We're partial to a party

Tonight sees just one of my work's MANY Summer events that we PR girls have been frantically planning.  Circus in Covent Garden is part cocktail bar, part cabaret, and tonight it's housing the Barry M 30th Anniversary extravaganza.  When we have an event on, my office generally looks like it does today.  A buzzing hive of girls running around frantically booking bikes, trying to expand the already full guest list for last minute RSVP celebs and press, taping up 100 boxes....all the while painting their nails in a plethora of Barry colours and rolling their hair into full sets of giant rollers.  You've got to give it to us, we can multitask.

Party photos to come...

Time For Tea

I'm not sure I want to jump on the Jubilee merchandise bandwagon, freaky paper Queen masks with even freakier eye holes just don't rock my world.  Of course, this could all change if I come across something with the right blend of nostalgia, fashion credentials and fun - watch this space.

Instead, for now, I'm going to pay tribute to a truly British wardrobe staple.  The Tea Dress.  Much like a good brew it's reliable, seems to solve all meltdowns, has infinite longevity and looks fabulous accessorised with a slice of Victoria Sponge.  The garment dates back to the introduction of afternoon tea itself when women discovered a tea gown was roomy enough to take a very indulgent high tea.  It's such a simple notion.  A dress which usually has a teasingly low V, with cute-as-a-button cap sleeves, and a flirty little skirt.  It transforms you into a WWII land girl who's going to a dance to bag herself a soldier on leave.  It makes you want to do the jitterbug - any excuse to flash a bit of stocking!

The Inspiration

The Edge of Love - like most Sienna films.  Not fantastic, but a dream to look at.

The Land Girls - a tea dress looks fab with a jumper thrown over the top.

The Best Out There Now

BANK leopard print tea dress with black piping

Glamorous printed tea dress

Sessun Liberty print tea dress at Coggles
Orla Kiely printed tea dress

Paul & Joe Sister printed tea dress with ruffle at my wardrobe

East by Eastwest floral tea dress at Farfetch

The Best There Ever Were

In my humble opinion, no one in recent years has done one quite like Ms. Moss.  Kate's teas dresses for Topshop were the star pieces of the collections, season after season.  They sold out instantly and STILL go for £150 plus on ebay.  And I should know, I'm currently eyeing up my third.

My original.  Faded green pansies intertwined with barbed wire.

My second and my most treasured piece of clothing.  

 With any luck, my future.  To bid or to 'Buy It Now'?

The Shoes

For an elegant day look

French Sole

For 'I've just thrown them on' cool

New Look

For sundown

Kurt Geiger

Feet Fit for a Flip Flop

I have a dirty little secret.  I like feet.  Not in THAT way, and generally not other peoples (it always surprises me how many people neglect theirs) but I like my feet with a little bit of a tan in a nice Summer flat.  Even in the Winter they are meticulously cared for.  It's just one of my things.  Besides, a splash of high-gloss Essie distracts from the Alexander clown feet that I have inherited.  'Two birds...' and all that.

And so, on the fashion grapevine and from an uber chic source I heard about La Paire.  The new luxury sandal company has arrived just in time for both the heat at home and holiday season, and the fine leathers used come in a rainbow of exotic Summer brights.  A bridal collection is available, allowing beach brides to have gorgeous bespoke sandals created to match their gowns.

Now for a bit of maths.  La Paire + Essie = Never Ending Choice.  For a bit of ghastly Maths test fun, see how many combinations you can create out of the below*:

*Ok, so no one is actually going to do this exercise.  That would be a bit strange.  You could just keep it really simple with my favourite pair below - The Verano in Oatmeal.  This delicious nude will go with any of the above and look sensational.  Gotta love a bit of versatility.

www.lapaire.co.uk

Yes Please

Oooooo I'd really like this.  Is there anything better than a slogan tote?  

Buy here

xx

Odds, Ends and Visual Merchandising

Whether it's to mark the Jubilee, or last week's Chelsea Flower Show, stores are pulling out all the stops to make themselves look pretty.  The retail world is multicoloured with decoration and all things British and regal, and with the current sunshine London is looking mighty fine.  

Bunting at Topshop and Twinings 

Eclectic oddities at Urban Outfitters

There is never anything wrong with a lurex ankle sock

Retro little sweet bags filled with retro little sweets this week at work  

Corgis and cakes at Selfridges

Red, white and blue Emma Bridgewater keepsakes

A genius tag line at Coco de Mer

Royal flowers at Brora

  

Nostalgic windows at Harvey Nichols

Jo Malone on Sloane Street celebrated Chelsea Flower Show

So did Smythson

But Tiffany's won the prize for best foliage

The wonderfully retro swing band at The Doodle Bar last night

Wall doodles at The Doodle Bar

And it's all happening online too...

Marks & Spencer has released a Jubilee lingerie collection - lots of lace and retro designs

click here for my favourite set

Oliver Bonas has lots of lovely goodies to celebrate with

click here

Party favours at notonthehighstreet.com

click here

Cocosa is marking the events by hosting daily sales of the British greats - Giles Deacon,

Matthew Williamson, Links of London and Philip Treacy

click here