From Mediterranea With Love...

Sunday 20^th March 2011

From Mediterranea With Love...

I went on a trip to Spain recently for a bit of R and R, and like most people, choosing the soundtrack for the plane/beach is one of my favourite bits of holiday prep. Imagine my delight when Duran Duran announce they are bringing out a new album (in my adulthood) with the added bonus of Mark Ronson's midas-producer touch. Excited much. Check out All You Need Is Now on iTunes

Now, everyone that knows me knows I'm an 80s child. Yes, people may refer to it as the decade that fashion forgot (or chose to take the p*ss out of) but nevertheless I have a soft spot for that era. I love everything about it, especially the music but possibly not shoulder-pads. Had I been born a couple of years earlier I'm sure I'd have saved up all my money for a trip to the Rum Runner to go see Duran Duran and then down to London to swoon over the boys from Spandau Ballet, though apparently it really wasn't cool to like both, you were either Team LeBon or Brothers Kemp.... but anyways, it hasn't stopped me buying the back catalogue of both bands to top up the iPod which is already overflowing with several other 80s gems.

I'm not going to write an album review but I was impressed with this record and would recommend it for lazy summer listening.

p.s. Catch them on ITV 1 For “One Night Only” at 8:30GMT Tonight! Exciting 

Adios!

The Boudoir Transformation Project

Tuesday 15th February 2011

Following on from last week's BIBA love, I was delighted to discover that Barbara Hulanicki has collaborated with high street giant Next to produce a range of stunning wall coverings. As they describe it: “The Hulanicki Flock collection is an affordable, unique wallpaper range which gives flock a long overdue contemporary interpretation. The ultra fashionable colour palette echoes Hulanicki's high fashion heritage”.
This designer wallpaper collection is printed on clay-coat papers and offers a wonderful matt finish accentuated with metallic and gloss embellishments.

My particular favourite is the Diva Oyster wallpaper at £22 a roll. See below.

 

Real Flock Ophelia Ice Cream Paper at £60

 

Have a browse here http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/homeware

I've decided my next interior project is going to be the transformation of the master bedroom into a boudoir, and I think my boyfriend is getting a bit nervous. I've promised to be tasteful. He gave me free reign, (mainly because I think he can't be bothered to get involved as he knows he'll end up doing all the dirty jobs!).

So far, I've selected a lovely antique chandelier to be the centrepiece, which means getting rid of my trusty ceiling fan (it will be missed in summer) but even though it's wonderfully practical, I have to admit it's got a bit dated.

I still need to decide on a colour scheme as well. I think a palette of neutrals to complement the Diva Oyster wallpaper will work best. I'm seriously considering paying someone to do the painting this time, as normally I insist on doing it myself, and then get angry because (despite the use of many rolls of masking tape) I still find splodges of paint on the skirting boards and coving...

I like doing it myself though, that's the whole point of DIY surely?

Biba Fever

BIBA Fever

I'm very excited to witness the BIBA revival, I'm sure if I'd been around in the 60s and 70s I'd have had a wardrobe stacked with Barbara Hulanicki's treasures. I love every thing about the brand, even the logo, there's something so stylish about black and gold (it's one of my favourite colour combinations).

The BIBA revival has come to House of Fraser with an effortlessly chic and unmistakably Hulanicki feel. Here's the best bit though, it's surprisingly affordable with pieces starting from just £45 for a basic tee and dresses reduced from £185 to £55 in the online sale! Winner.

Here are my current favourites from the collection.

These beautiful, sculptural earrings are a must have. They are the perfect additon to a little black cocktail dress and will transform any
tried and tested outfit. Personally I think the integral heart-shaped design makes them a perfect gift for Valentine's day (feel free to show your man this post...) Earrings: £60 BIBA at House of Fraser

This gorgeous 100% silk piece embodies everything that I want from my clothes. I'm all for simple lines and the cut of this sleeveless beauty makes it a glamourous choice for a stand-out day outfit. The beading around the neckline is just enough so you can accessorise without looking overdressed. Perfect. Top £65 BIBA at House of Fraser. Available in four colours.

So for those of you who missed Biba the first time round, now's your chance to own a little piece of future history from a great Britsh designer.

Find out more or shop online here: http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/

Who's that girl...?

Every week I'll be writing about my observations in the glittering fields of beauty, fashion and lifestyle. As a consumer PR, (with a keen eye for style and a knack for bargain hunting) I'm privileged to be at the forefront of trends as they emerge and have the somewhat enviable task of testing new products and experiences as they land on my desk.

Like most women, I adore fashion and everything it promises, from the inspirational unknowns in their basement studios to the established designers on the worlds' catwalks; I'm in love with the idea that the right outfit can right your wrongs (or at least go a little way to making you feel a bit better).

When it comes to beauty, I'm a sucker for lotions and potions and have an unhealthy interest in so-called 'wonder' creams. I say "unhealthy" purely from a purse/melted credit card perspective.
(I found an actual button in my purse the other day where my coins should be, I didn't realise it had got that bad.....)

Money worries aside, when I'm not splurging in the pursuit of the looking pretty, I love planning my next interior design project. Despite having a decent ability to pull outfits together, I am not so blessed in the art of planning a paint job. I've spent many hours on Dulux's website browsing colour schemes and ordering samples and it's a great place to find inspiration for your home.

Have a go yourself at https://www.dulux.co.uk/projects/index.jsp



Enjoy!

Sheli x.x.