The Elgin Avenue

Look Of The Day: Sunday Sunshine! x

2012-02-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Sunday to you all!

Thus far this week I have been confined to the realms of my bed having been struck down by the dreaded Winter flu! Many a fresh orange and long sleeps later the Sunday Sunshine popped its head out just in time for a much-welcomed day out with my wonderful family, beau and modelina friend Rachel.

A quick look post as I am now headed off to watch the Oscars Red Carpet Live!!

Top: H&M, Cardigan: Cash CA England (via The Hambledon, Winchester), Belt: Mulberry, Bag: Miss Selfridge, Dress: American Vintage also seen here, Ballet Pumps: Russell&Bromley, Sunglasses: M&S

B-E-A-UTIFUL London today!!

Happy Sunday Evening all!

Love,

MB x

LFW Day 1! BBC Radio1Xtra, Headonism, Estethica, Georgia Hardinge aaaand Bumping In To Bip Ling! Double PHEW! x

2012-02-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A Very Happy Saturday evening to you all,

I do hope that you've all been having a marvellous beginning to your weekends,

As it is the London Fash Pack world is amped up to the max as London Fashion Week is upon us! Wahoo! February's Fashion Week, which showcases next years' Autumn/Winter trends is organised in a mere 4 months (compared to September's which is done in a leisurely 8!) hence forth many a fashionista has worked/is working her shellac'd nails to the bone in preparation! As per usual, London has pulled it off with aplomb!

Scarf: Vintage @ Beyond Retro, Silk Top: Monsoon, Ombre Jeans: River Island, Tote Bag: H&M, Shoes: Zara, Jewellery: Menorca Finds, Anthropologie and soon-to-be launched The Editor's Letter, Watch: Burberry, Coat (Below) John Lewis Collection

Somerset House is peppered with a furore of the eccentric and fabulous as flashbulbs pop at every fantastically-turned-out fashionista’s feet with bloggers and photographers documenting the Fash Pack World’s every move.

The electricity surrounding Fashion Week begins days before the event even kicks off, and whether you have a direct interest in the goings-on or not, you cannot deny the level of skill and creativity exhibited by the array of designers on show.

HEADONISM at SOMERSET HOUSE

The art of millinery (or hat-making put simply!) was given its own dedicated space in the Somerset House galleries this season for the aptly titled ‘Headonism’ exhibition curated by the Legendary Stephen Jones, with Milliners including Charlie le Mindu, J Smith Esquire, Noel Stewart, Piers Atkinson and William Chambers.

Whilst there were many incredible designs on display this little red bow number by Piers Atkinson really caught my eye...!!!

Dubbed Atkinson's "Mammalian Millinery Season" his whole collection was a veritable feast of fantastical textures - think fur, feather, pony skin and sumptuous velvet with lion, tiger and bear references. The ribbons and buckles are "Gifts waiting to be unwrapped...puckered kisses tied up in knot" A hopeless romantic I may be, but I don't think I was the only one falling head over heels for Atkinson's designs!

Also on display were these phenomenal designs by Noel Stewart and a stunning model draped entirely in a lilac plait! Only at Fashion Week!

ESTETHICA at SOMERSET HOUSE

Next stop I moved on to the Esthetica Rooms which are dedicated to designers and brands who create and trade ethically. There are so many fantastic brands coming through now who, in the words of the BFC are "chosen for their design excellence and commitment to working in a sustainable way are exhibiting this season and all adhere to at least one of the key Estethica principles of :- fair trade and ethical practice in the production process; the inclusion of organic fibres; the use of upcycled and recycled materials and fabrics."

By far my favourite brand was millinery-centric (I can’t get away from the hats!) Pachacuti, whose oh-so-chic yet playful fedoras were longingly fawned over by many a LFWista. Recognised largely for their collection of Panama hats, the back-story of Pachacuti makes for seriously great reading, one of, if not the, first British Fair Trade Company, Pachacuti’s founder Carry Somers persevered through ferociously challenging conditions to develop what is now an internationally best-selling brand, with companies including Paul Smith, Gieves & Hawkes and Brora having employed their hat-making mastery.

Click here to read the full back story - believe me it is pretty darn incredible!

Given my penchant for yellow, and wide-brimmed hats, this canary (both in colour and adornment! Natch!) number below was an absolute dream!

An array of Pachacuti's fine hats! Lust lust lust!!!

BBC RADIO 1XTRA

Having trawled the Headonism and Estethica spaces in the morn I had to swiftly hop-foot it up to the BBC Radio1Xtra Studios to meet the lovely Gemma Cairney to talk Fashion Week and Sartorial Yes's & No's! I was joined by two fellow Fash Pack students Max Hailwood and Nick Smith who accompanied me in discussing what is going up and what is going doooown! Follow the link below to listen back to the whole show!

Listen here to yours truly, on BBC Radio1Xtra - Skip forward to 1hr24mins!!

Nerve wracking as it can be on live radio I absolutely L-O-V-E-D it!! Thank you so much to Gemma for being such a gracious host, to Mel at LCF for supporting us students and my fellow guests!! I may have bonded with Gemma over our joint love of Olivia Palermo but it was my ombre jeans which got the Twitter mention!!

Gemma's 'Weekend Jeans' Tweet!

L-R Nick Smith, Me, Max Hailwood
As an added bonus I was lucky enough to bump in to uber-blogger Bip Ling as she exited the Radio1Xtra studio ahead of our arrival! Ling will be Radio1Xtra's official LFW reporter so have a listen come Monday for the full low-down!

L-R Me and Bip Ling

AND BACK TO THE SHOWS...!!

Post Radio natter it was a quick coffee with my great friend Bo and back to Somerset House to peruse some of the fab new designers on show! Read on...

MB'S LFW PICKS

Central St Martin's MA Fashion Grad Work

I loved how totally fresh this shaggy neon-dabbed jacket looked and the crispness of the sunset-hued pencil skirt next to it. I didn't get the names of the specific designers so if you recognise them drop me a line and I will credit accordingly : )! We really do have some amazing up and coming talent in the UK!

Sophie Hulme Tote and Mini Satchel

Hulme's collection of a grand total of two pieces completely held their own against a room of rails of designer clothes. These oh-so-beautifully structured bags in caramel hues with understated gold detailing made my pulse quicken in desire! A perfect addition to any City-savvy outfit. A future classic.
3.
Claudia Catzeflis
BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad

Catzeflis's divine shirting and dress collection was completely covetable. No detail was left unanswered and a colour palette of creams and ocean blues felt fresh. The attention to fabrics with 'hand pulled' silks was like feeling art in a clothing buyers fingertips. Sure to go 'boom!' on the fashion scene!

Teatum Jones

I am a complete sucker for detail, therefore having already been lured in by my magpie-esque fixation with neon highlights, when Jone's kind sales assistant drew my attention to the contrast buttons and incredible linings on all coats I was completely sold! Oversized shapes provide a fantastic counterbalance to luxurious metallic-shot fabrics and gorgeous abstract prints. Available for all ages, shapes and sizes - not an easy feat to have conquered!

Hermione de Paula

Stocked already in London luxe-shopping mecca Liberties, Hermione's collection was quite obviously outstanding. Each print was hand designed and featured an array of 'tricks' for the eye as curving carp fish were made to look like blooms and swans craned their necks in a manner which mirrored the stems of flowers. Hermione's pieces just get better the more you stare. Wearable art work indeed!

AND THEN THERE WAS A SHOW!!!

GEORGIA HARDINGE

Turns out that LFW is a serious physical feat! Just as well Somerset house has some super-yum cafes to recharge the batteries!

In the evening of the 17th I was lucky enough to have an inside peep in to one of Britain's hottest new design talents, Georgia Hardinge, and her clean futuristic designs. Having lined up with a whole hoard of LFWistas it was clear that Hardinge was a hot ticket to have and my did she not disappoint. Nurtured under the BFC umbrella of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Hardinge's collection was completely succinct. Model after model marched down the runway in perfectly sharp tailoring in either mustard, cobalt blue or a rich berry hue, interspersed with Hardringe's slightly out-of-focus print designs. The model's hair and makeup was kept accordingly pared back with fresh skin and tight sleek ponytails - definitely a look to try at home!

And so LFW Day 1 came to a close, my Zara heels served me well, and the prospect of a late dinner date with one of my best girls was definitely a welcome antidote to the buzzzz of Fashion Week!!

Day 1 down, I am SO looking forward to tomorrow - day 3 - when I will be attending the HEMYCA presentation and Kristian Aadnevik show!

Have a super evening all (or rather very early morning as I write this!)

Love,

MB x

Happy Valentines Day from The Elgin Avenue! x

2012-02-14T16:23:00.001-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A Very Happy Valentines Day to you all!

Thank you to my lovely beau for the heaving bunch of flowers! You are rather great.

Love,

MB x

MB Meets Melabelle - The Bella Cager Interview and Spring/Summer Preview! x

2012-02-13T03:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Monday to you all!

Wowza what a busy week this one is turning out to be! My lifesaver of a diary - Moleskin and purchased only last week! - is completely choca bloc with goings on and happenings! Of these happening I am particularly looking forward to my impending interview with legendary designer Zandra Rhodes and uber-cool LA superstar Kat Von D later this afternoon at Pure London.

This afternoon popped to one side, I was fortunate enough last week to be invited along to the Spring/Summer preview of gorgeous London-based/Aussie-beach-babe-centric brand Melabelle, at their fab pop-up shop at 201 Portobello Rd, and have a thorough tet-a-tet with the brands oh-so-lovely owner Bella Cager.

Read on for all the MB/Melabelle happenings...!

Cape: HEMYCA (Borrowed - thank you!), Amber Top: H&M, Black Jeans: Topshop, Over-the-knee boots: Zara, Headband: Vintage, Jewellery: Anthropologie and Menorca Mixes

Me and Bella

MB meets Melabelle

by Bella Cager

The Interview

MB: Why Portobello?

BC: Our studio is down in Chelsea, but I actually live quite close to here (Portobello) I had had observed a couple of like-minded brands and friends who had tried pop ups themselves, and it seemed like a really great way to test the water, the long term goal would be to have a lovely boutique, and so it is a really great way of getting out there, and seeing how you go.

MB: This Space and the way you’ve designed it already looks like a little Melabelle store, what was your thought process behind the the interiors?

BC: Well I’ve always been in to interiors I come from a textiles background myself and I really love colour ways. We do all our own prints and dye our fabrics up to match. I’d say that there are quite a lot of textures in here (the pop up), lots of tonal colours.

MB: It’s very beachy...

BC: Yes! Well I’m from Brighton, if you grow up by the sea you never quite froget it, I love beaches and I love Summer, definitely more of a Summer girl than Winter, having had a really mild Winter we were hoping for quite a spring like feel...

(We both look outside to the snow-flecked pavement!)

MB: Where abouts did you study and what is your background?

BC: I did my foundation degree in Brighton and then I did my main degree at Bristol Art School, weirdly I wouldn't say I was one of those people that was dead set on what they wanted to do, so actually when I left University I went in to PR and worked in house for Ozwald Boateng for three years, and then I worked for various interior companies doing PR for them aswell, textiles and fabrics were always really close to me, I dont know if it was always intentional but I think I just always wanted to be close to these things and industries. I found it very easy to PR things I loved. Slowly I ended up doing an evening course at the London College of Fashion on Dean St, and that helped me focus, ten weeks, every week for 3 hours, we had an amazing man teaching us who was the MD of Belle and Bunty. Finally after that I quit the day job, went in to research, went in to production and sampling and then 2 boutiques in Sydney bought my first season because I was living in Sydney then, then moved back to london and sold in to three or four boutiques just selling myself without even doing Pure. It gave me the incentive and confidence to go "right im going to carry on and I am going to make this work”

MB: What did it feel like to finally launch your own brand and label?

BC: You can't talk about starting business at this time and not mention the state of the economy, from that point of view any success you have feels even more rewarded because you really do feel that if people hop up and down to buy something, come back a couple of times and decided to buy it, they’ve really considered it, they really really want it and so I think that gives me again, some sort of confidence in the hope that when we are not so much in this sort of situation, when things improve a little, we will be in really

good stead, its been a really exciting time and it has actually been a time when I can keep some of my overheads a little smaller as every one is making an effort to be that much more competitive, so you know there is that rumor that starting a business in a recession can be the best time. It just takes two or three people who youve never met before to get enthusiastic, to send you a message saying ‘I LOVE your prints and I want to buy the whole collection’ to really give you that boost, and then we do something like this, it is our first ever pop-up, you saw it first, and I’ve already booked to do the end of April and beginning of May again.

MB: Can you select your top 3 Melabelle S/S looks for The Elgin Avenue readers?

BC: Of course!

Bella Cager's Melabelle Picks

Butterfly Striped T: £45

Emerald Tier Dress: £115

Parker Jacket in Linen: £170, Ticking Stripe Tote: £98

MB: Where is the main base of your clientele?

BC: We have 13 boutiques that stock us now, London and the periphary of the M25 is our main base, so we are talking Suffolk, coming right the way down to Sussex, Surrey, Bath...Shrewsbury but predominantly it is that circuit, we're also on the Kings’ Rd in London.

MB: Can you talk us through your prints and the designs - you do them all yourself!

BC: Yes that’s right, I complete the original design, then it gets put on to a screen, or screens depending on how many colour ways, you dye up your entire collection to match, so I might want teal or navy or berry, whatever I want, I dye it all up to match and then the prints feed in to the collection like that. You have signature colour ways all the way through.

MB: Do you outsource your printing or do you have your own studio?

BC: We manufacture in Indonesia, and that is actually because I was previously living in Sydney, and that’s why my initial production was out there - it was only a 7 hour flight, and also frankly I love it there! I have some great friendships and relationships and you get the opportunity to do small runs, which when you start out is an amazing opportunity because you are competing with people who can do very large production, massive, large brands who do...well I dread to think the quantity! There was the opportunity for me to produce slightly smaller collections, which for a small business starting out is absolutely imperative - you have to keep your costs down but at the same time you want to supply your retailers with their requests, so you may have one client who falls in love with one colour but you have a slightly small run of it, of course you don't want to let them down so I can call my manufacturers, its been great that I’ve been able to have the flexibility that I’ve needed; I am keen to continue with that. Indonesia and Bali in particular have an amazing history of textiles and batik (a special dyeing technique) and so I’ve really loved working with them.

MB: How would you style up your Melabelle pieces and who would be your ideal Melabelle girl?

BC: Funnily enough we had Denise Van Outen wear one of our dresses in Hello and she looked absolutely beautiful! I would say that I look to people like Rachel Weiz and Fearne Cotton, real Brit girls. Fearne sort of does this thing, even if something is a bit girly or a bit cutesy she would dress it and make it look a bit cooler, that is what style is about, it is totally personal and individual and that is what I love seeing people doing, when they walk out with something that they love...what appeals to them and how they style it... it is totally unique!

MB: Where does the name Melabelle come from?

BC: I was actually Christened Anabelle and then when I was maybe 10 it just started, you know when your friends just start calling you a nickname and it sticks? They started calling me Bella, and basically when we were kids, my sister Melanie and I, they would tell us to stop being naughty and call us as one ‘Melabelle’! "Melabelle stop doing that!"

MB: They merged you in to one like Brangelina!

BC: Exactly!

The Melabelle Pop-Up Store will be open to the public, at 201 Portobello Road, until Sunday the 19th of Feb!

Check out the whole Melabelle Collection here

For a full list of stockists email info@melabelle.com

MB's Melabelle Picks

Melanie Dress in Candy Stripe (Limited Addition) £30

I so fell in love with this gorgeous striped dress! Ideal for balmy summer days. Black tights, ankle boots a tailored blazer and a seriously chunky scarf make is appropriate for now too! Thank you so so much to Bella who obviously saw the lust in my eyes and gifted me this gorgeous piece! No doubt you will be seeing me in it a lot more ; )!

Tux Top in Flamingo Print: £90, Silk Flamingo Wrap Scarf: £100, White Bed Shorts: £30, Fringed Sandals: £40

These cutesy little white shorts are actually designed for beautiful bed-time apparel, however so taken was I with their feather-light cotton and gently scalloped edges I couldn't help but shun the icy weather outside and incorporate them in to this super Summery ensemble. A huge devotee of oversized scarves I was overjoyed to wrap this amazing silk flamingo-print number over its matching tux top counterpart! Now just drop me off somewhere seriously toasty...!

Leila Dress in Cornflower Blue (Sample): £180, Gold Brogues: £30, Butterscotch Suede Bomber: £300

This cornflower blue dress caught my eye the minute my gorgeous pal Charlotte and I walked into Melabelle's pop-up store, a rare shade of blue (I have tried searching for it so many times in Summer's gone by) I was absolutely overjoyed to give it a whirl! Amazing for beachy sun-soaked hols, but equally appropriate for City strolling style up with Melabelle's amazing butterscotch suede bomber, flats and of course my Christys' trilby!

A truly fantastic initiative, Melabelle has fashioned a fabulously beach-chic pop-up right in the heart of our dear London. If Wednesday night's antics were anything to go by, I am sure that a permanent stand-alone is not too far off in the future!

Thank you so much to Bella and her wonderful team for such a fab event, the girls at Jam PR and my gorgeous date for the night Charlotte.

Bella and her gorgeous team!

Me and Charlotte - I am L-O-V-Ing C's hair! Note to self - must try!

Having been perched at home since the wee hours, I must now get some serious skates on and haul myself to Pure!

So excited!

Have a fantastic Monday all!

Love,

MB x

Look Of The Day: It's Snow Lovely! x

2012-02-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Monday evening to you all,

I hope that you have all had a lovely beginning to your working weeks!

I L-O-V-E London at the best of times, however lend me a little snow fall and I pretty much want to marry the darn place!

Despite trains, planes and automobiles not getting along all too well with frostier climes I for one think everything looks rather pretty with a sprinkling of snow!

Naturally wrapping up warm is a necessity so with steaming hot coffee cup in hand, the beau and I set off for a leisurely lunch with friends and family for which I revelled in the opportunity to dress like a true snow bunny!

Coat: Vintage - Beyond Retro, Cashmere Scarf: On Loan From The Baby Sis!, Hat: Kilburn Market, Jeans: Topshop, Chelsea Boots: ASOS

Transport systems now functioning A-OK I had to share this piccy of the soldiers, um well soldiering on (sorry!) yesterday in the freezing snow! The amazing contrast between their pristine uniforms and the iced branches made me smile.

Soldiers Marching Through The Mall, London source: BBC News

Have a super evening all,

Love,

MB x

Look Of The Day: It's Turban Time! x

2012-02-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A Very Happy Friday evening to you all,

My my what a nippy time we are having! Are you all feeling the freeze?!

The beginning of this week was absolutely phenomenal - winning The Marie Claire Best Fashion Blogger Award was more than I ever could have hoped for and since then my e-mails have gone through the roof!! With this in mind please forgive me for not having put up my own down low on the events just yet - it is in the works!

For now I thought I'd share my look of the day with you - the cold snap has had me layering like nobodies business and clutching to my collection of hats in a bid to stay snug!

Turban: Topshop, Coat, Waistcoat, Necklace, Belt: Vintage, Bag: Miss Selfridge, Ring: Soon to be launched The Editor's Letter

This fab knitted Turban was one of my favourite pressies last year - so sweetly given to me by my gorgeous flat mate Erica of L-BD. Layering can look a tad bulky so I always find that a harmonious colour palette helps - this turquoise coat was also featured in my Sunday Time Style pic which you can see here - it has seen me through many a great occasion!

Have a super Friday evening all - I hope you begin your weekends in true style!

Love,

MB x

Marie Claire Blog Awards - TheElginAvenue WON!! Wahooza!! x

2012-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very very super duper tremendously happy Tuesday to you all!

Today has been a truly incredible day as TheElginAvenue has only gone and WON the Marie Claire Blog Award for best fashion blog!!!

My heart is beating at an entirely erratic pace and has been since this morning's announcements! Must try and even my pulse!

Smiling ear-to-ear and recovering in my favourite Le Pain Quotidien (my penchant for Le Pain was even mentioned by Helen Russell, MC's online editor, in the announcement speech!) Thank you to my fellow nominee Wendy of thankfifi and her lovely husband Scott for such great company over brekkie too : )! Was so super to meet in person!

Thank you so very much to Marie Claire UK who put on such a stellar event!

As part of the winning package I will now be working alongside Marie Claire online which I am just too excited about to even put in to words!

A huge HUGE thank you to all of you my wonderful followers and readers for your constant support, and voting through out this process, knowing that you enjoy reading T.E.A is the greatest compliment I could ever hope for.

Congratulations to every one who was longlisted, shortlisted and all other winners, it was honestly an incredible honour to sit beside you all.

The Winning List! Woohoo!

Best Beauty Blog: Fleur De Force

Best Beauty Twitter Feed: @karlapowellmua

Best Fashion Blog: The Elgin Avenue (natch!)

Best Fashion Twitter Feed: @LibertyLndnGirl

A quick snippet this evening as I am now well and truly in a haze from todays events and the extreme nerves in the preceeding days! I can see the Z's in my eyes!

A full all-out post to follow tomorrow. In the mean time check out the official write-up on marieclaire.co.uk here.

Have a super evening all,

Love, as always,

MB x

MB meets Monica&Joe - Spring/Summer Preview x

2012-01-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A delightful Saturday evening to you all!

The beginning of this week was of course punctuated with some amazing news - namely that via your fantastic support T.E.A has made the shortlist for the Marie Claire Blog and Twitter Awards - I cannot tell you how excited I am for Tuesday's breakfast shindig! - Monday's wonderfulness seemed to flow right on through to Tuesday when I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Spring/Summer preview for gorgeous online boutique Monica & Joe.

Hot Pink Jacket: Vintage Jaeger, Silk Shirt with Bow Tie: Jigsaw, Red Cigarette Trousers: Zara, Snakeskin Heels: Pontas Quintas (bought in Menorca)

One of the Monica&Joe collection rails

Husband and wife duo Monica and Joe Wahla quite clearly have a serious eye for style; having cultivated their tastes in high-flying positions for Mulberry and Arcadia Group this dynamic duo have made good use of all their previous know-how to launch their very own online boutique - the aptly titled Monica & Joe!

As I bonded with the oh-so-stylish Monica over our shared name (more of a rarity than you'd think!) and her lovely husband and business partner Joe, we were able to have a great tet-a-tet about their online venture and Spring/Summer collection.

MB meets Monica & Joe

The Interview

MB: Who is the Monica & Joe customer?

M&J: I know it really annoys Monica (quote Joe!), but Monica is the muse, she always tell me off and says 'don't say that'! but Monica is really cool and edgy. Monica is a buyer so she naturally pushes the boundary and everything she wears other ladies want to wear too. We do pop up events and shops and you always see the ladies coming out wearing exactly what Monica is wearing. So, even though she doesn't like me saying it - it is true!

MB: You have a diverse range of designers in your store, from amazing Danish brands like DAY Birger et Mikkelson, to some really cool hip British designers like Peter Jenson, how do you go about selecting your brands with the Monica & Joe customer in mind?

M&J: When we started this business we thought it was going to be very London-centric, we thought that mainly Londoners are going to get it, but it hasn't panned out quite like that. We have made a conscious decision to go after some very cool British designers, Peter Jensen, Olivia Rubin and Simeon Farrar are all amazing and we get customers from all round the UK, however we also have a very large Scandinavian clientele alongside customers from all around the World. Our inspiration is very Danish, we love the way they dress, I mean when you go to Copenhagen you see these girls cycling round in their 20’s 30’s 40’s 5 0’s and 60’s and they’re looking totally effortlessly cool and tasteful, it’s amazing and they like what we do.

MB: Why do you think Monica & Joe is so popular in Scandinavia?

M&J: Geographically the larger Scandinavian cities are well served, Copenhagan and Oslo have some fantastic stores, however move slightly out of those cities and they don't have the shops, they have the money and desire but not the location - that is where online shopping serves them well. I have heard anecdotally that Scandinavian fashion magazines will feature editorial shoots which are then credited with ‘available at net-a-porter’ When it is not available from a Scandinavian store it is just as easy to shop online.

MB: A little birdy told me that you do live web chats with your customers; how important is it for you to have personal contact with your client base?

M&J: It is hugely hugely important, we really love that our customers enjoy our clothes and one of our aims this year is to include photographs of our clients in the clothes they have bought from the site - on the site! We want to give them the opportunity to see the community they are opting to be a part of. All of our delivery is next day - you place an order by 3.30pm and you can expect it the very next day. We are at the end of the phone so we will speak to the customers, it is nice if there is a problem with their delivery that we will sort it out, there is no bureaucratic procedure to go through. We just fall over backwards to make sure our customer gets what they have ordered, we have some really nice customers and we really really trust them so you know if they want to exchange something we just send it out and touch wood we haven't had any problems, we know how important it is if someone wants to go to an event. It is a mutual thing.

MB: How much of the company do you run yourselves?

M&J: We run the whole venture essentially; we have a third party for our warehouse and PR, but largely we run it all ourselves. We upgraded our site last November; once you’ve learnt a skill like managing your website you can do it all yourself. Briefing people can get a bit lost in translation, when you have total control everything is your own exact vision.

MB: Which celebrity would be your ideal Monica & Joe customer?

M&J: Oo that's a hard one! It would have to be someone like Sienna Miller, we would love someone like her! She is quite bohemian and she does the messy hair thing but she is still so gorgeous, stunning. We also love the blonde actress from Gossip Girl, Blake Lively, she has a very cool sense of style and she would make the perfect modern Monica & Joe girl.

MB: What sort of price point do you work with?

M&J: Our price point ranges from about £99 - to £400 or £500. On average we aim for about £160 for a dress - probably a little bit higher than Whistles and that type of brand but still very affordable. We like to have affordable pieces but it is also important for us to include some aspirational items and they do sell. We just got a leather skirt in by Marlene Birger which is £385 and it sold straight away. It is just amazing, it is quite important to have the expensive pieces because they are sellers, having said that we do aim to be affordable so we have a lot for around £100 - £150. In amongst our basics it is the wow pieces that people come to us for.

MB: Can you chose your favourite items from the Spring/Summer collection to share with the Elgin Avenue readers?

M&J: Most definitely! Although we love it all...!

Monica & Joe's Spring/Summer Hits

1. Sequin Embellished Dress: Virginie Castaway £549

2. Tie-dye Maxi Skirt: Munthe Plus Simonsen- £190

3. Oversized Tailored Jacket: Bruuns Bazaar £229,

Black Wide Leg Trousers also available at Monica & Joe

4. Dress: Olivia Rubin £139

5. Tropical Print Blazer: Valentine Gauthier £189

Burnt Orange Zipper Dress with Cut-Out Details: Valentine Gauthier £189

Naturally every item Monica and Joe chose was divine (Virginie Castaway is my new designer lust!), so much so that I was raring to go with my own S/S edit, and so here it is!

Monica B's Monica & Joe Hit List

The oh-so-tricky decision of what to chose!

1. Hot Pink Tailored Shorts: Cacharel: £209

I first fell in love with Cacharel when I interviewed Victoria Suffield, owner of Winchester-based boutique The Hambledon (readVictoria's interview here) in April 2011, at which time I was lucky enough to don one of their fabulous dresses for a T.E.A shoot. Cacharel always exceed in colour and fabric and these fantastic hot pink shorts below were just too good of a match with my jacket to pass by! I am such a fan of all things 'suit' at the moment - whether that be shorts, skirts or trousers - it feels so darn fresh! The great hot pink colour makes them an all-out winner!

2. Mint Ruffle Dress: Stella Forest £269

As Joe talked me through his and Monica's collection it became apparent that some pieces were absolute hands-down 'wow' items that women would treasure for a lifetime and wear 100+ times - this Stella Forest dress is just one of those pieces! From the ice-cream-fresh minty hue, to the delicate silk fabric and incredible crystal button details, this dress could (and I am sure will!) adorn the figure of any number of hip stylish women. I envisage it beautifully dressed down with tights, ballet pumps and a pea coat as much as I do dolled up to the nines with glittery heels and fantastic faux-fur stole. Unlimited options - oh the lust!

3. Tan Necklace Detail T: Valentine Gauthier £109

White Tailored Shorts also available at Monica&Joe

Around this time of year my thoughts begin to drift to sunnier climes and Summer holidays to come. I often spend time in Spain during the Summer where tanned limbs and endless beach bar nights are mandatory! These fantastic Valentine Gauthier separates are the ideal combination for looking relaxed yet polished and the built-in necklace accessorises your ensemble perfectly so you don't have to! Stylish innovation incarnate!

All in all Monica & Joe hosts a milieu of gorgeous designers who comfortably nestle along side each other in a manner which feels as if you have just stepped inside the wardrobe of a seriously stylish European lady. Having a flick through the Spring/Summer collection it was plain to see that Monica and hubby Joe are truly passionate about providing a product which their customers will adore as much as they do, and making the process of shopping in their online boutique as personal, and as much of a treat, as possible.

Spring/Summer will be that much more stylish for having Monica&Joe around!

Womenswear Brands:

2nd DAY, Ali Ro, AMbre Babzoe, Attic & Barn, Ba&sh, Blancs Manteaux, Bllack Noir, Bruuns Bazaar, By Marlene Birger, By Zoe, Cacharel, Daisy, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, Designeres Remix, I love my t's, Madras, Margit Brandt, MiH, Marthe Plus Simonsen, Nobody Jeans, Pyrus, Sarah Wayne, Simeon Farrar, Stella Forest, Valentine Gauthier + More to come...

A big big thank you to Monica and Joe Wahla for being such gracious hosts and entertaining my 101 questions!! Thank you also to Tanya and her fantastic PR team for such a lovely event! And a big thank you too to my darling friend Hollie who so kindly accompanied me and made the endless taxi journeys in the pouring rain so much more fun : )!!

L-R: Monica Wahla, Monica B (yours truly!), Joe Wahla

Check out the Monica&Joe website here to peruse the beauty with your very own eyes!!

Me and the gorgeous Hollie Chapman

A Few More Snaps from the days' goings-on...

One of the incredible lights at the beautiful St James Hotel

Event attendees brushing up on their Monica&Joe know-how

Have a super evening all,

Love,

MB x

P.S. On a completely style based note I SO loved wearing pink and red!! Are you guys tempted to try some summer-time clashes...?! Let me know : )!!

Look Of The Day: Wintery Maxi Maxi x

2012-01-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A delightful Thursday to you all! I hope you've been having a super week so far - the weekend starts in a mere few hours ; )!

A fly by post this evening as I am due to have dinner with my dear Papa and I am currently snowed under with Fash Pack dealings! The Sun popped its head around the corner this past Sunday just long enough for me to slip in to one of my favourite maxi dresses by fab French label American Vintage. The little Sis and I went on a dash trip to Oxford Circus and so a cropped faux fur jacket was the perfect solution to keep the cold nip at bay!

Faux Fur Jacket: Miss Selfridge, Grey Scarf: American Apparel, Silver Purse: Vintage, Maxi Dress: American Vintage, Nude Ballet Pumps: Russell & Bromley (surprise gift from the beau!)

Have a super evening all!!

Love,

MB x

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for my super-special post tomorrow featuring gorgeous online boutique Monica & Joe and a preview of their Spring/Summer Collection! x

Look Of The Day: Silver and SHORTLISTED!! x

2012-01-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Monday to you all! (admittedly as I write it has now crept a little in to Tuesday - details details....!)

This Monday is indeed very verrry happy for yours truly as it was announced today that The Elgin Avenue has been shortlisted for the Marie Claire Blog and Twitter Awards I have been telling you so much about!

I am of course absolutely head-over-heels-leaping-over-the-moon happy and it really is down to all of your amazing support, and the support from my friends and fellow bloggers, that has meant we could get this far so a huge thank you to every one that has voted!

9 other fab blogs have made it to this stage - you can read the full list here - congratulations to all the other nominees - I look forward to seeing you all at the Awards where we will find out who the over all winner is! How exciting!

Once I managed to get my pulse to a normal rate following the announcement, my lovely beau and I set off to celebrate with a lovely lunch at South Kensington's Le Pain Quotidien. I am an absolute Le Pain devotee and today did not disappoint - I think it tasted even better as I was eating through an ear- to - ear grin!

Shoes, Tote and Tux Jacket: Zara, Skirt: Urban Outfitters seen here too, Jumper and Belt: Vintage, Trilby: Christie's seen here too, Fur Stole: taken from my John Lewis Collection Coat seen here

Nippy though it is, I chose to debut my new silver pumps with a flippy skirt and a cosy jumper/blazer/stole combination to keep the chill at bay! I was chuffed as chips when I spotted these silver Zara beauts having lusted after the silver pumps Miss Olivia Palermo wore in this pic below - Miss Palermo's silver wanders are Sergio Rossi but I was lucky enough to get mine for a snip of the designer price on the High Street and I L-O-V-E them!! It is always a pleasure to dress up for a lazy sunny lunch!

Yum Yum Lunch!!

We rounded the day off with a trip to The Natural History Museum which was ahhhmazing - so so much interesting goings-on!

Dino!!

And so as the day is increasingly becoming Tuesday - eek how does that happen?! - I must take myself to bed and get some snoozes before the morning!

Thank you again to each and every person who voted in the Marie Claire Blog Awards I am truly touched by your support!

All my love,

MB x

P.S. Keep an eye out for my Birthday post soon to come!

Last FEW HOURS For Marie Claire Blog Award Voting!! Go Go Go T.E.A.m! x

2012-01-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Thursday to you all,

If the picture below does not give the game away already these are the VERY LAST few hours you are able to vote for TheElginAvenue on the Marie Claire Blog & Twitter Awards!!

Click HERE to cast your support now

and join those of you lovely readers who have been so kind enough to do so already!!

You can vote as many times as you like so go go go T.E.Am!!

We will soon find out the results....!

Have a super evening all,

All my love,

MB x

P.S. Special thanks go out to my other gorgeous blogger friends Nina of Fashionina, Salima of Pippislaughter, Vikki of Hoxtontwenty2 and Liisa of Ponyarts for their amazing support!

Look Of The Day - Camel Cashmere Coat and a Christie's Trilby! X P.S. Marie Claire Blog Awards STILL OPEN TO VOTE! x

2012-01-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Monday evening to you all, I trust that you have all had a wonderful beginning to your weeks?!

A fly-by post this evening - must get some beauty sleep in time for my Birthday morning!

Ahead of the actual day I was blessed enough to receive an early day of faux-Birthday shenanigans including a shellac manicure, which I l-o-v-ed - no chipping! And a brand new dusty grey trilby from Christies, both from my darling beau, to add to my ever-expanding collection!

The day was beautiful, both in weather and in company and I can only hope tomorrow will be a fraction as fun as today has been!

Cashmere-Mix Coat: John Lewis Collection, Grey Trilby: Christie's @ The Hambledon, Jeans: Topshop, Boots: Jones the Bootmaker

Printed Jacket (worn underneath): River Island, Grey Vest: Vintage, Gold-strand Necklace (just seen) Anthropologie, Turquoise Ring: The Editor's Letter

My delicious and oh-so-indulgent MarsBar cake from my beau's lovely Mama - the card came with a warning "eat this in one sitting and you will require medical assistance!" I took heed!

Have a super evening all! Remember voting for The Marie Claire Blog and Twitter Awards is still open!! Cast your vote for The Elgin Avenue here!!

Love, as always,

MB x

P.S. This is the 100th post on T.E.A!!

Illife Yard Jewellery Extravaganza feat: Claire Stratton x

2012-01-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy late Sunday evening to you all,

I hope that you have all had a wonderfully indulgent weekend spent pottering around with loved ones and friends? As it is my weeks are often arranged in an unconventional manner with my weekend starting right about...now! Fash Pack School will re-commence on Tuesday (my Birthday!) and as it is I will be pre-celebrating a faux Birthday tomorrow with my beau and family - yay!

Thank you so very very much to every one who has already voted for me in the Marie Claire Blog and Twitter Awards, please continue your incredible support by following this link and scrolling down to TheElginAvenue to cast your vote! Remember you can vote as many times as you like so keep em'coming : )!

In an effort to catch you all up on a few pre-NY goings-on, I am delighted to share with you my snaps and memories of the fantastically artsy and eclectic Illife Yard Open Studios, an event held in a pocket of South East London dedicated to showcasing the works of individual artists and jewelers offering amazing designs - some at a snip of the normal price!

I was fortunate enough to accompany my lovely beau and his fabulous Aunty Claire, of Claire Stratton Jewellery, in her oh-so-sweet open studio sipping tea and chatting with enthusiastic shoppers.

As the beau and I were assisting his super Aunty, I chose an outfit which I hoped would represent her brand accordingly. This peak-shouldered Zara blazer is my go-to item for smartening up any outfit and when teamed with my favourite burgundy Topshop jeans I felt it made a suitably neat ensemble! Having been a little slow to adopt the collar trend I was pleasantly surprised to find that a summer-time polo I had relegated for sunnier months came in handy as an under layer for a Wintery cashmere pullover - the starched collar providing a pleasant preppy touch!

Burgundy Jeans: Topshop, Chelsea Boots: ASOS, Handbag: Mulberry, Jacket: Zara, Cashmere Jumper: Gift, Polo (worn underneath) Lacoste

Claire's gorgeous studio - loved the cape of the lady walking in!

Claire and I admiring the many jewels!

Proud nephew!

Almost immediately after beginning to date my lovely beau I was swiftly introduced to his Aunty Claire's work - it adorned the fingers of all the females in his family! Claire's signature pieces of organically worked

silver, gold and platinum have a gorgeous natural aesthetic with worked-in imperfections juxtaposed against
a plethora of precious gems in rainbow hues
-
Oh to own the lot!

Some of Claire's heavy-duty statement necklaces! Lust!

A selection of Claire's stunning rings - best worn stacked high!
In amongst the fashionable young couples and stylish ladies and gents nosing around the open studios, these two dapper men below seriously stood out! Old swing styling, artfully cocked hats and vintage accessories - they were a street-style photogs dream!

I would definitely recommend checking the Illife Yard website here for the next open studios, along with the fabulous Claire Stratton other fantastic jewellers include fashion-eds fave Alex Monroe and a whole host of independent artists - a great day out indeed!

Have a super eve all!

Love, MB x

The gorgeous Illife Yard

OnePiece Party at Shoreditch House and Marie Claire Blog Award Nomination x

2012-01-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very Happy Thursday to you all!

My my what a week it has been thus far! The announcement of The Marie Claire Blog Award (click here to vote for T.E.A!) has made my week, month and year, and naturally has been top of my thoughts! However the Spring/Summer term for Fash Pack School has also commenced and with it a commission for a future-forecastings project for cosmetic giants Proctor & Gamble - very cool! Top all this industry goodness off with an article or two for fab site 50&nifty (read the latest here!) and it is all making for a bit of a whirlwind week - albeit a very welcome one!

Having spent a gorgeously large chunk of the festive season with loved ones I feel I must catch you lovely readers up on a few of the happenings pre-NY! - First up the all-in-one goodness of The OnePiece Party at Shoreditch House!

L-R OnePiece Co-Founder Hendrik, Me and OnePiece President and Co-Founder Thomas

Jumpsuit: Miss Selfridge Petite, Blazer: Zara, Heels and Belt: Vintage, Feathered Clutch: Gift, Earrings: Accessorize, Turquoise Ring: From soon-to-be-launched The Editor's Letter

The View from Shoreditch House Rooftop

For those of you who have not yet been privy to the fashion anomaly that is the OnePiece, it is essentially (with no dumbing-down intended!) a gigantic apres-ski-esque jumpsuit/babygro! Wild though it seems, I challenge any one not to fall for the all-encompassing comfort of been wrapped top-to-toe in thick cotton fleece - I certainly did!

Having been pre-warned that the dress code for this event was a 'one piece' I erroneously rustled around my wardrobe in aid of magic-ing up one of my fail safe tailored black jumpsuits...if only I had known! Thankfully on meeting Mr. Thomas Adams, co-founder and president of OnePiece, I was duly informed that my attire was passably appropriate given that it was an all-in-one! No such luck for my lovely beau however who on returning from a drinks round had been stripped of his dapper gentlemanly attire in favour of a super-snug OnePiece (he quickly grew to love it!)

With a Facebook popularity ranking amongst the fastest-growing in the World it is clear that Thomas and his co-founders, Knut and Hendrik are on to something pretty special, I was fortunate enough to have a tet-a-tet with the lovely Mr. Adams and chat shop...

MB: How did the concept of the OnePiece occur?

TA: Me and the guys (co-founders Knut and Hendrik) were chilling one Sunday, hungover, and Knut was wearing a tracksuit bottom and top, Knut's top was a size too small and he had to keep pulling it down as it was riding up...it was so cold in the apartment and so Knut was uncomfortable, so Hendrik took a needle and thread to sew Knut's top and bottom together to keep him warm! The problem of the cold was solved but there was another problem when Knut wanted to get out of the suit and so I took a pair of scissors and cut right up the centre (of the suit).

MB: And so the OnePiece was born!

TA: Exactly!

MB: You guys are a relatively new company, how are things developing for you?

TA: The past year has been crazy, the business started in 2007 and this year we have opened 8 stores and are stocked in over 200 retailers. In Beverly Hills we are on the same street as Chanel, Robertson Boulevard!

MB: I can see Coco Chanel in a OnePiece!

TA: We'd love that!

MB: Miss Chanel aside, you do have a mass of celebrity followers, I've heard the boys from One Direction are fans amongst others?

TA: Yeah I mean we have some great people wearing OnePieces, I think One Direction are coming along later actually...

And with that Tom and I descended in to general chatter about the OnePiece celeb posse, how ridiculously attractive all of the party guests were (even in fleece jumpsuits!) and just how long the free bar would remain in stock!

L-R Some of my fellow gorgeous party-goers inc. super bloggers Salima from pippislaughter.com (top left) and Nina of fashionina/fashionmansion

The OnePiece party revellers

I have to admit that the OnePiece party at Shoreditch House has to be one of the more surreal events I have been to, rubbing be-fleeced shoulders with the likes of Nat Weller, Simon Astell, Jay Camilleri and Jodie Harsh, not to mention the tidal wave of model-esque attendees, was a ton of fun - made even more so by the equalising uniform of the OnePiece! The fact is, once you put every one in the same top-to-toe hoodie, all self-concisouness evaporates and every one just has a darn good time - and indeed we did!

Our OnePiece's came in pretty handy for the post-party weariness the next day too!

Thank you to the lovely guys at OnePiece for such a great evening, I can only imagine how far you are going to go in your world-wide OnePiece domination!

Have a peep below for my top three OnePiece picks - all in a scrumptious easy-to-wear grey melange:

1. Original Light OnePiece

A lighter weight fabric than the traditional fleece, I can see this becoming my go-to loungewear for writing on the laptop, coffee in hand, snug as a bug!

2. Long Girl Hoodie

Solving all my beach-time woes, I will be slipping into this comfy hoodie dress post-swimming. California girl to a T!

3. Girl Pants

A touch of luxe-sportswear, if I were a Parisian chick I would totally wear sky-high heels with a long-length white shirt and a Blake Lively pony tail! As it is I'll probably use these loungewear beauties as posh gym attire!

For a more in-depth look in to everything OnePiece head to their web-site here.

And with that my lovely readers, I am off for some lounge-time of my own, I may even hop in to my very own OnePiece!

Have a super evening all!

Love, MB x

P.S. I probably will mention it about 100 times but please be kind enough to cast your vote once, twice...twenty times for The Elgin Avenue on Marie Claire's Blog Awards, click here to do so!! Lets aim for that shortlist! Woo!!

Marie Claire Best Fashion Blog Long List - TheElginAvenue Is In There!! x

2012-01-09T05:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

I have some very exciting new to share with you...TheElginAvenue has been long listed for The Marie Claire Best Fashion Blog Award along with 24 other fab fashion blogs! Of course I am giddy with excitement and would like to thank all of you, my spectacular readers, for your continuing support! Lets add a little extra pizazz and see if we can get ourselves shortlisted!! Click

here
to vote for TheElginAvenue now!!

What a way to start the week!

Love, as always,

MB x

P.S. You can check out the link on my twitter feed too with @MonicaBeatrice!

Happy One Year Anniversary for The Elgin Avenue and a Happy New Year to All! x

2012-01-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A Very HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all and a HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY FOR THE ELGIN AVENUE!!

Dress (worn underneath): Monsoon Fusion, Cream applique dress: H&M, Earrings and Bracelets: Vintage, Watch: Burberry

2011 seems to have whipped on by in a haze of incredible events - both good (the Royal Wedding) and sadly, bad (the riots and natural disasters). In amongst all of this I have had the absolute pleasure of writing and interacting with all of you lovely T.E.A readers and I am so grateful for all of your support - one year on and I am so proud to celebrate the One Year Anniversary of The Elgin Avenue with you all! Woohoo!!

2011 saw me turn 21 (best Birthday ever!!) found this very blog, begin writing for some brilliant websites, celebrate my third anniversary in Paris with Mr.G and of course one of my tip-top highlights - being featured in The Sunday Times Style!

May 2012 bring all the love and luck in the world to you all and build on all the brilliance 2011 saw!

Have a super New Year's day!

All my love and thanks for this year and last,

MB x

MB in The Sunday Times Style! It is here! x

2011-12-04T16:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

Sunday has finally rolled on round and the MB feature in The Sunday Times Style mag is out! I am so delighted to be able to share this with you all! Rick Morris, Style's 'What are you wearing' master photographer was truly lovely throughout the process, so a big thank you to the W.A.Y.W team. Please see below for a copy of the article, and further down for some more snapshots of my colour-block Style ensemble.

Dress: Elizabeth Lau at The Hambledon, Jacket and Scarf (worn in hair): Vintage, Bag: Miss Selfridge, Shoes: Kurt Geiger Fashionista, Jewellery: Forever 21, Vintage and Minorcan Finds

What a whirlwind of a day! In the words of the almightily smart Bridget Jones I am now off to Bedfordshire!

Have a super evening all,

Love, MB x

Style-Passport Missoni and DVF Collaboration Soiree at The Ivy and The Friends We Met Along The Way x

2011-12-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

I do hope that you have all been enjoying a lovely Saturday so far,

For those of you that follow me on Twitter - @MonicaBeatrice - you will have seen that this Wednesday I was fortunate enough to be invited along to The Ivy for a special preview of online niche tavelling-style-store style-passport's newest designer collaborations. Style-passport is the brain-child of fashion aficionado Sarah Walter, MD and founder, who counts British Vogue amongst her roll-call of previous work locales. Sarah herself was the absolute embodiment of the stylish travelista; dressed in a fitted black dress with embellished scallop-edge sleeves. True to her travelling mantra Sarah accessorised with little more than some refined jewellery found on her many adventured and the fashionista's fail-safe Hermés Birkin in a caramel hue.

L-R Sarah Walter and MB

Jacket: Topshop Archive, Smart T-Shirt: H&M, Trousers and Belt: Vintage, Heels: Kurt Geiger Fashionista, Fuchsia Clutch: Reiss, Jewellery: Minorcan finds, Watch: Burberry

My gorgeous date for the evening, Miss Charlotte Wood

L-R MB, Sam Jones Fashion Director and Ashleigh Burnside Operations Director

On collection of our tasty vodka tipples, style-passport's Ashleigh Burnside was on hand to explain a little more about this online retail hot-spot. Founded in March of this year, style-passport aims to "own your complete style journey" from nifty guides for in-flight fashion, to the hottest beach wear for Winter sun to the ideal packing ratio for a weekend jaunt to Paris, style-passport has everything you could possibly need for a chic and elegant holiday.

Sam Jones, style-passport's super glamorous fashion director, chit-chatted away with me about our respective recent trips to the City of love - Paris - with our other halves, for which Sam implemented style-passport's packing guide. If those most fashionable amongst us find it helpful just imagine how indispensable it could be for those of us with a little less know-how!

Some of the gorgeous colabs!

THE COLLABORATIONS

In amongst the newest collaborations showcased at Wednesday's event was this Missoni zig-zagging beauty for BRIC's luggage (see above). Every stylista worth her Céline shopper loves a bit of Missoni-patterned charm, add to that BRIC's Italian heritage and reputation for some of the finest luggage around the globe and it begins to add up as a sure-fire must have for the most stylish of travellers. The ultimate country/City cross-over item - the Barbour jacket - has also been given a new lease of life thanks to a fantastic colourful collaboration with none other than Diane Von Furstenberg's DVF line, this cherry-hued number (above) would be divine with navy skinny cords and cuban-heeled boots.

BEAUTY AT STYLE-PASSPORT

Of course, what is a stylish travelista without her go-to beauty essentials? Emma Bannister, the site's beauty director and former Maire Claire beauty chief, was on hand to let me in on her favourite style-passport brands. Cult hits included Blinc mascaras, Becca makeup (in particular Rachel Bilson's fave Beach Tint) and Invisble Zinc sun protection. Having previously been at the helm of one of Britain's largest fash-mag beauty desks, Emma assures me that she is able to cut straight through the cr*p and has selected only the absolute finest brands for style-passport's customer.

Becca beauty tint available here

Blinc mascara available here

Invisible Zinc sunscreen available here

HAIR AT STYLE-PASSPORT

I was fortunate enough to get some one-on-one hair care chat from non other than style-passport's resident hair man Paul Yacomine, whose own-name products are sold exclusively in the UK by the site. One look at my day-old blow dry and Paul swiftly whipped out his Microfinish serum to oomph out my weary locks! Having trained up from the age of 16 with John Freida, Paul went on to assist Nicky Clarke and Anthony Mascolo of Toni&Guy. After building up an impressive portfolio in New York, Paris and our beloved London, Paul went on to develop his own name-sake products which until now have been largely only available in the US.

Packaged in distinctive aluminium bottles, Paul confirmed that the sustainability of his products is very much at the forefront of his mind. "Aluminium is the only recyclable and cost-effective material to use" he told me, and I imagine you'll agree with me my T.E.A readers when I say they look fab too! Packed with essential oils, the texture of the products sits on hair lighter than most serums and leaves no oily residue, plus due to the lack of synthetics the heady perfumes last and last. Mmm.

Look out for the miniature colour collection trio kit for easy travelling.

Paul Yacomine holds up his colour collection trio kit

I can hear our locks thanking us now!

ON WITH THE FUN

As is often the case with these fash-pack laden events, the end of one is merely the beginning of another. As Charlotte and I were making our way to The Ivy's crystal glass lift (yep it is amazing!) we almost literally bumped into a trio of worryingly dapper gentlemen from online mag Cloak & Swagger. Conversations exchanged and quick dinner's eaten (the boys went for Vietnamese - us girls went for pizza!) and we found ourselves at the W hotel. If ever there was a location for a Brit version of our beloved Gossip Girl - this would be it. DJ's, stylists, fash-pack eds and girls and boys in swathes of black milled about under the gigantic disco ball (the biggest in Europe dontcha know) whilst sipping on cocktails in a rainbow of colours. Charlotte and I were kept in great company by Cloak & Swagger's editor in chief Karel (far right) who knew just about every one ever, and his lovely contributing eds Michael (far left) and Andrew (taking the picture!)

L-R Michael, Charlotte, MB and Karel

The W entrance

The W bar and the looming disco ball!

And so from the W we found ourselves snaking across London in a black cab, accompanied by Cloak and Swagger's charming lifestyle ed Andrew who took us to the opening of one of London's newest clubs The Rose.

By the time we arrived we were the last three folks to be allowed in - merci! - and Andrew's lovely sister met us at the door leading us down into the mirror-walled depths of The Rose. The promo girls alone were absolutely outstanding, ranging from stunning nordic beauties in full skirted sequinned dresses to tawny-limbed latin babes in floor-length glamour getup. And yet the staff were just the tip of the beautiful-people iceberg. Although tricky to move for fear of being sliced open on an Abercrombie cheekbone, the young and the restless (and darn attractive!) sidled up against one another for some serious bumping and grinding, pouting and preening in an array of sequinned getups.

The Rose party-goers

One of the gorgeous ballet acts

Tons of fun was had but sure enough Charlotte and I eventually had to retire our heels and head on home.

THE ROUND UP

As a style-passport newbie myself I thought I would pick my three fave items to share with you lovely T.E.A readers

1. Atelier glass print prom.

This gorgeous full skirted dress drums up memories of Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley, swanning around tumbling italian towns with sun-kissed limbs tastefully on display.

Atelier dress £78 (40% discount) click here to shop.

2. Antik Batik totem fur trimmed gilet.

Just enough of a traveler's vibe - luxury embroidery and oh-so-cosy fur trims. Allow this to be the piece and wear with a pewter crew neck sweater, skinny black trousers and French Sole ballet pumps, finished with an assortment of delicate jewellery.

Antik Batik fur-trimmed gilet £485 click here to shop

3. Anya Hindmarch Nevis raw velvet Calf Bag

The rolls-royce of the big-and-beautiful-bucket-bags! This scrumptious red-wood colour is entirely trans seasonal and will look just as great with a belted crombie coat in the Winter as it will slung over a bare be-freckled shoulder come Summer. Invest! Invest!

Anya Hindmarch Nevis Bag £550 click here to shop

Each of these items will look great worn separately, however, come the warmer months why not pull an Olivia Palermo and wear them all together? Boho-prepster-international-luxe (sure that's a look!) never looked so good!

Thank you to style-passport for being such gracious hosts, and the Cloak & Swagger boys for such great company!

Don't forget to pick up your copy of The Sunday Times Style this weekend and flick through to the back for the MB feature! How exciting!

Have a wonderful evening all,

Love, MB x

I was absolutely lusting after this amber-hued chandelier

- note to self must get a bigger room for gigantic light fixtures!

Announcement - STYLE Magazine Sunday 4th December! MB feature! x

2011-12-02T10:24:00.001-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very happy Friday evening to you all,

I have some pretty darn exciting news to share with you all...I am delighted to be able to tell you that I am going to be featured in this weekend's Sunday Times Style supplement! If you can find a copy knocking around after my Dad has bought his prerequisite 100 copies then please pick up an issue and flick through to the last page for the 'What are you wearing?' column. Style has been a regular fixation in my Sunday morning routine for many years now and so I can only begin to say how thrilled I am to be included!

Not even I have seen the finished results just yet so I will be opening the pages with you all for the first time on Sunday! Oh how exciting!

Have a super Friday evening all!

Love, MB x

World Press Photo of the Year + The Other Art Fair! Artsy affairs indeed! x

2011-12-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

I trust that you are all enjoying a thoroughly lovely Thursday so far!

Double-trouble posting today and tomorrow - complete whirlwind of events and goings-on to report back on so stay tuned in!

First up a myriad of artsy affairs along South Bank this weekend, accompanied by my beloved Paps. En route to The Other Art Fair - a selection of the UK's top 100 unrepresented artists - we stumbled across the World Press Photo of the year exhibition on at the Royal Festival Hall.

WORLD PRESS PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Unexpected though it was , this collection of press photographs published in 2011 absolutely floored my Dad and I. 2011's winning photograph by South African photographer Jodi Bieber was undoubtedly one of the most affecting of the selection displayed. The portrait shows Bibi Aisha, a beautiful 18 year old Afghan girl, who had her face mutilated under Taliban instruction for having left her abusive husband and 'shaming' him. This image I imagine will have struck the hearts of many. Despite having suffered such a monstrous act there is a softness in Bibi's eyes which I feel Bieber captured. Thankfully Bibi was rescued by Women for Afghan Women, a human rights organisation based in Kabul and New York, and received refuge and reconstructive surgery. May Bibi's future life be much happier.

World Press Photo of the year 2011 by Jodi Bieber

As expected many of the photographs on display were uncomfortable and upsetting, they demonstrated some of the world's greatest cruelties and disasters. There were however a number of images which I found provided respite and amusement. Daniele Tamangi's photo series 'The Flying Cholitas, Goddesses of the Ring" brought quite a smile to my face. The Bolivian women featured in Tamangi's series are competitors in a style of freestyle wrestling know as 'lucha libre'. This unusual sport is one of Bolivia's most popular forms of entertainments and the fantastically flamboyant skirts-and-bowler-hat combinations the women don for the ring add to the fantastical eccentricity.

Daniele Tamangi, The Flying Cholitas, Goddesses of the Ring

Following on from Tamangi's rainbow-dipped Bolivian Cholita's, Andrew McConnel's image of Joséphine Nsimba Mpongo, 37, truly struck me as one of the most beautiful on display. In an intimate moment which I like to refer to as a 'piece of peace', McConnel's subject Joséphine is seen playing the cello in a makeshift turquoise practice room, in amongst the hustle and bustle of the Kimbanguiste neighbourhood of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Joséphine is part of the Orchestre Symphnique Kimbanguiste (OSK), Central Africa's only symphony orchestra. Founded in 1994 by Arman Diangienda the OSK can rustle up as many as 200 largley self-taught players for a concert. Joséphine's tranquil gaze of concentration and elegant poise perched behind her instrument instills in me a great longing to hear the OSK play!

Andrew McConnell, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo for Der Spiegel

Much of the photography featured in the exhibition focused on the human side of reporting, therefore it was a welcome alternative to discover Benjamin Lowy's image series Oil on Water. This series dealt with the aftermath of the April BP oil rig explosion which saw 4.9millions barrels of oil spilt into the sea off the coast of Mexico. The fiery colours and lava-like swirls mesmerised me and I was absolutely captured by the beauty in something so destructive. In an entirely style-centric capacity these marble oil patterns provoked me to image a swathe of silk printed with this image - designers take note! I imagine it would be quite stunning.

Ben Lowy, Oil on Water for GQ

The World Press Photo exhibition on at the Royal Festival Hall has sadly finished its stint in London, however as befitting of its international collective the show will also be featured in a number of other Cities around the world including Naples Italy, Jakarta Indonesia and Opole Poland amongst others, click here for a full listing. If a personal visit is not viable why not simply buy the book?! It would make a wonderful addition to any coffee table and would spark endless conversation amongst friends, family and guests! I am already looking forward to 2012's picks.

THE OTHER ART FAIR

After the World Press Photo exhibit Papa MB and I meandered down the Southbank to The Other Art Fair, sponsored by Club Monaco. 100 top unrepresented UK artists came together for an opportunity to allow the public a peep and a purchase. A whole host of style were represented from surrealist pieces, to pop art, technologically-advanced i-pad art and taxidermy. Favourites of mine included the divine illustrations of Dan Hillier, the beautiful colour-saturated video installation from Takae Wakura andchild-like watercolours of Alex Simpson.

I hope I am not divulging any secrets when I say that out of all the artists on display I voted for Dan Hillier in Club Monaco's The Other Art Fair competition, in which the most popular artists won a £5000 prize! The phenomenal intricacies of Hillier's work absolutely blew my mind and I would be chuffed to bits to own a piece of his fine work - food for future thoughts! Such is the lust-factor of Hillier's pieces that you can even wear them on your own fine person in the form of a T-Shirt or bag available here.

Dan Hillier

Takae Wakura, Immortal Life, Immortal Collection, Video Installation

Toni Gallagher

Melody Reynolds, Ideas Acrylic on Board

Alex Simpson

Danielle Hodson

PHEW what a day indeed!! Rounding up after a full day's arts exploration Paps and I made our way for a much needed early dinner and glass of wine - not before we were caught by some charming Club Monaco representatives though for a quick polaroid to put up on their Other Art Fair Wall! They really managed quite a collection!

Me and Paps centre

The Other Art Fair attendee wall!

I do hope that you enjoyed a mini-peruse through London's recent art snap-shots as much as I enjoyed a full dose on Sunday! Keep me posted if you have any recommendations of new places I should check out - it is a wonderful aspect of living in London to be able to see such things and I welcome your suggestions!!

Keep checking The Elgin Avenue in the next 48hours, I have very exciting news to share with you regarding this coming Sunday as well as a report on all of last night's goings-on at Style-Passport's event at The Ivy!

Have a super evening all, catchup very soon ; )!

Love, MB x

Paris Paris Paris! x

2011-11-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very happy Monday to you all, I do hope that you all had a lovely weekend,

I must admit that my weekend was quite a special affair...Friday evening saw Mr.G and I nip off to St Pancras international (my favorite of all stations!) and embark on a mini-excursion to Paris for our three year anniversary! From the moment I knew that we were destined for belle à Paris my heart was beating faster in anticipation! Mr.G and I have visited Paris once before on a previous anniversary and it is truly a City which lives up to all of its stylish, romantic and exciting promises.

Having stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Saint-Jacques in the Latin Quarter previously, we chose to revisit. I was duly informed that the Latin Quarter was popular with Americans in the 1920’s, I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to have stayed there when it was awash with flapper dresses and dandy gents galore! This area is particularly lovely though in contemporary times for its beautiful architecture, easy accessibility across the City, and its ability to retain its feeling of authenticity as opposed to being overrun with tourists. Our feet were our main mode of transport and as such we were able to discover a whole array of shops, restaurants and fascinating buildings, as well as a boulangerie or two! As I am sure most girls will empathise with, on knowing that I was headed to Paris, I was struck by a need to find a new dress! I found my ideal Parisienne piece in Mary Portas's Living and Giving store on Westbourne Grove. For those of you who have not ventured in to one of Portas's stores previously, Living & Giving is the charity concept that was developed for Save the Children following the 2009 series Mary Queen of Charity Shops. With regular deliveries from very generous donors and department stores including Harvey Nichols, you can always find incredible designer pieces at a snip of the normal price! The dress I am pictured in below caught my eye for it's unusual lace detail and lovely use of colour, a dress fit for Paris indeed!

Blazer: Zara, Belt: Vintage, Hat: M&S Menswear, Chelsea Boots: ASOS, Floral Dress: Mary Portas Living&Giving, Turquoise Ring: Soon to be launched The Editor's Letter, Clutch: Vintage, Sunglasses M&S

Mr.G x

The Parisienne side streets were definitely the places to head to for the best traditional French food - you wont get better! A restaurant tucked along the narrowest of side streets proved to be one of the best Mr.G and I found - the chicken was phenomenal! As my French is incredibly poor we largely went on the advice of the waiter/waitress - it proved an effective technique!

One of the lovely side-street cafés

Mr.G and I were lucky enough to have a good friend of ours Charlotte living in Paris at the time we visited. Charlotte and I go way back and we were just lucky enough to catch her in the French capital as she is spending a year abroad studying, you can have a peep at more of Charlotte's Parisienne experiences on her blog ParisCatch. Being shown around by someone who has already figured much of the City out certainly has its perks - especially when you are shown to the best creperie in town!

The beautiful building behind is Charlotte's Paris University!

The best crepes ever! Ever!

Of course Paris would not be Paris if we were not to indulge in some retail therapy, and so as not to offend, cough cough, we certainly managed some pretty good shopping!

First up Mr.G and I headed down past the Latin Quarter further South for a browse around some lovely boutiques as well an assortment of great French high street stores inc. The Kooples, Sephora (which I miss in the UK so badly!) and Comptoir des Cotonniers amongst others. On a side note The Kooples has always been a store which has fascinated me, its branding niche of following real couples really irks to that interest we all have at knowing about other peoples' relationships. They now have videos up on their website too - check out the still from Jonas and Venus's story below and click on the link to see the whole video. The clothes are completely lust-worthy too!

Jonas&Venus

Apart form the great array of high-street stores, Paris is also famous for its rambling flea markets. Mr.G and I travelled North to the famous Les Puces de Saint-Ouen in Porte de Clignancourt to have a peruse the fascinating stores.

Sigh!

I fell in love with these butterfly bell-jars!

There were so many incredible market stalls to take in at the Marche de Saint-Ouen, it was fortunate that there were a couple of delicious cafes dotted around for respite! I have to say that the clothes on offer at Sain-Ouen were absolutely breathtaking - gorgeous Vintage Chanel bags nestled in against cute dress-jackets, and the range of vintage boots and bags was astonishing! There was as much womenswear as there was mens, with prices ranging from €10 - €2,500! Of course the cost of a quilted 2.55 was a drop in the ocean compared to some of the true antiques on display, it was like meandering in a amongst a host of miniature palaces! Such a treat!

And so, having mentally furnished my dream house and dream wardrobe (of course!), eaten enough crepes to feed the whole of Paris, and walked my chelsea boots into the ground, Mr.G and I packed our bags once again to hop on the Eurostar back to St.Pancras.

A beautiful trip with the best company I could ever ask for.

Have a wonderful evening all,

Love, MB x

P.S. As I mentioned in my post here I am now writing for another great website called 50andnifty.com. I am really excited about this new venture and will be working closely with them in the future. The site is aimed at 50+ year old women which is a wonderful niche and you can read my very first article on Winter Coats here.

Passez une bonne soirée! x

Spex in the City and a Covent Garden weave! x

2011-11-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very happy Monday evening to you all, I hope that you all had a delightful weekend,

At present Fash Pack School is brimming with anticipation as every student is cracking on with our end-of-term projects. You may recall that I mentioned on Tuesday November 1st‘s post that I’m currently working on a filming project focusing on one of our favorite indulgences - high heels; today my investigations took me down to one of London’s prettiest pottering areas - Covent Garden, and along with a superb interview I was able to weave in out out of some of Covent Garden’s most delightful stores. Nestled amongst an array of independent retailers was the marvelously-named “Spex in the City” - weak as I am to all things 'pun' I was tickled enough by the witty name to make my way in to this lovely store and peruse the fantastic selection of frames on offer.

Chelsea Boots: ASOS, Tights: M&S, Culottes: H&M, Belt: Vintage, Bag: Miss Selfridge

Hat: M&S Menswear, Breton Top: Vero Moda, Scarf: Hand-knitted by Mr.G's Mama!

http://www.spexinthecity.com/

Mr. Doron Vidanski

The frames in Spex in the City were something to behold, a gorgeous collection of contemporary and vintage, along with a range designed by the store's owner Gillian Caplan, you can check out the selection on offer here. The assistance of the dapperly-dressed Doron Vidanski, shown above, was invaluable when Mr.G, who accompanied me on my CG journey, perused the specs in search of a pair which were just so. Despite not having an actual need just yet I suspect that Mr.G harbours a hope that his sight will drop just enough to justify some scrummy frames!

The fantastic Vintage selection

My Doron-advised pair of specs! Mykita 'Daphne' acetate frames

Along with puns and PG jokes, I do have another achilles heel - a seasonal one at that - novelty beverages! See below for a selection of my favourites from the past few days...

Costa Coffee Star Stencil, Starbucks Gingerbread Latte, Diet Coke Santa Can

A lovely day of perusing and filming - these strenuous tasks certainly work up an appetite! On that note I feel a pizza-centric dinner with Mr.G is sure to be in order!

Have a super evening all,

Love, MB

Rock the Belles at Hoxton Pony Club with Emma Topolski x

2011-11-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very happy Saturday evening to you all,

Yesterday evening I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Hoxton Pony Club’s Rock the Belles event, founded by Fash-Pack fave DJ Emily Rawson, and featuring a whole myriad of top female DJ and music talent. Included in the line up was none other than my good friend Emma Topolski, who you may remember from my previous post here. As predicted Emma’s star is continuing to rise and last night served only to cement this belief! Backed up by the beautiful Jessica Thandi Berry (who’s own solo sounds you can check out here) Miss Topolski had the whole of The Hoxton Pony up moving and grooving and generally having a stellar time to a number of her tunes. Other acts included in the evenings showings were Holly Walker, a wonderful gorgeous “piano-bashing songstress who writes punchy, knowing tunes that provoke both sobbing and raving simultaneously” (in the words of Miss Rawson. Natch.) and Stooshe who politely got their dance on whilst they waited for their own marvellous set - hopping on stage like a trio of very-cool girls in very cool-clothes to do a very cool act all of their own. Good job! Great music, tasty tasty Grapefruit Martinis (trust me you must try these!) and free manicures by Wah nails - does it get much better than this?! Oh wait it does indeed as I was flanked by a whole bevvy of beautiful gal pals with which I danced the night away! Props also go to Emma’s lovely beau Neil who is fully participating in Movember along with his male comrades who all donned equally theatrical attire to match the tash!

Bust and Shorts: H&M, Belt: Vintage, Bag: Miss Selfridge, Jewellery: Collection of trinkets, Turquoise ring from soon-to-be-launched The Editor's Letter,

The beautiful Miss Topolski and I

In action!

Wah nails pop-up manicure bar-in-a-bar!

My bevvy of beauties! From L-R, Hollie, Sheree, Me, Hannah and Charlotte

Emma's manager David

Two of the Movember members

On an entirely different note my lovely roomie and I were perusing TopShop Oxford Circus yesterday when I happened upon this rather great mannequin - I don't know about you guys but I absolutely loved it top-to-cobalt-toe! Super VM-ing!

And so from The Hoxton Pony, to Top Shop and back, I wish you all a delightful rest of the evening,

May you all wake up to some scrummy Sunday brunch come the morn!

Love, MB x

Javari.co.uk "Shoes for Show" Private View and a surprise tumble into Tony's Gallery! x

2011-11-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

A very happy Thursday evening to you all,

What a day indeed! My kind friend and colleague at Fash Pack School Natalya Xavier invited me along to a private view at The Loading Bay in Brick Lane for online shoe store Javari’s “Shoe’s for Show” exhibition. Spirits not dampened by a typically British downpour we made our way into the show to oggle at the array of death-defying heels and lavish show-piece footwear. Amongst my personal favorites was an exquisite Christian Loboutin ballet point shoe in nude, showered in crystals and sporting a heel worthy of inducing a bout of vertigo. Other highlights included Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Alice in Wonderland’ heels and phenomenal ‘Princess Amneris Gold Atlas’ sandals designed by Rupert Sanderson for the Royal Opera House in London. What a display of pure mastery! An indulgence for the eyes indeed!

Me and Miss Xavier. On me - Shoes: Kurt Geiger Fashionista, Dress: Zara, Belt and Jacket: Vintage, Wide Brimmed Hat: M&S Menswear

Those Christian Loboutins!

The Alice in Wonderland wonders!

The Princess Sandals

Natalya with the Teeny tiny McQueen Armadillos!

Such was Natalya and mine’s good fortune today that we bumped (almost literally!) in to Tony of ‘Tony’s Gallery’ on Sclater St East London on our way to the Shoes for Show exhibition. What a pleasure it was to be introduced to this Art world entrepreneur who at present is heading up not one but four galleries! Busy man! Tony’s current exhibition is centered on new fashion magazine 55 Pages, and all the wild and wonderful things included inside.

Tony's Gallery

Me and Tony of Tony's Gallery

55 Pages Magazine

Artists included in the current 55 Pages exhibition include street artists Olek, Bert, Burger Kim and Christopher Sims amongst others. In particular the work of Polish artist Olek caught my eye - click here for a taste of her scrumptious crochet creations. Olek's incredible works are a mastery of vivid woven threads and yarns covering subjects including bicycles, cars and even people. Much to our delight Tony informed Natalya and I that Olek will in fact be exhibiting once again in Tony's Gallery come the new year - watch this space! In addition, as 55 Pages goes forward, Tony will be taking on the role of Art Director. Check out a few more of the snapshots we rustled up today in Tony's Gallery...

See one of Olek's bikes in the top left of the above piccy!

In the gallery...

... and in the magazine!

All in all a veritable feast of visual delights, our appetites for beauty well and truly satisfied!

Have a super evening all,

Love, as always, MB x

I'm Back Baby!! The Elgin Avenue RE:launch and Video! x

2011-11-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

Oh how I have missed you all so! I hope that you are all having a delightful Tuesday evening - or rather a delightful very early Wednesday morning!

Shirt & Belt: Vintage, Metallic Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Oversized Watch: Burberry, Cream Clutch: Moschino, Jewellery: Various Vintage and Travels

I cannot believe how quickly the Summer months have whizzed on by and here we find ourselves in the midst of Autumn, the heavenly metallic colours of Copper and Gold framing the trees and an abundance of winter woolies to tempt us for a little spree!

Please see below for my Welcome Back Video - I cannot express how delighted I am to be back!

As evidenced in my mini-vid and autumnal-set pictures, my penchant for yellow blouses, and indeed dresses, does not seem to waning despite the seasonal chill! I am enjoying it to the maximum while I can...I hope you will too!

I trust that you are all dreaming sweet,

Catchup very soon!

Love, MB x

(Gosh that feels GOOD!)

Very Style Adviser Competition x

2011-07-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

I hope that you are all having a wonderful beginning to your Saturdays,

I have some very exciting news to share with you: I am currently in the running for a style advisor position at retail giants Very's HQ! This post would be one of five style advisor members and would of course be a dream job!

In order to be in with a shot I need your support my lovely readers - click on this link and vote for my submission! With your incredible encouragement I might (just might!) be in with a chance!

For those of you who havn't delved into the delights of Very previously check out the gorgeous collections here.

This oh-so Halston Heritage dress from their Love Label gets my thumbs-up for a Saturday evening look - completed with 70's tumbling locks and a cluster of thin gold bracelets you'd be set to dance the night away!

Click here to view online

Bonus - it's in the Sale for £19!

Fingers and toes and everything crossed! The closing date for all votes is July 6th so I'll keep you all in the know!

Have a beautiful Saturday all!

Love, MB x

MTV/LOOK Competition x

2011-05-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

I hope you've all been having a lovely mid-week,

I have some very exciting news to share with you, a competition is running in association with Freederm for a position at MTV and LOOK magazine - I've hopped on the opportunity and I would be so grateful if you could kindly vote for me, click here to do so!

You can click once, each day, the more clicks the closer to MTV and LOOK : )!

Have a super evening every one!

Love, MB x

Tick Tock x

2011-05-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Elgin Avenue readers,

I hope that you have all been having a marvelous Tuesday and have been thoroughly enjoying your time in the days which have passed since my last post-card.

My sincerest apologies for the lapse in time, Fash Pack School studies is giving me a run for my money and keeping me all to itself...don't they know sharing is caring?!

NB: How gorgeous is this Vintage stop watch?! Look closely and it even reads Elgin - pure lucky fortune!

Lovely readers the frequency will be up as soon as possible!
In the mean time stay stylish and happy amongst the summer days : )!

All my love,

MB x