To coincide with the launch of their new ‘Moisturizing Soft Cream’, I was lucky enough to be invited to experience a Crème de la Mer facial on counter at John Lewis, Oxford Circus.  I have to admit I was sceptical about being able to enjoy such an indulgent treat whilst reclining in a chair in one of London’s busiest beauty halls, however from the moment I put on the specially designed headphones and made my selection of ocean sounds, my fears were gone and my relaxation began.

Around 45 minutes later, I emerged with the best skin I have probably ever had in my life; it was plump, smooth and the glow was undeniable….I was stopped by a complete stranger on the street to compliment me on my skin, which I think is testament alone, however I even took a detour on my way home to attend a glamorous launch party – something I would never dream of doing without make up previously.

I knew instantly from that experience that I needed to find out more about the range and give the products a trial at home as part of my everyday skincare regime.

The foundation of most Crème de la Mer products is the ‘Miracle Broth’, which was created when a physicist who had been severely burned in a laboratory accident, set about formulating a product from sea kelp, which he believed to have miracle regenerating properties. Twelve years and six thousand experiments later and this ‘miracle broth’ was born and part of the first La Mer product which helped to rejuvenate his skin and became a phenomenon in anti-ageing skincare the world over.

My new routine began with the application of Crème de la Mer Cleansing Lotion, which is a light emulsion that should be applied morning and evening for best results. I found the liquid very easy to apply and it seemed to do a good job in removing make-up and cleaning my skin as it always felt fresh afterwards, however I felt this made my skin feel a little bit sensitive after a couple of weeks. Having read through a number of reviews online I can’t see that there are many people who have experienced the same thing, so I definitely would not rule out using it again and rinsing with water eased the sensitivity slightly.

Unfortunately the Crème de la Mer Tonic was the one product that didn’t agree with my skin type. After a few applications my skin was very sensitive and became a little red and flaky. Again I looked this up online and couldn’t find anyone with a similar experience and there seems to be many fans who love this product, so whilst this was not right for me and my slightly erratic skin type, I would definitely give this a try if you want the full Crème de la Mer experience.

Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream is the latest product to be introduced to the range and has, without a doubt been my favourite product in a long while. This moisturiser has all of the properties of the legendary original product, however the formulation is a lot lighter meaning that it doesn’t have to be worked into the skin as much and is also more suited to applying make-up over. The texture is a little gel like and absorbed into my skin almost immediately. About three weeks in to my new routine I noticed a much smoother complexion and the signs of dehydration I have been noticing on my forehead had virtually disappeared. Despite the sensitivity of my skin and its tendency to break out with new products, this it did neither, suggesting it is good for all skin types

The final element of my new skincare regime was the Crème de la Mer Eye balm Intense and the one product I was most excited about trying. Having recently just turned thirty anti- ageing products are at the forefront of my mind and this product felt like heaven when it was applied during the facial.

As soon as you apply the product to the eye area there is an instant soothing effect which helps to reduce puffiness after a few hours. Luckily I do not have any lines to correct yet, however there is definitely a smoother and more illuminated appearance to my under eye area which can often be a little tired.

Overall I was extremely impressed with the Crème de la Mer range and I have definitely found some personal skincare heroes in there, namely in the Soft Cream and Eye Balm which have yielded some fantastic results throughout my trial.

Hitting the big three – zero has definitely made me more conscious of my skin and preventing the signs of ageing, so I will definitely be following an anti-ageing regime moving forward. The soft cream is absolutely perfect for younger skin types as it is so light but has all of the powers of hydration of the richer, original cream.

The amazing effect that was achieved during my facial has certainly given me a taste to start using more products from the collection, with the Crème de la Mer Radiant Serum and body products next on my wish list.

The Crème de la Mer facial at John Lewis costs £50 and is redeemable against product purchased on the day. For availability, contact the Creme de la Mer counter at John Lewis, Oxford Street – 020 3073 0646.

Shop Crème de la Mer online at http://www.cremedelamer.co.uk/

For the grand thirtieth birthday celebrations I decided to organise a girls trip to the vibrant city of Marrakech.

I had visited two years previously where I stayed in different types of accommodation, from a resort in the new Palmeraie district, to a hut up in the Atlas Mountain waterfalls and  the beautiful Riad Noir D’Ivoire which I wrote about here.

After setting about researching somewhere that would suit eight people of varying tastes and budgets I was led to Riad Meriem by a glowing review from AGirlAStyle.

Riad Meriem was created by New York interior designer Thomas Hayes and is home to five uniquely decorated rooms set around a central courtyard within the medina walls.

From the moment the large wooden door opened and we were greeted with freshly poured mint tea, I was relieved to know I had made the right choice.

We were each shown to our rooms, where we promptly dashed around like children in school dormitories, seeing what our neighbour’s rooms were like and bragging about our own.

My room was the ‘Red’ room and one of the largest in the riad with a comfy king size bed and a plush window seating area, perfect for afternoon lounging. Decorated in authentic style with sumptuous fabrics and deep colours, the room was homely, if a little dark. The bathroom was my favourite part of the room with a huge circular bath and rain shower, which proved a great method of relaxation after a chaotic day at the souks.

The itinerary I had planned was fairly packed, and before we knew it the riad’s doorbell was rung and a guide had come to walk us to our first activity. The riad is located within the medina which can prove a little tricky to navigate so the riad had kindly organised someone to walk us around until we were comfortable with the surroundings.

After we returned from our Hamman treatments the other side of the medina, we were treated to a banquet of traditional Moroccan food in the cosy candlelit dining room. An incredibly tender lamb tagine with apricots, fresh bread and a multitude of vegetable salads and tagines were served in plentiful portions until a birthday cake arranged by the riad was presented with candle and vocal accompaniment!

We had hired the riad exclusively for my birthday trip, however normally you would be able to enjoy the company and anecdotes of your fellow guests at meal times if you wish. For a change of scene there is also a roof terrace for relaxation and dining, however the weather was not that warm and sunny in January so we were unfortunately unable to enjoy this.

Breakfast was always a more subdued affair with our early start times and slightly painful heads following too many cocktails at La Comptoir and a certain ‘pumping Gangnam Style on repeat through the riad sound system’ incident (Don’t ask) but coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice was always ready and waiting for us. You could ask for whatever you wanted with a bit of notice, however we stuck to the Moroccan pancakes, Msemen, with homemade preserves for a quick and easy breakfast.

Our four days in Marrakech flew by too quickly and we were all sad to leave the bustling city and gorgeous Riad Meriem.

As well as the stunning surroundings and tranquil atmosphere that you discover as you step through the riad doors, the service you receive is absolutely second to none. Our hosts Cyrus, Hassan and Abdul could not do any more for us as they arranged everything down to the last detail; even walking us to dinner and back themselves one evening so we didn’t get lost.

If the purpose of your holiday is sightseeing and immersing yourself in the culture of Morocco then I would insist on staying at a riad, as the experience can’t be beaten due to their prime locations and quaint hospitality.

Visit the Riad Meriem website for more details.

As some of you may know I recently celebrated my 30^th birthday and to mark the occasion I have been painfully saving for my first Chanel bag. After much deliberation and field research I have settled on the bag of my dreams; the classic flap in black caviar leather with gold hardware to be exact.

I came to this conclusion after a lot of thinking about my ultimate brand and which style is a true classic and would last a lifetime, as this is an investment piece rather than an ‘It’ bag that would be out of style and favour in two years time.

Now whilst I felt narrowing down my options to decide on the bag that would celebrate my thirty years on earth was tricky, saving the £2950 required to meet the price tag is proving most difficult.

In days of old I wouldn’t have thought twice about flexing the plastic and sticking it on my credit card, however the new, mature, sensible me has decided that turning thirty means experimenting with that exercise that I have had little time to partake in; saving.

On one of my recent ‘research trips’ I visited the flagship store on Rue de Cambon in Paris and satisfied my Chanel craving with some of the new additions to the Spring make up collection – rather restrained of me I thought!

Chanel nail polish is one of my beauty essentials and I love to update my collection each season with the latest shades. I had already read a lot about Chanel Fracas (571) and knew as soon as I saw its vibrant pink tone in the flesh that it was definitely one for me. The colour glides on smoothly like most of the Chanel polishes, and has a subtle shimmer which gives a beautifully glossy finish. The  bright pink pigment has tones of peach, which makes it a slightly softer colour, almost verging on coral ,creating a perfect spring- like colour.

To accompany my Fracas polish I opted for a Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in L’Eclatante (42) to freshen up my make-up  look for Spring. I completely love the formulation of this lipstick as it is moisturising, and the finish is neither overly glossy or a dull matt, it is the perfect in between. The shade is highly pigmented without being too synthetic and again has a slight hint of coral to it.

The final item I purchased was part of the limited edition ‘Collection Maquillage Croisiere de Chanel’ which I was told was exclusive to the Rue de Cambon store and online (although I am not sure how accurate this is)  The illuminating powder ‘Mouche de Beaute’ is a stunning soft gold with subtle pink highlights and has become a daily favourite of mine due to ease of use. Being a sucker for packaging, I fell in love with the pattern embossed into the powder and the signature casing puts an elegant touch to my dresser.

I am excited to report that I am not that far away from the Chanel fund target and hopefully will be placing my order in the not so distant future…..a post will of course follow.

If you had to choose your investment ‘forever bag’ what would it be?

All items can be purchased online at Chanel.com

Ask most people to describe a floral scent and the words ‘pretty’ and ‘mature’ (or words to that effect) are likely to be included. With his latest fragrances, Tom Ford is exploring the subversive beauty of flowers after dark, which throw all traditional scent connotations out of the window.

“Flowers can have a dark enchantment. Their beauty can be so extreme that it has a narcotic effect on the senses and a decadence that feels almost illicit” says Tom Ford of the latest in the private blend collection aptly titled ‘Jardin Noir’.

Consisting of four fragrances, all with a base of a traditional garden bloom including hyacinth, rose, lily and narcissus, each are combined with some surprising supporting ingredients which turn these delicate stems into intoxicating fragrances.

I was instantly drawn to Café Rose; rose being a scent I loved in my early teens but not so much in recent years, perhaps as my senses have matured, so I was intrigued to know how this could be taken into the realms of seduction as promised.

Each one of the scents is housed in an angular apothecary shaped bottle in opaque black glass which further rouses intrigue and hints at the enchantment contained inside.

As the name implies, Café Rose is a partnership of rose: three types to be exact, combined with an essence of coffee.

Turkish rose oil, Rose de Mai and Bulgarian rose absolute provide the floral romance that is given a darker edge with additions of black pepper, amber, sandalwood and patchouli.

The resulting scent is hard to describe as it is exactly the contradiction that was intended; feminine and pretty but with a darker sensual edge.

The more I wear this fragrance the more I love it and I receive many compliments each time, perhaps because it is slightly unusual and intriguing.

For me this is definitely an evening scent as it is quite heavy and sensual…a little too much for everyday!

I particularly love the packaging and I can’t wait to collect the other three scents of the collection to complete my trip to the enchanted garden.

The Jardin Noir collection can be purchased from select Private Blend counters

Having been colouring my hair since the age of 15 and switching from blonde to brunette to red and back to blonde again, my hair care routine is intrinsic in maintaining the condition of my locks.

In the past two years I have managed to transform my hair from a point where my hairdresser was threatening not to highlight it anymore until I improved the condition, to the last two hairdressers I have visited commenting on the amazing condition my hair was in.

This miraculous turn around can be credited to a couple of small changes in my routine and investing in more expensive products. The discovery of a  ‘Tangle Teaser’ has also contributed vastly too, as no longer am I yanking a brush through the length of my hair or ripping out chunks when it come into contact with one of the many post-wash tangles. I would encourage everyone to invest in this nifty gadget, whatever your hair type.

I’m a firm believer in alternating your shampoo and conditioner to get the most out of your products and I do this by using various products with different properties and benefits, but essentially all with nourishment and repair at the heart.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo is one of my favourites. The ingredients are largely natural and sulphate free, yet despite this it still creates a lather which is rare with chemical free products. Containing Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Shea Butter, this shampoo leaves my hair feeling soft & silky and smelling great.

Another routine essential in my book, is a good detox shampoo. My hair is exposed to a number of products on a daily basis and so once a week I try to treat it to a specialist shampoo for removing the build-up of product and chemicals that can make it dull and lifeless. Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo is my favourite of these so far, as once you rinse you can really feel the difference in texture and it also seems to make it easier to style too.

As my hair is heavily highlighted and long it needs a lot of nourishment to keep it shiny. Due to this I use a mask as my regular conditioner and Frederic Fekkai’s Essential Shea Ultra Rich Mask is my conditioner of choice. The Shea Butter based product is extremely moisturising and leaves my hair manageable without being too heavy and leaving my hair lank.

Recently after having my hair coloured in close succession and using a lot of styling products my scalp became dry and flaky. Having watched a hair care video by A Model Recommends who highly rated the Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp shampoo, I decided to give it a try and was not disappointed. Within two washes the problem had completely cleared up and this is now a regular in my bathroom cabinet for any future issues.

One of the major contributors of hair damage is heat styling and with fairly long, fine hair this is unfortunately something that I have to partake in if I want any kind of style. As the condition of my hair started to improve the natural wave began to return, and a beachy curl is now my off-duty style of choice. At least once a week I commit to a ‘heat free hair day’ where I leave my hair to dry naturally and create a style using Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray. This salt water based product is great for creating volume and hold to the curls, just like your favourite holiday hair. Simply spritz through damp hair and twist small sections as I do, or you can even add to dry hair for added volume.

Once a week I treat my hair to a deep conditioning treatment. Again, I like to alternate my products here; however one of my favourites is the Jo Hansford Intensive Masque. It is formulated for coloured hair and leaves it silky smooth without weighing it down, which is essential for fine hair like mine. I tend to leave it on overnight and rinse in the morning for optimum results but you can rinse after 5 mins if you don’t have time to leave on.

Another of my weekly routines is to attempt to replenish shine and lost nutrition to my hair by using a pre shampoo oil treatment. I recently discovered the Phyto range of natural hair care and have fallen in love with the Subtil Elixir oil. Once a week I apply a small amount to the ends of my hair and leave on for 10 mins before a shower and shampoo out as normal. In just a couple of applications I noticed the shine improving on the most damaged ends which other than having to cut them off, I have never experienced before.

Reducing the frequency of washing my hair has had a dramatic effect on its condition. Having long, fine hair means unless you start from scratch or tie it up, it is difficult to achieve any kind of style without the full blow dry in order to get some volume. I was pretty late to the party in discovering the miracles of dry shampoo and its benefits in styling! I was introduced to Bumble & Bumble White Hair Powder when a hairdresser used it on me to lighten up the colour on my roots between highlighting. She explained the cleansing properties and the ability to add volume and I was a convert!

I now use this every other day between washes and massage into roots and between layers to create some movement to my otherwise flat hair.

Finally, a good serum style product is my absolute hair essential. The Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is a product I use every single day, whether on damp hair for ease of blow drying, or for shine and texture on a non- wash day. This nourishing oil does not weigh my fine hair down and leaves it soft and tangle free for a smooth finish.

All of the above have proven great products for my hair type and styling regime, but everyone is different. What are your haircare favourites?

Bumble & Bumble http://www.bumbleandbumble.co.uk/

Liz Earle http://uk.lizearle.com/

Phyto http://www.feelunique.com/brands/phyto

Acqua di Parma http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Luxury/ACQUA-DI-PARMA

Jo Hansford http://www.johansford.com/page/intensive_masque

Phillip Kingsley http://www.feelunique.com/brands/philip-kingsley

I am off on my travels to Marrakech to celebrate the big three – zero and thought I would give you a quick peek into my packing and travel essentials.

I have been to Marrakech once before so know what to expect to some extent, however my packing conundrum is coming in the form of the massively changeable weather….veering from 23 degrees in the day to around 2 degrees in the evening.

I am not known for packing light, however I am trying my best on this occasion by sticking to a capsule wardrobe with a few key accessories to change it up.

Louis Vuitton Speedy – In my opinion this is an absolute classic and the perfect travel bag. I have had this bag for some years and don’t use it as often anymore as I find it a little small for every day, however for hand luggage it is ideal. It is extremely light weight and it can also be completely flattened, so if like me you end up bringing home a lot more than you took, it can be made flat and packed undamaged in your suitcase.

Unfortunately over the years this bag and its iconic print have been replicated by counterfeiters around the world (often being sold in popular holiday destinations), however there are few that are done well, and so for now this bag still holds the same prestige that it did on the day I bought it and makes an ultra-chic travel accessory.

Tip: one of the easy ways to identify a fake LV is the colour of the leather handles and trims. An authentic Louis Vuitton has leather that will be very pale on purchase and will get gradually darker as the leather begins to tan. Many of the counterfeit Louis Vuittons will have trims and handles that are a very creamy shade and with a uniform finish, which would not occur with a genuine product where the leather was tanned.

Berlitz French Phrasebook – Although many people speak English in Morocco I feel it is only polite to attempt to speak the language, so will be using this phrasebook to try and get us around in as little ‘Idiots abroad’ fashion as possible.

Benjamin Sunglasses – Again these are another travel essential. Their oversized shape and tortoiseshell finish make these classic shades a chic travel companion.

Anya Hindmarch Purse – I am a huge fan of Anya Hindmarch’s classics and was delighted to be given this as a gift a couple of years ago. It is a great size for notes and coins and I find it particularly useful to store receipts if you are away on business travel. The elegant design and oversize shape also means you can easily carry it as a standalone accessory.

Jimmy Choo Lance Sandals – These are my wardrobe staple as they go with absolutely everything, so I am planning on wearing them during the evenings of the trip. I chose this nude patent version to go with a particular dress in the summer, however they are available in a number of different colours and finishes.

Boden Breton Top – The ultimate ‘easy’ wardrobe piece as it can be worn casually with jeans, under tunic dresses or dressed up with jewellery for a more polished look.

JCrew Marble Necklace – These gobstopper sized jewels give a girly yet glamorous finish to any outfit. I plan to add these to one of my trademark black outfits for an evening edge.

Stella McCartney Clutch – A classic black linen fold over clutch made interesting with a trim of silver baubles. Unlike so many evening clutches, this bag can fit a multitude of things inside and easily carries my phone, purse, make-up and camera, ready for some fun holiday nights.

Clarins Sun Protection – I’m thinking positively with the need for some sun protection, however being fair skinned I have been caught out on a few occasion sightseeing and have vowed to be more prepared moving forward!

My skin is very sensitive to sun creams and I suffer badly with prickly heat, so need to use sun protection that is a cream formula and does not contain mineral oil, which is something quite hard to find on the market.

Clarins Suncare is renowned for its quality and largely chemical free ingredients. My particular selection contains extracts of olive, pea and aloe, which have soothing properties and due to their different needs; I am packing both a factor 20 for the body and a face specific formulation in factor 15.

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Anti-ride Soleil Doux- this is likely to be the product I end up using due to its low protection factor, ideal for everyday and low sun exposure.. It is formulated specifically for the face, so is more lightweight and doesn’t clog my pores as many sunscreens do. Designed to prevent wrinkles from tanning, I feel this is the ideal product as I enter my 30’s!

Next Fluro Paisley Scarf – Neon is one of my favourite trends of the season and is perfect for a holiday to sunnier climates. This lightweight cotton scarf adds an instant hit of vibrance to my uniform of dark colours and will dress up a more relaxed outfit.

Stay tuned for updates from my trip on Instagram and twitter and see how my ‘capsule’ wardrobe is working out for me!

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a spring soiree in the new Oscar de la Renta store on Mount Street by luxury wedding extraordinaire Mark Niemierko.

I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to visit the store, so was excited to step inside the beautiful venue, as well as mingle with the crème de la crème of wedding industry experts that formed the Niemierko guest list.

On arrival the party was already in full swing with champagne flowing and delicious canapes being circulated by typically handsome Niemierko waiters.

The boutique is 3 floors of beautifully tailored heaven and stocks the full range of Oscar’s collections, from ready to wear, fragrance, home, kids and of course, bridal.

I headed through the crowd and up the grand staircase to the first floor, which was home to the ready to wear and accessories collections, and where I promptly fell in love with a pair of eggshell blue peep toes with a scalloped edge and bow detailing.

Upstairs there was also a stunning display of the new bridal fragrance ‘Something Blue’, which is the first scent created specifically for brides on their wedding day, and is a beautifully soft floral fragrance featuring mandarin, vanilla and stephanotis, all housed in a chic bottle with iconic blue lid.

Hearing whispers of a sweet table, I dragged myself away from the lady-like handbags and statement jewellery and headed down to the basement floor where the gowns we all had come to see were on display.

On the rails hung hanger after hanger of breath taking gowns, which would prove a tough decision for any bride. Each totally different, from slim fitting and understated  through to the embellished and more voluminous, all complying to the Oscar de la Renta aesthetic of impeccable tailoring and elegance. My particular favourite was a fishtail gown made from Chantilly lace with a cascade of snowflake leaf applique.

A table of pastel coloured confectionary and trees made up of my favourite Laduree macaroons proved a great meeting point for guests young and old and a clear indication of Niemierko having his finger on the pulse of fashion, with pastels being a key trend in weddings this season.

The Oscar de la Renta Kids collection was also showcased downstairs, which, as expected was super cute, with miniature tank tops and bow embellished dresses that proved a much needed distraction from the sweets…..

A big thank-you to Mark and the Oscar de la Renta team for hosting such a fabulous event and reminding all the guests who to come to for the ultimate indulgence in weddings.

Watch the video below to see the party highlights and some industry leaders in conversation with the Niemierko team.

Visit the Oscar de la Renta boutique at 130 Mount Street, London or http://www.oscardelarenta.com/

Discover more about Mark Niemierko online http://niemierko.com/

Photography by Jeremy Enness

A couple of Saturdays ago, myself and Helen from the The It Guide, headed out of London to beautiful Ascot in Berkshire to indulge in one of our favourite past times, afternoon tea.

The venue of choice was Coworth Park, an exclusive country house hotel that opened in 2011 forming part of the Dorchester collection.

As we drove up the stunning tree lined drive it was like entering an oasis of calm, with nothing but the sound of squirrels amongst autumn leaves and the tweeting of birds signalling life around us.

There are several buildings that are set in the beautiful grounds, the main being the grand white house where we would be spending the afternoon.

As we approached the pillared entrance we were greeted by a friendly host who showed us through to the drawing room and to our table in the corner of the light, elegant room.

Our waiter introduced himself and talked us through the tea menu in great detail before our stand of delicious treats arrived.

The variety of tea on offer is extensive and even includes a Silver Needle blend, which is one of the rarest Chinese white teas, picked only on two days a year. Being traditionalists, both Helen & I opted for the classic afternoon blend, which was served in beautiful art deco style silver teapots.

The three tiered tray was laden with crust-less sandwiches, warm scones and beautifully presented pastries that we couldn’t wait to get stuck into.

A selection of finger sandwiches formed the bottom layer of the stand, each with its own variety of fluffy bread including sundried tomato and an oaty granary.
Cured ham and English mustard, cream cheese with cucumber, smoked salmon and roast beef were the traditional fillings on offer, and all were equally delicious.

The light homemade scones were offered with a choice of warm strawberry and plum jams, which change seasonally and of course lashings of clotted cream.

My favourite part is always the selection of pastries and cakes which finish off this quintessentially British institution and the Coworth Park assortment did not disappoint.

Miniature tarts with pistachio cream, crisp raspberry macaroons, a sticky apricot cake garnished with a fresh sprig of lavender and finally, the most amazing choux pastry bun filled with chocolate ganache and finished with a chocolate slab emblazoned with the Coworth logo; it was dessert heaven!!

After a brief walk to explore the grounds, where we admired a group of people learning to play croquet, we reluctantly headed back to the car to make our way home.

The stunning setting, coupled with the delicious food and the friendliest staff I have encountered made this an afternoon to remember and a destination I cannot wait to return to.

Afternoon tea at Coworth Park is priced at £26 or £39 with a glass of champagne. More details can be found here.

After a bold and colourful build up over the last few weeks, the highly anticpated launch date for the Rob Pruitt for Jimmy Collection has finally arrived.

Last night I attended a preview of the collection and accompanying animated video at their London Sloane Street store, which was black, white and lit up pink for the occasion.

From today, you can shop the collection that was co-created by a man who once painted a portrait of Paris Hilton whilst standing on the red carpet in a pair of stilettoes, in order to get into the mind-set of a celebrity.

Rob Pruitt is an American contemporary artist who is well known for using vibrant colours, panda motifs, degrade, and of course glitter in his work; things that he has brought together to create this quirky collection for the shoe lover’s dream brand,  Jimmy Choo.

My favourite piece from the collection is undoubtedly the Pruitt take on Choo’s iconic ‘Anouck’ pump. Sleek and sexy in shape, the classic pump has been transformed with neon leather over-layed with lace and topped off with a heel of glitter zebra….a complete party on your foot!

Pandas feature heavily in Rob’s work and a collaboration with him would not be complete without a panda or two thrown in for good (and cute) measure.

To represent the dual personalities of the Jimmy Choo woman and the good girl/ bad girl fantasy that goes into buying a pair of shoes, Pruitt has created ‘Angel Panda’ and ‘Devil Panda’ who can be seen throughout the collection. These feisty panda characters appear as zip charms, embroidered motifs on slippers and as the lining of all of the pieces, as well as manifesting themselves as crystal encrusted minaudierres at £9,500 each. (Each covered in 11,000 crystals, numbered and signed by the artist and only 14 made in total)

Crazy cocktails, sushi shaped like pandas and the most delicious cake pops by the Cake Pop Princess were served, as guests were invited to step into the Rob Pruitt photo booth which covered them in sprinkles.

It was great to see the collection up close and spend a fun evening with friends, soaking up the e-numbers!

A prize must also be awarded to Natalie Hughes of Canned Fashion for turning up in a coat and lipstick the perfect shade of Rob Pruitt pink (pictured below with the Five Five Fabulous girls)

You can shop the Rob Pruitt Collection at Jimmy Choo online now or watch the  animation video featuring Devil Panda & Angel Panda here

The final instalment of the Spring Summer 2013 collections comes from the unmistakeably chic fashion capital, Paris.

Known for its effortlessly elegant and immaculately groomed aesthetic, Paris is the definitely the city that represents the romance and historical notions of fashion in my eyes. In recent years it is also the city I look to, to find the most interesting street style images, with the suggested nonchalance making for a great ‘candid’ photograph.

Celebrating its 60^th anniversary with an exhibition at Palais de Tokyo, Chloe is a house that has carried an upbeat attitude and feminine characteristics at its core since the brands inception

The SS13 Chloe girl abides by the classic DNA, but adds a layer of modernism with masculine references such as Bermuda short shapes and oversized cuts.

My favourite looks of the collection span the core characteristics of the house; girly, light and in trademark putty shades.

An A-line one shoulder dress with single Pierrot ruffle and a pale caramel dress with lantern skirt and ruffled bodice give a nod to the Karl Lagerfeld years.

I also loved the floral Bermuda shorts with matching voluminous crop top that seemed to have a Japanese influence in its silhouette, and would be perfect for the city dwelling girl about town.

Christian Dior is a house steeped in fashion history and having gone through a change of creative direction fairly recently, all eyes have been on Raf Simons to see what he delivers.

In complete contrast to the young, girly attitude of Chloe, Christian Dior was a lot more precise and serious yet still ladylike.

Dior showcased its own version of Le Smoking with fitted tuxedo jackets presented in many guises; my favourite with a side tied neck scarf.

Pop art colours, neons and metallics added interest and youth to the minimalist silhouettes. I loved the drape tunic with panels of Barbie pink and red layered over black tailored shorts.

Ballroom shapes formed the finale of the show and referenced the history of the house. Slim fitting tops paired with full gown-like skirts created the ultimate hour glass silhouette and the epitome of ladylike style.

Stella McCartney takes the Parisian effortlessness to the extreme with her easy wear pieces that have become every woman’s wardrobe staples.

Sporty chic has become part of Stella’s DNA over recent seasons and her SS13 collection showed no signs of moving away from this with sports inspired cuts present on many of the pieces.

Sheer panels, vivid colours and voluminous shapes struck a feminine balance in contrast to the masculinity of the sporty, low slung cuts.

My favourite pieces included the racer shaped dress with sheer panels and bold pop of cobalt and the similarly vibrant orange dress with voluminous sleeves seen in look 6.

I also loved the casual sophistication of the safari inspired shirt dress, belted over a layered sheer skirt that finished just below the knee.

With that, the Spring Summer 2013 collections come to a close. Orders have been placed and sadly our bags have been packed.

Join us during February in New York for the beginning of Autumn Winter 13 fashion month!