@ Budapest

Every year my best friends and I chose one European city to discover over a long weekend.  The criteria: 

1.  A place where we, individually haven't travelled to

2.  A place that can keep us entertained for 3 days

So as we landed from our Prague trip in 2013, we were ready to start brainstorming ideas for 2014. The conclusion: BUDAPEST. 

Budapest, capital of Hungry. 

Budapest, a beautiful city split but the River Danube, dividing the city from the East, Buda and West, Pest.  So this year, this is what we discovered....

Naturally, we had various guide books, blogs and advice so gathering all our sources we planned day one.  So first mission of the day was to find the oldest patisserie in the city and good thing too, as we worked up quite the appetite getting there.  

Some hot chocolate with my cream!?, Ruzwurm

The walk along the Danube was perfect, taking in the sites of parliament, the National Gallery, Gresham Palace (now the Four Seasons) and meandering up the hill up towards the Matthias Church and then Buda Castle, just in time for changing of the guards.  I must admit their composure and resistance to remain undistracted, has nothing on the Queen's guards, an easy feat by us five girls!

We obviously had the best intention on carrying on our day of site seeing but...we just happen to fall upon the Prague Wine Festival. For one weekend only?! Well, how can we turn such an offer down. A ticket, a wine glass and the handy wine glass bag/holder in tow, we were off! Along with the usual suspects, Hungary did have a lot to offer in terms of wine but due to the level consumption I can't remember any of the wines I actually tasted but there was few photo evidence. 

For the sake of whoever may be reading this, I'm going skip straight to the next day, which was a little more organised.  We visited the Musuem of Terror, followed by a delicious lunch at Ket Szerecsen, a short walk away from the museum. Ket Szerecsen serves up tapas style dishes from various regions including Spanish, French and Thai - so you have quite the choice!


Budapest is known for it's underground scene and ruin bars, these are as the title suggest a bar which has opened in a ruin/abandoned space, normally in the Jewish quarter, an area left in ruins after World War II.  The most popular is Szimpla Kert.  Szimpla Kert from the outside is pretty unrecognisable, there are no signs but as you walk through it opens up into something from Aladin's cave.  Exposed bricks, wires EVERYWHERE, be-headed mannequins, fuzzy tv screens, disco balls...you name its on their walls.  The numerous bars and rooms surrounds an outdoor courtyard which when we were there was hosting a belly dancing competition?! Very hungarian.  They were also giving out carrots? Now, is this a hungarian thing?

After 2 and a half days of site seeing we thought we could treat ourselves and visit the famous baths before we left for our flight.  With over 20 different temperature steam rooms, whirlpools, baths we managed to try every pool and room twice! It was then back to London for work the next day! 

@ Barcelona

This weekend saw my return to Barcelona...for the third time! (Twice in 14 months!).  It is by far one of my favourite cities in the world.  The combination of the bustling city culture, authentic narrow streets and the chilled beach turned amazing nightlife can cater for most.

The many and frequent warnings you may get about the pick-pocketers shouldn't put you off, although my friend (who will remain nameless) was mugged by a group of girls who then kindly gave his wallet minus the cash back to him.  Muggers with manners apprently?!

We stayed in a lovely apartment five minutes away from the beach (only a quick leap and jump away from topping up that tan!) Otherwise we spent most of the three and a half days eating our way through Barcelona.  Luckily for you, I have picked my favourites;

1.  TAPAS 24
A cute little basement restaurant from the Michelin star chef and the chef at Bravo 24 at The W Hotel, Carles Abellan.  He trained in the kitchen of El Bulli and has kept Tapas 24 simple and sticking to the best and well executed Spanish dishes.  You must try the Bikini (!), fittingly shaped, also..But this is their signature dish; cheese, iberico ham and truffle sandwich.  

2.  CATALANA CERVERSERIA
Located just north of Las Ramblas and is obviously a popular destination for both visitors and the locals.  The queue is on average approximately 20 minutes, but it's totally worth it! Having spent the morning in Park Guell and starving by the time we were seated, we ordered a bit too much for just the two of us.

3. SENOYOR PARALLEDA
Senyor Paralleda came as a recommendation from a friend, a what looks like a rather smart restaurant in the area of El Born.  Walking through the polished doorway to open up to a colonial style decor in a light and sophisticated dining area.  We were greeted by all the camereros (waiters) as we were led to our table.  There was the choice of their house wines, only 3 and that was it - at 3 euros a glass, it could have been a risk.  But what we discovered was a beautiful dry Spanish wine; waiter, a bottle please!  Moving onto the food, every dish from the tuna tartar, seafood risotto and the traditional Catalyan creme brûlée was mouth-wateringly good and presented perfectly.  By the time we left, the two-storey restaurant was full.

(I was too distracted by the food and did not manage to take any photos - a great excuse to try it for yourself!)

Wherever you read, there are various guides/must-visits for Barcelona, so i have left that to your preference , instead below is my photo album of my trip. Enjoy!

Tie up styles

London was blessed with beautiful weather all weekend which was the perfect setting for the Willow & Warson Spring/Summer campaign.  As we wandered through Mayfair and St Jame's Park, discovering new nooks and cobbled streets the bow tie really shone through.

So I thought I would give you a sneak peek of our locations for the day.

Red Telephone Box

W&W Founder, Tim's favourite location of the day

Style Notes: PFW

Nous arrivons à Paris...

Chiara Farangi in the sunshine

Stylish in white ripped jeans and checks ala Helena Bordon

YSL Cassandre clutch and Stella McCartney skirt worn by Pernille

Tina mixing fringing and peplum

Aimee Song in gorgeous contrasting pastels

Style Notes: MFW

Ciao Milano!

Double trouble: Viviana Volpicella & Elisa Nalin

Candela, bug and Fendi!

Gala Gonzalez

This is how to do dungaree chic - Leila Yavari always gets it right 

Milan Fashion Week would not have been complete without a little Moschino! 

Style Notes: LFW

It's only right that at LFW we celebrate British designers and British style.  Here are my favourites!

JW Anderson matched with florals

Laura Bailey does smart casual

Kate Foley, British born buyer, consultant and stylist in Burberry and a bag of Anya's crisps

Love Poppy's Sophia Webster print heels

source: harpersbazaar.com

@Fashion Film

During LFW, there are plenty of events supporting the great British style, accolades and new talent.  The BFC Fashion Film initiative have had a long standing partnership to bring fashion designers and film makers to encourage designers to showcase their collections, inspirations and journeys through film.  The AW14 Fashion Film was an especially significant one, with a preview to the new Yves Saint Laurent movie, out later this year!!! Eeeek !  

What I wore: 
Hudson Jeans and my Burberry leather jacket

What I drank: 
Champagne

Hosted by: 
Laura Bailey 

Spotted: 
Daisy Lowe, Bip Ling and Amber Atherton

What I watched: 
i-D

"Catching the Moment: Life Through The Lens of Terry Jones"

Roland Mouret 
"Titane Lune"

Sibling and Swarovski
"Crystals and the Postman Are A Girl's Best Friend"

Vogue 
A Film by Craig McDean for British Vogue

Style Notes: NYFW

Its that time of year again, when the Fash Pack return to tour the the Fashion capitals for Fall 2014.  In usual traditional I have chosen my favourite styles and mash ups for my inspiration this season.
Here we fly to New York City!

Amanda Weir keeping it cool and simple in B&W

You You Store founder, Eleanora Carisi always colours up an event

Check, check, check on Hanneli Mustaparta

Love Joyanna's layering with her Chanel jacket and Stella cape.

Statement Fur for Karmen

source: harpersbazzar.com

My INCREDIBLE WOMAN

With the imminent release of PORTER magazine, the rumours of the first cover star are circling into a near fashion tornado.  Net-a-Porter have always been about the girl power, founded by Natalie Massenet in 2000, the site has gone from the kitchen table to a serious game changer in 10 years.  So it's right that they celebrate women, their achievements and their independence and really how they have become THE INCREDIBLE WOMAN. 

So, it got me thinking about who my incredible woman is in my life because everyone has one...and if you don't, I would advise you to find one!  

Mine is my mum (I know, predictable/cheesy) - delete as appropriate.

From a small town in the South of Thailand, she has now become this INCREDIBLE women; businesswoman, philanthropist and mother.

But this is very far from what she had set off to do when leaving her job as a nurse in Bangkok and arriving in London (not speaking a word of English) ready to start a scholarship at Leeds University.  Being from a very old and traditional family, they weren't best pleased when she fell pregnant out of wedlock and disappointed the family thus reducing all communication and financial support.  This may seem extreme but 25 years ago, this was unacceptable.  From then on, mum worked, days in an off license and nights as a housekeeper until the day she was in labour.  Even once running after a guy who had shoplifted a 25p chocolate bar!  

After years of living in London, she noticed a gap in the market.  And decided to take yet another job, by cooking Thai food in a market stall every Sunday.  Thai food at this point was scarce or just totally unknown.  After a year she found a builder's cafe in Chiswick that she could rent in the evenings: greasy spoon by day and Thai cuisine by night!   A couple of years after that... she was able to buy the entire place!! Well, then there was really no stopping her! Year after year she has expanded her restaurants across London, making a total of 12…and then there was the beauty salon and 2 hotels in Thailand, in 20 years. 

She has grown an entire empire, not short of a few knocks and bumps along the way but has always stayed true to her heritage.  Her work continues outside the kitchen, through her work fighting the stigma and cruelty against Thai women that are “brought” into the UK as well as supporting the Buddhist community across the country. 

So if I had to chose my cover star for the INCREDIBLE WOMAN – this is who I would choose. Hands down. 

Taken on her first days in London

Première by Chanel

The Première experience is a tribute to this vision of the time, and the Chanel woman.  The iconic timepiece has been updated from their original version 26 years ago which was inspired by the Chanel No5 perfum bottle stopper. 

@ Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Samui

If discovering natural lakes, secluded beach islands and clear waters is your thing then Ang Thong (Golden Islands) in Koh Samui is the place. The 42 islands are a protected archipelago within a marine park, pretty impossible to do in a day... I only managed 3! 

Koh Sam Soa

Koh Mae

Koh Tai Plaow

Most of the islands are uninhibited, with a few only residents being local sea gypsies who with the help of Thai authorities are maintaining Ang Thong to become Thailands first clean energy island by using renewable energy and Eco friendly developments that will harm very little of these beautiful islands. 

@ Koh Ngai, Thailand

I spent 7 days on Koh Ngai at Thanya Beach Resort- so idyllic and so far away from any civilisation.  The resort, located on the south eastern side of the island  surrounded by sea one side and forest the other there was no choice of being stranded.  I am not complaining at all here,it was just bliss. 

What did I pack? 

My Kimberley swim suit teamed with my Original Panama hat and my lady gaga-esque sunglasses from a small Thai designer.  My Goyard held my beach essentials: Lancaster face cream, dermelogica multi active toner spray, Estherderm sun lotion, aveda sun hair spray and of course an iBooks full of reading material. 

With that I was ready to set myself on a lounger. 

And for my afternoon stroll along the coastline I wore various play suits, kaftans and dresses. My favourite were my Roberto Cavalli floral print shorts, a lace anglaise Topshop crop,  my Melissa gladiator sandals and McCartney sunnies.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Pretty & Privé readers.  I know I have been rather absent in the last few months but be sure that is now over and there will be plenty to report on for 2014!

I hope that everyone had a fabulously sparkly and all things diva New Years celebration.  I spent mine on a small island off the cost of Thailand.  Koh Ngai is no more than 4 km long  in the middle of the Andaman sea.  The view of the turquoise waters, the traditional tail long tail boats and the soft creamy sand was just to die for and the perfect escape from the bustling city of London.  A much needed R&R session after a full on year; leaving my friends and work of 3 and half years and finally doing up my very own first flat. New home and new job...So forgive me if I am rather reminiscent in this post but it is one large chapter I'm closing and a new gorgeous 500gsm glossy paper I'm about to start on. 

My years at one of London's most luxurious department stores have been pretty spectacular.  As I walked into work with my Celine and stylist under tow, I would always be so proud to have been part of this sparkling palace. 

My story starts on the shop floor of the infamous Christmas World...in September I might add.  I was a mere university graduate with big dreams to work in Fashion (a dream that I shared with a million other girls).  My first thoughts were what exactly am I doing selling a £4.99 Christmas baubles, wearing a red apron? Thank goodness I look good in red but to my surprise the 3 months I spent in this department were some of the most invaluable. I took away that you can't pass up any opportunities that may come your way, you have no idea what they can do to help you grow...as well as 2010 Vintage Bauble, which still hangs on my Christmas tree every year.

Well, the next 3 months were just so fab-u-lous...did I mention I was now brand manager of Lanvin?! Surrounded by beautifully cut silk dresses, HAPPY bags and the most chunky jewellery expertly designed by Alber Elbaz 5 days a week, was just so dreamy.  I met some of London's....actually just make that the world's most glamourous women, fashion forward  men and quite a few times, helped a certain Karl muse.  Well with my salary officially spent on the Prada Saffiano, a few pairs of YSL tributes and a Burberry fur coat I was quite relived to move onto my next placement...I think I was close to remortgaging my parents for a structured cream Roland Mouret gown. 

As I sat in my interview for my next role, I told my new boss my love for Coco Chanel and legacy she has left within the fashion world, how she turned womenswear around and her signature scent, bag and tweed were just a few of how successful she was and still remains. I worked on a few marketing projects but then there was this ONE.....Oh just with the really small brand that you may have heard of....CHANEL!!!! Unless you have 3 days to read then all I will say is.it.was.a.dream!

So this post is to say THANK YOU those who helped me carve this journey, a supportive director and the special girls at work for making me laugh every day. 

So, here I go...