FFG Eats: Dominque Ansel opens bakery in London!

The first time I heard the name Dominique Ansel was over the phone, in conversation with a friend living in Manhattan. She was telling me about her $200 pastry experience. Her words: "I can't look at myself in the mirror right now. I spent $200 on a Cronut." Now, these were the days before news of the famous Cronut has reached London's shores. I wasn't yet familiar with its inventor, Dominique Ansel, and I certainly wasn't aware that lines were stretching through New York City that had people queuing for up to four hours to get their hands on the famous bakery item. Let me be clear, the Cronut itself wasn't priced at $200 - nowhere near, as Dominque Ansel's prices aren't far from normal bakery prices. My friend, who freely admits she is eccentric and insane, paid her assistant's roommate...

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Style Update: The baggy and bag combo

If you haven't been into Fenwick of Bond Street in a while, may I recommend staying away if you have a problem with uncontrollable spending? Here I was just popping in for a visit and a coffee and I walk out having met my mastercard match in a Nehera oversized coat (obsessed with this brand) and a Onesixone bag. This is the magic of the Fenwick edit - you are introduced to pieces and brands you'd never otherwise know. That's why I can't possibly cross over into this fashion palace before the start of a new financial month. I'd be the most stylish woman living in my local gutter if I planned it any other way.  On a serious note, and I am going to preach here for a moment. I feel a little overly passionate about Fenwick's, and a bit scared to share the secret of this style haven far...

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One to watch: Stella Jean x Marina Rinaldi

I've been following the path of fashion designer Stella Jean since she was first spotlighted by Vogue in 2011. I'm not alone. Stella Jean has risen to a level of fame that has many predicting a bright and long future ahead in this industry. Knowing this, you'll find it easy to imagine that I nearly lost the power of speech when Marina Rinaldi whispered a little secret in my ear... a collaboration was emerging! On Friday, this collaboration was released for public consumption during Milan Fashion Week. Twenty models filled the first floor of a renovated location in Milan and showcased what will surely be one of the most in demand collections come spring summer arrivals. And, in true Marina Rinaldi style, the presentation was both an honoring of their designer collaboration and the cultural...

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FFG Eats: Peyote, London's modern Mexican

Give me a margarita and a bowl of guac and I'm a woman who is content with her situation in life. No, really, it's that easy. We're not talking too much effort here, folks. Just a simple great mixed drinks and a ramped up avocado. I think you'll find I'm not alone here, yet it seems so hard for folks these days to get these simple pleasures right. But, never fear, last week I was introduced to an establishment that did turn my head. And yes, I must admit that it was the neon sign that read "Soup of the Day: Tequila" that told me I was in the right place at the right time. Down Cork Street I walked, straight into Peyote London.  In fairness, I booked a table at Peyote having heard nothing of the brilliant life's quote in neon. I had, in fact, discovered this South of the Border perfection...

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Style Update: A bit of southwestern prep

Here's the thing about a certain collection of mine... it's ever expanding and the pieces stay with me forever. Yes, I'm speaking about the special Ralph Lauren closet. This is the place where items date back to before I was born - thank you, momma. The hangers contain items that are new in stores as well as new to me, via vintage stores. I am a collector that has accumulated a closet collection that is beyond comprehension. Say that fast five times.  Last week I decided to take out an older Polo Ralph Lauren knit dress and repurpose it altogether. This was originally a knit dress, and I've worn it as such on FFG here before. But, there was something about the cut of the piece that made me think it would make for a killer floor length statement skirt. And Voila, a concept was signed,...

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Fragrances, flowers and flying: Every reason to visit Heathrow this week

Get ready for the latest selfie opportunity to take London by storm. Yesterday, Heathrow airport revealed a giant art installation dedicated to fragrance and it's all made of flowers. Heathrow have worked with world renowned florist Larry Walsh to create a giant floral map of the world. Over 2,000 flowers, and other curiosities such as raw amber stones and sandalwood, make up the 11 x 18 structure, which finds its home at Terminal 5 at Heathrow from now until the 24th of September. Pretty epic for a celebration of the new season of fragrances, right?  For those of you that don't know, or haven't already shopped, Heathrow sells 2.6 million bottles of perfume every year. That's about five bottles every minute. Yowsers! Starting to see why there's such a celebration in place? This is...

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