Rainy Days with The Umbrella Shop

30.3.15


It's officially spring, but the weather doesn't know this! This past weekend was a particularly wet and cold one...but it was perfect to test out my new umbrella from The Umbrella Shop!

Living in a climate where the elements are particularly wet and windy and umbrella is an essential piece of kit. This vented golf umbrella is perfect for tackling the windy weather, and the black and white colouring is my favourite.


And the grand setting where the road test took place? The glorious Tredegar House in Newport. You may recognise it from television shows including Doctor Who. It has an amazing history and is set in amazing grounds. It's one of my favourite places!


Thanks to my pal Helen Reynolds for the photos- had to include this great outtake!

Outfit: Umbrella, c/o The Umbrella Shop | Scarf, Tory Burch | Bag, Longchamp | Jacket: Barbour | Pants: Zara | Rainboots, J.Crew

Washington Week with Gwen Ifill launches new Fellowship scheme

28.3.15


Great news if you're interested in becoming a journalist or getting into the media! Washington Week with Gwen Ifill, seen Fridays at 8:00 pm on PBS stations nationwide, has announced a new fellowship initiative to train emerging journalists, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Funded by Newman’s Own Foundation, this six-month, paid, entry-level program will select four promising journalists over the next two year who are pursuing a career in TV news production, digital media, or reporting and provide them with an immersive experience.

“As I visit schools and campuses around the country, I've always been excited to meet the next generation of smart journalists,” said Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor of Washington Week. “With this new fellowship, Washington Week will now be able to expand our commitment to making sure we help nurture and groom young people who yearn to tell the news well, no matter the platform.”

Fellows will work with the Washington Week team to research national and international news stories, generate story ideas, produce broadcast and web content, and assist with the production of the weekly series and special online initiatives.

The fellowships will be available from:

  • June through November 2015 (one fellow);
  • December 2015 through May 2016 (one fellow); and
  • June through November 2016 (two fellows).

The deadline for applying is April 27, 2015. For more details click here.

White House Week

28.3.15

President Barack Obama embraces Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after signing the health insurance reform bill in the East Room of the White House, March 23, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
This week marked the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. President Biden shared his thoughts, which you can hear here!

This week also saw the White House Science Fair! Running for five years, this year President Obama welcomed more than 100 students from more than 30 states for a celebration and showcase of their truly remarkable achievmenets in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Watch the highlights below!



Make sure you check out this fun video about the White House Student Film Festival, featuring our favorite- Kid President!

Travel Tips

27.3.15


I love to travel! Next week I'm returning to the States and to my two favourite cities- Washington DC and New York!

I have a routine now when it comes to preparing and actually setting off on the journey. When I start to get my washbag ready, that signifies that the holiday has begun! #Superorganized.

I must admit that I don't find packing fun, but using those mesh type pods are a gift from heaven when I start to sort out what clothes I need to take. They save so much room in the case and you can really pack lots in!

I always put shoes at the bottom, and try not to take more than three pairs (one of which I'll be wearing.) I also use lots of Zip Lock bags for my toiletries and make-up, and I always pack a roll of tape and some bubble wrap in case I buy any fragile items during my trip!

When it comes to the journey, I print all the documents out ahead of time and place them in a clear wallet so I can see where everything is. I pack a few treats for the flight and will often buy a magazine at the airport. I'll usually buy some food at the airport to take onto the plane - maybe a sandwich or a salad, some juice, fruit and a little chocolate!

In my carry-on I also pack all my electrical leads and power converters, as well as a small medical kit. One thing I would recommend is buying a sensible and protective case or bag for your laptop- and something that you can also fit inside your handbag.

Following this routine helps me stay focused and keeps me excited for the fun I've planned ahead!

What tips would you recommend for travelling? Is there a particular item or method that has made your journey stress-free? Let me know in the comments! 

Spring Favourites at J.Crew

25.3.15


Spring has sprung and I am in love with these new accessories at J.Crew!





Which pieces are on your must have list for Spring?

Royal Style: King Willem and Queen Maxima State Visit to Denmark

23.3.15

Two of our favourite royals collided last week when King Willem and Queen Maxima had a state visit to Denmark. They met with Prince Frederick and Princess Mary on the visit which also included a spectacular state dinner.


Queen Maxima arrived in Denmark wearing this amazing grey coat by Dutch designer Claes Iversen- I am obsessed and need this in my wardrobe!


Queen Maxima upcycled her inauguration gown for the state dinner - the striking cobalt blue gown was customer made by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. Queen Maxima accessorised with a diamond and sapphire tiara, created by skilled Parisian jeweller Mellerio. It features 655 diamonds set in platinum, with 33 Kashmir sapphires nestled at the bottom of the diadem. WOW.


AERIN Beauty and Neue Galarie Collaboration

21.3.15


In honor of the opening of "Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Gold" on Thursday, April 2, 2015, the Neue Galerie Design Shop has partnered with AERIN to unveil an exclusive AERIN Rose Balm Lipstick Set.

Developed by Neue Galerie New York Director Renée Price, in collaboration with
AERIN Creative Director and Founder Aerin Lauder, the exclusive set is inspired by Gustav Klimt, an artist who defined the allure of fin-de-siècle Vienna with his seductive portraits of society women, in particular his sensuous portrait Adele Bloch-Bauer I from 1907. The painting, which was acquired by the Neue Galerie in 2006, is the centerpiece of the museum collection, as well as the subject of a compelling new historical drama, "Woman in Gold," starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds.

The exclusive AERIN Rose Balm Lipstick Set will feature two AERIN Rose Balm Lipsticks that complement the portrait. Liebling, a top-selling AERIN shade, evokes the warm blush tones in Adele’s lips and cheeks, and Sequin, a Neue Galerie exclusive, glows with a golden shimmer that captures the radiance of the painting.

AERIN Rose Balm Lipstick shades feature a luxe texture, medium coverage, and a shine finish. The lipsticks are each packaged in golden rectangular cases with a black pouch inside a custom box decorated with the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer. The exclusive AERIN Rose Balm Lipstick Set is available for a limited time through the Neue Galerie Design Shop for $64.

White House Week

21.3.15

First Lady Michelle Obama is joined by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Akie Abe, the First Lady of Japan, during a “Let GIrls Learn” announcement held at the Iikura Guest House in Tokyo, Japan on March 19, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
This week, the First Lady travelled to Japan. In Tokyo, Mrs Obama announced a new partnership between the two countries that will help girls across the world go to school. The program will be called Let Girls Learn and will be run by the Peace Corps. Find out more here. 

Mrs Obama also travelled to Kyoto where she visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. During this trip she has been accompanied by Ambassador Kennedy.

First Lady Michelle Obama, along with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, while visiting Kiyomizu-Dera Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, Japan on March 20, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Back at the White House, President Obama welcomed the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to the Executive Mansion as part of their trip to the USA.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in the Oval Office, March 19, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President also celebrated St Patrick's Day! See all the action here. 

Sperry x Gray Malin

20.3.15

If you haven't come across Gray Malin's stunning photography where have you been?! This limited collection with Sperry celebrates the spirit of the sea and the brand's iconic American style of footwear.

The two styles for women are awesome!





Claire Underwood: House of Cards S3 Style

18.3.15

I finally finished House of Cards Series 3 over the weekend, and oh my, it was worth the wait! Aside from the gripping storylines and the last five minutes of the final episode (what!!!) I was obsessed with the wardrobe that Robin Wright wears to play Claire Underwood.

The character of Claire is pretty amazing. She's strong and determined but displays a real fragility. Some have called her a modern day Lady MacBeth, but I think in the latest series, we really got to see behind the facade.

Claire's style in Series 3 had many similarities, but there were subtle differences in the clothes that she was wearing. Robin Wright brought her stylist, Kemal Harris to work with her, and the results see her character wearing a mix of Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and Proenza Schouler. The color palette doesn't stray much from greys, whites and navys- apart from a burgundy dress in a scene on Air Force One and a pale lavender suit for her formal photograph with the President.

It's also notable that Claire was little to no accessories. Apart from her Cartier tank, a pair of simple earrings and a belt from time to time, her style is very minimal, and the focus is purely on the clothes.

So what were my favourite Claire looks from S3?


I love the shoulder detailing on this black dress!


This Kemal Harris off the shoulder dress was custom made for the character and is a big change from her normal palette.


A sharp white sleeved dress. 



The amazing silk Valentina gown by Ralph Lauren! Who else thought the beer pong scene was really fun?


An elegant separates look- a black pencil skirt and white silk top.


That final scene... I love her grey plaid scarf! 

Screenshots/Netflix
And for cinematography, this shot is pretty special. 

What do you love about Claire Underwood's style?

Behind the Scenes at the White House: Part Two

17.3.15

There's been a great batch of photos released by The White House over the past few days. Here's the second post of my favourites! 
























Official White House Photos

Behind the Scenes at the White House: Part One

16.3.15

There are so many great photos that The White House shared over the weekend on their Flickr page that I've had to divide my favorites into two parts! Make sure you don't miss the second post tomorrow.




















Official White House Photos
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