Author Archives: Lorien

Burberry Prorsum micro cord

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One dreary day at the start of the week whilst at work praying for the weekend to come sooner, and browsing Matches (in my defence it was lunch time, well err I was eating – that counts right?), I was having a mooch at what they had left in their sale when I came across a dapper Burberry Prorsum shirt. Queue a few days later, and hello lovely courier delivery of said shirt (speaking of which check out the Matches box I got this time!). I actually wore it this afternoon; we had to take my cat Prada to vets – she got dribble, and cat snot all over the Burberry London shirt I was wearing so I had to change before heading back to work. Prada (I named her years ago; don’t laugh!) has cat flu, the vet gave her an injection, and prescribed her a course of antibiotics for a few days – she now appears to be on the mend thank goodness.


Matches Fashion box

I have commented before how I am rather fond of the Matches packaging. The boxes are designed by the artist Ann Muir, and I am building up quite a collection of them. I reuse them for extra storage in my wardrobe – it would be a waste not to.


Burberry Prorsum micro cord shirt

Back of Burberry Prorsum micro cord shirt

As you can see I am tired (long day!), I need to do my hair, and I have not quite mastered this posing malarky (bring back summer – outdoor photographs are so much easier!!). Excusing my appearance, and moving on you can appreciate the Burberry Prorsum shirt. Burberry Prorsum is my favourite label from Burberry – if I could only wear one label for the rest of my life I would choose Burberry Prorsum. This shirt was made in Italy, so was my other Burberry Prorsum shirt.

I cannot say I am a huge fan of cord, but micro cord in this divine camel colour really does it for me in this instance – I could not do full on normal cord; it isn’t me. I really love this shirt though it bridges the gap between smart, and casual perfectly resulting in a great smart casual shirt that can be easily dressed up, or down. I also like how it is rather fitted, and the back central pleat adds to it.


Burberry Prorsum shirt tag

Burberry Prorsum shirt pocket detail

Burberry Prorsum shirt cuff button

It is the little details that you really appreciate with Burberry Prorsum – I am particularly fond of how the breast pocket has ribbon trim providing a complete textural contrast, and a little luxe hint to the shirt. The buttons are a great colour too, and only add to the shirt.

Have you bought anything lately that you just love?


Matches

Mulberry Friendship Bracelet

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Whilst shopping in London recently I found myself not only on New Bond Street but gravitating towards the Mulberry store. The magnetism that store has on me left me helpless to resist; consequently allow me to brighten up your Monday with a spot of Mulberry. When I was younger I remember having wax cord bracelets on my wrist; friendship bracelets. A throw back to our long, and not so long forgotten youths. May I present you with Mulberry’s playful take on the classic friendship bracelet:

Mulberry box

Mulberry clover charm friendship bracelet

If you remember recently I bought a clover pin from Mulberry a couple of weeks ago. The clover is a motif in Mulberry Spring Summer 2012, it appears in quite a few different products. I really love how playful Mulberry new season is, and the clover charm is rather cute. Traditionally four leaf clovers symbolise good luck, and who doesn’t feel lucky with a spot of Mulberry around their wrists?

Mulberry clover friendship wax cord bracelet

The “friendship bracelets” come in an array of different styles with hearts, peace signs, stars, and even pink wax cords for the über girly of you out there. Priced reasonably at £60 they are an inexpensive little treat which allows everyone to buy a bit of Mulberry if they want to. The only criticism I have is that they can be rather fiddly to tighten, and loosen – but once you get used to it they are not so bad, and you could always get someone else to help you.

So as far as I am concerned this bracelet is me concreting my long lasting friendship with Mulberry ;) , or at least that was my purchase justification.

Smythson Stationery

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My Smythson fixation seemingly knows no bounds (neither does my fondness of luxury stationery clearly), I appear to be gathering quite a collection of delectable nile blue boxes in a vast array of sizes. As far as I am concerned Smythson is the brand for stationery, diaries, and notebooks. I think to truly appreciate Smythson you must visit their flagship store on New Bond Street where they have a ‘mini museum’ highlighting some of the brand’s rich history. Since 1887 Smythson has been the go to brand for Royalty, style icons, explorers, and even pop Royalty. The ‘museum’ is well worth a browse if you find yourself in London, although personally I find it difficult to leave a Smythson store without a shopping bag, or two of stationery delights, and/or charming leather goods.


Smythson nile blue boxes

Smythson notelet cards

I picked up some some plain cream envelopes, and writing paper the other weekend whilst shopping in London, as unfortunately it is not very financially viable to use my Smythson notelet cards every time I want to engage in some personal correspondence (as beautiful as they are!). The plain writing paper, and envelopes provide a stylish solution that is far more economical for me personally, especially as I do send a lot of letters. I am on the opinion if you are going to make the effort of a hand written letter you may as well do it in style; it makes all the difference.


Smythson writing paper

The crisp writing paper, and envelopes provide a sophisticated blank canvas for all your personal correspondence needs. Both bear the Smythson watermark, and work with fountain pens without bleeding (always important; I love fountain pens!). The envelopes are very similar to those you get with the notelets, they are embossed subtly with ‘Smythson’ – the main difference is that they are not tissue paper lined. However they still look splendid, and certainly do the job! Smythson stationery comes in other colours than cream such as white, nile blue, regardless for me cream will always be my stationery colour of choice. Perhaps because my darling Mother bought me up on cream Conqueror stationery, but for me white is too clean (although white works better with motifs i.e. on notelet cards), and nile blue as lovely as a colour it is just does not cut it for me.


Smythson envelopes

My fountain pen du jour is a Cross one that Mother bought me for Christmas. It feels great to hold (always an important factor when it comes to pens), and it writes ever so smoothly. I would say it is my favourite pen that I own. Speaking of pens I love Penfriend’s store in Burling Arcade – some of the vintage pens there are magnificent.

Cross fountain pen

Valentine’s Edit

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Whilst I am perpetually single at Valentine’s (not that I am complaining – I am of the opinion if something was meant to happen it would, and I guess it hasn’t) I still like to treat myself just because I can. Last year I bought myself lots of Charbonnel et Walker chocolates, and I shared them with my Mother (I can be kind).

I have read an abundance of tweets, Facebook statuses complaining about the corporate nature of Valentine’s Day, people wondering what to buy their significant others, and plenty whining about being single. I find it funny how those complaining about the corporate aspect do not do the same at Christmas, it’s also an odd coincidence that the majority of them are single too… but let’s not get speculative. I am single I use it as an excuse to indulge, and why not? I am worth it, and you’re worth it too.

So now on to some gift ideas/suggestions whether you are buying yourself a treat, or a little something for someone else special in your life here are twelve suggestions:

Valentine's gift ideas/suggestions

one: Eve Lom Kiss Mix – £14 at Space NK
two: Charbonnel et Walker Crémes Parisiennes – £9 at John Lewis
three: Créme De La Mer moisturising cream – £95 at Harrods
four: Smythson Valentine’s card – £10 at Smythson
five: Mulberry oval cufflinks – £95 at Mulberry
six: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Rosé – £54.95 at Harrods
seven: Mulberry ostrich keyring – £60 at Mulberry
eight: John Derian heart paperweight – £27.50 at Liberty London
nine: Charbonnel et Walker pink Marc de Champagne truffles – £9.75 at John Lewis
ten: Smythson Amour Sans Fin wafer notebook – £35 at Smythson
eleven: Diptyque Roses candle – £38 at Space NK
twelve: Wild at Heart bouquet – £75 at Liberty London

Eve Lom Cleanser Review

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When I first tried a sample of Eve Lom’s cleanser months ago I was not quite sure what to make of it initially, it seemed quite a tedious way to go about cleansing my face. Despite this the results spoke for themselves – from one use I could gauge an improvement in my skin.

I am a little late joining the party when it comes to Eve Lom’s cleanser, Vogue have already dubbed it ‘probably the best cleanser in the world’. Whilst I have not tried every cleanser in the world I have tried many (my bathroom is beginning to look like an apothecary), and it is most definitely the best I have tried.

The cleanser comes in a sticky grit like consistency, you apply it to your face using circular movements, then you dip, and wring out a muslin cloth (provided with the cleanser, and you can buy more) in hot water, press it on to your face, hold for five seconds – you repeat this three times. Then you rinse the cloth in warm water, and rub at your face in circular movements to exfoliate before dipping the muslim cloth in cold water, and applying it to your face for five seconds to close your pores.

Eve Lom Cleanser

Seems like a lot of work right? Well I definitely thought that at first but once it becomes habit it takes no time at all, and for the difference you notice in your skin it is worth it. I use Eve Lom every evening, and I now swear by it – I have convinced many of my friends to jump on the Eve Lom bandwagon with my constant praise of the cleanser.

The cleanser contains chamomile oil, and cocoa butter to soothe, and condition the skin, clove, and eucalyptus oil for their anti bacterial, and anti septic qualities along with hops oil to tone, and thoroughly cleanse your face. So a lot of essential, and useful oils. It also contains mineral oil as one of it’s main ingredients; something I tend to avoid in cleansers – but despite this the product works, and your skin is left feeling clean, looking radiant, and in no way greasy. The muslin cloth is essential for use with this cleanser, just using a flannel does not work (I have tried). You can buy more muslin cloths quite cheaply, and they can also be washed in your washing machine.

At prices starting £30 for 50 ml it may seem expensive, but it is not just a cleanser, it is also a toner, and an exfoliator as well – so in effect it is saving you money as you do not have to buy separate products. As you only use a little bit at a time it should last a few months, and there are bigger sizes which are better value for money. I just bought the 50 ml to see how I got on with it before I commit to a bigger size – which I will be doing! If you think about how it replaces other products (and for ladies it removes make up too!), and how long it lasts it is really quite cost effective.

Space NK

My Fragrance Edit

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It never fails to astound me how a certain smell can evoke a memory with such clarity, or how a particular fragrance can make you think instantly of a particular person. Smell is a powerful human scent, and the right fragrance can make the right impression.

I personally tend to go for more classic fragrances rather than any of that urban malarky that comes in ridiculously chavvy gold bottles (yes Paco Robanne I am looking at YOU!). Your fragrance should be your signature. I am not saying you cannot have flirtations with other scents (trust me I do), but there should be one scent you always go back to. I have one, or two main fragrances, a night/going out fragrance, a summer fragrance, a fragrance for “formal” occasions, and a few for whenever I fancy a momentarily change.

I decided to share with you some of my favourite scents along with a “little” description describing them, excuse me if they are a little well err reductive I am not all that au fait with describing fragrances but I have given it my best shot!


Fragrance Edit

one: it’s all about long hot summers on the Italian Riviera with Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino
(£180 for 100 ml)

two: a modern take on the spicy timeless scent with Jo Malone’s Vetyver
(£72 for 100 ml)

three: cool mountain trek beyond fresh, fresh ness with Creed’s Himalaya
(£165 for 120 ml)

four: a man’s take on English floral heritage with Penhaligon’s Blenheim Palace
(£80 for 100 ml)

five: rich woody smells, and asian jungle adventures with Diptyque’s Tam Dao
(£68 for 100 ml)

six: a contemporary spritz of masculinity with a woody understated elegance with Cartier’s Declaration
(£60 for 100 ml)

seven: pristine Sicilian sophistication with Aqua Di Parma’s Colonia
(£72 for 100 ml)

eight: a manly marriage of black pepper, and lavender with L’Occitane’s Eau de L’Occitan Pour Homme
(£36 for 100 ml)

nine: a fresh, and sensual polaroid of the modern man with Chanel’s Allure Homme Sport
(£60 for 100 ml)

ten: a distinctive, provocative mix of mandarin, patchouli, and vanilla with Tom Ford’s Black Orchid
(£85 for 100 ml)

What fragrance do you wear?

Mulberry Clover Pin

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Whenever I wear my Mulberry frog pin on my blazer lapel people comment what a beautiful pin it is, and I am absolutely smitten with it. Each season Mulberry do a different pin playing on their current motifs – when I saw the one for this season I just had to have it (I am already excited for what pins Mulberry will do for Autumn/Winter 2012). Mulberry Harvey Nichols Birmingham ordered it in for me, and as per usual provided the most incredible customer service.


Mulberry Ding Dong bag

Mulberry SS12 stickers

After adding bells to their shopping bags at Christmas was such a success (who doesn’t love jingle Mulberry?!), Mulberry decided to add something to their shopping bags for Spring Summer 2012. The phrase “Ding Dong” is one of their motifs, it can also be seen on the sticker sheet that Mulberry gave me – Mulberry do stickers every season, it’s just a little fun touch.


My Mulberry clover pin

Mulberry clover pin

The current pin is a clover with the Mulberry tree logo etched in the bottom right corner, the result is a simple yet classy look. Pins are a great way to spice up an outfit. I love a spot of adornment, and this pin looks great on your blazer label, on your coat, attached to your scarf, or bag. The pin has a secure tight back mechanism meaning there is very little chance of it falling off, even if you pull at it, it does not come lose. I cannot wait to wear it!

Versace x H&M cruise

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So my Versace x H&M cruise order came on Friday. I have only just had chance to try my pieces on today as I went out Friday night straight from work (messy times!). The great thing about designer, and high street store collaborations is that it means anyone could afford a piece of the guest designer, in this instance Versace. After Versace x H&M was so successful (I did not even manage to get anything :( !), the Versace x H&M cruise collection followed as an online exclusive. I really wanted some of the tshirts, but sadly everything sells out ridiculously quick. This is what I managed to get:


Versace x H&M cruise collection shirt

Versace x H&M cruise collection shirt, back of

Versace x H&M cruise collection shirt tag

Versace x H&M cruise collection shirt contrast

Versace x H&M cruise collection shirt cuff/arm embroidery

Most of the shirting in my wardrobe is patterned, or neutral coloured – I thought this rich blue shirt makes a pleasant change. The shirt material has a sheen to it making it a little bit more dressy. The sleeve/cuff has the Versace pattern embroidered, you can see it from behind, or if you raise your arm/sleeve. I much prefer this subtle approach as opposed to full on in your face Versace print.


Versace x H&M cruise collection dressing gown

I also got the twill dressing gown so I can frolic around feeling like Hugh Hefner (I kid, sort of…), however I will save you the sight of me in the dressing gown (and fortunately for my parents this will save them the sight of me frolicking around in my underwear)! I like how the dressing gown is asymmetrical with the Versace print up the one sleeve.

Did you manage to pick up anything up from the Versace x H&M cruise collection? Let me know!

Chess London

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When it comes to British tailoring you tend to think of all the traditional old brands on Savile Row; the likes of Gieves & Hawkes, and H. Huntsman & Sons, and then you think of the damage they would do to your wallet (well at least I do). Well yes your suit may be perfect, and bespoke, but if that were me I would simply be broke!

So it is excellent to know other British brands still keep the prestige history of British tailoring going in the ready to wear market. Sure they make not be bespoke, but they are of such a high grade anyway. This is where Chess London comes into play.

Chess London logo

Chess London is a relatively new brand that was created in 2010 promising men a contemporary wardrobe that is both well designed, and well crafted. Chess London insist on using only the finest of materials sourced around the globe (although a high proportion of their fabrics are woven here in the UK!), and finishing them by using British tailors to give each piece that certain je ne sais quoi. I am a big believer in British brands, and supporting the British fashion industry with my choices, and I always think it is good to see some fresh blood on the British fashion scene.

Chess London have taken an unorthodox yet brilliant approach to promoting their up, and coming launch by promoting it as a story – through various social media platforms you can watch the brand grow, and develop in time for their launch. From discussing their packaging choices (after all packaging is very important!), to showing you sneak peaks of products, prototypes, or even one of their brand ambassadors wearing their label to an event, or photoshoot (I don’t think I have ever seen Manchester United’s Phil Jones looking so smart!). To follow Chess London’s story follow their hashtag #clstory on Twitter, or check out their Facebook page.

Chess London sketches

Chess London SS12 collection preview

I, for one, am looking forward to the Chess London launch, and what the Chess London story has in hold for us.

Reiss Menswear Spring Summer 2012

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This Friday Reiss’ Spring Summer 2012 collections launch, I got the opportunity to preview the collection already, and I naturally could not resist sharing some of it with you. Anyone who actually reads my blog knows that I am a huge fan of Reiss, it is a great brand that is affordable without sacrificing style. It is one of my favourite British brands, and a quite a large portion of my wardrobe is Reiss. Whilst Reiss isn’t ‘daring’, it is classic with contemporary elements making it almost timeless.


Reiss Menswear Spring Summer 2012

One of the motifs in the Spring Summer Menswear 2012 collection which I particularly like is ‘The Hamptons’, however James Spreckley (Reiss’ Menswear Director) has expanded upon this, and we are left with an East coast verse West coast vibe. Think of the sartorial prep of the Upper East Side mixed with the almost casual coolness of California. It sounds as if it would never work, but it really does. The result is fresh, and fun with classic staples taking on new life, and the casual ideals of the West finishing off the looks with a complete manner of nonchalance that is somehow naturally ‘cool’. It is a great juxtapositional success!


Reiss Bowery SS12 satchel bag

…and I must say the above bag caught my eye. I am really loving the dark mustard green canvas against the black leather – great contrasting combination, and it seems to follow Reiss’ East coast verse West concept. You have essentially a structured leather satchel bred with a cotton messenger, and the result is beautiful.


Reiss menswear SS12

Another one of the motifs is ‘Notes from Havana’ inspired by exotic locations, and the pinnacle point of summer. This comes across in vivacious prints, and bold splashes of colour (really loving that red jumper!). Reiss have expanded on their jolly colours by stretching the textural norm. Long gone are the days of linen shorts, it is all about linen ties, and other delightful arrays of unusual textural pleasure. It is playful, and fun whilst remaining classic, and wearable – think Great Gatsby with a splash of colour.