November Loves

1. Play: Twirling around outdoor ice rinks beneath the glittering London sky (in my head this is with an elegant ease; in reality, I suspect, far less so…)

2. On my wishlist: I think it’s about time I finally give in and buy myself this beautiful Miu Miu necklace (that has been on my wishlist for months and months)

3. For my home: Burning scented candles each evening to make coming in from the cold feel like a luxurious affair. And just because I have a thing for woodland creatures, this squirrel match holder/strike must come and live with me.

4. Buying: Come wintertime and the festive season, I do love a snuggly, fun knit. I’ve already added three fluffy sweaters to my wardrobe this season (which I have been wearing with everything from dresses and skirts to tailored shorts and sharp trousers; always accompanied by a smattering of jewels and the collar of a blouse peeking out at the neckline), and have just added this perfect navy jewel-adorned number from Topshop to the mix.

5. Watching: There are few mythical men I adore more than James Bond, and a Skyfall movie date with the Clever Boyfriend (who I have virtually bullied into becoming a Bond fan too…) has sparked a month-long James Bond marathon in our household.

6. Small pleasures: Chilly evenings spent luxuriously hibernating indoors with a cup of tea and a stack of books (I’m currently re-reading this beautiful edition of The Great Gatsby, amongst others). I am so rock ‘n’ roll…

7. Sparkling: Glittering cocktail rings with rich burgundy manicures. This star ring by Kenneth Jay Lane is pretty much perfect!

8. Wearing: I’m currently wearing embellished collars with everything (blouses with a crystal-studded collar, dresses with a sparkly peter pan collar, jumpers with a bejwelled neckline). I love this adorable (and budget-friendly) detachable version that can be popped over everything this winter.

9. Beauty note: A deep red pout (I’m currently favouring Chanel Rouge Allure no. 71 in Fatale and MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo) paired with rich burgundy nails (Chanel’s classic Rouge Noir or the sparkling limited-edition Malice or Orly On The List are current favourites) add a hint of glamour on cold days.

10. Listening to: Evenings in are turned suddenly more luxurious with a steady stream of moody jazz and big band standards. It’s all about Ella (Fitzgerald), Frank (Sinatra) and Nina (Simone) at cocktail hour…

I would love to hear some of your current favourite things!

Love, Miss B xx

London Fashion Week: Day 3

Sunshine yellow on the runway for Mulberry’s seaside carnival; Charlotte Olympia’s adorable retro poolside glamour.

Day 3 could not have been more fun. We began the day with Margaret Howell’s unshowy loveliness (her shows are always held in her boutique, and are all about breton stripes and chic relaxed tailoring) before racing off to Claridges for Mulberry. There is never any doubt that I will love Mulberry’s shows, but when I saw an ice cream van parked outside the venue (serving Mulberry flavoured ice cream, naturally) and a thousand inflatable animal balloons greeting us upon entry, I knew instantly I would adore the retro seaside funfair theme they had going on this year (sitting opposite Kate Moss didn’t hurt my excitement levels either).

After that, it was on to Richard Nicholl, whose show was a fun view of 60s futurism in shades of blue and blush pvc and silk chiffon. Nicole Farhi’s floral extravaganza (showing, appropriately enough, at the Royal Horticultural Society) was lovely, but if I were honest, I’d tell you I spent the whole show time blushing over the fact that my stockings had decided to spontaneously ladder as I walked past Anna Wintour (those who know fashion know the fear this would incite, even with new season Miu Miu-clad feet).

Charlotte Olympia’s salon show was as much of a treat as last season – the models draping themselves across deck chairs as though sunning themselves poolside in Miami, circa 1960. Then it was on to Topshop Unique in the old Eurostar terminal at Waterloo, to Marios Schwab, and to Matthew Williamson in the most jaw-dropping locale of the week thus far – the turbine hall at the Tate Modern. And it being Fashion Week, the day wouldn’t be complete without a soiree or three, so it was off to the Saville Club to kick up our heels with Glenda Bailey and Harpers Bazaar before carnival games, cocktails, and some dancing to the Hurts at the Mulberry party.

Backstage at Topshop Unique before the show; feathered coral party dresses at Matthew Williamson; 60s futurism in shades of blue at Richard Nicholl.

What have been your highlights from Fashion Week so far?

Love, Miss B xx

Frost your lapels

After this post, I had so many emails asking where I got my statement jacket that I thought I’d give it it’s own post. In actual fact the jacket is a regular black blazer from Topshop (last season) that has probably seen better days. Rather than abandoning it or relegating it to the back of the wardrobe, I instead blinged it up with a pile of brooches from my jewelry draw.

It literally couldn’t be easier to do yourself. Just take one blazer, pick a colour scheme (I went with a mix of silver, aged gold and cream, but black and white or a pile of floral corsages are also variations I play with frequently), and pin as many brooches or other accoutrements on your lapels as will fit. When you think you’ve got enough, add another five or so

Et voila! No further jewels required. Incidentally, this also works brilliantly around the neckline of an old tank top or tee, or a beloved but tired knit.

Please however ensure that all your brooches are fixed securely in place. I didn’t, and in the process lost a favourite vintage Chanel brooch in the process. Oh London, you really are becoming littered with my Chanel treasures…

So until I’m able to find another, here’s a final farewell to my wee little Coco brooch – I hope you’ve at least found a lovely owner!