Style Inspiration: Whistles neon pink skirt

I think it's safe to say that neon pink is going to be a huge trend this spring/summer, especially when it comes to skirts and trousers. 

The original designer version of the neon pink maxi skirt by Jil Sander sold out within hours on net-a-porter.com last week, and I'm predicting the same for the much talked about Whistles version! 

The gorgeous midi length Whistles version will be in stores and online at the end of February and retails for an affordable £95 (compared to £580 for the Jil Sander version). 

But...be quick ladies as this beauty is limited edition with only 100 available! In other words, race you there! You can see the full collection (including the coveted skirt) in the video below. NHG x

Whistles Spring / Summer 2011 from WHISTLES on Vimeo.

NHG bakes: coconut & raspberry loaf

Raspberries were going cheap everywhere at Portobello market today so I decided to buy a few punnets to bake with. I was going to make muffins to take to work, but ended up making this coconut & raspberry loaf instead (which randomly happens to be an Australian recipe).

My measuring cups are my absolute favourite kitchen accessory and are from Anthropologie on King's Road - I can't recommend this beautiful shop enough! My black & white canister is Liberty of London for Target and the blue tinted glass jar that holds my flowers is an American vintage mason jar from Pedlars in Notting Hill.

I can't wait to bake with my grandma when I visit home in less than two weeks - Ottolenghi-style passionfruit meringues are on the agenda. If you've ever tasted them you will know what I am talking about! NHG x

Ingredients:
    * 2 extra large eggs
    * 1 1/3 cups milk (300 mls)
    * 1 tsp vanilla extract
    * 2 1/2 cups plain flour
    * 2 tsp baking powder
    * 2 tsp ground cinnamon
    * 1 cup castor sugar
    * 2 cups of desiccated coconut (coconut shreds)
    * 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
    * 15 raspberries, halved (I used about 25)

Preparation:
   1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
   2. Lightly grease a loaf tin with butter.
   3. Lightly whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla in a bowl.
   4. Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon together into a separate, large bowl. Add the sugar and coconut and stir until just combined.
   5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually stir in the egg mixture until just combined.
   6. Add the melted butter and raspberries and stir until mixture is just smooth but don't over-mix.
   7. Pour batter into the tin and bake for 1 hour. Test the bread to see if it's ready by inserting a skewer into the middle. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
   8. Let the bread rest in the pan for 4 minutes and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve in thick slices with butter and a little jam.

Colour blocking - high street

I've seriously been missing colour in my wardrobe lately so I've decided to introduce the summer's brights into my wardrobe early in the season. If you went into stores at the moment, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it was actually spring outside, but with the return of rather chilly weather this week, it's apparent we're still a long way off warmer weather!

I've gone for a high street look outfit today by teaming up my new coral River Island skirt with a basic yellow v neck long-sleeved tee from Uniqlo and my grey blazer from Zara, which I purchased last spring. I will not be caught dead without my black opaques until it's at least 20c plus outside, so they are still firmly on my legs.

So it seems that you can wear brights now...just teamed with winter basics. Next up...vintage. NHG x

Outfit: Grey blazer, Zara; Yellow tee, Uniqlo; Coral skirt, River Island; Grey patent boots, Nine West at Selfridges, Black clutch, vintage from Ebay; Lipgloss, Nars in Frisky Summer. 

Style Inspiration: Beth Jones

All this talk about wardrobe purging of late has got me thinking about what style I want to wear this summer. It's a pretty easy decision for me as I'm absolutely loving the colour blocking trend, and it's a trend that can be easily achieved with a few key pieces. I own around six blazers (in different colours of course) but one colour I don't own is a white or cream version. It's definitely on my list.

I particularly love shades of orange and coral and I think Beth Jones from B. Jones Style absolutely nails it. I'm so jealous that she lives in LA and is wearing this now! London is still a bit chilly. NHG x

Image from B. Jones Style

The Kooples

I first heard about French brand The Kooples late last year from a colleague. Since then, I've not been able to pick up a magazine without spotting one of the oh so stylish ads in all the major glossies.

Over the past few days I've been reading a lot about wardrobe overhauls, detoxes (whatever you want to call it) and I can't escape one trend - everyone wants their staple style to be (in some form) 'French chic'.

And that's where The Kooples comes in because to me, this brand personifies exactly that. You won't find loud prints and colours here - this brand is all about classic pieces that make you drool over how something so simple, can look so good. Think tailored blazers, the perfect black skinny trousers, and pointy booties which remind me a little of Isabel Marant (for a fraction of the price).

The concept is based around (you guessed it) real-life couples. But these aren't just any couples (gawd, I'm sounding like an M&S commercial) - they are sexy, a little bit androgynous and a lot rock n rock. It's actually no surprise for me to learn tonight that the brothers behind the brand are the same founders of French label, Comptoir des Cotonniers, who's whole premise is around the theme of mothers and daughters. It's all very clever from a marketing perspective, and frankly it has me hooked.

The brand is due to open at my local shopping haunt, Westfield London, in a few weeks so I'll be sure to visit it then. Until then...here are some images to inspire you, plus their latest video for their Spring/Summer 11 collection. The Kooples recently opened three boutiques in London - King's Road, Soho and Selfridges. This post is to be continued so watch this space...NHG x

For more information visit thekooples.co.uk

Unruly Studio hair review

In November 2009 I did something very embarrassing; I tried to mimic Dannii Minogue's fabulous bob that she rocked on X Factor. Oh the shame! Why do I even watch X Factor?! I hate that show! Anyway, that's another issue altogether...as soon as I cut it, I regretted it and I've spent the past 15 months trying to grow it out.

I've only had two trims in that time, but today I finally had the all important 'new style' session with Michael Price from Unruly Studio on Portobello Road.

I'd heard great things about Michael, a stylish Director from work visits him and I can't remember her ever having a bad hair day...

The brief I gave to Michael was "Hi, I need you to fix my hair" and he instantly knew exactly what he wanted to do to it - which happened to be exactly what I wanted too. Result! We agreed that I still need to grow the length a few inches, but I'm extremely happy with the layers and shape. He later mentioned to me that he'd watched me walk in to sum up my hair as it's all about first impressions...

Before you start thinking "Notting Hill = expensive", think again! This was definitely cheaper than most large UK hair salon chains. Michael Price is the owner and Director of Unruly Studio and is in high demand so book in advance on 020 7727 7444. You won't be disappointed! As a side note, I dye my own hair and am currently using L'Oreal excell 10' in Spiced Chocolate.

I'm also wearing my new orange lipstick by Make Up Store which I absolutely love. I have gone mad for orange this summer and plan to wear it on both my lips, nails and eyes. The key to wearing this trend is to keep your eyes very neutral. It looks fab on both blondes and brunettes (not sure about red heads but you never know)!. NHG x

Please note: I paid for this haircut as I like to support local Notting Hill businesses. Unruly Studio had no idea I would write this.  

Stylish Blogger Award: Vintage Lover

Last week I received not one, but two Stylish Blogger Awards from the very lovely Style on the Couch and very funny Blighty! I thought that it would be wrong of me to not pass it on considering I follow so many deserving lovely ladies. I've decided to pass it on to a gorgeous fellow Aussie called Jaharn Giles, who runs the amazing blog, Vintage Lover.

I haven't met Jaharn in the 'real' world but I chat to her regularly in the 'virtual' world and we've recently realised we have six degrees of separation through both our jobs in London and back home in Australia. I should add that Jaharn is from Queensland and I'm from Victoria (a 3 hour flight away)! Reminds me how small the Australian fashion/retail scene is...

The reason I love, love (that means double love) her blog is that not only is she one stylish minx, but she does it mostly wearing vintage and pieces that she's thrifted from charity shops around the world. She has an amazing eye for turning thrifted items into coveted items and I absolutely love her 'Christina Centenera’ inspired DIY cut-out vintage blazer that she created last weekend (see below).

Other than writing her blog (and working in Fashion PR) Vintage Lover is also Jaharn's vintage label and she is about to launch her 5th collection shortly! You can see a sneak-peak of her '70's inspired' collection shoot on her blog.

I  know I've mentioned on here before that I used to run my own Ebay store and had quite a penchant for vintage, but I kind of gave it up shortly before I moved to London. I've also said that I love blogs that inspire me in some way so thank you for re-inspiring my love of vintage. And... I almost forgot to add that Jaharn will be covering London Fashion Week for Australian Harper's Bazaar so look out for her if you're there! NHG x


Visit Vintage Lover here

All images are from Vintage Lover

NHG beauty: WAH Nails

If you follow my blog you'll know that I love my nail polish. Truth be told, I used to paint my nails like a 5 year old let loose with a bottle of their mother's polish. Then a few years ago, I spent a summer back in Melbourne to renew my UK visa and let's just say, I had a LOT of time to practice painting my nails. 

Most of the time I paint my own nails, and I own a few simple tools like a cuticle trimmer for a more professional finish. When I do pay for a professional manicure, I always visit Julie Nails in Notting Hill who are a New York style nail bar. Their prices are great, and they do a fab job, using nail polish from high-quality brands OPI and Essie.

But what I'm really dying to do is visit Dalston just so I can visit the girls at WAH Nails. I know they also have a salon in Topshop on Oxford Street, but I'd prefer to visit their original salon for the full experience.

Their nail art is to-die-for, and they have certainly created a stir since landing on the scene 2009 collaborating with the likes of Marc by Marc Jacobs at Selfridges in October 2010.

I particularly love their leopard and bow nail art styles (too cute!) and Breton stripes will be perfect for this coming Summer. Their prices aren't bad either, with nail art starting at £20.  I'm going to make myself a booking and report back to you all! Would also love to hear any of your nail polish recommendations (please no Chanel - the quality is rubbish). NHG x

Visit WAH Nails' website here.

NHG loves: Mulberry Edie bag

Now let me be straight with you, I've never been into designer bags. Hailing from Melbourne, I've always worn Mimco bags which are like an Australian accessories institution (designed in Melbourne). The quality of leather is lovely and they are original designs.

But then something happened...I fell head over heels in love with Mulberry. When I finally received my Mulberry Bayswater in Oak print last September for my birthday, I was overjoyed. I still can't believe I own that bag...it's stunning and I plan to hand it down to my children one day (ok, I need a daughter to hand it down so hopefully that happens too).

I'm saving for property this year so another Mulberry bag wasn't on the cards, but that was until I laid my eyes on Edie in Powder Beige and knew that I HAD to have her. Just her name being Edie alone instantly reminds me of Edie Sedgwick, who I happen to absolutely adore.

I really can't deal with another heavy bag (my poor shoulders!), so I have my heart set on the smaller version which is still £664. I receive 10% off at Mulberry so at least that's something, but I'm now thinking of crazy ways to save for this bag including a) walking to work to save on travel costs b) making my lunch (never going to happen) or c) starting a Mulberry savings jar. It's quite obvious that I've seriously gone mad for Mulberry...NHG x

Visit Mimco's UK website here 

The long and the short of it...

The long and the short of it is...that dresses and skirts have finally gone from short to mid to long this spring/summer. I've never really worn them long (as I'm around 5'3), but I've decided to embrace this trend as it hides my legs which frankly, I don't particularly like.

The trend also works well with the English Summer, which is obviously not really "hot" in comparison to back home where wearing a long skirt probably wouldn't be the best idea on a 35c day! I've started wearing mine now, although I have a pair of Uniqlo HeatTech tights plus another pair of leggings on underneath to make it work in this chilly winter weather.

On another note, those who follow me on Twitter will know that I recently had a medical-grade chemical peel with Dr Sister from Beauty Works West in Notting Hill. I was originally thinking of doing a post on my experience, but the photos are so horrific I really don't feel comfortable showing those types of photos on my blog. I will say that the results were very good and you can see how clear my skin is in the photo below...you can find out more about the VI Peel here or by googling it. What I will say is that it despite the claims, the peel is painful and itchy and your entire face literally peels off. You'll need a good five days indoors away from the world to recover. NHG x

Outfit: Long skirt and hat, both H&M; Top, HeatTech by Uniqlo; Rust blazer, Topshop; Boots, Ash; Necklace, Mulberry; Wool scarf, Saba; Bag, Alexander Wang; Belt, thrifted from a charity shop. 

All a bit beige

Fashion went all a bit beige and dull this winter. Perhaps it was reflecting the still somewhat gloomy mood of the world, but all I could think of when I laid eyes of Phoebe Philo's AW10 collection for Celine was "oh no, not again".

Wearing shades of beige and camel always feels chic at the time, but whenever I look back at photos of the year 2000 (when I recall it was last in fashion) I can't stand the sight of my cord jeans and roll-neck jumper, both in deep camel hues.

I made a conscious decision this winter to only buy accessories in the shade, as I already had this Zara coat  in my wardrobe as a staple piece from 2009. On that note, I find one of the easiest ways to wear a new season colour is to wear it on your nails! I'm wearing Barry M in Mushroom which great quality and always under £3.

Word on the street (i.e Twitter) is that everyone can't wait for a pop of colour this coming Spring. The good news is that stores are getting their SS11 drops in early and I can't wait to get my hands on some colour - give me shades of mint green, cobalt blue, buttercup yellow, bright orange, peach and watermelon any day! NHG x

Outfit: Cream wool dress, Reiss; Coat and Boots, Zara; Bayswater bag, Mulberry; Vintage necklace, thrifted from charity shop, Nail polish, Barry M; Lipstick, YSL. 

A leopard changes its spots

I have always admired leopard print from afar but never dared to go near the trend until Spring/Summer this year when I decided that I actually love the print and bought a pair of Topshop leopard print harem pants as featured here.

I really wanted to invest in a printed coat this winter but with a modern spin on it. I've bought a few leopard print pieces in shades of grey including a silk Whistles top which I love, so when this Reiss 1971 grey leopard coat came out in Autumn I knew that I had to have it. At £225 I thought it was too expensive (considering it's fabric blend) but lucky for me it ended up going on sale for only £90 just before Christmas and I snapped it up! I love it when that happens...NHG x

Outfit: Leopard print coat, 1971 Reiss; Purple scarf, Witchery; Black Rat leggings, Sass & Bide; Ring, Topshop; Vintage leather clutch, Ebay; Nail Polish, Rimmel.