The Lust List

I've been musing over this necklace for a month or so now, and could never quite make up my mind. I love the mix of gold and silver, the chunky bold statement style and the ring detail just before the silver turns to cord.

However, I wasn't quite sure what I'd wear the necklace with or if the cord was strong enough to hold the wait of such a clumpy necklace. On further inspection it turns out the item is quite light; and following a recent event in Hackney where I saw the necklace styled in two different ways - over the top of a rock-themed tshirt, paired with black skinnies, and also with a simple one colour shift dress and gold watch (both worked beautifully) - this necklace has most definitely made its way onto The Lust List.

Cord and Tube Collar Necklace, £16.50, Topshop

The Lust List

A girl can never have too many bags... and I've found the perfect addition to my ever-growing collection!

The drawstring and duffle bag shape are spot on trend for day wear at the moment, and the neutral shade makes this bag so easy to match with numerous outfits. It's a beautifully soft leather and a great size for make-up, books, etc. Whats more, I'm a sucker for anything gold or studded, so the detailing on the strap of this bag is an added bonus in my eyes.

Merino Stud Duffle Bag, £85, Topshop

Beauty Paradise

While in America these last few weeks, I discovered and fell in love with a shop called Sephora. As a way of introduction to all you Brits who have not yet found the joy of Sephora, it is in essence a beauty haven. It has a vast range of make-up, fragrances, skin care, body care and hair products all under one roof.

For a girly girl like me, these stores are a little bit of heaven. There is a large selection of brands, and as many items were a little cheaper than the UK I was able to treat myself to a few new products I otherwise couldn't have afforded, including my first ever primer (Laura Mercier). I'm already addicted to this product. Though I've always been a little sceptical about the claims of beauty brands, I swear this primer really does create a smooth, silky surface that makes make-up application so much easier, and increases the staying power of all my make-up products.

Other brands instore that filled me with excitement included Bobbi Brown and Nars - next on the purchase list is definitely a Nars Illuminator.

What's even more impressive is that all the staff are so highly trained. I was looking for a new moisturiser, and had a long list of (somewhat contradictory) features I wanted the product to provide. Staff were able to highlight five different products that fitted my needs. The stores are also beautifully laid out, creating a great shopping environment. My only complaint - there are no stores in the UK as of yet!

I also paid a visit to Mac while away - again the prices were a little cheaper than the UK. Investments included a beautiful new blush (Pinch o' Peach) and a nude lipstick (I'd been searching for the perfect shade for a good few months). All in all, one very successful shopping trip.

30 Things to do before I'm 30 - American cities and Wine tours

One item on my '30 Things to do before I'm 30' list was to visit certain cities in America - I've always been curious about the extravagant, over-the-top feel of Vegas, dreamed of riding a tram car in San Francisco and loved the glamour of LA. Luckily, a friend was more than happy to keep me company on a trip this month to all these fantastic cities; we also managed to add in a few days in New York to finish off the holiday in style.

Another item on the list also got ticked off while I was away - a wine tour. I knew nothing about wine, other than the fact that I liked it; but have always been curious about how wine is fermented and how grapes can make so many different variations of one drink. While in San Francisco, we signed up for a tour of California's best wine valleys: Napa and Sanoma. We visited three beautiful wineries, sat in the sunshine sipping wine, learning all about the process and the history of the valleys. It was such a sight to see vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see and the experience even changed my opinion of dessert wine - I can now appreciate that a good moscato can really make a dessert pop.

So, two down, only 28 to go...

30 Things to do before I'm 30

A few months ago I read an article in Company magazine by the writer of blog 23 Things To Do Before 23... Grace Collins wrote about the death of her older brother, who sadly died in his sleep at the age of 23, and how since his death she had been determined to live life to the full. This feature was both awfully sad and utterly inspiring.

With only four and a half years until I reach the grand age of 30 and enter another decade of my life, now seemed like the opportune moment to set myself a similar task. I've spoken to various friends - keen to discover what would be on their 'to do' lists, and have found numerous blogs full of suggestions online. I still haven't decided on the final 30, but below are a few that have made it onto the definite list:

30 Things to do before I'm 30:
1) Visit Italy - I love love love Italian food, and can easily get on board with a lifestyle that involves sipping coffee or wine while watching the world go by. And although Rome is definitely on the list, Cinque Terre looks so beautiful with all the multi-coloured house fronts, that I can't help but dream of hiking along Lover's Lane (the stretch between two of the small towns looking down on the coast).

2) Swim with Dolphins - ever since I fed Dolphins in Florida at the age of 12 I've known this is something I want to do.

3) See Adele live - I get goosebumps just watching the dvd of her Albert Hall performance; every single member of the audience looked like they were having a blast, and of course that's what this is all about: having fun! Plus I know every word to every song.

4) Learn a language - A fairly standard one on a lot of people's lists. I don't just want to learn the basics though, I want to be able to hold a full conversation (possibly about something really random). So far I've narrowed the possible language of choice down to three: Spanish, French and Italian. It's a toughie.

5) A hot air balloon ride - I think this will be a peaceful and truly relaxing way to view the beautiful English countryside.

So, there's my first five. I'll keep you updated on how the list is coming along and will report back when each one is ticked off the list. Here we go...

The Lust List: Converse High Tops

Converse All Star high tops have been on the 'will purchase soon' list for a few months now; but for some reason I never got round to it.

As a recent treat myself and a few girlfriends took a weekend trip to Barcelona. The weekend was full of long lunches of tapas and sangria, cocktails in the evening and of course, plenty of sight seeing. It was during the sight seeing that I realised just how useful that pair of 'will purchase soon' converse would have been. Although sunny, the weather was not always hot enough for gladiator sandals, and a pair of funked-up pumps would have been the perfect shoe.

Since returning from sunny Spain, I have invested in this lead grey pair, which arrived at 7.30 this morning and will be promptly worn for tonight's outing to the pub. Practical and gorgeous!

I love the colour, and the high top makes them perfect to wear with jeans or leggings and a rock tee during the day, and I might even brave wearing them with a floral mini dress for that urban rock look at night.

All Star Hi Lead Grey, Office, £41.99

Pink Lipstick Magic

A friend of mine recently introduced me to this fabulous new Barry M Lipstick. Not only is the pink lipstick long lasting; it has added aloe vera to ensure a smooth application and that your lips stay super soft.

The real magic, however, is that the shade of pink differs depending on the alkali level of your lips. The lipstick itself appears green, but once applied to the lips transforms into a rich or pale pink, this means the colour often suits your skin tone at that very moment. I was thoroughly impressed by the product, and at only £4.49 it's a steal.

Touch of Magic Lip Paint, Barry M, £4.49

The Trend Report: Autumn/Winter 2011

I'm thrilled that parkas are making a return to the fashion scene, and this year they're going to be more luxurious than ever before; as thankfully designers have not compromised the value of design aesthetics when taking into account the practical need of outer-wear. Altuzarra leads the way this season, teaming parkas with heels and sequined gowns for eveningwear practical-luxe. But my fave has to be Thakoon's retro red and blue checked number.

Spots were popping up everywhere on the catwalks. Stella McCartney opted for sequin-like discs embroidered onto sheer tulle dresses, whereas Marc Jacobs covered his models head to toe in spots, including gloves, hats and hosiery. Invest in a spot print dress for the office a la Vena Cava or pick up a few spot themed accessories to ease your way into this trend.

For evening wear the emphasis was on borrowed-from-the-boys tuxedos. Yves Saint Laurent's came in white with nothing underneath, other designers feminised the look by adding sequins to the trousers or teaming a cream silk shirts with statement black chokers.

Book Club - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Much delayed but as promised, here's a review of one of my holiday reads, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

The novel begins with 23 year old Jacob Jankowski preparing to take his final exams as a veterinary student, when he receives the devastating news that his parents have been killed in a car accident. Soon after Jacob suffers an emotional break down and abandons University before he is able to graduate.

He jumps a train in the darkness of night, only to discover later it belongs to The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. When the circus manager, Uncle Al, learns of Jacob's veterinary training he is hired to care for the circus animals. It is then that Jacob meets the beautiful performer Marlena and her charming but dangerously temperamental husband August.

The prose cuts between the months following his arrival at the circus and Jacob as an elderly man. These cuts are almost seemless, and added another dimension to an already exciting novel; though I did find the focus on the older Jacob less enthralling.

The theme of circus has never been one that appealed to me. Yet, Gruen's descriptions and dialogue create a magical, enchanted world that left me full of intrigue.There is also a sense of honesty to the writing. Gruen makes the reader aware that the circus of 1950s America was not all magic but a world of trickery, illusion and at times, even cruelty.

The writing is powerful, with a surprisingly uplifting sense of sentimentality - my eyes filled with tears within the first 30 pages. However, there is also humour in the novel, often in the most unexpected places. The drama was constant and absorbing, though I do wonder if there was too much to contain within the narrative and due to this some developments in the plot felt rushed and forced. For example, the romance between Jacob and Marlena.

Though an easy and enjoyable read, Gruen dealt with some serious themes including diseases of the mind, identity, animal cruelty and treatment of the elderly. These themes are incorporated into the plot of the novel so intelligently that they do not disrupt the flow of the story, yet are unmissable. There is a brilliantly varied cast of characters and friendships are developed beautifully through the prose. The ending is unexpected and original, though perhaps slightly abrupt.

I also found Gruen's author's notes particularly interesting to read. Discovering where the inspiration for the novel came from and what she learnt during her research gave fascinating insight to the novel as a whole.

I'm particularly keen to now see the film adaptation and can picture Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattison as well cast for the roles. I imagine the splendor of the circus will be conveyed even more spectacularly on screen and will be rather breath-taking to watch. Overall, this is an original, sad, hopeful and quick moving piece of fiction.

The Lust List...

Like most girls, I have a list of key items I want to add to my wardrobe - classics, that I'm willing to spend that little bit more on. Quite often these items stay on the list for some time, as I have a strong image of what I'm looking for and won't settle for anything else. Until recently, a pair of tan suede ankle boots with a low heel and a soft black leather jacket had been on mine. The boots were to be worn during the day with jeans and a rock tee, but also needed to be smart enough to dress up a mini for a night at the pub or even a spontaneous trip to a Motown club. The jacket, had to be a combination of soft draped leather to create an air of grown up glamour and sophistication, while sporting enough buckles to create a tough, urban vibe. Thanks to River Island, I can finally cross both off the list. There's a real sense of satisfaction when I find an item on the list, knowing that it will become a staple go-to in my wardrobe for a long time. I've already worn the boots to death, they turn out to be just as perfect for work as for play. And I can't wait for my jacket's first outing.

Recipes: Lemon and Rocket Risotto

Last Sunday evening I found myself with a little more spare time than usual, and a fancy to be creative in the kitchen. Low and behold my first attempt at making Risotto. I fell in love with the dish about a year ago, at a nearby Italian restaurant - and now rarely mediate away from that main when I revisit. Although it was mushroom risotto I originally tried, for my first risotto creation I opted for a lemon and rocket recipe - perfectly fresh and zingy for a hot summer night.

Ingredients (serves four):

Juice and zest of two lemons
Salt and freshly ground pepper
125g butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 garlic clove (crushed)
300g risotto rice
150ml white wine
750ml chicken stock
200g wild rocket
50g grated parmesan

Directions:

Heat 50g of the butter and olive oil in a pan, add the onion, garlic and lemon zest. Cook over a medium heat until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat in the onion and butter. After two minutes, when the pan is almost dry, add the wine and allow to boil for two minute, stirring constantly.

Add all the stock (a little at a time) and then the remaining butter, lemon juice, rocket and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

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.