Friday 20 November 2015

Fury as 'scaremongering' NHS boss suggests junior doctors NOT ready for terror attack



AN NHS boss has sparked fury after asking junior doctors to confirm they would be ready in the event of a terror attack.

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Top 10 facts about 68



SIXTY eight years ago today, on November 20, 1947, the Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey.

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The Official Preppy Handbook: 14 fashion lessons that are still relevant 35 years later....

In 1997, I was given The Official Preppy Handbook. At the time, I was attending Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire - a prep school that is actually mentioned several times in the handbook. The Official Preppy Handbook was "handed down to me." Well, in actuality, I'm not sure if it was intended for me or not. It was laying in my dorm closet on the first day I arrived and unpacked. I took it as a sign. This was meant to fall in my hands. That night, I lay awake in my bed and read the manual from cover to cover. Yes, it's a manual for living - the preppy way. Over the next few weeks, the Official Preppy Handbook became a source of constant inspiration, and provided some wonderful library laughter. For years, this book was an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to defining a whole set of people - the preps! Now, 35 years after it was first published, The Official Preppy Handbook has travelled with me across the USA, over the globe to Italy and now has pride of place in my flat in London. Sadly, it has suffered severe water damage. In all honesty, it's a little more serious. After sharing the book with a good friend in New York City over coffee, the excitement of seeing "The Virtues of Pink and Green" led to a major spilling incident. Stains or no stains, I reference this beauty on a regular basis. So, I thought I'd share the 14 fashion lessons I've taken on board since The Official Preppy Handbook was published - 14 lessons that are still relevant for women in this day and age - whether you consider yourself a preppy lady or not! 

1. "Everything matches - some Preppies go as far as to change their watchbands every day."
So true - the only change now is that said watch now is made by Apple and you have to choose which Hermes band you'll wear from one day to the next. In 1980, the idea of wearing a "computer" on  your wrist wasn't exactly a "thing." What on earth would old school preps say about Twitter and Instagram? Or Snapchat even? I digress.

2. "Preppy clothes are built to last, since they certainly won't go out of style."
Two words - Ralph Lauren. Need I say more? I have sweaters that are 30 years old that have been handed down to be by my mother. Preppy clothes are eternal. Buy quality, not quantity - a lesson that never goes out of style. 
3."Primary colors and brilliant pastels are worn indiscriminately by men and women alike, in preposterous combinations."
And what's wrong with that? Absolutely nothing!

4. "Preps love prints-their own particular favorite prints."
Need I mention J. Crew's love for critter pants? Yeah, still going after 35 years and counting. Who doesn't love a whale, sailboat or lobster embroidered on fabrics? Wardrobe staple!

5. "Most preppies are so proud of their monogram that they put them on virtually everything in sight."
I need only mention one company here - LL Bean. Boat bags with monograms are every preppie's bag of choice. Time for me to admit I have a dozen of them. Yes, I have a problem.

6. "There is one sartorial goal for Preppy women: to look like Mummy."
Well, this is more personal and to each their own. But, it is 100% true for me. Mum knows best and always has. Everyday I aspire to be as fabulous as she was/is. 

7. "Get completely dressed for a party and then take off one piece of jewelry." 
Just a brilliant tip no matter the date or time. Oh Preppy Handbook, what did I ever do without you?

Now for some Official Preppy Handbook Closet essentials:

8. "Sperry Top-Siders. They have been in Prep closets since sailing lessons started in sixth grade."
Says it all, and yes, Sperry Top-Siders remain a closet essential. 

9. "Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress. Never mind that the print gives it away as four years old. Flattering on all body types, wearable for work or dress-up, comfortable- it's practically perfect."
And 35 years later - it's still the most flattering dress in all the land.

10. "Pearls. Everyone has them, and they're usually real (grandmother's). A single strand, of a modest length, with a simple clasp."
I went to a college where we never removed our pearls - even worked out in them. Still my most prized possession in the jewelry box (although worn a lot less in London these days).
11. "Coach Bag. Good materials, good workmanship, classic design. Navy blue or winter best colors: last for years."
You obviously know I love this brand - hell, I designed a bag for them. Ahem. The FFG Coach bag.

12. "The camel's hair coat is the quintessential Prep winter coat for woman."
If you don't own a camel hair coat.... well, you just need to have one. Now. What are you waiting for? Ralph Lauren's waiting to help. Go. 

13. "The virtues of Pink and Green. The wearing of pink and green  is the surest and quickest way to group identification within the Prep set."
Pink and green is a fashion combination that the Prep set defined and the rest of the world has adopted. It's not the easiest combination to pull off, but is always worth a try as the style points are endless. 
14. "In casual wear, it is considered very spirited, very fun loving to wear one offbeat, loud item - usually the pants."
It's 2015 and fashion favors the bold and their fabulous printed wide leg or palazzo pants!

Now, go forth and consider yourselves well versed in modern prepped, influenced by the folks that started it all... officially! 

Credit: Lisa Birnbach’s The Official Preppy Handbook 

For an updated version of The Official Preppy Handbook, check out True Prep




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Outfit du Jour: It's all about heart

Shop the Look:





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"What a girl wants" for Christmas day 7: A pick me up... aka Coffee on demand


This is, hands down, the best appliance that has come into my life in 2015. In fact, I might even go as far to say that it's the reason I seem to have house guests returning again and again. Yes, it may be small and seem simple, but this Nespresso coffee machine is life changing. This little guy, that's not much bigger than a shoebox, can make espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and more with the touch of a bottom. It is truly an idiot proof coffee maker. There's even a subscription service to make sure you never run out of coffee capsules at your house. And, of course, now that we know that coffee is actually good for you - why wouldn't you gift one of these to everyone you know this Christmas? I can promise you this - it will be the winning gift. Truly, the best. 




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Thursday 19 November 2015

The Return of the Platform

8copy
11copy
9copy
6copy

PINKO knit
PINKO trousers
ZARA coat
MIU MIU sunglasses

NINE WEST shoes

17copy
16copy
15copy
13copy

H&M lace shirt
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY skirt

NINE WEST shoes

1copy
3copy
2copy

ACNE jacket
CLUB MONACO knit
ZARA culottes
BALENCIAGA bag

NINE WEST shoes

I’ve teamed up with Nine West for their global #PumpRockers campaign, to show how a great pair of pumps can take you from day to night and become that 24h shoe. Now before you doubt how a 5-inch platform can  work as a casual shoe, let’s state the obvious: I live in my heels, but that you already knew. In order to take the shoe through a series of outfits that illustrates daytime, weekend and party, I wanted something simple, not to be mistaken for boring. The 'Carnation' platform comes in velvet, which is an ideal update for the autumnal festive fashion that we now seem to be entering full force.


In the sea of pointy toes and stiletto heels that I so faithfully have been prioritizing, I wonder if the platform has ever really been ‘gone’ or just been excluded from my shoedrobe. So I decided to give it a go and found that I’ve been missing the shoe that is undoubtedly more fun, not to mention I’m full-heartedly enjoying those extra inches a stiletto can’t reach. Now that is definitely something worth exploring your shoes options for.
In collaboration with Nine West
Photos by Mikko Puttonen




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Increased exercise boosts key protein that stops dementia



INCREASED exercise helps boost a protein in the brain that protects against dementia, new research has found.

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Sky Q feels like the future of television, but a premium price tag could turn people off



SKY this week unveiled a brand-new satellite television service, redesigned hardware and an overhauled user interface that brings the broadcaster up to speed with rivals like Amazon, Roku and Apple.

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In need of some Christmas gift-spiration? These top picks will please ALL food-lovers



SPREAD the festive cheer with these tummy-rumbling treats

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Army unveils real-life Star Wars lightsaber that slices through padlocks in seconds



MILITARY officials unveil a new Star Wars inspired weapon that burns at 4,000 degrees and slices through steel in seconds.

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Obese women face TWICE the risk of their baby dying in infancy



A WEIGHTY ISSUE: Experts have advised weight counselling before conception could be key.

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Put YOUR house up for sale before Christmas Day or miss out on MILLIONS of web-surfers



THINKING of selling your house soon? Property guru Sarah Beeny's got a top tip everyone should listen to this festive season.

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Treasure trove of 'lost' Hollywood posters found under floorboards by Bob the builder



A HOARD of old film posters hidden beneath floorboards have turned out to be lost Hollywood relics WORTH £160,000.

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How does YOUR salary stack up against the rest of the UK?



NEW FIGURES have been released about the average salary across the country... peek if you dare.

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How British are you? Take the quiz and find out if YOU'RE a true Brit



BOWLER hats, a nice cup of tea and, of course, Her Royal Highness The Queen are just some of the things us Brits are known for.

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Windows 10 update finally lets YOU control system updates, but there's a catch



MICROSOFT has included a much-requested feature in its latest Windows 10 update. But it's not available to everyone.

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Could Viagra be a cure for DIABETES? Erectile dysfunction pills could be miracle treatment



IT would seem Viagra isn't just a wonder drug for people's sex lives, but it could also help with other health issues.

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'I'm in charge of my own life now' Louis Walsh reveals why he is happier than ever



The Irish entertainment manager reveals why he's never set foot in a gym, the one thing he can't say no to, and the truth behind THOSE X Factor rumours.

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