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Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Shopping

Summer in the South of France Wish Lyst

June 10, 2015 by cheriecity

My first big trip of the summer season is to Aix-en-Provence via Eurostar in July, so I’ve been looking at street style in the South of France for inspiration. It’s the perfect excuse to update my summer wardrobe and add a little je ne sais quoi.

Summer fashion in Aix is chic and breezy with a touch of bobo cool since it’s a popular university town. To look the part in the South of France, I compiled a wish Lyst inspired by French brands and Riviera style.

Lyst is a fantastic online shopping tool that I use to plan outfits, create bespoke wish Lysts and discover new brands. It’s particularly helpful before travelling so you can get organised and buy any last-minute pieces to enhance your capsule wardrobe without trawling around the shops in a panic.

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to wear for a country wedding, a week of sun in Ibiza or skiing in Chamonix, Lyst regularly features edits by the likes of Moda Operandi, Mary Katrantzou and Rebecca Minkoff to get you inspired.

One of my favourite features is the handy email alert to notify you when an item in your Lyst has gone on sale. It means never missing out on a must-have piece and scoring a good bargain.

Do you plan your outfits on Lyst? What would you add to your wish Lyst for this summer?

Sponsored post

Designers, Fashion, London Fashion Week

Mulberry A/W 15-16, London Fashion Week

February 27, 2015 by cheriecity

One of my favourite parts of London Fashion Week is seeing what Mulberry has in store for next season.

I headed over to the gorgeous Mulberry HQ in Kensington to see the Autumn/Winter 2015-16 presentation and was impressed as ever.

The British heritage brand’s love affair with old English houses continues, as the collection is inspired by the elegance of Georgian interiors. London’s Sir John Soane’s Museum is also a reference point for the womenswear checked patterns, woven jacquard and the attractive filigree motif that adorns many of the pieces.

Texture is key for A/W 15-16 and it doesn’t get more luxurious than Mulberry’s cosy outerwear. There’s a highly covetable cape and a number of coats and jackets in sumptuous shearling, mohair, alpaca, bouclé tweed and even haircalf. One of the alpaca pieces was actually thrashed with thistles 20 times to get the desired effect.

Dresses are demure and romantic, cut on the bias to give them a fluid silhouette. I love the long sleeves and low-cut backs to subtly show a bit of flesh. You can imagine Keira Knightley wearing the black silk dress with filigree pattern for elegantly lounging around the country pile.

One of the most striking looks is a casual-luxe pyjama set, styled with a delicate silk twill scarf with electric blue or hot pink fringing. A favourite of mine is the Dixter coat and matching dress with the filigree pattern lasered onto rose petal pink wool.

While some of the collection has quite a grown-up, feminine feel, there’s a sporty butter-soft light grey leather cagool with matching skirt that I can see Mulberry girl Cara Delevingne wearing.

And what about the bags? Next season’s ‘it bag’ is the Jamie, a zippy little bucket bag that’s perfect for nights out and swinging from your arm.

Then there’s the Roxette, a streamlined new adaptation of the classic Roxanne bag (gone are the rivets, buckles and belts). The fabrics have had an upgrade too with sugar pink shearling, grey croc effect leather and luxurious haircalf.

I’m a big fan of Mulberry shoes and was wowed by the chunky stacked heels with adorable leather tassels and a cool ombre effect. I wouldn’t say no to the perfect zip-up black ankle boots either!

Mulberry A/W 15-16 is a beautiful, sophisticated collection that stays true to the brands roots while having a bit of fun with the accessories. I’m looking forward to seeing what direction new creative director Johnny Coca (formerly of Céline) will take when he designs his first collection for the brand in July this year.

To see the full collection, visit: www.mulberry.com

Photos by Chérie City

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Shopping, Stores

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

February 10, 2015 by cheriecity

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for a bit of a splurge, whether it’s a gift for your significant other or simply a treat for yourself.

While I like to spend the most romantic day of the year getting slushy over a decadent meal and movie at home, I’m a sucker for a spot of Valentine’s kitsch with as many red hearts as possible. If you’re still looking out for ideas, here are some luxurious gifts to share the love…

Olivia Von Halle Alba Mizuki printed silk-satin pyjama set, £295, Net-a-Porter
Charlotte Tilbury limited edition K.I.S.S.I.N.G lip trio, £29, Harvey Nichols
Sophie Hulme mini envelope cross-body bag, £375, Matches Fashion
Kate Spade skinny bow bangle, £65, Selfridges
Pierre Hermé bonbons chocolat coeur, €30, Pierre Hermé
House of Hackney Palmeral set of three A5 flexi notebooks, £14, House of Hackney
Bella Freud Loving candle, £38, Liberty

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London, London Fashion Week, Restaurants, Shopping

Chloé Debuts at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

January 29, 2015 by cheriecity

It’s rare that I write about hotel packages, but Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London’s partnership with French fashion maison Chloé is just too fabulous not to share.

I can’t resist a luxury fashion and hotel collaboration when it’s done well and the Chloé Debuts package is a cut above the rest. In celebration of London Fashion Week, hotel guests can own the Drew handbag ahead of the shows and enjoy a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé champagne cocktails.

The package also includes one night’s accommodation for two in an elegant Knightsbridge Turret Suite, à la carte breakfast for two, personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive the Chloé Drew bag, plus a bottle of Chloé Love Story perfume.

As someone who owns almost every Chloé fragrance, I’m interested to see if the special champagne cocktails will be inspired by notes in the fragances (a current cocktail trend in London) or the colours and shapes of the new collections. Either way, they’re sure to be refined and feminine, befitting their exquisite surroundings in The Rosebery.

In addition to the hotel package, there will be a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the Lobby, plus two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a number of colours and patterns.

Drew is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, sumptuous leather, a knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots – available in three sizes. Who could resist?

Do you love hotel and fashion brand partnerships? Which is your favourite fashion-inspired afternoon tea at a luxury hotel?

The Chloé Debuts accommodation package starts from £1,568 and is valid from 12th February to 9th March. For more information and booking, visit: www.mandarinoriental.com/london

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, London, Shopping, Stores

Mulberry: Made with love in England

July 24, 2014 by cheriecity

Last week, I made a trip to Harrods to take a peek at Mulberry’s gorgeous window, as part of the store’s ‘Made with Love’ campaign.

Featuring bespoke illustrations by British artist Harry Malt, the window takes shoppers on a whimsical journey from London to deepest Somerset – Mulberry’s rural homeland.

Mulberry’s ‘Made with Love in England’ window celebrates the leather brand’s heritage with illustrations of its two Somerset factories – The Rookery and The Willows. Even with high global demand, more than half of all Mulberry bags are created by over 700 artisans in Somerset.

To spread the love even further, Mulberry has also launched a new permanent monogramming service at the Lower Group Floor boutique in Harrods. Not only can you personalise your Mulberry bag or purse with your initials, but it can be jazzed up with British icon symbols such as a telephone box, London bus, a London taxi cab or a post box.

I was kindly given a beautiful credit card holder in the softest red natural leather with my initials monogrammed on the back. It’s such a lovely, personal touch to add to an already stunning Mulberry accessory and makes a thoughtful gift.

I also had the opportunity to have my Mulberry gift bag illustrated by the talented Harry Malt. Referencing my (and Mulberry’s) love of chic pooches, he created an adorable Chérie City pup sporting a double-C collar.

The Mulberry Monogramming service is available now at Harrods. For more information, visit: www.mulberry.com

Photos by Mulberry and Chérie City

Accessories, Designers, Fashion

Friendship with Monica Vinader

May 26, 2014 by cheriecity

My jewellery collection is one of the most treasured things that I own and each piece tells a story. Whether a piece of jewellery was given to me by a friend, picked up on my travels or worn on a special occasion, it remains dear to me.

One of my favourite jewellery designers Monica Vinader recently extended the hand of friendship with a very special gift. I was sent a beautiful Bali Friendship Bracelet with Chérie City thoughtfully engraved.

The bracelet features a hammered oval in 18ct Gold Plated Vermeil on Sterling Silver with an adjustable cord. The luxurious plaited cord is a deep red for ‘luck’ and can be easily adjusted, so it’s sure to fit however you wear it.

I have already worn my bracelet around town and it’s quite a conversation starter, as everyone wants to know the story behind the engraving.

I sometimes style it up with a few slim bracelets or my Liberty scarf watch, but mostly I like to make it the main feature on my wrist and pair it with my favourite Zoe & Morgan peacock necklace, Jade Jagger arrow necklace, Pilgrim blue flower necklace (a gift from my friend while we were at uni) or my Hermès x Liberty scarf.

Monica Vinader bracelets look fabulous stacked up, so I’m keen to add to my collection with the stunning Baja, Fiji and Esencia bracelets. I also love that the pieces are mostly named after fabulous, exotic destinations, almost as if they are encouraging you to travel and see the world.

A Monica Vinader friendship bracelet is the perfect gift for a friend (or a personal treat) and a grown-up way to renew vows of friendship with your closest girlfriends. Best of all, the engraving service via the website is free on all engravable pieces and you can select a font or really customise it by uploading your own handwriting or doodle.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.monicavinader.com

All photos by Chérie City

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, USA

Anndra Neen for The Beverly Hills Hotel

April 9, 2014 by cheriecity

Anndra Neen, winners of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2011, have created a limited edition collection of jewellery inspired by The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Since presenting their pieces at The Beverly Hills Hotel in 2011, Phoebe and Annette Stephens’ label has become known for its intricate metalwork and is stocked at over 40 stores worldwide.

Their accessories are a firm favourite among fashion editors and have been worn by Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie and Anna Paquin.

Their line for The Beverly Hills Hotel is inspired by the hotel’s iconic design elements, from its dreamy shades of pink to the signature banana leaves found on the wallpaper and landscaped gardens across the property.

The striking hand-made necklace, choker and ring feature rose quartz, alpaca and brass materials.

Anndra Neen’s collection for The Beverly Hills Hotel is priced from £185.19 to £389.53 and is available to buy at the hotel’s Logo Shop and online.

Beach, Cherie Soleil, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

Tallulah & Hope for The Luxury Collection Resorts

April 7, 2014 by cheriecity

High end beachwear brand Tallulah & Hope has collaborated with The Luxury Collection Resorts to design a limited edition range of kaftans inspired by four of its Asia Pacific destinations.

The idyllic tropical resorts include The Naka Island in Phuket, Vana Belle in Koh Samui, Laguna Nusa Dua in Bali and The Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The digitally printed silk kaftans capture the spirit of the exotic landscapes and bring a touch of effortless chic to the poolside, beach or sundown cocktails. Not only are the prints stunning, but the one-size kaftans drape beautifully and are perfect for travelling light.

Behind the British brand are former fashion PR Lisa Ispani and costume designer/stylist Zoe Holborough. The two friends dreamed up the concept for a chic holiday capsule wardrobe while on holiday with friends and went on to launch Tallulah & Hope in 2010.

Lisa worked with Versace and other luxury clients before going freelance to work with her husband’s restaurant group Canteen and his product design studio Very Good & Proper.

Meanwhile Zoe began her career working with Parisienne stylist Camille Bidault-Waddington and has styled for clients such as designer Russell Sage and the Osbournes and was head designer and stylist for London 2012 Summer Olympics.

The design duo’s background in fashion and stylish travel gave them an insight into what was missing from the luxury traveller’s suitcase and their cool collaboration with The Luxury Collection Resorts is a perfect match.

Zoe Holborough spoke to Chérie City about the inspiration behind the new collection and her travels…

How do you define luxury travel?

Space, time and beauty.

Which special items do you always pack in your suitcase for a luxury trip?

I don’t go anywhere without several super-size T&H pareos in both cotton and silk and loads of sunglasses.

What is your favourite memento that you’ve brought back from a trip?

Handmade tan leather clogs with small horseheads embossed on them from Dordogne and handpainted christmas tree decorations from Delhi.

How did each destination inspire your kaftan designs?

Each of the hotels offers the ultimate in refined relaxation. The collection contains motifs and gestures that reference the tropical fauna and flora unique to each hotel. We wanted to capture the romantic beauty of a perfect holiday.

What would you add to a kaftan to go from poolside to glam sundown cocktails?

Amazing earrings and a splash of perfume!

What are your tips for an easy beach chic look?

Scarves in the hair, great sunglasses (Prism, Oliver Goldsmith, vintage Persol), oiled skin and well polished toenails.

Which destination has surprised you the most?

I was in Georgia in Eastern Europe with my family last summer; breathtaking landscapes, incredible food, wine, weather, people, history…I’m hooked.

Which destinations are next on your ‘must see’ list?

For a weekend away with my other half Seville or San Sebastian and for a long-haul family holiday we’re keen to try out The Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia – one of the destinations which inspired the Luxury Collection kaftan range.

The resort is surrounded by ancient rainforest and coral reefs, where families can take part in The Andaman’s coral nursery programme, guided coral reef walks and snorkelling sessions – as well as enjoy the hotel’s waterslides, hilltop spa and Malay seafood at the beachside restaurant.

Where is your favourite beach in the world?

Tulum, Mexico the beach is natural and unspoilt, it has powder white sands the waters are crystal blue and you can look up from the ocean and wonder at the ancient Mayan ruins — some from as early as A.D. 250 – which dot the cliffs above.

What do you like most about The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts?

Each hotel or resort feels totally unique and really reflects the destination & local culture in terms of decor, cuisine, service and vibe. They are a stylish base to explore a destination from.

The collection has some of the world’s most historic hotels such as the Gritti Palace in Venice, Hotel Imperial Vienna & The Astor in Tianjin and yet also has ultra-contemporary ones like the Frank Gehry designed Marques di Riscal in Spain and Twelve at Hengshan by Mario Botta in Shanghai. Plus some gorgeous beach resorts from Mexico to Malaysia to Thailand too.

The four limited edition silk kaftans are available exclusively at The Luxury Collection Resorts boutiques and online at www.tallulahandhope.com.

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Stores

Chopard at The Dorchester

January 15, 2014 by cheriecity

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, as they say, but surely they’re even better if they come straight from The Dorchester.

While the younger generation of luxury and design hotels are adding florists, bookshops and concept gift stores to their public areas, The Dorchester keeps it old school with an elegant new store by Chopard.

‘Chopard at The Dorchester’ is the very first high-end jewellery boutique in the UK by the Swiss jewellery and watches house. Designed by Thierry Despont (The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and Harry Winston), it is an intimate, refined space that offers an exclusive selection of pieces from Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie collection.

The interiors remind me of an ornate jewellery box with its plush red velvet furnishings, wood panelling and gold engraved logos.

Chopard co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele said: “The Dorchester is a timeless, magical place – the backdrop to a sequence of spectacular moments and home to the world’s most stylish travellers. ‘Chopard at The Dorchester’ will be a globally renowned destination where jewellery lovers and connoisseurs will be invited to discover Chopard’s designs in the most elegant of settings.”

Parties who wish to browse privately can request a personal viewing outside of standard opening hours. With the BAFTAs and Valentine’s Day coming up, ‘Chopard at The Dorchester’ is sure bring some extra sparkle to London.

For more information, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com

Designers, Fashion, Shopping

Mulberry Spring-Summer 2014 Campaign

January 6, 2014 by cheriecity

Cara Delevingne returns to Mulberry for a second time, hosting a typically eccentric English tea party for the Spring-Summer 2014 campaign. However, the lucky few guests to be invited to tea at Shotover House in Oxfordshire (also the location for last season’s shoot) were a menagerie of adorable animals.

Animal-lover Cara is joined by a Parson’s Jack Russell, a Patterdale Terrier and a Great Dane, a pelican, two cockatoos, a tortoise and little white pony. Apparently, a mischievous monkey was sent home from the set for being too boisterous.

The fresh, whimsical campaign is yet another triumph for the Mulberry dream team – photographer Tim Walker, art director Ronnie Cooke Newhouse and stylist Edward Enninful.

English rose Cara wears key looks from the Spring-Summer 2014 collection featuring seasonal prints, floral jacquard, delicate embroidery and embellishment. New bags for the season include the Kensal shoulder bag, Baywater with stripes, Lily and the Bayswater Double Zip Tote reworked in classic Oak.

Ronnie Cooke Newhouse said: “The Spring Summer 2014 campaign was a beautiful but naughty tea party with Cara and her Ark of animals: the perfect Mulberry moment. They didn’t have the best table manners, but Cara was very forgiving”.

Brand director Anne-Marie Verdin said: “Tim Walker’s vision gives a romantic, literary and very British feel to the Mulberry brand and Cara has more spirit, true beauty and warmth than you could ever hope for: charisma with a capital C!”

To shop the collection, visit: www.mulberry.com

All photos by Tim Walker

Accessories, Christmas, Designers, Fashion, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Accessories

December 19, 2013 by cheriecity

Accessories make perfect Christmas gifts, whether it’s a cosy faux fur snood, a piece of designer jewellery or a fabulous handbag. Hermès bangles are collectible classics while this season’s KENZO bags are unbelievably cool and covetable. Of course, no one can resist a butter-soft Mulberry leather purse and the new bright red colour is particularly festive.

Here are some more ideas for amazing accessories this Christmas…

KENZO Lightning Dix-Huit Leather Satchel, £540, Selfridges
Anton Heunis Spike Opulent Necklace, £239, Cadenzza
Lux Velvet Ear Muffs, £12, Topshop
Colliers de Chiens Enamel Bracelet, £310, Hermès
Shinola ‘The Birdy 34mm’ Watch, €525, Colette
Tree French Purse in Bright Red Shiny Goat, £275, Mulberry
Lily and Lionel for Mr & Mrs Smith See You In Santorini Scarf, £100, Mr & Mrs Smith
Faux Fur Snood, £25, Oliver Bonas
Quilted Gloves, £49 Hobbs

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, New York, Shopping, Stores, Websites

BRIKA x The Coveteur New York Pop-Up

December 16, 2013 by cheriecity

The holidays are a thrilling time to shop in New York with buzzing stores, festive window displays and winter markets.

For a truly unique shopping experience, luxury lifestyle website The Coveteur has teamed up with modern craft online boutique BRIKA to host a holiday gifting shop at The Free & The Brave Pop-Up Shop at the Paramount Hotel.

Founded by three Toronto creatives – designer Erin Kleinberg, stylist Stephanie Mark and photographer Jake Rosenberg – The Coveteur takes an insider’s look inside the closets of stylish celebrities, designers and fashion influencers such as Amber Valletta, Sophia Webster, Pamela Love, Pharrell Williams and the Mulleavy sisters.

Also formed in Toronto by Kena Paranjape and Jen Lee Koss is BRIKA, an online retail site with a carefully-selected range of well-crafted goods by authentic makers, artisans and designers.

Located in the heart of Times Square, the BRIKA x The Coveteur holiday gifting shop features six curated closets with pieces by BRIKA makers alongside luxury products by established and up-and-coming New York designers.

Styled by The Coveteur, the closets are divided into shoppable gift guides for Him, Her, the Home, the Foodie and the Little Ones. Celebrity astrologer (and mum of Sophomore’s Chrissie Miller) Susan Miller also has her own Zodiac Closet, tailoring holiday gifts to match each star sign.

Shoppers can expect to find fabulous gifts from makers such as Otte, Juma, Journelle, Blueprint Cleanse, La Petite Caravane and Babiators. There’s even the chance to pick up a tin or two of Karlie’s Kookies, a collaboration between Momofuku Milk Bar and supermodel Karlie Kloss with a portion of proceeds donated to FEED.

The closets are also shoppable online and gifts are delivered to the customer’s home.

BRIKA x The Coveteur is filled with cool gifts for friends and family, plus you might be tempted to treat yourself to something new. Ending a successful shopping trip with coffee and cake at Paramount Hotel’s Corso Coffee is an added bonus.

The Brika x The Coveteur Pop Up Shop runs until 6th January at The Free & The Brave Pop-Up Shop at the Paramount Hotel, New York.

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