Crispin Finn 2012 Year Planner

I'm one of those crazy list writing super organised annoying really cool people and I'm really picky about my diary. This year, I've gone with a purple Panama diary from Smythson (more on that fabulous British brand later*) but I also like to see full months so I can make sure I'm not jamming in too much craziness and count down to holidays. This year planner from Crispin Finn is even better though - you can see ALL your holidays at once..yay! 

Check out the other stuff they have on offer - I think the blue/white/red theme is chic, don't you?

Are you guys picky about planners/diaries? What brands do you love? For my lovely US readers, I loved the old Kate's Paperie store in Manhattan, NYC just off 5th Ave. and was so sad to see it had down-sized to a much smaller store in Soho when I was there in July-August last year!! Can you recommend an alternative/additional place to check out in NYC!? 

Love, 

AB x

*although check out my earlier post on anniversary gifts. 

Nando Lopes at Richard Ward

I wrote about Richard Ward earlier this year and given it seems to be a favourite of yours, I thought I should share an update with you!

I swapped over to Nando Lopes (James Pryce had been cutting my hair for about four years) shortly after my previous post. I had another appointment cancelled at really the shortest possible notice they could possibly have given (for La Duchess'/ Kate Middleton's Canadian tour...), James had become v busy/ stressed* and, well, naturally his price rocketed so that he is now in the same bracket as Nando. My big sis got married in September and my mother had booked Nando out for the morning, so it just made sense for me to swap over to Nando (although there was some awkwardness at first with James working across from  us during my first cut with Nando). Nando has been a-ma-zing!!! I last had my hair cut in September and it has maintained its shape after four months!! Yes, it's grown about 1.5-2 inches and I'll get it done in January but previously I had to go about every 6-8 weeks....now I'll just go 3 or 4 times a year! So, if you do the maths, you could find that trying your luck with one of the stylists at Richard Ward may mean paying a bit more per appointment but can work out the same or cheaper as what you're paying now (per year) as you'd likely get a much better haircut and visit the salon less**!

I'll post some pictures of Nando's handiwork from big sis' wedding soon but just wanted to post a quick update in the meantime!

AB x

*I have been uncharacteristically and, if I say so myself, admirably reticent and tactful here....

**Unless you dye your hair....I go au naturelle so can't help you there, sorry...

Fashion Books

Check out the books I got for Christmas!!






























(apologies for the terrible photography/ general quality of photo)

A to Z of Style, Amy de la Haye

Fifty Dresses that Changed the World, Design Museum

400 Years of Fashion, V&A

My Favourite Dress, Gity Monset, Samantha Erin Safer & Robert de Niet

Chanel - the Vocabulary of Style, Jérôme Gautier (present from the lovely staff at Chanel in Harrods - merci beaucoup!)

Christian Louboutin, Christian Louboutin

I think these will make fabulous coffee table books! Anyone else get some fashion books for Christmas??

AB x

Anniversary Gift Ideas

While browsing the sales online for some bargains, I came across this on Smythson's website:

Most likely inspired by Carrie Bradshaw's book of love letters borrowed from the New York Library in the SATC film, this leather bound book of amorous letters would make the perfect gift for your leading lady and it's reduced to £99! (Yes, it was more expensive than that to begin with....) 

Paper is the traditional gift for a second wedding anniversary (in the U.K. - in the U.S., it's the first) and leather is the third anniversary gift, so this beautiful book would be a thoughtful and creative gift for either of those anniversaries. Alternatively, it could be gifted as a Valentine's or if you're feeling particularly generous, any day of the year (maybe to mark a special occasion)!

Take note, gentlemen*.

Love, 

AB x

*or ladies! I'm sure there are some men out there who would be chuffed to receive this gorgeous book too!

The Tux

The tux is a classic, chic and sexy evening choice for the fashion-forward lady and it's having a bit of a moment. Here are some of my favourites in store right now...

Emilio Pucci

Tibi

The ultimate tux: Yves Saint Laurent

I love the quirkiness of the Pucci one but isn't the Tibi lace/leather combo fabulous? I tried it on at the MyWardrobe VIP party the other night (more on that later) and really wanted to buy it but sadly they didn't have my size! (I'm holding out for the Net A Porter sale!!)


I know the above three are super luxury expensive choices but the tux really is a classic item that will never date. That said, if you want a cheaper option, I'd head straight to Zara. I got a fantastic cream tux/blazer there in NYC recently; I've received compliments on it every time I've worn it and the admirer is always shocked to hear it's Zara! While we're on Zara - if you're heading over to Spain, stock up! It's even cheaper than the staff discount price over here so well worth it. 

How do you wear your tux, ladies? Over a cute dress or with nothing underneath (gasp!)?? 

Love,

AB x