Addiction eleven: HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Have you ever told yourself that shopping aboard doesn’t count? You’re in a foreign country with foreign money that doesn’t look real..........well I do ALL the time!!!!

While most of the shops in England only started their sales last week Florence have already had theirs as most shops were displaying their fall/winter stock. I know it might seem too soon to be shopping for the winter but when you see something you LOVE on holiday you MUST get it. It’s the RULE!

I came across a really cute shoe boutique, Eleonora on Via Porta Rossa, which had some FABULOUS boots. I was initially looking for some stylish Italian loafers when I spotted these suede boots by Boemos.


Years ago when I was working at The Telegraph Magazine I had a pair like this in olive from Jigsaw but after wearing them to death I had to chuck them. So I was so excited to find another pair. They came in a few different colours but I LOVE the denim blue, they’ll look fab with grey, black and even blue jeans. You ALWAYS need several good pairs of flat boots to run around during the fall and winter seasons.

After Florence I jumped on a train to Genoa on the coast where it’s less touristy. I happily continued my shopping and came across more little boutiques.
At a shop near Via 20 Settembra I found the perfect holiday bag by Jessica Kagan Cushman. Since 2009 Jessica has been designing her collection of satire bags that are just too cute! I LOVE “My Other Bag is Chanel” mini tote! It’s perfect for a beach or summer holiday. Beware there are copies out there but JKC’s bags are the original.

On this trip I finally had an opportunity to use my new Smythson travel wallet; it was the first time since receiving the lovely gift. I’ve always wanted one but was waiting for the perfect colour, which they call Magenta. It’s a beautiful bit of luxury to have especially if you travel a lot. There’s a place for my passport, tickets, money, etc.

I’ve ALWAYS loved Smythson for their quality leather products which are unmatchable. My next Smythson purchase will be a gorgeous leather iphone case. I really wanted the one in electric blue that they call Cerulean (remember that colour from A Devil Wears Prada) but unfortunately they sold out!

I’m off to Berlin next week I’ll let you know if I see anything fabulous there!

Addiction ten: SUMMER SALES

The great thing about the summer sales starting earlier every year is that you have more time to wear all your new purchases!! And that can’t be a bad thing.

If you don’t have a limitless bank account, like most of us, you shouldn’t feel the need to buy a new wardrobe every season. The key is to mix new and old, designer and high street to truly make a unique style.
Selfridges summer sale starts this Monday June 14th 8am in-store and online!

Harvey Nichols is having a 50% off summer sale with a preview on Tuesday June 15th at 6.30pm and general sale starting on Wednesday

Harrods Fashion Sale Preview from Saturday June 12th to Thursday June 17th

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Addiction Nine: SUMMER HATS

The one thing you shouldn’t be seen without this summer is a hat!

Make sure to choose one that fits your style (and your head), I personal love women in men’s style hats like a trilby, panama or flat cap.


Perfect for the country or abroad maybe not so great for the city. Jaeger, £120

A bit Amish? Reiss, £39


City cool! Reiss, £39

A classic Panama style. Pachacuti at Liberty, £50

Cowboy Jess! Paul Smith at Liberty, £105




Ummm....NO! Pachacuti at Liberty, £50


Enchanted April.....very cute and girlie for that vintage 20s feel. Crystal Crown Series by Tony Merenda at Anthropologie, £48

“I’m singing in the rain....” perfect for a British down pour! Aquascutum, £55



City glam...couldn't you see Samantha wearing this in SATC2. Bernstock Speirs at Fenwick, £119

Enchanted April 2.....perfect for a country wedding. Grevi at Fenwick, £179

This is my personal fav- men’s style trilby with a bit gold glam detail. Bernstock Speirs at Fenwick, £119
Which one do you like?

Addiction Eight: LEATHER

CELINE Catwalk images: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com

Don’t let the current trend of leather scare you off with visions of Billy Idol or David Hasselhoff!

Leather has become very chic and an ultimate bit of luxury for your look this season. We saw a strong leather presence on the catwalk including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Versace, Hermès, Balmain and D&G. But no one did it better than the talented designer Phoebe Philo for Celine. She gave it a sportier feel especially with her leather tees, which I LOVE!

The great thing is you don’t need to stick to the traditional leather items like jackets or trousers you can now get leather dresses and even shorts! However to make it work you need to have leather that’s paper thin and soft. Also try alternative colours to black such as camel, beige or white.
I’m excited as this means I can FINALLY wear my BEAUTIFUL leather Chanel skirt that I got a few years ago. I’m planning on wearing it with a marble grey cotton tee from American Apparel, inspired by Agyness Deyn. I LOVE how she wears this leather skirt by Acne with a cool t-shirt, making it young and irreverent.
Even the beautiful Sandra Bullock chose to wear a black leather dress by the amazing Elie Saab for her first public appearance since her marital split.
Suede turn-up leather shorts, £360, Bird by Juicy Couture at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Leather tee, £300, Sea NYC at O2 Oxygen



Leather skirt, £175, Cos

Utility shorts £650, Chloe at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Addiction Seven: ANKLE BOOTS

Having always been a big fan of knee high boots I have to say lately I’ve found them a bit much and slightly dated. Ankle boots I feel are the way forward they’re fresher and just more NOW. Whether it’s a pair of wellies (like the Marc by Marc Jacobs pair that I’m desperate to get above) or a biker boot like these Carvelas (which I’ve been wearing to death this spring) shorter is definitely the way to go.

Leather biker boots, £150, Carvela at Kurt Geiger

Bootie, £90, Melissa by Vivienne Westwood

Addiction six: WINDOW SHOPPING

To celebrate their 135th anniversary LIBERTY has done a celebration window.

If you haven’t seen it you should get there now as it’s fantastic and you don’t want to miss it!

Addiction five: COCKTAIL RINGS

A good cocktail ring can be hard to find and I should know as I’m always on the lookout for one. They can always be counted on to help make an outfit especially if you are wearing something simple.

I came across an amazing one while shopping online the other day at Net-a-Porter.com, a favourite fashion websites of mine.



This Arty Aventurine ring by Yves Saint Laurent is to die for and I have fallen in LOVE. With this ring you can add a bit of luxury to a casual day look or be bold with a stunning evening dress.

The key is to only wear one statement piece at a time or you will look like a mess or even worse a try hard! Remember to wear it with confidence plus attitude and you’ll look amazing!


Arty Aventurine ring, £270, Yves Saint Laurent at Net-a-Porter.com