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A Month in Snapshots VII

I have had a bit of a blog hiatus lately, however I am back! …and what better way to come back than with my latest installment in my A Month in Snapshot; where I show you what I have been up to lately with a collated selection of iPhone ‘snapshots’ from my Instagram account (my username on there is @kaleidoscopeboy if you want to follow me on there).

From the first world problem of deciding what shoes to wear to a party (Louboutin won naturally), to hot chocolates on the King’s Road, drinks out on the town in Birmingham, Starbuck’s red cups, Charbonnel et Walker treats, strolls down Harborne high street, wearing a polyester bodysuit (only on Halloween ), going to Cartier to buy my love ring, Friday nights drinking port, H&M’s Maison Martin Margiela collaboration, the delights of a wedding, espresso martinis, consuming far too much food at dinner parties, lunch reservations in town, cuddling in front of the fire in my favourite cashmere jumper, shopping until my wrists are sore from bags, toast the roast at Malmaison, Chanel’s Little Black Jacket exhibit at the Saatchi gallery, scoffing macaroons (always), afternoon tea at Hotel La Tour twice, cheeky catch ups over Moët in the Selfridges Birmingham gallery, spending time with my Grandma, skipping through leaves (okay not skipping, but I wanted to haha), reacquainting myself with my winter wardrobe, avoiding rain and just generally reminding myself why I love life.

I never thought I would say it but I am rather looking forward to Christmas. Yes the c-word! The festive bug has hit…

What have you been up to lately?

A Month in Snapshots III

Malmaison Birmingham

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Nestled in the trendy hot spot of Birmingham city centre that is the Mailbox, opposite Harvey Nichols Birmingham (great for a post shopping cocktail!) is Malmaison’s Birmingham branch. It is a bit of an old favourite haunt to me, and where I first fell in love with my favourite cocktail; the Vesper martini. It is one of my go to restaurants, bars, and hotels. I love the Malmaison chain, and their quirky playful contemporary styling. I have stayed, drank, and lunched at Malmaison many times over the past few years – I love the Mal Burger.

So when Malmaison Birmingham invited me to stay with them, and attend their European wine dinner with Johnny Walker (who is the director of wine, and spirits for Malmaison) I jumped at the chance. Last Friday I checked myself into my spacious chic room at Malmaison, and relaxed before throwing on my Jimmy Choos, and heading down to dinner.

I took my friend Tom with me, and we were greeted by canapés, and glasses of Balfour Brut Rose (the closest thing England has to it’s own champagne). The atmosphere was chilled, and sophisticated. The conversation intelligent (mainly, and absolutely hilarious), the different wines flowing, and the food was delicious. Our host Johnny Walker (not to be mistaken for the whisky haha) talked us through the six different wines we had, and I actually found it quite an informative, and an interesting evening. It added a complete different element to actually know in depth about what I was drinking.

The five course menu was a perfect mix for the taste buds with terrine of smoked salmon with crème fraîche, pan fried guinea fowl with confit leg risotto, and cranberry jus, a good measure of Elmhirst, and Wigmore followed by the tantalisingly sweet Tokaji poached peaches with biscuit cuillere. Followed of course with some strong coffee before more drinks. Excuse the iPhone quick snapshots, I was enjoying myself far too much to consider any ‘serious’ photography.

Terrine of smoked salmon with crème fraîche at Malmaison Birmingham

Pan fried guinea fowl with confit leg risotto at Malmaison Birmingham

Tokaji poached peaches with biscuit culler at Malmaison Birmingham

As for the wines we continued with the Balfour Brut Rose, moved onto whites with some Friendly Grüner Veltliner, another white wine which I have sadly forgotten the name of, then onto the reds with Erse Etna Rosso, Chateauneuf du Pape La Bastide Saint Dominique, and naturally Royal Tokaji Late Harvest as a dessert wine. Quite a mix! My favourite was the Balfour Brut Rose, but I am drawn to anything sparkling, followed by the Etna Rosso which was lovely, and light, oh, and I have quite a sweet tooth for which the Royal Tokaji hit the spot. Afterwards I somehow ended up in the Malmaison bar… needless to say the next day I hit the Malmaison restaurant for breakfast, and coffee with my old favourite; Eggs Benedict.

Thank you Malmaison Birmingham for having me, and especially Zara for inviting me! x

A Month in Snapshots

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The past month has been marvellous. I often enjoy having a look back at what I have done (reflection is such a great thing), and personally I find the best way to do that is through photographic snapshots. There is something about capturing a memory, or a moment that is almost magical. I thought I would share with you some photographs I have posted on Instagram in the past month (my username on there is kaleidoscopeboy should you wish to follow me!).

Some of the highlights include spending time with family, and my nephew, finally meeting my blogger friend Sarah in London for champagne at Sanderson Hotel’s Long Bar, and then going with her to meet designer Yan To to see the ‘dress’, London Fashion Week frolics, seeing Kate Moss, the Reiss SS12 LFW party, spending an afternoon at the V&A, and the National Gallery, Sunday pub lunches, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge Fifth Floor (enough said), breakfast in Sloane Square, shopping on the Kings Road, loving ‘life’ and ‘biscuits’ in Birmingham town, bubbles at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, drinks at Nobu, catching up with friends in Bodega Birmingham, dinner parties with friends, a particular lazy Sunday on the terrace watching the world go by, drinking cocktails, and devouring Dominos (ha!), delights from Selfridges’ Foodhall, general London adventures, and nights out in London town, evenings rolling in bed reading on my Kindle, deliveries from Matches Fashion, the signs of spring in my garden, and just generally enjoying life.

Another Mulberry Monday

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I treated myself to a little gift from Mulberry when I was in Harvey Nichols Birmingham on Sunday, and yes I realise I am using the word ‘treated’ again…

I finally got around to getting a Mulberry cover for my iPhone, I did order one at the start of this year when I ordered my Mulberry iPad case however due to a stock issue I did not get one. So since then I kept meaning to order one when they were back in stock, but it was not particularly at the forefront of my mind.

As you are all aware I am a massively Mulberry boy, and I love my natural soft leather – the grain, and the softness make a perfect combination in my opinion. I opted for oak natural leather as all my Mulberry leather goods are in the oak colour. It is a classic colour, and makes a good change from black.

I thought at a cost of £65 the case is an absolute bargain, at that price I did not hesitate at all about buying it. Mulberry’s small leather pieces are priced relatively low, and well worth looking at. They also do one for the BlackBerry, and a variety of other colours, and leather finishes.

Mulberry iPhone 4 case in oak natural leather

Isn’t it gorgeous? Simple, classic yet some how subtly elegant at the same time. It snuggly fits my iPhone 4, and it is not too difficult to remove my phone. I was warned by the sales associate that it could potentially be difficult removing my phone at first, but once the weather wears a bit more it will be easier – however I did not have this issue myself.

My Mulberry wallet, iPad case, and iPhone case

I am slowly building up my Mulberry oak natural leather collection! Few more little pieces I am sorely tempted by. Only a short post as I am exhausted after quite a weekend drunkenly frolicking around Knightsbridge.

Definitely not beige!

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Much to my annoyance I have not really had the chance to blog lately. My iMac decided it had enough of working properly, and thus it is at the Apple store to be repaired – that combined with a few other factors have resulted in a lack of posts, and an MIA Lorien.

I got also got “mugged” on Sunday, which obviously wasn’t the most pleasant experience of my life, and certainly not one I would wish upon anyone. Until I get my insurance sorted I am iPhone less – I feel completely lost. It shook me up far more than I thought it would. I do not actually know what shook me up more, the mugging, or the fact I was so shaken up. I couldn’t sleep, and it really got to me. It really was an awful end to an other wise spectacular weekend. I had just had a delightful dinner at Malmaison Birmingham (thanks S+L!), and was making my way to a bar to see some friends. However no point dwelling on it, it’s done now, and hopefully I shall have a shiny new iPhone soon – it’s more the pictures on it I am going to miss. As for the heinous cretins who mugged me, you’ll get yours some time – that’s how the world works.

Despite the mugging, I would like to thank all those who made it a superlative weekend. I mean hello? Wash, and blow dries, Toga parties, champagne, cocktails, a free bar, lunches, and generally debauchery – isn’t that what every weekend should be like? Not to mention the obscene amounts of tequila, gin (getting on it like a gin and tonic!), oh, and Pimm’s! Ha!! I even had a hilarious trip in Sainsbury’s however that’s probably best left unmentioned, although those fudge shortbread pieces were delicious.

I have quite a few new purchases to share with you when I am united with my iMac! I had another little splurge at Reiss (if it’s good enough for HRH Catherine, it’s good enough for me!), and of course had to get the Tom Ford sunglasses I have been coveting for a few months now. I just saw them staring at me in Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, I naturally had to snap them up in that instance.

I am in the depths of North Wales enjoying a spot of rest, and relaxation. The sun is divine, and it’s an excuse to wear my Tom Fords. However beautiful the beach, and sea are it’s had me thinking a lot about a plethora of things in my life. I have come to the conclusion everything is excellent providing you’re not beige! (or BEDage if you’re a certain foxy red head who wears Mac lipstick! ). That’s all for now cats, and kittens. Promise I’ll be back soon better than ever.

Lorien (me) in Tom Ford sunglasses, surprisingly wearing a Reiss top ;-)

Bisou bisou!!

How avant garde!

Normal hours are for normal people, and we my dear certainly aren’t normal

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Saturday I went to Birmingham, and faced one of my biggest fears (well I didn’t intend to, it just kind of happened). Sounds rather ominous, and exciting right? Well, it’s a tad anticlimactic I must confess. It is related to a fear deep rooted in public humiliation – I am quite a self conscious person, and I admittedly care too much what others think. I may come across as quite a confident person, but I am just a little lost boy on the inside (how poetic yeah… ha). I suppose I best go out, and say it:

A seagull shat on me… There you go, I said it. I was on the high street walking towards Harvey Nichs minding my own business as one does. Luckily very few people noticed some how (I really don’t know how, town was packed!). I whipped off my RayBans, and literally stripped off my blazer, and shirt, so I was in my undershirt, and make a quick getaway. It was really odd at first I was confused at what had just happened (I actually said, “REALLY now?” out loud…). Then once I realised what had happened, and it had sunk in, the embarrassment hit; I fled the scene. Thankfully the seagull didn’t excrete much on me, most of it missed me. It was only the shoulder, and back of my blazer, and shirt essentially. None landed in my hair, else I think I may have actually cried. Could have been a hell of a lot worse.

Managed to clean my shirt, and blazer, however as a result they were both soaking wet, and by this point I was a bit a sulky Lorien – did that really just happen to me? Did anyone see? et cetera. So I called one of my city centre living friends, who happened to still be in bed (I have odd friends), and so I headed over to Centenary Plaza rushed past the concierge into the lift, and went up to my friend’s apartment. Managed to dry my clothes, freshen up, and catch up with a good friend that’s always a win right? However now I can an aversion to all flying birds, this is war. Shit on my Paul Smith shirt again, and you are going down.

Sods law really, I was feeling quite good about myself for a change. Seeing as first thing I did when I got into Birmingham was grab a Starbucks (I was craving a nice iced vanilla frappachino double blended of course). The server at the till goes to me, oh I love your watch it’s so cool. He then goes, and your shirt is really cool too, and your glasses, you just look pretty damn cool. Well, you know I am cool ha! Anyway it’s not often one receives such nice random compliments off a stranger, well I don’t anyway, so I was in a good mood.

Once recovered, and I had a coffee (a necessity naturally), I had a mooch around the shops. I can honestly say I was left uninspired, and brutally rebuffed, even by my favourite stores. Nothing screamed buy me enough for me to actually consider it – very unlike me. So in the end I thought sod it, and hopped off to Malmaison’s bar for some cocktail therapy. Everybody loves a martini right? Well should do, I certainly do. Here’s a Vesper Martini for you:

The Bullring in Birmingham is home to England’s first Forever 21 (Europe’s first too), that opened a few days ago – no doubt my little sister will be nagging me to take her there soon. It’s trendy, it’s cheap; essentially it’s a teen girl’s dream. You can afford to keep on trend without being out of pocket. It’s America’s answer to Primark, and it’s finally here – albeit looks a spot more stylish. It will be interesting to see if it will change the shape of our high street, and if it will have any affect on rival stores.

Forever 21 store in the Bullring Birmingham

I am positively exhausted! Time to go, and dream about Louis Vuitton, well hopefully get to sleep before six am tonight. My body clock is tres confused, I don’t have a sleeping pattern – it’s just a random mess ha!

Normal hours are for normal people, and we my dear certainly aren’t normal.

- Holly Cofield

…sums it up about right.

I leave you with a photograph I took of the Cube on the iPhone app Instagram:

p.s. It must be officially Christmas season, the Coca Cola advert aired on television this evening. Oh dear, the big day will be here before we know it.

Mon anniversaire, Paul Smith Paisley, and Champagne Cocktails

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I haven’t updated in a while, simply because I have had massive site issues (thanks to my host they are now fixed, touch wood!), oh, and I’ve been busy – it has been my birthday after all. So yes, I am just that little bit older, wiser (I hope, but who am I kidding?), and apprehensive about the next year of my life. I had quite a respectful birthday, well respectful by my standards anyway (I am known for debauched behaviour…). It was a pleasant intimate affair with close friends – also got to catch up with some lovely people before hand at All Bar One, and Pub du Vin (especially my “twin” TT)!

En generale I am not a fan of birthdays, they remind me of how little I have achieved in my life so far, and make me think about things one shouldn’t think about. I suppose I find them quite depressing, and they make me feel awfully lonely. A Lorien that is lonely, is an awful Lorien indeed. I’m an affection parasite, I need affection, and love – but I suppose unlike a parasite I also have a lot of love to give. Guess no-one wants it hey?

We all know that moment in life when we finally get what we want, whether it be those Louboutins, you’ve painstakingly saved for, or just those few moments with that certain someone. Was it worth the hype, the anticipation, the saving, the preparing? Most of the time, yes, but sometimes it only leaves you wanting more, or wonder if that’s really what you wanted. I am having one of those moments, I got what I wanted, now it’s just left me feeling empty, and craving more. With, “more”, not in sight, I am admittedly at a bit of a loss uhm… I know what I want, but I don’t think I deserve it – guess I shall have to work on that one right? I am just tired of trying to make things happen, but I suppose I should be thankful, because when they do, they are quite special. If anything, I am just left dazed, and confused. Whilst I am cryptic blogging (I just cannot help myself), I might as well mention one thing I hate about social networking. You see things you don’t want to see, or know, and it can be quite upsetting. I guess I am just a bit emotionally fragile at the moment! Man up Lorien, I know right?

…Kaleidoscopic [kuh-lahy-duh-skop-ik]; essentially more, or less meaning ever changing. That is what life is, ever changing. It is what I am, what we all are; ever changing. Other than death, and taxes (sadly had to include that one) there are very few certainties in life. I am a kaleidoscopic boy in a kaleidoscopic world (better than a material girl I guess ha!). In such an uncertain life it is difficult to find a purpose, instinctively our main purpose is survival – but where do you go from there? Do you lead a conventional life of university qualifications, a semi detached house, a job behind a desk, maybe an estate car, a wife, or husband, perhaps even children? Or do you break the mould, and do things your way?

However I have come to the conclusion that it is not what you do that matters, it’s how you do it. Success does not always equate to happiness, I think many people forget that. They can go hand, in hand, but a lot of the time that’s not the case. Happiness has a lot to do with your attitude towards life, it is after all a state of mind. We all have our own versions of happiness, some of us are easily pleased, others I don’t think will ever be happy. Either way you have to learn to appreciate even the minutest things in your life, only that way can ever be truly, well even slightly content (now if only I could follow my own advice…).

I have made a tradition of getting a new shirt for my birthday courtesy of Daddy. The result is I drag him for hours around the city, going back, and forth between department stores, and boutiques much to his distress, trying things on, and generally taking my time – as I am quite fussy with my shirts, and then it’s awkward to find one that fits me well. Luckily I found one quite quick this year. It is a bit of a risk, but I fell in love with this loud PS by Paul Smith number.

It is a bit of a risk, yes, but I think it suits me, and I am sure I pull it off. I am a patterned fiend (stripes get a tad mediocre), and I love a spot of paisley! Love the colours in it too, it’s very fresh, and the paisley looks almost contemporary? Perfect fit too, one thing I love how Paul Smith – all my Paul Smith shirts are amazing fit (as if I haven’t gone on about Paul Smith enough in this blog ).

As you can see I wear it with the sleeves rolled up – I am just not a fan of long sleeves, and I like my arms free. It amazes me how something such as rolling your sleeves up can transform an outfit, it’s an instant progression from semi casual to formal in one swift move. It’s a little bit different, and a little bit crazy – but that’s just me (don’t pretend you don’t know I’m crazy). It is a very unique piece, with the print exclusive to Paul Smith, the only other time it is used is in some of the plain mainline Paul Smith shirt’s this season, as a swatch of print on the cuff.

So yes, I had a rather nice birthday, night out with close friends, and I made some bubbly cocktails before hand (naturally this is me after all)! Nothing like bubbly, wild hibiscus flower, and syrup, with Chambord, now is there?! Then the next night I had an intimate night in with some fine wine, and superlative company.

I am not feeling very attractive this week, not that I normally feel attractive on a normal week – but I am sure you get what I mean… just one of those weeks. Most of the time I look reasonable, but this week just seems to be an epic fail, but I haven’t been feeling very happy, and I’m sure that reflects in my looks too! I’m avoiding mirrors, and cheese cake just to be safe.

Right I’m off to sulk (notice only sulk, I don’t have time to fall apart, not today – I am a man on a mission (not sure what my mission is yet…)) on my chaise longue with my darling sugar glider Louis, and a book perhaps (probably my iPhone too, we’re inseparable you see). I leave you with a celebratory glass of Moët:

I’ve certainly had enough myself recently . Bisou!

It isn’t what I do, but how I do it. It isn’t what I say, but how I say it, and how I look when I do it and say it.
- Mae West

Cocktails, Harvey Nichs, and a few home truths

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Well, well, well, le weekend is finally coming to an end, and what an interesting weekend it has been at that. I was pretty much drinking since Thursday, wasn’t planned – but spontaneous times are always the best. Friday involved a spot of Veuve – I needed it! After clubbing Saturday night (debauched night at that!) ended up unexpectedly in my friend’s hotel room in Malmaison Birmingham… the beds are divinely comfortable, and the amount of pillows!!! It’s just perfect. Reminded me very much of my own bed; which is amazing by the way.

Do you think this was enough cocktails to order in one go? Ha.

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So, I got my cocktails, hence to say it was a successful weekend. Which equates to a very happy Lorien indeed. I feel like I am on a cocktail diet half the time – not complaining though!

Caught up with a lot of friends last night that I had not seen in quite awhile – which is always nice. It was really quite a peculiar night in the best possible of ways, started off the evening (after getting ready drinking champagne…) in Hahas for cocktails, and dinner – I had steak of course. I seem to have steak for dinner rather often, but it’s simply one of my favourites.

Bought myself another new shirt because I felt like it. I was in need of some retail therapy; so on Saturday after a cocktail with my friend, I hit Harvey Nichs.

The shirt I chose is very different from anything I usually wear. I tend to stick to plain, or stripes. It is a very adventurous choice for me, but I am very pleased with it. The pattern is of little white leaves on black. I am in general of the opinion that patterned shirts bar check, and stripe are more a thing you can pull off with age. Young men look silly sometimes in floral, paisley, et cetera. Patterns for young people is a risk, it can look almost tacky, but I would say this shirt is patterned in such a way it can be pulled off.

I often find with shirts that they are too big for me as I do not have much of a chest – even in smaller sizes. In the Paul Smith London slim fit range this is not the case. It is an excellent cut, and taper; the tailoring is divine – a fifteen collar fits me perfectly. The range is made in Italy. The collars are hand turned, and constructed in such a way the shirts can be worn with, or without a tie.

I had a really pleasant shopping experience at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, the sales assistant was a delight. I could not have asked for better service. It is little things such as the way they offer you a drink as you shop, down to the service with a smile that all count together with other factors for a pleasurable experience. I can honestly say many stores do not offer such a high level of customer care, but Harvey Nichs really does. A good shopping experience puts me in a good mood, I don’t know about you! Have you ever had a really positive shopping experience that left you with a smile on your face?.

Harvey Nichols was founded originally in 1813, and was a linen store. It is now a world renowned reputable luxury department store chain; with branches even in Hong Kong. The luxury chain, which flagship store is in Knightwick, is owned by Hong Kong business man Dr. Dickson Poon. It is a brand rich in history, and is considered very prestigious. I simply love Harvey Nichols because it sells a lot of items that you do not get in other department stores – the buyer for Harvey Nichs is superlative. It tends to have a very interesting, an unique collection compared to other luxury department stores… oh, and there is just something about the white crisp shopping bags I just cannot resist.

I am tired of a certain individual recently, but I do not think said individual is part of my life anymore. Which disheartens me, but pleases me at the same time. Maybe there will be a point when it’ll be appropriate for said person to re-enter my life. Until then I guess I will just leave them to their “ruinous” ways, and get on with my life. After all; the show must go on! …they also say you hurt the ones you love the most – which I think is very true. Ah well, moving on to the better things.

The only thing I can say of recent events is that it has helped me realise who my true friends are, and has taught me to value the people I trust even more so. It has also made me think a lot about my future, but let’s not even go there.

I had best go to bed; it is near 3 am… I have class tomorrow, and I am out tomorrow, well today, this evening, for my friend’s birthday.

I leave you with this quote;

“I was born when you kissed me. I died when you left me. I lived a few weeks while you loved me.”
- Humphrey Bogart

Lorien.Me

My affaire de cœur with life, fashion, and anything that may fascinate, or astound me.