Liverty London

Sydney Evan Jewellery

2014-01-17T01:07:00.001-08:00

Jacket by Farah Khan

I have just come across the coolest EVER jewellery: Sydney Evan.

Jacket by Farah Khan

It's the perfect stacking / layering jewellery, and each piece has its own personality.

There's lots of different collections within the range - think Peace Luck Love, Sweet Things, and Initials. But my favourite is Pure. It's really simple, plain nacklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, in various different golds (rose-gold, yellow-gold.. You know the drill). I used to be a silver girl but am massively into gold at the moment. Can you tell?!

These little bees are also super cute. I'm actually a bit bee-sotted with them! (geddit? Sorry, it's Friday..)

You can shop the collections on their website.

Skin Chemists Bee Venom Oil

2014-01-16T08:15:00.004-08:00

I'm pretty picky when it comes to skincare.

Actually, I'm pretty picky when it comes to just about everything. But that's another matter for another day..

The point of my tale? My daily regime just got a new addition: Skin Chemists Bee Venom Facial Oil.

Now. Bee venom burst onto the scene over the past couple of years (Kate Middleton apparently used it before her wedding day. Good old Kate Effect!), and we're pretty used to see bee venom facials and creams.

But what about oils? Well, exactly. There aren't any. Sorry: weren't. Because Skin Chemists launch their Bee Venom Facial Oil next Monday (20th Jan). Aka the first ever bee venom facial oil IN THE WORLD (kind of a big deal). And it's good.

It goes on like a serum (it honestly feels more like water than oil), and contains manuka honey plus alpine rose stem cells. Meaning? It gives your skin an immediate plumped look, and combats all the inflamation / dryness / redness etc that we're usually gifted with this time of year. Without feeling heavy or greasy. In fact, it's a pretty awesome make-up primer...

Best news? Eager beaver shoppers can use my discount code all of next week! It's a pretty mega one too.. Type BEEOIL2014 at the checkout and you'll get the bottle for a poxy £29.99. It should be £98. Do the math...

Olivia x

Hari's Hairomatherapy

2014-01-16T01:59:00.000-08:00

I love Hari's. We've been through this before.

And I was very excited when they launched a new brand in Parsons Green, AKA even closer to my flat than the King's Road one.

So yesterday, I went back for more. I tried out their new Aromatherapy Associates Hairomatherapy, which is basically the best of both worlds from a super indulgent spa treatment plus all the usual perks of a Hari's blow-dry (of which there are many. Trust me).

First up, an amazing smelly aromatherapy oil is put into your hair. This bit is great - it feels like someone is playing with your hair. Heaven.

Then into the backwash where you get the first of very many massages, and a minty masque is applied. While it soaks in, you get the real treat - neck, shoulders & back massage on one of those crazy revers-y chair things. It gets rinsed off (shame really, it smells so good), and then you're in the stylists' hands.

Oscar loved my blow-out, too!

I had my nails done at the same time - love a bit of causal multi-tasking!

Then, finally, as my hair was setting, I had my final quick neck and shoulders massage.

I was in there for about two hours, and left feeling like I was walking on air! And with great hair & nails, I might add..

To book, visit their website.

Olivia x

Anesis Spa

2014-01-10T09:31:00.002-08:00

Yesterday, I had a treat.

I checked into Anesis Spa in Clapham for some serious post-Christmas TLC.

First up was hair. I was lead to the (super comfy - and vibrating, I might add) back-wash, and had not one but a whopping TWO scalp massages. So far, so very, very good.

I barely noticed the blow-dry itself happen - I was plied with magazines and coffee (I turned down the cava - Dry January, right?!), but I did notice the yummy smell. Anesis uses Shu Uemura products for hair, and they are just divine.

Then it was time for nails. I love a manicure - the way your nails look when they're truely clean and tidy. It's one of those small things that makes SUCH a massive difference. Obviously I love them even more once they have a whopping four (yup, they're thorough at Anesis) coats of yummy OPI Big Apple.

To book a treatment at Anesis, visit their website.

Asics kicks!

2014-01-08T05:43:00.001-08:00

The one terrible thing about getting super maga awesomely amazing new trainers for Christmas is that I now need to get back into running.

Soon.

In the meantime, I'm just going to gaze lovingly at my COOL new Asics Gel Kinsel trainers!

They're from Sweaty Betty, FYI, in their mega sale.

Olivia x

iPad love

2014-01-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

I always thought I was a little bit indifferent to the iPad. I had my iPhone, and I had my mac. Why did I need a middle-man?

But then I got an iPad for Christmas (complete with keypad, I might add - bit of a deal-maker), and it all changed.

So... Check out my new office! Beaut, right?!

Olivia x

Lush Spa

2014-01-08T05:29:00.002-08:00

Yesterday, I had a Lush facial.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Because with Lush, there seems to be a bit of a love / hate type situation.

Happily, I fall into the former camp - I grew up on Lush exploding bath bombs, and those funny little cardboard boxes were my go-to gifts (I strongly suspect, in fact, that I may even still have one lingering under the bath. Which, yes, I know is gross).

But there are many who reject the all-naturals brand on account of the sometimes over-powering smell. Which I do understand.

Anyway. The Validation Facial. You're lead downstairs and arrive in a kind of vintage-style kitchen. Quick consultation then back to the shop floor to choose my products. Literally. She chopped bits out of pots for me. Very cool.

The facial lasted and hour and my skin was incredibly soft when all was done. I was given the serum she'd used to take away with me, which looks like a bar of soap. A solid serum. That pleased me endlessly.

Oh, and you have a fresh fruit drink that's brewed throughout the treatment to look forward to at the end.

To book a Lush treatment, visit Lush Spa.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

ME by Melia

2013-12-19T05:47:00.001-08:00

I've been to ME by Melia before.

I've been to Radio Rooftop (see above - think Dubai beach meets NYC skyline. Super cool), and to the ground floor STK restaurant for steak & cocktails.

But I'd never actually looked around the hotel. So the other day, I decided to have a little poke around.

It just about goes without saying that the rooms (and suites, natsch) are nice. Big, lots of windows, lots of white, cream and greige. I can prove it, too - take a look..

But what's nice is the extra details. Like the mood lighting you can play around with in both bedroom and bathroom (the one I saw went pink. How cool is that?!).

And the dog toy in the 'essentials' cabinet (alongside a hangover kit, seduction kit, and souvenier-style Mini Cooper, I might add), which is there because they are pet friendly. Although only up to 5kgs. Which, to be honest, sounds exactly like my kind of dog.

After the poke around, I joined a table for lunch in the hotel's Italian Cucina Asellina restaurant. It's where guests have their breakfast, but you can book a table as an outsider (like us), too.

We shared a heap of starters (and I really do mean a heap) - beef carpaccio, hams, smoked salmon, stuffed olives, calmari.... You know the drill.

Then had the arduous task of selecting a main course. After much deliberation, I went for a steak.

My neighbour had lobster linguini, which looked pretty spectacular..

Naturally, we could hardly move after all this, so ended on some limoncello and waddled off in the direction of a taxi.

To book a stay or meal, visit the ME London website.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

7 days 7 ways

2013-12-13T05:32:00.001-08:00

I've been trying messy hair.

Why?

Well.

Hair supremo Umberto Giannini (I know you remember the Curl Friends scrunching cream, too) has teamed up with super hottie Tali Lennox for a new campaign this party season.

Messy boho

It's called 7 days 7 ways, and basically kind of does what it say on the page. I.e: using products from the Glam Hair range (y'know, Backcomb In A Bottle et al), you can create seven unique styles. Easily (trust me - I'm a spray-phobe, too).

The looks (from Messy Boho to Rockability Glam) are super easy to re-create, using the step-by-step guides on Umberto Giannini's site.

Casual brunch

Which means? No more boring hair this festive period. At all. Ever. No excuses. You have been warned.

p.s. The products, £5.61 each are available at Boots.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Hari's Parsons Green

2013-12-13T03:36:00.002-08:00

Now. We've spoken about Hari's a little bit before.

But something's changed: they've got a new salon.

Hari's Parson's Green is slap bang between Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green. Which, as the sloanys amongst you will know, is damn convenient.

I was in for an Express Blow-Out, which was basically a blow dry and nails combo, but just so so great. They're super fast (no mean feat on my lion's mane of a hair) and somehow got my over-processed blonde hair mega shiny. Again - no mean feat.

If you know (and love - the two go hand in hand) the Hari's family, the third branch has all the signature eccentricies (phew), and most of the stylists have been poached from the existing salons.

It's open now at 183 New King's Road, and I'm reliably informed they'll close only two days over Christmas. Get booking!

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

p.s. all clothes available through my Rufflr page x

Love Label party

2013-12-12T05:46:00.002-08:00

Last night, I went to a girls-night-in type party, courtesy of Lee Publicity and very.co.uk.

And when I girls-night-in, I really mean it. They'd thought of everything - MAC make-up artists and hair stylists from HOB salons, brow threaders, manicurists... And of course super-girly cocktails plus the cutest canapes, like mini fish 'n' chips (everything's better in mini, right?!)

Millie getting her make-up done

It was to celebrate the launch of the latest Love Label collection (and Christmas, of course), and we were joined by the lovely Millie Mackintosh and youtube blogger Electra Formosa.

The best bit, though? We got our very own styling session, and were allowed to pick our best bits. I totally fell in love with this panda hat. I mean.. No words. I die.

My lovely friend Poppy was with me, and got a super cute playsuit and shirt combo.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Rodial Super Fit

2013-12-12T02:39:00.001-08:00

For the next couple of weeks, I will be a work-out super-star. I know this because I now have Rodial Turbo Shots in my life.

Each shot (handily separated in very Rodial-esque - remember Skinny Sticks? - tubes) contain green tea, b vitamins, amino acids and taurine.

Which means? Greater energy during the work-out (AKA greater calorie output, hurrah), and less feeling totally drained for the rest of the day, too.

You take between one and two sticks a day, and the pack of 14 sticks is £48.

I'll let you know how I get on..

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Covent Garden Dental Spa

2013-12-10T01:06:00.004-08:00

The other day, I tried out something cool: the Covent Garden Dental Spa. It's basically a super luxe dentists, with all sorts of added extras to make what is traditionally a much put-off trip actually enjoyable.

Like the array of herbal teas you're offered on arrival. And the plinky plonky music plus dull lighting that makes it more spa than surgery. Oh, and the absolute absence of fish tanks (is that just me?!)

I was there to road-test their latest treatment, the Bright White Christmas Smile. It's essentially a super-effective hygenist appointment. They focus on getting any nastiness off your teeth, and polish them (you choose the flavour. Cherry is pretty awesome, btw) to their sparkliest best.

It takes half an hour, and then you're free to chill in their (absolutely incredible) massaging chair as long as you like. And I don't say that lightly - it genuinely feels like an actual massage, not just a vaugely vibrating thing. Love.

To book, visit their website.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Vintage designer sale!

2013-12-06T04:55:00.000-08:00

Now. I know this is all a little late notice, but I only just found out. So.. You kind of have to forgive me *smiles winningly*.

But I'll keep it brief.

So the news? There's a vintage designer pop-up (AKA the best kind) going on til 7pm tonight (yes, tonight!) at 109 Baker Street. It's called Tags-On.

It's all pre-loved, but super-high quality and hand-plucked by the founders of Tags-on.

Check out their site for more info.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Fayre of St James

2013-12-06T00:44:00.000-08:00

Last night, I was at the Fayre of St James - a festive carol concert raising money for Rays of Sunshine.

It was co-hosted by the Alice in Wonderland-esque Fortnum & Mason - and yes, that meant exactly what you're thinking: yummy, decadent treats, and plenty of them.

The fifth floor dining room had been robbed of all its tables and turned into a sort of mini winter wonderland. The outer ring had a series of stalls serving everything from oysters to cheese. And the middle? A Wishing Well, of course - decorated with all the silent auction prizes.

It was all very festive - check out the teeny tiny Christmas puddings!

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Hair by Blow

2013-12-05T02:23:00.004-08:00

I don't think I've told you about Blow yet. Which is frankly unforgivable, since it is SO SUPER MEGA AWESOME.

It's not really a complicated concept. Basically, it's a new beauty one-stop-shop in Covent Garden that masquerades as a beauty boutique but is really a fully-fledged salon that also happens to sell the best that the beauty industry has to offer. They do hair, make-up and nails, and you can mix 'n' match exactly which of the three you want.

It's designed for busy London types. So the idea is, it's fast (they'll get two stylists on you at once if needs be) and instant. By which I mean you can walk (dash - no-one truely walks in London anymore) in an hour before an event and emerge fully coiffed and made-up, with shiny new nails.

I was there yesterday for a pre-event (Master's Tennis, FYI) blow-out, and it was simply marvellous. Oh, and they have a really cool array of tea to choose from, too.. Just saying...

Visit the website to book.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Holly Sharpe for M&S Limited Collection

2013-12-04T07:44:00.001-08:00

I had ever such a fun morning today.

I was making a speedy cameo at the M&S Limited Collection launch before my tan appointment at the new Benefit boutique on Carnaby Street (more to come on that bad boy later).

The launch was a new collection of beauty bits and pieces (everything under the sun, really - manicure kits, fragrance, eyeshadows..), which all have their packaging adorned by a drawing by illustrator extraordinaire Holly Sharpe.

I had a little snoop around, drank a green tea and nibbled on some festive treats (rude not to, no?), and then I spotted it. A collection of beauty journalists huddled stoically over their own re-creations of Holly's artwork. Surrounded by watercolours. And brushes. This was a try-it-yourself launch. Yay!

So I threw caution to the winds and got involved. Mine was.... ok. It went a little wrong in places so I was forced to improvise and stick a butterfly on her head. As you do..

The collection launches on the 9th January 2014 at M&S, and is the perfect remedy for January blues.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Hennessy Gold Cup

2013-12-02T00:51:00.003-08:00

On Saturday, I went to the Hennessy Gold Cup races at Newbury.

Now. I am hardly a seasoned race-going pro. I've got all dressed up and done Ascot a couple of times - but if I'm honest, I'm not truely sure how much racing I saw.

A very sleepy train ride to Newbury with lovely Laura

So this time, I was determined to get a bit closer to the action. Which we did - just before the Hennessy race (AKA The Big One), we were ushered into the paddock to watch the horses being paraded. We were close. They were huge. Gulp.

After a quick jaunt, we headed back up to the hospitality (and the warmth - we were drinking warm apple Hennessy cocktails. Yum). We were in the Fred Winter suite with HRH Princess Anne, so were under strict instructions to go knee-length. Which we mainly did not..

Dress: ASOS, jumper: Zara, belt: Accesorize

More successful was the request to wear a hat. Well - I took one, at least..!

Hat: Rag & Bone

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Adamina Spa

2013-11-29T04:15:00.002-08:00

So. I think I've told you about Adamina before. Y'know - the super duper London day spa just down the road from High Street Kensington tube station? Yup. That one.

First and second visits, I was hidden away downstairs in one of the mega-luxe treatment rooms. And they're very nice - all flickering candles, spa smells and pretty music.

But upstairs is a little more cool. It's where the waxing happens, and - as I discovered - is also where the nail room is.

Now. I get it: seen one nail room, seen them all. I'm with you here, really I am (was), because I don't (didn't - see what's happening here?!) typically find manicures a terribly relaxing experience.

But actually, no you haven't seen them all. Because this one's different.

You go in, pick a squishy seat and put your feet up. Then you flick through a magazine and sip green tea while Carrie & co tear up Manhattan in the background.

And then you notice that your toes have been painted and your hands are being massaged. Basically, it's just like being at home. If you had someone to primp and preen you all day long. Which I don't..

And, with the absence of awkward small-talk, it really is quite genuinely relaxing. Promise.

To book, visit www.adaminaspa.com

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

My Selfie Kit

2013-11-25T03:18:00.002-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, the lovely people at World Duty Free sent me a personalised make-up kit, and challenged me to complete a look using that and only that.

Well, game on, so far as I was concerned..

First out the bag was Benefit POREfessional (I've told you about this primer before), then Estee Lauder DayWear, which doubles as a day cream and tint-giving base. It comes out the tube white, which is slightly alarming at first - ou est la tint?! But as you work it into your skin, it gives this incredibly natural, light coverage, Kind of like instant airbrushing. We like.

Next: bronzer. Now. I'm a massive fan of the bronzer, but I'd never tried Guerlain's Terracotta broning powder. It has a light shimmer, but it's so subtle you can still use it for contouring. Which I did.

Then, I was on to an old faithful. Benefit They're Real mascara very rarely leaves my side. I love how easy it is to layer, and the super clever brush makes lower lashes really simple, too.

Now. Admittedly I was probably going in the wrong order, but next I picked out YSL's Touche Eclat. Massive beauty staple, and one I've been meaning to get to grips with. No time like the present, right?! I used it to conceal my eye-bags (it's early, ok?!) and highlight along my cheekbone - remember the contouring?

Brows are a bit of a new obsession of mine. I get them shaped and tinted at Benefit every month, but still use a pencil or gel each day to get them looking perfect. Bobbi Brown's kit contains everything you need for a quick touch up (even mini tweazers, which - yes - are just as cute as they sound).

For the next part, I really had to persuade myself a little bit. Clarins Joli Rouge is great (goes on like a balm, stays like a stain etc etc), but I usually go for something a little more pinky. Plum terrifies me a bit. But.... I really love it. Good meeting colour, I think.

Et voila, the finished look!

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Princesse Tam Tam

2013-11-22T04:16:00.000-08:00

I've been doing some shooting for Shop Chelsea with a mega new sportswear brand that I thought you might like to know about.

I say new. It's not actually a new brand. But the sports part is.

You've probably heard of them before, actually: Princesse Tam Tam. AKA chic and super feminine French lingerie and loungewear brand. AKA my new favourite.

Nope, can't catch..

Anyway. We were doing a sporty shoot, and managed to come by some of their new gym-bound pieces.

Cool, right? There's loads more colours than this (colours a bit of a 'thing' for Princesse Tam Tam) and designs, but I love the bright coral and grey combo.

You can shop them here.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Whistle & Bango

2013-11-21T04:02:00.002-08:00

Jacket: ASOS. Jumper: All Saints. Hat: Rag & Bone

I love finding something new. Especially now that it's all Autumnal and gloomy outside. An exciting find can make all that dreariness go away.

This week, my find is Whistle & Bango, which is a postcode-based jewellery company. Which may sound a little peculiar, but actually it's really cool.

Jeans: Zara

You basically choose your most relevant postcode (N1, W11, SW11, SW6, or SW3) and that's the bangle for you. Sort of like the geographical equivalent of the infamous Carrie (or whatever your name is, obv) necklace.

I couldn't choose between SW6 and SW3, so went for both. The colours are mega, too - Tiffany blue and a coral-y red. Perfect.

I went for a little stroll through SW6 & SW3. It felt the appropriate thing to do..!

And then, it seemed only fair to take my new play-mates on a little tour of the city, so they came with me to the recent Mini launch party, where they made lots of friends!

My shoes: Kurt Geiger. Skirt: Zara. Top: BooHoo

Does it make me a little odd that I take my jewellery out for playtime?! I'm not sure I mind...

Whistle & Bango bangles are £60 each, at www.whistleandbango.com!

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Love Boo

2013-11-15T03:48:00.002-08:00

I've found something new that's completely changed my beauty regime: Love Boo.

Full disclosure: they're made for babies. But then, so are most of the best things in life. And yes, we're talking Calpol and Milk Teeth. Try telling me you've not had those since circa age five..

Now. When I came across the new range of natural haircare, I was pretty much sold at first sniff. It's this curious, playdoh-type smell that reminded me instantly of being small and basically just blissfully happy.

It's not playdoh, though (just to clarify) - it's a combination of things like argan oil, fig, coconut and papaya extract. Uh.. Yum.

The shampoo is amazing for cleaning make-up brushes (yes, really), the conditioner makes a great mask if you add a healthy dollop of treatment oil to the mix, and the de-tangling spray is like none other that I've tried. In that, it actually works. And if you suffered knotty, unruly hair, you'll understand the rarity of this.

The range starts from £8.99, and is available here.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

B London Boutique

2013-11-15T03:15:00.002-08:00

Every once in a while I think it's nice to get out of the city and explore somewhere a little more rural.

Naturally, my lack of driving ability (work in progress, honest. I can't take the shame of whipping out my green provisional on demand of ID very much longer) puts paid to anywhere truly green in a hurry. But there's plenty of semi-rural places near enough (and very public transport-able).

So, last week, I headed to Barnes.

I pootled around a bit before it began to rain and I took shelter in the aptly named B London Boutique, on Barnes High Street.

The boutique is friendly, welcoming, and everything a boutique should be - the treatment rooms are through the back of a kitsch little shop, and you're offered tea from the comfort of a Aromatherapy Associates-scented sitting area while you wait.

And when I say kitsch, I mean kitsch. My tea arrived in a super cute one-person tea pot, and my water glass had pink flamingos on the side, which perfectly matched the wallpaper.

But the main thing: the treatment. I was having an Eve Lom facial, which combined warm paraffin wax (to relax the muscles and prep for...), extraction, a rescue mask (plus shoulder massage while it set) and facial massage. Which is pretty impressive for an hour-long treatment, don't you think?

I left with glowing and thoroughly clean-feeling skin. Winner.

To book into the B London Boutiwue, visit the website.

Love, Laugh, Liverty x

Colour at Jamie Stevens

2013-11-14T00:14:00.001-08:00

I think I've already told you about Jamie Stevens in Kensington.

But what I know I haven't told you about is how super duper fantastico they are at highlighting.

I found this out last week, when I hauled my sorry-looking hair (I threw caution to the winds and went sans UV-protection on holiday in Dubai. Blondes: don't do it. Unless you want orangey straw to replace your precious locks, that is..) into the salon and all but wailed until Natasha fix it.

My hair was more orange than blonde

But fix she did. And with that peculiar know-how that only awesome stylists have (aka practically psychic), I'd barely managed to communicate what I wanted (I was jet-lagged, don't forget) before she'd dashed away to mix up my colour, and I was plonked in a comfy seat with coffee and Tatler. Sigh.

And this is the result.

Pretty good, huh?

Love, Laugh, Liverty x