’t the most obvious destination for shoe shopping but trust me, the collection is stunning. Plus, you’re not likely to bump into many people with the same shoes which is a bonus!

I spied these beautiful feather and velvet sandals recently and could not resist them. I’ve been wearing them to death and had SO many compliments. The best part is they’re super comfy; I can wear them all day long – from my flat to the office to dinner and drinks after.

Here are my top five shoes from Next:

Black Feather Trim Sandals - £35The most comfy shoes I have ever owned, admiring glances are guaranteed. I love wearing mine with midi skirts and crop tops.
Black Embroidered Court Shoes - £45 I fell in lust with these shoes as soon as I saw them. AW16 is all about embroidery, especially on your feet. These shoes would look equally good in autumn sans tights and in winter with some thick opaques. Next also do an ankle boot version which is stunning.
Black Velvet Shoe Boots - £40Another key AW16 trend, these peep-toe velvet shoe boots are just irresistible. I love the cut out on the side.
Signature Pointy Toe Court Shoes - £38I have to admit, I’m like the Goldilocks of nude court shoes. I had a beautiful leather pair which I wore to death, because they elevate any look and if you score the right shade, make your legs look endless. I literally wore them to death and had to throw them away 6 months ago and I haven’t managed to find a replacement. I like a nude court with a pointy toe, no platform and sleek heel – surprisingly hard to find. This pair is absolutely perfect.
Grey leather embroidered court shoes - £50 Pretty embroidery AND sassy ankle straps, these are the most ladylike heels I’ve seen in a long time.

It's a little late but as well as my post on my highlights at Fashion Week, I also wanted to share a diary of my time at the shows:

My favourite outfit

Despite the glitz and glamour, London Fashion Week is a trade show. As it is about fashion, naturally what people are wearing to the shows has become as important as what is sent down the runway. There was a period of time when peacocking hit peak – people heading down to the main showspace in outlandish outfits simply to get papped. I’ve pretty much seen it all from conehead hairstyles and Barbie-head adorned bodysuits to identical twins dressed identically with their hands in each other’s pockets. The old venue at Somerset House was a magnet for people just swanning around hoping to catch a street style photographer’s eye. Thankfully, there’s been a lot less peacocking since the main showspace moved to Brewer Street Carpark, there simply isn’t anywhere to parade around.

I’ve pretty much always stuck to my own style, yes I do want to look good but I’m there to work – both for my day job in brand relations and for my blog. In between running around for shows, I don’t usually have time to find someone to snap my outfit but this was my favourite and thankfully I bumped into Danielle from Fashionista Barbie who took a couple of pictures for me.

It’s not a crazy outfit and I’ve worn every single piece to death. The shirt/dress is new from Zara, I’m obsessed with shirts and stripes thanks to Caroline Constas so absolutely had to buy this shirt. I just paired it with black linen shorts from ASOS and tied a light denim shirt from H&M around my waist. The shoes are totally amazing and from ASOS too, though quite a few seasons old. The bag is Saint Laurent and I adore it.

Burberry’s Makers House

Pretty much everyone in the industry can agree that the current system of shows is antiquated and needs a shake up and most people in the industry view the new see-now-buy-now model favourably. The rise in social media, livestreaming, Snapchat etc. mean that shows are instantly accessible directly to the consumer; it’s no longer an event to woo press and buyers.

Known for the digital innovation, Burberry unveiled the smartest companion to their see-now-buy-now show – Burberry Makers House. Not content to simply allow customers to shop immediately, they created a real-life ode to Christopher Bailey’s creative process and the artisans behind the collection. The beautiful pebbled grounds were full of sculptures while the ground floor housed artisans, calligraphers and sculptures as well as real life mood boards with patterns, pictures, fabric swatches and leather samples. Upstairs, the womenswear and menswear looks were displayed, allowing customers to experience the inspiration behind the collection then see and feel the collection up close and in real life. Such a beautiful concept.

Martine Jarlgaard

I have to admit, one of the highlights of the last few seasons at London Fashion Week is seeing what Matthew Drinkwater and the Fashion Innovation Agency (FIA) have in store. Over the past few seasons, FIA has bought us dresses made out of Nokia phones, a huge Star Wars collaboration complete with 3D printed bionic arm and a light up LED Tinkerbell dress. This season, FIA partnered with emerging designer Martine Jarlgaard and Microsoft to present a ‘mixed reality’ presentation for the first time. Using the Microsoft Hololens headset, I walked into an empty room but saw a 3D hologram of a model wearing a look from Jarlgaard’s collection. Different to Virtual Reality, when you are immersed in a separate world, I was able to see and speak to Matt while walking around the model to experience the dress as if it were right there. One of my highlights for LFW.

Julien Macdonald

Julien Macdonald’s show is always a favourite of mine. I’ve included it in my review of London Fashion Week but couldn’t not include it in my personal round up of the shows.

Notion Magazine

My Fashion Week started with a bag at Notion Magazines party at Tape, one of my favourite clubs in London.

Grooming Room

I also headed to the launch of Forward PR’s Grooming Room on the rooftop of the Century Club, beautiful views!

Paula Knorr

Although shows get the lion’s share of attention, I love popping into a presentation and seeing a collection in a stripped back setting. None of the crazed hype, pumped up music and drama. I like seeing a collection against a relatively blank canvas and close enough to see the details. It’s usually the smaller, emerging designers who have them so there’s also the added excitement of discovering something really special. Paula Knorr’s collection was just that. Knorr started with a collection of her own paintings and sketches and the beautiful self-portraits and paintings became digital prints or embroidery on precisely tailored pieces and tulle. Texture heavy, I loved being able to examine her pieces up close to admire her handiwork.

China Ball

I’m so stoked to have attended the inaugural China Ball, held at the Natural History Museum. How often can you say you partied with Dippy the Diplodocus?!

London Design Festival

London Fashion Week also coincided with London Design Festival, making for a very aesthetically pleasing few days in the capital. I headed down to the Bulgari Hotel to check out Studio Myerscough’s interactive installation, The Sign Machine.

Can I say “Baby, it’s cold outside” or is it too early for Christmas talk? London seems to have skipped straight from summer to winter and I am not happy about it. There’s something really lovely about the transition seasons; tentatively peeling layers off in spring and slowly layering more on in autumn. There are so many things I love about autumn – enjoying crisp, fresh mornings, cooking hearty, warming food, watching the leaves change from green to golden brown, the soft layers of knits. Last Saturday, I finally wore a huge pink knit I bought in January this year and spent the weekend snuggled up inside full of illness; it feels a little too early to be in full on winter mode just yet.

While I love the beauty of autumn, being stuck indoors sick had me yearning for summer. Long, carefree days of skipping out of the house with bare legs and without a jacket seem like a distant memory. Perhaps a little out of keeping with the current cold snap, I wanted to share a little throwback outfit post from summer. This summer, I was head over heels for pastels, everything from mint green to pink sorbet. This outfit was actually one of my summer go-tos, you know those outfits that are simple and just work so you’re confident to just throw it on…typically on a Monday morning before you’ve had your first hit of caffeine.

I guess you could call it a feel good outfit, full of cherished pieces which I’ve worn to death but still not grown tired of. It’s a clichéd mix of hi-low but I adore the H&M blouse I picked up on a whim as much as the Chloe bag I stalked for weeks before taking the plunge. My absolute favourite part of the outfit are the cute little pompom block heel shoes from ASOS, if memory serves they were only about £40 but I’d easily pay double for them. They’re a few seasons old but still garner admiring looks and compliments, as any good shoe should.

Do you have a favourite go-to, feel good outfit?

Blouse – H&M

Skirt – Erdem

Shoes – ASOS

Bag – Chloe

Over the last few years, designers have fallen back in love with denim. The humble wardrobe staple has been reimagined with a step hem, a new perplexing cropped flare silhouette and of course Vetement’s budget busting £900 vintage couture jeans. Perhaps the prettiest trend has been embroidered denim, seen at a handful of shows, including Alexander McQueen, for spring/summer 2016. Although you could go for a designer pair – I swear, the Guccis are calling my name – I don’t know how much longevity this trend will have so it’s much safer to save your pennies and go for a more affordable version. High Street stores have been surprisingly slow of the mark with this trend, however they’ve pulled their socks up this season! Here are my top picks:

Garden Embroidered mom jeans by Topshop - £68 A little pricy for the high street but these are my absolute favourite! The fun, floral embroidery is sprinkled across the jeans, front and back for a real style statement. I love the mom fit too.
Embroidered jeans by Glamorous - £39For those who like overt embroidery, these jeans are you. I love the bold embroidery on one leg and smattering on the other, however I would have liked them more if they had a touch on the back.
Embroidered jeans by Pretty Little Thing - £28 These jeans are absolutely perfect if you’re not 100% convinced by this trend but want to dip your sartorial toe in it. There’s only a touch of embroidery and the price tag is so tiny it justifies the investment.
Embroidered jeans by Anita & Green - £35 In a more muted tone than some of the other jeans I’ve picked, this cute cropped pair by Anita & Green would look great with a pair of stilettos and a white shirt, elevating your wardrobe basics.
Moto scribble embroidered jeans by Topshop - £55I have to admit, I prefer embroidered jeans with a looser silhouette, but these skinny jeans have such a ‘don’t care’ attitude I actually really like them.

There are two types of people in the world: those who absolutely love Halloween and those who are completely indifferent. I’m team captain of the former; Halloween is one of my favourite holidays of the year. As much as I love Christmas it always comes with so much pressure, from agonising over what presents to buy to being totally partied out by the time the big day actually arrives. Halloween is full of festive merriment but without the expectations. It’s all just fun parties, cute outfits and scary movies. What’s not to love?

This year, as Halloween falls on a Monday, I’m planning a bumper celebration of scary film screenings and fun nights out to get dressed up. Much like Christmas, Halloween can be exactly what you want it to be. I love the opportunity to get dressed up so I like having one night out but I’m also a huge horror movie fanatic so I love all the spooky film screenings too. There are also tons of attractions and events going on too, from London Dungeons to the Ghost Tours.

Being such a huge Halloween fan, I was absolutely thrilled when Attraction Tix recently got in touch to ask if I wanted to preview the new Halloween experience at the London Tombs. Despite going to London Dungeons about half a dozen times (and being pretty underwhelmed by the scare factor), I have never been to London Tombs so this was the perfect opportunity to check it out. London Tombs is located at London Bridge too, practically across the road from London Dungeons but unlike the tame dungeons it has a reputation for being super scary – it’s been voted the UK’s scariest attraction for the 8th year running!

Each year, London Tombs holds their annual adults-only Phobophobia event. The 10-day fear-provoking extravaganza sees the Tombs transformed into a brand new themed house of horrors. This year, the theme is The Nightmare of the Ventriloquist, think crazed ventriloquist maniac and tons of very freaky puppets and dolls. It sounded horrific, in the best way possible!

On Tuesday, I popped down to the Tombs for what promised to be a terrifying night of frights. The night started with the obligatory drinks and nibbles…and some snakes! Real live snakes. The closest I’ve come to a snake is wearing them on my feet and while I’m not scared of snakes, I was a little hesitant to get up close with one. After some prompting by Sherin, my date for the night, I picked up a baby snake and…it wasn’t that bad! After another glass of wine, I plucked up the courage to handle the largest snake. I feel like I’m a pro now!

The actual experience was petrifying. We started off with an introduction with the ventriloquist, complete with blood-splattered apron and studio with body parts strewn everywhere. We then had to make our way through a scary maze-like route starting with disorientating strobe-lit rooms and mannequins who may or may not be alive. As you progress deeper into the depths of the ventriloquist’s lair, the shadows get darker and the discarded marionettes get more and more twisted. For the last stretch, our group was advised to hold onto the shoulders of the person in front as we weaved our way through the house of horrors. I screamed so much I practically lost my voice.

As a huge Halloween lover, I had an absolute ball! It was genuinely terrifying and I was secretly glad to have someone to hold onto for the latter stretch! I thoroughly recommend it to everyone except the most sensitive of souls; you’re guaranteed to have a horrific time in the best way possible! Just make sure you take someone you’re comfortable cosying up with!

Thanks to the team at Attraction Tix for an incredible evening. To book tickets, please visit the Attraction Tix website and save up to 73% compared to booking directly.

A couple of weeks ago, I was introduced to an unlikely collaboration at a very special event. Luxury Polish vodka brand Belvedere has collaborated with prominent South Africa artist Esther Mahlangu and (RED) on a special edition bottle for a really worthy cause – half of the profits will be donated to the Global Fund to fight HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis.

For those who may not have heard of Esther, she is one of South Africa’s most famous artists and one of the last skilled custodians of the traditions of the Ndebele people. Her art is inspired by the Ndebele people and their traditions, and her paintings are made from pigments from her surroundings – the black comes from the mud in the river and many colours are extracted from the African soil nearby.

At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting Esther and taking part in an exclusive art workshop, painting my own design inspired by her vibrant, geometric artwork. Esther paints with a chicken feather paintbrush, which is what we used to create our paintings too. It was such a special experience and I’m so honoured to be part of it. I think it’s really wonderful that she has been able to collaborate with Belvedere to help combat these diseases. The bottle she has designed has four of her designs, with each one carrying a meaning – security, support, change and unity.

I’ve only started appreciating vodka over the last few years. Suitably scarred by university bars which insisted on serving Smirnoff vodka, complete with its harsh bite to your throat as you drink it down, I gave vodka a wide berth. I took a trip to Sydney to spend time with my older cousins who introduced me to Belvedere at Zeta Bar in the Hilton. We had lemon flavoured vodka, which was so delicious and smooth that I persuaded the bartender to make us a special Belvedere lemon shot.

A few years later at the event, I finally understood why it tasted so smooth. I can’t claim to be an expert in the vodka distilling process, but speaking to Belvedere’s UK Brand Ambassador, I learned that the rye used by Belvedere is slow fermented over several days before its distilled several times. Belvedere use their own water source to purify and blend the vodka before it’s filtered twice. The resulting vodka is soft and smooth with a hint of vanilla which created a sumptuous velvety texture. Perfect for drinking alone and as a base for a good cocktail, which brings us nicely to the point of my post!

If you follow me in Twitter or Instagram, you’ll know that I have a soft spot for a good Bloody Mary. It’s not at all cool, but it’s one of my favourite cocktails. They’re perfectly acceptable at brunch and I always choose them over a bellini, but I pretty much drink them any time of the day now. The one stipulation is that it must be spicy. Sushi Samba and Bronte pretty much make the perfect spicy Bloody Mary but over the last few weeks I’ve been experimenting with a few recipes and made my own version, with just enough kick to start your morning.

Quite a lot of recipes call for fancy ingredients and I was incredulous to see one which omitted tomato juice! I’m a bit of a stickler for tradition so I kept it simple and of course red. A couple of recipes used horseradish, I can see the appeal of having a sharp kick to a Bloody Mary but my version just uses good old Worcester Sauce and Tobasco. If your palette doesn’t take well to spice, use a little less of those two ingredients and add a little bit more to suit your tastebuds.

Ingredients:

2 shots of Belvedere vodka
1 cup of organic tomato juice
4 tablespoons of Worcester Sauce
1 teaspoon of Tobasco
A pinch of celery salt and pepper
A squeeze of lemon
Fresh celery to garnish

Method:

Throw it all in a cocktail shaker
Shake what your mama gave you
Pour it in a glass
Cut some celery to garnish
Let me know what you think!

I have to admit, I have a bit of a girl-crush on model Leomie Anderson. The stunning 5’10.5 British beauty is not only making waves in the fashion industry; she’s using her influence to speak about important issues, from the lack of diversity in the fashion industry to the dangers of sexting. And actually, as beautiful as she is, it’s the latter that has made me into a fan – I’m a huge advocate of people using their audience and influence for positive change.

I follow Leomie on Twitter and absolutely love how honest and outspoken she is. Her passion and drive is abundantly clear and to be honest, very infectious. She is so honest about working hard, wanting to work harder and build something for herself, by herself. In a world of nepotism and reality starlets, it’s like a breath of fresh air. She is all about uplifting and inspiring others as well as giving a realistic insight into the life of a model.

Towards the end of last year, Leomie hit the headlines for speaking out on Twitter about the racial discrimination she has faced in her environment. She has been typically candid about situations she has encountered such as comments during castings, unprepared makeup artists and not getting jobs because “we’re not using any Africans in our shows this season”. She called out the difference between black MUAs backstage, who are equipped to make up all skintones, and said that often white MUAs don’t have the correct foundation shades for darker skinned models. Hairstylists are equally ill-equipped and the likes of Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell have spoken out about this in the past.

Leomie also acknowledges that the situation has improved but still has a long way to go, particularly with darker skinned models, as lighter skinned models still get more work than their darker skinned contemporaries. Shadeism is still prevalent, you just need to look at the types of models of colour getting cast, whether it’s Indian, black, etc – it’s always the lighter skinned girls who conform more to Eurocentric beauty standards who end up getting the job. I totally agree that things have come a long way, and I love seeing Neelam Gill slaying, but representation of people of colour is still abysmal and these conversations are still important and need to be had.

Recently, Leomie penned an open letter urging young women to think before sending sexual images to men. Sexting is now so prolific that it has been added to the Oxford English dictionary, yet there has been very little discussion about safe parameters and potential for exploitation. She talks about the pressure young girls are under to send explicit messages and is reinforcing that it’s perfectly acceptable to say no. Again, this is an incredibly important issue to be open about and I applaud Leomie for empowering girls to say no.

Leomie followed this up by launching her own brand, LAPP, which aims to explore the issues young women face today. The first collection sought to reclaim the word ‘no’, making young girls feel like they can say no in the face of pressure. The collection uses phrases girls use to say no and aims to make girls feel confident and proud to say no, removing the stigma of saying no. As an aunt and godmother, this is such an important message and I’m so pleased that Leomie is doing all she can to help young girls.

Gosh, all this and I’ve barely mentioned Leomie’s incredible career. Discovered while on her way home from school, she kickstarted her career in 2010 walking for Loewe and Emanuel Ungaro and editorials with Dazed & Confused, anOtherand Vogue Italia the following year. Fast-forward just five years and Leomie has agency representation in the four fashion capitals plus Barcelona, Hamburg, Los Angeles, Miami and Seattle and has worked with everyone from Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Giles, Topshop and Victoria’s Secret. An enviable career by any accounts, especially for a darker skinned model, but what I love most about Leomie is her passion for life and candid approach to social media. What a star.

I have to admit, I love a bit of leopard print. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure, I guess. I had a pair of gorgeous leopard print platform sandals from Dune which I used to wear to death, everytime I wore them I got compliments. Leopard print always feels like a guilty pleasure but the admiring glances always justify my leopard print lust. A couple of years ago while contemplating buying leopard print leggings on Twitter, Hilary Alexander replied saying they’re a classic and she has three pairs!
While I’m not quite brave enough for the leggings, I have been lusting a leopard print coat for a while. Well, if it’s good enough for Kate Moss… There are some incredible leopard print coats on the high street. While I’m not the biggest fan of faux far versions, I’ve included a couple in my round up:

Topshop leopard print coat - £85I really like Topshop’s take on a leopard print coat. The boyfriend fit and slightly muted colour palette make it a subtle, classic wardrobe addition.
Boohoo Bella crop leopard faux fur jacket - £30I actually really like the Boohoo cropped jacket. I think cropped fur jackets look cute and the actual leopard print of this little number manages to avoid looking tacky.
Miss Selfridge leopard faux fur coat - £89 This coat has a bit of a 60s vibe, with a slightly nipped in waist which flares out. I really like the large leopard print and the dominant brown and camel shades.
Marks & Spencer long leopard print coat - £139This is my absolute favourite out of my edit. The longer length and beautiful cut make this coat look super chic. Dear Santa, if you’re reading…
Boden Sally leopard coat - £189This coat is just beautiful. The muted colour palette, minimal look and luxurious mohair make it a timeless investment

Last weekend, I quietly slipped away to Brussels for the weekend. I say quietly as I barely mentioned my trip via social media which is unusual for me; I love to explore the globe and take you guys with me on my travels. But sometimes you just need a proper break to spend some quality time with people without the interruption of social media. I think that’s what they call a digital detox and after switching off for a couple of days, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Aside from having a self-imposed restraining order from your phone, the most important ingredient for a proper break is somewhere indulgent and delicious to stay holed up. The hotel I stayed in was utter perfection so I just have to share it with you.

Louise Sur Coer is one of the most beautiful little hotels I have had the pleasure of calling home. The brainchild of renowned artist Dimitri Parimeros, Louise Sur Coer is situated in an1874 townhouse a short walk from the centre of Brussels. Dimitri has spent the last 5 years painstakingly renovated the house with incredible attention to detail. He has personally sourced each piece of furniture and painting from across Belgium, the hotel also features a number of his sculptures and paintings. Set across 4 floors, each floor is themed around a different period; the ground floor is inspired by the regency era and features wood panelling and a beautiful working marble fireplace, the floor I stayed on is themed around the decadent 1930s.

Despite arriving in Brussels at around 10am, Dimitri made sure our room was ready for us to check in on arrival and even prepared a delicious breakfast feast for us. He chatted to us about the property and how he came to open Louise Sur Coer, explaining his journey from artist residing in Paris to Brussel hotelier and showing us key pieces in the living area and dining room. He also chatted to us about our time in Brussels and put together an amazing walking itinerary from the hotel complete with restaurant suggestions and places he loved as a local – better than any guidebook or blog. He was so kind and welcoming; it felt like staying with a friend rather than in a hotel.

As mentioned, the floor we stayed on was themed around the 1930s and the room I stayed in is the exquisite art deco-themed “Van Huffel” room, named after the architect Albert van Huffel. A stunning black marble fireplace dominates the large bedroom and the mantel piece is topped with an art deco mirror which Dimitri designed himself. The gold accents, wood floor and cosy soft furnishings create a snug, homely feel.

A glass cabinet in the corner conceals the entrance to the spectacular bathroom; just give the cabinet a tug to reveal stairs with an ironwork bannister which open up to the biggest bathroom you’re likely to find in a hotel. The bathroom’s focal point is the beautiful roll-top bath and walk-in rainforest shower which is encased in beautiful stained glass. The art deco features carry through from the bedroom, with a beautiful mirror and bronze decal above the bathtub.

The main downside of the hotel is that it’s so sumptuously snug that you won’t want to leave. During our two day stay, we only managed to tear ourselves away once, for a brief walk through Brussels to get some food. Other than that, we stayed happily cocooned in our lavish little haven. An indoor picnic and dinner delivery via Uber Eats won over heading out to check out the restaurants that Dimitri suggested. I often feel a bit stir-crazy if I spend much time cooped up in hotel rooms in Europe as they’re usually tiny, but the Van Huffel room was super spacious, it felt like the perfect size to spend the weekend snuggled up with plenty of room.

Hotels, especially in Europe, can be really hit and miss, with tiny rooms, miniscule bathrooms, nondescript designs and very impersonal service. This is why I prefer to stay in small, boutique hotels rather than generic hotel chains – I love getting a feel of the place I’m visiting. Even in the context of boutique design hotels, Louise Sur Coer hotel is a really special find. The entire property has been hand curated by Dimitri and it feels like the setting for a Gucci campaign rather than a hotel that you can stay in. The best part is that the hotel only opened a few months ago so it’s very much under the radar so it’s just our little secret. I have a feeling people are going to catch on to this little gem pretty quickly.

Rooms start at 135euros a night, the Van Huffel room is from 145euros. For more information, visit the Louise Sur Coer website or email Dimitri at contact@louisesurcour.be.

Last week, on a dark and grey Tuesday evening, still reeling from the US Election result, I managed to find a little sanctuary to help me forget about the woes of the world. My long-time blogger friend Ashanti, of the fabulous Adorn Girl blog, chose the perfect night to host a festive supperclub in partnership with EatFirst– London’s first online-only gourmet restaurant. There literally is nothing better for lifting your spirits than a feast of Christmas comfort food, a beautiful setting and great company.

The supperclub took place at the gorgeous Dead Doll’s House; Ashanti transformed the top floor into an exquisite private dining room with the most decadent, Instagrammable table as a centrepiece. Utterly dreamy. I was really glad to catch up with Head Chef, Benn Hodges, over a glass of his Aussie Eggnog. He has an incredible career, being named ‘Chef of the Year’ in his home country Australia, before hopping across the ocean to work at Michelin-starred London institution The Ivy and Roka, one of my favourite restaurants. It’s safe to say his background set the bar for the evening very high!

Benn was appointed Head Chef of EatFirst back in January 2016. The concept is super simple, the restaurant is online-only, therefore unlike other food delivery services, each dish is designed to be transported and delivered. This really piqued my interest, I’ve ordered via delivery serviced before only to be let down with lukewarm food which hasn’t survived the bike delivery intact. Each dish on the EatFirst menu goes through rigorous development and is freshly hand-prepared by London’s best chefs. The meals are cooked and arrive chilled, with a three-step meal card for heating, plating and eating. Simple!

Our supperclub was to celebrate the new festive menu, which launches on Friday 18th November. The menu is full of Christmas classics as well as indulgent Thanksgiving-inspired desserts. I was super pleased to find tons of vegetarian options on the menu, from the truffle mushroom soup with walnut crumble and parmesan scone to the Portobello mushrooms filled with spinach, goat’s cheese and herbed crumbs. My absolute favourite was the truffle mac & cheese, I actually gasped out loud when I had my first bite. We also feasted on piles of sides – the roast potatoes were crisp to perfection and the glazed parnsips drizzled with organic honey were divine.

The festive menu is out this Friday. Check it out by either visiting the EatFirst website or download the app, which is super easy to use. EatFirst currently serves zones 1,2 and 3 with 45 minute delivery slots from 11am-2pm for brunch or lunch and 5.30-10pm for dinner. Yes, I said brunch. That amazing development team have worked their magic so you can order perfect poached which are delivered to your door. With or without a delicious Bloody Mary mix. They are actual angels on Earth.

I’ve had enough about writing about how cold and miserable it is so I’m off! For the last couple of years, I’ve made a habit of booking a cheeky winter break, coincidentally when the weather is perfect! This year, I’m off to explore a lesser travelled country – Myanmar. I’m flying into Yangon today and over the next few weeks, I’ll be visiting Mandalay, exploring the temples of Bagan, hiking from Kalaw to Inle Lake and finally ending with a well-deserved rest at the beautiful Ngapali beach. I have a couple of blog posts scheduled while I’m away but if you want to keep updated with my adventures, follow me on Instagram.

Over the last 10 years, the concept of personal style has changed dramatically. Thanks to the proliferation of blogs, street style and Instagram, our sartorial choices have never been scrutinised more closely. Fashion industry insiders, and those trying to break in, are no longer simply dressing for themselves; personal style has now become a platform and a career itself. Digital media has had a dramatic impact; 10 years ago it was ludicrous that one could forge a credible career in fashion purely through posting pictures of their outfit online. And yet here we are, with armies of fashion bloggers across the globe adored for their personal style landing collaborations with brands, fronting campaigns and making a career out of how they dress.

For a blogger and someone who works in digital for a luxury retailer, I’ve welcomed this change. I know first-hand how hard bloggers work, one person publishing houses who write, edit, art direct, model and market their personal brand. That’s no easy feat, which is why I took offense at US Vogue’s recent attack on bloggers. It’s incredulous to think that Sally Singer, Creative Digital Director at Vogue, called out bloggers for changing outfits and being paid by brands to wear top-to-toe looks, declaring “you are heralding the death of style”. Alessandra Codinha, Fashion News Editor at vogue.com, chimed in to call out the peacocking and “bought-and-paid-for front row”. Interestingly, both of these editors can be spotted in street style shots from the shows and neither of them acknowledge their peers being dressed by brands, ostentatious press trips which inevitably result in glowing editorial or the editorial bias to advertisers. People in glass houses…

In the context of personal style, this brouhaha questions the authenticity of bloggers, influencers and industry insiders. On the other end of the spectrum, social media has democratised the notion of personal style. While trends will inevitably still exist, the notion of what is “in fashion” becomes more diluted each season. For me, this is the most interesting development in personal style. Like many others, I’m much more inspired by what real people are wearing, rather than what designers have dreamt up in their ateliers. There’s a huge difference between fashion and style. Less consumerism and buying the must-have piece this season and more nuanced styling – it’s not the shirt but how you’re wearing the shirt, what you decide to wear the shirt with.

This is exactly what photographer Anthony Lycett explores in his new book – Self.Styled. The book is a “colourful celebration of expression, diversity and individualism through personal style”. Anthony approached people from all walks of life who are renowned for their personal style, from DJs to historians. Each person was asked to style themselves in two looks, one to represent daywear and the second to represent eveningwear.

I’ve poured over the book and really enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the London fashion scene including Pandemonia and Daniel Lismore as well as people I’ve never heard of but undoubtedly have incredible style. Each set of photographs is accompanied by a quote or quote interview giving an insight into the subject’s personal style and what inspired them, giving an unique and subjective view on personal style. The book has been really inspiring; it’s a great resource to flick through before getting dressed. I always end up seeing my wardrobe with fresh eyes looking for inspiration to reinvent myself for that day. Isn’t that what great style is all about?

Self.Styled by Anthony Lycett is available to buy on Amazon.

Winter isn’t coming; it’s here and here to stay. It’s not all doom and gloom though; one of this season’s must have coats is the humble puffer, aka a duvet with sleeves. I can barely contain my joy that it’s now acceptable to cocoon yourself in a duvet coat to face the bitter cold. Previously languishing on a pile of fashion faux pas, along with UGG boots and leggings-worn-as-trousers, the puffer coat has been given a super luxe makeover this season. Worn super XXL at Marques Almeida, shiny at Raf Simons and given a decadent twist with silk and embroidery at Alexander McQueen.

The high street are, of course, quick to catch onto a surefire hit. Various iterations from long to cropped, classic black to punchy primary colours, there’s a puffer coat to suit everyone. Here are my favourite picks under £150:

Monki puff coat - £65his is my very favourite! I adored the soft pink colour which seems to have sold out but this dull saffron is a good alternative. I love the longer length and shawl collar. It would obviously look great dressed down but I would also wear it with a chic little black dress and heels as a total contrast.
River Island Studio cropped puffer jacket - £90I love this deep burgundy cropped-yet-oversize puffer so much. The colour is so rich and perfect for the colder months and it has a hood, ideal for protecting your hair from the inevitable frizz-inducing winter showers. Due to the cropped, voluminous silhouette, I’d pair it with jeans and heels for a cool off-duty look.
Ivy Park oversized puffer - £119This puffer ain’t for the fainthearted. It’s long, it’s oversize and it’s shiny silver. But it’s a thing of beauty. It’s a real statement piece; Beyonce wasn’t pulling any punches with this coat. It looks super cosy too. I would love to see this casually slung over a beautiful cocktail dress.
Topshop pink satin puffer jacket - £99 Proving puffers don’t always need to be boring, this Topshop iteration is super cute and feminine. In fact, it reminds me of a pink marshmallow…in the best way possible. I’d wear it with mom jeans and heels to give the saccharine jacket a bit of edge. Bonus: pink is a huge trend for SS17!
Zara long quilterd down coat - £119 Trust Zara to throw out the most fashion-forward puffer on the high street. The oversize quilts are slightly reminiscent of the Marques Almeida runway coat while the huge, almost funnel-like collar is very Raf.

At some point over the last year, I all but stopped wearing perfume. I’d have a quick spritz before a date or night out but on a day-to-day basis, I’d go fragrance free. It’s not that I didn’t like perfumes, I just felt like I was at a bit of an impasse in my fragrance journey. I started wearing my first scent in my teens, alternating between the latest Impulse body spray and So..? perfume, both compulsory for 90s teens. As I grew older, my taste evolved to actual perfume and in university my signature scent was J’Adore by Dior. Post-university, I opted for Tom Ford fragrances; their rich, sultry scent was a definite upgrade from mass market perfumes. But then I found myself at a bit of a crossroad, wanting something a little more special but not yet ready to dip my toe in the lavish world of private blends.

The problem was that I wasn’t a perfume connoisseur, I didn’t know much about which notes I liked or which ones settled well on my skin and the only exposure to new perfumes was through magazine or TV adverts. Fragrance adverts are a funny thing; they weave such lavish and creative stories without actually describing anything about the actual product or its essence. In hindsight, I was ready for a brand which solely focuses on perfume, rather than a fashion house or celebrity who is looking to tap into the lucrative fragrance market. Typically these brands shy away from traditional marketing channels so they aren’t so well known, they’re small, niche perfume brands so naturally their budgets won’t stretch to billboards and double-page spreads in Vogue.

When I started discovering niche fragrance brands such as Creed, Clive Cristian, Le Labo and Byredo, it’s like a whole new world opened up to me. A new, daunting world but one I was keen to learn about. After a trip to Harrods fragrance room, Byredo was my clear favourite. The niche perfume house combines Eastern and Western influences, the minimalist Scandi bottle design is representative of its Swedish founder, Ben Gorham, but the evocative scents were inspired by his mother’s hometown in India. The resulting fragrances use the highest quality raw ingredients from around the world, which are then assembled and blended by hand in Sweden.

My long-time pal and beauty guru Daniela Morosini actually suggested Byredo’s Rose Noir fragrance; she wears it and thought it would be perfect for me. As the name suggests, it’s a rose scent…but not as you’d know it. Byredo takes the traditional sweet saccharine notion of a rose and tarnishes it with a dark, intoxicating edge. It opens with cheery, carefree notes of grapefruit and freesia which give way to floral heart notes of rose damascena, violet, jasmine and lily of the valley. Earthy base notes of cistus, moss, musk and patchouli are grounding with a decadent animalic scent. Rather than being a straightforward rose fragrance, which has been done to death, Rose Noir is a multifaceted scent which gradually unfolds as you wear it, totally captivating you in the process. I’ve been wearing it for a week now and I think it’s safe to say I’m addicted! I can’t wait to explore the rest of Byredo’s fragrances.

Here are my favourite gifts to indulge anyone with a serious case of wanderlust...

Smythson Greenwich cabin trolley - £1,795 Beautiful luggage is a bit of an indulgence but very necessary for anyone serious about collecting stamps in their passport. I would only invest in nice carry-on though, I’d be heartbroken if I’d bought a beautiful suitcase and it was wrecked after being manhandled by airport staff. I spied this beautiful cabin trolley at Smythson’s Christmas press day months ago and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It’s beautiful but also very practical and well-designed, with 360 degree rotation wheels, tons of external pockets for travel documents and plenty of sections inside to keep you well organised.

Beats by Dre Solo3 wireless on-ear headphones - £245.80 Decent on-ear headphones should be mandatory for travel. I always use mine on the plane, whether I’m watching a movie or listening to music as I nod off. They’re also super useful for bus/boat/train journeys I use Beats by Dre because the sound quality is incredible, especially the bass. I have the original pair but I’m hoping Santa pops this wireless pair under the tree for Christmas

Kindle Paperwhite with built-in light and wifi - £104.49 The only time I’m really able to get any decent reading time in is on holiday. Try as I might, I just can’t get immersed into a book while standing in a crowded tube carriage. On a beach with the sun on my skin and the sound of waves crashing in my ear, it’s a completely different story. Earlier this year, I was trying to read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and it took me 3 months to get through 15% of the book at home. It took me 3 days to completely finish it while I was chilling on the beaches on the Perhentian Islands! Reading is such a good way to while away time on holiday. This Kindle Paperwhite has a crisp sceen and a built-in light just in case you fancy some bedtime reading.

Fendi Paradeyes sunglasses - £276.95Statement sunglasses are very necessary on holiday. Purely from a health and safety perspective, of course… It’s really important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while in the sun but it’s also important to look great on holiday. I love these distinctive Paradeyes sunglasses from Fendi, A hybrid of cat eye sunglasses and round sunglasses; they are the perfect statement sunnies, whether you’re off to Capri or the Caribbean. They’re also 35% off at Smart Buy Glasses at the moment!

Aspinal of London Travel Collection - £175There is nothing chicer than a matching travel set. Nothing. I’ve been eyeing this midnight blue lizard set from Aspinal of London for years, one day I’ll treat myself. Til then, I’ll continue to ask Santa for it every year. My passport is actually so worn out you can’t see the crest anymore so I actually need the passport holder. The travel document wallet is purely for practical reasons and the luggage tags just because they’re beautiful. The Travel Collection comes in a ton of colours but I love the midnight blue with cream suede interior.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Between all the Christmas lights getting switched on, open-air icerinks opening and the stunning festive windows, Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier to London. But it’s my favourite time of the year and when London is at its best. It's actually enjoyable to be snuggled up and cosy, making the most of the festivities.

Being a Londoner, festivities naturally mean an alcoholic beverage. I usually favour Bailey's but last winter I was partial to a hot toddy - I spent most of last winter pretty poorly so a warm cocktail soothed my sore throat. A couple of weeks ago, I tried eggnog for the very first time at EatFirst's Festive Feast. Chef Benn Hodges whipped up his special Aussie version which went down very well with our party.

Having piqued my interest, I wanted to start looking into eggnog a little before the festive season get into full swing. Apparently eggnog was one of George Washington's favourite tipples; he made it himself and even aged it for a few days to let the flavour mellow. While I appreciate his enthusiasm and commitment, I feel like President Washington may have taken his eggnog a little too seriously..!

A classic eggnog is a fairly straightforward drink which calls for a base of rum mixed together with egg, milk and nutmeg. Some eggnog recipes jazz it up with double cream, condensed milk or cinnamon sticks. I found a very tempting Bailey's Eggnog recipe. This is essentially my dream Christmas cocktail - warm, comforting eggnog combined with my festive favourite Bailey's. I whipped it up this weekend and wanted to share the recipe with you:

Ingredients:

35ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
1 tablespoon of caster sugar
1 egg
75ml milk
1 split vanilla pod
1 cinnamon stick
A sprinkle of nutmeg

Method:

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1tbsp caster sugar until creamy and the sugar begins to dissolve
Mix in 35ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and 75ml milk. Stir in the seeds from a vanilla pod, scraped out with a teaspoon.
Using a grater, grate the sides of a whole nutmeg into the bowl.
With a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into a Cognac glass.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, placed inside the glass at an angle.

For more Christmas cocktails check out Diageo's site, thebar.com.

London Fashion Week SS17

New York Fashion Week SS17

Milan Fashion Week SS17

Paris Fashion Week SS17

Top Five: Heels from Next

London Fashion Week Diary

Outfit: Throwback to Summer Pastels

Top Five: Embroidered Jeans

Phobophobia at the London Bridge Experience

The Belvedere Bloody Mary

Model Spotlight: Leomie Anderson

Top Five: Leopard Print Coats

Hotel Review: Louise Sur Coer, Brussels

EatFirst's Festive Feast

Mingalabar, Myanmar!

Review: Self.Styled by Andrew Lycett

Top Five: Puffer Coats Under £150

Byredo Rose Noir Review

Christmas Gift Guide: The Traveller

Bailey's Eggnog Recipe