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On Reflection

By Elizabeth on April 10, 2013

After a prolonged spell away, I just got back to London this week to find a wonderful package in the post… Neon yellow and black reflective sunglasses!!! I had forgotten I had ordered them online weeks ago so in a way, they were a great surprise! You see, mirror lensed sunglasses have always been a favourite of mine. In fact, my first pair of real sunglasses were mirror lensed in white plastic frames. I remember how I came upon them. Aged six in Canada and at just the right eye-level for finding hidden things, I spotted 3 large white boxes underneath the dining room table. Of course, I had to open them and they were filled with rows of sunglasses in every shape, style and colour! I couldn’t believe it! I was in Heaven. When my mother discovered what I had discovered, apart from telling me to stop playing with them, she explained the mystery behind them. A relative of ours, who was a designer sunglasses sales rep at the time, had left them with us to see if we wanted to choose anything. I don’t think the selection was intended for me but yes I sure did! My mother said I could choose one pair. Only one pair?! Out of over a hundred pairs? That was tough. Very tough. And a good early lesson in discipline. However, I knew what I liked at the time and would probably choose the same again: a cool pair of white framed silver mirrors. Quite often the new kid on the block during that time, at least I felt like the coolest kid on the block whenever I wore them! They carried me down ski-slopes in the Rockies, through glaring spring chinooks and summer rodeo sunshine over those following Alberta years and when the neon wave came upon us early in 1991, I moved my sunglasses with the times by painting the frames a mixture of neon orange and neon green (maybe not so cool). I do not know what became of those sunglasses after that but they remain a dear possession in my memory! And I am certainly glad to see that mirrored lenses are back out in force this season! I could see they were creeping up amongst the micro-trends heralded by the festival brigades over the last couple of summers but I have a feeling they are going to be everywhere this summer. Not just for festivals. This suspicion was confirmed on my Instagram feed this morning when I saw that superblogger trendsetting Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad, had photographed a couple of pairs of reflective Ray-Bans in preparation for California. Yip, mirror shades are definitely surfing the zeitgeist! And no doubt many a pair will be donned at Coachella this weekend. How the times have haven’t changed… And I am all the happier for it!

My new shades:

Candy Yellow Neon Reflective Sunglasses

These sunglasses were bought for very little on Ebay I must admit but they are the perfect candy yellow neon and I love the green/lilac metallic tones of the lenses and it means I won’t mind if they are stolen or lost at a festival or party this summer. However, for more precious frames and mirrors, I recommend a little trip over to Monnier Frères, where they have a beautiful selection and are offering 25% off new collections of designer sunglasses until 30th April. Only with a special code, which you will find here.

These are a few of my favourite mirrored and tonal shades from Monnier Frères – this time it’s definitely too difficult to choose only 1 pair! And now that I’m not six, I don’t have to! : )

Square Shaped Sunglasses by Marc Jacobs

Metal Framed Mirror Sunglasses by Police

Clear Framed Reflective Sunglasses by Carrera

Silver Framed Aviator by Ray-Ban

Mirrored Blue Aviators by Marc Jacobs

Posted in Accessories, Beachwear, Sunglasses, Trends | Tagged Designer Sunglasses, Mirror Sunglasses, Mirrored lenses, summer trends | Leave a response

Print-temps at Uniqlo!

By Elizabeth on March 21, 2013

It’s here…! Just realised the date – a little late in the day I must admit but I knew it was an important one, not just because the days will be getting brighter from now on, but also because so will our wardrobes as the Celia Birtwell collection for Uniqlo came out today! As one might expect of the renowned British textile designer, the collection is a fabulous array of playful prints, bold and bright, made to be mixed and matched in an artful mixed up matchy sort of way. I love it all but these are (more than) a few of my favourite things:

Pieces from Uniqlo x Celia Birtwell Collection, available at Uniqlo from 21.03.13

It is very difficult to narrow down the collection to a few favourite pieces but I suggest you try! And enjoy those brighter days ahead!

Posted in Fashion - womenswear | Tagged Prints, Uniqlo Celia Birtwell | Leave a response

Happy International Womens Day!

By Elizabeth on March 8, 2013

Wishing all women around the world health, peace and happiness for you and your loved ones!

In celebration of today, I would like to highlight In Peace, a beautiful Eau de Parfum with a very special cause, exclusively from Space Nk. It is the perfect Spring scent, with top white notes of Pimento and Freesia, a heart of Divine French Iris, soft Mimosa and creamy Suede notes and a sensuous base of White Musk, Sandalwood and Tonka Bean, leaving a very feminine, lasting impression. This perfume has a lasting cause too. By buying In Peace you are helping the work of Women for Women International. 10% of net profits from the sale of each bottle will go directly to Women for Women‘s sponsorship program which supports women survivors of war to enable them to rebuild their lives and promote peaceful communities.

IN PEACE, Eau de Parfum, £60 from Space Nk

Posted in Fragrance | Tagged eau de parfum, Good Cause, In Peace, Women for women | Leave a response

A new brand for boys I’d like you to meet…

By Elizabeth on March 1, 2013

So it is difficult to ascertain when exactly Spring begins… Some say the vernal equinox, around March 20th, being Irish I say St. Bridget’s Day on February 1st (even if it’s still so cold!), the British say St. David’s Day, March 1st…also known as the climatological beginning of Spring. Well it all varies from culture to culture, country to country, hemisphere to hemisphere but in my book, whether Spring is here or on its way, March 1st is a good day to celebrate the season of longer days, lawnmowers, daffodils, the meeting of strangers’ eyes on the streets, lambs in the fields and all things new!

One spring lamb of a brand that caught my eye recently is Abbie & Rose. Run by a small team of cool young guys in Belgium, this menswear label provides the answer to men who cares about the quality and style of what they wear but don’t want to think about it too much. Gilles Grosjean, Eric Boulanger, Jacques Merlen and, most recently, Quentin Ketelaers, all wanted to create a label for men that offers a casual-chic choice which takes inspiration from classic looks, with cuts that are made for the modern guy and a strong attention to the small details that make the difference. The small details being contrasting prints inside the cuffs and collars, contrasting stitching and exquisite natural fabrics.

Their clothes are for the grown-up boy who exudes a natural continental je ne sais quoi. He could be anyone and yes he’s cute but you don’t know why your head is turning because all he’s wearing is a classic pair of cotton chinos and a classic cotton shirt but this is not any old shirt… This is a soft cotton loveworn shirt. It looks so comfortable but smart at the same time and you can tell he loves it, because a guy who’s wearing a shirt he loves has a confidence and inner cool you can sense a mile away. There is no logo on the breast… Hmmm who’s that shirt by? And more importantly, who’s that guy?! Seriously, if a shirt can make a head turn, it’s probably from Abbie & Rose’s new Spring/Summer collection. Crafted from beautiful linens and cottons, this is a colourful collection that includes vivid plaids, stripes, a nostalgic star print and you’ve also got your classic plain light blue, pink and white ones too. “Men are boys with shirts” is the brand’s motto and certainly their shirts have a playful boyish charm. They look like fun to wear and that their wearers could be fun too! Oh and if that’s not enough, the brand has an ethical consciousness too, with the promise of returning 10% of profits into developing local industries in its community. I suggest you go check out the whole collection at Abbie & Rose, where you will also find their e-shop but here’s a little taster in the meantime:

From left to right: Monte Salaro Blue, Miami, Faraglioni Blue, Jermyn, by Abbie & Rose, Spring/Summer 2013

Small Details: Big difference! Monte Salaro Blue close-up, by Abbie & Rose

Posted in Fashion - menswear, Uncategorized | Tagged cotton shirts, designer shirts, linen shirts, mens fashion, new shirt brand, shirts | Leave a response

A Beauty Secret

By Elizabeth on February 8, 2013

I have a little confession to make… I lied. It goes back to an evening during the week before Christmas, when I met up with one of my best friends, Ruth, who I’ve known for a very long time and would never (normally/intentionally) lie to. We were in a fabulous buzzy bar in Dublin that goes by the name of The Bar With No Name or more aptly, The Secret Bar (I cannot tell you where exactly it is!). She had just flown in from London and we were having a great old natter over a couple of G&Ts when she suddenly leaned towards me with a look of horror and gasped, “Liz, are you not wearing any makeup?!” “Oh a bit of mascara I think..” I replied nonchalantly. “Yes, but nothing on your actual face? No foundation or concealer or anything like that?” Ruth persisted. “No no…” I said and I thought back to my time in front of the bathroom mirror that morning and I remembered putting moisturiser on… “oh moisturiser” I said and as Ruth continued to gaze at my skin and babble how amazing that was, that very few girls of my (grand old?) age could afford to or would be brave enough to leave the house with no makeup on their face and how lucky I was to have such skin like that etc. I remembered that there had been in fact a Part II of my albeit brief beauty regime that morning but I chose to remain tight-lipped, basking in the warmth of my friend’s flattery. They often say in the realm of beauty, less is more and sometimes, especially when one is erring on the side of wonder and assuming the best, it is better to say nothing. Why present the truth when the imagined is so much better? And so when I remembered that my beauty regime did not end at moisturiser that morning, I did not elaborate further. And while you could call the incident an omittance of the (whole) truth rather than an outright lie, I still felt guilty for not letting her in on a little secret… In all fairness, this evening was on the right side of the 12 days of Christmas merriment and I had probably had a good night’s sleep the night before but there was definitely more to it… Which I shall now reveal: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm!

Beauty Flash Balm Radiance Booster, from Clarins

I was given this a few months ago and all I can say it is a WONDERFUL product. To put it simply, it basically just makes everything better. Concocted from smoothing natural ingredients such as Olive and Witch Hazel extracts and Bisabolol which gives the skin a youthful glow, it moisturises, brightens and tightens the face. It can be worn alone for a natural radiance or as a primer to add a luminous base underneath foundation. If you like that airbrushed but dewy look, this is where it’s at! Perfect for this time of year, when skin can do with a little boost.

Apparently one is sold every 20 minutes somewhere in the world. And if you’ve tried it you’ll see why! So many people definitely know about it but I don’t think they’ve been telling! A secret waiting to be told… so there now, I’ve told it!

Posted in Beauty, Skincare | Tagged Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, Radiant Skin, Skin Primer | Leave a response

New Years Resolutions: No.3: Carpe Diem!

By Elizabeth on January 23, 2013

On new years eve, one of my friend’s put up a very inspirational quote on Facebook: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” – Brad Paisley. It really struck me for two reasons: First of all, I, like everyone, have a book inside me, which has spurted out in bits and pieces of paper over the years but the thought of piecing it all together into something coherent, something that people could read and follow has been rather overwhelming. The thought of writing a whole book, a whole book shrinks me to the size of Alice in Wonderland post “drink me” potion and I stare up at this gigantic hypothetical oneday someday book in wonder and leave it for another time. However, writing a page is not so overwhelming, nor is writing 2 or 3 or 5 or 6 on a good day… and if you string all those days together, well then you’ll have a book! Whether it will be good or not is another story but at least you’ll have a story (in writing)! And secondly I think that quote is a wonderful metaphor that I would like to apply to everything I do… So often I leave things because I think oh well I won’t have enough time today to finish it so what’s the point in starting but really all the little efforts add up to a greater picture and if you work at something little and often, the greater good is reached. So my plan this year is to really live in and invest energy into the now rather than focus on the overwhelming ideal picture and hopefully we’ll get there. Afterall, as the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He said this over 1000 years ago but it still stands true today and so I will remember to keep moving this year, page by page, step by step, day by day and see how far 2013 leads me through following the now.

Some books which I’ve found inspiring along these lines are:

"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, available at Amazon

"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers

"Screw Work Let's Play" by John Williams

"On the Road" by Jack Kerouac

Posted in Books, Uncategorized | Tagged live in the now, new years resolutions | Leave a response

New Years Resolutions: No.2: Health Matters

By Elizabeth on January 21, 2013

Now I’m no health guru or saintly diet subscriber but I am definitely old enough to know the difference between right and wrong when it comes to health and I am definitely old enough to feel and see the difference between when I’m looking after myself or not. Last year I learnt a hard lesson to digest; that all those croissants, milkshakes, cappucinos, burgers, muffins, ice-creams etc. do find somewhere to go in the end! I had been lucky for quite a few years but my uncle, who is a cardiologist in L.A. did warn me when I was 21 that many girls/young women feel they can eat anything during their 20s and a lot of them can but “if you continue to eat the way you do… you will find that when you hit 30 you will blow up like a balloon.” And that’s what I did. Well not quite but was definitely heading in that direction! And I wasn’t even that bad – I have always had a generally balanced organic and natural as possible diet but just never said no to the treats on top of that and have always had a weakness for 11s. Some people love chocolate but for me, you can’t beat a large latte and a treat (almond croissant/pain au chocolate/cinnamon something/muffin etc.) from one of the many fabulous patisseries around London to feed that late morning hunger. I get such a hit from it! But that is a habit I am determined to leave in my 20s, where (if anywhere) it belongs. The thing about habits is good or bad, they can just become automatic reflexes and I am determined to make mine for 2013 healthy ones. So far, haven’t been doing too badly… One thing I have been doing first thing in the morning is drinking half a cup of hot water and the juice of half a lemon. It is known for its antioxidant and alkalising powers and it is definitely doing something! It wakes me up and I think it is doing something to boost my metabolism because my stomach is flatter and any extra weight that arrived over Christmas has now gone! And it’s not like I’ve been dieting or anything… It is a fast-acquired taste, which I already crave when I wake up and really think there’s a lot to be said for making little addition into the start of the day!

Lemon Slice

I am also planning to start a detox this week (not today – Mondays are never ideal starts to anything!) during which I’ll de-caffeinate, de-alcoholise and de-carb and only eat very very healthily for 10 days. Something I do about twice a year and I find it’s a great energy boost. I always take detox capsules alongside and these ones by David Kirsch are great as they’re full of cleansing herbs and minerals, including green tea, milk thistle, senna leaf and dandelion leaf extract:

Flush and Cleanse Capsules by David Kirsch, Space Nk

Winter can be a grueling time on the body. So many flus going around and am determined to keep healthy. Quality vitamins supplements are vital at this time of year! BODYISM is a new range developed by celebrated personal trainer, James Duigan. From the range, BodyBrilliance is an all natural protein and fibre chocolate shake, made from super greens, minerals, energising herbs, fruit and vegetables and seems like a good ticket to optimal health maintenance. Oh and did I mention the chocolate? All this goodness in a CHOCOLATE shake! Definitely brilliant.

Body Brilliance: Contains green tea and guarana which helps boosts your metabolism and can encourage fat burning Has a powerful blend of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, which can naturally help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and fight off sugar cravings Includes whey protein, a highly bioavailable source of protein and fibrous supergreens, available at Space Nk

I can’t think about health without thinking about exercise or the gym (where is that again?). The gym can, if incorporated into your daily timetable, become as autonomous as brushing your teeth and that’s what I’m determined to make it. I know because I’ve done this before but let it the habit slip too long a time ago. It will be difficult to do at first but I’ll just go hail rain or shine! Yoga, pilates and cross-trainers here I come! And I promise that sometimes I will go running too! And walk a lot. And to celebrate, may even revamp the sporty section of my wardrobe… (It is rather small at the moment!) Here’s a selection of what I found online this morning:

1. Soul Yoga Tee in seashell pink, Sweaty Betty 2. Trinity Swimsuit by Lucas Hugh, Harrods 3. Barre Dance Tee, Sweaty Betty

4. Zumba Jersey Pants, Harrods 5. Pink Skipping Rope, Sweaty Betty 6. Nike Free Run+ 2 Shoes in Stadium Green, Urban Industry

7. Dynamic Yoga Legging, Sweaty Betty 8. Eco Yoga Matt, Sweaty Betty 9. ASICS GEL- Cumulus 14, Sweaty Betty 10. Marathon Run Short, Sweaty Betty

11. Upbeat Padded Bra, Sweaty Betty 12. Nike Lunarglide+ 4 Running Shoe, Harrods 13. Large Water Bottle, Sweaty Betty

So they’re the plans for a healthy new year… Now for action!

Posted in Food, Health | Tagged activewear, detox, fitness, gymgear, health, new year resolutions, sport | Leave a response

New YEars Resolutions: Better late than never…! No. 1: The First Step is Organisation

By Elizabeth on January 20, 2013

So how many people have made new years resolutions this year? And how many of those have have remained in tact? I must admit I am only taking mine off the back burner and making them official now! Official and in writing. Anyway the start of January is an unrealistic time for making life/self/home improvements. It is more like an incubation period, a time of simmering reflection rather than action while you wean yourself off the constant stream of cake/mince pies/chocolate/gingerbread etc. And that cannot be done cold turkey! Whoever said that the 1st of January should be the beginning of the new year anyway? I think the Chinese have got it right, with the new year occuring in February, when days are brighter and people are more energised… Saying that, the turn of the year does trigger something in the sub-conscious, like a flightpath correction instrument that switches on and gently nudges you back on course without a word…And a couple of weeks in, you can see clearly where you want to go in the year ahead and what you have to do to get there.

First thing’s first, and that’s a plan! I love lists. I have to do lists and dream lists and shopping lists and destination lists and guest lists should I decide to have a dinner party any time soon… And there are many sub-categories within those! I once read in an interview that Anya Hindmarch organises her life into a to do list of three columns: Immediate / Medium Term / Long Term. As a director of an amazing international bag brand and family woman, she is a wonderful example of an all-round well-rounded success and I took her advice on board a long time ago. However, I am sure Anya Hindmarch doesn’t lose her lists as often as I do! That’s why electronic format is good and I use apps such as Seize the Day, Any.Do and Remember the Milk. They are all great to do list apps as I am sooner to notice my iphone is missing than a piece of paper at the bottom of my bag! However I never get the same kick out of the delete button as I do from striking through a task with good old ink on paper. That is why there is still very much a place in my heart and life for the traditional diary organiser. I especially like this bright pink one by Mulberry:

Postman’s Lock Agenda Pink, Harrods

Also, I can never have enough notebooks floating around my handbags for thoughts on the go… Always adding to the supply!

Field Notes - Limited Edition - Expedition Pack - 3 pack, Urban Industry

Moleskin Pocket Range Notebooks, Great Art

Porden moss leather passport case with 2 travel notebooks, Designers Guild

And then there’s the notebook on my bedside table. Essential for capturing midnight musings and putting occasional insomnia to use:

Can’t Sleep Write Now Notebook, Handpicked Collection

As much as I love writing, on one of my paper shopping lists, there is an iPad. Think it’s about time I got one, as it is sure to enhance my organisation efforts this year and make it an efficient one!

Apple iPad with Retina display - 4th generation - WiFi - 32 GB, Available at Amazon

And one of the great thing about ipads is that you can buy really pretty ipad covers to go with them! Such as this one by the organisation guru herself:

iPad Cover by Anya Hindmarch, Harrods

Well the above are my recommended tools for organisation. Decide what you want from 2013, where you want to go, who you want to spend time with, what you want to achieve and write it down! Fill the diary with dreams and goals and action plans to bring you there! Once you know what you want, you will know what to do… In the wise words of Plato, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” And I would say the beginning is awareness of what that work is…

Posted in Accessories, Stationery, Technology | Tagged new years resolutions, notebooks, Organiser, planning | 1 Response

Think you’re over the sales? Well they ain’t over yet…

By Elizabeth on January 11, 2013

Hello and happy new year! I am loving 2013 so far… It seems brighter and lighter… I know they say “out with the old, in with the new!” and I am all for that when it comes to the new year’s wardrobe. I have already packed away anything velvet, most black pieces (especially the dressy ones) and anything too razzle dazzle along with the Christmas decorations (sob! : ( See you next year my shiny friends!). As days begin to stretch out from their dark slumber, I only want to wear white, light or BRIGHT colours. Now is the time to fold away, take stock and import new staples into your wardrobe for the new year. And I’ll tell you something, there are still plenty of beautiful pieces from last season hanging around virtual sale-racks which will be great for the months to come. Now is the best time to get your designer jeans, cashmere classics, an outfit for a spring wedding, a silk blouse and new underwear! You might even pick up a pair of boots or a handbag along the way. All this without the sharp elbows of the early stage sale stampede. While shops on the real streets may be tucking away their sales racks to secret corners or banishing them altogether, all you have to do on online shops is click and you’re in!

I just had a little wander around the Oxygen Boutique Sale and this is what I found!

Divine Denim:

If you are a size 27″ waist (lucky you after Christmas!), these jeans by Mother Denim (label to the stars) are fantastic! Dark enough for your winter wardrobe but cheery enough for Spring! And if Dolce and Gabbana’s Spring/Summer campaign is anything to go by, I can tell you florals are here to stay for at least another season!

Mother Denim The Looker Jeans in Magical Forest, were £285, now £142.50 (only available in w27)

Quite like these distressed classics also by Mother Denim too (more size options available):

Mother Denim The Looker Skinny Jean in Graffiti Girl, were £230, now £115 (sizes left: 25, 26, 27, 28)

Animal print is not going away any time soon either…. LOVE these by Current Elliott!

Current/Elliott The Ankle Skinny Jeans in Vintage Zebra, were £185, now £92.50 (sizes left: 26, 27, 28)

And these…

Current/Elliott The Stiletto Jeans in Denim Blue Rose, were £220, now £110 (sizes left: 27 & 29)

Spring and Summer wedding and cocktail dresses:

The peplum is still a key trend:

alice + olivia Tracey Straight Hem Peplum Dress, was £310, now £155 (available sizes: US2)

alice + olivia Tory Sleeveless Peplum Dress in navy, was £240, now £120 (available sizes: US2, US4, US6)

A great dancing dress:

alice + olivia Corinne Embellished One Shoulder Party Dress, was £580, now £290 (available size: US2)

Yellow is always good. In silk, even better!

alice + olivia Crayola Off Shoulders Ruched Dress, was £325, now £162.50 (Available size: US6)

Top of the Tops:

Silk Equipment Sophie Shirt in Colourblock Denim, was £215, now £105 (Available size M)

Silk Equipment Daddy Shirt in Nature White, was £285, now £142.50 (Available sizes: XS, S & L)

Bright Cashmere classics!

Cashmere Equipment Asher Jumper in Mulberry, was £285, now £125 (Available sizes: XL & L)

Cashmere Equipment Sloane Crew Neck Jumper in Citronelle, was £265, now £110 (Available sizes: M, L)

All pieces found at Oxygen Boutique. Please note, prices and size availability were noted on morning of 11th Jan (GMT) and may not be the same at a later stage.

Posted in Fashion - womenswear, Trends | Tagged Cashmere, designer denim, printed denim, sales, silk blouse | Leave a response

Get your glitter on!

By Elizabeth on November 4, 2012

So we’ve had a week of dressing up and fireworks raining down from the sky, the Christmas lights are to be switched on over Oxford Street tomorrow night and are lighting up all around in the meantime, I think it’s safe to say the sparkly glittery season has arrived and it’s probably a good idea to shine with it! In subconscious preparation for the party season, I’ve been registering quite a few glittering pieces. All that glitters may not be gold, but it certainly stands for good times! Sequinned dresses show no signs of shying away this season but even more interestingly, sequinned trousers are making a march for the spotlight. And then of course there are shoes… Miu Miu‘s in particular… And whattabout make-up? Well I am in love with Bobbi Brown’s shimmering palettes this season… Anyway enough talk, let me show you what I’ve found! And even though I would normally be one to practise s gaudier the better, more tinsel the merrier Christmas tree philosophy in most things and have taken a more than less instead of a less is more approach to this list, I would still urge, please don’t wear it all at once! As great as they are, nobody wants to look like a walking Christmas tree or even worse, be mistaken for one. Saying that, this post may be continued…!