Solange Knowles has been reaching some serious fashion heights lately. I am delighted to be giving her the accolade of BABE OF THE MONTH, but in all fairness, she’s been impressing me all year…

Known for her eccentric, out-going style, Solange has been subjected to some fashion miss-haps in her time, but check out these hot looks! Watch out girls, I think I’m about to pronounce her my style IDOL…

Solange has been going pattern and texture CRAZY, I particularly loved a black and white miss-matched suit at the Field Festival, London last week, and these bright tailored ensembles look so elegant. But she hasn’t stopped there…

Bringing colour and changing the definitions of body shape have been an absolute forte for this fashionista; here’s where you can get your hands on similar looks...

And it doesn’t stop there. Solange knows how to soften it up and rock the glamorous demure of an Oscar-winning actress seen at the Cannes Film Festival two weeks ago!

Solange, you’ve blown me away. You win the all round beauty babe for the month of May for your impeccable style, poise, and all-round coolness. I salute you!!! 

They say that your hands show the first sign of ageing.

Now I’ve never been one to take extreme care over my hands. Sure, I reap the benefits that come with a beautician as a sister, but it has never been part of the daily routine to moisturise and nourish them.

I was recently doing some market research at work and stumbled across Aesop, an Australian company that started out doing hair care, conquered the market and moved on to become experts in every other essential bathroom and beauty product. It stood out because of its high profile, existing only in select stores in London in the UK, but also because of it’s rich ingredients and celebrity status (a Miranda Kerr favourite).

I later saw that Elle Magazine were doing a feature on Aesop’s remarkable anti-oxidant face wash and started to take them seriously.

The next time I was in London I took myself along to Liberty and spoke to the lovely ladies who represent the Aesop brand. I think you’ll excuse me for going for one of the cheapest products on the shelf; the Resurrection Aromatique hand lotion, but I have to insist that whilst it is still expensive for a hand lotion I do not regret my purchase for one minute!! It has revolutionised my hands, which so often get dry, especially between my thumb and index finger and even at the base of my palm.  With the smallest tube retailing at £18.00 you could definitely spend your money on something cheaper, but after a month of using it daily my hands and nails feel nurtured, soft and even appear brighter and more nimble whilst keeping them grease-free!  

In conjunction with treating my hands so well I could only entice you further by tarting up those fingers with a splash of colour and a dazzle of jewellery.

One of my favourite new designers Marina London shows off this indie inspired feather ring by Lei Van Kash Jewellery, but equally, these cute pieces can be bought on your local high street for just £12.00 at River Island and will enhance any look.

Detract from the norm, and make your hand the focal point today! 

Other Aesop products I can’t get enough of:

Geranium Leaf Body Scrub 

Tuberose Lip Heal

And if you can't persuade yourself to spend the money on a product for you, this gorgeous range would make the perfect gift!

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Travel Piece: PRAGUE!


I’m a girl who thrives on a weekend away - absorbing a new city, its culture, and its secrets. Now whilst many cities offer something unique, I can honestly say that Prague was totally unexpected and completely perfect. Blessed with the warm continental weather, wandering the cobbled streets of Prague’s medieval town centre was like stepping on to the set of a Walt Disney film. Tall pastel-coloured buildings created a delicate backdrop for the gothic cathedral spires and statues and every next turn was a new discovery - and the perfect resting spot for a pint of Pilsner, a cone of gelato, or a pretzel (you just gotta indulge when you’re on vay-cay!!!)

If you’ve been thinking of getting away for a long weekend I cannot recommend this romantic city more! And here are just a few reasons why this little place is an absolute JEM:

Must-see’s and do’s

You can't visit Prague and not experience the beauty that is Charles’ Bridge and the Old Town Square. Central to Prague’s history, spoil yourself by moseying along and enjoying the street performers and live music.

Food with a view

Climb the stairs of the U-Prince hotel on the Old Town Square to get the finest lunch menu with a view to die for. I went for a delicious Czech delicacy of succulent barbequed lemon sole (and can hand on my heart say that it was the best fish I have ever eaten!)

For a rich and beautiful Czech Goulash soup (complete with a bowl made out of bread!), set yourself amongst the hustle and bustle of Prague’s busy walk way to the city’s Castle at the U Tří Pštrosů‬.

If that’s not enough, walk down the narrowest street in Prague with it’s own pedestrian traffic light system(!!) and stumble across the most picturesque restaurant and vantage point. Small, quiet and quaint, pour yourself some wine and try some more of the local delicacies whilst taking in the magnificent view.

Night Life

Chapeau Rouge, Jakobska

There were pub crawls and boat parties being offered to us left, right and centre, and whilst me and my girls were all for meeting people and having a good time, we decided to discover some bars on our own as we had already stumbled across some cool looking places earlier that day. A small wander from the town square gave us a brilliant evening of Czech house music at this lively and quirky bar. I must say finds like these can be hard to come by in a new city, but we absolutely hit the jackpot with this place and I would definitely recommend getting yourself a pint or 3 – and a jager bomb for good health – in and shout ‘Na zdravi!’ (‘cheers!’) to a weekend of great memories!

Fall in love with this city and if you’ve been already please share your hidden JEMs with me!

Enjoy jet setters <3

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Like many, I fell in love with star of Made in Chelsea’s Victoria Baker-Harber’s exquisite and vibrant orange trouser suit last night.

Whilst many would not be able to sport such a colour (I speak for myself here, orange against my red locks and no matter how much I fight against it pasty skin, just does not work), I admired her boldness, playfulness, and her ability to pull off an impeccable look with such poise.

As she was rocking it I remembered spotting Gweneth Paltrow recently at the Iron Man 3 premier sporting a floral trouser suit by Erdem, and Olivia Palmero in this beautiful Far East ensemble.

Uniting the patterned items and even mixing them up is becoming more prominent this season and I’m excited to look bold, confident and iconic this summer. Here are a few hot pieces to get you started:

Experiment and get far wearing these pieces. Wear them to work and get noticed - nothing wrong with bringing a bit of glam to the office! And most importantly - have fun! 

Enjoy!

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It was a miracle that the sun was shining over our May Bank Holiday last week. Whilst the snow was still settling just a month before and our Vitamin D deprived skin longed for a warm kiss from the suns' rays, I have got to tell you – I was not ready for it. Every year, when Christmas passes, the dietary routine begins all over again, but that soon peaks and plateau’s by the end of January (my birthday celebrations always let me down and the bad habits set in again). What with the never-ending snow you could say that I got comfortable covering up! And when that sun came a-shining down just last week, I knew it was time to get back on it once again.

Now, whilst I can assure you that there will be lots of yummy treats and hidden JEM recipes coming your way; I thought that, in order to motivate myself, I would share my top 3 perfect summer confidence tips to start us off!

Once a keen gym member, these days my busy schedule doesn’t allow a lot of time to spend hours toning up and sweating off those unwanted calories. If you feel the same way or just need that little bit of motivation, here’s my little trick to get you ready for the day:

Make a play list of about 15 minutes with your favourite songs of the moment that really pump you up. Wake up that bit earlier before work, open your blind and let the sun light pour in.  Put your tunes on and start with some simple stomach crunches to the rhythm of your song. Every 30 seconds or so mix it up. Try leg extensions, planks and bicep curls. You're looking for a little cardio boost and gentle tone.  Doing this 15 minute routine daily, especially if you recruit a friend to do it with you, seriously sets you up and before you know it you will notice a summer ready stomach and firmer thighs.  

Just make sure you have a glass of water and are considerate of your room-mates when blasting your music before work!!  

Buy a new product that will make one of our best features shine with confidence all on it’s own. They say that we should change our shampoo every 6 months or so because our hair gets used to it. While this might just be a myth, trying shampoo’s that help with gloss or volume or strength can only be beneficial, right? Not to mention having a new seductive scent every few months to enjoy! I recently moved on to Aussie which smells incredible (like a musty bubblegum!) and has made a real difference to the shine and volume of my hair. A high street brand that retails at just £4.99, you are guaranteed to give your hair a whole new lease of life!

 

Buy yourself a new accessory for the summer (or three) I love these chunky jewelled necklaces right now that transform any outfit day or night. Try these for size and colour! I have to say that Topshop have seriously outdone themselves!

Enjoy summer beauties!

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