LOCKDOWN LUXE
Even though lockdown is now easing, so many of us are still working from home. I don’t know about you, but the comfy, baggy, tracky bottoms and slouchy tops have long lost their appeal. Being a stylist, I felt I had to up my game if I wasn’t going to look lockdown loco! I still wanted something comfortable to wear, but needed to look more stylish for Zoom chats and greeting the postman in the morning!
So, I was really thrilled when Femme Luxe approached me about doing a collab with their lovely loungewear. I really like their streamline belted tunic and legging sets. They’re very flattering and cleverly concealed how much banana bread I’ve consumed over lockdown! I’ve never done a collab before so was excited to give it a go. I really enjoyed the whole experience, although I must say it was very weird being the other side of the camera. This influencing game is much more challenging than it looks. It’s like a multi-tasking test extraordinaire – being the model, make-up artist, hairdresser, stylist and art director whilst continually beaming like the brightest lighthouse at the camera. Thanks to Team Elgood – my hubster and daughter Lily who were remarkably patient on the shoot taking turns humouring me and snapping away on their iPhones. It’s amazing what my family will do for a takeaway curry and a couple of beers!
Anyway, click here to see the full fabulous loungewear range at Femme Luxe.
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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EASTER EGGS, FASHION BUNNIES & CRAZY CHICKS
Box of chocolate biscuits, £35, Biscuiteers Baking Company. Milk chocolate egg, £27 and White chocolate egg, £15 both Hotel Chocolat.
MY EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA – HERE’S TO A HAPPY & PEACEFUL BANK HOLIDAY…………
Easter egg biscuit, £35, Biscuitjes Baking Company.
HOPPING MAD
Cotton knit bunny romper, £69.34 by Blamo Toys at Etsy.
Supersoft bunny, £8, Sainsbury’s Home. Fluffy bunny ears, Poundland. Bunny costume and hat, The Little Distinctions.
CRACKING EASTER
Green bunny Top, £3.50, M&Co. Easter egg glasses, £4, Paperchase. Bunny Easter egg basket, £3.99, Hoi Polloi Gifts. Chick head boppers, Poundland.
CRAZY CHICKS
Pack of 18 fluffy chicks, Poundland.
GHOST’S NEW INTERIORS COLLECTION
I’ve always adored Ghost clothes. In fact, I was wearing one of their beautiful black maxi dresses the day I met my husband at a barbie in South London. Needless to say their designs worked for me. So I was thrilled to find out that they are launching their first interiors collection. I can now feather our nest in their fabulous vintage style cushions, luxurious duvet sets and opulent throws!
The range is designed by iconic interior designer Sera Hersham-Loftus. As you can see in the stunning photographs by legendary Clive Arrowsmith that Sera’s designs draw close parallel to the SS16 Ghost clothing line. I love the dreamy tones of sand, dusty green, powder blue and silver in the collection which really work on these gorgeous satin and lace trim boudoir feel pieces. The images were actually shot in Sera’s house where her fabulous and unique sense of style is apparent.
Hersham-Loftus, founder of Sera of London has so much experience in the world of interiors. Seeking inspiration from all corners of the world and past decades, Sera works closely with 80’s punk style and 90’s boho fabrics. Her work is wildly romantic with a spirit of artistic reverie which I think is perfect for Ghost.
Sera explained, “My work as Sera of London has spanned over 22 years where my interior style runs parallel to Ghost designs. I have vintage fabrics from the 80’s and 90’s which I use in all my designs and I want to emulate this vintage feel throughout the Ghost homeware collection.”
Take a look at this heavenly collection yourself. It’s available in-store and online at www.ghost.co.uk with prices starting at £70-£350.
CUSHIONS – HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
I do love a cushion. I feel my sofa isn’t ‘dressed’ until it has quite a few adorning it and as for beds, it’s always nice to have a plethora of cushions strewn over them in wild abandon!
ABSTRACT CUSHIONS
So I was so excited when my fabulous friend Susi Bellamy told me she was designing a range of cushions. She described them as “Art for the Sofa”. I knew they were going to be beautiful due to Susi’s fashion and art background, but in fact I really was mesmerised by them with their strong design and captivating colour.
CUSHIONS AND ARTWORK
I’m always intrigued to know what Susi is up to. Having first laid eyes on her when I was 5 years old, we have spookily enough gone to the same primary school in Cardiff, the same senior school in Bristol and then blow me down when I started London College of Fashion there she was in the same Fashion Journalism class as me. I’m still trying to work out who’s stalking who!
ABSTREACT CUSHIONS
From those London College of Fashion days. Susi too went on to be a Fashion Editor on magazines working with such photographers as David Bailey and Norman Parkinson.
MADONNA COLLECTION
After marrying lovely husband Michael, the Bellamy family grew quickly and always seemed to be on the move. From London, to The States, Suffolk to Northumberland – I can tell you it’s made quite a hash of my address book.
MADONNA COLLECTION
But it was the family’s move to Florence that seems to have had the biggest impact on Susi’s work. Having always been very creative, it was when they moved to Florence that her art really flourished. Taking inspiration from the ancient palazzo walls, Susi created her stunning abstract work by layering and marbling rich and vibrantly coloured acrylic paint. The iconic paintings of the early Italian artists were also a huge influence with Susi’s Madonna collage work. Coupled with a strong flair for interiors, designing cushions using this artwork was a natural progression for Susi. Each cushion is 50cm square, the design is printed on silk like polyester and retails at £95.
SUSI’S ARTWORK
Moving back to The UK, Susi has now completed a MA in Fine Art from Northumbria University and works in studios in Newcastle.
I’m really proud of my friend and all her amazing achievements so far. I don’t think Susi’s plans stop here. She’ll always be one to watch!
Take a look at her website www.susi-bellamy.com There’s a special Christmas 20% discount to SuperStylingUK readers. Just use the code susi20 at the online checkout.
SUSI BELLAMY
LITTLE FASHION-EASTER
Here’s to a cracking Easter…..
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Chick tutu bodysuit with hat, £10, 0-18M by M&Co
For the little chicks……
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1. Chick applique, leather baby shoes, £19, Daisy Roots. 2. Chick hooded towel, £18, M&S.3. Easter felt bags, £2.99 each, oakroomshop.co.uk . 4.Bunny ears, £2, Go Create at Tesco. 5. Bunny baseball cap, £6, M&S. 6. Bunny slippers, £24.99, Cuckooland.com
Easter Eggstravaganza……
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1. Personalised butterfly chocolate eggs, £25, biscuiteers.com 2.Golden milk egglets, £5.50, Hotel Chocolat. 3. colourful eggs in nest, £1, Poundland. 4. Bird print Easter eggs with iced biscuits, £1 each Tiger Stores. 5. All Our Eggs in One Basket set, £50, Hotel Chocolat. 6, Colourful chick eggs with chocolate eggs inside ,£5.75, Pussy Home Boutique.
For the Home Bunnies……..
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1. Bunny and cabbage apron, £24, Thornback & Peel at Amara. 2. Tapestry chick cushion, £19.95, Mad In England. 3. Bunny coasters, £13.50 for set of 4, Home Candy. 4. Chick egg cosy, £13.50, Cuckooland.com 5. Rabbit applique cushion, £89, Carola Van Dyke at Amara. 6. Chicken egg cosy, £6, The Contemporary Home.
Easter Bonnets and Accessories…….
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1.18ct gold bunny charm, £120, Links of London. 2. Feather bonnet on headband, £50, Julien Macdonald at Debenhams. 3. Chicken print bag, £45, Sophie Allport. 4. Picture hat, £75, Ben de Lisi at Principles.
THE VALENTINE GUIDE
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My Loved-Up guide for your VALENTINE…………..
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PUCKER UP! LIP SHIRT, 39.50, OLIVER BONAS
For those who wish to wear their heart on their sleeve or anywhere else –
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Cut-out Heart dress, £49, Simply Be. Lip Skirt, £59, House of CB. Fringed top, £9.90, People Tree. Heart jumper, £55, White Stuff. Heart print dress, £45, Oliver Bonas
For the homey –
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Cake stand, £10 Sainsburys. Jigsaw, £2 and Lap tray, £5, both Tiger Stores. Heart dish, £49, Le Creuset at Occa Home. Heart pillow, £16, M&Co.
If food be the music of love –
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Box of Chocolates, £39, Hotel Chocloat. Red heart box of chocs, £14, Butlers Chocolates. Individual champagne chocolate truffles,£3.75,Hotel Chocolat. Personalised wine, £19.99, Getting Personal. Louboutin inspired chocolate shoe, £35.95, Azra Chocolates.
For those who LOVE to accessorize –
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Heart cufflinks, £79, Amara. Heart Keyring, £50, Juicy Couture. Sunglasses, £15, Monsoon. Socks, £2, Tiger Stores. Phone charging purse, £79.99, Cuckooland. Stack of rings, £6, Accessorize
And Finally the Lingerie Lover
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Red bra set, £16, Tu at Sainsburys. Floral bra, £28 and high waisted brief, £16, Boux Avenue.
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Floral bra, £25 and knickers, £12.50, Marks & Spencer. Cerise bra, £28 and thong, £12, Boux Avenue.
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