Beauty and the toes

Chanel le Vernis in May, Rose Luxurious & Mimosa

Nail varnish and I go back a long time. I believe my first really interactive relationship with style and beauty started with a small stall in Chelmsford market that sold every possible shade of nail varnish.

Every 2weeks I would go and buy another colour and line it up with all the other weird and wonderful hues I had already purchased. I never wore them though, I just liked the idea of collecting all those lovely pigments.

I still do, collect bottles of nail varnish I mean. These days I have ventured into the more luxury market and have created a tradition that every flight = a duty free Chanel nail polish purchase habit.

• London this month featured no 561 Suspicious, a raspberry red.
• March's Berlin trip = no.525 Quartz, metallicy
• Brighton brought me a bonus no.450 Illusion D'or a golden gift from my sister.

New season nails officiandos may be saying Get Naked! and that the new nude should be matching your skin tone like foundation, but I like my nails to pop, that bit of colour makes me smile throughout the day. Art school nails on the other scale scream to me of having way to much time on your hands, literally!

I think April's visit to Amsterdam will feature a pot of premptive, "May" or  maybe the neon "Mimosa" or even "Rose Luxurious", oh my choices, choices, choices!

Are you a nudist or a nail art expert? Comment below..

Bis Gleich,

xx
A

 

Bow Selector

According to Vogue, fashion has gone loopy for beautifully tied details, and I couldn't agree more with Naomi Smart (British Vogue Spy, May Edition)

My relationship with bows has never been an easy one, as quite frankly I am utterly inept at tying them! Even my shoe laces end up in a huge messy knot that never stay done up! However, the bow is indeed unashamedly feminine and when tied just right do indeed look ravishing.

This summer, bows are having a moment, Meadham Kirchhoff, Christopher Kane and even Lanvin showed enormous soft, floppy bows so why not get into the look with one of these beauties by Edy & Bridge.

Design duo, Jenni & Michael are the creative minds behind Edy & Bridge. From their studio in East London garments are designed, imagined and created.

This sweetly named Emi vest has a classic feel, it has a large floral bow with vintage cream trimmings. Easy to wear, works well teamed with a skinny denim jeans.

• The vest shape is flattering, fitted under the arm and flared over the waist.
• It's made from a soft polyester chiffon and is machine washable.
• This lovely top is available in, Navy, Cream and Seashell pink spot fabric,

I'm really excited about working with this clever duo. It brings me much pleasure to offer such lovely garments to my clients and even more to collaborate with friends. Join our family: https://www.facebook.com/TheLondonAssembly

Bis Gleich,

xx
A

The first days of Spring...

Well technically Summer but lets not push it!

• Seashell pink blouse by Cos
• Tribal Pyramid Necklace, hand painted wood by Typical Freaks (Available from The London Assembly)
• Primrose Garden Spring knit by Gonsalves & Hall (Available from The London Assembly)
• Black Jeans from Zara
• Black watch from Skagen

Spring has finely sprung and one can wear some of the lighter colours and fabrics of the new season, thank goodness! If I never see another black rollneck, I'll be happy! (Well at least till November anyway!) A relaxing cycle, weaving through what seemed like the entire population of Frankfurt out along the riverbank soaking up the sun, was such a pleasure this morning. Let's hope the sun stays and I can share some more of my 'lighter' outfits with you.

Bis Gleich,

A

Classic Outfits: Monochrome

Black & white is always good!

With the sun starting to emerge again, I can't wait to rock one of my favourite monochrome outfits...

Location: Sydney, Australia

• Black wool & silk dress, Collection by Italian label Stefanel www.stefanel.com/de
• Sunglasses by Karl Lagerfeld
• Voodoo necklace by Australian/Vietnamese designer Alistair Trung from Shop 28 QVB Article on Trung's work www.alistairtrung.com.au 
• Black & white leather pumps by Pretty Ballarinas www.prettyballerinas.com

The monochrome look never goes out of fashion and is really one of the most flattering and easy to work. Play with texture to keep it fresh, this dress is gorgeous fine wool with silk and chiffon underlay and matching silk collar. Classic quilted leather pumps work for comfy daytime but some fabulous old school leather brogues or a peep-toe heel would also look great.

How are you doing the black & white look? Stripes? Dots?

Feel free to comment below...

Bis Gleich

A Baker's Dozen: Part 1 Berlin Bucket list

You can't come to Berlin without visiting a few cultural monuments, but to be fair alongside the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate the majority of tourists come to this vibrant city for the plethora of cool bars, pumping clubs and creative inspiration.

This Baker's Dozen, gives my top tips to where it's happening and where the locals think you should be checking out right now.

counting down...  

13.  BravoBarBerlin

Essential location for some drinks and dancing. Fabulous friendly staff and great cocktails. What more do you want? Oh, a cool sign! Translates as "Here is where you shine!"

12. Kosmetiksalon Babette: www.barbette.com
Karl-Marx-Allee 36
The distinctive 1960's Soviet-Era building is basically a rather cool glass box that serves excellent cocktails. if you are looking for a venue to sup some drinks and discuss your creative pursuits then this is an excellent venue. Sleek, modern & terribly hip!


11.Ankerklause: First Thursday Club www.ankerklause.de
Kottbusser Damm 104, Berlin Kreuzberg
Recommended by friends for friends! Cute decor and fun atmosphere, pop in for 1 or 2 but do check it out :-)

10. Berghain & Paranorama Bar www.berghain.de/

Dangerous on a Saturday if you're not the very open minded and liberal sort. Avoid the tourists and go dancing on a Sunday afternoon through to Monday morning! Avoid the sweaty trance kids and head up to the Panorama Bar for more of a house/electro vibe. Be warned this is all about the music so go to dance not pose! And the door staff really are evil and random plus absolutely NO cameras allowed... http://www.guardian.co.uk/music

9. Miss Saigon www.miss-saigon-berlin.de/
Yum! south Vietnamese food with the most hysterical incorrectly translated English menu ever! Food is exceptional and the place constantly packed by locals queueing out the door. Book in advance and settle in for whatever they recommend, it's literally all good! Oooooo but do try the house tea it's gorgeous.


8. Cafe Oliv http://oliv-cafe.de
Pause for thought in Cafe Oliv before you partake in some retail therapy along Neue Schoehauser Strasse, Rosenthaler Strasse and in Hackescher Hoefe. The open sandwiches are delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice spot on and don't miss out on the freshly baked goodies either. They are certainly popular with the cool locals too for a caffeine pep up.

Berlin bucket list countdown part 2 to follow shortly.

bis gleich!

xx
A