Monthly Archives: December 2011

Goodbye 2011!

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This year turned out to be possibly one of the best, and one of the worst of my life. I have learnt in life however to take the bad with the good, and accept that is just how it works sometimes. In some respects I have had an unbelievable year; I have loved, I have satisfied my wanderlust flying away a few times, I attended my first London Fashion Week, I have met some incredible people, and attended more parties than I could possibly recall. Then on the other hand I have met some not so incredible people, found out a few people are not quite who I thought they were, and more upsetting; I have lost. I lost a close friend of mine, and that will forever tarnish this year for me. I however refuse to end my year on a low note; I am going to end this year on a high, and go out with bang.

I am always a firm believer in the phrase ‘start as you mean to go on’, and in this spirit I intend to celebrate New Years Eve surrounding myself with great friends, beautiful people, and plenty of champagne. Which is pretty much how I want to spend 2012 – surrounded by great friends, beautiful people, and plenty of champagne. I am not asking for too much am I? ;) .

Before you get all concerned I am going to get all Dead Poet’s Society “Carpe Diem” on you – don’t – because that’s not my style, and quite frankly why seize the day when you can seize the night too (yes I know the phrase isn’t literal, this is my sort of humour)? I do however intend to raise the bar a little this year, and push myself that little bit further because I know I am capable of so much, and it would be a gigantic shame if I do not fulfil any of my potential in life.

I don’t know where I am going in life, but one thing I know for sure is that I am determined to enjoy myself. I hope I learn something along the way. I am probably, well not probably, I am most definitely going to make a lot of mistakes in the upcoming year – but that’s a part of life. I can only hope in the same capacity I make some right decisions – after all it is all about the bad with the good.

Including this post I have blogged 97 times in the past 365 days, and I do not intend to stop anytime soon – so I hope you have perhaps found some enjoyment, amusement, or in the very least taken something away from one of those posts. Thank you for reading, sharing, caring, and everything in the past few years; I appreciate every e-mail, tweet, text, comment I get.

Best of luck, and wishes for 2012.

I leave you with this thought: Don’t wait for things to happen; make them happen.

Xxx

Smythson Peridot

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Smythson is one of my favourite classic British old brands; my go to company for stationery, and lately their leather goods range have caught my attention. Out of the latest Smythson fashion collections, save perhaps the Jonathan Saunders collaboration, one collection particularly caught my eye, and that was Smythson’s Peridot collection. The collection is art deco inspired, and features luxe glossy croc print leather in verdant green glaze. Below is an example of some of the collection:


Some of the Smythson Peridot Fashion Collection

I finally managed to snatch up a piece of the collection for myself. I love how the identity of Smythson is so strong in such a way similar to Tiffany & Co where you can tell a Smythson gift just from the glorious nile blue boxes the goods come in.


Smythson nile blue box

Smythson Peridot iPhone case

Smythson Peridot Collection iPhone case

Back of the iPhone case

iPhone in Smythson Peridot case

I chose the iPhone case from the Peridot Collection. I particularly love how vivacious the green is, it is a refreshing burst of colour, and makes a change from the usual demure colours I go for. For me Spring is all about flashes of bright colour to brighten up my day, and with leather accessories is a great way to start, or spice up a look. I love how luxurious Smythson leather goods look, and this one is certainly a statement piece.

My iPhone fits the case well, and I like how unlike some cases it slides out easily. I have found with other cases removing my iPhone can be awfully slow, or tricky, which is fortunately not the case with this Smythson one. You simply pop open the button enclosure, tilt, and your iPhone slides out – simple, but effective; none of that squeezing it trying to get it out nonsense.

Walking on YSL

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Walking on YSL is similar to walking on a dream. The moment you put on a pair of Yves Saint Laurent shoes everything changes; every step feels like you are floating on air. New shoes give me a serene sense of elation, so you can imagine my complete, and unadulterated joy when I had a delivery from Matches this morning containing my new YSL shoes.

Matches packaging by the artist Ann Muir

Yves Saint Laurent shoe box

Not the mention the fact Matches orders come in delightful marble design packaging by the artist Ann Muir making each delivery a real treat before you even get to your goods. The boxes are great to reuse, and are good for storing things! Enough of the packaging (even if it’s a work of art) on to the real delights:

YSL high front mens loafers

Yves Saint Laurent burgundy loafers

YSL Morgan Moccasin

Yves Saint Laurent havana red loafer

Yves Saint Laurent sole

YSL moccasins with high front

Yves Saint Laurent certainly know how to make a splendid pair of shoes. These high front loafers in burgundy smooth leather are an absolutely classic. I love the touch of the toe caps, and the round toe (pointy shoes are not for me!). The slight heel to them is the perfect height, and they are an incredible comfortable pair of shoes to wear (I wore them today). I am certainly going to have a bounce in my step wearing these.

Do you love the feeling of new shoes? Do you have a pair that makes you feel incredible just by putting them on?

Matches

Eve Lom Dynaspot

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Dynaspot is a quick acting spot treatment from Eve Lom; the brand responsible for what Vogue classes as “probably the best cleanser in the world”. I am a really big fan of the cleanser, so I thought I would give the spot treatment a try as my skin can be problematic at times (sadly I cannot be completely perfect ;-) ), and unsightly spots really aren’t a thing.

I would not class this as a regular use product, this product is for when you get those particularly irksome, or bad spots that you need to get rid of fast. Dynaspot dries up, and clears the spot without drying out your skin like a lot of other topical spot treatments do.

Eve Lom Dynaspot

It is marketed as an “emergency” treatment, and it does the job. It is great if you have an important engagement the next day, and need a quick solution. Dynaspot contains mistletoe, and fennel oil to soothe inflamed reddened skin, tea tree oil, salicylic acid and yarrow oil for their antiseptic qualities, and calamine to soothe, and protect the skin, along with zinc oxide to absorb excess sebum.

I found it to be quite an effective treatment for me. My only issue with Eve Lom’s Dynaspot is that you cannot just put it on, and go – it leaves a white chalky layer on your skin. So it is more something I would use in the evening when no one else is around. According to the instructions you can brush off the flaky excess, and use it under make up.

To apply you simple cleanse your face, then apply a small amount on problem areas – it says to re-apply as often as possible. The product does not have the most pleasant of smells, as it has calamine in it – but once it is on your skin you will no longer be able to smell it as it is not that strong. I found it stung a little once I had put it on, but not to the degree it was unpleasant, or I would not use the product. Unlike a spot of quick spot treatment Eve Lom’s Dynaspot is not too harsh, and does not leave your skin all dry, and irritated.

At £20 for 10ml (at Space NK) it is not a cheap product, but seeing as you do not use much at a time, and it isn’t a product you would use every day I do not think the cost is unreasonable – as it would last you a long time even with regular use.

I would definitely buy it again; it does what it says, and is effective at it – my only dislike is the chalky colour of it but if you wear make up that can easily be covered up.

Space NK

Merry Mulberrymas

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By admission I can no longer deny my Mulberry fixation, before in posts I would laugh it off saying ‘not that I am obsessed with Mulberry, or anything’ – I think however it is beyond that now. I, Lorien Adey am a fully fledged Mulberry addict, and best of all; I absolutely love it! I am a Mulberry boy through, and through.

Right now I have confessed my undying love for Mulberry I can go on. So for Christmas I was fortunate enough to find Mulberry Christmas shopping bags under my tree (you know it’s Christmas when there are Mulberry bags under the tree) – which if I am honest caused me to sing (badly might I add) a variety of Christmas songs with the word Mulberry added (we wish you a Merry Mulberrymas, deck the halls with bags of Mulberry, Mulberry bells Mulberry all the way et cetera et cetera). Not quite sure why I just shared that with you…

Mulberry Christmas bells

Mulberry Christmas orders came attached with a gigantic bow, and brass bells, much to the amusement of my Mother, and most likely the annoyance of the courier delivery guy. As I have mentioned before packaging is a big thing for me, and this was spot on. It is the little touches like this that make me love Mulberry as brand, oh, and the Christmas card Mulberry sent me was gorgeous too! My photograph, and attempt at redoing the bow really do not do it any justice.

Mulberry locked cosmetics pouch in box

I finally got the Mulberry locked pouch I was after. Naturally I got it in natural oak to match the rest of my Mulberry natural oak collection. This pouch is a perfect example of Mulberry’s high level of craftsmanship. The stitching, brass hardware, and leather are simply exquisite, and second to none.

Mulberry locked cosmetics purse

Mulberry pouch back

Inside Mulberry pouch

Mulberry postman lock closure

The pouch has the classic Mulberry postman lock closure on the front with the Mulberry logo etched into the hardware, it also has a Mulberry tree stamped on the bottom right hand corner, on the back it has the tree logo, and the words Mulberry in the bottom centre. The lining of the bag is the classic Mulberry wipe clean interior with the Mulberry tree logo pattern. It is a perfect toiletry bag, or clutch bag. It can easily hold my wallet, iPhone, BlackBerry, and more. The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middle has this exact pouch in chocolate – if it’s good enough for HRH it’s good enough for me ;) .

Collonil leather gel

“Santa” also got me some Collonil leather gel to protect my Mulberry goods. Collonil is the only brand recommended by Mulberry to protect, and polish it’s leather goods. I use both the spray, and gel on my goods – great stuff. A boy has to look after his Mulberry collection after all.


Mulberry horseshoe coin purse

Side view Mulberry coin purse

Mulberry coin pouch inside

Speaking of pouches I forgot to share with you a Mulberry purchase I made quite a while ago (how rude of me I know!). I got a Mulberry horseshoe coin purse/pouch in natural oak. I also bought my Mother one in chocolate to match the Mulberry wallet I got her. The small compact size means it can be easily thrown into my pocket, or bag. It is great to put those excess coins in taking the strain off my wallet, and the “secret” compartment behind the coin pocket is great for keeping a spare £20 note for emergencies, or easy access.

Right I think that is enough Mulberry madness for now…

All Wrapped Up

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The big day is exactly a week away as of today, scary stuff right? I am feeling quite confident on the present front for once – most of it is all sorted. Normally I leave it all to last minute; well even later than this! So considering that I am very prepared this year. I still have a few gifts I am waiting to arrive that I ordered online – however I did most of my shopping in one go at my two favourite stores in Birmingham; Selfridges, and Harvey Nichols. Quite how a day shopping results in a debauched night of partying I will never quite know, but more importantly I have wrapped some of my presents already (quite a feat for me to be this organised at Christmas)!

Christmas wrapping

Paperchase Christmas wrapping paper

I love the luxe damask, and jacquard print wrapping paper from Paperchase. It is all about the rich ridiculously opulent paper – the more wallpaper like the better if you ask me ;-) . If I had thought of it at the time I would have grabbed some velour ribbon, it would have suited much better – but I am sure the gold curling ribbon will suffice. I wish I could tell you what I bought everyone but sadly my family, and friends read my blog so that is a no go!

Smythson Snow Flake note cards

I have already sent out my Christmas note cards. This year I opted for Smythson’s snow flake design. Simplistic, but stylish. I love the quality you get with Smythson, and the service in their stores is absolutely impeccable.

I am not feeling festive quite just yet… What do you do to get into the festive mood? Let me know!

GLOSSYBOX for Men

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When I used to read about women getting their monthly boxes from GLOSSYBOX I always used to feel a pang of jealously, and wish that there was an equivalent for men. For those of you not acquainted with GLOSSYBOX it is a scheme where subscribers pay £10 a month, and they get a box of five miniature beauty products to try. It is a brilliant way to discover new products you may like without the commitment of full size products, and their cost.

Fortunately someone must have heard my silent jealously, as GLOSSYBOX for Men has finally been launched, and just my luck I was approached asking if I would like one to try; naturally I said yes.

GLOSSYBOX for Men slightly differs from GLOSSYBOX, it is quarterly as opposed to monthly, and it costs £15 a time. Also as opposed to five miniatures you get seven to try.

GLOSSYBOX for Men box

GLOSSYBOX for Men

The actual box itself is splendid; as my readers are probably aware I love packaging – it makes the product. It’s all about the little touches, and GLOSSYBOX for Men did not fall short, or disappoint in the packaging department.

In my Winter 2011 GLOSSYBOX for Men I received:

GLOSSYBOX for Men December/Winter 2011

1. Shaveworks The Cool Fix

I believe this is by the same people as Anthony Logistics (one of my favourite skin care brands). I received a tiny sample of this product before from Space NK. It is a great product for treating ingrown hairs, razor bumps, burns, and redness. I have sensitive skin so when I shave it gets really irritated no matter what I do – for me this product is a life saver; it makes shaving bearable.

2. Goldwell Duelsenses For Men Hair & Body Shampoo

This product has a really fresh clean smell. I would not use it on my hair as my hair does not seem to suit non specialised shampoo. As a body wash however it is great; it has a really masculine clean smell. The size is also great for travelling.

3. Goldwell StyleSign Volume Gel

I cannot really comment on this product as my hair is not suited to gel; I think if I put gel in my hair it would just end up a mess! I will however give this to one of my siblings; who have much shorter hair suited to gel use.

4. Monu Virtu Conditioning Body Wash

This brand is new to me, but it is a really great conditioning body wash. It is really creamy, and you can smell the bergamot, and lemon grass in it – great citrusy smell. It is really good at hydrating skin. Nothing like natural honey, and essential oils!

5. Monu Virtu Energy Rub

Another great smelling product. This Energy Rub with aloe vera is designed to be applied to skin, and massaged in. It instantly cools, and soothes the aching area. A useful product to have around, but not one I could see myself using regularly – it is more an as required product.

6. Murad Clarifying Mask

This is quite possibly my favourite sample out of the lot. It is a clarifying mask with sulfur in which is great for problematic acne prone skin (like mine lately!). You layer it on to your skin, leave it on for ten minutes before washing off. It felt great on, and left my skin feeling really good. I think this mask is going to become a weekly favourite, and ritual of mine!

7. Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme, and L’Homme

I always believe that a man should have a few signature fragrances, and that fragrance is important. However I love samples as it allows you to dabble in other fragrances without the hefty financial expense that is attached to decent fragrances. I have always really liked the smell of L’Homme, and La Nuit de L’Homme – they are both great smells from YSL.

Over all I would definitely recommend GLOSSYBOX for Men for product junkies like myself. It is a great way to try new products from well known high end brands to insider specialist niche favourites. You will may not like every product in the box, but I am sure you could give the product you do not like to someone else who will. The miniatures are also great for travelling. I am already looking forward to what the next GLOSSYBOX for Men contains ;) .

Space NK Christmas

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With Christmas fast approaching I have put together a few gift ideas for that special him, or her in your life from one of my favourite places to shop for cosmetics; Space NK. From must have candles (it’s all about Diptyque) to essential moisturisers for men there is something for everyone:

Gifts for her -

Space NK Christmas gifts for her

one: Diptyque’s Violette scented candle – £38
two: NARS’ limited edition mini shadow pencil set – £39
three: EVE LOM’s rescue mask – £50
four: Laura Mercier’s lip silk – £18.50
five: Tom Ford’s Black Orchid eau de parfum (50ml) – £60
six: Aromatherapy Associates’ Little Star bath & shower oil – £10

Gifts for him -

Space NK Christmas gifts for him

one: Acqua Di Parma’s Colonia Essenza eau de cologne (100ml) – £48
two: Life NK’s Japanese wash cloths – £18
three: Anthony Logistic’s Algae facial cleanser – £36
four: Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver aftershave balm – £30
five: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel with SPF – £33
six: Diptyque’s Philosykos body cream – £32


Space NK

p.s. do not forget to sign up for Space NK‘s N.dulge loyalty card system. For every £100 you spend in-store, or online you get £5 to spend at Space NK – does not seem much; but you would be surprised how much you spend a year (or well I do ha!).

TOD’S Gommino Moccasins

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When you think of TOD’S one of the first things you think about is their classic driving shoes, also known as gommino moccasins. TOD’S signature gomminos are probably one of the most famous styles of shoe in the entire world. Intended as a driving shoe originally, however they received such a cult following that they are just in place on the sidewalk, as behind the wheel. TOD’S is an archetypal Italian brand prized for it’s luxury goods, and exemplary craftsmanship. As a brand TOD’S has the true to form Italian touch of understated luxury with a distinguishable diffident affection of elegance.

TOD'S Gommino moccasins

TOD'S Gommino moccasins

TOD'S Gommino moccasins

TOD'S Gommino moccasins

I picked up a pair when I was shopping in Selfridges Oxford street on Saturday (not to self do not drink Bollinger Friday night when you have a train early in the morning to London). I can see they are likely to be quite an acquired taste. I have long admire TOD’S gommino moccasins particularly the vast array of colours in which you can get them – despite this I chose to stick to a neutral colour because I needed some more neutral shoes; a boy cannot walk around in midnight blue velvet loafers from Kurt Geiger every day sadly.

TOD'S Gommino moccasins

They are the ultimate in effortless casual luxe comfort. The rubber beads as opposed to a sole make them heavenly to walk in – you really feel like you have nothing on your feet in the best possible kind of way. I opted for suede over the leather ones as I am really loving suede right now – although impractical without heavy dosages of Collonil waterstop spray they look, and feel great (I wore them Saturday evening). I am in love!