Archive for February, 2017
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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GIRL POWER !
Geometric Print Vest, from £9.00
Fantastic to see Marks & Spencer are doing a brand new activewear collection for girls. So as you can imagine, I was really excited to style this shoot for them. It’s a fabulous range for 5-14 year olds with vibrant geometric print vests, dip-dye leggings and slogan tops. All the sportswear pieces are made from an ultra-light elastane blend that sits close to the skin and helps regulate the body temperature. I think the fitnesswear looks amazing and the little models on the shoot really enjoyed wearing it. What a great incentive for kids to keep fit, active and healthy.
Short Sleeve, Dance Top, from £10.00. Dip Dye Leggings, from £10.00
Short Sleeve, Dance Top, from £10.00
Cropped Geometric Print Top, from £9.00 and matching leggings from £10. Black cotton rich hooded jacket, from £20.
Panel Detail Vest, from £9.00. Cotton Rich Sport Leggings, from £10.00
Geometric Print, Cropped Top, from £9.00 and matching leggings, from £10.
Team Win Sports Top, from £9.00. Sports Panel Leggings, from £10.00
Geometric Print Vest, from £9.00
PHOTOGRAPHY – OLIVER SYMONS THOMAS, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE-UP – JO BULL