Prepped for rain with Ricard

Champagne moustaches and a swing band - what more could a girl want. 

A few weeks back I was invited to attend the Ricard party over in Chelsea. The dress code was preppy and the outfits definitely didn’t disappoint. I was lucky enough to attend with three lovely friends of mine, the beautiful Prince Cassius who flies the flay for preppy style on the best of days, the wonderful London Bird (my favourite jewellery designer ever and my dear friend Lauren, aka When In Fashion which I recommend everyone reads.

The Ricard Petanque annual garden party is completely free entry and open to the public. The grounds are beautiful and on arrival the lovely PR team greet all attendees with a hat to wear - think twenties style - very cool. We were also shown around the Croquet, Giant Jenga, Bowles and various garden games. Fantastically retro and good fun for those adventurous enough to brave the rain. Or in my case those with the sense to not be wearing high heels – er oops! Being a little wet at that point we wandered under the tents to grab a few drinks.

The people

The VIP area was a star studded place to be and throrougout the day many celebs braved the rain to enjoy a drink with the lovely Ricard team. Confirmed guests were.

• Kiristini Blahnik
• PPQ - Percy & Amy Molyneaux
• Tallulah Adeyemi
• Preeya Kalidas
• Georgie Okell
• David Leon 

I always feel nervous approaching anyone famous but have to say Preeya Kalidas was utterly charming and absolutely stunning in person. Definitely not a girl you should sit next to without self esteem taking a serious plummet

Food and Drinks
We were utterly spoil at the event with tokens giving us a few free cocktails. Honestly the cocktails were a little minty for my taste but it was lovely to sample. In the VIP area champagne was served up in abundance I decided therefore giant jenga might not be one of my better plans. The food included lemon tarts and yummy smelling pancakes. However, I am currently on a mission to be a small size eight so I skipped. Stupid plan!

Added Extras
The band were amazing setting a chilled fun tone for the day. We were also greeted by some lovely promo ladies giving us moustaches to wear. As you can see we all got into the spirit of the occasion although I am not convinced this is one of my better looks...

 

Blonde moment

On the occasion one of my lovely friends almost pips me to it by turning up three hours late due to her hangover from the night before. However. getting drenched on the way, getting off at the wrong bus stop and queuing for ten minutes for  a toilet only to realise there were lots more upstairs wasn’t my brain at its best. It’s almost like alcohol is killing brain cells…..

How to find

Feeling thirsty? Check these guys out – pure class and just lovely people

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

Sunday podblast sunnies and skincare

Bringing some light relief after a night partying

Welcome to the latest Sunday podblast making your hangover feel better in seconds – guaranteed!*

*I was lying there is no guarantee or physical proof of this it is entirely made up - sorry

If I could buy one thing this week...

I have to start by saying look at the weather. It’s been scorching sun and an excuse to get my summer wardrobe out and dust off the cobwebs. But every girl needs a new pair of sunglasses in good weather – if that’s not a law well it should be. Stilepod for PM?

I love these glasses they are just fun! Plus with all the bright colours on offer a littler frivolity in fashion makes me smile.

So four flimsy excuses to splurging this week include:

1 – They are reduced! I mean who doesn’t love a bargain right?

2 – Think of the money you could save on mascara... yes I heard it

3 – They are not only adorable but also good for you with UV protection absorbing the suns harmful rays. Yes these glasses wil improve your health

4 – Fun – I mean there are so many sunglasses with boring designs and shapes and Tatty Devine have put a little fun into them. What’s not to love? Besides If I know one thing from TV and magazine advertising we girls are forever being told to exaggerate our lashes

Find here 

If I could buy one thing this week part two...

Yes I admit it – I officially have no will power but I love playsuits and am totally besotted by this Topshop creation. 

Reasons I need this playsuit:

1 – Please imagine this as a high pitched girlie squeal for full effect…”It’s so cute with dogs and it’s pink!” Yes I am that shallow

2 – Well I have to have something to wear with my new sunglasses

3 – A playsuit will never forget to text you or flirt with your friends…

3 – The size 8 version fits me! Yay to vanity sizing!

Grab yours here

If I could take back one blonde moment...

It’s summer I like skirts. It’s summer I like thongs. Always always check your skirt is not tucked into your thong when walking down Oxford street... The shame the shame….

Song of the week

I admit it – I am a massive trance fan. If ever you listen to one song try this one – its just beautiful. Tears from the Moon Tiesto

 

Cosmetics and aesthetics

Sunday sluggishness can only be helped with a combination of these. I have become addicted to Moroccan oil for my hair by Holland and Barrett. I am very bad to my poor hair bleaching it so this is massively needed restoring softness.

Buy here

I also swear by Trilogy Face care vital moisturising cream. Just leaves my skin glowing and feeling wonderful even after only two hours sleep.

Visit their website here

Quote of the week

"I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty." Imelda Marcos proving you can never have enough shoes. FACT

I know this great little place

With the lovely weather I paid a visit to Coq D’Argent. Cocktails good, outside seating good, cheese platter amazing. If you are in the city drop by and spend an evening here.

I'm on Fire...Trap

A burning desire for Fire


Last week I went along to visit the wonderful Firetrap and see their A/W collection. It was a pretty bleak night an in all honesty I wasn't relishing the idea of leaving my warm flat and venturing outdoors. 


My initial impressions of Firetrap were essentially jeans and menswear. Now I love menswear and little excited me more than a well dressed man but when arriving at an event cold and wet (more on that later) all I want is pretty things to cheer me up. Firetrap had them and more. 


I was more than tempted to try and smuggle half the collection under my jumper and pass it off as an unborn child however in order not be sent straight to hell and attempt to preserve some dignity (Giving birth to jumpers is so not a good look) I decided instead to just pick out my top favourites


Adjustable dress - retail price tbc

Up amongst them has to be this dress. It is actually adjustable from long to short. I must confess to spending far too long playing with it such was my fascination. Literally one dress could be a day to night outfit with zero effort. The gorgeous colours and fabric - extra bonus!
In case I need it here are four instant justifications for buying this dress:
1 Instant new look - style 1 effort 0
2 Instant clumsiness cure - prone to falling over? No problem just lengthen the skirt to hide those bleeding knees and Mr Bump plasters (so last season dahling!) instantly done
3 At a party seen a cutie.... show some extra leg...
4 A girl can never have enough pretty dresses - need I say more?  


Snakeskin jacket - price tbc

I have been looking for something a little different from a leather biker jacket and this lovely snakeskin number ticks all the boxes. Cute and versatile there are few outfits that wouldn't be improved with this. let's face it English weather can be unpredictable so surely we deserve extra nice jackets? 


Studded skirt and blazer

I'd be unlikely to wear these together though they would work but I adored these pieces. A studded skirt would be great to bring out and wear a Friday after work for drinks with the girls or dancing in the city. The jacket could be paired with jeans and a casual shirt or with leather if you fancy going a bit rock chick. Love them

The people

Surprisingly for such a great selection of clothes and such a warm welcome the party was quiet. This actually worked in the nights favour as the atmosphere was so relaxed it was easy to wander and look at all the clothes in proper detail and catch up with fellow fashionistas. 

Food and Drinks
On arrival I was given a big glass of wine which was lovely. White wine was continually offered (My liver kicked me the next day) and a selection of canapés were frequently brought around. The aubergine frittata was yummy and the rather mischievous waiter seemed to gain great amusement but coming around with the yummiest chocolate brownies known to all the skinniest girls. Ha ha I like your style sir.

Added Extras
When leaving we were all given bags with clothes. I am now the proud owner of two gorgeous Firetrap jeans. I sometimes find jeans come up a little small and always buy a size big but Firetrap size is pretty spot on

Blonde moment
Turning up hours late because I'd managed to loose my Oyster card is pretty high up there. Did I mention it was pouring with rain and I made my entrance working the drown rat look. Oh yeah that’s they way i wanted to arrive. To make matters worse Firetrap very kindly offered cars to all of us who had the brains to read the email and ask for them...Oh...Good.....

How to find

http://www.firetrap.com/

Podblast - pick me ups and pedicures

It's another Sunday and another hangover fashion podblast



If I could buy one item of clothing this week...
It would have to be these shoes from Dune

1 - The sun has come out and my new pedicure needs to be on show otherwise I wasted money and that's just wrong....
2 - How cute are the colours? I love the combination of the spots and floral design and you could wear these shoes so many ways. Summer weddings or even to add a bit of glamour to a casual shorts and t shirt combination. Technically these are so versatile my wardrobe needs them to work... (The day flimsy excuses to shop were invented)
3 - High heels make your legs look skinny - fact! 
4 - Shoes make the world go round!


Get them here 


If I could take back one blonde moment...
Hmmm falling off the bus would be a nice one to take away. Also how incredibly late and scatty I have been all week would also be nice. However, this weeks top tomato face turner has to be inadvertently calling my male boss sweetie. Yeah - you could have fried an egg on my face!


Song of the week
Lana Del Rey - Video Games
I am obsessed with playing and singing this song. My office is fed up of me!


Cosmetics and aesthetics
This week I have been literally partying like a crazy person and my skin officially hates me. However, I have found a salvation in Artistry Creme Luxury Eye. Looking fresh faced on three hours sleep = win! Seriously good stuff. I am also loving a bit of red lippy right now. My favourite is Rimmel London Kate Moss Collection


Quote of the week
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it.
-W.C. Fields
This just amused me!


Hungry Pod time
Covent Garden Wild Food Cafe is lovely. If you are around try one of their smoothies - healthy and totally yummy.


Enjoy your Sunday all x

Worth going off the Rails for

Off the Rails but on the right track…

You know that awkward feeling when you turn up thinking you're well dressed only to spot someone else in the exact same outfit? I think we've all had a fashion faux AAaah moment but innovative new shopping platform Off the Rails aims to change all that. 

Off-The-Rail essentially allows talented young designers to showcase and sell their pieces as one of a kind. So not only could you be wearing something by the next big thing in fashion you are guaranteed that no one else will have anything quite like it? And once it is gone - that's it. Intrigued? I was - enough so to traipse along to Canary Wharf and see if they lived up to my expectations. 

The event took place at the top floor of a rather unassuming warehouse. After walking upstairs in heels that definitely were not made for walking, I had two things on my mind. 
1)I need a drink 
2)They better be good. 

Five minutes speaking to the talented Cheryl Knock and I might have been persuaded to run another twenty flights of stairs in my heels. Cheryl explained the business model was based on helping young designers get started build up experience , showcase new creations and build up a marketable portfolio. They hope to help the next big thing be discovered and also offer a truly unique experience. 

Interested in design?

Off-The-Rail are scouting for their next intake of designers to come on board for July/August2012. Designers need to email  to express their interest.

The people

It was a small event with mainly friend and family and a few selected press attending. The ever wonderful Prince Cassius was in attendance but the focus was on the talented team. We were entertained by speeches which were genuinely touching and showed quite how much time and effort has gone into this project. There was also a singer and a board where guests were invited to add inspirational quotes which was a lovely touch. 


Food and Drinks
Champagne and Mojitos were handed out all night. There was a selection of canapes and treats and on leaving each guest was given a cupcake to munch.

Blonde moment
Getting utterly lost en route had to be one of them. Upon arrival at canary Wharf it took a half an hour detour to find the right bus stop. It turned out the bus stop needed was seconds away from the tube exit. Oops


How to find
Address:  Top Floor, 14 Pixley Street, Poplar, London, E14 7DF
Email Address: cheryl@off-the-rail.com Website Address: www.off-the-rail.com

Swatch out for the sun

Swatch - a brand worth being on time for. 

I was lucky enough to attend the Swatch Chrono Plastic Launch at the Future Gallery Covent Garden. As someone who is chronically late I tend to have a bit of an aversion to watches. However, it’s pretty impossible not to be charmed by the eclectic mix of Swatch designs

Swatch certainly doesn’t shy away from colour with a variety of luminous vibrant shades. To add to the summery feel of the occasion Swatch cleverly presented the collections in little surfing style huts. I love having fun with fashion and Swatch hits the nail on the head when it comes to fun. One of these watches is the perfect touch to add a bit of summer to an outfit.

 If I had to pick a favourite I think it would be the neon pink pictured above. Pink is the colour this season and an easy way to subtly embrace a trend. However, pretty much any of these watches would brighten up a look and frankly with the rain outside I need some cheering up!

There were various images of the watches being worn while skiing, surfing etc. to demonstrate the versatility of the brand. You can literally wear them in any occasion be it surfing, skiing, mountain climbing. For balance I would have liked a picture of someone sitting around doing nothing but hey you can’t have everything!

The people

The wonderful Russell Kane was in attendance sadly I was far too star struck to do anything but stare and blush – how smooth! Helping to up the style stakes Richard from Made in Chelsea made a blink and you’ll miss him appearance. I also had serious hair envy from his co-star Cheska who stayed for the entire evening. We were also entertained by a hula hoop dancer.  

Food and Drinks
There was a selection of the yummy Mahiki cocktails served in Coconuts in keeping with the theme. They were utterly delicious and far too easy to drink. For the non-coconuts fans there was also champagne and orange juice.  In terms of food sushi was served up and a number of meat treats.. We were then offered watermelon slices. 

Extra Entertainment

The hula hoop dancer was a great touch and we were treated to music all night and a photo booth 

Blonde moment
Almost forgetting to pick up my bag at the end of the night was a contender. Also offering to bring some friends drinks and ordering four cocktails made me a look like a bit of an alcoholic - only one was for me!

Overall the Swatch party probably won’t cure my chronic lateness but investing in a Swatch Chrono Plastic will at least make me look more fashionably late

How to find

Browse the collection at your leisure here

Slavenger - Serves up a treat

Slavenger - great bars of fire

With Wimbledon season there are no shortage of parties to go to and the Slavenger party at Aqua promised to be the party of the year. With a variety of celebrity guest rumoured to be in attendance and hosted at the elgant Aqua this would be a night to remember. 


Unfortunately 29th June ended up being a busy night and I only arrived at the do at around 9pm. By this time the party was in full swing but the bar was quite literally buzzing. After a ten mintue wait I resorted to taking a Mojito hostage from under a frazzled barmans nose - sorry about that!


Unfortunately tardiness tends to be frowned upon by the fashion elite and that Mojito ended up being the last of the cocktails - from that point onwards it was wine or beers. Neither of which are good for keeping a relatively sober head and having content for blogging!


Luckily there was  a series of food going around to sober up the more tipsy amongst us - unluckily at this point I stumbled into Kimber from Made in Chelsea. Dressed in a stunning white dress and with not an ounce of body fat she was definitely inspiration to skip the canapes!

Overall it was a great night and well worth attending. During the course of the night I was lucky enough to talk to a bona fide Wimbledon photographer. Incidentally he was also incredibly cute and had I been more sober I would have attempted to get his number. On the brightside though the wine may have prevented potential embarassment so silver lining. I also met the lovely Hanna - one of the writers for Heat magazine. On a clumsy note I bumped into Amber from Made in Chelsea - quite literally and become incredibly star struck by DJ Tom Crane.




The people
Some of the many glamourous people I missed by being included late Rochelle Wiseman, Jeremy Edwarrds, Dominka Cibulkova, Michael Vaughan and Emma Crosby. If missing all of them doesn't inspire me to get a watch nothing will. 


Food and Drinks
While the cocktails were enjoyed far too quickly there was various red and wine wine available until closing. The waiters dressed as ball boys and girls served up a variety of snacks including mushroom chicken, risotto and cream, mini steak and chips, chicken stew and  raspberry pavlova.


Blonde moment
It was a night of the blonde leading the blonde! Not content with the terrible timekeeping and missing most of the celebs and cocktails not realizing the bags contained gift tennis balls and inadvertently bouncing mine across the room of party people wasn't the most elegant of moves. Also I suspect I may have had a glass too many of wine in that I ended up with a Slavenger branded football which I have no memory of acquiring...

Sunday Podblast

It's hangover fashion decree!


Welcome to the first Sunday podblast where Stilepod casts our eye over the week gone by. 


Clothes we love - things we learnt and occasional moments of inspiration. All in easily digestible chunks. Enjoy!


If I could buy one item of clothing this week...
It would have to be this gorgeous dress from House of Holland. 

1 - It's on sale so technically I haven't spend money I saved. It makes financial sense to me although, sadly when paying the rent shoes are not seen as a viable investment plan. Shocking I tell you.
2 - I love it! Is this not reason enough - the contrast of colours, it could be dressed up or down and ultra flattering shape - the weather might be grey but my wardrobe will not be!
3 - Detachable collar. I love the Peter Pan collars with added freedom to customise the outfit create a more casual style or go ultra preppy. And avoid the horror of being tagged in facebook wearing the same thing twice. Plus the detachable collar is a perfect way of adding a little fun to a entirely different outfit - can I say win win? 


Find it here 


If I could take back one blonde moment...
It would be Friday night at Adventure bar Covent Garden.


Meeting some friends for a birthday drink. All this seems innocent enough but unfortunately when chatting to a single man in the group (who I am not remotely interested in) I made an unfortunate comment which then lead to much backtracking along the lines of
Me "Oh God that sounded like a pick up line - it wasn't!"
Him (Nervous laughter)
Me "I mean you are great just I wasn't interested. not that other women wouldn't be. Aaaah I'm not"
Him (Backed away from the crazy women who by this point has turned redder than a tomato) Oops.


Song of the week
Lykke Li - I follow Rivers. One of my favourite songs of all time


Cosmetics and aesthetics
After a heavy week partying occasionally I look in the mirror and see the wicked witch of the west looking back. Not a great look and green is so not my colour. If I am lacking sleeping and drinking too much Origins Make a Difference Face cream is my lifesaver!


Quote of the week
“I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!” 
Marilyn Monroe- I salute you!


Hungry Pod time
This week if you are in London and hungry I recommend a visit to the lovely Cocomaya London. Coffee was lovely and the cakes are yummy too. 

First Class degree in style

Sade English for Miko Spinelli graduates from London college of fashion with style...

I was lucky enough to be invited to the London college of fashion showcase. Before the show I was excited for the chance to see some new and fresh design ideas and I was definitely not disappointed. The London college of fashion show might have been a little tricky to find but once I arrived I was taken back by the originality and fun behind the designs.




Sporting an unmissable afro to rival that off Prince the talented Sade London was impossible to ignore as she and the other models wore her spectacular designs. Sadly to my disappointment there was no "Afro off" but this was the only aspect of the night that didn't exceed expectations!


I can think of few ways to describe these designs - my best attempt is mix seem  a touch of inspiration from the fetish trends of late, a little rock chic from the likes of Lady Gaga and a whole bunch of originality. If you are looking for a fresh take on fashion look no further.

I love the unashamed strength and almost warrior-esque inspiration combined with an influx of feminine sexuality. Although the pictures don't show all the details all models had beautifully coordinated hair, makeup and nails with a precision to detail rarely seen. 

With her futuristic and detail orientated pieces Sade London is definitely a designer to watch and the collaboration with Miko Spinelli brings the perfect touch of fun to fashion. 


So if you want to make the fashion grade it's well worth keeping an eye out for future collections. 

The people
The press were invited in droves to look at all the new talent.


Food and Drinks
Despite a student showcase the champagne flowed generously all night and there was an orange juice option for the teetotal amongst us. The one drawback was the waiters were so attentive it became very easy to lose track of quite how much champagne you were drinking!


Blonde moment
Despite being a more low key event there were plenty of opportunities for me to have a moment. Thinking it was finished two hours early counts as one (the display cabinets were on timer) getting lost en-route and taking a half hour detour in heels only to end up minutes away from where I started are both contenders. However, the blonde moment of the night had to losing track of how much champagne I had drunk and needing an emergency coffee. Oops - note to self - lightweight alert


How to find
There is no shop yet but check out the designs here:
http://www.sade-english.blogspot.co.uk/
Email: Info.sadeenglish@gmail.com
Web: www.sade-english.com

Lacoste - the way a party should be

Isn't it always the way the nights where you aren't sure what to expect end up being the best? Well for me that was the case with the launch of the new Lacoste flagship store in Knightsbridge.

I have to confess I always thought of Lacoste as being a little sporty for my taste. Yes it is still takes inspiration from sports but these adorable jersey dresses could be worn on pretty much and occasion. The menswear rugby inspired collection was great fun. 

I would highly recommend visiting the new store or checking them out online. I know where I am spending my next paycheck.

http://shop-uk.lacoste.com 

The people

The party itself was a star studded affair with Will.i.am, Eliza Doolittle and various Made in Chelsea cast members. 

Food and Drinks
There was a selection of cocktails inspired by the new Lacoste fragrances. I only tried one of the perfumes but they were gorgeous - perfect for something fresh for the daytime. The cocktails were sweet with a definite kick to them. I managed to sample all three before they ran out although my head was not thanking me in the morning. They also cooked up delicious orange or lemon filled crepes. After eating three I decided I needed to be forcibly removed! There was also a yummy selection of pick and mix - I left with a handful of lollipops to share around

Extra Entertainment

There was a band playing and a photo booth to capture the occasion. There was also a contender to knock Butter Knox the fashion dog off his perch as George the dog was adored by staff and fashionistas alike.
 
Blonde moment
Despite all the celebrities and the paparazzi outside I didn't manage to spot a single famous face - somewhat embarrassing!

How to find

52 Brompton Road, London SW3 1BW.

Tel 020 7225 2851

Salt resort wear - book flights now to wear these fashion delights

Thursday 21st of June – Salt Boutique Resort Wear

Few things excite me more than going on holiday but after attending the super swanky Salt Boutique in Knightsbridge London the prospect of picking out my new holiday wardrobe has me feeling like a kid at Christmas. 

Knowing relatively little about Salt I was eager to explore the accessories and

was certainly not disappointed. With a range of luxury beach wear, including sarongs,sunglasses hats and just about anything you could need for chic holiday wear you'll be spoilt for choice. Salt hosts an enviable

collection of designers including Lisa Marie Fernandez, Camilla Thakoon

ready-to-wear pieces and a wide selection of Bjron accessories.

If you are after a colourful and diverse collection with sizzling hot style

you won’t be disappointed. My only concern is if you are anything like me  then you may need to budget for an extra luggage allowance or three after visiting Salt.

There were so many beautiful pieces it’s almost impossible to narrow them down but a few of my top recommendations would be the following:

This beautiful Alexis dress is apparently one of the top sellers and it's not hard to see why. With a beautiful vibrant colour and ultra flattering shape for me this was instant love. 

Well you can't go on holiday without having the perfect swimwear and these beautiful pieces won't disappoint. If only the amazing model body was included!



The people
With such a lavish collection it was hardly surprising fashionistas from all over London attended. The event was given extra sparkle by the appearance of Millie Mackintosh, Jenny Halpern, Laura Whitmore and the eternally stylish Prince Cassius.


Food and Drinks
With champagne and Mojitos following all night it was easy to get into the holiday spirit. There was also a selection of sushi served up by their attentive team


Blonde moment
Note to self standing next to a stunning super thin model whilst drink champagne and munching vegetarian sushi is not a good look. Session the gym is officially booked!


How to find
If you are in the knightsbridge area pay a visit to Salt Boutique, 69 Walton Street, London, SW3 2HT, 020 7590 9756
Or the online store will be launching shortly www.saltresortwear.com