HiFashion

Sabai Leela

2012-05-30T10:00:00.000+01:00

For regular readers of my blog, you'll know I've been a busy bee these last 6-8 weeks. I've been running around at various press days, events and launches, and have even managed to fit in a few film screenings and gigs amongst them. And there is also very little time to relax at home too, as I'm often hunched behind my computer, editing pictures and doing write ups. Needless to say, I haven't relaxed properly in a while.
Which is why I was really excited to head over to Sabai Leela, on Old Brompton Road, for a Thai Massage, and it was exactly what I needed.

The location is lovely, and at just a stone throw away from Central London, it was really easy to get to. The Health Spa specialises in traditional Thai massages, but are stronger than Western ones.
I was greeted by the friendly staff and went for my 60 minute Thai Massage, and I was in for a treat. I decided to leave my phone off so I could really wind down. The whole spa has such a relaxing ambience and throughout, the music was really relaxing, as was my room.

The massage was perfect and not too strong for me. Alongside the massage, it also incorporated some acupressure therapy and gentle stretches. I'm pretty tense across my shoulders (especially my right shoulder), but the massage really un-did some of the knots that were there. The oil used was great at relieving any tension and the Thai Massage has a lot more benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, detoxification and reducing stress. The whole massage included my legs, arms, back, neck and shoulders, so my whole body was fresh when it was done.
To end the treatment, I was treated to herbal tea, purified water and biscuits to really help me relax.

I absolutely loved the spa and would recommend going; I'll definitely be returning with a trip, and will be bringing my mum along too. There are so many health benefits to having massages, for you body, mind and soul, and we all need a break like this every once in a while at least. Sabai Leela is a great spa to head on over to, and the prices are really affordable. The staff definitely know what they're doing and take your needs into account as well.

How often do you go to the spa for a well deserved break?

Sherin xx

Keeping it Comfortable

2012-05-29T07:00:00.000+01:00

After constantly spending a few days in heels, and breaking in new flats, I needed something a bit more comfortable and casual while going on a mini picnic in Regents park over the weekend. Seriously, I did spend more than one evening wiping blood off a pair of uncomfortable shoes.

Wearing:
Tee- H&M
Skirt - Clothing at Tesco
Shoes - c/o Keds
Sunglasses - Ray Bans

These shoes were so comfortable, and I loved the jersey material on them. I also love pairing trainers with skirts (one of my favourite looks)! I can't wait to wear them over the summer, and well in to the winter, paired with jeans. I actually think I love these Keds more than my other trainers, and that's saying a lot!!

A few days ago, I got a comment recommending me to tuck in my tee into my skirt. It's actually a cool look. I'll aim to photograph it as soon as I can!

What are your go-to shoes for when your feet need a break?

Sherin xx

Darling Skirt

2012-05-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

Hanging around Somerset House in the sun is incredible. I was there for the Next Press Day and the beautiful weather definitely made me feel like I was on holiday. It was a stunning day so I took out my new favourite summer skirt and spent the day hanging with a few bloggy buds (including Rachel, who took these pictures).

Wearing:
T-shirt - Clothing at Tesco
Skirt - C/o Darling
Shoes - Clarks mini wedges
Sunglasses - Polaroid
Triple finger ring - ASOS

Isn't this skirt the most adorable thing ever. I love the polka dots and the fitting. It's perfect to just put on and go. I'm also investing a lot in plain white/black t-shirts. I find them the easiest to pair with skirts so expect a lot of plain tees from my outfits this summer.

It actually got a little too hot, so I had to do the very unglam and unclassy thing of rolling the sleeves up.

What are your summer looks going to be?

Sherin xx

P.S. Off to spend today by the beach. So excited.

AW12

2012-05-27T10:55:00.000+01:00

Clearly, I've run out of titles for my press days posts. Who knows what I'll call it next week!
It seems weird to be looking at AW collections just as it's gotten warmer, but that's the way the fashion industry works, so here's a round up of my favourite collections that I've been checking out lately.

Dune and Bertie.
Sherin + shoes = happy. That was the main calculation while I headed to the gorgeous Dune showrooms to check out the upcoming collections from Dune, Bertie and Pied A Terre.
I love Dune and the collection is just as amazing as previous ones. I loved the more sparkly and shiny heels: perfect for a wedding or glam party.
Bertie is much more wearable for a daily basis, and we joked that it's the Blogger go-to shoe brand. I loved the Mary-Janes and there were a few burnt orange coloured shoes, which will be perfect for AW.

QVC

QVC have a massive selection of products online, but my heart truly belongs to their jewellery and beauty sections. My eye was immediately caught by the amazingly gorgeous crown. I was far to scared to touch it, especially since it was over £10,000 (we know I'm clumsy enough to break expensive stuff. I'm not even going to go into the story of how I got the big bruise on my knee). Anyway, the rest of the jewellery was so gorgeous and I do like a bit of bling. The bracelets were my favourite, and the necklaces were so pretty. Butler and Wilson is a personal favourite jewellery brand of mine and their pieces were stunning.

There was also a massive array of beauty products, and I had so much fun looking at all the products and finding out about al lthe brands. Brands that caught my eye were Laura Geller (amazing eyeshadows), Jemma Kidd (a great make up brand), Inika and bareMINERALS. They all have great make up products and I've tried many of them before so can tell you how amazing they are.

Elemis and Gatineau also had some great face and skincare products on display. I've heard great things about Elemis so can't wait to try out some skincare.

Very

Very also have a lot of different brands and collections available online, so it's always fun to check out their new collections. They have 5 collections, named after cities, and London and Berlin were clear favourites of mine. The Love Label from Very is such a cool brand and have some great clothes. I can't wait to shop the brand.

I also got to check out the upcoming Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby lines. Again, both lines feature some stunning dresses and they're fantastic quality. I love how both collections have pieces that the girls will wear. Incidentally, I saw Fearne that evening at another launch, looking stunning.

Dorothy Perkins

Amongst all the AW collections, it was nice to take a break and head to DP HQ to check out pieces that we can wear now. There were some stunning pieces of jewellery and some perfect lightweight sandels, perfect to pair with maxi's or shorts/dresses. I loved the pale, light colours, and especially loved all the jewellery. The showroom was a stylists dream as everything looked gorgeous and you could esily pick out whole outfits together.

We also had hair stylist Ben Cooke, from Herbal Essences, on hand to give us hair makeovers and use products from their Tousle Me Softly range (which works like a charm). I had my hair curled, then had some of the cream put in my hair. I loved how my hair came out. It's such a summertime hair style as it's glam and easy to maintain. Can't wait to try it for myself.

(Photo credit: Rachel)

Next

Held in the stunning Somerset House, Next is always a lot of fun. Alongside checking out some of the great new collection, I also got to hang with the super cool PR girls, other bloggy friends and they even had some great food on hand. I loved this upcoming collection. The shoes all looked stunning and I loved the colour scheme of the pieces. Along with some cool, daily wears, there was also a stunning occasion wear line that had some super glam shoes and dresses. There was also a lot of sequins to keep me very happy.

What do you think? Are you excited to wear sequins and attachable collars next season?

Sherin xx

Where I wear more traditional clothes

2012-05-25T07:00:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, before heading into town for a few press days, I helped my mum around the house. She'd invited several friends and insisted that I go a bit more traditional with my outfit. So to prove that I really am a great daughter, I went for it and dug this traditional outfit from the back of my closet.

I'm not the biggest fan of the traditional look, especially when it's so hot that I'd rather have my legs out, but for weddings and when I have to visit family in Pakistan, it's a must.

Wearing:
Salwar Kameez - Pakistan
Shoes - Priceless
Bangles - H&M

This was sent to me by relatives a few years ago, and have only managed to wear it once or twice. It's probably my favourite out of all the South Asian clothes I have. I especially love the A-Line fitting it has. And I do love the red! Although honestly, I did only wear this for about two hours before changing to head out.

I am in love with the weather in London right now. London in the sun is the most beautiful place ever. Everyone is so happy and dressed so bright. After a long winter, where we were still wearing big coats last week, I can only hope for a longer summer. I also now have a couple of days with no real plans, so am looking forward to doing some picnics and days out.

Is this something you would wear?

Sherin xx

Sequins TOMS

2012-05-24T07:00:00.000+01:00

We've had glorious weather here these last few days. It's so nice to see the sun out pretty much all day, and temperatures staying warm throughout.

It's given me the perfect excuse to get my legs out - although, admittedly, they were so pale that I was seriously tempted by some fake tan, but got a real one within just hours (I made sure to cover myself in sunscreen before heading out).
My looks these last few days has all been cute dresses and skirts, paired with super comfy shoes, especially as I've been out on my feet a lot.

Wearing:
T-shirt - Dorothy Perkins
Skirt - Republic
Shoes - c/o TOMS - yes, they're sequins!
Sunglasses - Marks & Spencers

You've seen me mention TOMS before, and how much I love the work they do. As a quick round up, they have a one-to-one policy, where for every one shoe you buy, one will go to a child in need in a developing country.

I was given these TOMS, and love how they're sequins as well. You can never have too much sequins, especially since I've been trying to incorporate them in my daily summer looks. I love these ones and like all other TOMS, they're really comfortable. I've pretty much been living in them for the last two days, and have been on my feet a lot, walking around. TOMS are the perfect shoe for long summers days, and major love for these being really cute with the black sequins. They've also been getting compliments all round!

If you haven't already got a pair, I highly recommend one. They're so cute and come in so many styles and colours, not to mention, it's all for a good cause. For you Londoners, the pop up shop in Covent Garden is open for another month!

Also, thought I'd mention a cool sale launching this Friday on Cocosa. They're offering 60% off on a whole host of British designers, such as Giles Deacon and Matthew Williamson, all in honour the Queens Diamond Jubilee coming up.
Here's a quick summary of the sales coming up:

Friday 25 May - Matthew Williamson
Saturday 26 May - Giles Deacon
Sunday 27 May - Marchesa Bags
Monday 28 May - Notte by Marchesa
Tuesday 29 May - Links of London
Coming Soon - Philip Treacy

Are you a TOMS fan?

Sherin xx

Rachel Bilson in Hart of Dixie

2012-05-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'll be the first to admit, I'm a TV-aholic. For me, there's no better way to unwind after a long day than to sit there and catch up with my favourite shows. I've recently discovered a new show: Hart of Dixie, and I'm absolutely hooked.

It stars Rachel Bilson (from OC fame) as a super stylish surgeon from New York, who has to move to the small ton of Bluebell, Alabama to work as a GP. It's a sweet show, and what really stands out for me is the fashion. Alongside all the pretty cute fashion from the locals from Bluebell, Rachel Bilson (Zoe Hart) has an amazing wardrobe. Between the shoes and the really cute shorts, it's the perfect reason to watch the show (and the storyline is fab as well by the way)!

Here are a few of my favourites from Bilson's looks from the show.

As you can tell, shorts are a staple in Zoe Hart's wardrobe. I'm so encouraged to get myself a few pairs now as well.

I love both looks above. The lace shorts look so cure, especially paired with the colourful blouse (and gorgeous bag). The leather shorts are a more classic look, and the sheer blouse paired with it make's it one of my favourite looks so far, that I've seen.

Below is one of the first looks you see on the show, and is another classic look. I love those black shorts so much! I definitely need a pair. And how stunning does Bilson look?

Below is definitely my favourite look from the show. I love how she still looks so glam in such a laid back look. And as you know, I love any outfit when there's a pair of Converses involved! And I think it's time for me to invest in an American Football jersey!

And here's Rachel with a few of the male eye candy's from the show, again she's looking stunning!

I love the coloured blouse in the first picture, where she is with my her love interest, Wade. And again, super cute shorts.

Are you seeing the gorgeous killer heels in the second picture? As a shoe fan, her heel collection from the show really makes me giddy with excitement. She's pictured with the towns mayor (I wish Boris was more like that! right!?) She's definitely rocking the neutrals!

And a round up of some of my other favourite looks:

The body con dress from the top row is Herve Ledger, and isn't it sexy? Definitely a piece every girl needs in her life.

I also love how she's styled the jeans in a few of the looks. She looks so comfortable and chic in the boyfriend style jeans, and stunning in the skinnies.

Are you a fan of the show, or of her style on the show? If you haven't started on the show yet, it's on Monday's at 8pm, on Really.

Sherin xx

Also, as many of you know, I have a lot of shoes! In an attempt to encourage myself from wearing more of them, I've started a shoe-of-the-day Tumblr.

Black Wedges

2012-05-22T06:30:00.000+01:00

I think I've said it before, but for me, a good wedge is a must have. It's all the glamour of a heel, but also all (well, most) of the comfort of a pair of flats.

I'd been looking for a classic black pair for ages, and finally found my dream pair, which are both super cute and super comfortable.

Wearing:
T-shirt - Dorothy Perkins
Skirt - 18 and East (found at the back of my wardrobe while looking for something else)
Shoes - Vagabond c/o Sarenza

I've had these shoes for a few days now and can't wait to take them for a proper spin around town. They definitely made me feel more glamorous!

It's also nice enough out to have my legs out without freezing, yay! Although, I'll still have spare tights and an umbrella (most likely broken - thanks New Look) hidden in my bag. I also have a mission: one day I will post outfit pictures and they WON'T have the laundry in the background!

Do you love wedges as much as I do? Let me know your favourite type of shoe.

Sherin xx

P.S. I finally picked a winner for my Butterfly Twists giveaway. It's Lizzy!!

A Summer's Dress

2012-05-21T05:30:00.000+01:00

I don't want to be presumptuous again, but I think the sun is officially here to stay this time round (although, I said the same thing exactly a week ago, and it started hailing and thunderstorming that very evening).

This means, once again, I'm picking out the key pieces that I'll be wearing over the summer, and this year, it consists of a lot of dresses and skirts (paired with plain t-shirts).
Although a lot of my dresses are plain, it's nice to have at least something with print on it, which is where this gorgeous dress comes in.

Wearing:
Dress - Pepe Jeans c/o Zalando
Wedges - New Look
Multi finger ring - ASOS
Bracelets - QVC, Truth Jewellery

Zalando were kind enough to send over a voucher for me to use and I had so much fun picking my piece. As mentioned before, the site has hundreds of brands to choose from, so there really is something for everyone. Among all the great products, I found this amazing dress from Pepe Jeans.

Obviously Pepe are known for their denim, but it's great to see that they rock at other products as well. This dress will definitely be worn a lot over the summer. It's such a pretty print, and light fabric, making it one of my go-to's for when it eventually gets warmer. I love how the dress has a loose fitting to it, with the draping at the front. It's such a cute style to wear.

Also, don't forget, Zalando's in house brand, Zalando Collection, has some amazing pieces as well.

Sherin xx

New Collections

2012-05-19T11:07:00.000+01:00

Another round up of all the cool collections I've been checking out these last few weeks.

Bright Lights PR
I loved the clothes from Olsen as they were so trendy, and looked great in their Autumn colours. Mark Fast and Fast at Jonathan Aston had some fun tights and socks, perfect for looking stylish in the colder months. I loved the Union Jack prints and the colourful short socks looked fab.

A firm favourite brand was Aase Hopstock who put me shoe heaven. There were stunning high heels and some really cute designs. As someone who knows their shoes (I recently reached 100 pairs), I wanted them all. I love how unique and fun some of the styles were, especially since they were inspired by surrealist artists.
I fell in love with the bags from Nat and Nin. They were casual and stylish, and amazing quality, made from Italian leather. Perfect for everyday use and they're bound to last a lifetime.

I also checked out the High Summer and AW collections from Clothing at Tesco, which is always a pleasure. A few years ago, I never would have thought Clothing at Tesco would be such a big part of my wardrobe, and I'm so glad they up-ed their game a few seasons ago. They do have some great products, at really amazing prices. The clothes are style and really good quality.

The accessories looked great, and I was a massive fan of the bright colours that are up on the site, ready for summer. For AW, I was really happy to see some sequins and prints. I'm telling you: day time sequins is what you'll need in your life for the Autumn.

One of the highlights of my week was a fun little tour around Chelsea, to discover some of it's shopping hidden gems. It was such a fun evening, made more fun by the fact that there was hardly any walking involved! Us bloggers were driven around the area on these really cool rickshaws. It was such a great way to discover the local area.

We started at Cocomaya, which is an amazing little cafe. We were fed some delicious croissants and pastries, and I will definitely be going back for lunch one day. It's on Pavillion Road, and is definitely worth a trip down, especially if you're ever in Chelsea shopping.
One of the favourite shops I got to check out was Dodo, who did amazing jewellery. Each piece had a little story behind it, and some of the pieces were absolutely stunning. Other shops that were open included Cartier, Chloe, Tiffany & Co and Ormonde Jayne (which I've mentioned before). We ended up at Duke of York Square which, again, had a great selection of stores, and the Gallery Mess, which was an amazing bar that looked after us at the end of the evening.

One of my final stops of the week was QVC's Launch of it's Aurora Collection, made With Swarovski Elements. As a jewellery lover, I was such a fan of all the pieces on display. It was so nice to be surrounded by pretty and sparkly pieces.

Each piece looked like it was made so well, and the price points seemed great, with prices ranging from £22 to £207, so there's something for everyone, no matter how much you want to spend. I loved how there were more subtle pieces, but also some statement pieces. It was hard to pick my favourites, but the charm bracelets were absolutely stunning, and the necklaces all looked so elegant.
The full collection will go on sale on QVC, from June 2012. It's worth a check as the pieces will be great for presents for yourself and others.

Don't forget to check out more pictures from these and a ton more events on Facebook.

Sherin xx

Latest Beauty Loves

2012-05-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

I've been playing around with some new beauty products lately, and I just had to share them.

Firstly: Fragrances. I've mentioned that I love having many different fragrances around and spritzing myself with whatever my mood for the day is. I got a lovely package with some really pretty perfumes in there.

I got the 'Delightful' fragrance from the extremely gorgeous Melinda Messenger. I'd been meaning to try out the fragrance for a while, and it lived up to expectations. It's a gorgeous smelling perfume, and I particularly loved fruity and fresh smell to it. It definitely smelt like being outdoors during a summers day, which is definitely one of my favourite smells.

There was also a men's fragrance in there: Lambretta, which made a great present for my dad, who's in town visiting at the moment. We got the L47 Scooter fragrance, which is inspired by their well known scooters. My dad loved it and I even considered keeping it for myself. It really smelt amazing.

My favourite from my package was definitely Katy Perry's new 'Meow' fragrance. The bottle is the sweetest thing ever as it's shaped like a cat. This is her second fragrance and I will be wearing it a lot in the coming weeks. It smells so sweet and gorgeous. This is perfect for everyday wear with it's sweet and fruity smell. If you're on the hunt for a new fragrance, I definitely recommend this one.

Label.m are also doing a lot of cool new products, perfect to get you going this summer.
They've joined forces once again with designer Giles Deacon, and the collaboration contains the 'Swan' print from his SS12 Collection. There are large totes and a matching pouch, with the swan print, and as you can see in the picture, it looks gorgeous. You can get a free pouch with any 2 full sized products, a tote bag with any 3 full sized products, or both with any 5 full sized bottles. I go on about how amazing label.m are, so choosing a few products to buy should be no issue.

They've also launched their mini-airliner range, which is perfect for whether you're travelling or doing any summer festivals. You get 4 mini-products and you can choose from the Cleanse, Condition, Create and Complete ranges, so there is a huge variety to chose from. This season sees the introduction of mini dry shampoo and mini hairspray, which seems perfect if you're on the go. You also get a mini pouch to fit the 4 products in.
I've been using the mini products lately and they pay hommage to the rest of Label.m as they're so amazing on my hair. Label.m's products are always one that work really well.

What beauty products have caught your eye recently?

Sherin xx

giveaway

The Kooples

2012-05-16T07:00:00.000+01:00

I am a massive fan of The Kooples. I've been into the stores far too many times, just to appreciate the beauty of the products and check out how cool they all are.

I recently went on a little Kooples shopping spree, and after trying on some cool pieces in store, I ordered some amazing stuff from the website, and I'm in love with them. I love how the outfit came out with it's slightly laidback and cosy look. This is definitely an outfit I can wear in this weather, where it's still a bit cool, and slightly wet. All I need is a leather jacket to put on top.

Wearing:
Jeans and Trainers - The Kooples
T-shirt - H&M (finally washed!!)

The jeans are super soft and so comfortable. I can't wait till they're more worn in and moulded to my shape. Am I the only one who refuses to wash jeans unless it's completely necessary? I prefer them unwashed and worn. Apparently denim doesn't need to be worn that much anyway. I'm a lazy washer though. That t-shirt was in my 'to-wash' pile for weeks, and it still didn't stop me from picking it up and wearing it. Whoops.

And the shoes above are my new babies. I know wedge trainers are all the rage right now, but these ones from The Kooples are definitely the best ones I've seen. Love the zip detail at the side, and they're perfect for days where I'm on my feet a lot.

What is your denim-washing rule? Are you a fan of The Kooples?

Sherin xx

Miinto

2012-05-15T07:30:00.000+01:00

You know how yesterday I said it was nice to have the sun back? Well, that didn't last long and it was pouring all day! So now it's back to daydreaming about what I'd like to wear over the summer, instead of actually wearing it.
I'm not going to lie: real life shopping slightly scares me now. I love online shopping, and am so used to shopping in bed, wearing a hoody and sweats, that the thought of going out and dealing with crowds fills me with stress.
Which is why I love certain online retailers, and am always on the hunt for new ones. At a recent press day, I came across Miinto, which has recently launched in the UK, after success abroad. What I love is that Miinto works with a lot of independent retailers across the UK to help give them a platform to sell, as well as get their name out there. They work with a lot of brands - well known and lesser known - so there's a huge variety to choose from.

Here are my top five picks from the website, which will definitely be added to my Birthday wishlist (I am thinking months ahead):

1) ToyWatch: You should know I love a good watch, and Toywatch seemed to have missed my radar for a while, but I discovered them eventually a while back. I love the colour on this watch and also love how it's neither too chunky nor too delicate: perfect for wearing daily. I also love the practicality with the stopwatch and other features.

2) Style Stalker Shirt: A gorgeous, plain white dress is a staple for any girl's wardrobe. They add a bit of class to any look, but can also be paired with a pair of skinny jeans and flats for a casual day out shopping, or for lunch. I love how this one is a bit more fun than other white shirts as it's asymmetrical. This one is actually sleeveless, and has the back placed like a cape.

3) Vila Dress: Isn't this such a perfect dress for the summer. I love the colour and the print. It's one of those dresses that you'll be able to just live in over the summer as it looks so light and comfortable. Again, you could pair this with flats for a casual summers picnic, or with heels for a glam dinner out.

4) Jofama Daisy Jacket: As a blogger, is it blasphemy for me say I've never had a leather jacket before? I've been meaning to get one for ages but, despite the variety out, there I've been able to find my dream one. This one looks gorgeous though. I love the colour and love the detailing with the buckles and zip at the side. Paired with a nice girly dress, this could look really cute during a cool evening.

5) B.Young shorts: I've recently started watching Hart of Dixie, and I am in love with Rachel Bilson's style. In particular, she's been wearing a lot of really cute shorts. She looks great in her shorts that I've realised I probably need a few good pairs in my life for summer. I love the colour of these ones and I would rock them with a pair of heels and a loose fitted tee.

What's on your Miinto wishlist?

Sherin xx

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

It's Finally Summer

2012-05-14T07:00:00.000+01:00

This weekend has proved that summer is finally upon us. after a full five weeks of rain, it was so good to see some sun coming out. Sunday, in particular was so lovely. I refused to switch on my laptop before 4pm, and it was nice to be disconnected for a lot of the day, while I spent time with my family: Definitely recommended for a Sunday, especially since I spent my morning reading. (Then I got really stressed while watching the end of the Football season and the Spanish Grand Prix - apologies for those who follow me on twitter for my sports tweets).

Anyway, when the sun comes out, I usually switch to heels, which always makes me happy. For some reason I abandon them in the colder months and dig them out when it gets warmer (easier to walk in).

Wearing:
Dress - Boohoo
Shoes - Blink

I love this dress. It's such a summer dress and fits really loosely, to keep you cool in the summer heat. And I adore these new heels. I love the colours on them and how they add some fun to the look. The heel on them is perfect, and they're surprisingly comfortable to walk around in.

So, fingers crossed the sun is here to stay, for at least a few months. I don't think I can handle any more rain right now.

Aren't the print and colours on the heels just gorgeous? Blink have a lot of really pretty shoes, with a lot of perfect styles for summer.

How excited are you for the return of the sun? Am I the only one planning my summer wardrobe?

Sherin xx

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Hermes Leather Exhibition

2012-05-13T09:00:00.000+01:00

Earlier this week, I went down to the Royal Academy of Arts, near Piccadilly Circus, to catch a preview of the new Leather Exhibition, held by Hermes.

It was beautifully presented, and I really liked looking at 'Hermes through the ages' as there were a lot of pieces and products from the past. Hermes is currently celerating it's 175th anniversary, so it's a special year for them, and the exhibition really takes fans of the brand on a journey throughout their history, as well as showcasing some of their most popular products.

The highlight was definitely having craftspeople from the Paris workshop there, making pieces, and showing you how it's done.

It was also great to see some of their equestrian pieces, such as riding boots and saddles. Hermes was the first brand to make bespoke and stylish riding wear, so it was really interesting to see some of their highlights.

This is a great exhibition for any fashion lovers or anyone who want's to know more about the brand. It's worth going down even if it's to check out some gorgeous handbags and leather good. Entry is free and there are some amazing Hermes products to be seen.

(I think we all need one of these in our lives due to its awesomeness).

(What a great way to display bags).

The exhibition is on until the 27th May, so if you find yourself in London, with nothing to do, I recommend heading down.

(And a picture of a Hermes Wheelbarrow. Well, why not!)

Sherin xx

Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

Butterfly Twists + Giveaway

2012-05-12T07:30:00.000+01:00

When I woke up yesterday morning, I was very surprised to see the sun blaring through the window. We've been deprived the sun recently in England, so it was a welcome sight and had me reaching for my summer dresses.

Wearing:

Dress - French Connection

Shoes - c/o Butterfly Twists

I'm probably going to be wearing this dress a lot over the summer. It was a bit on the expensive side, so I really need to justify wearing it, especially since I don't have any fancy plans coming up to wear anything special to. It's so pretty though, that I reckon it'll be a nice and casual summer dress for the season, and it seems a waste to have it hidden away, only for functions.

It's the shoes that I love in this outfit though. They were sent over from Butterfly Twists, who focus on practical and foldable flats. I think we've all been there: spending a day in heels, then limping home in pain, which is why foldable flats are so popular and so useful. They're perfect to slip into on your way home after a long day, and they're so comfortable.

Not only are Butterfly Twists comfortable, they're also really cute. I would definitely wear them out and about on a daily basis. They fold up really nicely as well and are really light weight, so pretty perfect for popping into any bag.

Butterfly Twists have also developed foldable boots, which are perfect for the winter. Again, they're lightweight, and also fold up really small, so that they can fit in most bags too. They'll also be perfect for travelling. They come in a variety of colours, and you can have them knee high, or at ankle height. The boots are definitely worth getting as they'll be really handy.

And now here's your chance to enter to win any pair from the site. That's right: one of you will be able to win any pair from Butterfly Twists that takes your fancy.

Just head on over to the Butterfly Twist Facebook Page, and write on the wall, saying that you're entering via Hifashion eg: I've come from HiFashion, and I'd love to win a pair of Butterfly Twist shoes.
Comment on this post, letting me know that you've done so.
Also let me know any high heel horror stories you have in the comments (I've had to wipe blood off heels more than once).
I'll then pick a winner via random.org in a weeks times.

This competition is open worldwide, and will run for 1 week.

Good Luck!!

Sherin xx

Ormonde Jayne

2012-05-11T07:30:00.000+01:00

I absolutely love different scents. I've mentioned before that I try not to have a signature scent and that I love using different perfumes, depending on my mood.
Which is why I was seriously excited when Ormonde Jayne sent me a sample of 12 of their amazing smelling perfumes in the form of their 'Discovery Set'.

Ormonde Jayne is all about luxury. The scents all smell beautiful, and I loved the wide variety there was in the Discovery Set. They are a London based perfumery and aim to put in the elegance and care back into making perfumes. They allow the oils to infuse and mature, resulting in a much deeper scent. Ormonde Jayne also use the finest quality of ingredients for their perfumes.

The Discovery Set is an amazing way to get into the brand. It has mini sample size bottles of all the fragrances they do, including the men's cologne. It's also very beautifully packaged. As for the fragrances themselves, each one smells stunning and picking my favourite was impossible. A lot of them were florals, but each had a unique and pure scent. I narrowed my favourite own to three: Chamca, Frangipani and Orris Noir. Chamca had this really subtle scent, making it perfect for spritzing on a daily basis. Frangipani had a stronger smell, but was still amazing, and Orris Noir was a firm favourite of mine. It had a more spicey undertone to it and was such a statement scent.

The men's scents smelt great as well. I have a thing for good cologne (major turn on on a guy), and I could even see myself rocking a few of these. Zizan was a firm favourite for me! This one will also probably make it's way into becoming a birthday present for my dad, brother, or special guy friend (who doesn't exist yet), or even for myself.

Do you have a signature scent? I recommend Ormonde Jayne if you're looking for one. Each scent is lovely, and there is such a variety that there's something for everyone.

Sherin xx

Take 10 Challenge 21: Debenhams

2012-05-10T07:00:00.000+01:00

Take10 has had a long and unplanned hiatus, but we're back. After a couple of line up changes, we're super excited to welcome Olivia and Fritha to the gang. Can't wait to do more challenges with you guys!

This month's sponsor is Debenhams, once again, and this time we picked something from the H! by Henry Holland collection. I have a few pieces from previous H! by Henry Holland collections and still love them, so I was looking forward to trying something from the new collection out.

Wearing:
Tee - H&M
Skirt - H! by Henry Holland, c/o Debenhams
Shoes - Sam Edelman
Necklace - Kew 159

I actually quite liked the skirt, especially since it was something I wouldn't have picked out myself (one of the major perks of blogging). I like how the maxi part of the skirt is sheer, but there's a shorter polka dot skirt under it, and it looks cool peeking out from below. I never fully embraced the maxi trend, so I decided to do something different, and pinned the front so that it became a mini/maxi (mixi?) skirt instead, which I was much more comfortable it. Oh, and a bit of spiked Sam Edelman always adds some glam to a look.

It's a pretty skirt and was a lot of fun to style. I think I need to incorporate more sheer in my life!

And here's how everyone else styles their piece. There's an even split as we decided on two different pieces: the sheer skirt, and a lovely kite printed dress.

Jen: A Little Bird Told Me

Fritha: Fish Tank Fashion

Sherin: HiFashion

Vicki: Magpie Girl

Paula: Pinkbow

Ellie: Pretty Much Penniless

Lucy: Snippets of Shiny Thoughts

Olivia: What Olivia Did

Sarah: We Shop Therefore We Are

Harriet: Where Is Harriet

Do you prefer the dress or the skirt? How would you style each piece?

Sherin xx

Sperry Wellies

2012-05-09T07:30:00.000+01:00

It cleared up a bit yesterday afternoon, and was even warm enough to go out without a coat. But that was after a morning of raining, and it gave me the chance to take out my brand spanking new bright yellow Sperry Wellies.

Wearing:
Tee - H&M
Cardigan - People Tree
Jeans - A Wear
Wellies - c/o Sperry

I am in love with the Sperry Wellies. I think the colour is amazing and so much fun. I've always said I need more brights in my life, and these are perfect to brighten up any rainy day. They're also really comfortable and warm from the inside. My favourite bit is that they have the same soles as normal Sperry's, so have amazing grip on them. Perfect if you're anything like me, and keep falling in the rain!

Can you see the white mark on my jeans? I'm proud to say that they are an authentic 'wear and tear' mark. I love wearing my jeans to death and always get proud when they get rips from being worn too much. This is also one of my first rips that's not in an awkward place! Also, I think it's about time we cut the grass in our garden!

Are you Welly wearer?

Sherin xx

GENE: An amazing brand.

2012-05-08T07:30:00.000+01:00

I love discovering new brands. It's what I love most about checking my inbox: coming across an amazing new brand, and then sharing it with all of you.

I recently came across GENE, and they've just launched their SS12 collection, and it's stunning. A relatively new brand, they launched in 2009, and have been really making a name for themselves across Europe. The aim is to have clothes fit the individual and it seems like they've got some exciting plans for the future.
Lora, the creative director, started initially as a model, at 15, but when she branched more into the world of fashion, she started designing more, for shoots, and they were special pieces. That's how GENE was set up.

The clothes are absolutely stunning, and really luxurious looking as well. They are pieces to fit into any woman's style DNA, and are all really classic pieces, perfect for women to express who they are, and is sure of who she is as a woman.

That dress on the left, right above, is probably one of my favourite pieces from the collection.
Also, I need this piece in my life for sure.
You can find out more information on their Facebook Page.

Let me know what you think of the clothes.

Sherin xx

Dreaming of Summer

2012-05-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

I'm not really a 'What If' person. I try not to dwell on what could have been, and instead focus on what is happening. Lately though, there has been a key 'What If' in the back of my mind: 'What if it stops raining?' I think the rain has been getting us all down a bit recently, so I have instead, switched to thinking about what I'd be wearing when it finally comes to Summer.

Wearing:
T-shirt - H&M
Asymmetrical Skirt - Zara
Flats - Georgia Rose

This skirt really will be my go-to this summer. It's so pretty and I love how it's only subtly asymmetrical. I seriously can't wait to wear it more. I also gave myself a mini side ponytail as well, just as something different to my usual hair down.

Also, I don't know if you can tell, but I'm also rocking a cool new Wonderbra bra here, from LingeriePlease. Like most girls, I'm a sucker for pretty and practical lingerie, and Wonderbra is top notch. This one, in particular, is so comfortable and the Ivory colour I got sent is perfect to wear under a white t-shirt. And, LingeriePlease also has a lot of great lingerie from a whole host of brands. Definitely worth shopping there, as they have so many pretty designs for bras and underwear. Wonderbra's are perfect to add a bit of oomph to your chest as well (especially when you're as flat chested as me!)

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?

Sherin xx

TOMS Pop Up Store

2012-05-05T23:00:00.000+01:00

Anyone familiar with TOMS will know what amazing work they do. For those who don't know, for every one pair of shoes you buy from them, one pair goes to a child in need in a developing country. I've always found founder, Blake Mycoskie, such an inspiration, and I've got my hands on his book, which I can't wait to read (for every copy of the book you do buy, a new book will be given to a child in need). A lot of people as why not water or medication, but shoes also have an importance. Young children have to walk a long way, barefoot, on rough terrain, so a decent pair of shoes can make all the difference.

They've just launched their new pop up store in Covent Garden (69 Neal Street) and I had so much fun spending a morning there a few days ago.

As well as checking out some of the amazing new shoes they have - it's nice to see some wedges and trainers in the collection - I was also introduced to their eyewear. They had some amazing pairs of sunglasses, and the aviators in particular looked really cool and wearable for the summer. And in keeping with their 'One To One' motto,for every pair of sunglasses you buy, TOMS will help give sight to to a person in need.

They help give sight in many ways, such as medical treatment, prescription glasses and sight saving surgery and have been helping in the likes of Cambodia and Nepal. As someone with poor eyesight, I need my glasses a lot, and couldn't imagine not being able to have them. Being able to see properly makes a huge difference to daily life.

I also really enjoyed looking at some new shoes (and going home with a really cool pair). Alongside the classic TOMS we all know, there were also some cool new designs. I absolutely loved the wedges: they looked really stylish and, alongside the cute flats, they're perfectly girly. They have a more grown up feel to them and can easily worn to work, or with cute summer dresses.

I loved the bright colours and prints as well!

I went home with a pair from the Cordone collection. I've had a pair TOMS before, and they're so comfortable! I love how these are laceless and have a rope bottom, making them really comfy.

The pop up store will be really interactive and fun as well. There's a downstairs section where you can make a replica paper pair, and the best design every week wins their design on an actual pair of TOMS. You can also take part in some t-shirt customisation (which I did, and kind of failed at: I had glitter and pen stains on my hands when I was done) and also a silent auction on some cool glasses, which have been customised by artists.

There's also a chalkboard with polaroid pictures of everything. Naturally I had to pose with a pair of really cute wedges. Don't I look really happy? Only shoes can make me that happy.

So if you're in London, definitely head on down. The pop up store is there until the end of June and is a lot of fun to hang in store at.

Do you have a pair of TOMS?

Sherin xx

Radley and DIRTYloves

2012-05-04T11:59:00.002+01:00

Another week: another bunch of amazing press days and fabulous new collection. Thankfully it was slightly more laid back than previous weeks (I still managed 8 outings), but the calibre of some of the collections was still amazing. Here are two of my favourites:

Radley:
I always love checking out the Radley Collections as it's always filled with stunning bags, and have a kind of elegance that you don't get with a lot of other brands. This collection was no different and I love how Quintessentially British it was, especially with the collections being named after places in London, such as Camden and Holloway.

Naturally the Camden Lock was my favourite one, but I also loved the larger bags, which would be great for weekends away. The oversized clutches from the Goldington range were also favourites of mine, and they looked so stylish. The Melodie range was something different as it was in collaboration with a young designer, and I thought this was a great idea, especially as it injected some fun prints into the whole collection. I hope Radley do more collaborations like this. And finally, how amazing is that studded bag at the top? Such a unique piece from Radley: I guarantee that it will fly off the shelves!

DIRTYloves:
DIRTYloves is a new online store, and have such a fun and cheeky image. It's a great website, that mixes cool clothes with all things sexy, turning the two into a great collaboration. The store has some really amazing pieces such as pretty dresses and cool t-shirts, but you can also buy from the 'play' section, which lets buyers embrace their sexual freedom with sex toys (the pleasure cushion was a personal favourite of mine).

I loved looking through the clothing lines, and it all looked great. The lingerie, in particular, looked gorgeous. The t-shirts were my favourite there and they had some cool prints: I loved the dripping heart T-shirt - I definitely need that in my life. We were also treated to some really delicious cupcakes by the site owner: best cupcakes ever!!

I definitely recommend checking out DIRTYloves for something fun and different. If not for the sex toys, then definitely for the clothes. Did I mention everything is very affordable, with t-shirts starting at £9.99 for women.

Sherin xx

Wearing Dr Martens

2012-05-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

Dr Marten shoes were something that I never thought I could pull off. But that's the beauty of blogging: it gives me a chance to try things I normally wouldn't have, and I'm now an official Docs convert.

When Cloggs offered to send me a pair of classic black patent ones, I knew I'd have so much fun styling them. I immediately pictured them this pink dress and the two were a match made in fashion heaven.

Wearing:
Dress - Henry Holland for Debenhams
Shoes - Doc c/o Cloggs

I really loved the contrast of the tough boots, with the girlier dress. The two definitely went a lot better together than I initially thought. This will definitely be a look that you'll see more rocking more of over the Summer (if it ever decides to come).

And what did I think of the Docs themselves? Well, I really liked them, and can definitely see myself wearing more of this pair in the future. I loved how they edged up my look and they're so fun to wear! So yes, officially a Docs fan right now. I'm so glad that I finally have my first pair. They're definitely a shoe that you need in your wardrobe,

Also, this probably isn't the time or place to mention this, but I had my favourite musical experience last night. I saw my musical hero, Brian Fallon (from The Gaslight Anthem and The Horrible Crowes) last night in a really amazing and intimate setting. There were about 25 people there, and we got to sit on the floor with him, while he did an acoustic set. It did set me an hour or so behind schedule for my evening events, but it was worth it. He sounded great! And yes, I was that close to him. No more than half a metre.

And obviously, there's no point taking a normal picture when meeting your hero. I made him make a funny face!

How would you wear a pair of Docs?

Sherin xx

A/W With ghd

2012-05-02T10:06:00.000+01:00

There are very few brands that I'm 100% loyal to, but ghd is one of them. I've been a convert to their straightener since I discovered them, and have never looked back. I started using their products properly last year and love every single one of them - the Root Lift Spray, in particular, is a personal favourite of mine as it's so incredible - and their hairdryer is the best on the market.

Last night I went to a very fun event held by ghd, to have a look at the hair trends for the upcoming season. ghd were working backstage a handful of shows for next season, including Fyodor Golan (where I was backstage), Basso & Brooke and Jean-Pierre Braganza.

We had a lovely introduction to the looks by Kenna (creative director) himself to the main looks of the season, with a little background to how they related to the designs of each designers. It was interesting to see some of the styles and really fun to see how they came together to look amazing.

We were all given the option to get our hair done, as inspired by one of the four styles, and I ended up getting it like the looks from Jena-Pierre Braganza's catwalk show:

Pretty big right? I was slightly nervous to get it done as my hair is very rarely up, but I love how it came out in the end, and it's always fun to get something different done.

The hair do required lots and lots of backcombing. The back also had a hidden ponytail.

(I could totally be in the band: The Horrors with that hair!)

Then lots and lots of pins and grips were used to put my hair up and keep it in place. What I loved was that it's a messy up-do, so you can just gather your hair up and pin it in place. I was also given a faux little fringe to add more awesomeness to the already awesome look. I love that it was 2 shades lighter, so it really popped. To finish the look, there was a lot of hairspray. ghd's hairspray is pretty amazing, and along with the ghd air hairdryer, it did a great job keeping my hair up.

The other 3 hair-do's looked amazing as well. Basso & Brooke and David Koma both had hair back in ponytails, and looked like they'd be relatively easy to try out. David Koma had a really deep side parting, which looked great, while Basso & Brooke had hair tied into a casual knot.

Sherin xx