Bert's tooth of wisdom

Of all the lovely gifts I received for my birthday this was the most unusual... The friend who gave it to me was poetic in giving a gift for someone now older and wiser! I don't recall my wisdom teeth coming through and felt I missed out on some sort of initiation into adulthood (although happily dodging the excruciating pain). I will wear this around my neck as a reminder that I have finally come of age. Bert Industries Brass Handcast Wisdom Tooth Necklace £95.00 from www.bertgilbert.bigcartel.com

Happy Birthday to me!

So, yesterday I turned 30! My boy took me out for a lovely day around town. We started off at Cafe Boheme on Old Compton Street for a spot of lunch, pan seared Sea Bass with wilted spinach and a glass of champers then weaved our way through Soho towards Oxford Street to hit the shops. I was on a mission to find a dress for my party on Saturday night, but it being the summer sales, I was hugely put off by the crowds plus it was peeing it down. I wasn't being my usual self and I couldn't find anything, everything I tried on made me feel, dare I say, older!? I know 30 is not old but it's the first landmark birthday that really hits you. My search for eternal youth took me to American Apparel (there is nothing like mingling with leggy dancers in skin tight outfits to make you feel closer to youth and vitality). I wanted to get a fierce and sexy dress and it came in the form of their 'Cotton Spandex Jersey Tube Dress' a steal at £22.00. Despite being skin tight its actually slimming and lengthening as its a block of colour. Being so risqué with the style I decided to play it safe with colour and went for black. I've got a gorgeous nude silk, floaty floor length shirt to put over it with massive nude heels. Red nails and lippy will be the icing on the birthday cake. Later in the evening we decided to hit the town again, this time in our native North London, we popped in to The Southampton Arms for a swift Cider and Roast Pork Bap then went on to the main event, Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at Camden's La Patagonia. Needless to say I'm heading to the gym this evening to try and get into that dress! Dress images www.americanapparel.co.uk

The holy grail of liquid eyeliner leads to 'Vital'

I am on a constant mission to find the ultimate liquid eyeliner, you'd think by 2012 someone would have cracked it, right? A few weeks ago I  sent out a Facebook message asking friends to recommend the best, despite this excellent information and feedback I still wasn't sure. I had just run out and was passing SpaceNK so popped in, I explained to the make-up consultant that I have naturally oily skin and everything slides off (especially in summer), she recommended 'BY TERRY Ligne Blackstar' (£25.00), this was so popular it was out of stock for a few weeks. As a temporary measure she suggested 'Eye Canvas' by Laura Mercier, this is a great product that even works on my slippery skin, its a little pot of heavy looking concealer that you apply to the entire upper lid and stops liner and shadow sliding, and it works! I still wanted a decent eyeliner so eventually went back to purchase the 'Ligne Blackstar', for the first week it was great, then it was downhill from there, not sure whether my pen was faulty but it is now driving me nuts and I have to shake it like a nutter to get the ink to the nib. Whilst on a shoot on Tuesday I complained to the make-up artist, Philippe Miletto, he got me to try out 'Vital Waterproof Dip Eyeliner' and then guess how much it cost... it was £1.99! He purchased it from a cosmetics shop on Stroud Green Road in North London's Finsbury Park! I've tracked it down online so that you don't have to schlep there, it can be purchased from Cosmetics Fairy for only 99p! It works!

Best of British : Tusting Bags & Luggage

It was a breath of fresh air to get out of London yesterday and into the green pastures of Turvey, Bedfordshire. I was there working on a shoot for British heritage brand, Tusting, styled by Charlie Moore, photographed by Robert Harper with creative direction from Gillian Tusting. Most of the shoot took place in historic Turvey House, an opulent, neo-classical house decked out in 18th and 19th century English and continental furniture and paintings in exquisitely decorated grand rooms. The House and gardens were the perfect backdrop for models Max and Alyssa (model shot from Push PR) who portrayed a young, wealthy couple on a very british weekend jaunt to the country. The shoot was showing off Tusting's new collections, classic designs in eye catching colours. The brand rightfully prides itself on being 100% British (many brands claim to be but manufacture outside the UK). All of their handcrafted leather luggage and bags are designed and made in their Buckinghamshire workshop, which lies close to the original tannery founded in 1875, the business remains in the family, handed down through 5 generations. Their timeless bags are must have pieces that scream quality and would be pride of place in any wardrobe. You can buy online, or if in London, head to Selfridges from today to check them out as part of The Big British Bang, celebrating all things British. My Tusting fav's are below.

Images from my iPhone 4S, Push PR and Tusting.co.uk

Scrubber

I have been using exfoliating gloves for years and, although I enjoy looking like Michael Jackson in the shower, I have been informed that they are a waste of time. Recently I went for my first ever bikini wax at a salon, I've been sorting myself out for years but who has that kind of time when a professional can do it quicker and more efficiently? My salon of choice was Otylia Roberts, "The woman who brought the phenomenon of the Brazilian wax to the UK" (Vogue UK) and naturally I went for a Brazilian (when in Rome...) The service was excellent and gave a long lasting finish, I highly recommend! Whilst at the salon my 'Hair Removal Technician' asked my exfoliation routine, I proudly told her that I frequently used the gloves, to which she gasped and insisted that I switch to sugar scrub. Ashamed and feeling naive I rushed to John Lewis post wax to locate a sugar scrub. After spending ages looking for a  scrub I found this 'Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish' by REN. It's £32.00, money well spent in my opinion and it only contains natural ingredients with added 'Theophylline from Paraguay tea and caffeine from kola nut boost microcirculation to energize, revive and tone the skin'. Coincidentally it is amongst InStyle Magazines Best Beauty Buys 2012 (I must have good taste). I went home to try it out, after body brushing I massaged it into my skin then rubbed it off in the shower, my skin has never been so smooth, ciao ingrown hairs!

Sky high summer ankle boots

Who can resist a sale? Especially when its at favourite shoe brand, Kurt Geiger. I popped into the South Molton Street branch this week to scope out what treats were to be found in a size 41 (yes I have massive feet, but I am just over 5'7''). I usually opt for a sensible shoe, something not too high, practical to walk in, a classic that won't go out of style too soon. After trying on plenty of 'safe' styles I thought f*@k it! lets have some fun! I tried these on for a laugh initially, not so funny it seems as I fell in love, they are a bit mental for me but will be the cornerstone for my 30th birthday party outfit. Surprisingly easy to walk in for 5.5" platform wedges. 'Siberian Lilly' boots were £295.00 now £149.00 by Kurt Geiger London.

Nicholas Oakwell Couture AW12

After lugging my heavy laptop through sweaty tourists, early evening commuters and shoppers (tricky in sky high wedges) I finally arrived at the plush Claridge's Hotel Mayfair for the Nicholas Oakwell Couture AW12 show. The 'catwalk' was a route that snaked around carefully positioned black sofas and antique tables dotted with crystal decanters and cocktail glasses. As the show began mellow jazz melted into funky yet romantic 70's classics (think Barry White) and Scottish Model of the year, Tali Lennox, slowly stepped out and perched on the edge of a sofa before working the room. The collection, 'inspired by the lush decadence of 1970's New York', was strictly sexy yet sophisticated with no holding back on expensive cashmeres, hand made lace, heavy tweeds, shaved mink, leather, suede, sequins and glass beading. It was hard to pick favourites but the shaved mink and suede ankle strap heels, a collaboration with Nicholas Kirkwood, stood out for me. This is only Oakwell's third collection yet he has established a strong celebrity and industry following, amongst the show regulars were legendary fashion journalist Hilary Alexander and actress Olivia Grant. 

I compare thee Converse to a fish

As I browsed through Kurt Geiger's Online Sale looking for some bargains I came across these Converse trainer/ sandal thingys. They look like fish! It would take a long stretch of imagination to envisage anyone wearing these. Strictly for die hard fans only (and I could name a few!) Please send in pictures if you see anyone dare... Converse 'Cutaway Sandal' £30.00. Image from kurtgeiger.com

Raw Fairies 'Mini B Cleanse': Day 5

My schedule was a bit off this morning as I woke up really late. Today I was back on the full menu. The pre breakfast 'Lemonade' followed by the 'Green Smoothie with Chlorella and Spirulina' which I have grown to love and will miss, the ingredients are on the Raw Fairies website so I can recreate this tasty and filling breakfast. I decided to take my boyfriend out to our favourite brunch destination, Kentish Canteen, as there wasn't much in the fridge. He ate a steaming bowl of pea and basil soup with goats cheese crouton whilst I enjoyed a lovely pot of mint tea. I didn't feel odd being in a restaurant not eating, it was a busy lunchtime service with tasty looking dishes around me but I wasn't phased, not like me!

When I got back I drank my mid morning juice, although by now it was nearing mid afternoon and I accidentally drank the 'Carrot, Orange and Ginger Juice' instead of the 'Green Juice'. Late lunch was 'Salad of Red Cabbage, Fennel, Beetroot with Pecans and Pomegranate with Nut Mayo' which reminded me of festive cooked red cabbage with raisins as the pomegranate was so sweet. I skipped the 'Green Juice' as it was getting late in the day and went straight to dinner, 'Courgette Pasta with Walnut Bolognese Sauce' with 'Herb Salad with Capers, Pine Nuts and Balsamic Dressing'. I was impressed by how the courgette had been sliced into thin strands that looked like spaghetti, the bolognese packed a punch with plenty of sun dried tomato, red onion and dried herbs. I loved the salad as by now I was craving strong and salty flavours and this had capers, balsamic and Himalayan pink salt. It was a MASSIVE portion and I only got half way through, my boyfriend polished off the rest.

So, that's the end! I feel a huge sense of achievement and am proud that I didn't cheat or stray. Sounds corny but it literally has been life changing.  I've lost about 5lbs and my skin looks great, I look a bit younger and more attractive too! I feel energetic, enthusiastic and proactive, I started the week sitting around the house planning what to do, by the end of the week I was thinking less and doing more, instead of dwelling on things I just got up and did them. I won't be switching to raw full time but will incorporate it into my daily diet. I've learned a lot about myself this week and have picked up good habits that will last a lifetime.

Raw Fairies 'Mini B Cleanse': Day 4

My tummy was ready for food this morning. I rushed through the pre breakfast 'Lemonade' so that I could get to the 'Coco Shake' made from organic banana, organic cashews, organic raw cacao powder and cacao nibs, organic raw tahini and organic dates. This was like a raw version of a chocolate milkshake, luckily I am accustomed to raw cacao and enjoy the flavour as it is very unique. Not being used to eating for so long I was full and waited an hour before part two of breakfast, 'Green Smoothie with Chlorella and Spirulina'. Feeling confident and getting used to the regime I was less strict with my timings today, only eating when hungry and drinking when thirsty.

A friend who seems to always to lock herself out popped over and I cooked her lunch, Nigella's 'Lone Linguine' made with a rich sauce of jersey cream, parmesan, egg yolk and white truffle oil. I enjoyed cooking for her, the aroma was so strong and delicious I actually felt the satisfaction of eating it?! She ate her bowl of silky pasta and I dined on 'Cos Lettuce, Black Olive and Courgette Walnut Crunch with Sun  Dried Tomato Dressing'. Quite fitting as the dressing was reminiscent of pasta sauce. It was loaded with olives, really good quality, potent black ones. 

I accidentally got my juices the wrong way round today, having the 'Carrot, Orange and Ginger Juice' this morning and the 'Green Juice' this afternoon. By now I am no longer hating them. Dinner was 'Celeriac Slaw with Avocado dressing'. This was really crunchy with radishes and alfalfa sprouts, the dressing was half way between mayonnaise and guacamole and it had a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds which I find too beefy, I resisted picking them out. I didn't drink my last juice of the day, didn't feel like I needed it and didn't want to force it down, I'm learning to listen to my tummy.