happy thanksgiving

Does this sound mad or lush? 1000 piece puzzle by Editions Ricordi called “Couture Banquet,” features Ruven Afanador’s photo of supe Heidi Klum lounging amidst a cornucopia of fruits and veggies. A must if you are a puzzle aficionado(it comes in a fancy red velvet box). I hope all your Thanksgiving feasts will look just as glamorous.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

bluebuy

As winter progresses, I am once again crazy about colour to help brighten the wardrobe and weather. So my attention has turned to manicures and nail colour. Not too long ago, I chanced on this amazing colour from Nails Inc. I decided to treat myself to a mani which is very rare. I had a tough time trying to decide on the right colour but once I spotted Hanover Square, I knew I had to try it. This was the result. It lasted 2 weeks! Great stuff. I also purchased this turquoise bauble bracelet from Marc Jacobs around the same time and thought I'd photograph it together. Two of my current obsessions and they just so happen to be tonal... well kinda. Next up, am looking forward to acquiring the Cameo Bracelete, again from Marc Jacobs. Mmmmm...... don't you love consumerism.....

took my breath away.......

Tommy, when I saw this photo.... I was speechless! Love!

Photo via Jak & Jil blog

remnants of a party

When asked to retrofit the Parisian apartment of Jacques Carlu (architect of the Palais de Chaillot, built in the thirties), Martin Margiela turned the space into—you guessed it—an art installation. Commissioned by Elle Decoration, the designer's team transformed the apartment into a party pad. The intervention of Maison Martin Margiela in the Suite will exceed the simple idea of setting to experience the place in space and in time. The time stops after a party and leaves scars of its disorder....

20 Dec. 2008 - 01 Feb. 2010
Martin Margiela/ Suite Elle décoration
Cité de l'Architecture et du patrimoine- Palais de Chaillot
1, place du Trocadéro 75016 Paris

blue clusters

On one of the nicer days most recently, I was taking a walk on my way to brunch at my trusty joint, Ottolenghi. They always have some of the best selection of food and pastries on offer. I was desperately craving corn bread and a slice of banana, walnut and caramel cake (they weren't the only things I had there, trust me; there was a full blown platter of some very delicious savoury selections too!).

And to wear, well, these pants by Matthew Williamson for H&M have been lingering in my closet most of the summer and I just didn't feel the right timing or inclination to wear them. They are a little bit big (there was a scramble...yawn... well not exactly but a quick barter with a shopper that launch evening), and, believe it or not in my crazy/logical/scientific thought process, I also got the jacket to match! I love that I sometimes have these crazy shopping decision-making epiphanies. Don't you love a good story? Voila!

Passing by this beautiful square en route, the clusters of polyanthus caught my eye. I had to stop to take a pic while my tummy continues to grumble. What is a girl to do if she cannot resist the fact that flowers match her outfit? Snap, snap of course. I think in a mad artsy way, I complete the clusters of blue hues. I laugh at this and am sure you do to. Guffaw...

For more information on Ottolenghi visit www.ottolenghi.co.uk

(Top from Zara,Pants from Matthew Williamson for H&M, Scarf from H&M, thrifted shoes)

choo for shoes

Last weekend was the launch of the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. To be honest I thought maybe this time, there will be no chance in hell of getting my hands on ANY of the merchandise. Additionally, from what I have seen in magazine features on the collection, not one bit interested me the slightest. So, you must be wondering - is she mad then?! Well...... I'll let you decide. There is a story to this......

It all took place on a Saturday morning when I had already arranged to meet my lovely friend Yay for breakfast. An early one - 9.a.m. At 8.30a.m. I get a call...

Yay: Hon, where are you? I am queuing.
Me: Queuing?? Why and wher...?
Yay: It's the JIMMY CHOO collection at H&M! Don't you realise?
Me: Uh.... yeah I guess, and your point is?
Yay: Get down here RIGH NOW and join me.
Me: Ok, am just a few stops away, be there soon.

I get there and the queue looks short to me. Deceiving. So I call

Yay: Hullo.... where are you?
Me: Am standing in front of H&M. Where are you?
Yay: Where? Can't see you.... am right at back
Me: (Losing my patience) Uh kay, coming...
The line stretches to the corner of the last building further down from the actual H&M and I find Yay right at the back edge - smiling widely, I thought her lips might fall off!

So we queue for about 20 minutes and were even given a free umbrella by the staff - in case it rained (much to the envy of those standing around us) before we entered the gates of hell, uh..... I mean HEAVEN. As disclaimers go, you were not able to get to the shoes unless you have a wristband (i.e you must've been a sado and got up like at 6a.m. to get this wristlet, a bit like a numbered jail bird for you to be able to purchase the Choos, uh I meant shoes) all other lesser demode mortals, can only get their hands on a pair AFTER 12p.m.

I calmly approached the rails in the midst of a chaotic crowd and desperate shoppers, wondering what the 'eck was so good about all this.... and wait for it....... drrrrum rrrollll.....I saw a sequin zip jacket - I FELL IN LOVE immediately and thankfully got one in my size!! Looking around at the rest didn't fill me with the same buzz of excitement. So I proceeded to look for Yay. She appeared with a handful of dresses and bracelets etc. We paid and went to breakfast as planned.

While munching on some toast, Yay suggested (still a rush of excitement in her voice - eager beaver stylie) that we go back for more after 12p.m. to get more out of this experience and more Choos to add to existing fam! Reluctantly, I agreed, afraid of depriving her of Choos. So like the rest of the herd, we went and queued against the blue barriers where upon entering, you were issued a 10 minute window to get as many pairs of shoes as possible as well as bags and accessories. Scarf for £30??!! OMG!!

Like the total spiritual calling of the sequin jacket, I fell for this time, much to my concern as well, a pair of shoes.

Yay: Honey, the shoes look like that of some rapper from the ghetto. Trying to hard.... ugly man. Not sure if I'll stand next to you if you wore them out. Eeeewww!!!
Me: Really? I I think I like it. I'll hang on to it. Maybe once we get out, and I get to put my foot in it without being trampled by a herd of cows, may help my decision (and sanity)
Yay: Ok, anyway, let's not waste time talking, too much to gather!
Me: Uh.....

We exit after the last 10 second countdown. Super hilarious this part as the ladies acted like Supermarket Sweep, grabbing anything in sight before they were shooed away.

I tried on my sole pair of Choos in a quiet corner while Yay tried on 6 pairs. I was in love.... much to Yay's disappointment. She did remind me again that the shoes looked like some cheapo rapper dodgy 'check me out I'm ghetto' shoes, and as a friend who respects most of your fashion decisions, am very disappointed with this choice kinda lecture.

Anywho, I still like the 3 items I purchased that day as can be seen here. The 3rd being the sequin jacket - saving this for a special post.

(L/S T-shirt & tights from H&M, Necklace and shoes Jimmy Choo for H&M, Top worn as tunic dress from Whistles, scarf from Zara)

night vision

Well, the weekend hath approached, and what a way to finish the long week with yet another soiree. It is the festive season once again - so the beginning of this chic rendezvous. Part of the fun is dressing up and being silly and playful about the whole process. The beautiful body-con shape of this dress in a lush knit fabric (so that you won't go 'brrrrr' too much in the winter chill) adds a touch of un-done intimacy to evening glamour. My description of the whole look: flirty and fanciful, highlighting the sharp shoulder details with splashes of sleek satiny gold - my beautiful shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti.

PS:I was being playful trying to get a few shots of this outfit, and in the process, my hair got a little messy, so excuse the little bits sticking out in some of the photos!

And on another note: RIP Daul Kim. You will be missed.

(Milano Statement Shoulder Dress from Whistles, Shoes from Giuseppe Zanotti, Spider necklace & bracelets by FE)

body crush

You can tell when you and your friends have had a great night out. I know that this week especially, the postings have been filled with a sense of fun while hanging out in various places. So sit back and enjoy these Polaroids! Have a great weekend y'all! x

put a ring on it

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it!
My thoughts exactly when I saw this beautiful ring!!!! I DIE!!! I love the scent of Lola and what a cool way of interpreting a solid perfume that comes in such a cute lil satchel! One I am really warming to in a long, long time... am not sure what was the fuss about all this time with all these Swarovski compacts that everyone has been talking about/wanting ... but anyway, this is way cooler dude! You rock Marc!! You can put a ring on me ANYTIME (if Lorenzo doesn't mind)! Mwah!

Now put your hands up!

Photo courtesy of style.com

the colour purple

I have been out pretty much most nights this week. Finding the right thing to dress in without being too showy or uncomfortable is what I always consider most. Don't get me wrong, I like dressing up but not to the point of being OTT - you always need some room to manoeuvre in case the party gets hot and heavy. For this specific evening, I was invited to a friend's DJ gig and was really feeling the colour purple. There has been a big take on jersey sweater dresses this season and am in love with this whole idea of it being a blank canvas where you are free to experiment on accessories - my fav thing. I for one can confess that I have bought several different styles of this sweater dress. I have worn them again and again - differently each time.
What's your take on this?

(Dress from Whistles, shoes from New Look, thrifted necklace, bracelets by FE, rings from Marc Jacobs & H&M)

braving a gray rainy day..........

It was one of those days where, the rain just did not stop. So what do you do when you are adverse to staying at home in your pyjamas? Well, the answer is out. I did not want the weather to dictate the mood so, I decided to browse around some of my favourite galleries and shops. Stopped over for cocktails before the end of the evening and then food! Comfort food of course! My choice was a three cheese macaroni - very delicious from my fav hang out, Vingt Quarte

Vingt Quarte,
325 Fulham Rd,
London,
SW10 9QL

(Gilet & scarf from Zara, Mac from New Look, Leggings from Miss Selfridge, T-shirt from H&M, thrifted necklaces, Rings from Marc Jacobs & H&M, Bracelets from FE, Shoes from Office)

a lesson learnt

The weather has been so urggh lately. Getting dressed in the mornings seems to be a challenge i.e. how many layers do you think you need to constitute or pack in your bag and still be able to weather the possibilities of chilly winds or the dampness of a sudden shower.

This happened to be a nice mild evening by London standards. Just a normal day. Had dinner at one of my favourite local French bistros followed by the film ‘An Education’. I thought it was such a delightful film. The joys and angst of growing up in the 60s. Am in love with the photography and cinematography of this film. Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard. What chemistry!

empire state

I know, most of you must have heard this song by now. I have to say that I am infatuated by it. TOTALLY AWESOME!!! I love New York, and although it was only 2 years ago since I was there, of what little I saw, I fell in LOVE. The charm of the City of Lights, blew me away. Everything felt so alive. Also a massive fan of Jay (totally dumbstruck when I met him 4 years ago) and Alicia and think this is one of the best collabs this year. So, although I have this song on permanent repeat mode on my iPod, I want to share that vibe with you too. NEW YORK!!!

fall/winter inspiration

Am totally obsessed with this ad campaign. The image of Jennifer in various precarious positions seems effortless, yet there is a quiet calm and sexiness about the whole story. Loving every outift here and want to wear it all/have it all NOW!

Ad Campaign: Balenciaga
Season: F/W09
Model: Jennifer Connelly
Styled by Marie-Amelie Sauve
Photography by Steven Meisel
Website: www.balenciaga.com