Saturday, 30 June 2012
Look Of The Day: Beach (Bright!) Bum! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
A quick post from me today as I am about to settle down to a movie with my man.
Another day on the gorgeous island of Menorca, I have been treated to some of the most beautiful scenery I could hope to see, a tasty dinner courtesy of my aforementioned beau, and I wore some hawaiin-print shorts which made me smile - not least because I think they sit precariously on the ugly/beautiful border! (Now that I think about it sunnier climes do seem to have this 'bordering' effect on my dressing - have a look at this tie-dye number too!)
Top: Twist & Tango (thank you GoodResults PR!) also worn here, Bikini (just seen): Primark, Hat & Bag: Vintage, Silver Sandals (Buy similar silver beauts here), Shorts and Sunglasses: H&M, Turquoise Watch: Swatch
Top-Bottom, Mine and the beau's dusty feet, a snippet of my bikini - so bright!, a bicycle which I would like to own. Very much so.
The view and me admiring it - I could have stayed there all day.
Righto, I have a man waiting to watch a movie.
Have a super evening all!
Love,
MB x
Friday, 29 June 2012
Look Of The Day: Holiday Heat X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Friday to you all!
As I write I am retreating from the sweltering heat of Menorca.
I for one have never been a 'crikey its too hot for me' kind of gal, favouring latherings of sunscreen, a never-ending supply of diet coke (ice cold naturally) and trashy novel after trashy novel to distract me from the raising temperatures, however, here I am admitting momentary defeat and cooling off for a moment. Or two.
The Talented Mr Ripley is one of my favourite films, so beautiful, so dark and so so SO stylish. It features a young Jude Law, Matt Damon and most importantly Gwyneth Paltrow, whose fashion in the European-set film is just heavenly! 1950's skirts, loosely knotted cotton blouses, espadrilles, faint dusty prints all off-set by a honey hued tan - Paltrow's character Marge is the epitome of elegance in the heat. And so with Marge/Paltrow in mind I whipped up this little concoction of an outfit today, full skirt, tube top (which felt very 1997 School holiday - NB: I loved it! ; )!) and a collection of jewellery bits and bobs.
Skirt and Tube Top: Primark (total cost: £6 - Amazing!) Silver Sandals: H&M, Tote Bag: Given to me by the beau, Sunglasses, Necklace and Cocktail Ring: also H&M, Bangles: All Bought In Menorca, Gold Hoops: Claire's Accessories
Some Other Holiday Smile Moments...
From Top-Bottom,
1. My new luggage tag given to me by my great friend Charlotte - thank you!
2. The amazing belt stall at the market - any leather any buckle!
3. The town heaving with people for the night mercado (so Spanish!)
4. The Sun hitting the tall grass. So pretty.
Needless to say when I got back from our baguette-buying adventure, I swiftly removed all clothing and hopped straight in to a bikini!
Try as I might, I just cannot win the fight against the heat in a long hemline. Darnit. Must think more like Marge!
Have a lovely evening all!
Love, MB x
OH and if you guys are off on your hols soon too, have a peep at my article for new Marie Claire/In Style/Look Magazine blog Style It Light - packing tips aplenty!
X
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Jonathan Saunders to Collaborate for Vogue's Fashion Night Out 2012! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all,
I just wanted to share with you a little dollop of information which landed in my inbox this morning...
Scottish-born designer, fash pack go-to, and one of my all-time-favourites Jonathan Suanders is collaborating with British Vogue on a two piece collection of T-Shirts for Vogue's Fashion Night Out 2012.
Proceeds from the T-Shirt Sales will go to domestic violence charity Refuge.
My first 'try' of the T-Shirt! Skirt: Jonathan Saunders Harmont Skirt. Buy it here.
The fab Tee's!
The Tee's will go on sale for £18 in many of the stores participating in this year's Fashion Night Out on September 6th.
And if you can't wait to get your hands on your FNO Tee, Condé Nast Worldwide News on St George Street, W1, will be selling the t-shirt exclusively ahead of the big night from the 3rd September.
For those of you that haven't experienced Vogue's Fashion Night Out before - this is the year to try it! Hundreds of retailers and designers take part, brimming with goodies, freebies and special discounts, the whole of Oxford Street becomes a style-lovers heaven with plenty of bubbly to boot!
Pencil in Thursday 6th September - this is one night you will not want to miss!
Have a super day all!
Love,
MB x
Friday, 22 June 2012
Look Of The Day: Missoni Loving! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Thursday evening to you all!
A little Look Of The Day and Love-sharing from me this evening!
First up, and definitely most important, A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Alistair and his soon-to-be-wife Donna who are getting married tomorrow! Woohoo! I could not be happier for the both of you!
(We are going to celebrate BIG style : )!!)
Second up - the fashion! Having an Italian Mama, the signature zig-zagging multicolours of the Missoni fashion empire entered my visual conscience pretty early on, in fact Missoni was probably the very first designer 'name' I became familiar with. Following on from chit chats with my Mum and my Aunty in Italy, who works in knitwear, I soon developed my interest in the fabulous Missoni clan, their family heritage, and of course their fashion label.
This little ensemble I donned for a day of meetings, although not Missoni (I wish!) is my ode to the Italian colour and patterns Gods who one day I hope to name check many times in my own wardrobe. For real.
Skirt & Blouse: Vintage (also seen here and here), Dark Leather Bag: Mulberry Bayswater, Light Tan Bag: LK Bennett (Both Bags via my Beau - thank you!), Silver Shoes: Zara, Sunglasses: H&M, Turquoise Watch: Swatch, Cocktail Ring: Miss Selfridge, Bracelets: Menorca
This shirt and blouse were bought in a totally L-O-V-E moment in a second hand store (read about my love/buy principles here), I have come to rely on these pieces as fail-safe pep-up-my-mood options, and when worn separately the pieces become surprisingly malleable. Well surprising in the sense that a zig-zagging two-piece doesn't necessarily scream 'wardrobe staple' ; )!!
The Missoni clan have not only given us gorgeous clothes, but a dynasty of gorgeous family members. Margherita Missoni (below) was one of my first ever girl crushes (along with Olivia P and Diane Kruger naturally!) Margherita does Hippie Luxe with the perfect dose of both. Skin glowing and hair down to here, she is one serious fashion babe!
Margherita Missoni in all her colourful gorgeousness!
If I were to be able to buy Missoni I would buy... this (1.) or this (2.) or this (3.) oh and definitely this (4.)
Hmm aren't fantasy wardrobes fun?!
On that fantastical note I shall bid you all a very lovely evening!
Love, MB x
P.S. Thank you to every one that has sent in their Ask MB questions so far - stay tuned for all my (hopefully helpful!) answers : )!
x
Monday, 18 June 2012
Crayola Dressing & Jewellery Appointments Aplenty! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Monday to you all!
So I finally, finally, fin-a-lly finished my end-of-year presentation for Fash Pack School today. After so many late late nights of definite non-partying (me, my laptop, a script to edit and a camomile tea!) it feels so darn good to breathe a sigh of relief and know that for this year at least, homework...is...over!! AND I cannot wait to properly relax when my beau and I get to travel to Menorca next week. It cannot come sooner!
Last week I was lucky enough to be able to step away from the books for an hour or two when I got to feed my inner jewellery daemon with ogling over GUESS watches, H Stern and the oh-so-lustworthy French jewellery site Caratime. Feeling like a prisoner on borrowed release time, I chose to pep up my mood with a super-colourful combination. I saw this Turquoise coat in a second-hand store back in my home town, at the time I was with my beau's brother and simply could not let it pass me by. Despite the fact that it was an oversized turquoise coat. In Summer. I am a strong believer that you should shop only when you fall - completely head over heels, cannot bare to part with it, would potentially always regret if I did not buy it - in love with an item. Of course this is not how I always buy - love is sometimes replaced by lust - but that aching love explains the purchasing of my coat on a Summers day. And also perhaps why I bought a high-collared vintage Wedding dress too! Hmm.
Coral Red Jeans: H&M, Fuchsia Blouse and Turquoise Coat: Vintage, Tan Leather Bag: LK Bennett (via my beau's charity-shopping eyes!) Tan Booties: Zara, Necklaces: Below: Forever 21 On Top: Accessorize, Turquoise Watch: Swatch, Resin Bangle: Forever 21, Gold Bracelets: From Menorca
Given that I was embarking on appointments with some fabulous jewellery brands, I opted to don some of my favourite accessory pieces too, layering like a wild thing. Way back when Olivia Palermo was a mere style star in the making (because once upon a time she was not quite so fashion famous!) it was her impeccable accessorising on The City that piqued my interest and had me hooked to her every sartorial move. The pics below are a mere taster of her collection - this girl gives seriously good gems!!
Some of Olivia P's best Jewellery looks. Lust doesn't cover it.
And SO to my appointments! French Jewellery site Caratime is soon to be launching their brand new UK site which means that you and I can both have a good old fashioned perve at their jaw-droppingly gorgeous collection of jewellery designers. When Caratime's lovely PR Narcisse opened the fine velvet boxes which lay on the table at the Couture Lab HQ (which was incredible in itself!) my heart, I swear, skipped a beat.
Rhinestones and crystals in the most vivid of neons and bright bright hues, perfectly imperfect natural gems, layers of draping chains, leather 'teeth' attached to strands of red and translucent gems. Statement necklaces. Beaded luxe friendship bracelets. Talisman hands and delicate gold. To borrow a term of exuberation from uber-stylist Rachel Zoe "I Die".
AND my lovely readers the relationship between Caratime and TheElginAvenue is only just beginning. Stay tuned for a very exciting announcement!!
Some of Caratime's ahhhhmazing jewels!
Having torn myself away from those devilishly tempting black velvet boxes, I hop-footed it over to Knightsbridge, to the Capital Hotel, for the first look preview of Brazilian jewellery brand H. Stern's new collection.
H. Stern is one of those names which I have been vaguely familiar with for some time, and it was only when the too-fabulous-for-human-eyes Diane Von Furstenburg spoke at the Vogue festival, of her on going collaboration with the jewellery brand, that I really came to know some more about it. Luxurious, sexy, refined and glamorous H.Stern showed a beautifully edited selection of some of its finest pieces, including a Sapphire watch which I could well imagine on our own fine princess (Duchess of Cambridge doesn't sound quite as magical as princess!). The new collection also featured three special collections, which drew inspiration from fish, serpents and cheetahs.
I was particularly taken with the fish collection which used varying shades of gold on interlocking triangles to mimic the shimmer of scales. Beautiful.
On a day-to-day basis, these gold hoops below would sit very comfortably in my current jewellery box.
Top-Bottom, 'My' Hoops, Fish-Scale Bracelet
L-R Top-Bottom, Sapphire Watches, Serpent Necklace, Fish Scale Earrings
Some of the other gorgeous pieces on show, and a Cheetah bracelet which I Tweeted after the viewing.
Follow me @MonicaBeatrice
After having fed my jewellery daemon to the point of popping I met up with my great friend Charlotte for a potter around the shops of Knightsbridge. That lightning-bolt love I spoke of earlier hit me a good dozen times in Zara. Feeling slightly downtrodden in my inability to indulge my free-loving shopping habit (12 loves is just too much - even for me!) I resigned myself to the fact that bank managers do not always understand true love.
Spoil Sports.
And on that note my lovely readers I will have to bid you ado, Fash Pack work may be over but a girl's still gotta earn her living ; )!
Have a super evening all!
Love, MB x
P.S. I really enjoyed wearing a fully off-the-face ponytail à la Blake Lively. It felt appropriate given all my jewellery busy-ness. Easy to do with a quick backcomb and a spritz of hairspray. Recommended.
P.P.S: GUESS Watches are running an INSANE competition where you can win your ENTIRE YEAR'S UNIVERSITY FEES and blog for GUESS online. Click here to read more.
x
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
MB on Vogue.co.uk! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all,
I do hope that you have all been having a marvellous week so far? A quick dash post for me today as I have made a very last minute decision to hop on a train back down to Winchester to watch the Winchester Fashion Week show. I am super excited to see what all of the designers have to show and also to have a natter with the Winchester Fashion Week team!
Heading along to what is sure to be a totally style-soaked event, it jogged my memory that I had yet to share with you my notes from Day 2 of the Vogue Festival! So much went on over those 48hours I cannot write about it all now, but I will share with you what I wore to the day...and what I was snapped in for Vogue.co.uk! A particularly 'pinch me' moment if ever there was one!
My own pictures (not quite so professional!) Dress: French Connection, Sequin Clutch: H&M, Gold Booties: Zara, Metallic Belt: TopShop, Coat: Topshop Boutique borrowed from my flatmate (thank you!), Scarf: Becksondergaard, Watch: Swatch, Bangles: Menorca and H&M
And on Vogue.co.uk! Woohoo!
Right must get my skates on! Nothing worse than missing the beginning to a show ; )!
Have a super evening all and keep checking my tweets @MonicaBeatrice for updates from Winchester Fashion Week!
OH and read my interview with the WFW founders from last year here.
Love,
MB x
Sunday, 10 June 2012
3 Articles Of Note! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Sunday evening to you all,
As I write I am currently propped up in my dear beau's bed, elderflower drink on one side, Albie his cat (who acts more like a dog) on the other. Having spent the last few weeks solidly in London, or on a quick trip to see friends, I have not touched base with my family or beau's abode in a little too long for my liking! Thank the Birthday heavens then, that my significant other happened to have his Birthday yesterday, for which we celebrated with as many friends as bottles of wine and desserts...umm and then some!
If I have not quite mentioned it enough, A very Happy Birthday to my wonderful boyfriend!! You are pretty darn great.
In amongst the Birthday prep and wrapping-paper searches, I was chuffed as chips to see the following articles doing the rounds online this week, and so thought I best off share them with you all! I hope you enjoy a little read...!
Article 1: Marie Claire, Steal Her Style: Solange Knowles at the CFDA Awards
I am am still over the moon to be working alongside Marie Claire at the moment with my weekly 'Steal Her Style' column. This week's chosen style subject? Solange Knowles in all her CFDA Awards gorgeousness! Head on over to Marie Claire here to read where you can nab her style on a less-than-celeb budget!
Article 2: AllWalks - Paint My World Colourful Campaign With Bethany Norman
A couple of months ago my great friend Rachel Heather, introduced me to stylist and photographer Bethany Norman. Bethany e-mailed me about a campaign she was working on called 'Paint My World Colourful' which was aiming to promote diversity in fashion and beauty imagery. It already sounded like a pretty darn great campaign, but when I heard that Caryn Franklin, former fashion editor and co-editor of i-D magazine, and co-founder of the ahhhmazing fashion industry initiative AllWalks were interested in Bethany's work, I leapt at the chance to guest blog for them and review an event they held at the Illamsqua flagship store on Carnaby street (read my article on T.E.A here)!
I am so so delighted to be able to share the article on the AllWalks site with you all now! Have a look here!
Article 3: Winchester Fashion Week "Winchester's Fashionable Women #1"
I am so in awe of any one who sets up something off of their own back, and so when I heard that a group of very talented young ladies were launching a local Fashion Week, back on my home stomping ground last year, I was all for it! I was extremely excited when they asked to interview me last year for their accompanying magazine, and equally delighted to be asked again this year for a little follow up. Also to go first in a list of incredible women is really quite humbling, thank you WFW girls and in particular thank you to Emily of normalityandme who conducted a very professional interview (we may have got waylayed by cake and chats...!)
Have a read of the whole interview here
This year's Interview
Last Year's Magazine
Phew! I hope I have not encouraged you all to go slightly square-eyed with reading!
Righto, I am going to join my beau for a movie on the sofa. Lovely.
Have a super evening all!
Love, MB x
P.S. I am so excited this week to be meeting with the amazing people behind the completely addictive and incredible build-your-own custom wardrobe site Mood By Me. Just trust me - you need to try this out!
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Monica Vinader Press Preview & Georgia Hardinge's Lancome Launch! X
Dear Elgin Avenue readers,
A very Happy Wednesday to you all,
I can hardly believe how swiftly the Jubilee weekend has been and gone! And indeed how much has occurred since the last time I checked in with you my gorgeous T.E.A readers.
Last week my inbox (or rather my junkbox!) nearly cost me my invitation to gorgeous jewellery designer Monica Vinader's press preview! Just in the nick of time I recovered my post - naughty junkmail - and duly clicked 'attend'. About three times. Monica's designs have ranked high on my jewellery radar ever since I had my first glimpse of Monica Vinader's stackable rings in Grazia some years ago.
For such an event (which I was very excited to attend!) I managed to wrangle up a look entirely from my existing wardrobe - my bank will be pleased to note! I opted to wear my trusty Chrsitys' trilby (I cannot fall out of love with this thing!), some matching grey suede heels, which have seen me through many years of running about town, a bright turquoise top which was lurking in the back of my wardrobe, and a jacket which my dear Mama refers to as my 'minger coat' - hmm we shal agree to disagree ; )!
Grey Trilby: Christys', Scarf: Becksondergaard (also seen here), Jacket: H&M, Turquoise Top: Monsoon, Jeans: Leigh style at Topshop, Heels: Jamie Mascaro, Jewellery: From Menorca, Watch: Burberry (see a similar gorgeous rose gold version here) Sparkly Clutch: H&M
Just as I was having a good old nose through the fabulous collection of Monica Vinander jewels, I came across a rail of Monica's newest venture - beautiful 'wrap-me-nonchantly-around-your-jet-setting-shoulders' scarves!
Evidently not quite content with capturing our jewellery-lusting-hearts, Monica has launched this stunning collection of light weight scarves, in watery, marble-effect prints. Just perfect.
Perusing Monica's gorgeous collection. I would like every scarf. Please.
The two Monica's! Such a pleasure to meet Monica Vinader herself (wearing all of the most gorgeous pieces naturally!)
Remaining a firm Fash Pack favourite, Monica's designs appeal to the magpie in me (and many others) which likes a very particular type of jewellery - namely gold, unstructured, slightly beaten with natural stones, if not plain.
Just have a peep at these beauties: here, here and here!
Siren Rings and Cuffs
Siren Pendants - Starting price of £45 for small silver pendant.
As befitting of such a stylish, refined brand Monica's event was held at the uber luxe private member's club Mortons in Berkley Square. I have to say that just walking from Monica's event to Selfridges (where Charlotte and I went after) was a whole lesson in window lusting itself! Roland Mouret...Lanvin...Jenny Packham...princess realms for sure!
On leaving Mortons Charlotte and I got our walking heels on to have a sneak peek at Selfridges' Big British Bang event in celebration of, well, all things British and in particular the Jubilee. I am so proud to say that Charlotte just got an ahhhmazing new job working for Lancome and so when she invited me along to Lancome's new packaging launch in collaboration with Brit designer-of-the-moment Georgia Hardinge I could hardly contain my excitement!
Back in February I was lucky enough to attend Georgia's A/W '12 runway show (you can read my glowing review on that little ticket right here) and I have to say that having ogled her designs and watched her star rise over the past few months it was so lovely to finally meet Georgia in person and discover that, yep, she is really really nice too! And fun - just have a look at us goofing around below!
Have a brilliant evening all!
Love, MB x
P.S. I have to mention the lovely interview Emily Parrett of normalityandme published today, in conjunction with Winchester Fashion Week, with yours truly. You can have a read through Emily's article right here, and have a look at all of the other fantastic goings-on happening with Winchester Fashion Week.
I can hardly believe how swiftly the Jubilee weekend has been and gone! And indeed how much has occurred since the last time I checked in with you my gorgeous T.E.A readers.
Last week my inbox (or rather my junkbox!) nearly cost me my invitation to gorgeous jewellery designer Monica Vinader's press preview! Just in the nick of time I recovered my post - naughty junkmail - and duly clicked 'attend'. About three times. Monica's designs have ranked high on my jewellery radar ever since I had my first glimpse of Monica Vinader's stackable rings in Grazia some years ago.
For such an event (which I was very excited to attend!) I managed to wrangle up a look entirely from my existing wardrobe - my bank will be pleased to note! I opted to wear my trusty Chrsitys' trilby (I cannot fall out of love with this thing!), some matching grey suede heels, which have seen me through many years of running about town, a bright turquoise top which was lurking in the back of my wardrobe, and a jacket which my dear Mama refers to as my 'minger coat' - hmm we shal agree to disagree ; )!
Grey Trilby: Christys', Scarf: Becksondergaard (also seen here), Jacket: H&M, Turquoise Top: Monsoon, Jeans: Leigh style at Topshop, Heels: Jamie Mascaro, Jewellery: From Menorca, Watch: Burberry (see a similar gorgeous rose gold version here) Sparkly Clutch: H&M
Just as I was having a good old nose through the fabulous collection of Monica Vinander jewels, I came across a rail of Monica's newest venture - beautiful 'wrap-me-nonchantly-around-your-jet-setting-shoulders' scarves!
Evidently not quite content with capturing our jewellery-lusting-hearts, Monica has launched this stunning collection of light weight scarves, in watery, marble-effect prints. Just perfect.
Perusing Monica's gorgeous collection. I would like every scarf. Please.
The two Monica's! Such a pleasure to meet Monica Vinader herself (wearing all of the most gorgeous pieces naturally!)
Remaining a firm Fash Pack favourite, Monica's designs appeal to the magpie in me (and many others) which likes a very particular type of jewellery - namely gold, unstructured, slightly beaten with natural stones, if not plain.
Just have a peep at these beauties: here, here and here!
I normally get all my jewels when visiting Menorca however Monica's collection is so darn beautiful I could be swayed to make space for one of her stunning Siren Pendants (seen below) which you can have engraved with anything your heart should so desire. Or indeed one of her Siren cuffs. Oh and a Siren ring. Hmm I can see why they are called sirens - talk about luring you in!
Siren Rings and Cuffs
Siren Pendants - Starting price of £45 for small silver pendant.
As befitting of such a stylish, refined brand Monica's event was held at the uber luxe private member's club Mortons in Berkley Square. I have to say that just walking from Monica's event to Selfridges (where Charlotte and I went after) was a whole lesson in window lusting itself! Roland Mouret...Lanvin...Jenny Packham...princess realms for sure!
On leaving Mortons Charlotte and I got our walking heels on to have a sneak peek at Selfridges' Big British Bang event in celebration of, well, all things British and in particular the Jubilee. I am so proud to say that Charlotte just got an ahhhmazing new job working for Lancome and so when she invited me along to Lancome's new packaging launch in collaboration with Brit designer-of-the-moment Georgia Hardinge I could hardly contain my excitement!
Back in February I was lucky enough to attend Georgia's A/W '12 runway show (you can read my glowing review on that little ticket right here) and I have to say that having ogled her designs and watched her star rise over the past few months it was so lovely to finally meet Georgia in person and discover that, yep, she is really really nice too! And fun - just have a look at us goofing around below!
Me and the wonderful Georgia Hardinge! My hair looks purple and green! Odd!
Georgia and I in front of one of her gigantic Lancome boards! Check out her patriotic leggings!
From Top-Bottom: Georgia's fab packaging for Lancome, and the designer herself having a chinwag with shoppers!
A snapshot of Georgia's A/W'12 show I took whilst ogling her collection in the audience!
I am a huge huge fan of print, and Georgia's line has some of the most gorgeous, artistic, wild prints around, even her bottles for Lancome were designed using thumb prints! Have a peruse through Georgia's blog here although I warn you - serious heart palpitations may ensue!
Phew! On that note of heart palpitations I will leave you with a piccy of my great friend Steph's amazing Jubilee cheesecake which we devoured at her party over the weekend! A cake which looks that good deserves to be eaten ; )!!
Have a brilliant evening all!
Love, MB x
P.S. I have to mention the lovely interview Emily Parrett of normalityandme published today, in conjunction with Winchester Fashion Week, with yours truly. You can have a read through Emily's article right here, and have a look at all of the other fantastic goings-on happening with Winchester Fashion Week.
It's a headless me!
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