Welcome back Mr Luther!

This time last year, I was obsessively viewing and discussing a new detective series shown by the BBC - Luther. I was first inspired to tune in having seen the leading actor, Idris Elba, interviewed on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. I found Elba's description of the Luther intriguing, it sounded new, modern and edgy.

After one episode my whole office was hooked. Wednesday mornings always involved a detailed discussion of the previous night's episode. When the series finished, I was left hoping it would not be long before a second series appeared on our screens. Luckily, it has.

Having been on holiday, I've only just seen the first episode of series two, and boy oh boy was it good. The drama was, as ever, quick paced, intelligent and terrifying - I definitely should not have watched it at this time of night!

Elba is particularly strong on screen. He is an actor who is able to dominate a scene purely by his presence. Though Elba has perfected mannerisms, facial expressions and excellent control of his voice to create his portrayal of Luther; it is an essence of the character that leaps from the screen. Luther is raw, ruthless, unpredictable, but on the right side of the law. He is the bad boy we're allowed to like, and like I do.

The Post Holiday Mess

After 10 days in the beautiful town of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, I returned last night to rain in the UK (but also to my wonderful family). This morning the process of emptying my suitcase soon took over most of the lounge, oops; but all of the items in this photograph now hold special memories of the holiday. My denim shorts and trilby hat will now always be associated with traditional Spanish markets. While my chiffon feather print maxi will remind me of delicious fresh salmon and champagne sangria. Happy holidays!

Book Club - Sleeping Arrangements and The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham

A few weeks ago I read The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham and have been intending to write about it ever since. I took another Wickham novel on my recent holiday and thought it only fair to review that too.

The Wedding Girl was the first novel by Wickham I've read, despite being a very big fan of her work under the name of Sophie Kinsella. I'd heard from other Kinsella fans that the Wickham books differed significantly in style, so I could only hope that I enjoyed them as much as the Kinsella novels I have read and loved over the last 10 years.

The Wedding Girl starts with 18 year old Milly marrying a friend to ensure he is able to stay in the UK. 10 years later she is a very different person and preparing to marry the adoring, wealthy and handsome Simon, in an extravagant wedding masterminded by her mother. No one knows about her first marriage, and Milly convinces herself that it's like it never happened. However, four days before her wedding to Simon, her past begins to catch up with her.

First things first, this was an easy, enjoyable read. There were plenty of twists and turns I didn't see coming and after a day at work I was always eager to get back to the book. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings in Bath, Oxford and London - these were the right length to create full images but not bore the reader or disturb the pace of the plot.

The characters were varied and each had their own minor sub-plot which created a three dimensional aspect to the story and added extra interest.

Like the Kinsella novels The Wedding Girl easily fits the genre of chick lit. The main difference is the use of humour. While Kinsella novels have left me roaring with laughter and desperate to share the joke with someone, The Wedding Girl was more serious in tone and avoided any over-the-top, ridiculous scenarios which often play a part in the plot of a Kinsella novel. There was still comedy, but it was conveyed through dry witted dialogue.

Sleeping Arrangements follows Chloe and her family as they arrive in Spain for a week's holiday at her friend Gerard's luxury villa. Problems begin when Hugh and his family arrive - Gerard has also lent them the villa for the same dates. An uneasy week of sharing begins, and tensions soon start to mount. Whats more, there's a secret history between the two families, and as the heat soars an old passion begins to resurface.

I read this while on holiday last week, and whizzed through it in a matter of days - it was the perfect book to read by the pool. Light-hearted, a real page turner, fun with a little bit of drama, and a happy ending. It cemented my love for Sophie Kinsella, and finalised my decision to work my way through all of her novels under her Wickham name.

A common theme in both the Wickham novels was self-development. The Kinsella plots tend to involve an extreme secret or mistake that the key character is attempting to solve on their own with hilarious outcomes. The Wickham novels convey characters that face a fork in the road type moment, and through their decisions tend to learn about themselves (though never in an insincere or nauseating way).

If you're looking for a book for the beach or just a lighthearted read, these books are exactly what you're looking for.

Holiday Reading

For me, one of the things I look forward to most about a holiday in the sun (apart from a tan and a few strong cocktails obviously) is the opportunity to get stuck in to some brilliant books.

As a self-confessed book worm I always have a pile of novels by my bed and a list in my head of what to buy next. The only problem with this is that I can never read quick enough and the pile and list are ever growing.

Tomorrow I'm jetting off to sunnier climates with a few girlfriends and am eager to get that bikkini on and the first book open. Here's the shortlist:

Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna
Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham

I'll let you know how I get on.

Style de la Semaine

This week's gong for best dressed has me divided. There are two looks which I just love.

Leighton Meester has upped her game this week. At the launch for Vera Wang's new perfume Miss Meester opted for a refreshingly new take on launch party glamour.

A pale pink pleated top and slim black leather look trousers were the perfect combination of feminine and edgy. The nude platform sandals by Brian Atwood are worth extra style points.

The Duchess of Cambridge continues to pleasantly surprise me with her choices. She is without doubt a new muse for the fashion world. For the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in London, Kate wore a shimmering pale pink gown by Jenny Packman. The dress was floor length and beautifully embellished.

Kate continued her love affair with the high street by pairing the dress with LK Bennett's Agata shoe and pink satin box clutch. The shoes alone were stunning - a pale pink peep toe, with stiletto heel and a side bow on the ankle strap.

Three Things

Since the interior design class last week I've been much more aware of the space I live in and how it impacts my mood. I've concluded that it is the little things that can make a space feel like home - here's three small but very special items that never fail to bring me joy.

This gold and black frame was found on a chance visit to what I would call an "everything" store. Never before or since have I found a frame quite like it. I think it's beautiful and has a somewhat 1920s decadent vibe. It was a real bargain and the picture brings back wonderful memories of my trip to Paris last year with a girlfriend.

A gold Buddha, which was a gift from my brother many years ago, has travelled with me to all my homes during my university years and back to Leamington Spa again. I've heard that traditionally Buddhists place ornaments of the Buddha facing a door to welcome guests into their home; I find that snippet of history and tradition brings this piece to life. Sentimental reasons aside, I adore this item. The gold makes the statue glamorous, yet the piece itself is quite an unusual and bold choice.

Lastly, is the terramundi pot (another brilliant gift from my brother). I'd never heard of these pots before last September, and love the idea behind them. A 2000 year old tradition from Italy, these pots are a more beautiful and grown up version of a piggy bank. Once full with coins the pot is smashed and the money spent on "good things". It is also said that a wish made while smashing the pot will come true. Each pot is hand painted and slightly different, so each is one of a kind. The only problem: this pot is so gorgeous I'm not sure I'll ever be able to smash it!

The Art of Interior

Saturday was spent at an Interior Art and Design class at the University of Warwick. Part of the day included creating mood boards - two of which I thought I'd share with you all.

The first is is quite an eclectic mix. The inspiration began with the image of a very English country cottage kitchen and dining room - I love the wooden floors, vintage inspired chairs and the way the space is used. This quickly became mixed in with images of red Moroccan houses, minimalist sleek wooden tables and bold orange walls. Throw into the melting pot some kitsch items such as the birdcage cushion and red spike clock and it became quite a combination.

I was unsure if all these styles would work together, or if it would be just too much. Luckily, it seemed to all come together. I now know what I want my living room to look like, I just need a house.


Secondly, I tried to create a luxurious and decadent vibe, but also something quite homely and livable. The colour palette was grey and raspberry, though I struggled to find enough raspberry images to include to emphasise the intended 50/50 colour divide.

My key pieces for this romantic style room include an extravagant baroque gold mirror, an antique style clock and long flowing curtains. A shapely wooden framed headboard, luscious fabrics and numerous candles would also not go amiss.

I'm now quite eager to find out more about Interior Design - from the history and development of the art to architecture to Feng Shui to the different schools of style. I'll keep you posted on my findings...

The Palazzo Trouser: Yay or Nay?

So far, I've been unable to join in with the fashion set's enthusiasm for the Palazzo trouser. A trouser so wide on first impressions it can be mistaken for a skirt, is an item I wasn't convinced I needed in my wardrobe. Yet, I couldn't help but fall in love with this black pair from River Island.

The essence of the palazzo trouser is grown-up, effortless elegance and comfort - perfect for summer evenings on holiday. Whats more, every time I look at this pair it takes me back to my younger years, watching Charlie's Angels repeats and longing to wear those seventies flares; all I need to do now is add some wedges and gold jewellery and I'm 'Angel-ready'.

When it comes to gold jewellery for evening wear, my first choice is always an oversized, chunky watch. It will toughen up any outfit and adds a air of sophistication. And speaking of gold, this bag is a must for me too. It will look great against the black of the trousers, and looks luxurious enough to be designer.

To finish off the seventies look add a bright, box cut top - a round neck and short sleeves wins extra style points. I love this pink, orange and black striped one from River Island. The unusual colour mix will really make the outfit pop and as it finishes neatly at the top of the trousers it will balance the silhouette perfectly.

Palazzos don't have to be an 'evening-only' trouser. For a classic day time look, team with a chunky tan satchel, flats and a good ol' tee. For those who can't afford the Mulberry Oversized Alexa, this satchel from Topshop hits the spot just as well. And, I love this Blondie print t-shirt from Miss Selfridge. Finish off the look with a pair of vintage inspired sunglasses.

Black Palazzo Trousers, £34.99, River Island; Sunglasses, £4.99, H&M; Blondie Vest, £22, Miss Selfridge; Tan Clip Lock Satchel, £85, Topshop; Embellished Sandals, £39.99, River Island; Gold Wedges, £69.95, Moda in Pelle; Orange stripe t-shirt, £26.99, River Island; Michael Kors Gold Bracelet Watch, £143, ASOS; Gold Square Bag, £34.99, River Island

Bargain Spring Updates

I popped into Boots last week with the intention of only purchasing a few necessary items. Yet, I found the beauty aisles calling me.

Heading over to the Rimmel section I found three fantastic new season nail colours, and with a great offer, of three for two, I couldn't say no.

First choice was an aqua green shade called Sky High, I wore this last week and had numerous compliments. It's bright and summery, and that little bit different.

Next, I opted for pale grey shade, Grey Matter - a colour I've never owned before. It's a new take on a classic neutral shade, so it feels that little bit more edgy and rock star.

Finally, my free choice. I decided on a peach-pink colour called Rose Libertine. It looks fresh and feminine. The perfect shade for work, as it's not too bright or garish.

These three little gems have really got me in the mood for summer. It's amazing how a little treat like a few nail polishes can boost my mood and they've already helped live up a few outfits. It's like a brand new accessory, without the price tag.

A new role for Ms Paltrow

I never used to be a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, but over the last few years I've found myself somewhat in awe of her.

She first captured my attention when she arrived at the Iron Man premiere with newly bobbed hair, sporting a rather short black lacy Balmain dress and particularly high heels. This was not the type of attire we were used to seeing Ms Paltrow in.

Gwyn had always been one for the 'comfort-not-glamour' school; opting for androgynous blazers, plain shirt dresses and even vest tops on the red carpet. She had never been a style icon.

Bring of the Gwyn of 2008. What was so brilliant about the outfits of that year was Gwyn's ability to mix a hint of fun and originality with a real understanding of her own personal style, age and shape. Not once in the star's attempt to glamorise her wardrobe did she dress too young for her age, never did she appear uncomfortable or outlandish in her choices. Yet, the outfits were always a little suggestive and surprisingly on-trend.

This was honestly the first occasion I began to take more notice of the actress (despite always having enjoyed her films). But put that to one side, and she keeps on impressing. For a start, who knew this girl could sing? One word: Glee. And now, she's released her very own cook book Notes From my Kitchen Table.

I've recently become a little obsessed with cookbooks - I'm trying to teach myself to cook and some cookbooks are just beautiful to look at. I have a feeling Gwyneth's will be one of these. So I'm very keen to get my hands on a copy.

I've heard impressive reviews, suggesting the book is compulsive reading and that Gwyn has earned herself a reputation as a formidable foodie. So I'm keen to get my hands on a copy. In particular I'm looking forward to trying the tuna and ginger burgers, fudge chocolate brownies and crispy potato and garlic cake!