Product of the Week:

Lowie Vintage Floral Print Scarf

It’s getting to ‘cold’ season; not just when the temperatures drop from the unseasonal high, but that hideous time of year when most people’s diets consist mainly of Lemsip and feverishly consumed Oranges. Vitamin C boosting tips aside (eat Kiwis, they have far more than the orange family...!) it really is worth investing in a versatile scarf.

So, which would be my pick? I’d definitely recommend this beauty from Lowie. It’s ditsy, sophisticated and has plenty of colours in it. Imagine; you could wear it to dinner over your favourite LBD after having worn it with your staple red coat to work, or as a quasi-cardigan over your little summer dress in the central-heated office. It would even double up as a barnet-protector on those horrid days when you forget your umbrella...

Big love for this, and definitely wanting one to keep the London smog away.

Emma

x

Its Summer all over again... for now anyway

So here i am sat on a train down to the big smoke. Now unusually for the time of year, which i have to keep reminding myself is autumn, it's really hot, like 28 degrees hot. So where I would normally be wrapped up in fur, thick tights and gloves, I'm sat here in some shorts. Not the sporty type shorts, nor denimn, but pretty cotton shorts tied with a large bow.  The weather, plays such a huge part in my life, well most peoples if your British, that when it's warm in winter my traditional shopping habits get all confused.


I need to by a new coat, but instead I've found myself pondering over flimsy summer shoes, it is autumn, and next week it will probably be snowing, I had to have the mental argument with myself to avoid the shoe purchase. It is autumn


But in light of this hot autumn thing, the sunshine, sunglasses, shorts and beer - let's relive summer, I am saying no to thick wool tights, no to boots, jackets, coats and hats.It's summer all over again and we are going to embrace it in all it's glory.


So here are a couple of summery treasures which will keep you warm this winter, in spirit that is!

Silver Bird in Flight Necklace, just £12.50

Vintage 1970's Yellow Clutch, £28.95

Set of two Crown Tea Light Holders, £9.95

White Bouquet Oilcloth Cosmetic Zip Bag, £8.50

Beautiful Petals Earrings, £12

Out and About: The quest for some real life hidden gems...

Picnic, Reading

In amongst the clinically formulated chain stores of central Reading, wedged (quite literally) between coffee warlords Costa and Starbucks, sits Picnic, the town's greatest café and lunchspot.

The Outside comes indoors into this glittering jewel of a café - too small to even have a loo, not that it seems to put anyone off - which is packed by a rolling sequence of clientele; morning cappuccino junkies, interns doing the coffee run at 11.00, office workers searching out a tasty home-cooked lunch, and shoppers refuelling after an arduous battle through the department stores of the Oracle.

Each day they serve, in addition to their quite staggering array of sandwiches, two "Picnic Boxes" a filling alongside couscous & fresh lettuce - think Cumin Yoghurt and Almond Chicken or Home-made bacon quiche - and a freshly made soup.

http://www.picnicfoods.co.uk/

Planet Organic, London

OK, so this might not be an utterly undiscovered arena, but this Aladdin's Cave of Organic food and lifestyle gadgets is fused with a Café and take-out food stop. Everything in here is yummy, responsibly sourced and fresh; a real novelty in faced-paced London. My favourite store is at Torrington Place, just off Goodge Street, and its position right by UCL means its always filled with intellectual types who will massage your inactive brain cells whilst you nourish your body.

It would be absurdly easy to walk out with little purchases like the Bobble bottle (a refillable water bottle with inbuilt filter - why didn't I think of that!) and your bodyweight in Vitamin supplements, but it's probably worth avoiding these pitfalls and just heading for the groceries, unless you have a far healthier bank balance than mine - it's not cheap in here!

Anyone who lives in the London area can have Fresh nutritious goodies delivered to their door including Fruit & Veg Boxes, just-prepared meals, Fresh juices and scrummy soups. For everyone else, this is eating for those who enjoy knowing they're refuelling well whilst savouring every bite. A sort of Dean & DeLuca for the streets of London and less commercial than Whole Foods Market, it's an essential foodie pit-stop for lunch, coffee or a whole cupboard re-stock.

http://www.planetorganic.com/

Emma x

Favourite Finds...

Rock My Vintage: Lucas Jack Green Stone Ring

This is one of those fantastic finds that can be worn day and night (although it might be a touch uncomfortable to sleep in!), with an uber-girlie lace dress or with a grungy all-black ensemble. It's elegant yet quirky, classic yet modern and bold yet subtle.

It's available in two sizes to make it perfect for the dainty-fingered as well as those with slightly chunkier digits. Imagine how pleased you'd be to receive something like this as a gift: I'm thinking of stocking up to hand out for birthdays and Christmas, it's so ridiculously versatile.

The 24 Carat gold detailing, black body and jade stone go with almost any colour scheme under the sun. Just remember to take it off for the washing up...

Emma x

Welcome Emma - A new member of our Style Team!

So, we've been on the lookout for a couple of fabulous faces to join our team and contribute to our blog. I have to admit, it's not an easy task to find someone to fit quite a specific bill, but we've done it, we've found Emma.  So I will hand over now, to let her fill you in on her passions and prowess,  and a little of whats to come...

As I leave the chilly streets of Sheffield for the big smoke I'll be searching out the best little-known hideaways, treasure troves and events that the capital has to offer.

My obsessions with coffee (freshly ground only please), natural beauty products and all things French will be my main leads in the quest. I look for quirks, but quality; I'm not a Primark fan (although I do make an exception for kirby grips!) and would shop in Whistles, Zadig & Voltaire and Reiss forever if I could afford to.

I'm busy qualifying as a Beauty Therapist alongside my History of Art and French degree, which kicks off at the end of this month.



Favourite (Music) Artist: Ingrid Michaelson
Favourite City: a toss-up between Paris, NYC and London
Favourite Book: Fitzgerald's 'Great Gatsby' - Tragic, beautiful and utter fantasy, David Nicholls' 'One Day' - hilariously funny, weepingly sad and painfully truthful
Favourite Food: Greek Yoghurt - I'm obsessed! It's amazing for breakfast glazed with local honey. In winter I trade it for stodgy porridge; anything to get through the more depressing months!
Favourite Film: Amélie, with a secret love of The Devil Wears Prada to motivate me in my ultimate career quest.
My Read: Vanity Fair, Elle & The Sunday Times (Culture and Style are the highlights).
My Bag: LV Neverfull Medium - a devilish splurge from Saks 5th Avenue which I don't regret.
My Blog Inspiration: Power Duo Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and his illustrator girlfriend Garance Doré's eponymous blogs. The Cherry Blossom Girl is worth checking out, too.

So that's a little peek into the life of Emma.  She'll be blogging regularly for us, bringing unique finds and hideaways. A big welcome Emma, we can't wait to see what you've got in store!

'Oh hello new Seller'

Rebecca Lockwood from Flock LDN

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Rebecca i'm 24 and founded my business Flock LDN back in 2009. I am originally from Sheffield, where it all began. I have just returned from living in central London, which I loved! It has enabled me to diversify and expand my business to what it is today, a UK wide online fashion retailer. I have to admit that I have an obsession with fashion, I regularly attend London Fashion Week, always have my head in fashion magazines such as Vogue and constantly research online to keep me up to date with the latest trends.

Your chosen picture inspires you, tell us why?
I love this picture, it's of London. I find the city so inspiring, it has such diversity everywhere you look, from the grand buildings down to the very people that live there. It's the epicentre of British fashion. I love to visit East London where there are lots of stylish shops and flocks of women around with a creative dress sense.  Portobello is another favorite of mine, you cant escape the many independent designers that find such pride in showcasing their creations. Many leading fashion houses flagship stores are in London, it is always interesting to see the intricate window displays which I find fascinating, my personal favorite has to be Alexander McQueen on Old Bond Street.


What possession do you most cherish?
Difficult question but it has to be my 6” Christian Louboutin heels which my boyfriend bought for me in Paris.  They are a statement shoe, they embody my personal style and I love how iconic they are, just like a Chanel 225 chain bag.

Tell us about the product you’ve chosen in the photograph, why is it your absolute favourite?
My favourite product at the minute is this black tassel dress. It's body con and made from a very thick, hugging fabric - it makes your body shape fantastic. It's such a statement piece, having very structured shoulder pads with long black tassels elegantly hanging from them.  I really like the fact that it is a unique twist on the perfect all round "little black dress".

What should we expect to see from you in the coming years?
Well, my goals for Flock LDN are to develop the brand further, I want to expand our product portfolio, increase our current exposure into TV and  magazines and also to design and manufacture a Flock LDN own label fashion line. So watch this space!

Sharing my Favourite Finds

I wanted to very quickly tell you about this gorgeous little vintage briefcase bag that I’ve just stumbled across.

I do feel a little reluctant to share it, it’s a one off piece, obviously, and it is just so gorgeous, plus it’s perfectly on trend for this season. If, when I get round to making my purchase it’s gone, it has still been worth sharing with you. It’s even been enjoyable talking about it (or typing about it).

So, what is there to really love about this bag? Firstly, there is something so majestic about vintage. Knowing that an item of jewellery or clothing has played a part in someone else’s life, always gives me a feeling of pride that it still lives on, with me, and great satisfaction – I always find vintage so satisfying.

I think my love for this bag begins with the crocodile effect patent, its lazy faux gold clasp, neat handle, and the ability for it to work perfectly well as a comfortable oversized clutch, as well as a typical work day briefcase. In-love, sums up this little beauty, if it’s gone by the time you’ve read this post, I apologise, it was me.