THE MOONWALK POSTER GIRLS
Cathy Sloman and I – The MoonWalk Cowgirls
Well I didn’t expect to be a poster girl at my grand old age (especially in one’s bra!) but I have suddenly found myself emblazoned on billboards in nearly every tube station across London.
How did this happen? You may ask. Well my lovely friend Cathy Sloman and I did The MoonWalk two years ago where we were spotted and photographed in our flamboyant cowboy outfits. Miraculously enough the theme for Moonwalk 2018 is The Wild West so the wonderful gals at WalkTheWalk thought our look was just perfect! Yee! Haa! We’re so delighted because it is such an amazing cause raising funds for research and aid for people with breast cancer. This charity is so close to my heart as so many of my lovely friends have been affected by this deadly disease.
The MoonWalk London Poster
The MoonWalk is a fantastic experience and Cathy and I are SO up to doing it again next year. If you’d like to get involved, here’s what happens. Well it’s on 12th May 2018 in London and over 15,000 women and yes some guys too either walk or power walk a full moon marathon (26.2 miles) of half-moon (13.1 plus 2 miles) through the streets of the capital wearing fabulously decorated bras. It really is a sight to behold I can tell you!
Fellow Walkers Jennifer Saunders and Harriet Thorpe
The great thing about The MoonWalk is that you have such fun whilst raising vital money needed to fight breast cancer. There’s such a great camaraderie amongst the walkers. Even Jennifer Saunders takes part! In fact, she was our pacer and every time I lost sight of the Absolutely Fabulous actress during the Moonwalk I knew we had to get a move on. Thank you Edina – you kept us going!
It’s such an exhilarating challenge! So, if you do feel inspired to get involved either as a walker or a volunteer contact www.walkthewalk.org
Cowgirl Fun Yee! Haa!
LAST OF THE SUMMER WHITE
White Dress by River Island.
There’s nothing like a British summer! I know this shoot looks all sunny and effortless but behind the scenes we were dodging the rain, rushing for cover in between each shot. The location, a beautiful country house in Essex complete with rolling lawns and meadows was perfect for this boho style shoot. I love this look with its white flowing cotton and lace and really hoping for an Indian Summer so were can wear it a little longer – I’m not ready for heavy autumnal layers just yet…
White Dress by River Island. Boots by Hotter Shoes.
Textured top by Zara. Shorts by H&M.
Lace top by River Island. Shorts by H&M. Boots by Hotter Shoes. Cowboy hat, stylist’s own!
Lace top and duster coat by New Look. Shorts by H&M. Sunglasses by Rayban. Boots by Hotter Shoes.
White lace dress by River Island.
White lace dress by River Island. Bralette by Primark.
Hat and dress by Rokit Vintage.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN. PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON. HAIR & MAKE-UP – AMANDA ROBBINS. MODEL – MILOU GORT.
A SHORE THING
Girls’ swimsuits, Angel’s Face. Cardigans, Jacadi. Floral bathing caps, Amazon. Tyler wears denim shirt, Wild & Gorgeous. Swim shorts, Bunks.
It was all go! Thursday morning Little London Magazine asked me to do a fashion spread suitable for their August/September issue. I alerted lovely photographer Richard Burns and make-up artist Sally Kvalheim. They hurriedly organised the fabulous location Southwold – which luckily is a stone’s throw from their home. Meanwhile I dashed around the fashion PR’s pulling together beautiful beachy looks. We all pitched in trying to find gorgeous models that lived nearby….. Somehow it all came together wonderfully and that weekend we found ourselves at the seaside in sunny Suffolk. Phew! Here’s the shoot……
Poppy wears denim dress, Wild & Gorgeous.
Ella wears dress, Wild & Gorgeous. Cardigan, Jacadi.
Poppy wears swimsuit, Angel’s Face. Cardigan, Jacadi. Floral bathing cap, Amazon.
Ella wears dress and cowboy hat, Sunuva
Isis wears kaftan, Mini Maharajas. Tyler wears shirt, Wild & Gorgeous. Swim shorts, Sunuva.
Ella wears flower dress, Caramel. Tyler wears shirt and shorts, Jacadi and target T-shirt (worn under) Wild & Gorgeous.
Ella wears swimsuit, Angel’s Face. Floral bathing cap, Amazon.
Isis wear pale pink dress, Bonpoint.
Ella wears pale green dress,Jacadi. Isis wears dip-dye dress, Sunuva and cardigan, Jacadi.
Both girls wear towelling dresses, Angel’s Face.
Little London Magazine August/September Cover with Ella wearing dress and cowboy hat by Sunuva
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, PHOTOGRAPHY – RICHARD BURNS, HAIR & MAKE-UP – SALLY KVALHEIM, MODELS – ELLA AT GRACE & GALOR, TYLER AT MINI MODELS, ISIS AND POPPY.
SWEPT AWAY
Cold shoulder top, New Look. Shorts, H&M.
When most people think of fashion shoots, they always imagine they’re terribly glamorous. Well, I’m afraid it’s not always the case. Working in fashion, you’re constantly shooting out of season. Our poor models are always baking in faux fur coats in the middle of Summer or freezing to death in bikinis in the depth of Winter.
Another myth is that we’re always jetting off to somewhere amazingly exotic – maybe Bali, Maldives or Fiji? No such luck, this time I was heading for the not quite so sunny Kent!
Dungeness is one of the most unusual places I have ever visited with its barren flat landscape and nuclear power station. On the plus side, this beachside location does have amazing light. Unfortunately for our crew, we plumped for the coldest, windy day ever – It must have been over 20 knots. I felt chilled to the bone even in all my layers of sweaters and puffa jacket. How our amazing model Ishika kept her act together in these flimsy cotton and lace little numbers I’ll never know. But she did, not complaining once as the wind practically blew her hair away. What a trooper! Anyhow all is forgotten when we look back at the pics. I love them and can now only think warm thoughts!
Ruffle top, and shorts, and sunglasses all by River Island.
Kimono and crochet dress, Primark. Bikini and sunglasses, New Look.
Bodysuit, Bershka. Lace duster coat, River Island. Sandals, Boden.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, PHOTOGRAPHER – IAN HOOTON, HAIR & MAKE-UP – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – ISHIKA AT NEVS
THE SHINING
Sequin Cape and Jewellery, Top Shop.
I love anything shiny. I must have been a magpie in another life. So, this shoot was paradise for me. The clothes were all of a shimmer in gold and silver with a good sprinkling of sequins. Even the background was metallic – completing my total bling-bling bliss!
Sequin Bikini, River Island.Metallic Skirt and Jewellery, Top Shop. Visor, Primark.
Velour Hoodie, Zara Larsson for H&M. Sequin Bikini and Sunglasses, River Island.
Black Cropped Top, Forever 21. Gold Lamé Jacket, Top Shop. Sporty Shorts, H&M.
Silver Dress & Jewellery, H&M. Leopard Belt, Rokit. Visor, Primark.
Velour Hoodie, and Silver Shorts, Zara Larsson for H&M. Sequin Bikini and Sunglasses, River Island.
Biker Jacket, Forever 21. Bronze Bikini and Visor, Primark.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON, HAIR & MAKE-UP – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – LUANNA PINHEIRO
THE LAST TANGO
Body and embroidered biker jacket both by New Look.
I love the drama of the tango – black lace, salsa dresses, Cuban heels and blood red roses. So, I was in quite a quiver about this Latin shoot. As you can see our South American model, Nohemi was perfect for the role. We had such fun creating this smouldering look – I hope you enjoy it too!
Lace body by Top Shop. Jewellery by Kaleidoscope.
Embroidered dress by Zara. Jewellery by Top Shop.
Dress by Lace & Beads. Embroidered bralette by River Island.
Floral appliqué and lace dress by New Look.
Lace body by Top Shop. Shoes by LK Bennett. Jewellery by Kaleidoscope.
Embroidered jacket by Zara. Lace dress by H&M. Jewellery by Accessorize.
Fabulous make-up by Anna – glowing skin, dramatic winged eyeliner and full red lips.
PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN HAIR & MAKE-UP- ANNA DURSTON MODEL – NOHEMI HERMOSILLO
BABY FASHION – DOUBLE ACT
INIGO AND OTTILIE WEAR PRINTED COTTON ALL-IN-ONES, £60 BY CARAMEL.
Twins are big news! Both Beyoncé and Amal Clooney are expecting them – joining the ever-growing Hollywood twin club whose ‘members’ include Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey and Julia Roberts. Goodness, it seems everyone’s at it!
So, it wasn’t a surprise that Baby London Magazine wanted to do a twin fashion feature. I must admit I felt slightly daunted styling 5 sets of twins in one day. Was the shoot going to be twice as nice or double trouble? Luckily, we were in safe hands, our photographer Ken Copsey is one of the maestros of baby shoots and all our little duos were gorgeous, so a fun day was had by all – phew!
ROCCO WEARS ORGANIC COTTON BABYGROW, £16 AND JENSON WEARS ORGANIC COTTON BODYSUIT, £9 BOTH BY FRUGI.
SIENNA AND HAYDEN WEAR COTTON TOPS, £76 AND COTTON TROUSERS, £74 BOTH CARAMEL. HAIR BOWS BY RACHEL RILEY.
SIENNA AND HAYDEN WEAR COTTON SWEATERS, £24 EACH AND CHIFFON TUTUS, £32 BOTH BOB & BLOSSOM. HAIR BOWS, £10 (SET OF 2) RACHEL RILEY. COTTON MUSLIN BLANKET, £58, ADEN +ANAIS.
LUNA WEARS PRINTED COTTON DRESS WITH MATCHING BLOOMERS, £59, RACHEL RILEY. PEARL WEARS PRINTED COTTON KNIT DRESS, £48, PEPA & CO.
THOMAS WEARS COTTON TOP FROM £92 AND LINEN SHORTS, £82 AND THEO WEARS COTTON TOP, FROM £92 AND COTTON TROUSERS, FROM £62 ALL FROM BONPOINT.
MAGAZINE COVER FEATURING TWIN BABY ROCCO WEARING LINEN ROMPER, £67 AND COTTON TOP, £65 BOTH CARAMEL
PHOTOGRAPHER – KEN COPSEY. FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN
ORIENT EXPRESSED
LINGERIE BY RIVER ISLAND. DEVORE KIMONO BY FOREVER 21.
I have two beautiful Chinese screens at home that had never been used on a shoot, so it was high time they were put to some good use. Opulent fabrics are abundant this season and I knew they would contrast wonderfully with the dark veneer of the screens. I opted for rich reds, pale petal pinks and some fabulous metallic little numbers to give a magnificent oriental vibe. Our model Sofie was perfect for this story with her glorious auburn hair. Make-up artist, Anna perfected her tresses evoking a pre-Raphaelite feel. Photographer Ian worked his magic with all sorts of innovative lighting and hey presto here are the fabulous images……..
LINGERIE BY MARKS & SPENCER. DEVORE CAPE BY TK MAXX. NECKLACE BY EAST.
LINGERIE BY AFFINITAS. KIMONO BY B by TED BAKER AT DEBENHAMS. JEWELLERY BY ROKIT.
DRESS BY AX PARIS. JEWELLERY BY ROKIT.
SWIMSUIT AND COVER UP BY RIVER ISLAND. NECKLACE BY ROKIT.
LINGERIE BY PRIMARK. ROBE BY BOUX AVENUE. NECKLACE BY ROKIT.
BEHIND THE SCENES…. RAILS OF BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES.
PHOTOGRAPHER – IAN HOOTON, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE UP ARTIST – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – SOFIE NIELANDER
PARTY ON! – STEPHANIE PRATT’S EVENINGWEAR LAUNCH
One of the perks of being a stylist is going to some fab launches. Last week was no exception. I found myself in London’s cool nightclub DSTRKT to celebrate Made In Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt’s debut collection with eveningwear brand Goddiva. Provocatively named ‘French Kiss’ the range is hugely inspired by Stephanie’s time living in Paris, with romantic pastel cocktail dresses and sultry figure hugging evening gowns in rich vintage golds and bold blacks – oh la! La!
When it comes to eveningwear, Stephanie is the girl for the job. She has graced many a red carpet event. She was even spotted at the UK premiere of Fifty Shades Darker in one of Goddiva’s gorgeous dresses. From that moment the brand and Stephanie haven’t looked back. Stephanie was totally involved in her ‘French Kiss’ collection throughout the entire development process – creating mood boards, and fashion illustration sketches right down to fabric and production consultations.
Stephanie told me, “I am so excited to finally present this range; I am so proud of it. Goddiva have been an unbelievable partner and not just during business hours! I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them and I am so grateful that they let a first-time designer be so involved from A-Z.”
Way before her Made In Chelsea days, American born Stephanie studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, so this has all contributed to her keen fashion eye!
If you’re like me, you always wonder what these television personalities are really like. Well I must say I can only report good things about Stephanie. She was so friendly and mingled and chatted with her guests, making time to stop and pose for photographs with mostly everyone in the room! She did look amazing too in a full length cream beaded evening dress from the range.
Well, I can’t wait to get hold of one of the “French Kiss” dresses myself. I love a bit of sparkle! The 40-piece collection is out on 1st March Find it on www.goddiva.co.uk
VALENTINE GUIDE 2017
Image courtesy of Boux Avenue.
It’s that time of year again. The loved up season. Here’s my quick and easy guide for any Valentine……
Valentine stationery by Paperchase.
It’s all about the card really, so get yourself pretty sharpish to somewhere professional like Paperchase, they have the best selection of cards and ‘love’ paraphernalia.
Dirty Great Love Story Photo by Richard Davenport.
Next, decide exactly what you’re going to do on the big night. I hate to be a party pooper, but if there’s one evening I can’t stand going to a restaurant….. they’re so overcrowded, overpriced and NOISY. Why not ring the changes and go to the theatre? I can highly recommend the Dirty Great Love Story on at the Arts Theatre London – ‘im indoors and I went this week, it was funny, clever and really warmed the cockles of my heart which is a good start on Saint Valentine’s Day!
Prosecco, chocolate and love poem Valentine set by The Great Gift Company. Popcorn Valentine’s set and Noodle boxes & chopstick set both by Sainsbury’s Home.
Sometimes I realise it is difficult to get out of an evening, especially if you have kids. I must say my idea of valentine heaven is to stay in with a good bottle of fizz, a big box of chocolates and I’m blushing declaring this but a book of romantic poems – Andrew Marvell SO does it for me.
Otherwise a fabulous film at home with popcorn and more prosecco than you shake a cupid at is lovely with me too!
Home accessories by Cath Kidston.
And if you are eating in, why not go the full Monty in the kitchen and emblazon yourself in love print pinnies, tea towels, oven gloves and table settings. Cath Kidston is embracing the heart this year big style.
Clockwise – Pale pink, lace bra set by Wacoal. Floral print bra set by Freya. Red lace bra set by Freya. Pale pink with black trim bra set by Parfait by Affinitas.
Of course no valentine soiree is complete without the lingerie. I have selected a few sets here all which will give you a cleavage to die for.
Button cushion by Christian Lacroix at Amara. Red lips clutch bag by Lulu Guinness.
Last but not least, just in case Mr E (aka ‘Mystery’ – I still can’t fathom him after 16 years wed!) is actually reading this post and stuck for ideas this year – I rather like the look of either the Lulu Guinness lips clutch bag or Christian Lacroix button cushion. God loves a trier- I know, I know, dream on…….. Happy Valentines LOVE BIRDS!
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