Ted Baker - A Pedicure and a Gentleman

Because there is more to life than clothes apparently...

Upon visiting Ted Bakers salon recently near Farringdon I was struck by four thoughts – (Yes this might be a new record)

1.       Wow this place looks amazing

2.       It is seriously hot and today

3.       Nice smelling man adds at least ten attractiveness points.

4.       Where is the bathroom?

Entering the Ted Baker luxury lounge was a bit like stepping into another world. A world of luxury, Turkish spa with a modern twist feeling welcoming and yet incredibly indulgent. The kind of place you could happily while away an afternoon

The experience is the perfect gift for a modern man who cares about his appearance. Ted baker combines the traditional Turkish bath spa feeling with a more contemporary feel. Stop by for a shave, maybe you’ll be tempted to fix a bad hair day or get a pedicure – yes I said it. Pedicures for men which are proving surprisingly popular.

                      

After seeing more than one attendee of the launch rather sheepishly be shuffled into a chair for a quick trim and emerge a fully shampooed cleansed and polished example of how sexy the right grooming can make a man well honestly can you afford not to. Still not convinced?

Super important reasons to embrace metro-sexuality

·         Its rude its crude but frankly whatever your orientation you’ll have far more chance of getting   laid if you look and smell good = fact

·         Pampering yourself is good for you. Stressed out and beginning to resemble a caveman. Relax kick back and feel a whole new man

·         You can go to the pub with your oh so manly friend and mock their wimpishness in not having their hair and nails done. It takes a real man to get a pedi dahling!

·         Because it’s fun – come on be honest the big chair the old school shave thing is fun!

·         Metrosexual men drink cosmopolitans. And to you cave boys out there Cosmos are delicious stop missing out

·         Because we all have bad hair days but metrosexuals carrying a comb can make the best out of one

However while all this is good I do need to add a relatively important proviso - hands off my mascara boys. There are limits...

Added extra

Ted Baker has also produced a home care range. So if you feel you might lose man points sitting in a chair being pampered why not buy the products lock the door and lie that you are naturally blessed with great skin and a wonderfully musky natural scent! Packaged in the trademark contemporary luxury feel that encapsulates the brand there's a wide variety to choose from, face washes, moisturisers, hair care products etc. The lovely people at ted baker appear to have declared war in razor rashes and bad stumble with a range of products to soothe skin and beat in grown hairs

 So come on boys no excuse for looking good this season. Get your products or make a booking here

The people

It was super crowded in the room with the launch event attended by most of the editors of the major papers. It was also a super hot day so suffice to say the freshening up and nice smells in the lounge were appreciated.

Food and Drinks

There were various cocktails including some kind of lychee martini which might have been the nicest thing I have ever tasted. |Unfortunately the combination of the hot weather and the crowd meant I maybe had one too many. They were also serving cheese puff snacks which were yummy though I don’t want to even think how calorific they must have been.
Not taking advantage of the complimentary car that was offered. Yes its swelteringly hot weather yeas I will voluntarily walk. Oh and yes I will walk in crippling high heels.

Blonde moment

Not taking advantage of the complimentary car that was offered. Yes its swelteringly hot weather yes I will voluntarily walk in crippling high heels -Stupid stupid girl! 

Spilling one of the cocktails on a pristine area could have proven a little on the embarrassing side. Luckily for me no one saw so I got away with it. Less luckily I have apparently just broadcast it – there is a reason I call this section the blonde moment!. Remind me to never become a spy

How to find

www.tedsgroomingroom.com

The Ottoman Lounge

31 Theobalds Road, Holborn, 

WC1X 8SP Tel: 020 7242 6063

Mon – Fri 9.00am – 7.00pm

Sat - Sun 10.00am – 6.00pm

Shoes glorious Shoes...

I admit it. The story of the old lady that lived in a shoe kind of makes me jealous. Not that I am in anyway obsessive or the owner of more pairs than I can easily store. If anyone can teach me to grow an extra foot it could come in-handy. Anyway I digress...

I was lucky enough to score an invite to the Melissa launch of their new pop up store in Covent Garden last week. So Covent Garden is pretty much filled with cool shoes hops and quirky buildings so this would be pretty much same ol' same ol' right? 

Actually definitely not. The event started n a pretty good way - for once even I would have found it hard to get lost as the shop was decorated by balloons inside and out. 

As the first pop up store in Covent Garden Melissa has shunned the ordinary in favour of weird wonderful and more than a bit quirky. It felt a bit like walking into a paint explosion featuring installations by artist  Julie Verhoeven and Kleber Matheus has been called upon to provide a unique contemporary backdrop. The wooden floor is the perfect offset tot the look and feel of the store and it is well worth a visit just to admire. If the idea was to create an experience more like art that of shopping then they definitely succeed. 

These pictures from my phone don’t really do it justice but hopefully give an idea. This isn’t just shopping - this is an experience.

The decor fit perfectly the tone of the stunning shoes on shoe with bright eye catching colours which fit in perfectly with the vibrant and playful tone of the store. Narrowing down these shoes would be like asking me to make Sophie’s choice so here are a few favourites

 Heart shoes by Vivienne Westwood

The people

The event had DJ Richard Mortimer, Princess Julia and Julie Verhoeven herself in attendance. Pandemonia also made an impressive entrance. I also spoke to the lovely team at Schon Magazine who were friendly and charming all evening and entertained me with a sneak preview of their amazing Naomi Campbell shoot.

Food and Drinks

On arrival we were given cocktails which tasted a lot like margarita and after three had me feeling somewhat lightheaded. Note to self know your limits! The food served up included radishes and feta cheese parcels. It was great but the cocktails were seriously strong to the point that I think I might have been slurring. That for me is generally time to make a fast exit. 

Blonde moment
Not so much blonde but slightly embarrassing was rushing over straight from the office and carrying a huge rucksack - yeah looking like the bag lady amongst the uber cool was so not what I was going for … sigh. Also being stuck holding the end of a radish hors d'oeuvres and having no idea where to find a bin was a little embarrassing. Ah I see a nice little space behinds a shoe...

How to find

MELISSA POP-UP STORE

15 King Street, 

London WC2E 8HN 

Podblast - Ten style run for the Olympics

Sunday Podblast
Hello again stilepodders.
 Hope you have all had a good week. Firstly this weeks pod in chief has to apologise for the lack of posts. I blame the Olympics – have been glued to the screen. So in honour of the Olympics this week I am awarding Gold medals to some of my favourite spots this week.


Medal for the 100 metre sprint to get a new credit card… Tara Starlet

I recently discovered Tara Starlet and I think I may have a new love. To quote Rihanna I found love in a hopeless place - although actually Tara Starlet gives me renewed hope for fashion.My only reluctance with this brand is I almost want to keep them my secret. Think old school pin up but cut to more modern shapes kind of madmen meets Hells Bunny. Fantastically wearable and something to make you stand out in the crowd – after all who wants to be wearing the same dress as half the room.

Narrowing down my favourites was virtual impossible but this dress is up there. For a night out when you want to impress this dress is both sexy and classy. I love the vintage feel to the entire collection – Lace is massive at the moment and this dress is just spot on. My first thought was Christmas party outfit but lets be realistic there is no way I am waiting until then. Frankly this dress is so lovely I’m going to wear it to Starbucks if I need to.... what are you all starring at? I'm not overdressed!

Silver medal for salivating

Another discovery this week was Lollipops. A friend recommended them to me and I love this brand. A great collection of wearable bags accessories and unusual quirky pieces. I am completely in love with this necklace.

How awesome is this I could wear to the office or on a night out. Besides, no one wants to get tagged in the same outfit on Facebook twice right? But with awesome accessories who'd even notice. Grab yours here before I buy them all!

If I could take back one blonde moment...

Getting some friends birthday cars mixed up – it could have been worse but a rather cute male friend lf mine receive the card to  “A party Princess” while  my girlie girl friend received a card to a beer monster… oops

 

Song of the week

I have been embracing some acoustics this week. Loving this version of somebody that I used to know. This guys voice is just beautiful and not to digress but sexy as hell right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e5dBmaOAPU 

Cosmetics and aesthetics

This week I decided I needed serious pampering – long story involved a man therefore I indulged in Manuka Doctor Face mask. Seriously this stuff is just liquid heaven. Left my skin singing. I have occasional dryness and sensitivity but this actually left my skin glowing. To the extend that a work mate asked me if I was pregnant or getting laid. Is murdering workmates really a crime?

Get your rejuvenating facemask

Quote of the week

“If life gives you lemons exchange them for store credit and buy more shoes." 

One of my own little pearls of stupidity. Now I just need to find a store that accepts lemons in lieu of cash!

I know this great little place

Worship Street Whistling shop might be my new favourite bar for a weeknight. Prohibition style speakeasy does the yummiest cocktails all with old style music candles and a wonderfully intimate feel. My cocktail came with a serving of liquorice and sugar. I love this place!

http://whistlingshop.com/

Promises Promises…showing me pants

Putting the play back into pants

There are several certainties in life. It will rain when my hair is looking good, I will always be late no matter how much time I allow myself and everyone wears underwear. Every self-respecting fashionista knows good underwear is a must have. It gives you a better shape and makes the outfit look better plus… yes I am going to go ahead and say it – you feel sexier.

You remember when you were younger and the importance of clean underwear was demonstrated by your mother lecturing you “Imagine if you were knocked over by a bus and weren’t wearing clean pants young lady?” No –was that perhaps my weird family? Well as a rule I have always taken it a step further.

One of my style rules is – don’t leave the house without matching underwear. It makes you feel better, you are more confident, when you’re feeling sexy and let’s face it always pays to be prepared in case Colin Farrell suddenly declares love.  Oh and if you can coordinate to the outfit that’s a definite extra bonus.

So I was pretty excited about visiting playful promises. In their marketing they describe themselves as mixing quirky, directional design with all things playful, flirty, and even a little bit dirty. Intrigued? Definitely.

On arrival it seemed inconspicuous enough – a business type warehouse that I got lost trying to find on one of the hottest days in London. I arrived hot bothered and feeling the opposite of sexy. However, one look at the collection convinced me it was worth sweating over. I was also given a can of Pussy energy drink to cool me off – seriously you couldn’t make this up.

Its really hard to narrow down the favourites from the collection but this underwear set would definitely set pulses racing...

The underwear collection definitely lived up to expectations. Mixing beautiful designs with unashamed sexuality there were some truly beautiful sets here. A few of my own favourites include a beautiful red set – unfortunately my camera pictures don’t do this justice but think uber flirty meets uber sexy. What’s lovely about this brand is by the vintage feel it gives even the most playful items a more elegant feel. Glam fet has never looked so good.

I couldn't visit this brand without mentioning a few of their corsets – this new collaboration is their way of dipping their toe into a little latex and when it looks this good I say why not. Need a sizzling summer look no further

Definitely one to get you noticed - click here to explore

I also have to mention this waspie just because I love the old Hollywood feel of this. |if you are a girl who wants to be a bit more adventurous but are feeling shy about it this is a great way of trying it out. The vintage classic feel of the designs adds a bit of safety to dress up. So start playing ladies! Click here to get your hands on one...

The people

It was surprisingly quiet. I am hoping the heat meant members of the press were earlier than me because this is a brand that really does deserve recognition. However the quietness meant I could gaze at all the underwear unashamedly. And yes I couldn’t resist asking them to show me their pants. Oh dear

Food and Drinks
The Infamous Pussy tasted surprisingly good. I can’t believe I just typed that….

Blonde moment
Pretty low key blondeness but almost walking into a random office wasn’t one of my shining moments. My bad sense of direction is only helped by my terrible instincts!

Added extras
When leaving I was asked to choose a set to keep! They are sending away so I can get tin my size but seriously please by that! Pictures one it arrives J

How to find

http://www.playfulpromises.com/shop/info/boutique

Visit

Unit 14, Boxpark

2-4 Bethnal Green Road

London

E1 6GY

Topshop the Ritz and a missing shoe

Sunday Podblast

Bear with a sore head alert! Alarm bells - this podcast is brought to you but one sleep deprived woman. Beware may be stroppy and unreasonable with no warning cause or provocation. Send in emergency coffee immediately. 

So this weeks round ups of recommendations, and pick me ups and lust haves

This weeks lust have…

Walking past Topshop is always a mistake for me. Oxford circus is a dark place with floors of temptation. I never leave without falling in love with at least ten things but top on my list is this dress.

Okay I know I don’t need another dress but… this one could so easily transition from day to night – I could wear this to work or on a date… or maybe both if you have cute workmate… hey Stilepod does not judge!

Grab yours here

Because legs are important...

I have a bit of an addiction to hosiery… yes I said it. Hosiery can really change an outfit – a bit of extra flair and so easy. I adore Wolford – expensive but some of the best designs out there and this new in version has made it top of my wish list.

Tights do make your legs look better who could possibly not like that. Besides want to make a little black dress a touch sexier – trust me these babies will do the trick - Oh la la.

So got a spare £90? If so pick up a pair here... and send some to me as well!

If I could take back one blonde moment...

It would be Friday night. Went out with friends a great night was had. Maybe marginally tipsy. I arrive home minus one nude stiletto? No I have absolutely no idea where I lost it or how I managed to get to my flat without realising it was missing. This angers me... my own stupidity... okay that I can handle, clumsiness its workable but losing of shoes. Damn :(

Song of the week

I’ve been feeling the need for a little serenity this week and Mazzy Star, Into Dust always relaxes me. I love the simplicity perfect for a Sunday afternoon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptxZwwfQj9c

Cosmetics and aesthetics

When I wake up with hair plastered to my face generally resembling early cave girl I need something to wake me up and it better be god. Luckily for me I have become addicted to this yummy smelling version. Perfect for a morning pick me up and just leaves you feeling better. Instant refreshment

Get refreshed here

Quote of the week

Because we all have days of doubt. On those days the way forward to listening to the wisdom of Mark Twain.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. “

I know this great little place

London this week has been crazy with tourists in the spirit of the Olympics. So many Olympic themed parties that I decided to take  a little time out and go for Afternoon tea – how civilised. With Champagne. I’ve been to a few but the experience at the Ritz is actually unlike any of them just incredible.

I advise not eating for a few days though as there are so many sandwiches I literally felt so full I could barely move afterwards. The décor and overall ambience is amazing and the cakes were to die for. Plus more scones than you could eat in a lifetime. You do need to book around six weeks ahead but I thoroughly recommend the experience at the Ritz – lots of places do afternoon teas for less but if you want a truly decadent experience it’s worth saving the pennies.

Book yours here

So that's all from the pod today - hope you all had a good weekend too.

Everything I do... I do it for shoe

A shoe full of Whiskey – dreams do come true

Fashion fans will likely have already heard of the wonderful Nelly.com – the new online brand giving Asos a run for their money. Nelly is already the number one online retailer in the Nordic region and has been making waves in the UK since April this year.

I was lucky enough to attend a Nelly event at Whiskey Mist where these wonderful people were giving us free shoes. Oh yes you heard me Free shoes! I think we can all agree from childhood memories Cinderella proved a shoe really can change your life so check out some of these amazing Nelly creations. My two favourites are here: 

These Forget your boyfriend Red shoes..

 I love these - red always makes me feel confident. Come on its the colour of sexuality, fire, and passion. Plus with the studded back - I'm seriously not to be messed with in these babies.

Grab yours here 

I also loved these blue pumps.

What better way to brighten up an outfit than a lovely pair of shoes. Easy to wear in the office or for cocktails.

Get your hands on a pair here

Once my pair arrive I will be posting an update picture – we were told it should be around 6 weeks – not that I have a calendar counting down the days….

The Event was held at the wonderful Whiskey Mist. Well worth a visit if you haven’t been I’ve never had a bad night here.

The people

It was a great vibe with loads of excited fashionistas lusting over the shoes. There was dancing in the VIP room and around the shoes. The wonderful Leroy Dawkins from Diary of a Clotheshorse also made an appearance

Food and Drinks
We were provided generous amounts of vodka and cranberry juice throughout the night which helped us to remain dancing happily for hours

Blonde moment
Forgetting to collect the goody bag when leaving was a little … erm … oh yeah stupid!!! I blame the vodka!

How to find

www.melly.com

http://www.whiskymist.com/london/