La Petite Anglaise

Jonathan Saunders Pre-Fall 2012

2012-05-30T09:29:00.000+01:00

I know, I know, it's barely summer and I'm already posting about autumn... But given the sheer loveliness of the collections to come, I think you'll forgive me for getting a little ahead of myself. Add to that the fact that a) Pre-Fall 2012 will arrive in stores any day now and b) it's fairly likely the gorgeous weather we're having in London wont last much longer, and I'd be mad not to share them with you all! Given the sheer number of fantastic brands who produce trans-seasonal treats, featuring all of them would just be impossible. So in the interest of mainting some semblance of a social life, I've decided to stick to the ones that really make my heart sing with joy, starting with Jonathan Saunders...

Following a succession of stunning shows and unanimously rave reviews, I took it for granted that Jonathan Saunder's Pre-Fall collection was going to be good, but the designer far surpassed my expectations. Every season I'm amazed by Jonathan Saunders' ability to combines eye-popping hues and graphic prints yet always retain a hint of subtlety. Pre-fall collections are meant to help fashion forward women (with bottomless bank accounts) make a stylish transition into the chillier seasons and Saunders' has nailed it perfectly. Bold colour combinations plus classic shapes make for ladylike chic with an edge while prints so vibrant they practically leap off the garments make this pre-season delights hard to resist. My personal fave is probably the adorable burnt orange number (above). And it just so happens that my 21st birthday's in under a month... just putting it out there.

Love Ella.

Burberry Releases AW12 Campaign Preview

2012-05-29T09:21:00.000+01:00

Anyone remember my slightly stalker-ish post about Eddie Redmayne in Burberry's SS12 campaign? Given quite how gorgeous Eddie looked in My Week With Marilyn (and Birdsong... and basically everything else he's ever been in), I refuse to belive any of you didn't melt at the sight of him larking about with the equally gorgeous Cara Delevigne. Indeed, despite Burberry's stellar track record for featuring the most beautiful British stars in their ads, I didn't think they'd manage and top last season's snaps. But guess what... they did. For AW12 Christopher Bailey has enlisted two of the HOTTEST (literally) faces in London right now: actress Gabriella Wilde and Musician Roo Panes. Shot by Mario Testino at the Royal Navy College in Greenwich, the campaign is a stunning celebration of all things British, a timely tribute to the brand's heritage in the run up to the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee. As Christopher Bailey so succinctly put it:

"We wanted to play with everything that's at the heart of the Burberry world - celebrating our brand and London through imagery, film, music, weather and our iconic outerwear, all in a very poetic and British way"

Between the magnificent setting and cinematic quality of Testino's black and white images, I think this might just be Burberry's best campaign yet. Even more exciting is the fact that, for the first time ever, the AW12 collection will be available to purchase online from June 1st... looks like I'll be stocking up on lottery tickets between now and then.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Kate Spade New York Hosts Afternoon Tea

2012-05-28T09:33:00.000+01:00

After the previous evening's exploits I felt none too fresh come Wednesday morning but with four hours of lectures and two really rather fabulous events to attend, lounging on the sofa was not an option. Thanks to the power triple-shot iced lattes I made it through the morning and by the time I arrived at Sloane Square, was feeling considerably better. And it was lucky I did because Kate Spade's Creative Director, Deborah Lloyd had jetted over from New York especially to host an exclusive tea party in celebration of the Chelsea Flower show, to which I had been lucky enough to snag an invite. Kate Spade's Symonds Street store is always lovely but on this occasion, it was utterly picturesque. The sartorial delights on show were complimented by stunning floral displays and a bevvy of gorgeous attendees including Zara Martin and Sunday Girl AKA Jade Williams who'd been enlisted to DJ for the occasion. Other well dressed guests included Little Boots, Nisha and Amber of The Broken Hearts and television presenter, Zoe Hardman.

Me & Deborah Lloyd

Little Boots

The Broken Hearts

Zoe Hardman

In between sampling the gourmet delicacies on offer and studiously avoiding the champagne - in my experience, when you start drinking before 6pm things tend to go downhill rapidly - I got stuck in to browsing the rails and compiling a mental wish list which consisted of pretty much the entire collection. By the time I said my goodbyes it was clear to me that Kate Spade New York is going to become a MAJOR obsession.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Village Bicycle Celebrates First Anniversary

2012-05-27T15:05:00.000+01:00

Between the delicious cocktails and great company, I could quite happily have whiled away the entire evening at Lily and Lionel's Liberty launch but of course, it wasn't the only event on our agenda. Pretty soon it was time to head back into the sweaty confines of the Northern Line and off to Blues Kitchen in Camden for cooler-than-cool Notting Hill boutique, Village Bicycle's first birthday bash. We soon realised that the unpleasant and highly unglamorous tube journey had been well worth the effort as Village Bicycle founder, Willa Kestwick certainly knows how to throw a party. I clearly wasn't alone in this sentiment as everyone from Clara Paget to Alex Vargas made the trek to be there, prompting Willa to comment that Camden High Street had never seen so many stylish people!

Moi

Clara Paget

Bip Ling

Zara Martin

Alex Vargas (right)

The evening kicked off with vodka cocktails, soul food platters and popcorn before DJ sets from Bip Ling, Zara Martin and Leah Weller got us all on the dancefloor. Unlike your regular fash bash, this wasn't a 6 to 8pm affair and with TRIBES set to headline, we knew we were in for the long haul. Given the level of drink mixing that went on, I probably shouldn't be surprised that the night culminated in a rather embarassing kareoke performance.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Lily and Lionel Launches Beside the Seaside Collection at Liberty

2012-05-26T09:35:00.000+01:00

Lily and Lionel designer, Alice Stone, must have known something the rest of us didn't as between receiving the invitation to her seaside themed soiree and the evening itself, the weather has gone from grim to glorious in a matter of days. Given that the event took place inside Liberty's sumptuous scarf hall (natch) it wouldn't actually have mattered if it had poured with rain but thanks to the sunshine my fellow guests and I were well and truly in the mood to celebrate. The cause for celebration in question was the newly launched collaboration between accessory brand du jour, Lily and Lionel and award winning photographer, David Bebber. In honour of the occasion, Liberty had been transformed into a quintessentially British seaside scene complete with Punch and Judy puppet shows, beach huts and even a replica Blackpool pier. Adorable though they may have been, the nostalgic nibbles and retro sweets didn't quite manage to counteract the effects of the lethally strong but oh-so-delicious gin cocktails and I definitely spotted a bleary eye or two. With Jo and Leah Wood, Meg Matthews and BFC Chairman Harold Tillman all in attendance, the event was a testament to the success of Lily and Lionel, now a firmly established fash pack favourite that certainly wont be disappearing anytime soon.

BFC Chairman Harold Tillman & Alice Stone as Punch and Judy

Alice Stone with Jo & Leah Wood

Me & Alice

Love Ella. X

La Petite Weekly Wish List, May 25th

2012-05-25T14:50:00.000+01:00

1) Wildfox Drama Queen Tee, £34 at AlexandAlexa.com, click here to buy
2) J Brand Low-Rise Shorts, £127.83 at Bloomingdale's UK, click here to buy
3) Superga 2750 Cotu Classic in Pastel Green, £40.95 at Zappos.com, click here to buy
4) Diane Von Furstenberg Large Beach Tote Bag, £74 at Matches, click here to buy
5) Milly Santorini Poppy Print Bikini Top, £96 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
6) Milly Santorini Poppy Print Bikini Bottoms, £96 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
7) Lily and Lionel Yellow Leopard Print Scarf, £100 at Liberty London, click here to buy
8) Diane Von Furstenberg Turquoise Tonda Clutch, £263 at Matches, click here to buy
9) Charlotte Olympia Miranda Mermaid Print Wedges, £575 at Matches, click here to buy
10) Holly Fulton Coral Print Flapper Dress, £538 at Matches, click here to buy

At long, long last Summer appears to have arrived in London and as a result the past few days have flown by in an over excited blur of too little sleep, too many cocktails and a whole lot of floral prints. I give it approximately 3 more days before I start whingeing about overheating on the tube and getting my French Soles all sweaty (don't pretend this doesn't happen to you) but for now, it's beyond lovely. Plus, it means that this week's wish list is infinitely more relevant because it's actually hot enough to wear these seasonal treats!

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Floral Time

2012-05-24T21:50:00.000+01:00

What: Dress: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Topshop, Bag: Whistles, Jacket: All Saints, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery
Where: Kate Spade's Afternoon Tea in Chelsea followed by Designers Secret Garden launch party at Harvey Nichols
When: May 2012

As I mentioned in my previous post, the second the sun came out I went STRAIGHT for the florals and I'll be damned if I'm putting them away any time soon. I've had this little Urban Outfitters number for absolute years but it's one of those investment dresses that just keeps on giving... And let's be honest, floral prints are never not going to be in for Spring!

Love Ella. X

Ps) I apologise to any of my fellow Londoners who were blinded by my appalling pasty legs, definitely time to reach for the St Tropez.

British Brands Get Patriotic For The Diamond Jubilee

2012-05-24T15:00:00.001+01:00

As anyone who hasn't spent the past six months in Outer Mongolia will be well aware, this is a pretty major year for Britain. Not only will London play host to the 2012 Olympics but in less than two weeks we'll be celebrating 60 years under the oh-so-stylish rule of our beloved Queen. While I adore the romance of Paris and the buzz of New York, when it comes down to it I'm an English girl through and through. Regardless of the appalling weather and outdated traditions, I don't think I could call anywhere else 'home' and I'm sure I'm not the only Brit who feels this way. In London there's an atmosphere of pre-Jubilee excitement so tangible that is has to be down to more than just the allure of a four day weekend. Naturally every shop, cafe and restaurant in the country is cashing in on the two momentous events taking place this Summer (let's be honest, they'd be stupid not to) but, naive though this may sound, I can't help but feel that some of these endeavours are not just about cold, hard cash. Out of all the many, many Jubilee/Olympics related goodies I've seen, my favourites are these lovelies from Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch and Mulberry.

Anya Hindmarch bespoke Maud Clutch, £450, click here to buy

Alexander McQueen Brittania Skull Box Clutch, £845, click here to buy

Mulberry Lily Bag with Union Jack Stamp, available from May 31st at Mulberry.com

There's something rather wonderful about these truly British brands paying homage to the heritage that is as much a part of their identity as their glossy ad campaigns and providing us with a perfectly patriotic excuse to shop. I mean, what better way to celebrate all things English than by indulging in luxury leather goods?!

Which all-Brit bag is topping your Diamond Jubilee wish list? I kind of want all three...

Love Ella. X

Annie Lebowitz shoots The Macallan's latest campaign...

2012-05-24T08:43:00.000+01:00

Ok, so this particular snippet of news isn't super strictly fashion related. But beautiful images and stiff drinks are two of my favourite things, so when I heard that The Macallan single malt whisky had enlisted legendary photographer, Annie Lebowitz to shoot their latest campaign how could I not blog about it!? Plus the added eye candy factor of Greys Anatomy star, Kevin Mckidd, makes these shots hard to resist.

Lounging by the fire in a Scottish castle, or scaling scaffolding surrounded by the New York skyline... Whichever shot floats your boat, I'm sure you'll agree that The Macallan's choice of leading man has gone a long way towards making whisky sexy.

Love Ella. X

Christian Louboutin launch iPhone App!

2012-05-23T13:50:00.000+01:00

As anyone who knows me will most definitely confirm, I am an iPhone addict. By 2pm every day my phone is guaranteed to be battery free thanks to my incessant emailing, tweeting and facebooking. Naturally I carry my charger with me at all times to avoid the inevitable meltdown that would ensue should I be sans communicado for more than five minutes. Yes, the fact that my iPhone sleeps under my pillow is a little sad and quite how much I use my Starbucks app slightly worrying. But I refuse to believe I'm alone in my iPhone obsession and the news of Christian Louboutin's newly launched app will no doubt bring a smile to many faces. Some lucky so-and-sos will actually use it to locate their nearest store when the urge to splurge strikes. Others (AKA me) will simply indulge in a spot of wish list compilation. Either way idea of being able to enter the world of Louboutin anytime, anywhere at the click of a button is more than a little bit magical. Still not convinced that you NEED the Christian Louboutin app in your life? Well then check out this tantalising vid...

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Wisteria Miss

2012-05-22T17:33:00.000+01:00

What: Silk top & blazer: Whistles, Jeans: J Brand, Shoes: Kurt Geiger, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery, Bag: Alberta Ferretti
Where: Lily & Lionel launch at Liberty London followed by Village Bicylce 1st Birthday Party at The Blues Kitchen
When: SUMMER!!!!!

It's official, Summer has arrived in London! I know that by saying that I've pretty much guaranteed us another month of rain starting tomorrow but I'm so over excited right know I just can't help myself. You may remember that I featured these bright blue J Brands in my Weekly Wish List a few months ago. Well, like so many other things I try to entice you lot to buy, I ended up buying them myself. I justified my jeans purchase on the excuse that they would go perfectly with my Wisteria print top. Ever since then I've been hoping and praying for a sunny enough evening to take this ensemble out for a spin and at long last, here it is. Tonight I'm off on the party rounds (surprise, surprise) starting with the launch of Lily and Lionel's latest collaboration at Libertys before heading on to Village Bicycle's first birthday bash at The Blue Kitchen in Camden. Also have to give a presentation bright and early tomorrow... We'll see how that goes.

Love Ella. X

Shop Snooper: Wolf & Badger, Dover Street

2012-05-22T10:40:00.000+01:00

Situated mere seconds from Dover Street Market and Acne, Wolf & Badger's new, central London location simply oozes chicness. Add to that the fact that they stock some of the hottest up-and-coming names in town - think Georgia Hardinge, Jean-Pierre Braganza and J JS.Lee - and you've got yourself a serious style destination. I'm sure you've all heard the name Wolf & Badger being bandied about in fashion circles so I'll be sparing with the details. Basically it's a cooler-than-cool concept store which promotes independant design talent by stocking their innovative creations in prime retail spaces. Having first opened its doors in Westbourne Grove just two years ago, Wolf & Badger now has branches in PortoMontenegro and, most recently, Mayfair. As a long-term supporter of this unique company I was among the first to check out their new space and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

Love Ella. X

Girl Crush Alert! Jessica Chastain

2012-05-21T09:37:00.000+01:00

Generally speaking, I'm not big on celebrity style posts. Not because I don't find A-list ensembles and Red Carpet disasters fascinating, in fact quite the opposite. There are just so many other blogs that cover it brilliantly that I can't help but feel my jumping on the bandwagon might be a little bit pointless. But as you've probably noticed, this goes out the window fairly frequently, especially when a certain starlet dresses so exquisitely that I can't help myself but post about it. Previous girl crushes have included Florence Welch, Alexa Chung and Rooney Mara, but the ingenue to blame for making me break my celeb-free policy today is a striking strawberry blonde by the name of Jessica Chastain. I could start harping on about Jessica's acting accolades, after all she starred in a whopping seven big budget films in 2011 alone. But much as I loved her performance in The Help, the subject of this post is her style credentials. Whether it's ice white Givenchy, or sculptural McQueen, few people pull off the modern day goddess look quite like Jessica. Having been lucky enough to meet her at this years Elle Style Awards, I can confirm that this woman is luminous. Personally I'm loving her Cannes Film Festival looks and when a snap of her at the Lawless premiere in a glimmering, Gucci number arrived in my inbox, I came worryingly close to fainting. Seamlessly switching between old Hollywood glamour and more directional pieces, Jessica Chastain is a sartorial force to be reckoned with. The dress she wore to this year's Critics Choice Awards may have received some unkind press but when a redhead is brave enough to attempt bright pink Balenciaga I can't help but think, good on her!

From left: Jessica Wears... Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Elie Saab and Balenciaga

Jessica Chastain wearing that Gucci gown

While I can't exactly imagine her rocking a causal jeans and tee combo, Jessica Chastain certainly knows how to work the Red Carpet. Plus, isn't the idea of only bothering to leave the house for occasions that demand priceless couture more than a just little bit fabulous?

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Pink Rainbow

2012-05-19T14:05:00.003+01:00

What: Skirt: Whistles, Top & Shoes: Topshop, Bag: Oliver Bonas, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery
Where: Cutler & Gross drinks party/ Luke Waller exhibition, Knightsbridge
When: May 2012

Having spent a considerable amount of time pre-planning my outfits for last weeks' events (sad but true), I was fairly peeved when the return of the ran rendered my extreme organisation redundant. Committed though I am to the sartorial cause, no way in HELL was I wearing pop socks and strappy sandals in any form of moisture! On Thursday evening I was off to an intimate drinks party hosted by Cutler & Gross at their gorgeous flagship store in Knightsbridge. In between meetings, castings and endless emails, ended up running seriously behind schedule and suddenly found myself with approximately 10 minutes to choose a whole new outfit. This resulted in a wardrobe related meltdown and, ashamed though I am to admit it, I very nearly didn't end up leaving the house! Luckily I managed to pull myself together enough to concoct this ensemble and was pretty pleased with the result. A couple of glasses of champagne later, my diva moment was little more than a distant memory. From now on I will always have a decent bottle of something stashed away in case of future fashion disasters.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Weekly Wish List, May 18th

2012-05-18T16:40:00.002+01:00

1) A.P.C striped top, £105 at FarFetch.com, click here to buy
2) A.P.C leather shorts, £150 at THE OUTNET, click here to buy
3) Proenza Schouler Medium Green Suede Satchel, £1285 at Liberty London, click here to buy
4) Red Valentino bow detail pumps, £193 at FarFetch.com, click here to buy
5) Red Valentino sequin detail dress, £585 at FarFetch.com, click here to buy
6) Beautiful Bottoms Peacock underwired bra, £54, click here to buy
7) Beautiful Bottoms Peacock ruched knickers, £29.50, click here to buy
8) Charlotte Olympia Mabel printed platform pumps, £675 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
9) Rag & Bone neon yellow skinny jeans, £123 at FarFetch.com, click here to buy
10) Peter Pilotto Ten top, £351 at FarFetch.com, click here to buy

Towards the end of last week it almost looked as though summer might be on it it's way. Naturally I immediately went into a state of extreme over excitement and started manically digging out all the skimpy sundresses and barely-there broderie anglaise confections that have spent the past six months gathering dust at the back of my wardrobe. No sooner had I unearthed my holiday favourites and attempted a DIY pedicure (high-heeled ankle boots 24/7 = disgusting feet) than all at once the temperature plummeted and I was back in my winter woolies. Why this comes as a surprise after nearly 21 years in London I don't know but every year I live in hope that I'll actually get to wear by spring purchases some time before July. In the hope of enticing the weather gods to catch up with the fashion calendar, here are a few more sartorial delights that will be just perfect when the sunny season finally arrives.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Chloe Green Launches Shoe Collection for Topshop

2012-05-17T17:14:00.000+01:00

What with Victoria Beckham scooping up fashion awards and the Olsen twins continued sartorial domination, it's hardly surprising that more and more celebs are deciding to try their hand at designing. As you probably already know, the latest famous (well, famous ish) face to get in on the act is none other than Chloe Green. Chloe's decision to make her first foray into the fashion industry has encountered a fair bit of scepticism. But while it's all too tempting to write off her shoe collection for Topshop (where else!) as another rich girl's pet project, the results are actually rather impressive. My personal faves are the mint green Misha wedges (below), definitely one for the wishlist!

On Tuesday evening Chloe invited the London fash pack along to check out the fruits of her labour. My fellow guests included an eclectic mix of tabloid favourites, industry insiders and seasoned FROW-ers with everyone from Tess Daly to Louise Roe and Alexandra Burke in attendance.

Chloe Green & Alexandra Burke

Theordora Barker et Moi

Louise Roe & Zoe Hardman

Chloe Green & Tess Daly

Any event that combines alcohol and shopping is alright by me and between the champagne cocktails and six inch statement heels up for grabs, Chloe's soirée truly nailed that fail safe combination.

Love Ella. X

Images courtesy of Rex Features

La Petite Party Diaries: Maria Grachvogel hosts Charity Event in Support of Brain Tumor UK

2012-05-17T14:47:00.000+01:00

Despite the abismal weather there's been no rest for the wicked, and on Tuesday evening we were off making the party rounds. Luckily fash bash number one was a relaxed affair hosted by the lovely, Maria Grachvogel. I always love Maria's collections - click here for this season's show report - and am never one to miss out on an opportunity to visit her gorgeous Chelsea store. This particular event was more than a canny piece of brand promotion and with 10% of all proceeds from sales going to charity, we were well and truly shopping with a cause.

Theodora Barker et Moi

Antonio Marsocci, Maria Grachvogel & Mason Fountain

After an hour or so cosily ensconsed in Maria's exquisitely decorated flagship, it was tempting to stay until we got forcibly removed. But there were people to see and places to be so 2... ok 3, glasses of champagne later we journeyed on to party number two.

Love Ella. X

Look Du Jour: Mustard

2012-05-16T08:50:00.003+01:00

What: Dress & Bag: Whistles, Shoes: Topshop, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery
Where: Launch Party for Chloe Green's CJG Shoe collection for Topshop
When: May 2012

I got this little mustard number for Christmas and have only worn it a handful of times since. Not because I don't adore it - with it's super flatting shape and attention-seeking hue I could quite happily wear this baby morning, noon and night! No, I just feel that something this effortlessly fab should I be worn when you really want to look your best. Plus, it's pretty obvious if you re-wear the same bright yellow ensemble more than once every couple of months, non?

Love Ella. X

LPA Loves... Miu Miu

2012-05-14T20:10:00.002+01:00

As you may have gathered by now, I have a bit of athing about Miu Miu. Ok, that's putting it mildly. I love Miu Miu so much thatI'm physically incapable of walking past their Bond Street store withoutstopping, sighing and then going inside and trying practically everythingon. Few fashion weeks, actually scrap that, few weeks FULL STOP go pastwithout me drooling over Miuccia’s collections for Prada’s oh-so-sweet littlesister brand. Somehow Miu Miu manages to take all things glittery, girlish,frivolous and kitsch and somehow blend them together to create fashion magic.Sparkles, gingham, sequins, bows, Peter Pan collars, sugar shades… Thingswhich, generally speaking, should only be worn all at once if you’re a) under10 years old or b) Grayson Perry. Yet somehow Miu Miu manages to combine them to createfashion forward yet ultra covetable collections and remain the darling of stylesetters both young and old. Yep, my fashion crush has officially developed intoa full-blown obsession. Given that I have a 21st birthday coming up (hint hint) I thought it might be an idea to complie a selection of my favourite Miu Miu treats...

1) Floral lace A-line dress, £1370, click here to buy
2) Croc-effect glossed leather passport holder, £125, click here to buy
3) Stingray-effect leather wallet, £250, click here to buy
4) Lightning bolt earrings, £90, click here to buy
5) Cat motif beaded cotton sweater, £595, click here to buy
6) Bow-embellished halterneck bikini, £145, click here to buy
7) Rosette-apliqued leather bag, £995, click here to buy
8) Bow-embellished leather pumps, £355, click here to buy
9) Velvet Clutch, £760, click here to buy
10) Embellished collar printed crepe dress, £1460, click here to buy

Love Ella. X

Hoss Intropia by La Petite Anglaise & Fashion Salade

2012-05-14T17:43:00.000+01:00

Earlier this year I made a brief blogging-related trip to Madrid for a little collaboration with Hoss Intropia and Spanish blogzine, Fashion Salade. Now when I say brief, I really do mean it, as I went there and back in a day! This elicited a fair bit of mockery from family and friends about my supposedly "jet set" lifestyle but I assure you, easyjet at 5am ain't glamorous. Once I arrived all early morning angst was forgotten and I got stuck into a day of dressing up. For the results of our shoot and a short (thank God) video interview with yours truly go to Fashion Salade, but here are a few snaps from the day...

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Nelly.com London Launch Party

2012-05-14T09:49:00.000+01:00

Getting stuck in to the spectacular Ghanian inspired cocktails at A.Sauvage's soiree may have been a mistake in retrospect as upon arriving at Nelly.com's London launch, we were confronted with one of THE most extensive drinks menus I've seen in a long time! Not that the success of a party is dependant on the standard (and quantity) of alcohol provided, but an open bar certainly helps it along the way. The Scandinavian e-tailer was clearly determined to celebrate in style and had transformed Oxford Circus nightspot, Aqua, into an emporium of girly delights. Aside from unlimited Cosmpolitans, my fellow guests and I were treated to manicures, dancers, DJs and the first 100 to arrive even went home with a free pair of shoes. In all fairness, I couldn't really clock it up as a "work" event as there was minimal mincing and a LOT of dancing involved... But then again, that's sometimes exactly what you need.

Moi

Jaime Jan of Boy Meets Fashion

Love Ella. X

Images courtesy of Pearly Photography & Nelly.com

La Petite Party Diaries: A.Sauvage Flagship Store Launch

2012-05-13T09:57:00.000+01:00

Yep, you guessed it, more parties. Given that I've got a 4000 word essay on post-war subcultures to polish off (ok, start) I should probably have given the cocktails a miss this week but, unsurprisingly, I didn't. And seeing as this particular party served up THE most incredible smoking, dry ice confections I've ever laid eyes on, it would have been a crime not to try one. Drinks menu aside, Adrien Sauvage's soiree to celebrate the unveiling of his stunning new Maddox flagship was certainly well worth attending.

Adrien Sauvage

Since launching his first collection of slick menswear and contemporary tailoring back in 2010, Sauvage has diversified into womenswear and made-to-measure, gathering increasing numbers of fashionable fans, rave reviews and prestigious stockists every step of the way. The brand's first standalone store was a testament not only to how far A.Sauvage has come in just two years, but to the multi-talented man behind it. Sauvage is not only a designer, but also a critically acclaimed director and photographer, who's 2011 film "The Art of D.E" was selected for Sundance. Around his Maddox Street shop-cum-gallery hang a selection of black and white photographs taken of his native Ghana, displaying Adrien's artistic, as well as sartorial, successes. Between the shots exhibited on the walls, garments hanging on rails and wooden, shanty town esque installations, I'd be pushed to choose which was most impressive. Famous faces and industry insiders including George Lamb, Suki Waterhouse, Reggie Yates and Maia Norman all popped by to congratulate Adrien, and as we left to move on to party number two it looked like this one still had a few more hours of fabulousness in it yet.

Suki Waterhouse (left)

George Lamb (right)

Reggie Yates

Love Ella. X

Images courtesy of Purple PR

Look Du Jour: Camel Culottes

2012-05-12T12:07:00.000+01:00

What: Shorts, top & bag: Whistles, Pumps: Paris, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery
Where: Hermes' Leather Forever Exhibition Private View at The Royal Academy, Mayfair.
When: May 2012

I haven't worn this outfit since waaaaay back in December so I decided it was due another outing. Of course, when this shorts n' blouse combo last came out to play it was teamed with an extremely thick coat plus gloves, scarf and hat. This time around I popped it with my trusty trench coat and a simple pair of ballet flats. Naturally it rained all day so by the time I stopped for a spot of sushi I resembled a drowned rat.

Click here to read my review of the Hermes Leather Forever exhibition for Velour Magazine.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Weekly Wish List, May 11th

2012-05-11T08:46:00.000+01:00

1) Tibi Ruffled Silk Crepe Top, £245 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
2) Citizens of Humanity Phantom Cropped Jeans, £200 at Donna Ida, click here to buy
3) Jimmy Choo Topaz Watersnake Wedges, £695 at Net-a-porter, click here to buy
4) Mac by Marc Jacobs Navy & Yellow Satchel, £260 at Matches, click here to buy
5) Acne Suede Biker jacket, £1000 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
6) Jimmy Choo Glitter Finished Leather iPad sleeve, £260 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
7) Comme Des Garcons Polkadot Embossed Wallet, £205 at Net-a-Porter, click here to buy
8) Tibi Printed Silk Dress, £137 at THE OUTNET.com, click here to buy
9) Camilla Skovgaard Glossed Leather Sandals, £182 at THE OUTNET.com, click here to buy

I know I've said this before, and it was no less boring a comment then than it is now, but how fast are the weeks whizzing by at the moment?! It feels like I only posted my last wish list about 5 minutes ago yet here I am, sharing the latest objects of my affections again. Thinking about it, the past seven days may have flown by but every single second has been jam packed with exciting, and not so exciting, engagements... Except for the blissful hour I spent watching Mad Men with my iPhone turned off (shock, horror!) last night that is. After spending the bank holiday weekend playing catch up it was full steam ahead on tuesday which kicked off with a breakfast meeting followed by lectures before heading back into town to interview PR legend, Anna Morel. As you may have guessed from my previous post, this week's party schedule was a goodie, something I cursed whilst attempting to write an essay on post war subcultures after indulging in one Cosmopolitan too many. Last night I also realised that I haven't been near a shop in WEEKS so I will most certainly be indulging in a spot of retail therapy this Saturday.

Love Ella. X

La Petite Party Diaries: Rankin The Hunger Issue 2 Launch

2012-05-10T19:28:00.001+01:00

I love blogging for many reasons. It gives me the chance to indulge my obsession with clothes in a more meaningful and less financially crippling way than just shopping. It's enabled me to begin getting my foot in the door of the fashion industry. But aside from all that, one of the best - or at least, the most enjoyable - things about writing La Petite Anglaise has been the chance to attend lots and LOTS of fabulous parties. Some involve champagne and celebrity performances, others offer up cocktails and freebies. Rankin's bash may not have been the kind of big budget blowout put on by Selfridges or Temperley, but what it lacked in luxury it more than made up for in attitude. Plus, when you're hobnobbing with the legendary photographer himself at his cooler-than-cool North London gallery/studio, who actually cares what you're drinking?!

The Hunger Issue 2 Cover

On many occasions, the PR spiel given to describe a collection, designer or publication can be rather misleading. On a few, it's just plain nuts. However in The Hunger's case the tagline, "for the culturally and visually hungry", is right on the money. Rankin's bi-annual publication is SO much more than a magazine. It's a 500 page homage to all things cool, cultural and aesthetically arresting, punctuated with mesmerizing editorials. Given the brilliance of the magazine, not to mention the profile of it's creator, the fact that London's fash pack made the trek up to Kentish Town on tuesday evening wasn't all that unbelievable. The Anroy Gallery was packed fit to burst with painfully stylish types, ploughing through endless supplies of white wine and checking out the images displayed on the walls. As "work" events, or frankly any events, go it was a hell of a lot of fun and only after many hours of drinking, dancing and generally behaving badly could we summon up the self-restraint to head home.

To find out more about The Hunger click here but for now, here are a few snaps from the party...

Love Ella. X

Images courtesy of Rankin Photography