Café Bellini

January care

2012-01-26T13:10:00.001+01:00

Last time I talked about skincare / haircare, I was testing Liz Earle. I used her products for five months, hoping to get that clean, inner glow but alas... no results. They weren't bad at all but I didn't see any improvement and I was getting bored... so I've moved on.

I still have two Liz products that I'm trying to use up. Cleanse and Polish cleanser is the first one. I do like it and it's probably my favourite Liz Earle product. It's creamy and smells nice. It's won lots of awards and it seems to be everyone's favourite so it's probably worth trying, if you haven't already.

Continue reading!... »

Frustrating Luxe

2012-01-22T10:57:00.000+01:00

I have just finished reading The Luxe books by Anna Godbersen. It's all about love, romance and high society in nineteenth century Manhattan. The beautiful socialites wear the most exquisite gowns - you just have to look at the book covers to understand - and mingle with handsome bachelors with mansions on Fifth Avenue...

(Spoiler! Only read on if you know the stories already...)

Continue reading!... »

Girl crush: Miranda Kerr

2012-01-18T22:07:00.000+01:00

Is she the girl with everything? Model career, famous actor husband, baby, money, fabulous figure, longest legs ever, sweetest smile (those dimples), beautiful hair, great shoe and handbag collection... and the list goes on.

She looks stunning in everything she wears. Just see for yourself.

Continue reading!... »

Sad Chanel pearls...

2012-01-11T13:04:00.000+01:00

I got this Jo Malone candle not so long ago - two or three months? - and I used it up pretty quickly. I kept the glass, just because I couldn't bring myself to throw away something that said Jo M on it. So I put it in the dishwasher and it came out completely wax-free and most importantly the Jo Malone label was still intact. Now what? I tried putting in a smaller candle but didn't like that. I settled for lots of fake pearls, instead. I think it looks really pretty. I have another three candles I'll be able to do this with!

Especially when there's a bit of Chanel peeking out from behind the Jo M label:

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Happy 30th birthday, Kate Middleton

2012-01-09T23:24:00.000+01:00

Turning up at the War Horse premiere yesterday in a black lace dress, the Duchess looked pretty... but I still! prefer the black velvet dress she wore here. As much as I like her hair, it's in the way sometimes - we want to see the dress!

Dress: Alice Temperley

Kate turns 30 today. Many happy returns!

Continue reading!... »

Happy 2012 ramble!

2012-01-01T21:36:00.003+01:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

(Don't miss: I'm excited about Lancome mascara! and see my 2012 shopping list... both below!)

This time last year I had bought Tracy Anderson's matt workout DVD. I only tried it out six months later (!) for one week before going on holiday, then for a few weeks again in summer. Not much, I know, but I saw results within a week! I was really impressed and would encourage anyone who's interested to try it. I bought her dance workout, too, but found it way too complicated - I found myself hopping around, clueless and silly, and wasn't too inspired. When I get a new pair of trainers I'll try again (... is what I've been saying for several months).

But for now, I want to try something new and I'm going for the perfect Pippa Middleton bottom! Her pilates instructor has released a DVD. Who else is trying this?

2012 isn't all about exercise, though. Let's talk shopping...

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton's first royal Christmas

2011-12-31T16:55:00.000+01:00

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas!

It was a busy time, as usual, running to the supermarket (several times) and cooking, cooking, cooking... Thanks to Jamie Oliver's advice I managed to prepare a lot of the vegetables at least a day in advance (two days even for the gravy). I was indecisive until the last moment as to how to decorate the table - I didn't want red and white again so I went for a not-so-Christmassy taupe (with Kelly Hoppen's colour scheme in mind) but it was chic and elegant and nobody complained so that went well.

So whilst I was slaving away in the kitchen, our lovely Duchess was dressing up in nice clothes again. I'm still so taken with the black velvet dress she wore before Christmas - it was such a stunner - that I'm not particularly a fan of this outfit, but the world loved it so here we go.

Earrings: Kiki McDonough

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton gorgeous in black velvet!

2011-12-20T10:31:00.000+01:00

The Duchess turned up at the Sun Military Awards in London looking glamorous! The black velvet gown by Alexander McQueen shows off her figure (*she doesn't look pregnant to me) and I adore the frilled sweetheart necklace on her. She looked absolutely stunning!

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Woo hoo! Jimmy Choo!

2011-12-16T10:22:00.000+01:00

Shoes vs Handbags? Me, I love handbags. I don't even bat an eyelid anymore when I see a four-digit price tag because it's become "normal". It's not, of course, it's complete madness.

With shoes, it's usually different. When I think about the price difference now, I don't understand why I don't spend more on shoes because they're less expensive (usually only three-digit figures) but I can't bring myself to spend "so much money" on Manolos, Jimmy Choos or Louboutins.

I was out shopping - again - and in this case I was looking for a pair of booties. I found a pair of Tory Burch ones that were on sale and I had already decided to take them. I wasn't ready to go yet, though, so I was still looking around and I was asked - incredulously - didn't I want this particular pair of Jimmy Choos?... because they had one pair left in my size and so many people had been asking. I was like uh... tempting but I'm not looking for something like that. But wait! I'll try them on...

Continue reading!... »

Perfume on the go

2011-12-14T13:51:00.000+01:00

How do you take your perfume with you when you travel? I used to always ask for sample sizes of the perfume I liked/was buying and also buy the matching body lotion. But life just got so much simpler. A while ago I was browsing through a BA (British Airways) in-flight shopping magazine and finally decided to buy a little bottle that I'd seen and read about many times before but had never bought: the Travalo.

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Coffee table books

2011-12-09T12:14:00.000+01:00

I have a weakness for coffee table books. Big, glamorous ones stacked together. Of course, my husband doesn't understand why we have to have books lying around that 1) take up space and 2) nobody ever reads (including me).

Some of my favourites are Dior, Vera Wang and NY Rooftop Gardens. I've included the Chanel book because it looks classy but I think it's boring. Maybe that doesn't matter, though. A coffee table book just needs to look good.

This week I got two more books that I couldn't wait to get my hands on and read!
Continue reading!... »

Zara lace a la Kate

2011-12-08T15:15:00.000+01:00

I was out Christmas shopping today - fighting the crowds, what a nightmare - and I popped into Zara quickly to see if Kate's dress (the one she wore to the concert this week, see here) was still available. I only found the skirt first. I tried it on - it fits nicely, although I might have it shortened a bit, and the lace is really pretty.

(Update: I forgot to mention that it has an elasticated waistband! This could be the perfect skirt for Christmas, then!)

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton at concert

2011-12-07T11:53:00.000+01:00

The Duchess arrives at the Royal Albert Hall for a Gary Barlow concert wearing a(nother!) Zara dress! Pretty but it's rather short (for an official public engagement) - is that really allowed?

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Rice experiment: Power of positive thinking

2011-12-01T11:41:00.000+01:00

You may have heard of Dr Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher who has demonstrated that what we say and think can change the molecular structure of water. Some of the most fascinating experiments he has done include labelling bottles of water with positive / negative messages. The water crystals changed their shape accordingly: positive message = beautiful crystal shape, negative message = deformed shape, dark. He also conducted experiments with music. It's unfair to simplify like this - because you must see the pictures - but basically classical music = beautiful crystals, heavy metal = deformed, unrecognisable.

Another experiment he has done is with rice and this is what I decided to try at home. I took two sterilised jars and put cooked rice in each. Although he did his experiment with the messages "Thank you" and "You fool", I decided on "We love you" and "We hate you".

Continue reading!... »

Three favourites

2011-11-28T13:00:00.000+01:00

Here are three things that I am loving at the moment!

I adore Jo Malone's Orange Blossom Cologne. It's beautiful and sophisticated on its own (it doesn't smell fruity, thank goodness) but I will often mix it with French Lime Blossom and/or Red Roses. It doesn't last all day but I secretly enjoy re-applying (re-spraying) it throughout the day and I do carry a little sample around with me. I am so obsessed with this fragrance at the moment that I also got the candle.

Continue reading!... »

Hurry! 20% off at Molton Brown!

2011-11-25T09:51:00.000+01:00

Have you started thinking about Christmas gifts yet? I've read about clever people who buy throughout the year but I'm not that organised... and I've really got to start now so I have one less thing to worry about in December.

Well, how about this:

20% off everything at Molton Brown!

By the way: there is NO animal testing involved. I think that's great.

Here is how:
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DAKS dresses for Kate Middleton?

2011-11-23T14:10:00.000+01:00

Did you know that DAKS makes pretty Duchess-worthy dresses? I had no idea. I was looking around their website for the first time in my life and I was so surprised when I stumbled across these. You have to admit, you can just see the Duchess of Cambridge wearing these, right? In fact, DAKS is a British brand and we all know that she likes to support British designers so the idea isn't all that silly...

This dress looks like the one she wore to Buckingham Palace at the start of the wedding dress exhibition (here). The one shown here is pink but it also comes in black and grey.

This one in camel reminds me of the dress she was wearing when she met Michelle Obama (here).
Continue reading!... »

Hilary Swank's NY apartment

2011-11-23T09:21:00.000+01:00

I love this Manhattan apartment! Clean lines, neutral colours, modern. It is so inspiring - this is the look I am going for but unfortunately I don't have Mark Zeff to come and design our place so it's taking ages...

Sofas, tables, rug: Calvin Klein Home

Continue reading!... »

Fascinating feet

2011-11-21T19:42:00.000+01:00

I think this is a fascinating picture.
A monk who prayed for 20 years in the exact same spot has left an imprint of his feet on the wooden floor!

Full explanation:

Continue reading!... »

By Terry's red nails

2011-11-17T13:00:00.000+01:00

I love red nails and I recently went shopping for a new nail varnish. I was very picky about the shade - I wanted a bright tomato red, not a wine red. I originally wanted Butter London but didn't quite like the colours so I tested all the reds I could find (Chanel, Dior, Lancome)... and decided on By Terry. I am a devoted user of her Baume de Rose lip balm so I was expecting this to be another miracle product.

Wrong!

Continue reading!... »

Fancy living here? Pippa Middleton's husband dilemma

2011-11-14T17:16:00.000+01:00

I guess Pippa Middleton won't get to live here after all: this is the family estate of her now ex, Alex Loudon, in Kent. I am completely smitten with it. It's not often that I think I would like to live in the country but with a house like this, I would not say no! (You do understand, don't you, that this would just be for the weekends? There would - of course - be a posh apartment in London.)

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton at Remembrance Day Service

2011-11-13T16:56:00.000+01:00

The Duchess and other members of the Royal Family watch from a balcony above the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

Coat: Diane von Furstenberg

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Kate Middleton at Prince's Charities Forum

2011-11-13T16:42:00.001+01:00

The Duchess apparently wore a Zara blazer with zips - you can just barely see them at the bottom of this photo.

Via here and here

Kate Middleton in silver gown

2011-11-11T14:19:00.001+01:00

Hosting a dinner at St James's Palace for National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, the Duchess wore a silver chiffon satin gown by Jenny Packham and lots of diamonds - on her ears and around her wrist.

Dress: Jenny Packham

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Clutch fever

2011-11-08T10:07:00.000+01:00

Clutches are no longer just evening accessories (but most of the ones pictured here are probably too small and elegant to be practical for daytime) and Kate Middleton - since becoming a Duchess - has also ditched her big bags for these tiny ones (she has a chauffeur now so she just needs lipstick and maybe powder?). I adore the Anya Hindmarch clutches, they are just simply gorgeous (they do come in other colours so if you are interested, have a look here).

Anya Hindmarch clutches

Here are some others that I also like.

Continue reading!... »

Princess Mary of Denmark style

2011-11-03T20:59:00.000+01:00

Although I was a little bit disappointed with her outfit yesterday (together with Kate Middleton for UNESCO in Copenhagen) - I'd expected something more wow - Crown Princess Mary of Denmark is actually a very stylish royal! What I like about her is that she is not afraid to try different styles (hint hint Kate). She also seems to have quite expensive taste - she likes her designer clothes! I don't see her 'recycling' much, as Kate Middleton has done, and with a new dress for every event that she attends, imagine what her wardrobe must look like?!

There is one thing I don't like, however: her hats (especially the big ones - only one photo of it below). At least the hats that she used to wear. I don't know if her choices have improved in the last year or so but this is something she could learn from Kate - the Duchess has much better hat sense.

Here is a selection of her outfits (in no particular order).
Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton in gorgeous red coat; with Princess Mary

2011-11-02T15:46:00.000+01:00

The Duchess is in Copenhagen, touring UNICEF's emergency supply centre there.

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Zara therapy

2011-10-31T15:30:00.001+01:00

Have you been to Zara recently? They don't disappoint, do they? I mean, they always have such an amazing selection of affordable clothes. Here is what I picked up:

A lace blouse with a cute Peter Pan collar: the material is incredibly soft and the blouse is sheer so you can go for that innocent-sexy look...

Continue reading!... »

Lulu Guinness lip blot notebooks

2011-10-28T22:43:00.000+02:00

Sealed with a kiss... literally. Look at these adorable notebooks from Lulu Guinness... don't you want one? It's hard to resist cute stationery! I used to collect paper when I was younger! In fact, I had one box filled with cute notebooks, another stuffed with stickers, and yet another for my favourite pens and pencils.

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Kate Middleton at formal charity event

2011-10-27T17:22:00.000+02:00

I adore the vintage Amanda Wakeley dress that the Duchess chose to wear for the In Kind Direct charity event. This was her first royal solo engagement.

The dress is so beautiful!

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Autumn make-up ramble, Chanel is perfection

2011-10-25T15:25:00.000+02:00

It's not often that I get excited about foundation so I think this one is pretty special. Chanel's newest foundation, Perfection Lumière, has quickly become my favourite because it provides a relatively matte finish. I apply it between 7-8am in the morning, powder my forehead ever so lightly, and I don't need any touch-ups during the day. My forehead doesn't shine, as it always does with all other foundations, and even at 6pm it looks good, with only a minimal amount of shine.

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Meet Alexa Oak

2011-10-20T21:42:00.000+02:00

Christmas has come early this year.
I got my first Mulberry bag! This is the Alexa bag in the classic colour Oak.

The leather (soft buffalo) is sturdy but soft, and I'm actually looking forward to it changing- by this, I'm referring to Mulberry's little note that was included: "The leather ages beautifully and naturally... to make each product unique... It will change and relax gradually with wear..."

Basically it's not like any of the other handbags I own... which was a very good reason to buy it!

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton in red evening gown

2011-10-15T00:17:00.000+02:00

She's not wearing Issa... but the dress certainly looks like Issa!

The red evening gown that she wore to a charity gala in London is by Beulah London - which I'd never heard of before, to be honest - but if you look at the v-neck and waist area and compare it with...

Dress: Beulah London

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More Jo Malone

2011-10-13T09:10:00.000+02:00

(I just can't get enough of these images, they are so beautiful and dreamy!)

As I wrote in my first Jo Malone post, my first fragrance from her line was English Pear and Freesia.

I liked it so much that I started to stalk her website for other fragrances so I could start a collection. I just love the simple-but-elegant packaging. It wasn't difficult - I picked up several more!

Continue reading!... »

Capturing the senses

2011-10-12T10:32:00.000+02:00

Jo Malone describes itself as an "exclusive lifestyle collection" so her fragrance bottles are not just for the bathroom - I want to decorate my entire apartment with her beautiful candles and colognes! Don't you just love these images?

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Hello J Brand skinnies

2011-10-10T14:29:00.000+02:00

So what if I have only just discovered J Brand? You're probably yawning because that's what you've been wearing for the past five years... but I've never been into spending lots of money on jeans. I've bought Rock and Republic and Levi's before but mainly other smaller, less expensive brands, and I now have Kate Middleton to thank for making me try on a pair of J Brand jeans...

Love.
Continue reading!... »

Miranda's basic chic

2011-10-08T17:37:00.000+02:00

I can't believe how amazing this girl looks: she's only got the most basic of basics on - boring white t-shirt, black shorts (ok, leather) and black sunglasses. I've never looked half as good wearing the same items! I'll remember to add the bright lipstick and heels... next summer!

(Her best accessory has to be her smile, though, right?)

Via

Wishlist: Alexa?

2011-10-05T23:11:00.000+02:00

I know this Mulberry Alexa satchel has been around for a few years now, we've all seen countless photos of it on the arms of celebrities. I've never liked it. I usually prefer feminine handbags - think Chanel - and this seemed so... manly. A briefcase bag.

Right. Well, it's like someone's just snapped their fingers and I've woken up - because all of a sudden I am seeing this in a different light. How did that happen? I am suddenly obsessed!

Continue reading!... »

(My new) Burberry update!

2011-10-04T14:05:00.000+02:00

After posting pictures of Burberry's newest collection, I started to obsess. I couldn't quite decide which one I liked best but I felt I really needed one. I tend to get excited when I hear 'limited edition'... what I like about LE stuff is that you are less likely to run into someone wearing the same thing... but what's not good is that you are forced to buy "now".

So I asked my husband which one he liked and he, totally uninterested, reluctantly chose this nude sateen trench coat. Good choice, actually, and I convinced myself that he'd meant I should have it, so I marched into Burberry, waving my credit card. Alas, out of stock. Everywhere. At least in Europe. (As of last week it was only still available in the US so if you are there, hurry!)

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton visits hospital

2011-09-29T18:32:00.001+02:00

The Duchess looks elegant. But she always looks the same! Oh well, I guess when you find something that works, you stick to it...

Dress: Amanda Wakeley
Shoes: LK Bennett

Continue reading!... »

Casual Kate Middleton with glossy hair

2011-09-28T11:25:00.001+02:00

The Duchess has just had her hair done so of course it looks beautiful.

Bag: Mulberry

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Kate Middleton in red at friend's wedding

2011-09-28T11:13:00.002+02:00

Who looks better? They both look amazing but I still prefer Duchess Kate. Sometimes I think Pippa is simply copying her sister's style because she didn't used to dress like this.

Dress: Collette Dinnigan
Shoes: Prada

Continue reading!... »

Burberry's nude collection

2011-09-22T11:40:00.000+02:00

I am a big fan of Burberry's trench coats. I have their classic ones in black and beige, and I would love to have some more! Have you seen their newest "nude" collection? They have some lovely coats...

Lace. This is so feminine.

Continue reading!... »

Dior: Lifting Amber 642, Rosy Tan 754, Ara 999

2011-09-20T14:38:00.000+02:00

I seem to be having a Dior moment. I was a bit intrigued with their new Lift eyeshadow palette, which is supposed to contain some amazing serum that cares for your skin whilst looking pretty. And then typical me, once I started buying, I couldn't stop, so I got a few more things...

This is the 642 Lifting Amber. It has a creamy base in the middle, three powder eyeshadows and in the bottom right hand corner is a very dark brown meant to be used as an eyeliner or eyebrow colour (only if you have dark hair, obviously). What I have noticed with this palette and the other one (below, Rosy Tan) is that Dior eyeshadows seem to have pigmentation issues. If you are used to solid, deep colours eg NARS, then you might find these frustrating. On the other hand, if you don't like having to blend so much, then these work really well. Perhaps well suited to beginners because they are all soft and natural, and there is no way you could apply too much and look like a clown, even if you wanted to.

642 Lifting Amber

Continue reading!... »

Bonjour Chanel

2011-09-15T23:03:00.000+02:00

Help, I am a bag addict.
I got another handbag. Another Chanel.

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Trying out Liz Earle

2011-09-13T15:31:00.000+02:00

It wasn't long ago that I posted my skincare routine (see here). I wasn't entirely happy with it, though, so I decided to give Liz Earle a go. It's completely natural, they don't test on animals and they get so many good reviews so I thought it would be worth trying.

I've been using these products for about six weeks now. I can't say I've noticed any difference in my skin - the stubborn spots are still there - but I do like it. Especially their award-winning cream cleanser which you wipe off with a pure muslin cloth. It completely removes make-up and my face feels so clean afterwards. I actually prefer this to the Clarisonic.

Continue reading!... »

Shopping at LK Bennett

2011-09-05T16:02:00.000+02:00

I've been making an effort to buy more shoes this year, not just handbags :-)

Here are my latest purchases. I walked into an LK Bennett shop and got all six pairs in one go!

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton's style in Hello!

2011-09-05T15:56:00.000+02:00

This week's Hello! magazine (12 Sept 2011) takes a close look at Duchess Kate's style. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to 're-print' the whole article so here is just a sneak peek at her accessories (because we've seen the outfits before. Or see them here.)

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton in August

2011-09-05T09:14:00.000+02:00

What the Duchess looked like in August...

Sweater: Ralph Lauren
Scarf: Aquascutum
Jeans: J Brand
Shoes: London Sole

Continue reading!... »

Floods ahead

2011-08-30T15:28:00.000+02:00

I've been away for most of August and I am so glad to be home again. What a relief not to have to live out of a suitcase anymore and put up with the wrong kind of pillow.

I'm afraid the above photo didn't turn out too well but it gives you an idea of where I was for part of the time (before heading down south with flip flops).

Continue reading!... »

Skincare now

2011-07-28T09:52:00.003+02:00

Apart from Clinique's Clarifying Lotion, which I have been using faithfully since I was at school, I haven't found any skincare must-haves yet. And I have tried sooo many.

Here are the products I am using now.

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton at wedding dress exhibition

2011-07-28T09:06:00.001+02:00

Will you - or would you if you could - visit the royal wedding dress exhibition?

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Tortoiseshell and rose blossom

2011-07-20T13:17:00.003+02:00

I was excited when I got my hands on Bobbi Brown's tortoiseshell palette in Bronze - which is actually just a bunch of neutral and unexciting colours, I suppose, but great.basics. These are the colours I wear most often. These days I feel too self-conscious wearing bright colours on my face.

So with my eyes looking natural, I thought I'd play up the lips a bit. I just wanted something new and different and it took me one minute to decide on a bright pink lipstick called Rose Blossom. I tried on the limited edition shade - nude rose? - but it didn't suit me; it just looked blah on me.

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton in Hollywood

2011-07-10T23:27:00.001+02:00

She's done it again! The Duchess looks stunning! The biggest star in Hollywood that night.

Actually, what's more amazing is that she never looks nervous!

Dress: Alexander McQueen
Clutch: Jimmy Choo
Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Continue reading!... »

Butter London rave and Aston swatch

2011-07-08T12:26:00.002+02:00

I have started a collection of Butter London nail colours. I must say, I really like these: they are non-toxic, all 3 Free ("no formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP colour, not carcinogens").

Bumster, Blagger, Victoriana, Aston, All Hail the Queen

Continue reading!... »

Kate Middleton tours Canada: Her outfits

2011-07-06T18:40:00.004+02:00

Suit: Amanda Wakeley

Continue reading!... »

If Kate wears Bobbi, so can I...

2011-07-05T09:42:00.002+02:00

Since I found out that Kate has been using Bobbi Brown make-up, my interest in BB has picked up again. I'm back to using some of my very first Bobbi eyeshadows (remember when they used to be round?!) and I also have the new tortoiseshell palette on my wishlist. Here is what I've been wearing lately:

Continue reading!... »

Wedding in Monaco

2011-07-04T23:29:00.004+02:00

Princess Charlene of Monaco wore Armani on her big wedding day. She looked beautiful and I'm sure the whole wedding was mega glamorous... but - and I feel terrible for saying this - it didn't interest me much... It must be Albert! He's too old and unattractive. No, wait, Prince William's not that attractive (anymore), so that can't be it. It's all about the girl...

A few photos, anyway:

Continue reading!... »

Give me more peN.Ne

2011-06-28T22:44:00.000+02:00

My current obsession: penne arrabiata! I just cannot get enough of this simple, yet delicious pasta with a tomato/chili sauce (and garlic!). I had this three times (in the same restaurant) last week! I also like ordering it because the name is fun / a challenge to pronounce. Can you roll your r's?

But more importantly, do say penne properly: pen-neh. If you just say pen-eh, it means something rather different (hint: male body part)...!

Kate Middleton at Wimbledon

2011-06-27T23:19:00.000+02:00

Cute dress - I probably wouldn't have chosen it for myself but it looks good on her - and in the spirit of Wimbledon. Have you seen her arms? Very toned, not just skinny - I thought she'd simply lost a lot of weight recently but it looks like she's been working out!

Dress: Temperley London

Via here & here

Kate Middleton's military chic

2011-06-27T22:50:00.000+02:00

I absolutely adore this coat!
I guess it looks a lot like the one I got from Zara last year...

Coat: Alexander McQueen

Via here & here

Chanel Byzance ads

2011-06-21T21:08:00.000+02:00

Beautiful, fascinating, dreamy, rich, powerful...

High on Prada

2011-06-16T19:19:00.000+02:00

What was I thinking?!

I just bought a pair of impossible sandals from Prada. I don't even know if I'll be able to walk in them. My biggest fear is that I'll twist my ankle trying to walk in them. Now that would be embarrassing...

They are nice looking, though, aren't they?

Order of the Garter: Kate Middleton

2011-06-14T23:12:00.000+02:00

Hat: Philip Treacy
Dress and coat: Katherine Hooker
Heels: Rupert Sanderson

Sources: MC, DM

A little Chanel to keep me going...

2011-06-13T01:25:00.000+02:00

Whilst waiting rather impatiently for another must-have Chanel bag to come along (and I'm ready to pounce, believe me), I treated myself to this several weeks ago...

A thin pink patent belt. It is/was unfortunately limited edition (spring-summer pre-collection) so most of the other basic colours like black and red were sold out by the time I went shopping. There was nothing left in my size, either, but I was determined to get one! J'adore :-)

Kate Middleton at a friend's wedding

2011-06-13T01:23:00.000+02:00

At Sam Waley-Cohen's wedding, wearing another 'recycled' dress - worn back in 2007.

Source

Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour

2011-06-13T01:21:00.000+02:00

I can't see the whole outfit but I'm not too keen on this... What do you think?

Source

Kate Middleton at the Duke's 90th

2011-06-13T01:19:00.002+02:00

Celebrating the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th birthday. We've seen that coat dress before... and come to think of it, I think the dress she's wearing underneath is the Zara dress that she wore the day after the wedding... Anyway, I think 'recycling' is a good thing!

Dress: Stella McCartney

Source

Kate Middleton out shopping before the Gala

2011-06-13T01:17:00.000+02:00

A few hours before the Gala, looking totally normal...

Kate Middleton at the Ark Gala

2011-06-10T14:36:00.000+02:00

She looks fabulous! The dress is so shimmery, it makes me think of a mermaid...

Dress: Jenny Packham
Clutch: LK Bennett
Heels: LK Bennett

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Kate Middleton in white at the Epsom Derby

2011-06-07T15:57:00.000+02:00

I adore all of the colours she chose to wear here: taupe, white, beige. I was less keen on the outfit itself when I first saw it - wasn't too sure about the skirt (dress, actually) and the cream + white combination - but it's growing on me :-) In any case, she looked lovely and is the perfect royal.

I really like the way she had her hair done.

Dress: Reiss

Jacket: Joseph

Clutch: LK Bennett

Heels: LK Bennett

Sources: Marie Claire, Grazia, Mirror

Chanel summer make-up 2011

2011-05-26T15:08:00.000+02:00

Oh how I do like summer collections. And especially if Chanel comes out with a product called Mimosa! (Bellini next year?) Here's what I got:

I was desperate to get my hands on the nail colours - but to be honest, they're not worth the hype. Mimosa is a tremendously happy colour but it's difficult to apply, hence the rather sloppy manicure. Morning Rose is cute, it makes me think of candy, but I prefer Chanel's Pêche Nacrée from the spring collection (see pictures below to compare). And Beige Pétale is nothing special - so far I've used it once, applying just one coat to the nails (and no base/top coat) for a barely-there look when I didn't have the time to do a colourful manicure.

Summer collection: Beige Pétale, Morning Rose, Mimosa

Mimosa (summer), Morning Rose (summer), Pêche Nacrée (spring collection)

The blush-bronzers are really pretty and my favourite of the collection. I originally picked up the pink one, but then went back for the coral one. These give a soft glow to the cheeks and are perfect for summer.

Bronze Rose, Bronze Corail

Officially, I'm not into lip glosses anymore and especially not Chanel glosses because the two I had about six years ago leaked and I had to throw them out. But there was one gloss in this collection that I kept on picking up and admiring - always the same one - so I finally gave in. Glossimer 277 (Pensée) is non-glittery, it only has tiny gold sparkles (none of the outrageous blue, red, silver glitter). It is so pretty...

Kate Middleton with Michelle Obama

2011-05-25T09:41:00.001+02:00

Kate's dress: Reiss

Clutch: Anya Hindmarch

Butter London Victoriana

2011-05-20T13:27:00.000+02:00

This is my first Butter London nail varnish. Great quality! Two coats (easy to apply) + top coat and my nails were still looking nice (as in, not much chipping) when I took the polish off - rather reluctantly - five days later. Staying power, yes!

The rectangular bottles are so much more practical than eg OPI's round ones. They take up less space!

Most of all, it's the colour that I adore, though.

Cheap shoes

2011-05-17T18:51:00.000+02:00

There are some things in life that I do not understand.

Usually, more expensive = better quality (= more comfortable).
However, when it comes to shoes, my experience has been: cheap = comfortable!

For example, my Prada heels (see here) are pretty to look at but hurt soon after I've put them on and I can hardly walk in them. But these cheap shoes from H+M are so comfy, I can walk in them all day. I got them in black and brown, and I feel like getting back-ups, that's how impressed I am. I can't believe it! I had no idea. Have you ever tried H+M shoes?

LV accessories, for a change

2011-05-13T19:40:00.000+02:00

Before I forget, can I mention that the LV boxes are the cutest ever - they open like a drawer!

I didn't get a belt. It's a long strap for my pochette. It seems straightforward but it wasn't.

I've had this pochette for years (it was one of my first designer bags), as you can see from the colour of the leather (far right, below) - it's a caramel brown. So when I went into the LV boutique a few weeks ago to get a replacement for my old strap (short) that was falling apart, I asked if there were any dark ones and they said no (which isn't true, as I found out later)... I reluctantly bought the really, really light-coloured strap (short) that you see in the picture, which looks silly! Then when I was in LV again, buying the agenda (details below), I asked again ("do you happen to have...") and the guy brought me a dark brown strap (I wanted a long one)! It's a bit wider but I think it looks better than the light brown.

I actually went in to buy an agenda. Yes, I know it's already May and it's not exactly the usual time of the year to buy calendars but I'd suddenly had an urge to write stuff on paper. Actually, it's because I've had some problems with my iPhone lately - whilst synchronising (with two computers, that's the problem), I've lost data or had them replaced with wrong data etc etc...

Sorry LV, but Louis Vuitton wasn't my first choice. Of course I went and asked at Chanel but they told me that all the good stuff comes in December. So I'll probably get a Chanel diary at the end of the year but for now... I got this one from LV.

Pippa Middleton style

2011-05-13T18:51:00.000+02:00

* Reposting! This post, together with comments, just somehow disappeared! What is going on? *

Pippa wowed at her sister's wedding but do you like her style? It's similar to Kate's but she also has a more playful side - think ruffled dresses, for example.

Whose style do you like better?

I prefer Kate's. See Kate's style here and here.

Source

Chanel Liberté

2011-05-10T22:39:00.000+02:00

Finally gave in and bought the new Rouge Coco Shine. Chic packaging, of course, and I like that it's slimmer / smaller than the Rouge Coco.

Left: Rouge Coco Shine. Right: Rouge Coco

I got the colour Liberté, described as a sheer apricot. Beautiful soft colour, smells like Chanel, and gives a decent shine to the lips. It feels moisturising as well but because it's so sheer, it doesn't last that long. Love it, anyway, because it looks and feels so natural.

Same swatch in different lighting

Any other colours you've tried and can recommend?

The pink VB minidress

2011-05-10T22:05:00.001+02:00

I really like this dress by Victoria Beckham - so simple, yet sweet and sexy on Eva Longoria (she wore it back in April). Love the dark eyes, too. I think slightly shorter hair would have been better, more mature (in a good way) to balance out the cuteness of the dress...

Zara dresses

2011-05-09T15:06:00.002+02:00

When I found out that Kate's blue dress (seen here) was from Zara, I was tempted to run straight to the shops and grab one for myself. I didn't, though - partly because I felt silly, partly because I was convinced the dress had already sold out.

So I gave it a couple of days, then sauntered into Zara... and I found the dress! They even had it in my size. I couldn't believe it.

I did get a few more dresses. Two of them (the white and orange) are a bit sheer - do you wear a slip or let everyone have a good look at your thighs?

Kate Middleton's supermarket outfit

2011-05-07T22:24:00.001+02:00

Life is sort of back to normal for Duchess Kate... except even to go to the supermarket she has five royal protection officers with her.

Her hair is dead straight here and she's back to wearing her sapphire engagement ring, together with the wedding ring.

Flats: London Sole
Shawl: Minnie Rose

Source

Hermes So Kelly

2011-05-03T10:32:00.001+02:00

My husband offered to buy me this bag. It's the Hermes So Kelly, which is the newer, younger, sportier version of the Kelly. It's in the colour etoupe - taupe - which I love.

Of course I was tempted to get it, just because it was an Hermes (how shallow am I?) and it was immediately available (vs a +/- one year wait for the Birkin or Kelly). But it's not a wow bag. Is it?

I walked out of the boutique... twice (had to go and think about it first, then went back for another look)... empty-handed. I actually said no to an Hermes!

My love for Chanel was too strong. Especially when my husband said, "You could get two Chanel bags for the price of one Hermes"... Imagine a cartoon character whose eyes turn into Chanel logos - that's me. I mean, there is no way my eyes have ever turned into giant H's. Or ever will. Maybe when I'm 60? Who knows.

Just out of curiosity: do you like the bag?

Pippa Middleton in a green McQueen

2011-05-01T12:29:00.000+02:00

Pippa looked lovely in McQueen, too: first in the white dress and then the green dress she changed into, which was rather (too?) sexy.

Now wouldn't it be funny if she and Prince Harry got together...?

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Kate: The day after the wedding

2011-04-30T18:15:00.001+02:00

What a pretty outfit! I love her style.

Zara dress, LK Bennett wedges

Source

Kate: The official wedding photographs

2011-04-30T18:11:00.000+02:00

Photographs taken by Hugo Burnand.

Source

Kate: A McQueen evening dress

2011-04-29T22:41:00.002+02:00

Looking beautiful again (but how thin?!)...

Royal wedding: Travelling in style

2011-04-29T18:11:00.004+02:00

In a Rolls Royce...

And a horse-drawn carriage...

Then leaving Buckingham Palace in a convertible Aston Martin.

Volante DB6 MKII in Seychelles blue

Source

The royal kiss(es)!

2011-04-29T14:47:00.000+02:00

Congratulations!

Here comes the bride (in McQueen)!

2011-04-29T12:09:00.006+02:00

Wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.

Earrings are diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaed diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre.

Tiara by Cartier.

Shoes are by McQueen.

Bouquet designed by Shane Connolly. The flowers’ meanings in the bouquet are:

Lily-of-the-valley: Return of happiness

Sweet William: Gallantry

Hyacinth: Constancy of love

Ivy: Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection

Myrtle: The emblem of marriage; love.

(source)

Nails: Blended colours including Bourjois "Rose Lounge" and Essie's #423 "Allure."

Hair by James Pryce and Richard Ward of London's Richard Ward.

(source)

A glimpse: The Beckhams

2011-04-29T11:01:00.001+02:00

Here they are, arriving at Westminster Abbey for the royal wedding. David looking very handsome and a pregnant Victoria looking smart with a simple ponytail and interesting hat by Philip Treacy.

William and Kate: The royal wedding details

2011-04-29T09:09:00.006+02:00

It's just been announced that

"Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge." (source)

The schedule:

8.15 - 9.45am The main congregation arrive at the Westminster Abbey

From 9.50am Governors-General, Prime Ministers, Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive

10.10am Prince William and Prince Harry leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey, to arrive at 10.15am.

10.20am Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Westminster Abbey

10.20am James (Kate’s brother) and Carole Middleton (Kate’s mother) leave London’s Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey, to arrive at 10.27

10.25am Selected members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey, to arrive at 10.30am

10.35am Senior members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey, including: Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence

10.38am The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey

10.40am The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey

10.48am The Bridesmaids and Pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey

10.51am Kate Middleton, accompanied by her father, leaves the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey

11.00am The service begins

12.15pm The carriage procession of Prince William and Kate Middleton, with a Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, followed by The Queen’s Procession leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace

12.30pm The Bride’s Carriage Procession arrives at Buckingham Palace

12.40pm Members of the Royal Family and Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Buckingham Palace

From 12.40pm Other guests for the Reception arrive at Buckingham Palace

1.25pm The Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton and together their Families, appear on the Balcony at Buckingham Palace

1.30pm Fly Past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Source: Marie Claire UK

Kate Middleton at The Goring Hotel

2011-04-28T18:23:00.002+02:00

Kate Middleton goes shopping

2011-04-20T19:42:00.000+02:00

A week before the wedding and she's out shopping on her own in London...

This outfit is simple and stylish - another Issa dress! - I like this look.

Dress by Issa

Apparently she bought a couple of items (in a size 8) at Warehouse, including these and a tropical bird print dress.

Kate Middleton style: Pre-wedding fashion diary

2011-04-18T16:52:00.001+02:00

Kate has been looking very stylish since the engagement (and we all know it will get better!). She looks really good in the navy blue suit - I've got to start wearing more navy! - and I love the Burberry coat. And in all of these photos she is carrying a small clutch. Big bags seem to be out.

Skirt suit: Amanda Wakeley. Shoes: LK Bennett.

Not that it matters but this is one huge umbrella.

Love this Burberry trench. My next Burberry is going to be in this colour ("nude", according to Burberry - see below)! Feminine and cute - classic with a twist!

The colour looks slightly different but I think this is the one she was wearing? Would you buy the same one, if you could?

Very bright. This outfit is ok.

Sorry, I don't mean to criticise but this is my least favourite look. I definitely don't like the boots. The coat is so-so.

Looking very nice in a velvet coat.

I don't particularly like this outfit, either - definitely not the tights (so unflattering) - but what does it matter when you have a nice smile, glossy hair and a Prince by your side?

Don't miss the royal wedding on Friday, 29 April 2011!

Chanel bag favourites - Spring 2011

2011-04-14T16:38:00.000+02:00

I don't know why I torture myself like this every season. But I've done it again and I've picked out my Chanel bag favourites.

Actually, this is my top favourite. I saw this bright bag when I was in and out of the Chanel boutique for the earrings recently. I'm now regretting that I didn't buy it there and then - my bag instincts are usually pretty good :-) Looks heavy but... L-O-V-E.

I definitely like Nicky Hilton's choice, too.

This beige one reminds me of Louis Vuitton's speedy bags, which I don't (want to) own because they are too 'common', in my opinion. This would be a good alternative. I also want a Chanel bag for summer (the three that I have are all black) and the colour is spot on. However... is it a bit boring? Not elegant enough? My heart is not pounding (hard enough) at the sight of this...

So simple and practical - is it really Chanel? I prefer this to the beige one above but generally I like my Chanels to be more ladylike...

Do you like the new Mademoiselle bags? I wouldn't mind the one Blake is carrying here.

And here is Blake looking gorgeous. Lucky girl.

Back to Bobbi basics

2011-04-05T11:33:00.000+02:00

How important is concealer to your everyday make-up routine? I go through phases, depending on the foundation I'm wearing. At the moment, as I'm into the natural look, I use MAC's Face and Body foundation in C3 (in summer I wear C4), so I need to wear concealer. I was getting bored and dissatisfied with the ones from Laura Mercier and MAC so I've switched back to Bobbi Brown.

It's a bit of a hassle having to apply two layers but I stick to what they advise: I pat on the pinkish corrector in Bisque first (this neutralises the bluishness), then the concealer in Warm Beige. A lot of the Bobbi girls I used to work with loved Bisque, even though they were lighter skinned. It's definitely worth a try, if you're not familiar with it.

Top: Bobbi Brown's corrector in Bisque and concealer in Warm Beige.
Bottom: Also from Bobbi the concealer kit in Natural.

I usually prefer to use Laura Mercier's secret brightening powder to set concealer but I had to get one of the new concealer kits, which includes Bobbi's recommended powder in pale yellow. The colour of this concealer is Natural, which is a bit darker - for summer.

What's your favourite concealer?

Pretty spring pasta

2011-03-22T19:25:00.000+01:00

I had the prettiest lunch today. Look at this flower pasta! It's perfect for spring and it tasted wonderful, too. For a split second it even made me want to make my own pasta (do you?)... but nahh I'm too lazy.

I was equally impressed with the peppermint tea. They brought me a pot of hot water and... a bunch of leaves. I was a bit sceptical but it worked!

Earthquake in Japan

2011-03-11T21:46:00.003+01:00

I have been glued to CNN all day. I can hardly believe my eyes when I see all the shaking - ceilings and windows crashing down - and the sheer force of water washing away cars and buildings with such "ease"; they looked like my son's lego.

And the thought of something like 13 million people "stuck" in Tokyo, unable to go home (to the suburbs) because there is no public transport... Just imagine?!

And one event affecting - according to CNN - 20 other countries... tsunami warnings in Hawaii, the West Coast and as far away as South America! Unbelievable.

It is so incredibly scary and sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those suffering in Japan.

A (sadly) returned Chanel

2011-03-07T16:21:00.000+01:00

Did you know that earrings are some of the "cheapest" things you can buy at Chanel?

I got this pair for about 250 pounds but saw a cute pair for 100 pounds, too! What a bargain!

Sadly, I had to return them because I - well, my body, certainly not my mind! - reacted badly.

There I was, feeling totally glam during the day... I'd had them on for about three hours and then my ears started to itch and irritate... and when I finally took the earrings out, my ears were bleeding a bit.

Of course I didn't want to return them. But I dragged myself back to the Chanel boutique. At first they refused to give me a refund. They were just going to give me store credit but I made such a fuss that they finally agreed.

Are you lucky enough to be able to wear Chanel earrings? I guess I will have to stick to their more expensive products :-p I saw some beautiful necklaces but they were at least four times the price of these earrings...

Kate Middleton's handbags

2011-02-08T11:37:00.000+01:00

Update: Her style has evolved since her engagement/wedding and she usually carries clutches now. See all outfits here (continually updated) and pre-engagement style.

Here are some of Kate's handbags. She's been photographed with the white bag quite a lot and I like the small brown one - they're both Prada. I'm not particularly keen on the other ones, though. Which is your favourite?

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