To celebrate the launch of the new Essie Nail Bar in Urban Retreat, Harrods, leading nail art technician, Alice Marchesi, has created four stunning hand painted nail art designs inspired by the SS15 and AW15 catwalks.

I was invited to try out the designs for myself and being an obsessive nail art devotee this was one appointment I wouldn't miss. I opted for a design named 'Porcelain Flowers' and watched in wonder as Alice hand painted my nails into a beautiful floral fantasy. 
The intricate designs reflect Alice's experience and her genuine love of classic art and portraits. Alice is a regular manicurist backstage at Milan Fashion Week and also a consultant for Chanel Beauty.

When I left the Essie Bar and continued shopping my nails were admired wherever I went. Although for me, the biggest proof that Alice's work commands attention was when my friend George commented "Wow...I love your nails". If a guy who has never commented on my nails in over a decade of friendship suddenly notices, ladies book an appointment!

Prices are from £60.00 for one of the catwalk inspired designs or there's also an opportunity for a bespoke design consultation for something extra special. Take a look at Urban Retreat for more info.

Click to see the full size images on my Pinterest.

It seems fitting to write about Mother's Day Gift Inspiration on International Women's Day.  I feel very privileged to come from a long line of strong-willed, independent, ambitious and caring women. I am unable to show my Great Grandmother and Grandmother how amazing I think they are, as they are both brightly shining stars, although I am able to honour my wonderful Mother and thank her for enduring love and support.

Whether the special lady in your life would prefer chocolates, flowers or jewellery you will find the perfect present within my gift list above.

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Whoever you are looking to gift this Christmas, I have found the best selection of perfect presents available from fabulous independent British brands in my ultimate Christmas List, also-known-as my Christmas wishlist! 

I have also included my favourite items available from my go-to luxury e-tailer's, The Gift Library, Selfridges and Liberty. Peruse my selection above and shop the page instantly from the links below. Don't forget with Black Friday sales, you might also have a nice surprise at checkout...Happy Christmas Shopping!

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As many regular readers will know, I am a very proud Cotswoldian. My family have lived in these rolling hills for over 100 years and I am eternally grateful, as in my eyes it is the most beautiful place on earth. 

The last of my Country Style posts, this week, is dedicated to the shops and businesses where I spend quite a few hours. 

Stow on the Wold
New England Coffee House, Digbeth Street
I am not exaggerating when I say the coffee at New England is the best coffee in the Cotswolds. With beans freshly roasted on the premises my favourite drink is the velvety smooth Cappuccino.
The Grade Two listed building was built around 1660-1670. Surrounded by beams, creamy Cotswold stone and original details, sit and relax or catch up with friends, within the four comfortable lounges on four floors.

Foundation, The Square (A further shop is in Cheltenham, Montpelier)
When I was studying for my degree at London College of Fashion, I worked weekends in Foundation.  
Established in 2002 by designers Gemma and James Wiseman, the shop boasts exciting and inspirational brands from the UK and around the world.  I owe Foundation for developing my love of the brand By Malene Birger and introducing me to the fresh designs of Libelua.
With various price points and styles there is something for everyone at Foundation and an array of gifts which make the perfect presents.

Cotswold Baguettes, Church Street
Cotswold Baguettes offer excellent lunchtime takeaway treats, including freshly baked baguettes with a wide selection of fillings, hot jacket potatoes baked in a King Edward Potato oven and various salads.
If you are visiting for the day, work or live locally the excellent service and quality you find will inspire you to visit again.

Tetbury
Highgrove Shop, Long Street,
The Highgrove Shop occupies a period building thought previously to have been a brewery. Many of the period features have been retained. I love the products found in the shop which sells exclusive gifts for the home and garden that often reflect the personal interests of HRH The Prince of Wales. The products are inspired by the beautiful gardens at Highgrove are sourced responsibly with regard to environmental issues.

Kingham
The Wild Rabbit, Church Street
The Wild Rabbit is a new addition to the Daylesford empire located nearby in Kingham. 
The 1750's inn has been renovated to an outstanding standard, combining traditional country decor with a modern vibe. 
The food is first class, of course organic and made by Carole Bamford's former chef Adam Caisley. 
The twelve guest bedrooms are named after woodland animals and the interior is in-keeping with the achingly tasteful decor. From monogrammed cotton linen to airy neutrals and creamy exposed Cotswolds stone walls.
With topiaried rabbits, three log fires and copious amounts of rustic and artisan charm, The Wild Rabbit is the latest place to unwind in a seriously chic setting.

Broadway
Sue Parksinson, Various Locations
Sue Parkinson was established in 1973.  Still family run for over 40 years, the lifestyle store continues to be an inspirational source with a great mix of clothing and home wares.
I have watched the business expand over the years to include three shops in Broadway dedicated to the different products they offer.
For interiors there is a large showroom store located in the Broadway Design Centre, a sale shop close-by and within the original shop, opposite the road,  you find designer clothing from brands such as Sonia Rykiel, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Marc Cain amongst others, including accessories from Anya Hindmarch and Mulberry.

Willersley Hill, Broadway
Dormy House Spa
Situated high above the village of Broadway is Dormy House, a recently renovated 17th century farmhouse and a further example of sumptuous contemporary design juxtaposed with country details which  form an elegant rural retreat.
The House Spa is incredible. With a selection of spa days on offer and indulgent treatments by Temple Spa the House Spa is a little bit of heaven located in beautiful setting.

Cheltenham
Montpellier Chapter, Bayshill Road
Located in the heart of Cheltenham's renowned Montpellier lies this sophisticated hotel. Montpellier Chapter is a great place to stay, dine in the restaurant or take tea in the conservatory.
You will find me in the Lounge with a pot of tea writing and researching for a feature.
With light and airy interiors and open fireplaces the rooms are perfect examples of Cheltenham's grand regency style.

Country Views
One of my favourite roads at home lies between Cutsdean and Snowshill. Predominantly untouched countryside the open views of rolling hills, farmers fields and Cotswold sheep make for the most picturesque of images. 
You can even stop by Cotswold Lavender for a fragrant feeling and refresh yourself in their summer tearooms.

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This week I am really pleased to present a selection of home-grown British talent. From fashion and beauty to jewellery and accessories, these fabulous independent brands are the next big thing!

Lashes of London, launched in 2012, offers an array of covetable trend-led pieces with a fresh look and affordable price tag, their current summer sale is amazing!  I love their printed cropped top and skirt sets and the summer dresses.

It is a rare designer gift to inspire people instantly with your designs. It can take a while to create a signature style and house ethos, although at Caterina Stratan her core aesthetic is elegant clothing with a womanly, fifties, feeling.  I started styling Wedding's last month and I have already added the silk 'Natalie' dress, with central ruffle detail and draped back, in my selection for a summer wedding. Available in an assortment of colourways this flattering dress would create the perfect look for immediate family or perhaps bridesmaids at a low-key or beach wedding.  If you are a buyer or a boutique be sure to see Caterina Stratan's collection at Pure London.

I am loving Lost Property of London who take abandoned fabrics from anything to a coffee sack, wax cotton or leather and use it to make seriously cool bags. Although Lost Property of London are eco-conscious they also completely deliver on style. My favourite design from the collection is the basket bag for its versatility and understated design quality. The brand was established by Katy Bell who graduated from Central Saint Martins, specialising in print. When you get a moment take a look at their website as there is a design for everyone.
A graduate of Chelsea College of Art, Silken Favours is the brand of the talented Victoria Murdoch.  I love the hand drawn illustrations which have been translated into print and feature on scarves, silk cushions and decorative items. I adore this butterfly design although I love every illustration in the collection.

Hush is one of my favourite finds. Easy in style, the online store is loungewear heaven.
I have a pile of I pyjamas which are wonderfully luxurious and cosy. What caught my eye this week was this fab star knit jumper which screams a DVD night in. The label launched in 2003 by Mandy Watkins and she has reinvented the look of lounging. Instead of baggy tee shirts and tracksuit bottoms we now have light-as-air knitwear and silk tops paired with the softest trousers, which I will even dare to wear to Sainsbury's for a weekend shop. This is luxurious loungewear which everyone can love.

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.

This month I am fully immersed in all things summer and holidays, therefore my latest #shwishlist follows the same theme.

Because I travel alot throughout the year, especially during show months, I like to spend my summer holidays visiting different parts of the UK. My holiday wardrobe always contains a loose knit, a straw hat and a cashmere scarf, all items which see me through our unpredictable British weather.  

For UK breaks I like to travel in style, allowing me to take luggage I wouldn't normally when travelling abroad. With many of my friends losing much loved designer cases from flight to flight, I leave the luxury for the UK.  This beautiful structured briefcase tote from AG by Anoesjcka Gianotti, is made from Italian leather and  obviously designed with the business traveller in mind as the bag is guaranteed to take you from the office to your hotel in style.

I am thrilled to have discovered knitwear brand, Needle completely by accident while I was searching for a birthday present for a friend who is a tailor. I wanted to find a pair of needle and thread earrings and instead at the top of my search was the Needle Boutique. I couldn't resist perusing the website and I found beautiful wearable pieces with a minimal and timeless feel. The Kos jumper is an easy to wear casual summer knit, perfect for days when you need a lighter layer.

Every summer wardrobe needs a pair of Aspiga sandals. Designed in the UK and handmade in Africa and India, the Aspiga collection includes fabulous leather sandals, bags and flip-flops. My favourite pair are these elegant White embellished sandals.

Sunscreen is a vital holiday essential and the benefits of opting for an Aloe Vera base are for the natural qualities it possesses. The Egyptians called Aloe Vera the "plant of immortality" and since then it has been used to target a variety of skin concerns from sunburn to psoriasis and eczema. With Forever Living's sunscreen it not only protects the skin from the ageing and damaging effects of the sun's UVA and UVB rays, it also acts as a protective layer on the skin, helping to replenish moisture. 

Vinnie Day's collection is free spirited, understated and chic. One of my friends posted a picture of their Vinnie Day piece on instagram and I immediately went to check out the website.  One of my favourite collections is aptly named 'On Holiday', full of designs including shells, leaves, flowers and butterflies. These piece are designed to work with a kaftan on the beach or finish the bikini look for added poolside glam. I have many favourites but the Square Interlinked Bangles caught my eye. If I was on a shoot I would style them with a black plunge neckline one-piece, hair up in a loose chignon, natural make-up and a pair of gold rimmed aviators. Keeping the look flirtatious yet elegant, contemporary and original, words that also describe all of Vinnie Day's jewellery.

I love the retro-inspired beachwear from Pistol Panties with flattering cuts and streamlined swimwear.  This is swimwear with an edge.  
I am currently coveting the 'Chantelle' a cropped bustier bikini. With it's sharp style it can easily double as a top. Wear with capri pants or high waisted shorts.

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.

It has been a very busy week from perfecting the outfits for my Royal Ascot styling clients, styling fashion shoots and navigating the returns from these shoots. 'Returns' is the process named to returning samples which I receive direct from the brand/designer. Once the shoot is finished everything is steam cleaned and packed into tissue to return for other magazines and editors to use. Sometimes there can be one worldwide sample so the competition for particular popular garments can be fierce. For high street bands there are normally two samples but all samples are carefully used, documented and returned immaculately. 
After completing all the returns I finished work early to bring you my #shwishlist.

I have found the lovely site rachelwears.com, established by Rachel Roberts, when Rachel emailed me last month. Her brand houses fabulous trans-seasonal  clothes, suitable for all occasions, in classic shapes with feminine details, all purposefully designed to flatter a woman's body.  What's more, everything is made in the UK helping to sustain British manufacturing. 

This summer invest in this halter neck maxi dress, featured in slate blue and also available in black. This modal jersey dress is the most versatile summer garment. Wear over a bikini or one piece for beach or pool comfort, or for cool summer nights team a loose knit over the top. You can also shorten the hem and accessorise with a stole for a casual dinner outfit. One dress with multiple style options.

This week I have discovered three great jewellery brands which I know you will love as much as me.  One in particular is located at the top.The Nadira 18ct gold plated chalcedony bangle by Caroline Creba is a beautiful aqua gemstone bracelet, totally romantic and one of those pieces which will work with everything. Be warned though, when you visit Caroline's website it's impossible not to fall in love with everything as it was a hard task finding only one piece to bring you!

The Launer London Handbag is a constant for Her Majesty the Queen and has accompanied her since the 1960s. While she is not alone in her patronage for Launer, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and the Duchess of Cornwall have all admired the British brand, they are affectionately known as The Queen's handbags.


However on a recent garden party at a friends house, I was happy to witness three different Launer Handbags worn on the arms of 20 something girls. They are indeed exquisitely crafted bags which come with an impressive price tag and this is why they are attractive to the younger generation.  Launer is becoming an understated show of status, wealth and luxury for the discerning woman. My favourite is the Traviata Handbag, a kelly-style bag, in calf leather finished with the signature Launer rope logo hardware. 

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.