SAN FRAN STREETS

It was quite a shock coming back from ten days in balmy California last week to gale force winds, grey skies and miserable drizzle in London.  Although saying that, it was hot in Santa Monica, mild in Big Sur and varied in San Francisco: warm in the sun and chilly in the shade so I was wearing layers and scarves with sunglasses and SPF moisturiser.

ICONIC LBDS

Fun little infographic put together by Coast detailing 12 of the most memorable little black dresses from Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Madonna, Tina Turner, Liz Hurley, Lady Diana, Victoria Beckham, Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie.  All hail the classic, sophisticated and timeless LBD; every woman needs at least a handful in their wardrobe!

"You can wear black in any moment of the day, no matter your age. You can wear black with
almost any occasion.  A black dress is essential for every woman." Christian Dior

WEEKEND IN GLASGOW

A few weekends ago I flew up to Glasgow with a handful of lovely bloggers for the annual Scottish Style Awards. We arrived Saturday morning and were staying at the cool, minimal Citizen M hotel in the city centre where we dropped our bags and wandered out to explore. First things first, brunch.

THE GHILLIE

Most girls fall into either being a handbag girl or a shoes girl, and I'm firmly in the latter category.  I have way too many pairs and every season I have an urge to add to my collection.  One of the most popular shoes from the past couple of seasons has been the highly-Instagrammed lace up Christy flats by Columbian footwear brand Aquazurra, combining elegance with comfort and looking great with trousers, skirts and dresses. I rejoice when flat shoes are deemed "in" and comfortable flats pop up everywhere, but I also have my eye on some heeled lace-ups.

The ghillie originates from the Scottish highlands in the 1700s, designed as a lightweight shoe to endure marshland with no tongue so water could drain quickly, and laces up the legs so they could be pulled out of the mud.  Even though it's left behind its functional origins, the design has sticking power.  This post, in collaboration with Lyst, features some chic pieces to wear with ghillies, both heeled and flat, high end and high street.

Head over to Lyst.co.uk to create easy wishlists, wardrobe planners and shoppable moodboards from hundreds of brands and browse the LongLyst for style inspiration.

BRITISH FASHION AWARDS

Last night I attended the most glamorous night of the year in London: the British Fashion Awards held at the Coliseum in Covent Garden.  We had dinner at Asia de Cuba then faced the drizzle on the red carpet before a Champagne reception and taking our seats.  I got back late from San Francisco the night before so had a lunchtime blowdry at Millimetre Salon on Mortimer Street: I may be jetlagged and look tired, but at least I have shiny curls! I wore a navy blue lace from British brand Jones + Jones and pink lace up McQueen heels.

FRIDAY'S FFFFOUND: SAN FRANCISCO

After a week in Santa Monica and Big Sur, I'm now in beautiful

San Francisco for a few days. Happy weekend!

Gigi Hadid

American IT-girl du jour Gigi Hadid covers the November 2015 issue of Vogue Italia with a photoshoot filled with colourful afro wigs, huge statement jewellery and OTT looks from the likes of Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Blumarine, Miu Miu and Philipp Plein. Photographed by Steven Meisel, styled by Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeel and make up by Pat McGrath.

BIG SUR

I love living in the middle of a huge, busy city but it makes me appreciate countryside breaks, going home for the weekend and long bike rides out in the sticks even more.  We're heading to California in a couple of days for a friend's wedding and during a little road trip up the famous Highway 1, we'll be visiting Big Sur for the first time.  

Between the craggy cliffs and crashing waves, Big Sur river and peace and quiet in the woods, we'll be staying in a secluded, cosy cabin at the charming, rustic Glen Oaks lodge and I'm so looking forward to some chilled R&R, hiking and catching up with my old friend Hunter S. Thompson.

YELLOW PONCHO

The second biggest designer/ high street collaboration this season is between two French icons: 122-year old fashion brand Petit Bateau and designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.  JCDC makes a splash in a crazy, colourful style with vibrant illustrations, nautical styling, bold stripes and primary colours on a capsule collection for babies, kids and adults.  This bright yellow poncho raincoat is the craziest piece in the collection and is guaranteed to cheer up rainy days.

shop the Jean Charles de Castelbajac x Petit Bateau collection

BETTY'S TEA PARTY

A trip to Yorkshire isn't complete without a visit to Betty's tea rooms. Fact. It's always my first recommendation to anyone going anywhere near York, Harrogate or Ilkley; breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea - it doesn't matter what you go for, you won't be disappointed. I've been dozens and dozens of times since I was a child, for special occasions or just for a spot of delicious indulgence, because why not? A couple of months ago I was delighted to receive an invitation to their first ever London tea party, along with a box of Grand Cru chocolates in the post and a desire to dress up in one of my vintage tea dresses for the occasion.

BRUNCH AT DARWIN

My new favourite brunch spot in London is 36 floors up, above the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie-Talkie with a relaxed, all-day atmosphere, a dramatic glass roof and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views overlooking the Thames.  Darwin Brasserie has been open since January and serves seasonal British dishes from breakfast to dinner and on Sundays they do a great brunch menu for £38 per person, which comes highly recommended by yours truly.