Category Archives: Fashion

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.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 150

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I have been called a shopoholic and a giftoholic in the past, basically I love buying and giving presents. In moderation, it is important sometimes to buy yourself presents too. And with the prospect of a new job and new flat on the horizon, I thought I would mark the occasion with a little gift to me… this came in the post last week in the form of two beautifully hand-stitched personalised cushions for me and my new roommate.

Featured in Vogue’s must-haves last month, Volga Linen is the very desirable brand offering monogrammed material items of all shapes and sizes. The company sells an exquisite collection of pure linen from Russia consisting of table linen, bed linen, ready to hang curtains, clothes, a children’s range and accessories. They produce plain weaves, fabric with drawn thread work embroidery, damasks, and richly coloured paisleys. All their products are made from 100% flax – the natural fibre that gives linen its distinct quality and texture – it is grown and woven by the banks of the River Volga.

I ordered two of the small (30x40cm) pillowcases – ideal for bearing a name or initials. Volga offer special monogramming services on almost all their products. Whether it be a small initial in the corner of a napkin, romantic entwined initials on a sheet or a child’s name and date of birth on a small pillow, there is something for everyone. The pillows are available in a choice of simple patterns. I chose the ivory hem stitch pillowcase with red cross stitch initials embroidered on the centre of each pillow.

Now that I’ve got the Volga pillows I want the rest of the range too… they are beautiful, keep forever things, made from natural soft fabric with delicate, intricate stitching. They will make my bed look lovely and add a touch of personal luxury to my new room.

More information here.

www.volgalinen.co.uk

Hot on the Highstreet Week 149

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A good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy, happy lifestyle. As I get older I am more and more willing to part with pennies for the comfiest pillow, softest sheets and snuggest pyjamas.

Hastens make beds for Kings and Queens, and after trying out their beautiful bedwear I believe their pyjamas and duvet boots are royalty worthy too. Hastens products are appealing both visually and to touch. With a obvious focus on quality, Hastens bedwear is made from 100% natural materials, most often featuring the classic blue check synonymous with their brand.

The pyjamas are the ultimate nightwear indulgence… exceedingly soft, lightweight but warm. They are best worn in a loose fit, but do come out large so I’d suggest buying a size smaller than you’d expect. The shirt looks nice enough to wear out with a rounded collar and a useful top left hand pocket. The trousers are slouchy with a comfortable elasticated drawstring waist. Made from 100% cotton and available in sizes XXS – XXL (as well as kids sizes) …the whole family can be matching!

The Hastens down boots are the most luxurious footwear around. Filled with 75% white down and 25% sea bird feathers these amazing duvet boots ensure your feet are cosy and warm all night long. I fell in love instantly when I saw these unique boots, encasing your feet in comforting warmth, they would be the ideal gift for anyone and everyone. One size fits all.

For head to toe night fashion I’d recommend the Hastens night cap. Also made in the familiar blue check with a cute hanging bobble it will complete the handsome Hastens look!

See the whole range online here: www.hastens.com/en/

or buy in store at the London flagship shop: 66-68 Margaret Street, W1W 8SR

Hari’s Hair and Nails, King’s Road

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Hari’s is my dream salon… a kooky King’s Road venue to get both your hair and nails spruced up. It is a beauty hot spot, frequented by famous faces and always busy and buzzing.

With over 35 years experience as one of London’s most famous hair and beauty retreats, Hari’s philosophy is to nurture and develop its own talent with a team of innovative stylists, many of whom have been with the company for over 15 years. They please both men and women with their exemplary colour and cutting, and fabulous Sophy Robson nail art services.

On a rainy Friday afternoon the salon was chaotic, full of pretty girls needing a make-over before the weekend. Luckily the 19 bus stop is just a few steps away so I jumped in before being soaked to the skin, ready to let the Hari’s crew beautify me. I initially noticed the quirky interior, every mirror station is differently designed and the detailing gives the salon real personality. The colour and pattern explosion reminded me of the 90′s – a kind of Girl Power haven.

Sophy Robson is something of a phenomenon, and her permanent nail station at Hari’s is a real asset to the salon. Designing and painting the nails of celebrities worldwide, including on site at the London Olympics, Robson has brought nail ornamentation to the forefront of fashion. Neringa is Sophy’s top nail girl and I was lucky enough to have my fingernails in her capable hands. Deciding on an assortment of 10 different Sophy signature styles she got to work immediately, a speedy expert. Tut-tutting at my bitten nails, she gave me a quick manicure before coating the nails in clear base coat. The ten designs (mini hearts, camouflage, flowers, polka dots, candy stripes, houndstooth, clouds, ice-cream, dalmatian and Giles eyes) each involve different coloured varnishes and complicated patterns. The techniques are tricky but Neringa completed each nail efficiently and swiftly painting the intricate designs immaculately.

After sitting downstairs for nearly 90 minutes of nail art, I was escorted upstairs for my hair cut and blow dry. I was lucky enough to be with Andy, one of the most experienced stylists at Hari’s. Known for his versatile and sharp skills he greets every customer with a warm smile and a sweet manner. He trimmed my hair before giving me a volumising blow dry. Using Kerastase products and his hands to scrunch my hair, he managed to bring out amazing natural waves. Teaching me as he worked, he convinced me I could do the same at home.
Hood up and coat on, I was ready to face the rainstorm outside, my nails and hair perfectly prepped and preened ready for the weekend. I can’t imagine a more fun and fabulous place to hang out on a Friday afternoon… Hari’s is a hairdressing heaven and a nails sanctuary for London’s most stylish girls and boys.

Details: Hari’s Hairdressers King’s Road 233 Kings Road, London, SW3 5EJ 020 7349 8722

Hari’s Hairdressers Brompton Road 305 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211

More information here.