As One Year Ends, Another Begins

This post was created in collaboration with Endource.

Baukjen Ashcroft Leather Detail Blazer | Hush Maria Silk Cami in Black | Karen Millen Wide-Leg Trousers in Black | Karen Millen Leopard Print Court Shoe | Baukjen Curved Clutch Bag in Black | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

New Year’s Eve is less than 24 hours away so I feel it’s a good time to reflect on what has been a wonderful year for me. The best part of which was getting married to an incredible man who is hugely supportive of my alternative job which I’m sure he still doesn’t quite understand. I’m looking forward to us celebrating a decade together in April. How time flies! Maybe then I will get around to sharing the photos of our beautiful wedding with you.

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some incredible brands and companies this year. The fact that they believe and trust in me to create something special for them has pushed me to work harder and take more risks, regularly leaving my comfort zone. I’ve met some wonderful people through these collaborations, some of which have gone on to become good friends. I’ve also found a group of great bloggers that I love spending time with, talented friends I trust, who give me great advice and truly inspire me.

Next year is already looking pretty exciting, I have a few trips booked, one of which is only a couple of weeks away, I just hope the Alps get some snow soon. I’m going to be sharing a lot more interior design content, since they have been popular over the last three months. I’m planning to up my game and may even share some posts that feature my home. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see more of.

All that’s left now is to put on my best party outfit and go celebrate another wonderful year and welcome in a new one.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2016

Keeping with the same minimalist theme as my earlier Men’s Gift Guide, this is my women’s one. I’ve put together a selection of well-made, timeless products that I think will make great gifts this Christmas.

1. Laurence King Publishing The New Garconne – How To Be A Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla | 2. Armor-Lux Tri-Color Breton Top | 3. Whistles Statement Disc Hoop Earring | 4. Comme des Garçons Floriental Eau de Parfum | 5. Rotary Legacy Women’s Watch | 6. Isabel Marant Étoile Marfa Mini Cross Body Bag in Black Suede | 7. Seventy Tree Circles Print | 8. Felice Dahl Första Pendant Necklace in Gold | 9. The Soap Co. Black Poppy & Wild Fig Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Box | 10. Hush Cindy Silk Cami in Ecru | 11. Gucci Princetown Leather Slipper in Black | 12. Stelton Em Coffee Press

A classic Breton looks good on everyone and this one from Armor-Lux is made from super soft cotton that feels wonderful on (I know because I have a few). The Soap & Co. are on a mission to make products that are not only sustainable but can be used by all, each product has its name in Braille on the packaging. Buying jewellery can feel like a bit of a risk as it’s such a personal item but I think these Whistles earrings and Felice Dahl necklace will be crowd pleasers. I discovered Comme des Garçons Floriental only the other day when I asked someone what they were wearing, it smelt divine; it’s a unisex sent so great for men, too.

I’ve also put together a Pinterest board of women’s gifts.

A Few Nights In Marsanne

IRO Paris Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Vintage Belt | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
AYR Slip Silk Camisole* | Mango Denim Skirt | Mango Leather Sandals in Tan | Hush Spanish Dancer Scarf* | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
UNIQLO Stripe Linen Shirt | Topshop Straw Boater | Super by Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana*
Red Print Dress (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Robert Clergerie Vicolek Raffia Wedge Derbies | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles)
Topshop Straw Boater | Ace & Tate Rae Sunglasses* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Dinny Hall Bijou Star Stud Earring*
Joseph Silk Shirt in Navy with Cream Piping | Levi’s Vintage Denim Skirt | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
Solid & Striped Anne Marie Swimsuit* | AYR The Always Short*
Second Female Off-The-Shoulder Top* | Mango Denim Skirt | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Super by Retrosuperfuture Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*

There’s something about the village of Marsanne that I fell utterly in love with the first time we visited, over a year ago. We arrived at 11pm in the dark, stayed just one night and left the next morning after breakfast but I knew it was somewhere I wanted to spend more time. When we were planning our “mini-moon” around the South of France it was a given that we would spend at least one more night at Le Clos Marquise, with its wonderful owner Sylvie. If I could adopt Sylvie I would, she’s like a long lost French aunt who is not only an excellent host but a wonderful chef, too. When we first visited, Le Clos Marquise had only been open a month, now its four rooms are booked up well in advance. It’s such a special place, I know we will return again.

On this occasion we stayed four nights and ventured beyond the beautiful walled gardens. In the centre of the village is a wonderful little restaurant, hotel and shop called L’Atelier à Marsanne. At first I was confused, should I order lunch or scour through all the amazing homeware pieces in the shop. Dan was there to help me see sense, so we sat down and ate first. I ordered the most incredible (and huge) plate of scallops tartare with fresh nectarine. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so many scallops in one go, it was delicious. After lunch Dan and I looked through the Jars ceramics I’d had my eye on in the shop and picked out a few pieces for us and a few to take home for friends. I’ve been using the bowls and mugs we bought nearly everyday since we got back.

Can’t wait til our next visit to Marsanne.


Accommodation
Le Clos Marquise | L’Atelier à Marsanne

Food & Drink
L’Atelier à Marsanne | Le Globe | Les Aubergistes

Park(a)life

This post was created in collaboration with Parka London

Parka London Cecile Women’s Classic Dry Wax Parka* | C/meo Collective Golden Age Top in Ivory* | Hush Denim Shorts* | Cambridge Satchel Company Saddle Bag in Black* | Robert Clergerie Vicolek Lace-Up Raffia Wedge Derbies | Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold Gemporia Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring | Gemporia 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring | Nixon The Time Teller Watch

With Glastonbury at the weekend, we’re clearly well into festival season now. I’m wearing a few of my favourite festival pieces here; a parka, denim shorts and a shoulder bag (that fits all my essentials). If you think you’re going to be lucky enough to see some sun, a camisole is a must.

My coat is from Parka London who specialise in parkas, they have a brilliant selection of designs both in the summer and winter. This one is so beautifully made, I was really impressed when it arrived, as I’ve not come across the same level of quality in a parka before.

I’m hoping to make a cool flower crown with these beautiful giant hydrangeas.

Little Black (Summer) Dress

Grey Fedora from Portobello Road | Prism Cat-Eye Sunglasses in Bronze | Hush Evangeline Dress in Black* | Common Projects Original Achilles Low | Straw Basket Bag (from Italy) | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Renné Halo Bangle in Silver* | Sophie Wallgren Marta Bracelet in Gold*

I’ve recently started to focus on the little black dress section of my wardrobe. Every magazine, style icon and blog has told me over and over again how important the little black dress is to your wardrobe. I’ve had many but as my style has evolved I’ve let them go and only now started to think about what a great essential it is. I have a couple of new ones, this one by Hush and another by Second Female (which I’ll feature soon).

My style is always about balance, I don’t like to look too girly as it doesn’t feel comfortable to me but that doesn’t mean I want to dress like a boy either. I look for ways to create a neutral look that balances feminine and masculine details. Wearing trainers with a dress is something I do quite often. I live in trainers since I’m always running across town for various events and meetings, and heels aren’t practical. I also try to only carry a small shoulder bag most of the time so carrying a pair of heels around is an extra effort I try to avoid.

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