Sunday 30 October 2011

Affordable Art Fair, Hampstead Heath


On Thursday night I visited the Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead Heath. This is the first time the fair has shown in Hampstead. In March, I went to the same fair in Battersea, and unfortunately was rather disappointed by what was on offer.



The Battersea show seemed as though the event organisers had decided to fulfil the needs of those with more money than taste by attracting those across the river in Kensington and Chelsea. Unfortunately, this meant that there were still lifes galore, and less cutting edge contemporary art by young artists. In the end the art and visitor experience suffered.




The Hampstead show however was a vast improvement, with better quality compositions from emerging artists. The highlight of the night was the striking 'Hope' screenprint from Sir Peter Blake.



The Affordable Art Fair also played host to a new edition to the format: the Gin Van Cafe. This was the perfect way to finish the night.

Affordable Art Fair, Hampstead Heath

On Thursday night I visited the Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead Heath. This is the first time the fair has shown in Hampstead. In March, I went to the same fair in Battersea, and unfortunately was rather disappointed by what was on offer.

The Battersea show seemed as though the event organisers had decided to fulfil the needs of those with more money than taste by attracting those across the river in Kensington and Chelsea. Unfortunately, this meant that there were still lifes galore, and less cutting edge contemporary art by young artists. In the end the art and visitor experience suffered.

The Hampstead show however was a vast improvement, with better quality compositions from emerging artists. The highlight of the night was the striking 'Hope' screenprint from Sir Peter Blake.

The Affordable Art Fair also played host to a new edition to the format: the Gin Van Cafe. This was the perfect way to finish the night.

Saturday 29 October 2011

Fashion and Music


Fashion and music have always had a close connection, from the iconic moment when Kate Moss joined former lover Pete Doherty on stage to sing ‘La belle et la bĂȘte’ during a Babyshambles gig, to Carla Bruni hanging up her supermodel stilettos to take to the folk stage. Many brands have capitalised in the natural collaboration between music and fashion, by designing stage outfits. Roberto Cavalli was the designer behind the Spice Girls comeback tour creations, and Frida Giannini, of Gucci, designed the beautiful ethereal dresses for Florence and the Machine’s latest US tour.

Be A Rockstar

Paco Rabanne Black XS are the most recent brand to jump on the bandwagon by teaming up with Universal Music to bring us 'Be A Rockstar'. This unique music platform, www.be-a-rockstar.com, is packed with exclusive music content and one of the largest catalogues of artisits in the world. Have you ever wanted to live like a rockstar? The fame, the parties, travelling around the world - well, upload your picture on www.be-a-rockstar.com/uk/experience and make your rock 'n roll dreams come true!

Black XS are giving fans the opportunity to 'go backstage' with bands like Cold War Kids, Two Door Cinema Club and Kaiser Chiefs with the Black XS Off Shows, a series of nine episodes which will be airing towards the end of the year on www.be-a-rockstar.com and the Black XS YouTube channel. You'll be able to see what being a rockstar is really like - the good and the bad all in one.

Two Door Cinema Club

I haven’t smelt the fragrance but to be honest - most of the gigs that I have been to have been full of sweaty adolescents; so any fragrance that improves the smell of these ‘too cool to wash’ kids gets my vote.

Fashion and Music

Fashion and music have always had a close connection, from the iconic moment when Kate Moss joined former lover Pete Doherty on stage to sing ‘La belle et la bĂȘte’ during a Babyshambles gig, to Carla Bruni hanging up her supermodel stilettos to take to the folk stage. Many brands have capitalised in the natural collaboration between music and fashion, by designing stage outfits. Roberto Cavalli was the designer behind the Spice Girls comeback tour creations, and Frida Giannini, of Gucci, designed the beautiful ethereal dresses for Florence and the Machine’s latest US tour.

Be A Rockstar

Paco Rabanne Black XS are the most recent brand to jump on the bandwagon by teaming up with Universal Music to bring us 'Be A Rockstar'. This unique music platform, www.be-a-rockstar.com, is packed with exclusive music content and one of the largest catalogues of artisits in the world. Have you ever wanted to live like a rockstar? The fame, the parties, travelling around the world - well, upload your picture on www.be-a-rockstar.com/uk/experience and make your rock 'n roll dreams come true!

Black XS are giving fans the opportunity to 'go backstage' with bands like Cold War Kids, Two Door Cinema Club and Kaiser Chiefs with the Black XS Off Shows, a series of nine episodes which will be airing towards the end of the year on www.be-a-rockstar.com and the Black XS YouTube channel. You'll be able to see what being a rockstar is really like - the good and the bad all in one.

Two Door Cinema Club

I haven’t smelt the fragrance but to be honest - most of the gigs that I have been to have been full of sweaty adolescents; so any fragrance that improves the smell of these ‘too cool to wash’ kids gets my vote.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Window Shopping at Louis Vuitton


The Louis Vuitton shop window in Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, manages to mix humour with minimal beauty so effortlessly. I walked past the window whilst I was in Milan recently visiting family, and I couldn't drag myself away. The Louis Vuitton bags are displayed upon tall and elegant, golden flamingo legs - the animal du jour after being spotted on numerous autumn/winter 11 catwalk shows. The flamingo legs against the simplistic sand and sea background look fantastic, who said that window displays needed to be flamboyant and busy to be successful? On that note, I'm looking forward to seeing what the Christmas window displays have to offer us.

Window Shopping at Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton shop window in Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, manages to mix humour with minimal beauty so effortlessly. I walked past the window whilst I was in Milan recently visiting family, and I couldn't drag myself away. The Louis Vuitton bags are displayed upon tall and elegant, golden flamingo legs - the animal du jour after being spotted on numerous autumn/winter 11 catwalk shows. The flamingo legs against the simplistic sand and sea background look fantastic, who said that window displays needed to be flamboyant and busy to be successful? On that note, I'm looking forward to seeing what the Christmas window displays have to offer us.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Acne Camel Coat

I have been searching high and low for a winter coat recently with no luck. All the coats I come across have been the wrong style or more commonly, just too thin and therefore not warm enough. I'm looking for a classic and warm winter coat to last me a few seasons. I have stumbled upon this Acne number from a My-Wardrobe newsletter, and am tempted to purchase. However, I worry that it is too expensive for an item that is subjected to be used and abused, and often ends up on a heap on the dancefloor while me and my friends dance around it. Hmmm

Acne Camel Coat

I have been searching high and low for a winter coat recently with no luck. All the coats I come across have been the wrong style or more commonly, just too thin and therefore not warm enough. I'm looking for a classic and warm winter coat to last me a few seasons. I have stumbled upon this Acne number from a My-Wardrobe newsletter, and am tempted to purchase. However, I worry that it is too expensive for an item that is subjected to be used and abused, and often ends up on a heap on the dancefloor while me and my friends dance around it. Hmmm

Sunday 16 October 2011

Sandro A/W 2011

Sandro is the fashion-packs most sought-after label of the moment, and it is easy to see why. Sandro is a Gallic label which, as we've come to expect from our friends across the Channel, is effortlessly chic. It has the same easy-to-wear and minimalist style that Maje, another must-have French label, achieves.
It is rare to view a lookbook and to fall in love with every style, but it's hard not to with Sandro's Autumn/Winter collection. My particular favourites are the grey jumper with leopard-print Peter Pan collar below, and the coat with leather lapels above. Both classic pieces with a chic and modern twist. Beautiful!



Sandro A/W 2011

Sandro is the fashion-packs most sought-after label of the moment, and it is easy to see why. Sandro is a Gallic label which, as we've come to expect from our friends across the Channel, is effortlessly chic. It has the same easy-to-wear and minimalist style that Maje, another must-have French label, achieves.
It is rare to view a lookbook and to fall in love with every style, but it's hard not to with Sandro's Autumn/Winter collection. My particular favourites are the grey jumper with leopard-print Peter Pan collar below, and the coat with leather lapels above. Both classic pieces with a chic and modern twist. Beautiful!

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Nanoblur Launch at The Box, Soho



Last week saw the launch of Nanoblur at The Box in Soho. The cream claims to minimise wrinkles, crows feet and pores to make skin seem instantly younger. Now, I can't claim to give you an informed review as I have yet to try the product (however my mum seems to be enjoying it), but as you can see from the photos, the performers were the highlight of the night rather than the product.


I spent my evening mesmorised by the performers at The Box including an acrobat, pirouetting from a suspended ring, and a gymnast with thighs to rival Beyoncé's. They were both more compelling than the Nanoblur QVC-esque demonstration which launched the event. Unfortunately, it seemed that yet another American brand had misjudged the British market by giving an over-the-top sales pitch.

Nanoblur Launch at The Box, Soho

Last week saw the launch of Nanoblur at The Box in Soho. The cream claims to minimise wrinkles, crows feet and pores to make skin seem instantly younger. Now, I can't claim to give you an informed review as I have yet to try the product (however my mum seems to be enjoying it), but as you can see from the photos, the performers were the highlight of the night rather than the product.
I spent my evening mesmorised by the performers at The Box including an acrobat, pirouetting from a suspended ring, and a gymnast with thighs to rival Beyoncé's. They were both more compelling than the Nanoblur QVC-esque demonstration which launched the event. Unfortunately, it seemed that yet another American brand had misjudged the British market by giving an over-the-top sales pitch.

Earth Salon

A long overdue thank you, to Earth Salon and Carrot Top PR for their beautiful blow dry, and being fabulous hosts! I loved relaxing with a glass of red wine, in the serene Japanese hairdressers.


Friday 7 October 2011

Water Cooler Moment

Travelling in to work on a Friday morning, there's only one thing that I'm dreaming about... Arriving at work and finding a Moet water cooler, of course!

Water Cooler Moment

Travelling in to work on a Friday morning, there's only one thing that I'm dreaming about... Arriving at work and finding a Moet water cooler, of course!

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Tom Tom Jewellery




I was really struck when I saw the TomTom jewellery collection for the first time recently when it launched in the UK. It manages to marry both statement and wearable pieces, which is no easy feat.

Aptly named ‘Future 70s’ the collection is 70-inspired with a nod to the decade’s futuristic architectural design teamed with geometric patterns. It is a striking collection that is sure to rival the likes of Dominic Jones. Good luck!

Tom Tom Jewellery

I was really struck when I saw the TomTom jewellery collection for the first time recently when it launched in the UK. It manages to marry both statement and wearable pieces, which is no easy feat.

Aptly named ‘Future 70s’ the collection is 70-inspired with a nod to the decade’s futuristic architectural design teamed with geometric patterns. It is a striking collection that is sure to rival the likes of Dominic Jones. Good luck!

Sunday 2 October 2011

You Have Been Warned...

Litter droppers watch out! As I was walking through Clissold Park earlier this week, I came across this eco-warning written in chalk. Sometimes you just need to get your message across directly...

You Have Been Warned...

Litter droppers watch out! As I was walking through Clissold Park earlier this week, I came across this eco-warning written in chalk. Sometimes you just need to get your message across directly...