London Haunt #2 Kitchen & Pantry, Elgin Crescent

This is a lovely quaint cafe off Portobello Road decked out with classic movie posters on the bare brick walls and chunky wooden tables and squishy leather seats. You can enjoy a great coffee and nice piece of cake here while listening to the chilled out soundtrack. It is also laptop and dog friendly.

Je T'aime

I just saw the new Gainsbourg film this week. I enjoyed it, mainly for the music, and chicness of the French (Brigitte Bardot is depicted). It reminded of that jumper Kate Moss was seen in a few years ago saying Ginsberg is God (Ginsberg being the musician’s original name). I think it is still available online but I bet you could make it somehow. C'est tres chic.

Click Your Heels Together Three Times

The Wizard of Oz. Hard to believe this film is 71 years old today! It hasn't really dated at all by remaining a family classic. The first polychromatic creation in film makes me feel nostalgic about my childhood. It is one of those iconic movies that when it's on TV at Christmas or Easter, you just have to sit down and watch it. It's inspired hundreds of stories since (The Wiz, Wicked, Australia to name a few). And it's responsible for one of the most famous movie quotes of all time. There certainly is no place like home.

Make Do and Mend

This poster is up on my bedroom wall. The wartime sentiment is there to remind me that I shouldn't spend crazy money (that I don't have) on clothes. I should try and make do with what I have. If you're feeling the strain of the recent recession or a student on a budget - Make do and Mend! Like many girls I face the age old problem, once quoted by Carrie Bradshaw herself - a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. Instead of despairing, I'm trying to reinvent what I have. Cutting up old t-shirts, changing buttons, adjusting hems etc. Customising is the key to a healthier bank balance methinks.


My new kit from Cath Kidston (It was on sale).

Back To School

School girl satchels are everywhere at the moment. Not only are they a fashion statement, but if you carry your life in your handbag like me, the satchel bag is ultra convenient. I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic last night and was left lusting for a red Prada briefcase bag. Isla Fisher wore it during the scene where she goes for an interview. It is actually the perfect interview bag to keep your CV uncrumpled, and make you look both professional and stylish.




Leighton Meester was recently spotted wearing the Celine Box Bag in a blood red shade, an alternative to the slouchy soft tan leather bags out at the moment and just as appealing.















Here are few of my favourites that are out to buy now.






1. Large Push lock Leather Satchel - £90 – Topshop
2. PS1 Medium Leather Satchel - £1255 – Proenza Schouler
3. Deerskin Leather Tote - £995 – Miu Miu
4. Washed 2 Tab Satchel - £36 - Topshop
5. School Satchel - £46.00 – Urban Outfitters
6. Neely Leather Bag - £650 - Mulberry
7. Buckle Leather Strap Satchel - £85 – Topshop
8. Cambridge Satchel Company 15 INCH Satchel - £106 – Urban Outfitters
9. Alexa Leather Bag - £695 – Mulberry
10. Leather Twist Lock Satchel - £70 - ASOS

Mille-fielle

Blair Warldorf is my favourite character in Gossip Girl. I love her style. The recent picture of Leighton Meester wearing a millefeuille of red taffeta got me just a little excited for season four. The Oscar de la Renta dress is so glamourous, I can't wait to know Blair's occasion.

Layering and ruffles always make for a feminine style. You do run the risk of spilling into meringue territory, but done well, a bouffant dress can make you feel and look a million dollars. Marchesa in particular are famous for such creations. Their dresses epitomises girly layering. And you simply cannot think of a layered dress without thinking of Carrie Bradshaw's Versace dress of a thousand layers in Paris featured in the last episode of Sex and the City.

For a more affordable option, H&M's Garden Collection this past summer featured a fabulous ruffle style dress made from recycled materials. Who'd have thought old trash could turn into something so elegant? The dress came in red and cream, (I snapped up the cream one), and although it's sold out in store, you could probably get you hands on one on Ebay.

No Wire Hangers

The Joan Crawford in me absolutely loves these hangers from Cath Kidston. It's so much nicer to display your new clothes or pretty dresses on the back of your door if they are hanging on something pretty like these. I recently got them reduced from £10 to £7.