I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I’m a digital baby! From finding my comfort zone in digital publishing and discovering a whole world of photography through digital cameras, it’s most definitely my happy place and where I feel I can reach my creative goals. But of course, having grown up with analogue I do like to answer its nostalgic call every now and then…

And like a dog with a bone, I’ve been looking for a film camera that I can get on board with. I tried twice now, with a super retro Canonet and Olympus Trip, but I don’t know, we just didn’t click. Maybe I just needed something a bit more of my own era. Enter the very 80s looking Olympus Mju ii, but actually released in 1997, which is testament to quite how 80s we were still being the 90s!

35mm with a 2.8 aperture and battery powered automatic wind-on, the Mju II is pleasingly small, super easy to load up and described by some as the ultimate Point & Shoot, but not in the ‘advanced 35mm compact’ category like the Rioch GR1 ( I have one of these) or Contax 1’s (I don’t have one of these!).

I got my first two rolls developed this week after I opening my lovely eBay Christmas present. I wanted it to be something to capture moments on, so we’d have something to flick through that would evoke family memories, photo technique and quality thrown to the wind. Well, that is definitely what we got! I snapped away, using flash (which I usually abhor), let Gus have a go and took pictures in lighting situations that I never normally would. Basically I used it with my photography head thoroughly off!

So not surprisingly the results were a mixed bag! Some a complete waste of film, some just what I was after. I thought I’d share a few of my favourites here. I got them developed at our local Snappy Snaps (£12 per roll for a one hour turnaround!) and had them email me the digital files as well… These pictures are more family and personal than I would normally share, but I wanted to demonstrate a different kind of photo-taking than I normally do! Hope you enjoy them!

 

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Can you even imagine life with Instagram Stories? I can’t! I’m a huge fan and see the empty pages as a wonderful way to stream all sorts of moments and mini stories. The fluidity and spontaneity is an exciting way to create content… Although how I create content for Stories has changed and evolved over the last few months; now I see the empty pages as pages from a magazine, your own personalised one – where you can flit from silliness to sombreness and present your imagery in numerous formats.

This morning I did an Instagram Live to discuss some of the apps I am using to make content for my Stories (not massively time-consuming, although if I’m super busy I won’t bother with these all the time!) and I wanted to list them here so you can try them too! The only other thing I would recommend is buying a stylus to help with some of the finer work in apps like Plotagraph and Cinemagraph.

For Instagrammers using Stories in wonderfully creative ways, I would say go check out srhmikaela, parkandcube, qmike and jordanbunker.

My Instagram @stylonylon

InShot 

InShot is by far the app I use the most. For creating images & videos with borders & backgrounds of different colours, or to use the image/video itself as a background. You can easily resize the canvas (choose 9:16 to best fit Stories), resize and move the image/video and create layouts mixing both pictures and videos. I really like some of the Cinema filters and some of the effects too, like glitch, TV and jpeg. You can also add text and slow or speed up videos. Loads of potential.

PhotoGrid

This one has a variety of photo templates which can be good for a collage of pictures, but I really like the Scrapbook option where you can pull in several photos. You can use this to create that ‘throwing down a set of pictures’ effect – you just have to save each file individually and upload each to Stories.

Pic Stitch & Vidstitch

A bit more limited but both offer a variety of basic frames. I have them on hand just to try and create something different. Remember you can always changes the border thickness and roundness.

Slideshow

This I used on my grid for a New Year’s Day post. Just a bit of fun if you have a few photos you want to share! Although I’m looking for one that combines pictures and videos.

Theme Maker

This is useful if you have lots of Live Photos on your iPhone. Basically you can turn them into videos or Gifs to use on your Stories.

Loopvid

This is great for lengthening videos as Stories doesn’t automatically loop them like the grid does.

Kirakira+

For the Christmas festive sparkle that invaded Instagram come November! Still fun though and do swipe for variations on the basic sparkle. And you can film too!

Lumyer

You need to find the good effects and use sparingly! I’d say birds, butterflies, sparkle, steam for cups and rain or snow. Some you’ll need to buy in app. Always worth having a play around with and you just might feel that today is the day you need a shark diving into your coffee cup.

Enlight Photofox

You could probably take over the world from this app, if you knew how to use it! Insane capabilities for creating fantastical photos and collages. A lot of what you can do in Photoshop you can do here. You just need to learn how! Lots of tutorials but definitely one that needs some dedicated time. My efforts to date, quite poor, but I have enjoyed the light effects – my challenge for this year! Subscription app.

Cinemagraph 

The crazy-expensive-but-easy-way to make cinemagraphs on your phone. Otherwise make them in Photoshop.

Plotoagraph

A really easy way to add something extra to your photos – animating the sky or water being the easiest. But as you can animate any part of the photo (I recommend playing with the speed) you can go wild.

Bazaart

This is a fantastic collage app that has evolved itself into something more along the lines of Photofox. You can cut out easily, combine photos and backgrounds and basically let your imagination run wild…

Bokeh Cam FX

I just downloaded this but have yet to have a go with it! Used by Sienna.and.ifor her beautiful Instagram grid. I think subtlety is the key!

That’s about if for now! But I will keep you posted on any new ones I get into! Also I would love to hear what apps you’re using to create content for Instagram Stories – do share n the comments below!

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The pieces I’m wearing in the photos are exactly the kind I would go to Studio B for – not the absolute basics, but something with a little more personality by brands confidently doing what they’re best at. I’ve put together a bit of a festive party look with a colour-popping silk blouse from Rixo accessorised with the Paradise Row Pearly and cool gal classic sunnies by Monc. (The blazer is actually from COS, but I just loved how it clashed with the shirt!)

Anyway Bethany and I had a lovely coffee together – one of those where we could have nattered all day! Bethany told me all about how she got started and where she’s going, so do have a read of the indepth interview below to find out about how Studio B came about, why Bethany stocks the brands she does, the best-sellers, her favourite pieces and a fantastic substitute for THAT Ganni knit!

studiobfashion.com



Rixo blouse,Paradise Row bag & Monc sunglasses

1. Tell me how Studio B came about? What was your background before & what are you hoping to achieve with it?

I’d been thinking (and thinking) about Studio B for years! I actually bought the domain name over 2 years ago… but still remained in my job at the time. I’d worked for Mulberry where I started and loved at the time; I’m actually from the North East, then went to Uni in Manchester where I worked part-time in the Mulberry store, before getting an internship at head office in the buying & merchandising team.

After more than 3 years there I then went to Matchesfashion.com and then lastly Anya Hindmarch. Each company was different but also similar and the roles began to blend into one. Even as you moved higher up I still felt I wasn’t making the most of my skills; I’d always wanted to work in fashion but just felt I still wasn’t doing what I loved. Most people who work at big brands will probably tell you it’s not always what it seems from the outside and I just began to feel a bit disillusioned and kept thinking there must be more!

I loved ‘stuff’ and finding something new or special things, but began to not really enjoy shopping (shock horror!). Especially working in luxury fashion as I couldn’t actually afford anything I was surrounded by! I kept finding smaller more independent brands or newer brands I didn’t know so well on Instagram and started thinking wouldn’t it be amazing to put them all into one edited place that looks amazing, that tells people more about them, and is easy to shop. Where everything is at the same level of premium, but attainable, so you know what you’re expecting price wise (by attainable I mean I’ll eat tinned tuna for a week, not half the year, to buy an amazing dress!). I just kept asking myself if you didn’t want fast fashion, premium high street or super luxury, and wanted something a bit more unique, where did you go?

I want to grow Studio B by planning more physical events and keep adding more brands, at some point branching out into adding European brands too. All with similar values and products that work well together but can still bring something unique to the site. I’d love to have a physical studio space that would be our office and a retail space for customers, but more of a personal, buyers showroom type feel.

The end goal is to then grow this into an independent mini department store, offering all our Studio B brands but also homeware, cards, beauty, food, floristry – I just think it would be an amazing place to shop. We recently did an event just last week and we collaborated with Push PR using their showroom space, and also with Shoreditch Nails, Café Miami, Mean Mail(cards) and Southern Wild London (florists). Everything worked well together, and this is the start of my independent joint department store vision!

2. You mentioned that the brands you stock being those ones you see on Instagram and really want – how much do you think Instagram is defining how we shop and these days?

I think Instagram definitely plays an increasingly growing role in how we shop now. It’s such a great tool for a brand to show their identity and personality and so easy to show how you would style pieces, what you wear and find new brands. I would say most our customers interact with us through here, ask questions about products and place requests. There’s also always something new on Instagram and its quick to view on the move, most brands post new images at least twice a day, so there’s always something new to catch your eye.

I use it, I shop through seeing people wearing looks on Instagram now, it’s so much better to see something on a real person actually wearing it and it really make me want it as it creates more of a vision than a flat product shot online. You may have noticed on our site I’ve styled looks hanging together and on our Instagram I try to wear our stock to show styling ideas… I need to improve my modelling skills, but I just wanted to show things on a real person, and I’m cheap!

3. Talk me through some of the brands you currently stock and why…

I love all the brands on the site, I genuinely do love every piece and want everything myself! Which is a little bit of a curse, as the point of the business was not to increase my shopping habit!

I love Paradise Row as the bags have such a story behind them and are all inspired y, and made in, East London, which the charms one each bag represents. I really see them becoming a great British heritage brand in years to come. Another bag one we have is Baia, again British but the founder Susy handmakes them all herself in her studio in Yorkshire, so much time and craftsmanship goes into them. Plus, they’re all gorgeous textures and colours and a bit more unique I feel.

Monc London make the most incredible quality sunglasses, as soon as I tried them on I could tell the difference; they’re handcrafted in Italy and so comfortable to wear, plus they have subtle but special design details. Their founder Freddie’s vision was to created premium sunglasses without the extreme luxury price tag, which is one of the things I liked about the brand, they’re beautifully crafted and most are under £200.

Rixo is a personal favourite, I’ve loved this brand since the start, I really wanted to stock them as I think the prints are so different and the styles are genuinely flattering, you just feel so good in a Rixo dress! I also really liked the fact they’d set it up themselves only two years ago and Henrietta and Orlagh hand paint all the print designs themselves, they also still sell the brand from their living room in Fulham, down the road from me! I find it really inspiring and sort of reassuring that you really can start a business from your kitchen table and grow it into something incredible – if you’ve got a good product people will come!

4. What are your best sellers so far? And any favourite pieces for winter partywear?

So far, the leopard print pieces have been very popular, the dress and skirt from Danish brand Gestuz have completely sold out in under 12 weeks – which for a new site I wasn’t expecting. The burgundy Faux Fur Coat from the same brand has also seen an uplift since the weather has gotten colder, it really is so so soft and cosy – someone at our event last week was convinced it was real fur! Same with the Leopard Faux Fur Jacket from Baum und Pferdgarten (another Danish brand); I promise they are all faux fur they’re just amazing quality, and this leopard jacket is one of my personal favourites.

Also Rosita Bonita, Chalk and Milk Tooth LDN jewellery have proved popular, they’re all statement earrings and necklaces and a great price and just offer something a bit more unique. Again, I love a big earring! Plus, the Super Her Tee from brand Zazou has been a favourite, it’s really fun and easy to wear. The exclusive collection of one off leather and Mongolian sheepskin jackets we have from Johanna Sandshas also almost sold out and we only launched this in November. Johanna has been handcrafting jackets for over 12 years, I found her on Instagram a couple of years ago and when I started Studio B asked if she’d be interested in a collaboration. She doesn’t have a website and just sells from her home, making each jacket as a bespoke order. The quality is gorgeous and each one is complete one off, they are a little higher priced but just think how much you pay for an off the peg leather jacket from Whistles?

In terms of winter partywear I can think of a few! We’ve just had come in the most incredible Rixo Multicoloured Sequin Dress, it’s pastel coloured sequins, midi length with sleeves and just the dream dress! Very limited production too so we only have two online, but a good thing as means not everyone can get it. Any Rixo dress is good, the red jungle print Camellia dressis a winner, the Fedora in the vibrant blue, red and black blossom print is perfect, as is the Leah jumpsuit and the Cindy oriental print kimono is perfect as it can be worn fastened as a dress or open over trousers and a tee – two in one!

We also have a rather special Baum und Pferdgarten Jacquard Co-ord Suitfor something a bit different than sequins and dresses. Plus we have some new in bits from this brand; the bright blue Satin Wide Leg Trousers are super flattering and look fab with the Lurex Houndstooth Frill Jumper. Also, the Gestuz Burgundy Maxi Dressis stunning for something special; from the same brand the Sparkly Roll Neck is an easy winner (and perfect gift price too) and the Leather Dungaree Jumpsuit is just so cool and can be styled so many different ways.

5. And do share any exciting new brands you have coming in for the new year! Anything in particular you’ve got your eye on yourself?

In terms of new brands we have a few more independent ones just added last week, such as Elin Horgan, handcrafted jewellery, you’ll want her Orbit hoops! Also, Violet & Wren, the most luxurious printed silk lounge/day wear and Makeda Matheson, bold colour pop 100% Mongolian cashmere (made there too) jumpers and accessories.  And next year we already have some in the pipeline including more lingerie, RTW and bag brands.

I’m also adding one of my favourite new brands, another Danish one, called Stine Goya. The collection is simply stunning, the quality is beautiful and they’re the perfect wedding, event, special dresses you can wear again and again. Like all our brands they have a more standout style rather than follow trends – I’ve definitely got my eye on this long yellow dress in a solid woven fabric with structured short sleeves, it felt very Victoria Beckham to me but around £300 not thousands!

To answer your question, I’ve got my eye on a lot for myself ha-ha! I may have also picked up one of those Rixo sequin dresses, but the plan is for summer weddings, it’s really lightweight and the pastels make it an all year-round sequin number!

Personally, I also love the brands Paloma Wool and Staud bags, I’d love the bucket shaped one. I also think Ganni is incredible and could be one for the future for Studio B, although I love it, it is perhaps a little well known now over here for my brand mix. Although I do love that infamous Ganni jumper, however I’ve found a fantastic substitute from Gestuz, it’s a wool/mohair blend Mint Green Knitted Jumper and almost half the price of the Ganni one at £179 – check out new in on the site!

Thankyou for reading! All pics by myself on Olympus Pen F. 

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Clapton’s Chatsworth Road has really become a destination in its own right and I love seeing the local shops and cafes flourish and evolve. Recently introduced at plant & homewares boutique Botany E5 – this is Instagram heaven if there ever was one! – is the wellbeing space The Treatment Room offering a range of gorgeous holistic treatments… 

Passing through the wealth of greenery in the shop gives a magical woodland feel to the calming, low-lit intimate space. Unlike the sterility of so many spa rooms these days, wooden chairs with cushions and hanging plants accent the space making it feel really cosy and comforting.

I completed my form and my therapist Vicky asked questions to check any allergies and to determine my skin type. I really didn’t know what to expect from the Honest Signature Facial – but the products looked & smelt lovely; Honest is a Birmingham based organic skincare brand (I bought the Nourishing avocado and shea cleansing balm after my treatment!).

Usually facials, to me, generally fall into the slightly painful ie. extractions or other types of facial procedures that can err on the uncomfortable; or the relaxing kind that are mainly confined to the face and a bit of neck, which always leaves the massage junkie in me craving more.

But as Vicky got started with a hot towel to the feet and pressure points around my soles and ankles I realised this was more of an encompassing treatment. A deep cleanse to the face was mixed in with a glorious neck, shoulder and face lymphatic drainage massage. A lot of hot towels pressed gently to the face opened up pores to help the cleanse and then a mask was applied, with a divine head massage to follow.

The level of attention to all the different stages created a real sense of heady wellbeing, sending me off, not to sleep, but to that deep place of relaxation when you know both your body and mind are taking a deep breath and setting to on a little bit of inner mending and healing.

Blissful to say the least, and unexpectedly holistic. The type of facial I would say that is as much a healing treatment as a good face maintenance. My skin was incredibly hydrated and healthy looking at the end, and well into the next day! I can also see some improvement in some bumpy bits under the skin I had between my brows. An absolutely fantastic treatment, one I would definitely go back for, and for pure indulgence add on a body massage too – ohh dreamy!

The Honest Signature Facial* at Botany E5, 60mins for £65

{*review treatment}

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This year has been a bit of both, some things falling into place, others I know I’m scheduling for last minute! Wherever you are in your Christmas shopping journey (and let’s face it, these days it really is, what with the first sniffs of yuletide season appearing oh, say end of October these days!) here’s some pieces that I’m loving right now that will hopefully give you some inspiration for getting it all nailed – only a week to go now!

And failing that, can I recommend a mad dash into Covent Garden’s Stanfords bookshop full of the most wonderful array of maps, books relating to maps, curiosities, things of interest with fantastic section for kids books too… I got a whole load ticked off my list here last week!

Parcel London is one of those brilliant gift box services that kind of does the hard work for you. Curating lovely boxes of goodies – the pieces pictured here (the lovely jar of candles and luxe chocolates) are from this selection of boxes. Candles, notebooks, plants, accessories, you can choose the one that suits your giftee best or make up a bespoke one! From £65.

Parcel London 

Every year for nearly a decade now, I’ve thought that one of the most perfect Christmas presents would be a Wedgwood fine bone china teacup. So delicately beautiful, with achingly pretty patterns – I’m obsessed with the Daisy Tea Story – they really are something to be cherished. And they come in the most beautiful boxes too.

Or something for the kitchen that will make you look twice! I love this Mexican Molinillo whisk (traditionally used for hot chocolate) from Nido Collective who work with artisans in remote communities. Do check out their site, as there are lots of other beautiful gift ideas too, like the salt & pepper saucers, beautiful rugs & runners, baskets and accessories – I bought this woven net bag!

Teacup | Wedgwood 

Whisk | Nido Collective 

Scarves are always a winner. But how about something exquisitely beautiful but with a unique sustainability story? Recently launched in the UK, TREBENE scarves are made from Changthangi goats bred in Kashmir which, due to the climate, produce finer and longer coats, resulting in a softer and stronger yarn. Each TREBENE scarf is woven and screen printed by hand and features a GI (Geographical Identification) mark which is regulated by the Kashmir government. With patterns inspired by Asian flora and African tribal prints, the quality is beautifully silk like.

The bottom line is that these days, we should be trying to move away from buying lower grade cashmere – the high demand for it means more goats are needed; and more goats (grazing the same areas), as well as as impacting on the local environment, lead to a strain on resources resulting in undernourished goats which in turn leads to coarser quality of hair ultimately resulting in a decrease in the overall quality of cashmere. Worth mulling over at least. I certainly am!

Scarf | TREBENE

Bag | The Conran Shop (can’t find online but bought in store)

Things that smell nice, ahhhhh. A lot of that goes on at Christmas, and quite rightly so. Gifts for the senses is a lovely way to go about things. There are a million candles I could share with you (and have in the past – Evermore London, SOH Melbourne, PF Candle Co to name a few!) but this one here is from Muji, with its delicious and simple sandalwood scent is a brilliant one you can chuck in the virtual or IRL basket…

Perfume is a bit more of a difficult one to buy for people as worn scents can be very personal. But cased in an exquisite bottle? You’re on safer territory and I must say, Charlotte Tilbury’s Scent of a Dream is quite dreamy – light and floral but settles in a soft and musky way on your skin.

A more recent discovery of mine is a lovely range of therapy balms via Scentered. I’m quite hooked on the Sleep balm – which I rub on my wrists and neck las thing at night – but they are all so soothing and calming, with uplighting notes of in the award-winning grapefruit & spearmint Be Happy balm. Brilliant for stockings too!

Candle | Muji
Perfume | Charlotte Tilbury
Happy Balm | Scentered

The delight of jewellery can be heightened with something a little showy and fun. I love Nocturne Studio for their statement going ‘out’ out pieces. Quite a simple outfit can be accented with something beaded and tassly to great effect – shellseed beads, pearl and dyed jade stone. Forget about buying wear-everyday pieces (also because that can be insanely hard to get right!) but go for the head-turning piece that also embodies fun and festivity!

Bracelet | Nocturne Studio

A cool pair of sunglasses – interpret; tortoiseshell in classic round but not too round frames! – are always a well addiction to most adult wardrobes. I love this pair – with monogrammed case – by Monc London (designed in London, handmade in Italy) from Studio B.

And also, to touch upon it lightly, but a whole avenue of present ideas opens up when you start checking out stationery supplies. Here I’ve got a handprinted 2018 diary (paintflecked with beautifully printed entry pages by Amaretti Design – inspired by the Italian biscuits!) ticking all the boxes and a set of drawing pens in a range of widths. Think watercolours, notebooks for writing, illustrating and painting… always happily welcomed in my world!

Sunglasses | Monc London at Studio B

Pen set | Derwent Line Maker Pens 

Diary | Amaretti Design 

Is it silly that makeup is for making us look (‘so-called’) pretty, when often it’s its prettiness that draws us to it? Some makeup is just ridiculously desirable (the ‘creation of desire’ being the name of the game, so maybe not so silly really!) and the browny tones of these particular pieces make me just want to stare at them all day…

I absolutely adore the nude application and design of the Marc Jacobs nudes range of lipsticks. The colour is not strong and one I’m happy to slide on as it just makes your lips look a little fuller; plus I have never smelt a lipstick so good – this one is called ‘Eat Cake’ which is kind of what it smells like! Also free from parabens, sulphates and phthalates.

The lip pencil and mini lipstick are from Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Icons box (£55), which for makeup lovers is a brilliant idea – minis, so always useful, but just exceptionally pretty as well as being beauty peeps’ faves.

Nude lipstick | Marc Jacobs

Pencil & mini lipstick | Charlotte Tilbury 

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This is a photo of my pretty straightforwardly ordered ‘front line’ shelf. Here I keep those products I need quick and easy access to after washing my face. At the front clusters a little group of products used in quick succession; this is post face cleansing, pre makeup, which is why you won’t see many of the makeup pieces I featured in my recent post on my new tips & tricks. (But you can read more about that here).

So basically what you have in the front row here is, in the order that I apply:

1. Something to put on the fine lines around my eyes. Yuli Amrbrosia Nectar or Lilfox Miami eye serum.
2. A facial mist (previously never having ‘got’ these, I can’t live with a refreshing spray now!)
   Yuli facial mist.
3. A hydrating serum, I’m really into the ginger in this Body Shop Roots of Strength (launching Jan) right now.
4. And a moisturiser. Except the one I’m using isn’t just any standard moisturiser, it’s actually a balm, in a wonderful mousse form! I feel a little pang of guilt every time I use this because of the cost. But it is actually one of best things I  put on my face right now. (Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream – also obsessed with the organic Ethereal perfume behind).

Obviously things get moved around and relocated as they’re used, but mingling in the second row and in the back at a few of the products I use every other day rather than daily. The brilliant bespoke foundation I had made up at Cosmetics A La Carte, Chocolate Sun to give a bit of colour to the pale face of winter, a hair hydrator (this Evo one needs to come off after a few mins so one I use in the bath), Sachajuan salt spray for hair when dry, Evo dry shampoo and a few other bits.

Anyway, I just thought I’d give you a little snapshot behind the products were you take a glance at my beauty shelves while popping to the loo! All of the products are free from and some organic too.

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gazellihouse.com | Prices from £145 for 60mins

{Review treatment}

For Your Jewels!

One thing I absolutely loved was the little bowel full of crystals to place your jewellery in for aura cleansing while have your treatment. Such a lovely touch! And I’ve have recreated this at home with a little brass pot and pink crystal…

Basically could have stayed all day! Thankyou Gazelli, you did me the world of good!

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My last walk to Gare du Nord on a day trip saw me rushing through goodness knows what streets (although I got some nice pics!) but I couldn’t tell you where exactly I marched, relying on Google Maps to get me to the train station! This time, I decided to take the obvious route all the way down to south of the river where I would find my hotel. And I’m so glad I did!

From Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere through the bustling cafe-lined Rue des Petits Carreaux onto the historic market street and once oyster capital of Paris, Rue Montorgueil. Replete with every picturesque shopfront, cafe, restaurant, flower stall and icecream stand just calling out to locals and visitors alike! Onwards and over Pont Neuf into the 6th arrondissement, very chic with a pleasing mix of second hand bookshops, galleries and designer boutiques.

Arriving at Hotel Recamier (just by Saint Sulpice, the city’s second largest church) was like being welcomed into a cosy but incredibly chic Parisienne townhouse B&B; benefitting from a renovation in 2009 that has transformed this 24-bedroom building into a sweet haven with low lit gentle vibes and extremely well attuned staff, from the front desk to the team responsible for room service. 

Paris hotel rooms tend to be rather bijoux in my experience, but a corner room at Recaimer is pretty spacious and beautifully turned out with Art Deco accents in the bathroom (with a full size bath!), velvet armchair and sweet little side tables. One of those rooms you want to spend as much time in as possible to get the full benefit! Which I did with a very delicious tray of soup, red wine and Stranger Things! 

Although I’d had some lovely café recommendations from friends, they were dotted all over the city and I was determined not to go rushing helter skelter around town. So not even looking at Trip Advisor we did it old school and looked for the busiest bistro clearly a favourite with the locals joining the queue once it didn’t look quite so scary, having staked out at cafe just across the road!

It paid off and once we were ushered inside (the outside tables fully occupied) we looked around at the other diners’ plates and immediately went for the delicious looking salade Nicoise and the waitress’s recommendation of the pureed sweet potato. So delicious. As it transpired, Le Comptoir is highly rated on TripAdvisor – a fun marrying of the IRL world and digital. In the end, we have to remember we are the ones who feed in all the information and inflates the digital landscape with the good things! 

In The Heart Of Saint Germain

Nestled in a paved square next to Saint Sulpice, from the hotel you can be in the heart of Saint Germain with its many cafes, designer boutiques (eek, hello Maje!) bookshops and the Odeon theatre in minutes.

The rest of the day we walked and talked (our jewellery collaboration is very near its launch!) and soaked up the St Germain vibes – I could people watch forever! – before returning to Recamier in the dying light for afternoon tea. Again, the inviting vibes of the tearoom come living room (right next to the covered outdoor terrace filled with plants and rattan tables & chairs) made us feel so at home and relaxed and it was an effort to leave to see Bianca to the Metro.

The next morning I decided to walk back along the route I had taken on my arrival to see it all in daylight. It took me an hour but I could have easily meandered at a much slower place photographing every single thing a long the way. I got some shots in of course, but as ever, cursing never having enough time! Need more time… it should be my strapline!

Pepe Jeans coat | Manu Atelier bag | & Other Stories boots | Redone jeans

Rue Montorgueil

The ancient street market of Paris, Rue Montorgueil to this day bustles with countless bistros and shops selling everything from cheeses to wines, vegetables, flowers and more – and really feels like a wonderful promenade to be part of. Yes, there are tourists, but there are all the real Parisiennes too, cycling, walking mini dogs and picking up food supplies for the day. Cock an eye to the famous L’Escargot and oyster restaurant Au Rocher de Cancale.

Les Halles

Just after before you cross Pont Neuf heading south, you will pass through the ancient market place of Les Halles just next to late Gothic masterpiece, L’Eglise Saint-Eustache. Now the area is being converted into a huge shopping mall so is still a bit of a building, so you need to carefully navigate your way through!

Marching back through Paris with Briggs & Riley carryon, handbag and camera – travelling light!

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Stylonylon was a guest of Hotel Recamier & i-escape – see more handpicked boutique hotels over at i-escape.com

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All photography on Olympus Pen F

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But it goes in waves, succumbing to ice cream whims or falling into that easy glass of wine every night. And I find tiredness & fragility show up on my face like nobody’s business and generally my hair just ain’t as glossy looking as I would like. So since the late spring (July baby me!) I’ve been introducing some health and beauty tweaks to see me through the next few years in a feelgood, lookgood kinda way… So here goes!

You’re probably fully aware of my lo-fi approach to makeup – a mix of laziness and never properly bothered to find out what it was all about. The odd time I’ve had my makeup done, I’ve often been quite shocked with the results, admittedly though in the last two years I have had the pleasure of having my makeup done by artists who totally understand the ‘natural’ barely there look.

So I have tried, post those experiences, to become a little more au fait, but even recent attempts have ultimately fallen flat. A move to a foundation that gave more coverage was fine during the summer months when I was more tanned, but a tad too yellowy in the autumn when I was back to my normal pale self.

And however much foundation or concealer I used (never quite understood the whole Touche Eclat is a highlighter, and have always used it on top of a concealer under my eyes, for better or for worse!) I’ve had nightmare moments when I’ve seen how dreadfully shadowy and tired my undereyes can look. I’m one of those people for whom fatigue is written all over my face and eyes, going slightly skeletal and all hollowed out looking. Which often made me feel quite low, on top of being exhausted.

So. Long, short, is that after a fortuitous and positive encounter with a makeup compact by Cosmetics A La Carte – a good overview of what they are ‘free from’ here – I paid a visit to their Chelsea store (it’s been there since the 60s!) to have some bespoke foundation and concealer made up. I mean, yes please. I have zero idea what shade my skin is, and it was my burgeoning realisation that this may be the key to my makeup problem that propelled me from east to faraway west London.

Once there, the lovely Laura spoke magic to me. Most importantly, she explained to me that my undereyes are bluish as the skin is so thin there on me. Which explains the bruised look I develop when tired. So she expertly mixed me up a bespoke concealer with colour corrected the blue there & then! Yes, I know. She also showed me how to put it on properly; all the way up to the lower lid edge, which I never did for some reason.

Add in a bespoke foundation (from £48) – mine was made up of two shades – and some brilliant tips involving some eyeshadow and gel eye liner pen, I had a mini transformation on my hands. One of the few time I’ve been able to look in a brightlit mirror without wincing. I am hugely grateful for this rather late in life make up revelation. I haven’t been able to exactly replicate what Laura achieved, but I’m working on it and feel so much better that I can do a much more decent face for those days I want to look less bruised and tired. Helps with the photos, y’know. See further below for the makeup tricks I learnt…

Before I share the makeup tricks, I just wanted to tell you about the new facecare I’ve had going on these last few months. Because around my eyes is my worry spot, I do do the indulgent for luxe eye creams and serums, which I apply morning and night first thing after cleansing. At the moment I’m using a new organic eye brightening roller serum which I’m loving – LilFox Miami, available at my fave A Beautiful World and I alo love Oskia’s excellent range of serums.

I’ve also finally got into face mists! Perhaps a sign of battiness with old age, ha! It is a bit like, “But my face is just wet now…” For a moment or two.   But it’s so much more than that, I promise. I first felt the benefits with a Jurlique water essence product, which just felt so hydrating. Just the right thing pre moisturising. At the moment I’m using the very gorgeous, very luxe, very natural Panacea Elixer by Yuli, who also do the absolute queen of all luxe organic eye serums, the crazy expensive but oh-so good Ambrosia Serum.

And another thing I never used to do – although admittedly I have yet to reach peak on; baby steps, baby steps – is masks. I prefer the wet, cream kind. I adore the Dr Hauschka cream one and have been using this delicious pomegranate overnight mask by new vegan line from Dr Botanicals Apothecary Natural Collection – love being able to leave this on while sleeping! But every now and then, I’ll go a bit further and this LilFox Miami yes-it-can-get-messy charcoal powder one is great. I just mix with some water and rub it on while in the bath. I meant to use that nice looking brush, but well, my hands were fine!

So, the tips!

1. Apply with small makeup brush a little cross of nude eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye. For a brighter, fresher look.
2. Rub in a little of the nude eyeshadow just under your brows above the eye, to follow on from the above.
3. Only for the not faint of heart, or toughened contact lens users! Line your inner upper lid with dark liquid gel liner. This makes your lashes look fuller.

I know! So minor, right? But I promise you, they were transformational. At least when Laura did them, ha! I am practising. But feel so much more au fait with it as each day goes by…

And finally my last secret weapon, although I kick myself for always forgetting to do this… Is to apply a little organic face tan gel from Chocolate Sun at night. Makes all the difference!

LilFox Miami charcoal face mask* | LilFox eye brightening serum* | Yuli Panacea Elixir*

Dr Hauschka cream mask | Dr Botanicals pomegranate overnight mask*

Cosmetics A La Carte gel eyeliner pencil & eye shawdows | Chocolate Sun face tan

So I’m really quite guilty of neglect when it comes to my hair. I have this terrible habit of cutting it at home, which I can just about get away with, until very suddenly I can’t. So then I go to the hairdresser. Where. typically,  have a haircut I hate. Come home, try and fix it myself. Cry a little. Then remember it will probably look okay in a day or two.

Recently, not so much. There’s been a dryness and strawiness about my hair. Probably a lot to do with the way I hack at it, so the ends end up ragged. But I have found a way to solve that problem. And that is… high level conditioning – I shampoo and condition everyday, with added extras. So the Sachajuan Overnight Hair Repair I’ve mentioned before, I pop on at night.

You’re meant to just put on clean hair – which I sometimes do if I’ve had a bath! – but sometimes I just put it straight on in the hope at least some will penetrate through the day’s product & dirt. It has such a nice conditioning effect (and doesn’t stain pillows) that I often just rinse with water the following morning as my hair texture is just how I like it.

The other one I’m using is The Great Hydrator (Evo are worth it for the brilliant product copywriting and names alone!). This one you leave in for a while and rinse out, but really effective. For shampoo and conditioner, there is such a good selection of vegan (Maria Nila, pictured) and free-from these days that actually lather up I feel spoilt for choice.

I switch between Evo, Sachajuan (basically in love with all the Sachajuan products!), Maria Nila and argan rich Rahua. For Gus, I used free from Boots brand Kind Natured for kids, and since this range is so well-priced, I use the bodywash too.

Sachajuan Overnight Hair Repair* | Evo The Great Hydrator* | Maria Nila shampoo & conditioner*

I have quite a few dry patch problem areas – my feet, my heels in particular, and my calves and hands in winter. Plus I get occasional rashes that seem to benefit from nice, soothing balms. So I like to have a good supply of thick, natural ones to hand. Pictured are the ones I’m using at the moment.

The Pai Buriti Balm is quite lovely – not the thickest, and so a really good hand one before bed. And I think I mentioned I’m rediscovering The Body Shop and the shea body balm and lip butter (sorry, can’t find this online!) smell so delicious!

As mentioned above, I’m really taken with the new vegan range Apothecary Natural Collection from Dr Botanicals, the Lemon Superfood Rescuing Balm is heavenly thick and smells delicious. I’ve also been using the Cocoa & Coconut Body Lotion too, gorgeous stuff! Lanolips Golden Ointment is a longterm favourite (as is the Green MOA balm!) for tackling cracked heels – although I finally (touch wood!) seem to have got on top of these; the answer being daily exfoliating and slathers of balm.

And for super luxe indulgence the Vital Balm from Josh Rosebrook has the most wonderful mousse consistency; it’s much lighter than the rest of these and my guilty confession is that I’ve been using it as a winter face moisturiser and it is truly divine!

Pai Buriti Balm* |  The Body Shop Shea body balm*

Dr Botanicals Apothecary Natural Collection Lemon Rescuing Balm*

Dr Botanicals Apothecary Natural Collection Cocoa & Coconut Body Lotion*

Lanolips Golden Ointment | Josh RosebrookVital Balm*

A combination of sore neck muscles and a very important need to take some timeout during the day to wind down and warm up has led me to more regular evening baths. Basically I fit these in for 20 minutes when I’m not on stories duty with Gus. I’ve realised a lengthy soak just isn’t that realistic, but 20 mins can be quite transformational when you have all the right things to hand!

So I’ve been using a mix of oils and salts. And candle lit, always! Handful of magnesium flakes go in (I’ve now bought a mega 5kg tub!) or lavender or rose & cedarwood bath salts followed by a dollop of bath oil, usually the relaxing kind. My firm favourite is the lavender & chamomile one by Bramley.

Although vying for my attention too is the pricey but divine bath oil by Susanne Kaufmann. All such high quality natural products, the lovely essentials oils cutting through.

Bramley bath salts* | Bramley Soothing bath oil* | Magnesium flakes

Susanne Kaufmann bath oil*| Living Sea bath salts*

So I’ve always been a big believer in the benefits of what you eat on how you look and feel. I can definitely see it on my skin when I’m juicing everyday. And as I get run down quite easily, I do have to make the effort. Key at the moment, and quite a revelation since I started taking them with a glass of cold water instead of hot tea (thankyou Team Imagination PR for advising this!) is a good probiotic.

OptiBac seem particularly good and definitely have helped with an overall improvement in my gut and general wellbeing – healthy gut equalling less anxiety being the bottom line as I’ve been reading recently. And I sprinkle the kids powder version into Gus’s muesli, sshh, don’t tell him!

I’ve also got into the whole tumeric thing, with lovely afternoon tumeric lattes made with the brilliant Oatly Barista milk which froths up nicely. I use this for my coffee and muesli too. The Maca powder I make as a tea and add crushed ginger for another daily pick me up!

Oatley Barista | OpticBac probiotics* | Tumeric latte mix  | Maca powder

I’ve never been a fan of underwired or padded bras. I find them uncomfortable and not great on my shape. But it’s never been that easy to find good ones and I’ve had my fair share of wired bras I’d wear for special occasions, desperate to take off the minute I get back in the house. So recently I’ve decided to stop wearing them altogether and have weeded them out of my underwear drawer to make space for some lovely non-wired undies, with comfort at their core.

Organic Basics from Denmark (who also do brilliant plain black socks btw!) have a well-made range of organic and sustainably made pieces with a tailored bra design in three colours (black, nude and rose) and two knickers styles, which keeps things simple. The fabric is slightly thick but you feel like you are well contained in it, if that makes sense!

With a similar ethos is Kickstarter business Moons Junes, also from Denmark, who are taking a similar approach with a slighter lighter material with three different carefully constructed bra styles. I also love their imagery, featuring women of all ages. You can buy here and support the Kickstarter here.

Organic Basics underwear* | Moons Junes underwear*

And finally, denim. I feel like it’s been a long journey, but finally I’ve arrived! Having successfully transcended the skinny, the new comfort zone is a better looking high waist and a looser, straighter leg, which just seems so much more grown up and elegant. But, it’s taken a while to find the ones that double up as good enough to ‘go out’ in and still comfy enough to travel in.

Here are my three choices, tried and tested and to suit every budget. I think you probably now know I, to my wallet’s downfall, discovered just how good the Re/Done jeans are. At top price, circa £250, they are the ones the I wear most, which I feel good about; the high waist ankle crop. Next up for just under £100 is the new Levi’s altered skinny 501, which style and cut wise isn’t that much different to the Re/Done, just a little bit looser, so slightly less smart. And then of straighter leg but excellent waist is the Seattle style from Weekday for a totally stomachable £40. There you go, my holy trinity of jeans 2017!

Re/Done (pale wash)| Levi’s* | Weekday

All photography by myself  on Olympus Pen F 

Items with an asterisk* denote products sent for review. 

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