Rachel Phipps

Spring Essentials: Ash 'Bowie' Wedge Trainers

2012-02-28T08:08:00.001Z

I have a confession to make. I really, really used to hate any form of wedged high top trainers. However, ever since these both natural and brightly coloured styles from Italian shoe brand Ash started to crop up, I have really been coming around to the style, and I have found myself actually seriously considering these orange ones. (Though, if they start doing them in any form or purple or bright/ pastel blue I will be all over them in a heartbeat!)

Orange usually really is not my colour, but I think these would work really well as a splash of colour for Spring, and would not be too bad only on my feet. How awesome would they look with my pale purple pastel skinny jeans?

In fact, I think they would look pretty great with any colour of pastel or bright colour block skinnies, so you can pick your personal preference! You can shop around, but I think these shades from Topshop would really complete the (bottom half) of your outfit!

Do you think I should take the plunge and go for these trainers? Does anyone else own a pair of wedges trainers? How comfortable are they, and what do you wear them with?

This is a sponsored post. To read my policy on sponsored posts, please click here.

Gift Guide: Mothers Day

2012-02-27T07:29:00.000Z

So, on the 18th March it is Mothering Sunday, and I will be hopping on the train and heading home to visit my mother, keep her company and help her out around the house and the office for the weekend.

First up, don't make the faux pas of giving a gift and forgetting to include a mothers day card! I used to make my own cards for everything, but these days until I actually have a permeant and regular home to set up a good DIY and craft area I tend to buy them. However, I really like to personalise the card to the person, and sometimes when you're standing in Clintons or Marks & Spencers I can't find the perfect one for someone even when there are literally hundreds of cards on the shelves in front of me! It came as a surprise to me recently that Hallmark actually have a personalised cards service on their website, which I think is perfect if you are not the crafty type, or you don't have the time or space to make your own like me!

Emma Bridgewater 'Mummy' Mug: £19.95, Hotel Chocolate Mothers Day Selection: £22, Cath Kidston Cake Tins: £25, Hobbs NW3 'With Love' Scarf: £59, Swarovski Heart Earrings: £67, Yardley London English Lavender Fragrance Gift Set: £13.50

As well as all of these gifts you can buy in the shops, I think handmade gifts also give a lovely little touch. Why not make her a box of homemade chocolate and cherry buttercream macaroons, make her some sugar plum crepes for breakfast in bed or melt some coloured wax into some vintage tea cups for some cute candles to give her as a stylish gift!

Have you decided what you are going to buy your mother (and don't forget grandmothers!) this Mothers Day?

This is a sponsored post. To read my policy on sponsored posts, please click here.

Outfit Post: Skinny Pastel Purple Jeans

2012-02-26T16:58:00.002Z

On Wednesday morning I was out on a mother daughter shopping trip in my hometown of Canterbury, and neither of us were doing very well on the shopping front (well, I did discover that my favourite Whistles jeans now come in navy and that there is a rather lovely skirt in Hobbs I would love to try on, but neither are things I can afford at the moment!) After we had given up on clothes we were just walking through Marks & Spencer to get to the food hall, and something from their Limited Collection caught my eye...

Jeans: Marks & Spencer, Cashmere Jumper: John Lewis c/o Most Wanted, Nail Polish: Essie 'Nice Is Nice'

A pair of purple pastel jeans that match my favourite Essie 'Nice Is Nice' nail polish has been at the very top of my Spring/Summer wish list, and I was so shocked to be able to cross it off in Marks & Spencer of all places, and, wait for it... only for £29.50! My jeans usually cost £80 from Whistles! Usually I only get my tights, socks and vest tee shirts from Marks & Spencers clothes wise (get me to the food hall or the home section and it is a totally different story!), but I don't really give their womans wear much of a glance!

These jeans have got me very, very excited for Spring/ Summer. Usually I'm so-so about the collections, but some of my favourite high street brands are taking inspiration from one of my favourite parts of the world this season: California. How amazing are the new Kurt Geiger store layouts for example? Now, I don't usually shop in River Island, but I think I might head in and check their stuff out, as this behind the scenes video from the lookbook shoot in Los Angeles is wonderful!

Next on my Spring/ Summer wish list is a blazer and tailored either shorts or a skirt in the same fabric. I know there are a few on ASOS, but I'm not big on the crazy Mary Katrantzou-esque prints or too short shorts. Any ideas? I did have a dark breton striped top with a solid colour block colour at the top on the list too, but I might have popped into Jack Wills for a little something the day after I got those jeans too - I'll show you all soon in another outfit post!

What are you planning to buy for your Spring/ Summer wardrobe?

The Jane Packer Flower School with Yardley London

2012-02-25T08:43:00.000Z

Last Saturday I decided to take an afternoon off from the total organised chaos that was London Fashion Week to head over to the Jane Packer Flower School for a flower arranging lesson with a couple of my fellow bloggers, and to hear about Yardley London's new skincare range and advertising campaign.

The new Yardley range of a body wash, body lotion and hand cream come in all of their core fragrances; Peony, English Lavender, English Rose and Royal English Daisy. They are all very reasonably priced (all under £6) and come in sleek and simple packaging.

We were taught how to make a hat box flower arrangement from scratch, as shown in this picture. I was very worried about how mine would turn out!

I was still rather worried half way through that there was awful balance to my arrangement, but thankfully things started to look up when I added the dried lavender and the foliage.

The finished result, and it was so easy to make! I'm going to keep all of the non floral components so I can hopefully shoot a step by step guide to recreating this at home for a later blog post!

After talking us through their new print ad campaign (they are pretty amazing ads, look out for them in your favourite fashion monthlies) the ladies at Yardley were kind enough to give me a set of the Peony scented products to take away with me. Yardley are a brand that are usually associated with the older market (they do have lovelies such as Q10 and vitamins that help out older skin), but all their scents are beautiful and floral, and I at 18 after trying these will certainly be using them more often.

The body wash leaves a lovely scent on your skin which is long lasting but not too overpowering, as does the lotion. I am especially impressed with the hand cream, and while I don't think wild horses could drag me away from the tube of L'Occitaine hand cream I carry in my handbag, this Yardley tube is just as good, and has already taken up pride of place on my bedside table.

Have you tried any Yardley products before? And has anyone here ever been to any flower arranging classes, or do I have any florists among my readers?

Weekly Love: Week 95

2012-02-24T09:24:00.000Z

Wow, that was an epic week! I can't believe that London Fashion Week has been and gone, and I'm already back in Canterbury (nothing beats the feeling of being home) sorting out details and attending meetings gearing up for the holiday cottages opening in April! Thank god I think weather wise that Spring is finally here - I was getting fed up of the biting cold! I was lucky enough to be able to catch up with some of my favourite bloggers and fashion people (Selina, Eleanor, Elodie, Sherin, Florrie, Gem, Lily, Daniela, Jasmine, Kate, Zoe and Carrie) and get to see a lot of shows and presentations. In case you missed it, you can catch up with all of my London Fashion Week coverage here! (And for those of you who are sick of my Fashion Week coverage, I'll shut up about it tomorrow!)

1. London Fashion Week at Somerset House | 2. The Sophie Hulme A/W12 presentation was my London Fashion Week highlight! | 3. I had such fun shooting detailed street style around Somerset House! | 4. I had a bit of a fan girl moment when I spotted Scott Schumman and Garance Dore at Fashion Week! | 5. Do you remember my blue velvet Kat Maconie ankle boots I wore on the first day of FashionWeek? I got to meet Kat herself when I previewed her A/W12 collection in the LFW exhibition area! | 6. My LFW Press Pass

I wish I had been at the Hilfiger show in New York.
Adam Levine's home in the Hollywood Hills is simply amazing.
Jessica has written a lovely guide on how to achieve the perfect relaxing bath!
Anna Dello Russo has some pretty sound career advice, and she advises us all to 'make out own careers'.
IFB has an amazing article on why you should be shooting street style for your personal blogs. I really enjoyed shooting my London Fashion Week Street Style Detail posts this week, and I think I might make street style detail posts a regular thing. Any thoughts on this?
The Cherry Blossom Girl's beautiful photos of India are making me very jealous indeed!
Rose's Fat Free Shrimp Salsa Dip is a must for a movie night, or as a pre drinks snack before a Mexican meal!
Finally, over to my picks of other peoples London Fashion Week Coverage: Zoe took some amazing backstage photos at Kinder Aggugini, how beautiful was the Mulberry A/W12 show, I loved Matthew Williamson, and I want to wear every single thing off of the Nicole Farhi runway. Also, photographer Yan-Pierre White did my portrait at London Fashion Week for his 100 Strangers Project.

What have you been enjoying this week? What have been your favourite bits of London Fashion Week coverage?

London Fashion Week: Street Style Details #5

2012-02-23T08:48:00.000Z

So, here is the final instalment of my London Fashion Week Street Style Details posts (as well as my final piece of coverage of London Fashion Week A/W12) - I really hope that you have enjoyed them! I have had such fun shooting them, so I was wondering how you would all feel if I made them a regular thing, if I looked to be shooting street style details all the time and posting them as roundups like this? I would love to hear your thoughts!

I love how she is wearing this print blouse under a simple and chic camel coat and letting the fabric shine through for just a splash of colour and interesting detail.

What really made me laugh and amazed me about this woman in the pink dress, is that only about an hour before she was wearing a totally different, artistic gold creation front row at Inbar Spector!

I loved what a change this simple white bag on black made to all of the bright colours, neons and bold prints everyone else at fashion week seemed to be favouring.

I really think I need to invest in some pastel jeans this Spring, but what colour?

What has been your all time favourite street style look from London? I'd love to see some of your links in the comments section!

London Fashion Week: Sophie Hulme A/W12

2012-02-22T15:32:00.000Z

One of the darlings of the London fashion calendar, people always really look forward to Sophie Hulme, and after attending her A/W12 presentation on Monday morning (it was a brunch presentation, so we were served virgin bloody marys and beef and bacon sandwiches) I can really see why. I want to know how quickly these pieces can make their way into my wardrobe!

There are not words to understand how much I loved the giant gold cut out model of a dinosaur in the corner of the room. It added the perfect compliment to the dinosaur details in the jewellery, accessories and lace prints the collection features.

As well as being very, very happy with this first photo I shot of this beautiful model at the presentation, I absolutely adore everything about her look. I love her statement brows with the slightly pink, basic eye makeup which really makes her blue eyes pop, with the rest of her makeup staying neutral. I love the contrast of her navy dress and her luxurious black fur coat, and the gold of her necklace and exposed coat zip breaks up the outfit, adds points of interest and creates balance.

I really loved the colours used in this collection. The muted black, navy and grey palette is very stylish and chic, and the little bursts of gold and pink colours add femininity and a bit of individual edge. The cuts of the clothes are also really sleek and stylish, and the mixtures of textures make the pieces really different.

I really love this black and gold version of Sophie's cult tote, just think of how many items you could carry in style in it! Also, I love the lovely coat and the dinosaur pendant, she has such cute accessories!

I adored these black ankle socks with the plain pumps, I really want to try this with maybe grey shoes, plain black socks and slightly cropped trousers?

I absolutely adore the gold detailing around the collar on this simple black shift dress, it is just like built in statement jewellery! Also, I love the mixed fabrics and textures she has used on this classic style of coat, and the dinosaur lace overlay on the top underneath - I need some of that fabric in my wardrobe sharpish!

Finally, for those of you who have made it past the waiting list, What's In My Handbag has a great feature and photos on what Sophie Hulme carries around in one of her signature bags!

If you could, what would you choose for yourself from the collection? I think I would go for a simple black dress, one of the simple coats or some cute dinosaur jewellery!

London Fashion Week: Street Style Details #4

2012-02-22T09:05:00.000Z

Hopefully you're not bored of these street style details posts yet, because there is one more to go after this one! This edition has a particular focus on clutches and handbags, and features on of my favourite photos I took on Monday, which actually has nothing to do with clothing!

This gentleman has to be one of the most stylish men in attendance at the Mark Fast show. I love the way he has used different shades of blue, and how he holds this clutch like it is a file, making a usually feminine accessory into something rather masculine.

I adore the turquoise of this bag, and how it compliments the colours in the print of the womans top.

I was walking past the press registration hall, and I spotted a woman with a massive camera, a big grey coat and a beautiful pair of glittery black Miu Miu pumps who I was pretty sure was Garance Dore. My suspicious were confirmed when I spotted Scott Schuman, aka The Sartorialist having his portrait taken just beyond her. I was lucky enough to be able to watch them both in action for a bit, which is when I snapped this shot of Mr Schuman.

While most people at fashion week were using bright accessories to make their outfits hard hitting, I love how this simple black Mulberry bag is worn with a loud and bright orange coat.

What bright or neon colours are you most excited about wearing?

London Fashion Week: Prose A/W12

2012-02-21T17:21:00.003Z

After seeing some of the pieces in the Vauxhall Fashion Scout exhibition, I was really looking forward to the Prose show on Monday evening. It was a good collection, but I'm not entirely sure any of the pieces I saw on the runway I'd want to wear myself. What do you think?

I love the simple makeup, statement brows (which seem to have been one of the biggest makeup trends from London this season) and bold red lips the models were wearing down the runway. Also, while I don't know how I feel about this red number as a whole, I do like its feeling of Autumn leaves.

I thought the cut and the shaping of the fabric of this dress was simply beautiful, even if I was not much of a fan of the fabric itself. Also, it could just be me, but do the high crowns of hair these models were wearing remind you of the hairstyles worn by the Mormon extremists on Juniper Creek in HBO's Big Love?

The shoulders an d loose fabric cut of this dress also made me think of some of the dresses from Big Love!
What has been your favourite right-to-your-wardrobe show at London Fashion Week so far? I've enjoyed Giles and Burberry!

London Fashion Week: Street Style Details #3

2012-02-21T07:49:00.000Z

Most of the photos in this most recent batch of street style detail shots I took outside the Mark Fast show on Monday where fashions elite were out in force! I loved all the chic details, and all the very bright colours that have been characteristic of street style this season.

There were so many neon Cambridge Satchels out and about, but I really love how this woman had a small one and was holding it like a clutch rather than using the strap.

I loved this womans outfit of rich jewelled tones and beautiful luxury fabrics.

I instantly spotted the pretty amazing and out there design of these leggings as from Black Milk Clothing - if you have not checked out their incredible prints yet, you really must!

What have your favourite street style trends of London Fashion Week been so far?

London Fashion Week: Inbar Spector A/W12

2012-02-20T21:22:00.000Z

The award for the most jaw dropping and creative show I attended this season has to go to Inbar Spector, which left me totally speechless. I loved all the gold, pink and green metallic which I think will translate into some great metallic accessories, embellishments, and maybe skirts for the A/W12 season? Also, the big frothy tulle skirts means great things for evening and party wear!

I loved the jewelled headpieces. Are we thinking great big statement necklaces, or jewelled versions of the already popular body harnesses?

When this gold and white dress with the long train came down the runway I instantly turned to Sherin and told her that this was the dress I wanted to get married in.

Which London Fashion Week show do you think was the most creative this season?

London Fashion Week: What I Wore On Monday

2012-02-20T13:08:00.000Z

On Saturday I did not get much of an outfit post in because of the rain, and on Sunday I took a day off from London Fashion Week, but this is what I'm wearing today; Sherin was kind enough to take these photos for me after I had attended the Sophie Hulme presentation (absolutely amazing, (photos to follow) and I'm not just talking about the bacon and beef sandwiches, and the bloody marys they were serving! Soon after we rushed off to the Inbar Spector show which was so beautiful and creative it left me pretty much speechless.

Bag & Necklace: Hobbs, Sunglasses: c/o Polaroid, Blazer: Jaeger (vintage), Jumper: John Lewis c/o Most Wanted, Jeans: Whistles, Boots: Carvela at Kurt Geiger

I was given these rather cool retro style sunglasses at the Polaroid press day last month and I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear them; what better chance that the first rays of Spring sunshine at London Fashion Week? I love how their shape is very different to what I would usually go for!

This afternoon I'm off to shoot some more street style and go to a couple of shows including Prose which I am very excited about, make sure you stay with me on Twitter for updates!

London Fashion Week: Street Style Details #2

2012-02-20T07:11:00.000Z

Here are the second batch of detailed street style photos I've been shooting around Somerset House this Fashion Week! Thank you so much for all of your wonderful feedback on the first lot, I really enjoyed taking them, and I can't wait to get out there and shoot some more after Sophie Hulme and Inbar Spector show this morning! (In case you missed it, you can see my first London Fashion Week Street Style Details post here!)

Rainbow hair can look fantastic when done right, and this girl and her heidi braid had the right idea! I love the way the greens, pinks and purples come through in different strands against her natural blond.

I love how almost effortlessly stylish this girl was. The mix of dark colours, brights and metallics worked well together, as well as all the different textures her outfit featured. Also, how her shirt hung down at the back adding layers to her outfit, and how she had one half tucked into her jeans to expose the gold button detailing.

I think this lovely and colourful Marc by Marc Jacobs number is making the very practical backpack stylish again - I think those of us lugging a handbag and an overflowing tote were rather jealous!

Matching your all blue outfit to your long blue braid? Yes please!

What have your favourite street style trends of London Fashion Week been so far?

London Fashion Week: Carlotta Actis Barone A/W12

2012-02-19T10:36:00.000Z

Last season my favourite show was Carlotta Actis Barone's segment during the Fashion Mode show over at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, so I was over the moon do discover that she had her own show for the A/W season. Her work is politically aware and themed, and the invite for this show stated that 'Work Liberates' making me think instantly of Communist Russia.

Sumptuous fabrics in beautiful rich wines and burgundies, purples, blacks, silvers and greys made up the colour palette, making me very excited for fall. The room was filled with smoke for the show and the music was loud and very forbidding.

While the hair looked a lot like mine did earlier in the day, after the rain and before I'd dashed back to my flat to tame it into a top knot, I really want to try and create these bold and smoky eyes (I don't think it is a trend that will ever die) with some black glitter for a striking evening look. Fashion156 has some great backstage photos with closeups of the hair and makeup!

The models walked the runway wearing varying dark shades of Hunter wellies. I was very, very happy about this, and I bet the models appreciated the easy to walk in footwear too! Last season Carlotta's models walked the runway wearing fresh flower adorned stripper heels.

I can't wait to see what Carlotta comes up for next season! What was your favourite show from the second day of London Fashion Week?

London Fashion Week: Street Style Details #1

2012-02-18T21:25:00.000Z

While some street style photographers are after the whole outfit, I really enjoy shooting the details of accessories and details of peoples outfits, because I think these are the most interesting parts. My favourite place to shoot some of these street style diaries is at Somerset House during London Fashion Week, and this season people have been going crazy over bright colours (not as many pastels as we saw in New York), dip dyed hair, luxe details and fluorescent (and otherwise) Cambridge Satchels!

I don't think I actually remembered to say hello to Lily when I bumped into her this morning, I think I just immediately pointed out how awesome it was that her Vitamin Water coordinated with her outfit!

I fell totally in love with this See by Chloe bag the moment I saw it and stood snapping it at different angles for a good minute! I want, but I shudder to think how much it costs!

Because I totally did three circuits of the tent waiting for this girl and her amazing Marc Jacobs laptop sleeve as a clutch, fur gilet and chunky gold watch ensemble to be free from her swarm of street style photographers so I could get a shot of her!

I never really 'got' what the big deal was about these Miu Miu heels were until I actually saw them in the flesh, but the curve of the heel and the epic amount of glitter makes for some pretty rad footwear.

I usually don't really like turbans, but I thought this one worn by one of the girls assisting Liberty London Girl looked perfect with her wavy blond hair, neutral eyes and bold orange lip.

What have been your favourite street style trends at London Fashion Week so far?

London Fashion Week: What I Wore On Friday

2012-02-18T09:20:00.000Z

I really love the way photos come out at Somerset House at Fashion Week, there is something about that backdrop that just makes everything looks so much better - fantastic for street style shots! So, without further ado, this is what I wore yesterday for Day #1 of London Fashion Week!

Handbag, Jewelled Necklace & Handbag: Hobbs

However, what was even more important than my Hobbs ensemble, and what seemed to be acting as something of a street style photographer magnet, were my Kat Maconie blue velvet ankle boots the wonderful team at shoe site Spartoo were wonderful enough to send me. I have been saving them for the first day of Fashion Week, and I have been so excited about wearing them for ages! My feet did hurt after a while, but I don't think I'd managed to wear them in enough around my flat. Style wise, thought, they did not let me down!

Did you catch my photos and show coverage of the Zoe Jordan show yesterday, it was my first show of the day, and the perfect start to my Fashion Week!

This is a sponsored post. To read my policy on sponsored posts, please click here.

London Fashion Week: Zoe Jordan A/W12

2012-02-17T20:14:00.003Z

After shooting a bit of street style and having a bit of a mass meet and greet with some of my favourite bloggers around Somerset House I kicked off my London Fashion Week at Zoe Jordan - and what an opening it was for me. Greys, burgundies, knits, rich colours and very wearable tailoring. As Eleanor and I discussed after the show, we'd like to wear the entire collection.

I love the slick but still slightly boho tie dye like print this stunning finale dress was made of. I also love the flattering shape, embellished shoulders and I think the best place for it to be would be on me!

One of the most memorable looks for me was this great chunky grey scarf. I've been noticing a lot of brightly coloured chunky scarfs in the street style snaps from New York Fashion Week, so I'm glad to see the trend seems as if it is going to roll over into some more muted, Rachel friendly colours!

I loved the messy braids the models were all wearing down the runway, and while you can't tell very well from my photos, they had beautiful burgundy smoky eyes, something I now really want to try. Fashion 156 have some great backstage photos that show the makeup.

Photography wise, the finale of a show where all the models walk out I think is the best time to take photos!

What has been your favourite first show of London Fashion Week?

Weekly Love: Week 94

2012-02-17T08:58:00.000Z

London Fashion Week starts today! I've got some great events, shows and parties penciled in this week/end, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@makingmewonder) for live updates from the shows and check back here for detailed photos and coverage throughout the week! The shows I am most looking forward to attending are Basso and Brooke tonight, and Carlotta Actis Barone on Sunday night, which was my favourite show last season!

1. The florists on Westbourne Grove | 2. Wondering through Camden Locks on a Saturday afternoon with Sherin | 3. My first Big Apple Hot Dog on Old Street, thanks for the tip Rose! | 4. My new Kurt Geiger Oyster card holder | 5. Sunday morning brunch with my school friend Rachel at the Boulevard Brasserie in Covent Garden | 6. Bacon, French Toast and syrup at 202 on Westbourne Grove.

Harrods has a pretty rad free online magazine.
Briony has written a fantastic post on how to organise your wardrobe in 6 steps (with beautiful photography too!)
Don't these photos make you wish that you were in Venice Beach right now?
This tart looks too good not to make and eat!
This article on British Beauty Blogger about the dangers of counterfeit products is a must read.
Finally, over to New York Fashion Week where Erickson Beamon's presentation was simply beautiful, Fashionista polled fashion industry insiders on their most embarrassing Fashion Week moments, Into The Gloss goes behind the scenes at Rodarte and I have decided I want basically everything from the Alice + Olivia, Lyn Devon and J Crew presentations, and off of the J. Mendel, Marchesa and Ralph Lauren (swoon) runways!

What have you been enjoying this week? What London Fashion Week shows are you the most excited about?

Overheard At Portobello Road Market

2012-02-16T09:58:00.000Z

On Saturday, because I had never been and I absolutely love Notting Hill, Sherin decided to take me to Portobello Road Market and we had fun looking at (and more importantly taking photos of!) everything that was on offer. However, what was even better than checking out the stalls, was the snippets of conversation that we caught making our way down the road.

Doesn't this paella look fantastic? All of the steam coming off of the pans was testament to how deathly cold it was that afternoon!

We started at the end of the road nearest Notting Hill Gate by the antiques and worked our way down.

"They were not dating in the official kind of way, but in the married engaged kind of way." | "Do English people go to Portobello Road Market?" | "Best of the rat pack!"| "Oh, look! Whisky!" | "I'm so proud of you. You've worked so hard for this."

I would love a beautifully bound Shakespeare collection like this someday.

Usually I'm not a fan of buskers, but this saxophone player had some serious skills. Also, kudos to him for being able to stand there and play in those temperatures.

Have you been to Portobello Market before? Had anything delicious to eat or made any special purchases?

Places To Eat In London: The Primrose Bakery

2012-02-15T10:00:00.000Z

I don't think I will ever go to the Hummingbird Bakery ever again. Why? Because once you have tasted a Primrose Bakery cupcake there is no going back. After a leisurely brunch in Notting Hill and a wonder around Portobello Market and Camden Locks Sherin and I headed up to the Primrose Bakery in Primrose Hill to get out of the cold and indulge in cake and cookies.

While you can always get your hands on a chocolate, vanilla or lemon cupcake most of the cakes will be different every time you visit as they are all freshly and seasonly baked under the shop. As you can see everything was really gearing up for Valentines Day!

They have a fantastic selection of magazines to browse, including Australian Vogue which I had never really looked at before. This was my incredible chocolate bomb cupcake. A little bit more on that later.

How amazingly delicious do these mint chocolate chip cupcakes look? They're also selling these at Tom's Deli in Notting Hill at the moment, FYI.

As well as cakes, they sell lots of cards, kitsch stationary and American candy in store - the bakery really is the perfect place to stop by to purchase last minute birthday gifts! I got the candles as well as the cupcake for my 3rd Blog Birthday post in here.

So this was my cupcake. Rich chocolate cake topped with a marshmallow fluff dome coated in solid chocolate. My idea of heaven. While I love their classic frosted chocolate variety I cannot recommend this one enough!

Have any of you had cakes from the Primrose Bakery before? What is your favourite flavour? The Primrose Bakery can be found in Primrose Hill and in Covent Garden.

New York Fashion Week: Zac Posen Fall 2012

2012-02-14T09:02:00.000Z

Can we ignore how horribly skinny the models on the runway at Zac Posen were and talk about the beautiful creations he sent down his New York runway for the first season in a while were? Zac Posen is not really a designer I had noticed before, but there is so much out of his latest collection I would absolutely love to wear.

I love the beautiful folds of fabric at the bottom of these jewel coloured gowns. Even better, they would also work really well on girls with curves.

This grey gown is one of my favourite looks from the show. I'm not a massive fan of having totally bare shoulders with an evening gown, so this dress provides a happy medium. Not sure how well the effect would work on a girl with a more generous chest...

Does anyone fancy lending me this beautiful fur coat to wear to London Fashion Week? While things are looking a little warmer, if it goes back to being so bitterly cold I think it is the only way I'll survive! Also, while you're at it, can I have the beautiful necklace that comes with this wonderfully sophisticated and tailored suit?

Coco Rocha in the finale dress. Now that is what you call the perfect ball gown. Can I also take a moment to comment on the very pointy, ankle strapped heels the models walked down the runway in? I love the ankle idea, and I now really want a similar pair to wear with summer skirts!

I know it might seem like I'm criticising the collection and the models a bit, but I do still think the dresses are very beautiful; they have totally won me over in the fashion as art department, and as Zac Posen is a red carpet favourite they will probably mostly be worn by equally skinny celebrities. However, it is a very wearable collection, and I like to think that at least one woman like me will be hoping to step out in Zac Posen sometime soon!

What has been your favourite collection in New York so far? I have also been enjoying Wes Gorden, Erin Fetherston and Kate Spade. (Photos via IMAXtree)

Why Can't You Match Your New Season Accessories To Your Fridge?

2012-02-13T08:06:00.000Z

Okay, so I feel like this post requires a little explanation. I've been worrying quite a lot about the new seasons pastel shades. I never really pay attention to trends, but I actually love how all these beautiful pastel shades look. However, I'm prone to wearing a lot of dark colours and I really don't know how I'm going to get to wear any pretty pastels at all, unless I go down the accessories route. I've been planning on writing a pastel accessories post for ages, but had not quite got my finger on exactly how I was going to format it. Fast forward to last week when I was contacted by the PR team behind Appliances Online and they asked me if I wanted to do a sponsored post about SMEG fridges. Now, usually I would just pass up a sponsored post on something I don't usually write about, and kitchen appliances do fall into this category. However, this is a lifestyle blog and I write a lot about food, and I can't ignore the fact I actually adore SMEG fridges, I have always thought they were so cool, stylish and retro looking as well as very fashion forward in all their different colours and designs. Cogs started turning in my mind as to what I could possibly post about them, and then it came to me. Why can't you match your new season accessories to your fridge?

Kurt Geiger Candy Block Colour Heels: £220, Disaya Pink Macaroon Pendant: £115, Topshop Pink Trench Holdall: £36, Paul & Joe Nail Polish in 'Kitten Claws': £10, Korres Pomegranate Skincare Regime Kit: £19.50, Kurt Geiger Sunglasses: £60, Clinique Blushing Blush Powder in 'Iced Lotus': £20, SMEG Pink left Hand Hinge Fridge: £925

If someone suggested pink shoes to me, I would think they were totally crazy, but I love these colour block heels and I've always been a massive fan of Kurt Geiger footwear. I think they would be great to take you from spring to summer. I would also really recommend this Clinique 'Iced Lotus' blush. It is a pretty, slightly shimmery pink which gives a lovely colour to your cheekbones, and is my go to summer shade for a pretty and fresh faced look.

Kurt Geiger Cream Heels: £210, Prada Round Sunglasses: £215, Elle Macpherson Knickers: £21, Yellow Frame Topshop Sunglasses: £16, Topshop Cream Snood: £16, Topshop Plastic Bag: £25, SMEG Cream Left Handle Fridge: £895

I was in Topshop Oxford Circus last weekend waiting for friends when I was browsing their bag section. This plastic bag, which comes in several pretty pastel colours reminded me of the Furla Candy bags the moment I saw it (albeit slightly smaller), and this Topshop version is much more accessible.

ASOS Leather Studded Cuff: £15, Kurt Geiger Mint Green Heels: £395, Lime Crime Lipstick in 'Mint To Be': $15.99 (approx. £10), Essie Nail Polish in 'Mint Candy Apple': £9.95, Kurt Geiger Snake Tote: £50, Chloe Clutch: £790, SMEG Left Handle Mint Green Fridge: £895

I have an Essie nail polish lust list almost as long as my arm, but right at to top of it is the first ever Essie shade I lusted after, Mint Candy Apple. Isn't it just so pretty?

Kurt Geiger Blue Heels: £210, Lime Crime Lipstick in 'No She Didn't': $15.99 (approx. £10), Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Eyeshadow in 'Jubilee': $12 (approx. £7.50), Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf: £165, Blue Nixon Watch: £55, Rochas leather Lock Tote: £840, SMEG Pale Blue Right Hand Hinge Fridge: £895

I think this white with blue print Alexander McQueen scarf is so pretty. I'm not really one for the skull print because I think it has become a bit of a cliche, but I would actually quite like to own this one! Also, some of you might think I'm crazy for putting blue lipstick up here (and mint green in the last image), but speaking as someone who has actually worn this Lime Crime 'No She Didn't' shade for an afternoon, I'm not as crazy as I seem (ignoring the entire topic of this post for a moment!) because it actually looks pretty rad!

Do you like to match your accessories to anything unconventional? I have a friend who sometimes likes to match her O.P.I nail polish to the interior and paintwork on her car! Also, does anyone own a SMEG fridge? What colour is it?

This is a sponsored post. To read my policy on sponsored posts, please click here.

Outfit Post: London Fashion Week Trial Run

2012-02-12T00:03:00.001Z

For a meeting in Shorditch on Thursday afternoon I decided to trial run one of my possible outfits for London Fashion Week, but my meeting got cancelled just as I was about to get on the tube, so I was all dressed up with nowhere to go! Luckily, the effort of putting together and outfit and putting on my makeup (I even went to the effort of wearing foundation!) as an alternative to my usual casual light approach I mooch around uni in was not put to waste - at least I've got an outfit post out of it!

Jewelled Necklace: Hobbs, Jacket: H&M, Dress: Zara, Heels: Pedro Miralles c/o Spartoo

These heels from Spanish brand I had not before heard of, Pedro Miralles, is one of the two pairs I was given by the team at Spartoo the shoe site for London Fashion Week. I like these, but I can't wait to show you the other pair I got - they are so special, and I have fallen totally in love with them!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in 'Strumpet', Chanel Lumiere Perfection Foundation

The nail polish is the Orly shade a lot of people got in the Valentines Glossybox, called 'Ruby'. I'd never tried an Orly polish before, and while I have only been wearing it for 24 hours so can't really comment on how long it lasts, I'm really impressed by the formula as far as application is concerned.

Daniela running through the photos I took for her outfit post. We're happy we've found a nice secluded bit of campus to take photos with great light and back drops, so we can do it in peace without too many people staring at us!

Have you decided what you will be wearing to fashion week yet? Or, if your city has already had your fashion week, or you're in New York and you're right in the middle, I'd love it if you'd link me to some of your outfit posts so I can see what you've been wearing!

This is a sponsored post. To read my policy on sponsored posts, please click here.

Weekly Love: Week 93

2012-02-10T10:15:00.000Z

This week has been a bit crazy for me, as I ended up jumping on a train last minute and going back to my parents house for a bit to iron out a few emergency kinks in some plans I have for the latter half of this year. However, I got it all sorted out and it was lovely to see how much snow there is down in Kent and to be able to spend some time with my family. Also, the warmth, peace and quiet was much appreciated when I sat down to love stream the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference from New York, kicking off the New York Fashion Week coverage!

1. Sunday afternoon milkshakes at The Diner with my old school friend Eddie and my best friend Kathryn | 2. Flowers outside Liberty | 3. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in 'Strumpet' | 4. Snowfall in Notting Hill | 5. The Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb themed elevators in House Of Fraser on Oxford Street | 6. Yet more pretty coloured houses in Notting Hill

Motel Rocks, starting today is having a special flash sale of their Valentines Picks, which will run for 48 hours. Remember to use LOVE20 for 20% off at the checkout!
This week there has been a special guest poster on one of my favourite blogs, The Londoner, whom was so adorable I think Rose should allow to take over more often!
This week I have really been enjoying a new blog find of mine, Camille Styles. The Glitter Guide have also done a great 'At Home' feature on her!
I know I have already written this week about how I'm not big on the whole Valentines thing, but I think you can't go wrong by making your loved one some extra special pancakes! Also, I totally advocate a Valentines Girls Night In.
Continuing with the seasonal pink theme, Joy The Baker has made some mouthwatering Pink Glazed Doughnuts with Toasted Coconut. I love this post, as I never realised you could make doughnuts without a special pan - stupid of me, I know!

What have you been enjoying this week? (In case you have not noticed, I've had another little redesign of my 'Weekly Love' format, and of my blog layout. What do you think?)

Gift Guide: Be Your Own Valentine

2012-02-08T09:29:00.000Z

Anyone who knows me, will know that I am not really a Valentines person. I think that if you really love someone, you should not need a day in the year specially designated to show them just how much. You know that Valentines episode in the first season of The O.C. where Sandy says that Valentines day is just a day promoted by Hershey's and Hallmark to sell cards and candy? I 100% agree with him (and look how trying to do something for Valentines ended up for everyones relationships in that episode!)

All of that being said, I do love all the pretty pink luxury items that crop up in the marketplace every February, so why don't you turn Valentines day into a day you take a moment to actually appreciate yourself for a change? I've picked out some of the things I'd love to treat myself to this year, as well as a few little luxuries that I already own and love, and want to share with you!

Smythson of Bond Street Pink Notebook: £45 | Benefit Thrrrob Face Powers: £23.50 | Diptyque Rosa Mundi Limited Edition Scented Candle: £40 | Essie Nail Polish in 'Bachelorette Bash': £9.95 | Mulberry Heart Shaped Coin Purse: £100 | Alexander McQueen Pink Skull Ring: £75 | Monica Viander Rose Gold Bracelet: £195 | Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent: £25

Benefit's Thrrrob 'Turned On Face Power' was actually the first ever Benefit product I ever got, and a product I still use on occasion when I want to create a nice, rosy, flushed look. Also down makeup alley, I have been raving about the superpowers of Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat ever since I got it, and I have been a big fan of Essie nail polishes ever since they first started gracing my nails in 2010.

A special mention has to go to my latest scent obsession, Diptyque's new Rose Mundi scent. I first caught a whiff of it in Selfridges, and took a little scent stick home which I kept on smelling for about a week before the scent faded. I'm not actually a big fan of Liberty, but I keep on wondering in via their Carnaby Street entrance, past the chocolate and through a room dedicated to Diptyque just so I can spritz and bury myself in the beautiful rose scent. I'd describe it as very similar to Paul Smith's 'Rose' perfume, but a lot more refined with a much greater range of notes. I wish I could afford to fork out for the whole collection; the fragrance, the candle to scent my room and the room spray to keep in my bathroom.

Will you be treating yourself to something special, or have you been dropping hints regarding certain little luxuries to someone special?