The Small Things

Two things that never fail to bring a smile to my face in recent weeks are this gold bracelet and new Bobbi Brown lipstick in Guava. On a trip to London I took a minor detour to the John Lewis beauty counter, with the intentions of treating myself to something a little bit special and different to my normal style. Numerous friends had started to rave none stop about Bobbi Brown products in the weeks leading up to my trip, so it seemed like the obvious place to start. As I never normally wear lipstick (I've always been a lip balm lady) I decided to invest in something bright and fresh, that wouldn't fail to make me feel that extra bit special and glammed up from the moment I applied it. Guava does just that.
This gold bracelet was an love at first sight item. I love the fact that it looks like an item you would find at a little Spanish market, and has that summer, holiday vibe to it. Yet, at the same time there is something quite subtle and elegant about it - most likely because it is a thin rather than chunky chain. It does often get mistaken by friends and family as a watch, but hey, that's all part of the charm.

A bit of Vintage

For absolutely ages I have been searching for a magazine rack. I knew exactly what I wanted and was hesitant to stray far from the image in my mind’s eye. Black, metal, wire curling and spiralling to create a vintage style look.

I’m thrilled to say that after months of searching, and having to put up with piles of Marie Claire and InStyle cluttering my floor, I have finally found the perfect one.

Originally I'd planned to paint this black when it arrived. I thought it would give me an opportunity to be a bit creative, and I always like the idea that I have a piece that is a little bit different. However, within moments of opening the parcel I decided I loved the rack in the slightly chipped, rustic white shade. It adds a little bit of vintage, romantic styling to the room.

A conversation starter

On a trip to a Spanish market in the old capital of Teguise, my friends and I came across a stall full of quirky and original clocks. The gentleman who ran it used old wine and spirit bottles (everything from Martini to Gordan's Gin to Absolut Vodka), flattened them and added a clock battery and hands to create a modern, statement piece. My friends and I ummed and arghed over which to buy, and I ended up purchasing one Jack Daniels bottle, as a gift to my brother, and the last of the pink champagne bottles as a gift to myself. I stood and watched as the bottles became clocks, and was even given the option of the colour hands I wanted (I opted for silver). I’m particularly pleased with the outcome – the clock looks great on the wall and is entirely different to any clock I’ve seen before.

Book Club - The Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon

A little bit eerie, unconventional characters, perceptive descriptions, authentic settings and elaborate plot twists; I give you The Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon.

This novel follows Evelyn, one of Britain's first female solicitors, in the years after the first World War. Evelyn is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her younger and much beloved brother James, and her world is thrown into further disarray when Meredith arrives at her home claiming to have been James' lover and the mother of his child. Things are not straight-forward in her professional life either. Evelyn is constantly battling against the disapproval of male judges and finds herself caught up in two complicated cases.

This novel is thoroughly impressive. It deals with serious themes from shell shock and feminism to justice and truth. I see no reason why it could not end up on a course list for study purposes. Yet, it never loses the suspense and edge of mystery that keeps a reader intrigued throughout a good detective novel (which in-sorts this is).

Intelligently written, the narrative voice is quite unlike one I have read before; strong, confiding, captivating, but in no way an effortless read.

There are various twists and turns that make this a fascinating story, and leave me keen to read more of McMahon's work. If it is anything like this novel, it will be original and intelligently written. Intriguing and thought provoking.

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!