@ 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...