lovely jubbly london

Fashion Friday {Dior at Harrods}

I finally made it to the temporary Dior exhibition at Harrods during the week. I wasn't sure what to expect and wondered whether it would be similar to the exhibition at Le Bon Marche. Happily, it wasn't!

Let me tell you, Harrods is pushing Dior hard. The windows, the boutique section and even a cafe are all Dior themed.

One of the unique features of the exhibit is that Harrods has the muslins used to design their more recent garments. It's interesting to see the behind the scenes aspects of the design process.

Of course, they have plenty of eye candy as well!

Another of my favourite features is the Fashion Theatre. This is a scaled down version of a fashion presentation Harrods put on in the 1950's. These miniature dresses are amazing!

Speaking of the 50's, there is also quite a bit of memorabilia relating to Princess Margaret. The Princess had a special relationship with Dior and even had a special fashion show at one of the palaces.

Dior at Harrods is on until 14 April

Aman Spa at The Connaught

We decided to treat ourselves well this Easter with a little relaxation courtesy of the spa. While we always visit the spa in Portugal, we never do the same closer to home. I think this is the start of a dangerous addiction. Maybe a blog series investigating the UK's best spas?! 

The husband is now hiding my credit card.

Anyway, after a bit of research I was torn between the Four Seasons and the Connaught. The treatment I wanted wasn't offered in most London spas so that helped narrow my choices. In the end, I decided to book us into the Aman Spa at the Connaught Hotel.

Hidden in Mayfair, the Connaught houses the first Aman spa outside of an Aman resort.

On arrival, we were given fresh lemongrass tea and filled out some paperwork including an optional quiz to determine your dosha.

Since the husband I were both having treatment, we were shown to a double treatment room. In our room there was a private changing area with double shower although no toilet. I only say this because after having tea and listening to therapeutic running water I wanted to use the loo before my treatments which meant leaving the main spa area.

After putting on our robes, the treatment started with a footbath and discussion of what was ahead. If you are having a massage, you are given the oils to smell and choose what best suits you. I started with a mud wrap so the therapist asked what I hoped to get out of it and decided which oils to blend with the clay.

Time for another disclaimer- even though there were therapists available of both sexes, I was assigned the male and the husband was given the female. I found it slightly odd since I was having a full body mud wrap but went with it anyway knowing I had a massage to follow and wanted some strong hands.

Now, the treatments. I started with a mud wrap which was made to be moisturising. After the winter we are still having, my skin desperately needed some quenching. While the mud was working its magic, I experienced heaven in the form of a scalp massage. If you are like me and love having your hair brushed or head rubbed, you will love it. I swear I could feel my sinuses opening and my head clearing with each pressure point.

The husband went for an hour and a half massage and I topped up my mud wrap with one as well. The husband and I agreed these were probably some of the best we have ever experienced. They were so thorough that each finger was individually massaged. 

Not quite ready to call it a day, we took a short walk to The Wolseley for an afternoon treat before heading home in a state of absolute bliss.

Aman Spa at the Connaught

Tel: 0203 147 7305

From Mother's Medicine Cabinet

One of my favourite things about going home is discovering what's new in my mother's medicine cabinet. Over Christmas I discovered a new facewash that I love and a new body moisturiser.

The moisturiser in particular is amazing. Not only does it smell good enough to eat, you actually can eat it.

So what is it?

Coconut Oil

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It starts as a solid and liquefies when you rub it in your hands. I don't know about you, but gas central heat does a number on my skin and this has seriously contributed to a major improvement. I haven't used in for cooking yet, but the health benefits are supposed to be amazing too.

Brighten Up

These gray days of winter are getting a bit old.

With spring weather hopefully right around the corner, it was time to freshen up my makeup bag.

Who knew the power of new blush?

I'm a sucker for Laura Mercier and have been through several colours over the years. Last time was Winter Bloom which is described as a bronzed pink. I knew I wanted something brighter and ended up choosing Orange Blossom, an apricot pink.

Seriously, Laura Mercier blush is the best!

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I'm also in love with my new blush brush.

The best part? It was only £10.

Have you heard of Real Techniques?

The bristles are soft and they're very affordable.

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Finally, lipbalm.

Yes, lipbalm.

The only one you ever need.

It actually works with the chemistry of your lips to create your perfect shade of pink.

And I'm a sucker for the packaging too.

Dior Addict Lip Glow

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Life Lately

Tried to follow this ruffle cake tutorial. Tip: make sure you use a stiff icing- mine was way too soft.

Made ribbon garland inspired by Pinterest. I have a little party coming up at work and this will be perfectly girly.

I haven't used heat on my hair since mid-December which means I'm now running out of ways to make it look good. I've been rocking my natural curls, but the English weather makes my hair more frizzy vs the perfect natural curls I get in the States. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect products to make my hair UK compliant. Until then, a side braid will do.

Pretty in Pink

ring, polish, top

Gift Guide {for your fashionable friend}

1. Fresh Gift Set. I am super sensitive to scents so normally shy away from giving them as gifts. The only exception is Fresh. They somehow manage to create scented items that aren't overpowering and smell good on everyone.

2. Blue Nile Gemstone Earrings {US} {UK}. Everyone loves a little sparkle! Several choices available for under $120/£100.

3. J Crew Pyjamas. Classic menswear inspired pyjamas never go out of style. 

4. Kate Spade Tequila Bag. Oh, Kate Spade, you get me every time. This is the most expensive gift of the bunch, but funny pouches are also available. 

5. The South Print. Your best Southern girlfriend will adore this print. 

Fashion Friday: Stella Blanket Coat

After umming and ahhing over coats for the past few weeks, I finally decided to pull the trigger on the Stella Blanket Coat by Club Monaco. Too bad it sold out. Typical.

(Is winter really here already?)

Work Wardrobe

Weekend Wardrobe

I'm obsessed with leather sleeved jackets.

desperately want

would accept

reasonably priced