A gift from Jo Malone

I recently took a good friend to the Bristol Jo Malone massage bar in Harvey Nichols for a good catch up and some much-needed 'me' time.

It all came about when, quite unexpectedly, I ended up with an invitation to a free hand and arm massage for two through the post. Let's just say it was a great start to an average Tuesday morning, and it took all of five seconds to decide I would take them up on their kind offer and plan a girly afternoon of lunch, shopping and Jo Malone. It took a further five seconds to convince my 'Plus One'.

I have lusted after one of their newer scents, Earl Grey and Cucumber, for some time now, and it was the perfect opportunity to get a small bottle to see me through the first flutter of Spring. It is a fairly citrus-based scent but not at all heavy or sickly, and perfect for when you want to wear something as bright and fresh as the morning air outside.

My secondary scent (chosen as a base for my massage) turned out to be, unusually, Peony and Blush Suede, seeing an unlikely pairing of citrus and floral which worked out to be as delicious as caviar at the Ritz.

It was a flying visit to my two favourite friends, Jo and Harvey, and a worthwhile Thursday spent doing something spontaneous and sumptuous with a dear friend.

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

With thanks to Jo Malone, Harvey Nichols (Bristol)

Losers weepers

Anyone who hasn't yet heard of Australian label Finders Keepers is losing out. Mentioned in a previous post (here), I have fallen head over skirt for this brand which has made a name for itself in my closet, cuddling up to my others from the likes of McQueen, Paul Smith and Tibi.

The 'You Sent Me' style that I personally went for also comes in a dress version, available here, but I decided to leave the dress as it wasn't lined as well as the skirt- buy it here and here- and I am not one for a sheer dress unless it comes with a slip.

I have never before pulled on a skirt and felt that my legs look photoshopped, until now. The cutaway hem has a slimming and leg lengthening effect which could previously only be achieved with the help of Tracy Anderson or a really good dream. Plus, paired with a simple white tee and subtle strappy heels, it is a skirt which certainly does all the talking, therefore taking away the headache of pairing together printed separates.

Now the secret is out, spread the word. You can thank me when you see yourself in the skirt and fall back in love with your legs!

Photo credits: Harvey Nichols

Meet Mr. Nichols

Uh oh... it looks like I was let loose in Harvey Nichols again.

Whenever I visit my friends and family in Bristol, I always make sure to visit my second boyfriend, a certain someone who goes by the name of Harvey Nichols.

This particular visit, however, was unusually quiet which I really enjoyed as it gave me the opportunity to get to know the girls who were working on womenswear and beauty that day. It's very easy to walk into a department store and keep very much to yourself, particularly when (like me) you prefer to shop alone. There are moments, though, when you just need a bit of girly support and the occasional ego boost: and for this, Harvey Nichols is the place to be.

Although I personally believe it is not as well stocked as Selfridges and Harrods, with the odd piece priced at a higher premium, the service I have received over the past 4 years has been unrivalled. They make the time to speak to you as a person (not a number) and get to know you beyond your waist and shoe size- where you are treated like one of their friends rather than a customer. This, I believe, is what makes a shopping trip enjoyable, and reminds me that online shopping isn't always more fun.

On this occasion, I spent the majority of my time in womenswear, trialling new brands and experimenting with my new favourite: Finders Keepers. Think Australian cool, but with realistic sizing where everything you pull from the shop floor fits...

Although I went in with a certain dress in mind, I came out with something completely different- post to follow- and boy, was it worth it.

So, don't neglect your local department store, no matter how convenient internet shopping may be. You never know who you may meet, or what you may find in amongst the expansive rails of clothing.

Sneaker peek

The round up of the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections is now taking place and, with many pick 'n' mix trends on the go, it seems that this winter we will be wrapping up in everything from peach to punk.

It was evident this season that trainers will be a big thing come autumn, with 12 shows opting for sneakers over stilettos. Excellent news for us mere mortals, but not so much for the Victoria Beckham's of this world.

I myself only own two pairs: one for the gym, and one pair of Ash plum-coloured wedge trainers. Needless to say, I will be stocking up on more pairs to work the trend the Max Mara way: cool, collected, and camel.

All this news comes at a very good time, with Harvey Nichols hosting a one day pop-up sneaker event in their London store in association with Fresh Laces, where you have the chance to snap up some rare and limited edition kicks. Find out more here.

Photo credits: http://glitter-x-couture.blogspot.co.uk;