Prime Minister Theresa May heads to Ireland, Italy, Slovakia and Poland

30.7.16

Prime Minister Theresa May continued her tour of the United Kingdom and Europe this week, travelling to Northern Ireland and Italy to meet with leaders and officials.


Tom Evans/via
The Prime Minister headed to Stormont Castle on Monday, meeting with First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Her outfit consisted of a red shift dress, navy blue tailored jacket and the LK Bennett x Issa Parrot pumps.

Tom Evans/via
On Tuesday, the PM welcomed Taoiseach Enda Kenny of the Republic of Ireland to Number 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks.

We saw the return of a grey suit with intricate collar detailing, a blue cami and a pair of leopard print flats with buckle detailing from Russell & Bromley.

Tom Evans/via
On Wednesday, May returned to Europe, visiting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi at the Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome. The Prime Minister once again turned to Amanda Wakeley for her styling, wearing a navy dress and coat with light blue panel detailing. A chunky chain necklace and a pair of sparkly metallic flats accessorised this great outfit. A similar ballet pump version by Russell & Bromley can be found here.



Later in the week, the PM visited Slovakia and Poland, meeting with Prime Minister Fico and Prime Minister Szydlo. May repeated what I think is one of her favourite outfits- a long light blue coat over a black dress, accessorising with a great oversized blue ball necklace and leopard jewelled pumps from Russell & Bromley.

Tom Evans/via
Tom Evans/via

J.Crew New Arrivals

29.7.16

A new arrivals email from J.Crew is probably one of the most favourite messages that I receive. There are so many great pieces this season! It'll be hard to restrain myself from making a few purchases!

To get you in the shopping mood, here are some of my favourite pieces.


COLLECTION RUFFLE-FRONT SHIRT IN RATTI® EMERALD FLORAL: this pretty silk blouse comes straight from Italy. Its deep colours are perfect for autumn.


LUCITE LINK NECKLACE: bold is better! And this lucite necklace certainly fits the bill.


COLLECTION SADIE LOAFER FLATS IN LEOPARD CALF HAIR: these leopard loafer flats would be a firm favourite of our new Prime Minister, Theresa May. Maybe she will sport them down Downing Street?


RUFFLE-NECK TOP IN PONTE: delicate and light, the thin bow makes this a great transitional summer- autumn piece.


SIGNET BAG IN ITALIAN LEATHER: available in seven shades, this gorgeous Italian leather signet bag is the ideal size for the essentials. The contrasting key fob is super sweet!


"NEW YORK" DESTINATION ART T-SHIRT: I'll be purchasing this tee ahead of my next trip! 

Julie Bishop's amazing jackets

27.7.16


Recently re-elected as the Federal Member for Curtin and as Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop is currently attending a programme of AESAN foreign ministerial meetings in Laos.

I'll be taking an in depth look at Bishop's fantastic style in a future post, but for now, I'm really excited by her collection of jackets. A fuschia pink cowl neck silk jacket is the ideal number to pick if you want to stand out in a room of generic suits!

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My other particular favourite is this zipped jacket featuring a horizontal striped pattern of rich blue, black, blush pink and terracotta. It's perfectly proper whilst demonstrating Bishop's love of fashion. If you know who the designer is then please let me know!

What do you think of Bishop's Laos jacket collection?

The new Prime Minister's stylish first week

25.7.16

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UK politics has experienced a seismic shift over the past month. The decision to leave the EU in the referendum caused a change of Government and our second female Prime Minister- Theresa May.

The new Prime Minister has been in office a little over a week. She's picked her new Cabinet, visited Scotland, Wales, Germany and France as well as answering her first Prime Minister's Questions. I was in the gallery in the Commons Chamber for the latter, and believe me, it was as explosive in real life as it looked on the TV.


I was asked by German news outlet Deustche Welle to comment on Theresa May's sense of style, a question which I have been asked quite alot recently. A common response from people is 'Oh, that's a sexist thing to be asking,' or 'You wouldn't be commenting if the Prime Minister was a man.' Maybe we wouldn't, but there would still be an interest in their personality, what they enjoy to do in their private time and with much probability, an interest in what clothes their spouse or partner was wearing.

Personality forms a big part of our modern political environment. The dominance of the 24 hour news cycle, social media and blogs like this one have all pushed this interest, and consequently, we all want to know everything about our elected officials and their families.


Take Theresa May. She's interesting because we don't know too much about her. In her campaign launch speech she said she is a 'hard worker, [who] doesn't tour Parliament's bars and doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve.' We heard a little about her family and more about her record as Home Secretary. During her time as Conservative Party Chair and Home Secretary what we did find out was her love of fashion, and in particular shoes. She's partial to a bit of leopard, a good handbag and oversized necklaces. Russell & Bromley is one of her favourite places to shop and a Conservative Party donor once paid £17,500 to go on a shoe shopping trip with her. So lucky! Her choice of an Amanda Wakeley outfit as she entered No 10 will be iconic for many reasons, with the pop of neon sunshine yellow on a traditional navy dress and coat a sign of optimistic change.

Theresa May will be expected to and will deliver on the commitment to British fashion during her premiership. Attention on this side of her role will be greater than her female predecessor Margaret Thatcher, who was known to wear her now iconic suits and pussy bow blouses from British designers such as Burberry and Aquascutum. May has already shown her love of UK fashion, with her Black Watch tartan two piece Vivienne Westwood making many headlines. Similarly, her choice of sparkly Russell & Bromley loafers (of which I own a pair,) has demonstrated her playful side and reconfirms that you can be a powerful, professional woman and have fun at the same time.

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Whether they freely admit it or not, many working women will be closely watching what Theresa May wears. Her choices will be scrutinised more than ever, and there will be a demand to know what she's wearing and who it is by. This change brings great opportunity for bloggers like myself, and you can expect regular posts and analysis throughout May's time in office as well as exploring the sartorial choices of other female members of the Prime Minister's government.

There's not been a more exciting time to follow the powerful and stylish worlds of politics and fashion. With Theresa May as Prime Minister in the UK, Angela Merkel as Chancellor in Germany and the possibility of Hillary Rodham Clinton as President in the USA, women are truly in charge.


Here's what the Prime Minister wore this week...

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Scotland: navy cardigan coat and trousers; white cami top; patent red shoes from LK Bennett.


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Wales: red dress; white cardigan jacket; LK Bennett x Issa Parrot pumps.


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Prime Minister's Questions and Germany: navy tailored skirt suit; white cami top; LK Bennett leopard pumps.


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France: black dress and tailored jacket; oversized chain necklace, LK Bennett x Issa Parrot pumps. 


If you want to score a little May style, then these navy and neon yellow trim pants from Amanda Wakeley are currently on sale!

Snapchat

22.7.16


I've been having lots of fun on Snapchat lately and there are some great accounts to follow!

Follow me at lauraemilyd!


And leave me your account name- I'd love to check out your snaps!


What a time to be in Parliament!

18.7.16

The imposing Portcullis House, home to many offices of Parliament's MPs.
If you've been following my adventures on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, you'll know that I've been working in Parliament for the past several months.

The seismic change in UK politics has been pretty much all what the whole country and world has been talking about. The referendum vote to leave the European Union resulted in a new Prime Minister and a new government, as well as drama for many of the UK's political parties.

I'm a full blown politico, and to be at the heart of the action has been an experience I am unlikely to forget. From meeting Ministers and our new Prime Minister, the Palace of Westminster certainly has been a money can't buy time!

Last week I saw David Cameron leave the Palace of Westminster for the final time as Prime Minister - it was a case of being in the right place at the right time! Check out my video below of this historic moment.



Political turmoil isn't exclusive to the UK. Our Australian friends have just had their federal election, and sixteen days after polling day, some seats are finally being declared. I've penned my thoughts on this time of tumultuous political change in my latest Medium post, and I'd love to hear what you think!

Politics. It's never a dull topic!

Marbelized Ceramics at AERIN

15.7.16


I'm in a refresh mood at the moment, and August will be spent redoing my home office. These marbelized ceramic items from AERIN have caught my eye- they would be the perfect accessory for some new shelves that are coming my way!

My favourite is the curved clay vase in a blue marbelized pattern. A stunning centrepiece and item in its own right.

AERIN has a great range of home accessories, so if you are looking to refresh your decor then make sure you check out the site

Earn Your Seat On A Corporate Board: Advice from Jill Griffin

13.7.16

A well run business can change the world, and being on a corporate board is leadership at the highest level. It's important for all of us at each level of our career to continue our professional development. Whether you're volunteering for a local charity, fundraising for a good cause or seeking to serve on a board, furthering your skills and experience will help build your career, elevate leadership and expand your influence.

I currently serve as a governor at a local high school, and I am keen to sit on a board in the near future. Jill Griffin's new book 'Earn Your Seat On A Corporate Board' is full of great advice for this path, with a handy checklist and tips and tricks to achieve a board position.

Beginning with the basics of terminology and ending with an actionable strategy for making the right connections and the right skillset, Griffin's practical advice is straightforward and positive in its approach.

Griffin herself is an independent public board director, and has served as the Board Director for Luby's/Fuddruckers Restaurants since 2003. Griffin credits her experience as a Board Director for helping her to become a better listener, making new contacts and broadening her knowledge of the corporate world.

If you are seeking to become a board member or enter public service, Earn Your Seat On A Corporate Board is well worth a read.

Thanks to Jill Griffin for sending me a review copy of her book.

Shoe Love at Russell & Bromley

11.7.16

It's no secret that I am a lover of shoes. Russell & Bromley is one of my favourite places to shop for snazzy shoes, and they have some fantastic finds this season! If you make it to one of their stores pretty quick, you'll also be able to snag a sale bargain!

Here are my top picks from their current selection.








Jersey: The Island Break

6.7.16

Jersey
Jersey is on my wishlist of places to visit, and for the time being I can experience it right from the comfort of my desk.

A series of 360 degree videos have been launched by Visit Jersey, letting all of us step onto the island and explore the picturesque Plemont Bay, Queen's Valley and the Corbiere Lighthouse.

Playable on smartphones, desktops and tablets, these 360° videos are also compatible with VR headsets- an experience which I was treated to!


To experience the island for yourself, enter for a chance to win a dream island break for two to Jersey. The prize includes return flights, accommodation and other fun activities. To be in with a chance of winning your dream break and a VR headset, head to www.jersey.com/360. Share your favourite Jersey 360° and join the conversation using #theislandbreak.


Thanks to Jersey for sending me a VR headset to test out for the campaign!

Independence Day Party at Winfield House

4.7.16


Last week I received the most sought after invitation in London- a ticket to the Independence Day Party at Winfield House, the official residence of the American Ambassador to the UK.

Ambassador Matthew Barzun and Mrs Brooke Brown Barzun hosted a celebration of the 240th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States, and boy do they know how to throw a party!


Festival themed, the party had coloured flags, vintage vehicles and plenty of food and drink- all appropriately American themed.

Highlights included a pop-up Starbucks, mountains of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and an amazing performance by Bastille. I'm still pinching myself.


I loved exploring the grounds of Winfield House, taking in the rows of beautiful roses, topiary and flags from all the states.










Thank you to Ambassador Barzun and Mrs Barzun for the invitation and a night to remember!

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