Store Tour: Polo Ralph Lauren, Regent Street, London

If I'm missing, let Polo Ralph Lauren be the first place you look to find me. This new flagship store on Regent Street is, well, it's home. One step inside the store and you'll feel as if you've walked straight out of London and right into a Manhattan masterpiece. Yes, the Polo Ralph Lauren store delivers on the dream that is Ralph Lauren. You may remember Ralph Lauren was once quoted as saying, "I don't design clothes, I design dreams." Well, if ever there were a shining example of just how real that statement was, it's found here, now, in London. Ralph Lauren has created a world in which everyone wants to play a part and the Polo Ralph Lauren Regent Street setup is just another chapter in that book of classic American life. 

Last week, I found myself wondering the halls of the massive three floored Regent Street fixture and discovered just how much debt I will find myself in come the end of the season. For those of you that loved Ralph Lauren's September showcase at fashion week, this collection will be your dream from top to toe. And the fun doesn't stop there.... there's the whole family to shop for. The ground floor is reserved for the men of the world, the first for the woman and an annex, of sorts is tucked away for kids. For those of you looking for a more personal approach to the brand, there's even a customization station in the basement, complete with a special Regent Street embroidered bear (so making that happen). 

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Style Update: Swanning through life

Every single morning, believe it or not, I'm the woman screaming at her closet saying "I have nothing to wear." No really, I realize the irony in this situation. I'm supposed to be the style advisor here, the person putting together that outfit of outfits. But, in all honesty, the struggle is real and it's real for every single one of us. I imagine even Anna Wintour, although she'll never admit it, probably greets her closet doors with silent frustration in the morning. But then, as I'm sure you all know, you have a day where it all just comes together. You reach for that skirt you love, the shirt you know brings out the happiness in your skin tone and the shoes that give you a certain strut. They all come together and work in such sweet harmony that you're pretty sure you've somehow just changed the world a little for the better. No? Just me? 

What I'm wearing:

Marina Rinaldi Pink Silk Shirt, Marina Rinaldi Fringed Tube Skirt, Kate Spade Swan Bag, New Look Gem Shoes

 

 

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The ASOS eight edit: Autumnal Style

So here's the dealio. Over the past couple of weeks I have heard from a number of people that they are always seeing amazing ASOS pieces in my collection but never have time to keep up with the constant level of new product being added to the ASOS site on a daily basis. Eureka... an idea is born! Over the next few months I'll be putting together a weekly edit of ASOS new arrivals in the hopes of sharing the great opportunities for growing your closet in the way I have over the past few years. It's true that there are endless finds on this site, and my job is going to be making sure you don't miss any that could be potentially detrimental down the line. There's nothing worse than asking "where did you get that adorable tee?" and having someone answer "oh, grabbed it last month on ASOS." Chances are it's long gone. So take this edit as your style bible, as such, so that nothing falls through the cracks again... all shoppable through an easy scroll below! Enjoy!

Shop the edit (click on each item below in the scrolling menu):

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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 $200 to stand in line and retrieve a fresh Cronut. Yet, she claims to this day that it was the best $200 she had ever spent when it came to investing in a trend... and she works in fashion! 

And now, dear reader, the Cronut creator has come to London. On Friday, September 30th at 8am, Dominique Ansel's first UK bakery will open on London's Elizabeth Street. Only, this bakery is featuring a hell of a lot more than just the famous Cronut. This evening I spent the night sampling the menu that will be available for those hungry for a real treat. From a chocolate chip cookie cup filled to the brim with milk to the frozen s'more that's torched right before your eyes, this is a foodie's dream destination, and that's just scratching the surface. Fans of Dominique Ansel will find countless London limited edition creations ready for the tasting. Those born without a sweet tooth won't be left out, not to worry! The bakery will also offer savory bits and bobs from the Welsh Rarebit Croissant to the Kedgeree Croquettes. 

My advice? Start queuing now. This IS the new London must see (and eat). 

Dominque Ansel Bakery London

17-21 Elizabeth Street

London SW1W 9RP

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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 and wide for fear it will become too popular. But, I'm letting the cat out of the bag and hoping you all won't hound the floors of fashion at once!

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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 influences surrounding the collection. Models displayed the final product of the Stella Jean x Marina Rinaldi collection on the first floor, while dancers performed around a forest of Stella Jean flower topped trees on the ground floor. It was truly a "crossover" event in fashion. Guests were served cocktails and asked to roam the space as observers, to take in the cultural explosion found in the performance art as well as the clothes themselves. All the while, Stella Jean could be found in the wings greeting guests and journalists as they entered the space. 

For those of you that are print addicts, when it comes to fashion, this is a collection not to be missed. Trust me when I say the photography does not do these garments justice. These pieces come alive in person. They are vibrant, beautiful and speak in a language only true fashion addicts will appreciate. However, that's not to say they won't be admired by all. I can't emphasis enough to you, dear reader, how rare a collaboration of this magnitude truly is. When this hits stores, you better have the credit card waiting. I predict a sell out! I'll be first in line in the London store to try on and share the images with you as soon as the collection hits UK soil! Watch this space!

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