Spring clean

It's time to detox that life and soul of yours, new year, new start and all. If you're anything like me, it's a big task, so where better to start than your wardrobe?

Clean up your habits and get those drawers neatly folded, and the hanging goods all neatened up. If that means unleashing the inner OCD and having everything in colour order, by length of hem, by category, or by all of the above at once, then so be it. Knock yourself out.

Be realistic about what to keep, what to throw, and what to sell. Is it a classic or on trend this season? Have you worn it in the last two years? Has it ever been worn? If the answer is no to any of the above, get it out of your closet, and out of your life. Don't kid yourself, you won't be losing any extra weight just to fit into those trousers. Even if you do, chances are you'll be so happy with your new bod, you'll just go out and buy another two pairs of trousers just to reward yourself, anyway.

I was never a seller. Too much hassle, too many friends vying over the cast-offs, might aswell donate to a charity shop that won't realise what's landed on their doorstep and price up your pieces scarily low, but nevermind it's all for a good cause, right? I'm out of breath already. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? SELL IT. I can't even begin to describe the high you get from watching people get excited about the prospect of buying that dress you never really liked but bought for the hell of it. Do it. Just once. It's like opening up a tube of Pringles crisps, I promise.

You know the saying: out with the old...

ph: HBO

Shoe know-how

There are certain things you must always consider when trying out a shoe.

Do they actually fit you?

We always press down on the front to find our toes, but why do we actually do this? The positioning of my big toe has not been beneficial to me since my feet stopped growing past the age of 11 years old. What I mean by 'fit' includes everything we never consider checking: instep, width, narrowness of the heel, the placement of our ankles... the list goes on. When you are telling yourself the shoe will stretch to accommodate those lovely bunions caused by years of high heel-induced abuse, you are lying to yourself- and the shoes. Don't buy a pair of shoes thinking all you need is a heel grip or an insole. It's all lies, I tell you. Get the fit right, and your feet will love you back. What's more, your shoes will last longer as you will be walking in them correctly (think of this like a well inflated tyre on your car... get it right, and your fuel consumption will take you the extra mile).

Are they too high?

Do you need a platform beyond 90mm? Whatever height you can walk on COMFORTABLY, stick to it. If you need to go higher than your natural 'set' heel height, wear it in a wedge or platform capacity. Nobody enjoys watching a girl strutting like a duck in a shoe she can't move in. Don't waste your money on shoes that make you break out into a sweat with every step.

Are they appropriate?

Do they scream streetwalker? If so, in a good, or a bad way? Are they good for office, bar, or pavement pounding? Or all of the above? None of the above?
Take stock of your lifestyle. If you've recently moved from the city to a more refined country living, cease buying those stilettos, and start considering the ankle boot. Nothing depresses you more than being unable to wear your favourite shoes. Instead, take the money you would have spent on them, and buy yourself a weekend away with the girls/your other half/the one you've been dating/your family. Make memories.

Don't be a fool, buy the right tool.



ph: Hogger & Co

Bar Boulud-y brilliant

Saturday night was your average post work social scene. Picture three girls, Knightsbridge lit up at night, and some fabulous French cuisine. We went, of course, to Bar Boulud, the French restaurant at the foot of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

If the sommelier selects a fine tasting wine on a Friday night "to wind down the week", then Saturday night must be for the young hot things of London. While it was packed, it never got uncomfortable, and the waiting staff were attentive and very professional in their manner.

The restaurant is deceivingly large, with walls positioned perfectly so you can't see the full expanse of the space, making you feel a part of the cosy backdrop. I was seated in the Lounge directly by the window which had a more relaxed atmosphere and looked directly across the rad to Harvey Nichols and beyond. Perfect people watching position, indeed.

The food was excellent, I ate the Paleron Carbonnade and I can quite firmly say I have never had beef so tender that it takes a touch of your knife to fall away. Where the carrot puree lacked some flavour, the horseradish pulled it's weight in kick. Very well priced, considering the quality of food and service.

I will most definitely be revisiting this slice of France in the middle of the city.

View the menu and more information via the website here.

Photo credit: Mandarin Oriental

London's secret and not-so-secret Hot Spots

To eat...

Galvin at Windows is the Michelin restaurant atop the Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair. Great food, incredible service, and a guaranteed memorable meal. I'm a fussy eater, so this nomination truly is high praise, indeed. TIP: Don't be afraid to request the best seat in the house, and the Cornish lamb Is. To. Die. For.

White chocolate mousse, poached Yorkshire rhubarb,
ginger & rhubarb sorbet dessert

To sleep...

Our suite at The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych offered peace, relaxation from the hustle and bustle, and the BEST mattress I have ever had the pleasure to sleep on. It sent me into a deep and dreamless sleep within 35 seconds. My boyfriend was not impressed at its sedatory effectiveness but, has since, called them to ask where we can get one for ourselves.

To drink...

"Eat, drink, be merry and party hard" is the mantra of Clapham's Adventure Bar, where the menu is to be found on the inside of a Tom Cruise- adorned video box (remember that thing called the video tape?) and the Basil Grande doesn't disappoint. A good time to be had by all (evident by the photo of the empty cocktail glass). Hit Tip: Book a table or get there super early as seating is very limited. Sign up to their mailing list to get discounts and deals that will take you nicely into Happy Hour.

To do...

Go people watching at Piccadilly then wonder along to the best cinnamon bun outlet in Soho... the Nordic Bakery, 14 Golden Square. Although you will probably have to walk along to Liberty's to burn a few extra calories afterwards. Pity.

Photo credits: Goody Two- Choos, Nordic Bakery

Times are a-changing

It's been a little while since my last post, for which I am feeling terribly guilty. The truth is, I am in the middle of a shift: in life, job, house and geography (not to mention emotionally, mentally...). Devon is being switched for London, family for boyfriend and housemates, and bijoux boutique for Matches. Nobody said life had a rhyme or reason!

Time to swap this...

You may now call me the Matches girl, as I enter the world of real luxury fashion, where I will be working alongside names like Max Mara, Givenchy, Valentino... it's a tough life, no?

...and this...

So, on to the next chapter of my life. I'm glad you're coming with me for the new adventure!

... for this.

Love, GT-C xx

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Nailed it!

My week in nails... (as you can tell by all the bright colours, I've been very excited for Springtime sunshine!)

Nails Inc 'Notting Hill Carnival'

OPI 'Sweet Heart'

OPI 'Miami Beet'; Rings (Top to Bottom) vintage, Saint Laurent

OPI 'Hot & Spicy'; Rings vintage

MAC 'In the Limelight'



No7 'Poolside Blue'; Rings by Freedom at Topshop

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Closet envy

If, like me, you like nothing more than spending an evening stalking ultimate super-closets thinking 'why isn't this mine?', then you will certainly enjoy these...

 





St. Paddy's perfect picks

Shoes: Miu Miu

Not normally one for fancy dress or fashioning novelty hats for one day of the year, I am on board when it comes to an excuse for wearing something a little bit more special. See below for Patrick's (and my) perfect picks. Enjoy them tonight or throughout the week to bring you, with any hope, the luck of the Irish.

 

 

Photo credits: Goody Two-Choos

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)

Tea for two

An afternoon spent sipping champagne and eating miniature finger sandwiches all sounds very upmarket for your average Thursday afternoon, but that is exactly how I spent my day today. I found myself in the middle of Dartmoor nestled away in the grounds of Bovey Castle, sipping on champagne and tucking into some very delicious nibbles.

As we pulled into the forecourt we were given a warm welcome by a young gentleman who happily took the car off to be parked, then led us into a breakfast lounge to a lovely sofa with a beautiful outlook spanning the golf course and the grounds beyond. It's a tough life, right?

No sooner had we sat down than two glasses of champagne were placed in front of us. What a terrible situation to find oneself. Needless to say, I just about coped.

The champagne afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a platter of four different desserts. To drink, there was a pot of tea for two (you were able to choose from a tea menu) and a glass of champagne each. I wouldn't fault a single thing.

The service was warm, friendly and welcoming, the view was to die for, and the bubbles go straight to your head- just what you want from any high afternoon tea.

This is the second time I have visited Bovey Castle, and it certainly won't be the last. It's a beautiful part of the world and a must-see if you ever find yourself on Dartmoor.

 

 



The grounds at Bovey Castle



Photo credits: Goody Two-Choos

Special thanks to my wonderful boyfriend, without whom I wouldn't have had such a special afternoon.

Brolly good show

The trouble with December in the south West of England is that more often than not it is lashing with rain, gale force winds and no sign of any picturesque snow. This means your faithful sidekick to see you through the grey skies is, by beyond compare, the humble umbrella.

Here is a selection of the prettiest and most spectacular array of umbrellas out there, proving you can be chic in the winter, and beyond. They may be so nice you can't wait to step outside just to use them!

Cath Kidston, £32

Fulton, £30

Ted Baker, £29

Totes, £28

Rihanna for Totes, £15

Lulu Guinness, £32

Alexander McQueen, £395

Photo credits: asos.com; House of Fraser, Totes, Lulu Guinness, Net-a-Porter.com

The Beautylish buzz

A new App has landed on my homescreen, and it's so good I thought I would share it with all you beauty-addicts out there.

Beautylish is a do-it-all-in-one-place tool which offers mini editorial blogs, videos, tutorials and reviews on everything you can imagine, from detox to manicure-101. It does have a shopping tool, but being based in the USA, it isn't exactly geared towards the international users.

I cannot tell you how many hours I have spent on YouTube surfing beauty tutorials, reviews, hauls, inspiration and interviews. Many a sleepless night I while away the night pressing my nose up to the screen to get my fast fix of top tips from those who actually know what they are talking about. And, if you know your friends need to hear about a particular post, you can share each entry with the power of social media and email. Long live technology, and may it continue to help all those in a beauty crisis.

 

The only setback I can really find with the usability of the program is the list-setup of the posts. This means unless you search for something in particular, you have a huge amount of posts to run through, and it always sends you back to the most recent entry instead of placing you back where you were before in the page. This is a minor criticism, however, as it crams a huge amount into such a simple interface.

So, join the Beautylish community and say goodbye to the forums of the past, as you have all the inside know-how in the palm of your hand. 

Photo credit: oneclickroot.com

10 of the best... Christmas Cards

It is now officially December, which means you no longer have an excuse to ignore the list of people you want to send Chritmas cards to. Yes, it is the most mundane part of the season, but for me it is one of the most important. It's the only time of year you have an excuse to write to people you never see but care very deeply for, without seeming rude or irritatingly clingy. Plus, what is Christmas for, if not to remind loved ones they are in your thoughts?

So, avoid the tacky 'pose and smile' family cards, because nobody wants to think your family is perfect while theirs is dysfunctional. Also a no-no are cheesy pictures of seasonal paraphernalia covered in glitter to make it look less cheap, and a definite no is the writing 'Dear X, from Y'. If that's all you've got to say, don't waste money on a stamp.

With that said, stop procrastinating and write those cards!

Selfridges, £5.50 for 6

Lanvin, £55 for 10

Marks & Spencer, £8 for 5



UNICEF, £6.99 for 10

WH Smith, £2.99 for 10



ASOS, £9 for 9

Paperchasae, £3.50 for 8

John Lewis, £5 for 5

WH Smith, £2.49 for 10

Harrods, £9.95 for 6