Author: Sam Growdon

On the Lust-have List ❤ The Bucket Bag!

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A few years back I bought this adorable nude coloured bucket bag from Topshop on Oxford street. I was obsessed with it – until the pretty nude colour became more of a desperate-for-a-wash hue and that when I decided we needed to part ways. Lucky for me, this season brings the bucket bag to the forefront of must-have bag shapes which means, you guessed it, I’ll be adopting another favourite I’m sure! Perhaps the hugely successful Mansur Gavriel drawstring bucket bag has inspired the resurgence of this bag shape. Launched in 2013 by female duo Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel, these handbags have become a phenomenon due to their non-descript, moderately-priced, un-labeled and simple design. The result? Waiting lists of almost-Birkin-bag proportions! If Mansur Gavriel’s overtly modest design is not attention-grabbing enough for you, it’s good to know that other designers such as Phillip Lim 3.1 and Moschino have gone for wilder textures and prints, and at the same time you’ll also be able to find more subtle detailing at Michael Kors and Gucci. It’s the slouchy-ness of the …

Converse goes from generic to universally personalised

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I purchased my very first pair of Converse recently, all because I found a pair that I really love. I’ve always found the sneakers a little generic, which I know is why they are so popular, but have never enticed me. However, this season, not only have I finally found a pair that I like and so have been “convers-ted” but the footwear house’s innovative summer 2015 campaign totally appeals to me too. The Campaign, labeled “Made by You”, searched the planet and collected the personal pairs of the original Chuck Taylor All Stars from both well-known and anonymous fashion enthusiasts, musicians, artists and skateboarders. They’ve then shot each pair highlighting how this “generic” high-top has been completely personalised and individialised. You can see in the pics how each pair has been painted, drawn-on, studded, beaten-up and dyed and most of them completely worn-in and treasured. Vice President of Global Marketing at Converse says, “We all want to be authentically ourselves,” and continues that, “Fans of Chuck Taylor are those that have made it a symbol …

Checking Gingham off my list

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While the Parisians are pretty hasty to pull out their spring trends as soon as the weather feels a few degrees warmer, I’m yet to find a Parisienne garbed in Gingham – why you ask? Probably because no French woman in her right mind would walk around looking like a bistro table! Sacré Bleu! I know that “lady-like gingham” or “Grown-up Gingham” is making a comeback this season, mainly thanks to Diane Von Furstensburg, Michael Kors, Joseph Altuzarra and Oscar de la Renta but I’m just not a follower. I’m reminded of Judy Garland’s pinafore dress in the Wizard of Oz, Romcom movies of “his and hers” picnics in the Hamptons, 40’s bathing suites and my school uniform! So no matter how pretty or updated this monochromatic fabric has been made – beautifully transformed into chic tailored suits or sheer flowing summer dresses, and by some of the most talented designers I might add – I’m going to be leaving this trend safely under my baguette and wine at my local bistro. Are you a fan? Are you …

Springing into beauty action

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It’s no shock that I’m obsessed with Spring – i mean after months of the cold who isn’t right? I’m definately done with Winter and every now and then Paris teases us with a warm day reminding me what to look forward to! We may still be a few weeks away but I’m already in the Spring mood, and a very red one at that. These are the beauty products helping my frame of mind along… OPI nail lacquer in Red my Fortune Cookie: There are nothing like short red nails to enliven an outfit, not that I reserve this colour only for the hotter months, in fact, I’ll choose this colour any time of year. It just feels more fitting when I can match it to my wardrobe. Clarins Eau des Jardins: The perfect scent for hot weather, and as the name implies, the fragrance reminds me of a spring garden.  Created with essential oils and dry oils – although the fragrance is not at all oily – it leaves the skin feeling more moisturised which adds extra skin care benefits. A real mix …

All that glitters IS gold

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Flat fancy shoes covered in glitter, erm YES PLEASE! Italian company, Anniel have been creating fabulous flats since 1976. Inspired by a long ballet tradition, the company first started making sports items such as sports shoes and sportswear but later moved onto designing handmade soft shoes which made their name famous in Japanese boutiques in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagasaki. Now Anniel is a world-renowned and much loved brand that stays true to creating 100% hand-made shoes in Italy, focusing on fun creativity, comfort and Italian heritage. With my favourite glitter lace-up booties, (gimme guld any day!) I’ll be pirouette-ing myself into summer – as well as leaving a trail of gold sparkles behind me! See their new s/s collection here.

Brighten your day

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In the middle of a very busy Paris Fashion Week I managed a calm morning at one of my favourite places in Paris, Piscine Molitor where any time spent here is sure to brighten your day. Clarins Beauty House invited myself and a bunch of other fabulous bloggers to test out their new Aquatic Treasures Summer 2015 Make-up Collection – sublime location right?   The new collection comprises a handful of colour lip balms that are light, sheer and moisturising which makes them ideal for summer, just adding a soupçon of colour. A bronzing compact which is right up my alley – I’m never one to say no to a little self-bronzing and this compact has a variety of shades in one, so you can tailor your sun-kissed shade. And for the eyes, three little pots of Ombre Iridescent (cream-to-powder eyeshadows), will finish off your aquatic nymph look! One of the Iridescent colours is a bright turquoise blue and while sparkly blue eyes can be a little intimidating, international Artistic Make-up Director, Eric Antoniotti, shared a few tips on how to get …

Calling all Space-agers (and small knights)

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Last week my son came home with an entire Knights costume made from aluminium foil. Not only is this DIY costume crazy shiny and naturally I was impressed with his armour making skills, but more importantly I completely taken by how “on trend” his pre-school is – they MUST surely know that metallic silver was all over the spring/summer 2015 catwalks! Here is some inspiration to get your metallic on, (Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Barbara Bui were a few designers to lead the way) it’s the perfect way to transition your wardrobe from winter to summer adding a little bling to get the new season jump-started – and remember the shinier the better! Image sources: Vogue.com, Pinterest, Elle.com, style.com

84 hours in Hong Kong

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My trip to Hong Kong was very brief but it was awesome being back in this crazy city. I love the fine balance between Hong Kong’s super-high-end bling, her beautiful ocean views and beaches and her gritty neon streets – I think it’s a megalapolitan that everyone should visit. Her energy is contagious and her food delicious, it’s worth adding HK to your bucket list for sure!