Category Archives: Fashion

Hot on the Highstreet Week 160

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Annoushka started designing jewellery when she couldn’t find what she was looking for. A woman after my own heart she believes in jewellery that can be worn everyday rather than those too precious pieces locked away to preserve their glory. Jewellery should be loved and enjoyed… A notion all too clear in the playful but delicate jewellery designed by Annoushka. The wondrous designs adorn some of the top A-list celebrities, an indication of just how desirable these pieces are.

Alongside her seasonal ranges Annoushka has just launched a very unique bespoke service for customers in need of a one off piece. Let her help you create the jewellery of your dreams… Perfect for capturing and immortalising an important moment.

The mythology charms are among the most enchanting in Annoushka’s collection. She says they were”Inspired by a book of Russian fairy tales my mother read to me as a child, every amulet holds a story.” Ideal for wearing in a cluster or left to shine alone they are beautiful little tokens of affection or special memories.

The alphabet pendants are a small sparkling treasure you will keep forever.  18ct yellow gold rim surrounds a letter of your choice ornamented with tiny clear diamonds. The pendant initially reminded me of the showbiz lightbulb illuminated letters. My ‘M’ glistens subtly on my neck, and though it is a new addition to my favourite jewellery it has already become an everyday essential.

See more Annoushka jewellery and buy online here.

www.annoushka-jewellery.com

Things to do in Seville

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Seville is a city of sunshine and sangria and it is impossible not to be enamoured with the bright blue skies and vibrant character of southern Spain. It is a place deeply immersed in its regional traditions, religious festivals, flamenco and tapas. Relying strongly on tourism, visitors to Seville are invited to experience all that’s on offer, but be warned English is not widely spoken. The winding cobbled streets hide many gems: museums, craft shops and a staggering 700 churches. Follow the obvious tourist routes or grab a map and discover your own Spanish secrets.

To eat
Puratasca: This eatery in downtown Triana is satisfying the stomachs of locals and tourists alike. Casual and reasonably priced with favourites like chorizo lollipops and vegetable tempura.
Bar Alfalfa: is the ideal cheese and wine stop. A very cute corner bar with an intimate ambience – for just a few euros you can munch on a plate of Manchego and sip Spanish wine.
Eslava: The best tapas we tasted in Seville. The cafe gets very busy, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. The star dish is without doubt the pork ribs with honey, even meat avoiders can’t resist this mouth-wateringly good recipe.
Egana Oriza: finding fine dining in Andalusia’s evocative capital is something of a battle. Egana Oriza is a rare exception to the rule offering traditional, fine Spanish food. Start the meal with a glass of Cava and enjoy the airy dining room and vibrant flavours.
Dulce Regina: the cities best cookies are found here; for two euros you can pick a flavour of homemade biscuit to nibble as you wander down the cobbled streets peering in the colourful windows.

To drink
El Garlochi – a fabulously kitsch bar dedicated entirely to the iconography, smells and sounds of Semana Santa; the ubercamp El Garlochi is a true marvel. A cloud of church incense hits you as you go up the stairs, and the faces of baby Jesus and the Virgin welcome you into the velvet-walled bar. Taste the speciality cocktail, Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ).

To see
Cigarette Factory: opera lovers will have this building at the top of their to do list. The famous site was used in Bizet’s opera Carmen as well as other operatic compositions. The building is now used as the campus for University of Seville… I can’t think of a more amazing place to study everyday!
Museo de Bellas Artes De Sevilla: This giant gallery displays an astounding collection of art. With old masters like Murillo, beautifully restored and hung high on the walls, it is an awe-inspiring experience.
Casa Anselma: When I asked where to see the best Flamenco everyone pointed me in the direction of Casa Anselma, a characterful bar in the borough of Triana which opens every night at 12am for a show of passionate dancing and singing.

To do
Horse and carriage ride: these tours are available to pick up all over Seville, and though touristy are a fantastic way to see the city and rest your feet. Rides can be personalized so it is an opportunity to see the attractions you may have missed. A 45 minute tour will cost you 45 euros.
Parque de Maria Luisa: take a stroll round the paradisical half mile of palms and orange trees, elms and Mediterranean pines,  flower beds and romantic sculptures.
Cathedral and Giralda Tower: Built in the 15th century to demonstrate the city’s growing wealth and prestige, Seville’s cathedral is the largest in Europe. Work up an appetite climbing the tower and see the whole city shimmering beneath you.

To shop
Delimbo: the concept store attached to this contemporary gallery space sells a range of creative goodies. We loved the thick brightfelt pens and the wacky Modernaked cat rings.
Antonio Garcia: this magnificent and historic shop sells authentic sombreros and jackets for bullfighters and dancers. The atmosphere is worth stopping by for, and if you want an affordable souvenir I’d recommend the gorgeous Spanish leather belts (costing around 20 euros).
Andalusian taste: for all your foodie needs this little shop is the best bet. Buy some irresistible Iberico ham and Manchego cheese to take home as gifts.
Laurel Antigüedades: a lovely little vintage shop selling old silk scarves, ornate hats and retro dresses. I bought a wonderful Toni Benitez fascinator and a simple retro cotton camisole top.

Personalised day trips can be arranged with theotherspain.galeon.com – with an English speaking guide you can see whatever you choose.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 158

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This month the Swedish organic denim brand, Nudie Jeans, opened their first UK store on the junction of D’Arblay and Berwick Streets in Soho.

Even more excitingly the brand have also launched their first Global Repair Station within the store, where customers can have their old Nudie Jeans altered and repaired for free, asserting the brand’s passion for sustainability. Shoppers can also customise their favourite denims to create a pair of jeans that is close to couture and utterly unique.

With rustic vintage furniture and sewing machines set against the huge windows, the shop welcomes all lovers of jeans old and new. With a wide range of fits and washes, there is a pair of jeans for everyone. Browse the range and watch the professional denim repair experts at work.

Berwick Street is a destination for fashion offering unique shops and independent labels, and Nudie Jeans fits in amongst its peers perfectly. Whether you want to find the perfect new pair, or get a well-loved pair back in the game, Denim Experts are on hand to advise. Nudie Jeans ensure your future jean shopping is simple, stress-free and satisfying, not three words I would usually associate with denim browsing!

Nudie Jeans, 29 D’Arblay Street W1

www.berwickstreetlondon.co.uk

@berwickstlondon

http://www.nudiejeans.com/stores/nudie-jeans-repair-shop-soho/map/#/

Hot on the Highstreet Week 156

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The idea for Dodo was born in Mauritius, the island where the real dodo once lived. They were inspired by the story of the funny, flightless bird and charmed by the way the locals strung shells together to create keepsakes. And so, Pomellato, one of the world’s most famous jewellers, created charms to celebrate the dodo (and all the other creatures on the planet). Each 18 kt gold charm has a special meaning – one can collect Dodo charms and create a unique necklace or bracelet to tell one’s story. Collectors mix gold and silver and stack rows of bracelets and necklaces.

There are hundreds of charms to choose from, to mark every occasion, celebrate every event and suit everyone. The miniature animals are perhaps the most popular, each creature signifies a different emotion or theme, but letters and symbols are available too. Dodo also makes beautiful chains to hang your charms from (if you choose to neglect the thick cord they come with) and rings to personalise with your own message.

Dodo’s new rose gold charm – a little house that looks like it was designed for a child – can coax a smile from the sternest Nordic designer, soften the heart of the most supercilious journalist or be spotted adorning the trendiest designer.

I was given a very special (and meaningful) little rose gold Dodo house charm as a present to celebrate / lament me moving out of home. It now hangs perfectly from my yellow gold bracelet, a lovely memory of my family home and in anticipation of my first adult flat.

The Dodo brand is simple and classic with an endearing story to tell. I love my little house and will forever remember what it signifies… home is where the heart is.

The gold charms are priced around £125 each and can be bought in the shop at 31 Sloane Square, or online here.

http://store.dodo.it/

Hot on the Highstreet Week 155

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JuJu jellies can proudly call themselves the creators of the original British Jelly Shoe. They have been manufacturing iconic shoes and children’s wellington boots for over 25 years. Juju started life in 1986 as injection moulders to the shoe trade in the UK. A family run business founded by Rushton Schafer (Ruston Ablett Ltd) and based in Northampton “the shoe capital of Britain”, they pioneered the production of the original injection sandals. These were nicknamed “jelly shoes” due to their soft jellylike finish and soon became a fashion and seaside favourite.

Juju Shoes are all about style, versatility and colour, creating classic designs and relaunching them with a contemporary twist. The jelly shoes are still made in the traditional manufactured way, in the same factory and to the same high standards as the very first day they appeared. The special jelly mix, is completely unique to Juju, and is made into your favourite jelly shoes by adding a touch of glitter and colour to the jelly machine. The materials are sourced in England and are recyclable so all the waste jellies are ground-up and made into brand new products!

I love the new SS’13 eye-popping coloured UV JuJu Jellies which glow under UV light, available in the classic flat 90′s ‘Maxi’ style or the chunky heeled ‘Babe’ Style and priced around £20 a pair.

Buy JuJu online at ASOS, Topshop, Office and Urban Outfitters.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 153

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Mödernaked sounds Swedish, but it´s a Spanish brand
Mödernaked is not a porn site
Mödernaked is not H&M nor Zara
Mödernaked does not have a marketing department (we won´t be surprised if you never heard of us!)
Mödernaked does not have a sales department
Mödernaked thinks that people are wonderful (sometimes)
Mödernaked is not commun
Mödernaked listens to music all the time
Mödernaked dances all the time too
Mödernaked loves the little things in life
Mödernaked does not take drugs to create her designs
Mödernaked drinks 2 liters of H2O everyday
Mödernaked can be addictive
Mödernaked makes mistakes (big and small)
Mödernaked never loses the chance to go on vacation
Mödernaked loves happy endings

The statements above come direct from the Mödernaked website, an assortment of random facts that illustrate the quirky and unique character of this brand.

I discovered Mödernaked on a mini break to Seville with my mum last week, we both instantly fell for the adoring eyes of the cat rings. Sold in the ubercool Delimbo gallery-concept store, Mödernaked is just one of the tempting jewellery lines available to buy here.

A variety of animals are on offer, each handcrafted from polished brass and enamel with a varnish finish. They come in one size only but adjustable to fit any finger, making them incredibly versatile and wearable. Priced at 52 Euros, they are a lovely souvenir from our trip to Seville.

Buy your very own little cat ring here.

Follow Modernaked on twitter here.

Things to do in Manchester

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Manchester is the ideal city to escape to for a weekend away from London. Thanks to Virgin Trains super speedy service, it is possible to reach the northern city in just two hours, zooming through the countryside from London Euston straight into the centre of town, Manchester Piccadilly. I spent three years living here studying at Manchester University and yet returning now I feel there is so much more to discover in this cosmopolitan, cool and constantly evolving city.

To Eat

Bakerie – Fresh bread, lovely wine and delectable sharing platters make this restaurant the ideal place to go at any time of day for good food and great atmosphere.
Dough – The best pizzas in town, made lovingly with the freshest ingredients. Choose from white, granary or gluten-free bases and indulge with extravagant toppings for your perfect personalised pizza.
Australasia – A stunning underground restaurant offering exquisitely refined and beautifully presented dishes. A unique menu blending Pacific Rim flavours, European cooking traditions and Southeast Asian influences.

To Drink

Teacup – The ultimate tea room. Located in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Northern Quarter, sit at the big windows and watch the world go by as you enjoy a subtle brew of rosebud tea.
Kahlua Coffee House – KAHLUA, the Mexican coffee liqueur company, has teamed up with Manchester’s The Liquorists, The Coffee Circle and Teacup to launch ‘Kahlúa Coffee House’. The bright and cheery cafe is inspired by the heritage of Veracruz, Mexico and makes a great flat white.
North Star Bakery – This friendly delicatessen in Chorlton is great for a spot of breakfast or lunch. Reasonable prices, attentive staff and a selection of lovely gifts available to buy.
North Tea Power – Cafe of the moment, North Tea Power is known to be the best place for tea and coffee in the Northern Quarter. Remember your laptop and headphones and join the trendy crowd on Tib Street.

To Sip

Apotheca – The best cocktail selection in Manchester. The cool and collected bar staff put time and effort into every drink here, making delicious concoctions with creative flair.
The Alchemist – Stylish, smart and sensational, I’m in awe of the cocktails here. The smokey old-fashioned gets my winning vote.

To Watch

Opera House – Currently showing record-breaking hit musical CATS there is more reason than ever to visit Manchester’s Opera House.
The Palace Theatre – This centrally located theatre always has a great show on stage. The Lion King, Save the Last Dance for Me and Giselle are all coming up.

To Indulge

Bali Health Lounge – Manchester’s most luxurious spa. Located in the Chinatown, Bali Health Lounge is a calming retreat to relax and indulge.
Spa Satori – This spa offers an impressive list of treatments including specialist ones like Hopi Ear Candle therapy. The thoughtful staff will ensure your visit is memorable.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 151

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I am very excited to see the launch of the Mavala ‘That’s My Colour’ campaign. This is a month long social media initiative which sees Mavala nail varnish brand encouraging the public to send in pictures (via Twitter and Instagram using #ThatsMyColour or directly to the MavalaUK Facebook page) of objects featuring colours they’d love to see bottled and turned into a Mavala nail polish. It could be your favourite dress, a flower or anything else made from a colour that inspires you. I know mine would be a particularly shocking shade of neon pink to match my website and all my thoroughly modern accessories.

At the end of the month three entries will be selected to create the Mavala ‘That’s My Colour’ collection to be launched in early autumn giving the public a special chance to dictate which colours are must-haves for the forthcoming seasons.

See the video here explaining the campaign – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPF5CP_Bqqo and post your picture to one of the social media platforms below:

#ThatsMyColour on Instagram

@MavalaUK on Twitter

MavalaUK on Facebook

Good luck!

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: David Bowie is,V&A

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David Bowie is… is a disturbing exhibition.

For a start there is the large number of greying glam rockers feeling the agonies of unrequited love all over again as they stand mesmerised by Bowie costumes, videos and portraits. Then there is the problem of everybody wearing audio guides and shuffling around in the near-darkness like a troupe of zombies from some Diamond Dogs style dystopia. And there is the fact that the concentration of the Bowie phenomenon was the 1970s, forty years ago and there have been some less edifying creative moments since – this is addressed by ornamenting the full length of the show with 70s highlights thereby confusing any chronology and sense of evolution.

This is a new kind of exhibition: an examination of a single living individual as cultural catalyst and all round icon. There are not many artists who warrant such attention. David Bowie does. The blanket media coverage of his creative rebirth and the simultaneous hype surrounding this show have produced a dazzling glare illuminating, rather than over-exposing, his significance as musician, fashion pioneer and popular conceptualist.

The outfits are still extraordinary, the music is still inspiring and the man still appears exotically beautiful. Everybody is seduced by his art once again. However it is the way he redefined gender that is probably his most important legacy. Is there any more widely cited televisual epiphany than the draping of Bowie’s arm over Mick Ronson’s shoulder on Top of the Pops? That is the closest we have come to an extraterrestrial invasion – the starman blew our minds.

Continues until 11 August 2013, more information and become and V&A member here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, Chris Kenny.