Horn-like Rimmed Shades are a Must Have

This season my preferred choice of sun-glaring, protective eye-gear is without a doubt from the Celine, Spring 2011 range. Although with all the fantastical shades it would be difficult to pick just one. Celine's classic and understated luxurious style is an ever-present fixture. Oh how I love their no-fuss, minimalistic style, evident in their glorious ready-to-wear collections, not forgetting their magnificent bags all equally as grand as the next. Phenomenal Phoebe Philo (former reigning queen of fashion house Chloe), creative director of Celine, has restored the fashion power-house to it's former glory. Taking the brand from strength to strength, with sales on the up and up. Their large, edgy sunglasses with horn-like rims and sharp lines are most importantly unlike any other. I especially love the over-sized and almost masculine style, another item, or three, for the lust list...

Horn-like Limited Edition

Original Nude

Extra Large Havanas

Picture This...

There need never be another boring graph, chart or table ever again. Gone are the days when data was simply and plainly stated as is. It's a visual world we live in and not even a seemingly, usual topic is now interpreted in the seemingly, usual way. Data Visualisation is an art in itself, where designers have taken the information to be conveyed and translated it in a palpable, yet interesting way. These images below, are part of designer Lauren Manning's thesis, where she has recorded every meal she consumed in one year. Indeed a seemingly "boring" topic but these interpretations are anything but. I think there is no better way to communicate information effectively afterall "a picture is worth a thousand words." Nevertheless this is not Lauren Manning's only speciality. Check out her website to see other campaigns and personal projects she has worked on. From the Barcelona Brand Transformation to designing structures, devices and labels. 

Here artist Jose Duarte has used numerical information and represented figures in a tangible and perceivable manner. These diagrams (below) are purely handmade with the help of tools like balloons, string, cardboard and a charming back drop.

A Comparison of Internet Users in China, the EU, India, Brazil, Mexico and Portugal

270 million spam to 29 million "the real thing" to 294 emails sent daily

His "diagrams" are seriously thought provoking, after seeing these it got me thinking and has stuck with me ever since. It seems we may have our priorities mixed up. The way he has translated this information is so powerful and in just one glance it says it all. Now that's sheer brilliance!

Comparison of twitter followers, Lady Gaga, Barack Obama, Katy Perry, Al Gore, Newsweek (from left to right)

Cycling in the City

This is me here (below) taking the old Barclays bike in London town for a spin on a sunny day. We peddled our way through Hyde park, Green park and St James' park in no time. It's a great way to experience a city, be it the one you live in just the one you're visiting. I do love getting lost in a new place, usually resulting in a discovery of some kind, perhaps a hidden gem or just a different perspective from off the beaten track. But no matter what, I always have a gawky looking smile plastered on my mug from sheer pleasure, funny how something so simple can make one so content. Now with the world taking up greener living, bicycles are the way forward, with many people across the globe reverting to biking it everywhere instead. In London I see loads of people each day on their bicycles, gaining more and more followers and bicycle shops popping up all over the place. These Barclays bikes are a fantastic way to get around, for tourists and residents alike. This concept is emerging in cities all over Europe, a definite trend that is here to stay and one to follow! I love love love this trend and think it is here to stay, now let's get moving. 

So I have been toying with the idea of jumping on the band wagon and getting my own pair of wheels. Although I must confess I am terrified of the big, busy streets with cars and buses coming at me from every angle, but I'm determined to muster up the courage and like the old saying goes, "just do it!" I love these vintage looking bikes, all inspired from the typical dutch style of bikes. Bicycle brands have taken this look and recreated the vintage look while pairing it with new "bike technology and functionality." I dream of a pastel green vintage bicycle with a basket ofcourse, as my latest mode of transport. "Vintage" bicycles like these are in in in!

Papillionaire Bicycles 

Velorbis Bicycle (below)

Now for the attire, an essential part of our everyday, which would have to be functional ofcourse however there is no need to skimp on looking great as you peddle to the medal. I love this look (below) taken from the Elizabeth & James lookbook at Shopbop. Yes, yes I know it's a dress, but with the right length and lack of breeze this can be done with ease. I know, I have tried and passed the test. It's a grand outfit for a relaxed ride around your neighbourhood, proving that one doesn't need to pass up on style. I especially love the small wedge heels and how lady-like this outfit is, now off to have some tea and maybe a scone, tra la la...

Or for a casual look when picking up the pace and taking on those hills, this look from the Splendid lookbook is another winner. So when hopping off your two-wheeler you still look smashing. Casual and comfy, something that works for us all and I love stripes and short-shorts with a pop of colour. An on-trend look and practical at the same time.

Take inspiration from Chanel's 2012 Resort collection, with soft tones, sweet details and comfort for a perfect chilled-out weekend activity.

When biking it one may not have access to a basket, these fancy back-packs from Marc Jacobs are just the thing, but not quite in everyone's budget. Retailers should seriously take note of the need for some trendy rucksacks and backpacks, with cycling becoming more and more prominent, it's something to start tapping in to for sure. Why not have more sacks and packs with a difference for the cycling brigade?

These espadrilles are almost in every store at the moment and this is no exaggeration. They are a huge summer hit and are to be seen everywhere. Another item proving to be a retailer's dream as men, women and children are all slipping their feet into these french-inspired boat shoes.

Soludos Espadrilles (below)

Asos Wedges (below)

Steven Alan shorts (below)

Lykke Li - The Only

I love Lykke Li, which is also in keeping with my love of all Scandinavian exports and she is no exception! This video is a Lykke Li treat, in desaturated frames of oddness, stilted yet fluid movements and visual indulgence. Her videos are usually something to take a gander at, but this has to be one of my favourites from her. It's all just so inspiringly unusual, take a look and see for yourself...

Cherry Blossom Delight

Jo Malone on Sloane Street has set themselves apart with this wonderful display. A cherry blossom tree appears to be literally growing in the store and coming out of the window. I have yet to see such a glorious display and am still amazed as to how they did this. As you can see heaps of cherry blossom flowers in shades of pink are piled around the tree. A grand display is an integral part in bringing in the passers-by. And when I sauntered past, this store was full of eager customers, a retailers dream! This is a perfect example of window dressing par excellence. This one literally reaches for you from within the store, it is impossible to go past this store with it demanding your attention whether you want it to or not. That's what you'd call a job well done. 

Summer Hit 5#

Jackets, jackets, jackets one can truly never have enough. Even in the summer, when a girl needs a little a cover up and the right "one" can go with just about anything. I am currently obsessed with leather jackets and they're featured in so many collections. It's obviously not just me who's loving this item. Short, fitted biker jackets are the way to go and thrown over a pretty party frock its just oh so right. Take inspiration from Burberry Prorsum, (below) pairing super feminine dresses with edgy, little leathers, proving that the perfect contrast can sometimes create the perfect ensemble. 

I love love love this pic (below) from french Elle street chic,  this lady has got this look down. It's put together so superbly, a top notch outcome I'd say. Now look sharp this is definitely the way how. Let's follow suit!

Demin jackets are back in and it's about time. They are just so simple and easy to wear and similarly, popped on over a sweet dress or cute outfit  is a sure win for casual cool. This look inspiration (below) is from the twenty8twelve lookbook, if you don't believe me, one can alway trust fashionable Sienna.

The blazer is an ever present fixture in my wardrobe, season to season year to year I am never to be found without my trusty blazers, ranging from navy to white, black to cream I can never get enough. Smythe (pics below) as far as I'm concerned,  is a label that knows how to do everyday blazers, like no other. Other retailers should definitely look to Smythe for their great cuts, simple yet elegant details and gorgeous fabrics. These blazers fit beautifully and dare I say perfectly, cinched in and out at all the right places. I am currently salivating over the yellow blazer. Blazers just give your outfit that certain something and no matter what the current trend is you'll always look chic in one. What more does one want?

Roslyn - Bon Iver

When ever I'm in need of something soothing and gentle I listen to Bon Iver. His music creeps up on you in a whisper and makes me feel like I'm floating away from all my troubles. Music is a great way to alter your mood. Bon Iver is one of my favourites for haunting tones and heart felt lyrics. His music is just too beautiful, like a piece of heaven. I suggest you listen to this especially when you're feeling a tad perturbed and let it take you away from it all!

Cannes Can, Can you do the Cannes Can?

La Croisette, Main shopping street

A doggie boutique to ensure even their little pets are decked out suitably

Sweet treats almost too pretty to eat

My Favourite Boutique, this place is too amazing (will follow up on this grand brand)

Typical Cannes Style

It's all eye candy here 

Another perfect example of their style

Glorious buildings are just normal

The Carousel along side the beautiful sea

The palm trees, a common feature here

So Cannes Festival has just been and gone and as usual the mania of who wore what, glitzy parties and private yachts ensued. Having lived in the south of France for quite some time, we were frequent visitors of Cannes. It's a city of luxury and excess. It's funny because I see it as the french version of Miami. Streets lined with palm trees, upscale boutiques around every corner, the beautiful blue sea and glorious yachts are evident at first glance. But not to forget the majestic buildings standing tall along the sea side road and pretty little tarts in all their sugary delight staring intently at you from the window of the many patisseries. Watching the people of Cannes go by is a real treat who are always dressed the part. Cannes style is quintessential riviera-n charm, but with that certain extra bit of flash, all tastefully done of course. Cannes is a place like no other! Everyone and anyone should go to soak up the beauty, the excess, the sunshine and be inspired, in the only way Cannes can. 

Summer Hit #4

When the rays of sunshine are beating down a girl has to make sure that she has the perfect headgear to protect herself with. So arm yourselves accordingly. I can't get enough of straw hats and there are so many to choose from in all shapes and sizes. Just find your perfect match and you're good to go. From sweet, bow-detailed boater hats to the classic panama hat, this is a summer trend must have. I predict the boater and visor to be the biggest breakout trend, but not to exclude the ever present panama as a hard hitting contestant. For the elegant dames who are all about luxury, the 70's style large brimmed floppy hats are a must have. Whatever your choice it's bound to look grand, fashionable and sensible at the same time, now that's what I call a necessity. 

Urban Outfitters

Boater, H&M

Visor, Village Hats

Panama Hat, Eugenia Kim @ shopbop

Oversized 70's floppy Hat, Asos

Summer Hit #3

Whistles

American Apparel 

Whistles

Never Fully Dressed

I'm seeing this wonderful item swishing past me nearly everyday on the streets of old London town. Usually in bright, fanciful tones moving in waves of splendiferousness. Whether long, mid-length or short, pleated skirts are absolutely wonderful and make every movement beautiful. This über-feminine garment is a real summer treat and brings a playful yet ladylike element to any outfit. Best worn with something plain and simple on top so as not to take away from the radiant glide of girliness. Here here for pleated skirts bringing out the sun. Be sure to have loads of fun with this skirt while you strut your stuff.