Friday, 24 May 2013
Zebra Pins *Look Of The Day*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
Jeans: Paige Edgemont Style @ Net-a-Porter c/o, Jumper: Jeanne Blush @ Nelly UK, Cross Body Bag: Accessorize c/o., Bangle: Old, Shoes: Zara
Paige denim jeans have been a firm favourite of mine ever since my first pair of polkadot babes last year. The fit is fantastic, the fabric is accommodating of curves and the patterns are just about the coolest on the market. You may recognise this Beetlejuice-esque striped version from the fine pins of Miss Cara Delevigne, who is an unofficial ambassador for the new Edgemont rocker style which you can now get on Net-a-Porter.
I intend on swapping day heels for stilettos come the weekend - wild - adding to the deluded dreams I have of extending my legs by a good 10 inches when wearing verticle stripes. Reasonable, non?
What do you think of striped jeans? Would you brave it?
Have a super Friday all and start to your weekends!
Love,
MB x
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Paul Edmonds Knightsbridge *Beauty*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Thursday to you all!
Having finished my degree on Monday of this week, my body and mind are feeling a little zapped. What a wonderful treat it was then to be invited for a blow dry at Knightsbridge salon Paul Edmonds.
As some of you may know my boyfriend Oli is a hairdresser and so salons have a special place in my heart.
As such I am going to start this review with a big ol'sweeping statement -
"Paul Edmonds is hands down the best salon I have ever been to."
The decor is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with a rich slate and cocoa theme, the day I visited coincided with the Chelsea Flower show and so I was even treated to a fresh flower
display emitting a heavenly rose perfume.
Clockwise from top: me and my mags, the A-mazing nail area, the Chelsea Flower Show roses.
Amongst all the luxury, what really struck me as special was the family atmosphere. I complimented Paul Edmonds himself on this when we got to chat at the end, and he confirmed that this is the most vital component of his business. Yes the salon is top end, but every one I encountered was warm, said hello and genuinely looked happy to be there.
The salon uses Kerastase products which I love, and I was treated to a special spray-in mask, which unlike most conditioning treatments which take 10 minutes to develop, worked instantly. I was headed out for dinner in the evening and so asked for a classic bouncy blow dry, I had a choice of gossip or fashion mags - I went for both! - and my finished look was completed in 40 minutes.
I also had a tour around the nail area where clients can recline in a first class-esque chair and watch TV with head phones, and the HOUSE area is a cordoned-off private section of the salon exclusively for beauty and A-list clientele.
Paul Edmonds and me
When I first arrived in the salon I had asked for a photo with Paul, he suggested we take it after my blow dry (sound decision) but as I was leaving he was talking to a lady. Not wanting to interrupt I collected my coat, however Paul took time away from his conversation and asked if I'd still like the photo. We then chatted and I even got a hug - I am big on hugs.
This to me was as telling as Paul's roll call of celebrity fans (of which there are many), dating a hair dresser as I do I know first hand, your clients are everything, and Paul Edmonds and the Paul Edmonds salon makes every single client feel special.
Thank you to every one at the salon for such a wonderful time.
Head over here to find out more or to book an appointment.
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
MB for Joanne Stoker x Dune *Shoot*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all!
A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of partaking in some street style fun for the new Joanne Stoker x Dune collaboration.
Sandals: Joanne Stoker x Dune, Clutch: Joanne Stoker x Dune
Having already perved on the collab at the Dune press day earlier in the year, you can imagine my delight (which warranted an audible yelp!) when they asked if I would style up one day and one night look to go along with their art deco-inspired line.
The grey wedge pair above has to be my favourite and since the shoot I have worn them to almost every fancy occasion I've had.
I also love the flat sandal version, such a sassy flat.
For my evening look I went with an all-cream ensemble.
Angela, Dune's online gal, and I shot these snaps outside Cafe Royal in Piccadilly where we also indulged in deeelicious cake.
Does it get better?!
Which are your favourites?
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Tulle Celebrations *Look Of The Day*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Tuesday to you all!
Skirt: Coast, T-Shirt: Boyfriend's - now mine!, Shoes: Zara (old)
Yesterday was a historic day for myself and my London College of Fashion class mates as we handed in our final ever ever ever projects.
Wahooooo!
This skirt has been topping my lust list for ages (remember it here?) and in the spirit of celebration today seems the perfect day to share this high/low look Lea and I shot last week.
Needless to say I am head over heels for this heavenly tulle concoction. The ombre dyeing is a modern take on the full skirt and the colour palette allows for interchangeable pairing. I opted for a battered old T-shirt as the ying to my ball-skirt yang, but equally you could opt for something more luxe, I like this simple strappy cami from Topshop.
Necklace & Earrings: Accessoirze c/o
A HUGE congratulations to every one who has recently completed, or is soon to complete, their University, School or College work!
My friends and I celebrated with a breakfast of cosmopolitans, I'd highly recommend it.
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Friday, 17 May 2013
Yoga With Wellicious *Events*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
On Wednesday of this week Lea and I were treated to an evening of total rest and relaxation at the Wellicious HQ in Westbourne Grove. The timing of such an event could not have been more perfect, as we are both frantically assembling the last bits and bobs for our University hand-ins.
Wellicious founder, Heike Schnell, gave an introductory talk to the brand she founded five years ago. Having glanced around her yoga class back in 2007 Heike noticed that the majority of yoga clothes were less than aesthetically pleasing, and so sought to develop a brand which is gorgeous, functional and which also has a heart. Wellicious is aligned with charities in Peru (where Heike's mother is from) as well as making a conscious effort to minimise their carbon footprint and use vegan fibres.
Some of you may know that I completed the first half of my university dissertation on sustainable and ethical fashion. Since then I have become keen to learn where goods come from and the stance that brands take on responsibilities beyond sales. It is great to know that Wellicious is concerned with making us look awesome while we exercise as well as putting a little love back in to the world.
Chatting to Wellicious's founder Heike Schnell
Aesthetically the brand plays to its functionality; think draping ballet-esque cardigans in super soft fabrics, and flattering yoga pants. The colour ways are either minky, cloudy and minimalist or with a pop of colour like the inky purple Heike favours. This cream top from the collection is a personal favourite. Good for exercise, excellent for days off too. I haven't done yoga in years but after a half hour class at Wellicious I genuinely felt bright eyed, stretched out and with a little more bounce in my step.
Trousers: Topshop Unique (old), Grey Jumper: Superdry, Coral Vest: Zara, Turqouise Sports Bra: Adidas, Watch: Swatch
Check out the full Wellicious range here.
What do you guys do to relax? Any yoga or pilates fans amongst you?
Have a super day all and a great weekend!
Love,
MB x
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Golden Girl *Look Of The Day*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Thursday to you all!
Dress: Monsoon Fusion, Coat & Belt: Vintage, Large Green Necklace & Boxy Green Necklace: Accessorize , Clutch Bag: Accessorize, Watch: Burberry Mens, Rings: Accessorize, Shoes: Zara
When it came to selecting a dress for the BAFTAs I rather fancied something short. Monsoon Fusion has cocktail pieces at great price points and I had my eye on this golden number for a while. The heavenly jacquard fabric elevated the 60's shape into evening attire.
My Mama loves to drop a style tip in when she can, and one which has rung true is to either match completely or go for something totally different. Herein lay my decision to dabble in emerald for the accessories.
Mama, I hope you're proud.
Beauty notes: I opted for a 60's hair and makeup combo to tie the look together. I revisited a very old friend - the bumpit - and fashioned a beehive. I then emptied the contents of my makeup bag on to my face, in what I hoped resembled a classic smoky eye. Legendary celebrity makeup artist Liz Martins has just launched a range of new false eyelashes, next time round I'll be using hers, (you can get your hands on them here) as it is I popped on a pair I'd had at home for a while and they definitely do make a difference.
Extra flutter.
Re-read my post from yesterday for the full BAFTAs red carpet low down.
What would you guys wear?
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
At The BAFTAS With Accessorize *Events*
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all!
Sunday night saw the television BAFTA awards roll on into town, and I was lucky enough to have a front row pitch on the red carpet to ogle all of the fabulous gowns and jewels on display.
Bedecked in my gold jacquard Monsoon Fusion number, laced with Accessorize gems, I headed to the Royal Festival Hall feeling rather fancy. My favourite looks from the evening all had a vintage vibe, and texture was a key player. Tassels, embellishments and layered ruffles - they all stood out amongst a sea of satin. Buttery pearly tones were having a moment too, with Kara Tointon's dress in particular (below top right) creating an iridescent glow.
Sienna Miller was the night's style winner for me, wearing a heavenly ice blue Matthew Williamson number, with a perspex clutch and great door knocker earrings. Does she ever get it wrong?!
See below for some of my favourite red carpet worthy items from Accessorize right now.
Gold & Nude Box Clutch, Cocktail Ring, Gold Woven Drop Earrings, Crystal Chandelier Earrings, Big Green Stone Necklace, Gold Box Stone Necklace, Neon Lace Clutch,
You can read more from the night on Accessorize's blog right here.
Who was your style winner for the evening? Do you love an evening gem for day time too?
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
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