Washington DC Trip: Inauguration, Women's March and Winter Fun

Washington DC is like my second home. Full of charm, beautiful architecture and the most interesting people, I was in the District last week for the inauguration, Women's March and to catch up with friends and colleagues.

I had booked my ticket before the results of the presidential election were revealed. I knew this trip wouldn't be like the ones that had gone before.

I arrived two days before inauguration day, and even then the mood was tense. I'd describe it as a mix between anticipation and trepidation. When inauguration day dawned, I headed into the city on the Metro with my friend. The Metro was empty, with only a few other passengers on the train. It was quieter than a work day! Security was extremely tight in the centre of DC, with lots of police, National Guard, army and snipers on the roofs. Protestors had already begun to demonstrate and their chants were in competition with cheers of 'USA' from Trump supporters. The mood was not one of celebration or jubilation, and as a spectator, I was really shocked by the scenes that I saw. I've written more about the day here.

The next day was the Women's March, and spirits were lifted. In contrast to the day before, the Metro was packed with women. Each holding handmade and really witty signs, as well as pink Kitty hats, the mood was positive and upbeat, and it was clear that many women had travelled far and wide to be in DC for this historic moment. When we exited the Metro everybody cheered and this continued outside. People literally streamed towards the National Mall, and within a short space of time, it was clear that attendance would top the predicted turnout. I met so many people from across America and was pretty psyched when someone gave me an original Hillary Clinton campaign sign. It really was a positive day.

The rest of my trip was spent attending meetings and exploring some of my favourite parts of the city. I went to the Air and Space Museum - my first trip since aged 11! Whilst not much had changed it was pretty cool to see the Hubble Telescope, the Space Shuttle exhibition and items from the Moon Landing. I also revisited the American History Museum to see the First Lady dresses- I always do this when I am in DC! I also had a good time visiting the British Embassy and strolling the streets of Georgetown and admiring the gorgeous houses.

Air and Space Museum

Julia Child's kitchen

Michelle Obama's beautiful inaugural gown

Georgetown architecture

America felt like a different place when I left. The change of administration is always an interesting episode to watch, and as a Brit, it was fascinating to see the pomp and pageantry of a new President taking office. So much has happened in the last week, much of which is completely hard to comprehend. Whilst I will always love visiting the USA, I feel future trips will be very different. 

Theresa May meets Donald Trump in Washington DC

Prime Minister Theresa May met President Donald Trump in Washington DC today. She's the first world leader to meet the newly inaugurated President since he was sworn in a week ago.

Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

The PM arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday evening to address Republican congressional leaders at their annual retreat, delivering a commitment to the strengthening of the special relationship and that the USA and the UK will 'lead together again.'



May wore a navy blue suit and the gold Twister block heels from Russell & Bromley in her first US appearance as PM. She debuted a custom made military inspired black coat by British designer Daniel Blake and accessorised with her black Amanda Wakeley shoulder bag with chain detail.

Embed from Getty Images

Today, Theresa May laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Embed from Getty Images

Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

She also laid a wreath at the grave of Field Marshall Dill.

Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

The Prime Minister then headed to the White House to meet President Trump, visiting the Oval Office and holding a joint press conference in the East Room. May wore a favourite red Amanda Wakeley dress and jacket, accessorising with a pair of LK Bennett patent red kitten heels and a patterned silk scarf.

Embed from Getty Images

Number 10

The 2017 Bath Decorative Antiques Fair

The world has changed quite a lot since 1989 when the first Bath Decorative Antiques Fair took place at the Pavilion in Bath. The Fair is back for 2017, running from the 2-5 March.

Around 45 exhibitors attend the event and a good number of those dealers do not exhibit at any comparable fairs and keep stock back for Bath. Such is the popularity of this unique event that a core group of exhibitors return year on year, some going right back to the very first fair!

Returning exhibitors announced so far in 2017 include No 1 Lewes, Chris Holmes Decorative Antiques, Decorative & Modern, John Shepherd & Erna Hiscock, Life England, Linda North, Not Wanted on Voyage, Scandinavian by Design, Wharton Decorative Antiques, Elham Antiques, Appledore Antiques, Winfield Canes, John Wiseman Reclamation & Salvage Antiques, Waterfall Antiques, William Morris Antiques, Guy Dennler Antiques, Life England, Michael Holt Antiques, Paul Burnett Decorative Antiques, Larkhall Fine & Decorative Art, Paul Drewett and Candice Horley C20th Glamour.

Names making a debut in 2017 released so far are Elizabeth Lee Interiors, Frome, Somerset, Mark Blower, The Channel Islands, Marchand Antiques, Arundel, Sussex, The Swedish Room, Hungerford, Berkshire and La Place Antiques, Arundel, Sussex.

Always a star attraction at Bath and flying the flag for traditional Folk Art, Naive Art, English pottery and country furniture will be Devon based Appledore Antiques who has recently teamed up with Winfield Antique Canes who have a particular flair for reinventing how we look at walking canes with their arresting display using artist’s lay figure hands to hold the canes against a black velvet wall. Another favourite exhibitor dealing in traditional Folk Art will be Erna Hiscock and John Shepherd.

At the other end of the spectrum C20th Mid Century design will be well represented by Scandinavian by Design, Not Wanted on Voyage and Decorative & Modern. French and Swedish decorative antiques will be on show from The Swedish Room, La Place Antiques and No1 Lewes. Chris Holmes Antiques and Elham Antiques also deal in French painted furniture, garden antiques and large scale painted industrial pieces. Contemporary artist Chloe Holt, partner of Chris Holmes will be showing her very popular abstract flower paintings after a sell out show at Bath in 2016.

Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is known as a source for garden antiques and this year Linda North, Violet Grey Vintage Garden and Elizabeth Lee Interiors will be enticing visitors with French, Italian and English garden furniture, jardinières and urns. Trends from last year show that decorators are using garden pieces for interior installations seeking distressed metal tables and chairs for accent pieces. Another trend in 2016 for decorators was architectural reclamation with huge French doors and fire surrounds and decorative ironwork being snapped up from Wharton Antiques and John Wiseman Antiques.

On Sunday 5 March Bath Decorative Antiques Fair will take place on the same day as BathVA and visitors will be invited to join one of the country’s most exciting young dealers Edd Thomas of Edd in the Clouds at both events for a ‘Style Up Top Picks’ tour of the Bath Decorative Fair and the tour will continue in the afternoon at BathVA. The tour will be covered on social media in real time and in the run up to the event. Edd Thomas is the chairman of the celebrated Antiques Young Guns and will be concentrating on inspiring visitors to look at antiques in a new way, to think about a ‘century mash up’ - making antiques relevant by mixing with contemporary and vintage pieces on sale at both fairs – for example styling a huge industrial shop counter with a collection of traditional copper pans or a sleek Lucite dining table styled with silver plate Country House food domes.

Other events at the fair include an exciting antiques industry celebrity tour of the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair on Friday 3 March when ‘The Queen of Antiques’ Judith Miller will tour the fair to choose ‘Judith’s Top Picks for Collectors’ and this tour will be video streamed in real time on social media. Dedicated tour tickets giving a free glass of Prosecco for both tours will be available from the website on a first come first served basis from mid January 2017.

For more information on exhibitors and to claim tickets visit www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk.

Date: 2-5 March 2017. TRADE ONLY 2 March
Venue: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath, BA2 4EU
Opening Times:
TRADE PREVIEW Thursday 2 March: 12noon – 5pm. Admission with Trade Invite or Trade Business Card. Otherwise £10.00.
PUBLIC: Friday 3 – Sunday 5 March 10am – 5pm
Admission: £5.00.

Larry the Chief Mouser

The cats of Whitehall have an international following. We've got Evie and Ossie at the Cabinet Office, Palmerston at the Foreign Office, Gladstone at the Treasury and last, but by no means least, Larry at 10 Downing Street.

The latter is the star of a new publication called 'The Chief Mouser.' Eavesdropping on the conversations of Cabinet Ministers and roaming the streets of Whitehall, Larry is a firm favourite and has notably got into many scraps with his feline neighbour, Palmerston at the Foreign Office.

A little bit of fun for all of my politicos, this book details the history and place of cats in Whitehall and in other high ranking institutions. Luckily, we hear Theresa May is a fan of Larry! 

Julie Mays Shoes

I'm always on the hunt for shoes, and was pretty excited to land on the website of Julie Mays. Launched in 2015 by Julia Mayer in Zurich, Switzerland, Mayer is an entrepreneur with a background in management consulting and a Master's degree from London Business School.

During her time in consultancy she worked long hours and got fed up with the lack of beautiful, well made shoes that were actually wearable to work and outside. Having a good look at her heels, she was also astonished that they didn’t offer more foot support; they were basically composed of a piece of leather and hard cardboard. Combining this revelation with a great admiration for Italian craftsmanship, Mayer developed a collection of handmade Italian shoes that feature a brand new sole technology, specifically engineered for high heels and designed to offer feet more support than regular shoes.

Mayer has a fantastically captivating array of shoes online- from jewel hued suede pumps to soft and chic flats and even a pair of heels adorned with hearts.

If you're in the market for a pair of power pumps, check out Julie Mays!

Theresa May wears Louison D'or

I've had many followers send me messages over the past days asking about Theresa May's faux fur snood which she debuted at Davos. Well, I'm pleased to announce that the eclectic scarf is by Louison D'Or!

Based in Twickenham, the petite accessories brand is the brainchild of Emilie Lhoste. The luxury brand offers high-quality products to suit every age and style, and definitely fits with the Prime Minister's quirky taste in accessories.

May's scarf is budget friendly at £65 and made from the finest faux fur. I particularly love the pewter grey and orange stripe design and the PM used the piece to style up an oatmeal coloured jacket and black trousers for her speech.

Another style winner for the PM!

Obama Administration: My Favourite Photos

Eight years of the Obama Administration come to an end today. Here are my favourite, lesser known photos from the President and Administration who changed everything.

First Lady Michelle Obama talks with Dr. Jill Biden in the Blue Room of the White House before delivering remarks to the 2013 USO Service Member Honorees, Oct. 25, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Barack Obama talks with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Blue Room of the White House following the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, Nov. 20, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

First Lady Michelle Obama signs autographs after delivering the keynote address at Disney's Veterans Institute Workshop at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 14, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Barack Obama walks with Kaye Wilson, left, and daughters Malia, center, and Sasha as they return to the White House from St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet Kennedy Center honoree Meryl Streep in the Blue Room of the White House, Dec. 4, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Prime Minister Julia Gillard proposes a toast to President Barack Obama during the Parliamentary Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 16, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, along with former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, pause at the North Memorial Pool of the National September 11 Memorial in New York, N.Y., on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against the United States, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. The North Memorial pool sits in the footprint of the north tower, formerly 1 World Trade Center. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden joke together while taping a Joining Forces public service announcement in the East Room of the White House, April 4, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a "Toys for Tots" service project at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., Dec. 17, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

First Lady Michelle Obama curtsies with Lynne Silosky, a niece of posthumous Medal of Honor awardee, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, in the Oval Office, Oct. 6, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s hands rest on the railing of a boat during their tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama descend the Grand Staircase of White House to attend a holiday party, Dec. 13, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden walk around the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, July 24, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Theresa May's Brexit Speech

Theresa May delivered her speech containing the 12 objectives for Brexit at Lancaster House, London today.

Eagerly awaited, the speech laid out the Government's plans for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. The 12 objectives are:

1 - Clarity

The Prime Minister says the Government will provide certainty and clarity at every opportunity during the negotiations.

Sites the fact all current laws will be passed into British law the day after we leave the European Union.

The final agreed deal will be put before both the House of Commons and the House of Lords for approval.

2 - Take back control of laws

The Government wants to end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in Britain.

The Prime Minister wants to see law-making powers returned to Westminster and to the devolved parliaments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

3 - No border with Ireland

Theresa May says maintaining the common travel area with the Republic of Ireland will be a priority.

She says the Government will work to deliver a practical solution to the issue, which allows movement between he republic and Northern Ireland, whilst also maintaining control of immigration into the UK.

4 - A fairer Britain

A key objective is to create a fairer Britain for everyone who lives and works here.

She says controlled immigration serves the national interest and intends to control the number of people coming to Britain from the European Union.

5 - Rights of EU citizens in the UK

Theresa May says she wants to guarantee the rights of EU citizens currently living in the UK.

She also wants guarantees that Brits living in the EU will get the same deal.

The Prime Minister says some EU leaders agree with her that an early deal on this would be a good thing, but claims others do not.

6 - Workers rights

Workers rights will be a priority for the Government, which will ensure all current rights are fully protected and maintained.

7 - A truly global Britain

Theresa May wants to reach out to new friends and old allies around the world.

She says part of that is securing a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union, giving British firms maximum freedom to trade in the EU and vice-versa.

8 - Access but no cost

However, Britain will not seek to maintain its membership of the single market.

Theresa May says companies from both sides should be able to trade freely but 'the days of Britain making vast contributions to the EU every year will end'.

9 - The Customs Union

Full membership of the customs union is not possible but the UK will seek to strike a new customs deal with the EU.

10 - Science and innovation

The Prime Minister says Britain is one of the best places in the world for science and innovation.

She wants to continue working with the European Union on science projects.

11- Crime and terrorism

The UK will continue to work with EU on crime, terrorism and foreign affairs.

Practical arrangements on sharing intelligence and law enforcement will continue.

Theresa May says it is a partnership of friends and allies.

12 - Transitional phase

The aim is to reach an agreement by the time the two-year Article 50 process is concluded.

But after that there should be a phased process of implementation to give businesses enough time to plan.

The Prime Minister wants to avoid a disruptive cliff-edge and ensure a smooth and orderly Brexit.

Crown Copyright/Jay Allen

The Prime Minister put Britain firmly at the centre of her speech, choosing an outfit by British designer Vivienne Westwood. We've seen May wear her Blackwatch tartan trouser suit on many important occasions, including her speech to announce her candidacy for leadership. She chose the familiar black patent and jewel encrusted brogues from Russell & Bromley- one of the fiercest pairs of shoes in her wardrobe.

It's a confident, power player outfit perfect for the situation and perhaps a subtle hint for her desire to keep the Union together!

Embed from Getty Images

Obama Administration: Behind the Scenes at the White House

The White House is a special place in itself, and one of the joys of the past eight years has been Pete Souza's photographs documenting the people and spaces that make up the Executive Mansion. I've been fortunate to visit the White House on a few occasions, the many years of history and beautiful architecture making it a special place. Here are just some of the fantastic photographs from the Obama Administration providing a behind the scenes glimpse of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Detail of the Resolute Desk as the President was talking with two aides in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Aerial view of the White House taken from the cockpit of Marine One upon arrival from Baltimore, Md., Jan. 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama walks toward the West Wing of the White House, Sept. 26, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

2013 USO Service Member Honorees watch from the Green Room of the White House as Marine One takes off from the South Lawn, Oct. 25, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Sunny waits by the door in the Diplomatic Reception Room Vestibule of the White House, Nov. 8, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

White House Butler Jorge Davila visits with Bo and Sunny in the Butler's Pantry, Dec. 1, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Chief of Staff Denis McDonough's feet are pictured during a meeting in the Oval Office, Nov. 14, 2013. The Oval Office rug has several quotations around its perimeter, including one from Abraham Lincoln which reads, "government of the people, by the people, for the people." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visit with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom and Samantha Cameron during a State Dinner reception on the Truman Balcony of the White House, March 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama descend the Grand Staircase to greet guests at a holiday reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Dec. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Marine One departs the South Lawn of the White House, Nov. 26, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

First Lady Michelle Obama and White House chefs join children from Bancroft and Tubman Elementary Schools to harvest vegetables during the third annual White House Kitchen Garden fall harvest on the South Lawn, Oct. 5, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama exits Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House following a trip to Fort Stewart, Ga., April 27, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Bo, the Obama family dog, lounges in the West Garden Room of the White House, Sept. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during a meeting with newly elected governors at Blair House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 2, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Barack Obama walks from the White House to Blair House in Washington, D.C., to attend a working meeting with business leaders, Dec. 15, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama has lunch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the Oval Office Private Dining Room, Dec. 20, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama listens to the University of Texas Pan American Mariachi Aztlan band in the Grand Foyer before signing the Executive Order for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans in the East Room of the White House, Oct. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Snow blankets the White House south grounds during a blizzard Feb. 6, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The White House blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama, upper right, stands near a carpet bearing the presidential seal before making remarks in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The Presidential limousine gets a quick cleaning before a trip taking President Barack Obama to a conference at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama stands in the Outer Oval Office, viewed from the Cabinet Room of the White House, Jan. 7, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama whistles as he walks along the Colonnade of the White House following a holiday reception, Dec. 14, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

A Marine Sentry stands guard outside the West Wing entrance of the White House, Dec. 14, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling arranges a bouquet in the Vermeil Room of the White House, Dec. 1, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Snow covers the East Garden at the White House, Dec. 21, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Bo, the Obama family dog, waits near a Christmas tree in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Dec. 3, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

The sky is seen above the Truman Balcony of the White House, Sept., 29 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Cranberry garland decorates a fireplace mantle in the Red Room of the White House, Dec. 1, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

A team of volunteers decorates the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Pumpkins decorate the Navy Mess in the West Wing of the White House, Oct. 26, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial are seen at dusk behind the the South Lawn Fountain of the White House, Oct. 22, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

A shadow is cast across a place setting in President Barack Obama's private dining room on Oct. 13, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)