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.

Ruffles, flounces and frills are one of the same. Worn well and you will mesmerise, opt for too many at once and your look could turn 80s fancy dress.

Sweeping across all aspects of fashion from daywear and eveningwear to nightwear and swimwear, ruffles are the epitome of femininity.

For SS15 the trend features various forms, from exaggerating shapes on a column dress or pencil skirt to create definition, added to a hem to soften the silhouette, appliqued for a 3D look or layered and asymmetric to suggest a sculpted form.  Whatever you choose remember this trend is all about movement.

This morning I had the opportunity to view The V&A's retrospective of the work by Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.  As I announced back in October, when I attended the preview, the exhibition has expanded since its beginning at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, and comprises of ten sections with an additional 66 garments not previously exhibited.

Without going into too much detail, because you need to see it for yourself, I will give you an overview of what you will see.

Savage Beauty showcases the dominant themes and concepts within McQueen's collections. Among the sections are rooms that reference McQueen's London roots, his skilled tailoring and craftsmanship, his fascination with the animal world and the frequent references to Victorian Gothic traditions. Although at the heart of every room, within the exhibition, showcases McQueen's innovative imagination, whether that's technical masterpieces - a dress made from razor clams from Voss SS01,  spell binding creations - a coat dress made from perfectly formed golden duck feathers AW10 or the controversial intensity of the Highland Rape collection.


Savage Beauty doesn't seek to document biographically or make connections to McQueen's cultural influences or pose questions, if you are looking for context I suggest you buy the accompanying book by Savage Beauty curator, Claire Wilcox, however regardless of the omissions Savage Beauty is a meticulous presentation which allows the clothes to do the talking.   This is one exhibition where you will find the sublime to the disturbing, an uncompromising presentation of a tortured soul who challenged convention, pushed boundaries we were unaware existed before he broke them down and created garments which were not only aesthetically exquisite and sublime to gaze at but also contentious.

The exhibition didn't transport me into McQueen’s dark and mostly disturbing world, instead it highlighted his celebrated skill and artistry as a designer and thus I experienced a combination of emotions. I felt joyous that we had this opportunity to celebrate designs and ideas that make us question ourselves, the world and the industry but I felt sad at the loss of such an original and irreplaceable talent. I left wanting more especially when I exited the exhibition to see this poignant quote, inscribed on the wall. McQueen in his own words.. ‘there is no way back for me now. I’m going to take you on journeys you’ve never dreamed were possible'. I may or may not have liked the journeys but I definitely would have had an opinion and essentially that was all McQueen wanted us to have.

As regular readers will know, I love nothing more than celebrating a British brand which are not only based here but also create their products in Britain. This is true of my latest handbag crush, Olive Cooper.

I discovered their bags on instagram sometime ago although it wasn't until I visited one of their stockists, Wolf and Badger, I was able to see the bags in reality.

The collection is inspired by London and created while co-founder Olivia (Martyn) was working in the city. Olivia was motivated by her own realisation that professional women required a bag that could combine work and social life. The Olive Cooper collection features handbags which can detach to become larger or smaller bags, therefore allowing ladies the opportunity to leave the large bag at the office.

My favourite bag is the Eaton, made from pebbled leather, it has a lustre and deluxe feel to it.  I have the inability to edit anything from my handbag contents and with this bag I don't need to, I can fit my styling kit and technology in with ease, then detach the front smaller bag for after work cocktails.

This is the first collection from Olive Cooper, who launched last year. I am really looking forward to seeing new styles and different colourways as the brand develops.  I love the new metallics, perfect for Spring!

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The faux-fur trend is in abundance for AW14 and there's still time to show off your take on fashion's latest obsession.  What's more, the trend comes in all kind of colours, the brighter the better. Take a look at some of my faux-fur favourites.

STYLE TIP > Work different textures together to add some depth to your look. Think about contrasts and layer your fluffy faux-fur with leather, knitwear and fringing. 

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It's the time of year to sparkle and shine.  I am lucky that sequins and shiny things are on my daily dress code, however if you prefer to go all out for New Year's Eve and want to dress to impress, take a look at a few of my favourite dresses, perfect for partying in at home or out on the town!

With the pre and post Christmas sales, you might even find a few bargains along the way!

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As a devotee of sparkles and anything that shimmers, the festive season is my favourite time of year, thanks to Carat* London, one of the world's leading luxury fashion jewellers, I have the party season covered!

Whether you are looking for jewellery to accessorise your outfit or perhaps require a little gift direction, browse my festive favourites and add a touch of glamour to your Christmas 2014. 

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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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Now the Spring Summer show season has come to an end. My focus returns on the current AW14 season. 

Last week, on Buy British Day, I spent a few hours at Best of Britannia. It's an exciting trade show - if you can call it that - as the brands which pop-up are incredibly cool, sophisticated and also happen to be made in Britain. 

It's unlike any trade show you have experienced, there's music, lots of fresh, tasty food, alcohol and good coffee, but the reason Best of Britannia stands out is because this event places the brands in the spotlight and allows us the opportunity to celebrate them.

I could spend ages explaining who I saw and what I loved, as there really was so much to see, however instead, over the next few weeks, I am using my wishlist as a visual introduction to these exciting brands, here at home. 

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My #shwishlist features fundamentally British owned brands and as much as possible I try to find labels who manufacture in Britain too.  However, despite being passionate about promoting made in Britain brands, the reality is we have a depleted skill set within the British manufacturing industries.  Unfortunately not all brands are able to encompass this into their brand at present.  I think it is vital to support brands who are not (yet) made in Britain, but owned and based here, for the future of their brand, their employees and for our countries economics.  We hope that with this support and when the time is right for them these brands will develop a viable made in Britain approach.   In the meanwhile shift your attention to the brands who painstakingly produce their products in Britain and let's celebrate their efforts on Friday.

I am so pleased to have found my latest selection of covetable brands.  Holland-Street create beautiful printed silk loungerie  - and yes I did mean 'loungerie', I haven't spelt 'lingerie' wrong - Pieces include kimono-style gowns, robes, kaftan-style nightgowns, scarves and eyemasks. The brand was named after the street where founder and designer, Lauren Barfoot, grew up.  A thoroughly made in Britain brand, at Holland Street even the fabric is sourced and made in the UK.

I must admit with my textile fashion degree I often focus on surface pattern design. I am thrilled that prints, pattern and embellishment are now a foundation of our style. At Holland Street the brands ethos is based on textiles which undeniably shows within the pieces.  I love the innovative floral prints, designed in house.  It is clear that Lauren knows exactly how to use print in fashion especially considering her impressive history.  Not only did Lauren train at the RCA but also after graduation was print designer for Zandra Rhodes. To see Holland Street's 'Poppy Red Scarf' featured above click the link at the bottom of the page.

Susan Caplan Vintage is a special brand because it allows beautiful jewellery a new home and cherished owner.  I have always loved vintage jewellery, regularly wearing my Grandma's pearls and scouring antiques fairs for jewellery which came with an untold history from another era.  My first vintage Chanel bracelet was first discovered by Susan Caplan and team, bought by my best friend in 2008. Since then the brand has developed and is now stocked in some of the UK's most loved luxury department stores.  If you're looking to add a hint of old-Hollywood to your evening attire, look no further than this trusted vintage label. 

For some of you, Shrimps, the fashion faux-fur brand will need no introduction. London based Hannah Weiland launched the playful label for the Fall 2014 season. At fashion week EVERYONE was wearing something from the collection. Featuring bright colours and a contrasting Breton stripe, the fluffy sixties looking coat is unmistakable. Another fabulous feature is that the brand only uses faux-fur, allowing everyone an opportunity to enjoy it. My first foray into the sweet world of Shrimps is through their 'Pablo Clutch Bag' which I happily carried this fashion week. If you are looking for something to stand out in this season, Shrimps is the label for you!

Another brand which is one to remember for the season ahead is Lilah. Inspired by classic designs, Daisy Fellowes creates timeless coats and jackets that are perfect for so many occasions.  I found the label when I was researching for outfits for a client of mine attending Ascot.  A year previously I attended the brands launch and took photos of the clothes on mannequins surrounding the space of the Dean Street venue.  When I began to trawl through look books, business cards, emails and some four thousand photos I suddenly found my photo of a beautiful jacket by Lilah.  If you have an upcoming Wedding or beginning to plan your wardrobe for next year, Lilah is your go-to brand for pure and simple elegance.

Dries Van Noten launched his line in 1986 and is known for his artistic approach to fashion. Each season the brand delivers a colourful collection with directional prints. 

For Autumn Winter 2014 the collection delivered everything we expect and more. His signature elements were in abundance, op-art prints, florals adorning mannish coats and curves of colour.

As always I want it all, but one of my favourite pieces is this Kaleidoscopic Wool Top, available at Browns. I love how the bold yellow floral pattern is paired with a solid-color background and enhanced with an eye-popping central motif. Wear with a contrasting bold print or block-colour trouser.

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My first close encounter with Amanda Wakeley was during the Spring Summer 2006 season when I was working backstage at London Fashion Week. This was my second season working as a Backstage Coordinator, where I was responsible for dressers and models.  I loved the job as it was fast paced compared to shoots which would involve a lot of waiting around.  Amanda Wakeley was my sixth show and my favourite collection because it oozed style and sophistication from every stitch. Off-white pencil skirts were teamed with cream leather jackets, and fluid soft wrap dresses were belted at the waist.

At the end of the next year I was assisting a stylist dressing an actress for a film première. At the last minute there was a problem with the first choice dress, amid the panic I managed to organise a sample from Amanda's Spring Summer 2007 collection to arrive at the hotel we were based from and thankfully the floaty Grecian dress worked and the star of the cinema screen looked picture perfect! Sometimes situations are meant to be.

In January I attended the launch of the new Amanda Wakeley flagship at 18 Albemarle Street in London.  The new store is set over two floors in a beautiful townhouse, with bespoke interiors designed by Amanda herself.  Everyone who was anyone was there, including Elizabeth Hurley, Darcey Bussell, Alexandra Shulman, Caroline Rush and Harold Tillman to name a few.  Guests sipped the 'Eightini' a special Belvedere cocktail to mark the occasion.

For Autumn Winter 2014 Amanda hosted her comeback London Fashion Week show at the new store.  The collection was very exciting using Japanese Warrior Women contrasted with Geisha women as the starting point. The all-black collection featured leather separates juxtaposed with woollen and sheer fabrics, strong silhouettes and cinched in waists. It was wardrobe heaven for the contemporary style concious career woman. 

Amanda Wakeley has the ability to create collections that are not only undeniably feminine and classic but also which feature an understated seduction.

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Autumn Winter 2014 fashion is a seriously cosy affair with contrasting textures. Pair a sprinkling of sequins with stroke-me shearlings and frothy fur details.  Layer textures over each other for a new season interpretation. 

I have found some amazing 'new in' pieces which will kick start your AW14 style journey.