Designers to watch: Alix of Bohemia

Unconventional is one of my favourite terms.

Whether it be a nonchalant accessory mixed into a clean cut outfit, a flash of lingerie through a conservative shirt or even those circa 90's shoes that you promised yourself you'd never wear again but somehow manage to work their way into your daily ensemble - I'm all about the unexpected. (Hilarious considering my day planner is my bible.)

With this sentiment in mind, I came across Alix of Bohemia and it was love at first jacket collar pop. Known as the gypsy tailor, Alix of Bohemia was born from a love of travelling the world by founder Alix Verley- Pietrafesa. Having artistry in her blood and a passion for textiles, this ready to wear label has sashay'd it's way into premium stores such as Moda Operandi, Flat 128 and Warm NYC.

What's my favourite from the 2017 collection?

The Valentina...

The Bohemia...

And my all time favourite, The Prince (both name & jacket will make you feel like you're owning it)...

So whether you're a hippie, a groupie, a free-spirit or just looking for the unexpected Alix of Bohemia is the perfect 2017 addition to your wardrobe.

Welcome to the Tribe.

LFW Report: Jasper Conran AW15

I'd heard whispers. 

"An Autumn Extravaganza", "A stroll through Central Park" - none of which could prepare me for the magic, courtesy of Jasper Conran, that lay ahead. 

Having felt thoroughly under dressed after Day 1 of London Fashion Week 

Photo Credits: blog.missguided.co.uk

I thought I'd throw caution to the cold wind, and bring out my new 'they're over the knee so technically insulating' babies courtesy of Aldo

Worth every nab of Frost Bite during the Winter Season! 

Running late, as usual, I arrived back to the pavilion only to do an ambitious, yet shockingly graceful, sprint across the cobbled courtyard (always time for a picture) to swoop straight into the Jasper Conran AW15 show. 

The rumors were true, I was about to be given the true Autumn/ Winter 2015 experience! 

In true poetic fashion, Model's glided down the runway juxtaposed by contrasting fabrics from this design-wizard! This winter, Conrad plans to cloak you in richness (by all meanings of the word!) 

A palette that spans all things plum, navy, olive & mulberry- Conran waxed lyrical with a plethora of contrasting layered fabrics- Cashmere, Velvet, Sheepskin- oh my! 

With perhaps an all too vigorous standing ovation at the end of the show, sorry bystanders, my fashion senses were sent into overdrive at the thought of rocking these geometric prints this Autumn! 

Can we speed past summer?!

LFW Report: Bora Aksu AW15

It's that time of year.

Exaggerated accessories are dusted off, clothes are preened to perfection and cans of Elnett Hairspray sell out across the capital- it is indeed, the one and only- London Fashion Week!

Accompanied by my new favourite accessory- The Blue & Rose Gold Pocket Watch 

I clicked my heels (or ordered an uber) and trotted off to attend (and work on) my first show of the season- Bora Aksu AW15.

I'm a big fan of Bora Aksu. Having worked on his last 4 shows for London Fashion Week, he consistently keeps the Femininity of Classic Female Fashion in tact while making each season more current to his warrior women who march out to the eclectic beats of heritage past. That... and he's just such a lovely guy!

I arrived to a slightly overcast Somerset House and the same nostalgic feeling of something Narnia- like consumes you- season after season.

Lines are sharper, fashion is heightened, and just about nothing is too much.

Sort of.

Now, Backstage of a LFW Runway can only be described with the ease of two words- absolutely chaotic. 

Hair Styled by The KMS California UK Team

Models primmed and prepped to perfection- the guests were seated and it was SHOW time!

A collection inspired by the songbird in Oscar Wilde's The Nightingale and The Rose, Models stormed down the runway dressed in Romance & Craft- two things that Bora specializes in!

I was particularly besotted with these applique leaves falling from the model's gowns...

Swoon. 

Keeping the showcase surroundings simple, Aksu's innovation lept off of the runway! Perfection lay without doubt in the detail so hat's off to an incredible designer! 

Wake Up to Shake Up- Morning Music

I'm a morning person.

There's nothing better than waking up with the winter sun bounding through the window, crisp cold air lingering in the atmosphere and... well you get the point.

Big fan of the winter sunny mornings!

However, this recent take over of the grey skies isn't doing wonders for my early bird 'tude.

 With the year's most depressing day behind us, I decided to share my morning playlist with you guaranteed to have you bouncing in the am's.

Whether you're walking down the street to work or doing a little morning jig with a toothbrush hanging out the side of your mouth- it will definitely plaster a smile on your face for the rest of your day!

Ladies and Londonists introducing the "Wake up to shake up" playlist:

1. Imagine Dragons- On top of the world
2. Top Loader- Dancing in the Moonlight 
3. Example- Watch the Sun Come Up
4. M83- Midnight City 
5. Empire of The Sun- We are the People 
6. Nelly Furtado- I'm like a bird 
7. Beyonce- XO
8. The Lumineers- Charlie Boy
9. Rusted Root- Send me on my way 
10. Mumford and Sons- Little Lion Man 

So whether your rushing to your desk or soiree'ing around the city for the day- stick on some wake up to shake up and have a good day!

Ditching the Shore at Dishoom

DISHOOM

/dishu:m/ n.

1. The old Bollywood sound effect produced when a hero lands a good punch, or when a bullet flies through the air

While my bullet dodging capabilities aren’t quite up to the mark, the good news is you don’t have to be a hero to enjoy Dishoom!

Attracting crowds both old and young, Dishoom is definitely speeding up the list of my favourite experience eateries in London.   

Fun to not only eat at, but also to say [Dish-oooom]- Dishoom happens to be one of my favourite London eateries. Having successfully trialled the Covent Garden branch on Upper St Martin’s Lane many a time, it was time to branch out and hit the Shoreditch arm of this delicious place.

[The no mischief making may be a problem to most!] 

After a day of dodging torrential rains and becoming a slave to the sniffles, we decided to head to Dishoom Shoreditch to get our heat on with some palate tickling spices. 

Warning to readers, if you’re going to rock up on a Saturday night be prepared to que as much of London had the same idea!

After a half an hour wait, we were ushered by our lovely maitre de’ into the Permit Room as we waited for our table. 

Dishoom definitely encapsulates the definition of a Bombay cafe- warm, bustly and just a little rogue. 

The lighting is low and conversation roars on a Saturday night- two of my favourite things.

With a fun list of cocktails [the BollyBellini being my favourite], we settled down in the bar and decided to extensively sample the menu- you know just to make sure it was safe!

Wincing with hunger, we tucked into the restaurant’s most colourful dish- Far Far.

A crispy crackery type concoction laced in lemon and salt- as you can imagine they weren’t around for long.

Like a sign from above, our buzzer sounded and we raced over to our prized position at the dinner table. 

Getting a bounding sense of food envy from surveying our neighbouring diners tables, without a pause we’d spat out our first round order and another round of cocktails to keep us well hydrated for the evening. Determined not to order my usual preferences, I went for a curve ball with the Behl and Okra Fries.

The Okra Fries went down an absolute storm, with repeat orders from everyone at the table! Crunchy and flavoursome, the aromatic spices cleared any damage that the torrential downpour had done to me- ofcourse the second round order was purely medicinal..

Ahem.

Round 2: The Paneer Tikka with delicious charred red and green capsicum.

The uber spicy Gunpowder potatoes- guaranteed to send any signs of sniffles packing!

A heap of fiery sauteed potatoes with crunchy fried spice residue- just how I like it!

And the Classic Raita to calm your tingling tongue after the potatoes!

After the run of the mill theatrics of wincing at the thought of possibly consuming anymore, it was dessert time [my favourite time!]

Upon reading the words “intense, dark and rich” on the menu- the Guju Chocolate Mousse was my choice without a bat of a well mascara’d eyelash.

A smooth, rich and creamy chocolate mousse with depthy flavours of chilli and salt.

The perfect end to a wonderful evening.