A Blog I love!

Just thought I'd do my readers a favour and broaden their blogging horizons to a really special blog I love. I wait for her to update her posts because I adore the way she writes and they make me happy. So check out....


www.thelondoner.me/




Image: Beautiful Rose @ TheLondoner.me

In time of war the first casualty is truth.

 Was rummaging through some drawers at home and found these retro photos of my dad, back in the 80s when he was serving in the Soviet military in Northern Yemen, where he was posted because of his fluent Arabic.

He was based deep in the desert in the biggest infantry brigade in the country. The brigade was part of the secret Communist 'Death Reserve' which was a little-known Soviet military practice that allowed for a certain number of troops to be lost without having to be accounted for under official government statistics; especially convenient where the work is of a classified nature. 




It's strange that even though the photos were taken in the 80s, looking at them and knowing their context gives me a sense of understanding that's both alien and familiar. The names may have changed, but the world is still essentially fighting the same ideological battles. Western democracy against religion/repression or whatever you want to call it. Ironic that the defeat of the USSR resulted both directly and indirectly in the complex geopolitical landscape that we have today and that causes the West such a headache. No, I'm not a closet Commie. Merely speculating. Cause and effect can be a scary thing.

10 STYLE RULES FOR THE GUYS.

What makes for a stylish guy? Contrary to what this pictures might suggest, you don't need Abercrombie good looks and abs that could grate cheese in order to look good. But you do need to be well put together. 





THE RULES

1. Everything begins with the hair. It's important to us gals and for some ideas check out THIS POST.
2. Nothing makes for a hotter look than impeccable tailoring. Even if you're chubby you can should still wear slim-fit shirts with jeans and look amazing.
3. When I say 'slim-fit', I do not mean Topman/Emo-boy/ so tight I can see your nipples slimfit. But something that is cut well and tapers just enough to give you a silhouette. No popping buttons.
4. I worship Balenciaga for making impeccably fitted shirts for men. For shirt advice look HERE.
5. Do not, under any circumstances wear clothes that have the name of the brand emblazoned on them. I don't want to see t-shirts that read 'BOSS' or 'FCUK' or 'DOLCE GABANNA'. Cardinal sin.
6. Cardigans are cute and lull girls into a false sense of security
7. When on public transport I stare at men's shoes. Not weird. most of my girlfriends do this. If the shoes are old, scuffed, wrinkled or god forbid look like they smell; well let's just say you only have one chance to make a first impression and you don't wan't it to be your last impression.
8. Oxford Brogues are super cool. Love Churchill's shoes/ Lanvin sneakers/ converse trainers.
9. Jeans should never be too tight. Avoid 'skinny' jeans and go for fitted.
10. Don't try to be someone you're not. Wear what you like but try to be self-critical because most people won't tell you if you look ghastly.

Infinitely Yum- Yum

Had a lovely afternoon learning to cook at Harrods, including making the perfect dough for light, crispy pizza bases, mouthwatering toppings and juicy meatballs. Now that I'm home, gonna put on my 'chef' hat and make me some pizza. 

It's a lot of effort to make from scratch, but it's worth it for something so utterly perfect and a bit of a 'told-you-so' to the sceptics I live with, who doubt my prowess in the kitchen. 

Plus I'm gonna listen to the "when the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, it's amorrr-eyy" song, as I twirl the dough and propel it into the air before catching it gracefully with one hand.

Two for the Road

I'm big into my country music. Kenny Chesney is one of my current faves. Great for a long, winding, not-going-anywhere-in-particular drive.


Jace Everett is also up there for some good ol' fashioned country music tinged with soulful rocky blues. He's the guy who sings 'Bad things' in the opening credits of true blood.

Crazy dita disco fever. Too cold for you to keep her. Too hot for you to leave her

If you buy another pair of shoes this year, make sure these are them.
The Jeffrey Campbell Lita platform boots are undoubtedly THE shoe of the year. Off the foot they look clunky and unappealing, but on, they transform your legs into perfect endless giselesque pins.
I am particularly impressed by the VAST range of droolworthy colours and designs.
Buy them HERE in a million different combinations! I want the neon orange or pink pair.

A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight. Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Had a roaring time in Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. In a festive frenzy we descended like a swarm of locusts upon the food stands. Hot apple & cinnamon mulled wine with amaretto, German Currywurst hotdogs, churros, crepes, sweets. I kid you not, we had it all. Even the freezing cold couldn't dampen our festive disposition Ho-ho-ho. 

Winter wonderland is an absolute must if you havent been. Avoid the throngs by going after 8pm on a week day. Go in a big group or as a couple. Try the food. Force yourself on the terrifying vertical drop; the screams will shred your vocal cords. Wrap up warm & most importantly, make merry.

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

 

Lust List: Bottega Veneta

As always, Net-a-porter does not disappoint. Check out these cool pieces by Bottega Veneta.

Bottega Veneta Gabardine and knitted cotton trench coat, £1,250

 Intrecciato leather clutch, £730

Doutzen Kroes Covers Numéro China December 2011 in Louis Vuitton

Review: Driving Miss Daisy at Wyndham's Theatre, London

If, gun to my head, I had to choose a genre to read for the rest of my days it would be the work of  twentieth century American playwrights; Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Edward Albee and Alfred Uhry. This inexplicable love affair began 6 years ago when I read Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, followed by every other work he has ever written in quick succession.


This is why, I jumped for joy when I learnt that "Driving Miss Daisy" Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer winning play was returning to London's West End until 17 December 2011. I saw it yesterday & even the most effusive of praise wouldn't suffice to describe the magnificent performances of Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones.


Set in Atlanta, Georgia the play tells the story of Miss Daisy Wurthern, an elderly Jewish widow and Hoke Coleburn, her affable African-American chauffeur. The story spans a period of 25 years poignantly chronicling an unlikely friendship that matures whilst both characters make the sad personal decline into old age, against the political backdrop of America's civil rights movement and segregation. 


Vanessa Redgrave's portrayal of Miss Daisy is both electrifying and remarkable. When we first meet her aged 72 she has a irreverent nervous energy about her. Proud and independent she has no desire to succumb to the ravages of time. Her son Boolie's suggestion that she gets a chauffer is met with disdain and defiant dismissal. However well-intentioned bumbling Boolie goes ahead an hires Hoke Coleburn anyway.


James Earl Jones plays the part of Hoke wonderfully. You can't help loving his warm rolling southern drawl, hilarious guttural laugh and gentle affectionate eyes. Although he is a decade younger than Miss Daisy, at the start of the play she is the one with all the vigour whilst he is more resigned to his years and less intent on proving otherwise. This proves for an interesting dynamic which slowly reverses with the decades. A particularly moving scene is when finally confronted with her own mental decline Miss Daisy turns to Hoke, takes his hand and gently says "you're my best friend Hoke..you really are. You are"


The final scene with Hoke visiting Miss Daisy in the nursing home bought tears to my eyes. Although Miss Daisy, now in her 90s, is incapacitated and her voice is thin and brittle, she still has that steely glint in her eye. And whilst Hoke is no longer in her employ, he does not forget their friendship or allow  for social convention to get in its way.
As the house lights dim, the pair are sitting side by side; a tender final image of two people whose unexpected bond transcends the dictates of the age giving them a sleepy comfort in the face of their own mortality.

Countdown to Christmas.

The countdown has started. Everywhere I go I'm surrounded by tinsel, fairy lights and mince pies being waved in my face. Just over a month before we'll be unwrapping the presents beneath the tree and eating that last delicious piece from our advent calendars.
So its only natural that I start making a list for santa and his little helpers (note the plural).
So the first thing I'd like this year is this really cool lamp.

Supernatural Moon Nightlight by designer Nosigner (Eisuke Tachikawa) 
I'm not exactly sure why I need one, but lust is never rational. Apparently the lamp is a completely accurate scaled down (obviously) version of the moon in its biggest cycle for 18 years, which is traditionally a symbol of hope in Asian cultures.
Also, the lamp is based off of the lunar orbiter, Kaguya's 3D topographic data of the moon- doubly cool.

ROCK OUT

Often I crave the element of surprise, a taste of the unexpected and living in the most exciting metropolis on the planet, lets just say I'm not easily surprised.

I would love to visit this place; The Rock Restaurant. It is off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania and right in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Superfresh seafood, the sea at your feet and the stars over your head.  Depending on the tides that day, you can either swim, walk, or row across. 

You/me/there/this/saturday/night?

Magical Places: Ukraine

I would love to be aboard a train going through this mile long tree lined tunnel in a Ukrainian forest. Photos by Oleg Gordienko.

(via MyModernMet)

A little Nostalgia

Extra time spent wrapping up warm, wooly socks and the perpetually icy hands. No, not some portentous prediction of retirement; dentures in a glass on the table and countdown on the telly. Rather another moan-session about the cold.


The bare trees, chill in the air and lack of sunshine is making me (and most people I know) sort of melancholy. Nostalgia for Summer is kicking in and I'm going to indulge in complaining. Oh and I am as pale as Voldemort right now, another cause for concern.   

They've Arrived.. Christian Louboutin Blue Suede Metallip Pumps

Pleased to report that my new Louboutins arrived today.  I opened the door to the DHL man at 8am this morning, grinning like a Chesire cat. No doubt he thought I was slightly crazed. But of course he wouldn't understand. I knew the moment I saw them in Vogue that my paycheque would be going towards them (and yes, I have a job before anyone accuses me of exploiting parental generosity) and needless to say I will update my blog as soon as I 'christen' them.

Keeping out the Cold - Moncler

Winter has finally arrived to London. The skies darken earlier with each passing day and the street lamps glow yellow by 3.15pm.  The chill in the air forced me off my bike this morning into the arms of warmer forms of transport and in search of some new cashmeres.

Luckily I have my Monclers to keep me warm. They are the ultimate in outerwear for frosty winter mornings and steaming breath weather.




 To those not in the know, the jackets look like an unfortunate throwback to 90s puffa-jackets and indeed I remember pairing mine with khaki combats and a crop-top in that sartorially damaged decade. Fortunately today, I'm more low-key with my ensembles and prefer to wear them with uggs, jeans and neutral knits. They are toasty warm and their down filled lining will ensure you're ready for the bitterest of blizzards.


They retail between £600-£2000, but will last you for many a winter and are of an impeccable quality. If you are a seasonal shopper and don't wear things year to year then Uniqlo do a high street version for under £50, also with a down lining.

Duke of York Square, Chelsea

Duke of York Square is one of my favourite pockets of Chelsea. Come rain or shine there is always a nice vibe and virtually no tourists. Full of little shops, cafes and fountains, the square is a lovely place for a stroll or a weekend rendezvous- which is exactly what we did this Sunday.

The Saatchi gallery is conveniently located off the square and a great place for a wander, especially as they are constantly exhibiting something new.

There is also a lovely farmers market on Saturdays that is totally worth catching. 

Dinner a la Us..

This afternoon, me, my brother and his girlfriend spent the afternoon wandering around Chelsea trying to decide where to eat. After much squabbling and no consensus we thought it best to cook our meal at home, from scratch.


And here are the fruits of our endeavours. On the menu; Organic Teriyaki Freshwater Salmon with roast potatoes, peas, salad and spinach falafel (the only thing not made from scratch) and roasted free-range chicken breast with turkey ham, cherry tomatoes and cream cheese dressing.


Alexandra and I made quite the team in the kitchen and the food tasted ace. We are mulling over incorporating this into our regular Sunday ritual. Really this aren't many things more satisfying then being able to whip up a delicious healthy meal in no time at all.

Don't step on my blue suede shoes.

Don't step on my blue suede shoes by hanushka featuring cocktail rings


I've been regularly swooping into London's Louboutin's hoping to get these blue suede metallip babies. However, as luck would have it- sold out. Shoe of the season and huge waiting list to boot.


But I managed to get them from Net-a-porter this morning; http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/166328 because through a happy coincidence, my size was still available.


So I went on Polyvore and styled them as I would wear them and can't wait to get them come Monday and slip my feet into them.


To poach Elvis' immortal words, don't step on my blue suede shoes. Like a predator who's just locked jaws around their prey I will flip should any harm come to them, consider yourselves warned.

Met him at a Backyard Block Party by the Bar. And he kept looking at me like he knew who I was..

One of my all-time favourite feel good songs. Shwayze's voice is so effortlessly cool and listening to this song reminds me of some really happy times.

Hair for Guys..

Hair can make or break a man. Shallow as it is, some hair transgressions are equivalent to a fly in the soup moment- too much gel, spikes of any sort or highlights.
So here is some advice, garnered through many a conversation with women and personal preference. Of course not everyone will agree, but most of the advice is relatively uncontroversial. But as always, feel free to take it or leave it.





The dos and don'ts of hair (for guys)

1. If I can wash my super-long hair everyday, so can you. It takes about five minutes and you look & smell clean. Women might not say it, but we all appreciate someone who looks/smells fresh.
2. Conditioner isn't just for girls. Use it to keep your hair manageable.
3. Avoid gel at all costs. It looks 90s or really Peter Andre. If you need to put product in your hair, use mouldable wax which isn't as obvious.
4.  Spikey hair is for little boys. A man should have the whole Don Draper/ Harvey Specter thing gawing on. Keep it a bit longer on top, shorter on the sides and swept to the side.. Longer and a bit messier can also work. (see photos)
5. If you are have good bone structure you could alternatively go for a shorter buzz cut. Its the easiest style in the world and if it suits you all the better, although if you're working it is probably less professional.
6. Don't dye or highlight your hair, unless you have that rockstar/ junky thing going when dyed hair is borderline acceptable, but the hygiene habits that accompany it aren't.
7.  Less is more.. don't overdo it. No one likes a try-hard.

J. Crew House

Check out the beautiful house of Jenna Lyons, president of J.Crew and it's up for sale. I like the warmth of the space and that it genuinely feels like a home, filled with memories and designed in a way that is very personal. Bet she's sad to see it go.