Fever hits London

When exploring my favourite cities I'm always interested in finding new things to see and do. I'm really excited by today's launch of the app Fever in London!

Fever is the free, smart lifestyle app that uses artificial intelligence to uncover personalized, premium recommendations of things for you to check out in your city.

The brainchild of 22-year-old Spanish CEO Pep Gomez, Fever is making the jump across the water after successes in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and New York. One million users in these four cities already rely on Fever to unlock the best kept secrets they wouldn’t want to miss. You can follow friends and favorite tastemakers to see what they are up to and premier music, food, film, art, sports, culture and nightlife is at the tips of your fingers.

To start building a profile on Fever, you are asked to pick “hashtags” of things you love to do with your free time. Categories for these “hashtags” include film, party, food, shopping, sports, culture, music and more. By telling Fever your favorite things, the app is able to start pulling local experiences you’re definitely not going to want to miss.

I can't wait to try out Fever when I'm next in London! If you're in London, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or New York and use Fever let me know about some the cool places you've found!

Bergdorf Goodman x New Balance

As much as I love a good pair of heels, sneakers are my go to shoe. I've been eyeing a pair of New Balance sneakers for a few months, and when Bergdorf Goodman released their premium NB collection I knew I had to have them!

The NB Grey collection features five designs exclusive to Bergdorf's, and the sneakers have been recreated using sophisticated materials. I opted for the 696 metallic detailed leather sneaker in black and white- it literally goes with everything in my wardrobe! The other designs are also pretty great, and come in grey, pink/purple/blue, ivory and blue/grey.

Stay tuned for photos on how I style the sneakers!

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Uber Hometown City Guide: Washington D.C.

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Washington D.C. A city of power, politics and pretty awesome things to do! I've been fortunate to live and work in D.C., and I regard it as my second home!

I'm partnering with Uber to share some of my favourite places in D.C. The places that tourists may normally not visit, and locations you can go to to experience a completely 'local' feeling. Read on for some great ideas!

To Visit: 

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Hillwood Museum & Gardens: On my recent trip I visited Hillwood Museum & Gardens. During the time I lived in D.C. I never knew this amazing house existed! This decorative arts museum is the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist and dedicated collector. The collection is filled with Faberge eggs and there is a stunning greenhouse containing a wide range of orchids. It's a must see!

Washington National Cathedral: This impressive building has played host for the funerals of Presidents as well as an episode of the West Wing! Head to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city and descend to the crypt to visit the final resting place of Helen Keller.

Old Town Alexandria: I'm lucky that my friends live in Old Town! It's full of charm and lots of history. I love to walk along the waterfront - you can spot the Capitol building in the distance!

To Dine:

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The Hamilton: hands down, I love this place! Located two blocks from the White House, The Hamilton has a bohemian spirit and an even better American fare menu. I love the fish tacos, the Hamilton burger and the mint chocolate chip shake!

The Chart House: set on Old Town's scenic waterfront, this one seafood restaurant you don't want to miss. On a recent visit, I had dinner with a pal in the turret room- complete with a fire pit! The Atlantic salmon was to. die. for.


To Shop:

The Lucky Knot: located in Old Town, this is a preppy girl's idea of heaven! Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade, Smathers and Branson and Lilly Pulitzer adorn the shelves and you won't leave empty handed!

The White House Historical Association: for all your White House goodies, stop by the White House Historical Association! Here you can find the official holiday ornaments as well as a great selection of publications and gifts.

Mazza Gallerie and Pentagon City: my favourite stores are located in these two complexes. I love to hit Neiman Marcus for my slice of luxury, and Pentagon City for J.Crew and Nordstrom.

Uber is giving readers discount on their first ride up to $30 using the code RIDIN30. 

Thanks Uber! 

White House Correspondents' Dinner 2015: Round-Up

View image | gettyimages.com

The First Lady wears custom Zac Posen.

View image | gettyimages.com

Mika Brzezinski wears custom Dara Lamb.

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

Veteran event planner Webster offers tricks of the trade

6 rooftop bars to celebrate the beginning of spring

EW to present Gilmore Girls reunion

A ranking of the world's most powerful passports

The woman bringing a start-up mentality to Washington DC

White House Week

First Lady Michelle Obama attends the commencement ceremony at George Washington University on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Sunday, May 16, 2010. Mrs. Obama delivered the commencement address after students made good on her challenge to do 100,000 hours of service in exchange for a graduation speech. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

This week, the First Lady Michelle Obama announced that she will deliver commencement addresses at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Preparatory High School (King College Prep) in Chicago, Illinois.

All three schools are doing their part to answer the President’s call to ensure that America has the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

The White House also marked Earth Day and President Obama spent time in the Everglades in Florida. Coverage of his trip and photos from social media showing what they would protect from climate change can be seen here. 

Next week will see a visit from the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe to the United States. Stay tuned for photos and information! 

5 Fave J.Crew New Arrivals

Boy shirt in pink gingham

Corsica calf hair espadrille wedges

Collection raffia tank

Full spectrum crystal necklace

Sleeveless belted dress in crepe

Leather Goods from Orox

I love to support family run businesses, particularly those that are committed to making extraordinary products.

Oxox Leather Company was established in Oregon in 2005, its origins traced back to 1933 when Felipe Martinez began crafting leather goods in Oaxaca, Mexico. Fast forward to the present day, and the business is run by his great grandchildren Martin, Levi and Kevin with a name that represents its history and inspirations.

Oxox offers a full range of American made bags, belts and small leather goods. Their timeless, clean designs are handcrafted to the highest of standards, and the company uses American-sourced leather and sustainable materials. The products will stand the test of time and become items that one generation can pass proudly on to the next.

I particularly love the citus cord minders and they are so useful for keeping my earbuds and phone chargers tangle free! They are a simple solution to an often irritating problem!

I often use a silver case to hold my business cards, but this cardholder from Orox is my new favourite! It's perfect to use when I don't want to carry lots of cards with me, and I can also store a few notes inside for when I don't want to take my usual size wallet.

I've been looking for a camera strap for some time, and this one really fits the bill! It's classic in design, easy to install and comfortable to carry. It's all I could have wanted!

Check out the extensive range of Orox products here- I am loving the iPhone 6 case and this neon pink pouch!

Citus cord minders, cardholder and camera strap c/o Orox.

Photos: Orox Leather/Author's Own

In Photos: The US Capitol

My recent trip to Washington DC wasn't filled with lots of touristy activities- but I did make time to have a tour of the US Capitol! I could have given the tour myself since I worked on the Hill, but it's one of those places that I can't resist revisiting every time I'm in town!

The Capitol is undergoing extensive renovation and as a result, the Rotunda is covered in protective interior sheeting (called the doughnut!) and scaffolding outside. Don't let this put you off from visiting- the building is still as spectacular!

Here are some of the locations that we visited on the tour:

The Capitol rotunda is still spectacular even with the inflatable doughnut!

A closer look at the Apotheosis- can you see George Washington?

The fresco detailing is even more amazing in real life. Can you believe that this was all painted by hand?

President Lincoln keeps watch over the crowds.

The ceiling inside Statuary Hall provides lots of great angles for photographs!

The Eagle keeps watch. This room is used for receptions, events and the dinner that takes place directly after the inauguration of a President!

I also spied the office of the Majority Whip. Sadly, we didn't see Frank Underwood!

Finally, the famous star that denotes the center of Washington DC!

Have you visited the US Capitol? What was your favourite part of the tour? Let me know in the comments! 

For more of my Washington DC photos click here.

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

DC cherry blossoms captured through Instagram

White House staff dish on Clinton Administration

All aboard the new Metro cars

What does Michelle Obama need?

Politics and Pantsuits: The Hillary Clinton Coloring Book

I love political collectables, and this newly released Hillary Clinton coloring book is sure to be a piece of memorabilia that will be really popular!

If you fancy designing your own Hillary election poster, use the image below and share with me your finished result.

White House Week

This week, the President participated in a town hall event, co-hosted with leading women's sites BlogHer and She Knows. During the conversation, the President talked with working women about some of the issues they care the most about -- such as paying for child care or sending their children to college.

Watch the video below:

There's still time to take part in the Joining Forces Twitter chats celebrating their 4th anniversary!

Homelessness: #HonoringVets
Twitter Chat: Tuesday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m. ET
Host: Colonel Steve Parker, Executive Director of Joining Forces

Employment: #HireAVet
Twitter Chat: Friday, April 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Host: Lieutenant Commander Kate Higgins-Bloom, White House Fellow at Joining Forces

Education: #KidsServeToo
Twitter Chat: Thursday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. ET
Host: Jamie Lyons, Policy Director to Dr. Jill Biden

For further details click here. 

New York: My Trip in Photos

Earlier this week I was in NYC for meetings and a bit of fun! I was in DC for a week beforehand- you can check out my trip in photos here!

So, what did I get up to in the Big Apple?

I travelled from DC using the Acela Express. This is hands down the best train I have ever used. Fast journey, excellent service and so close to my hotel. The least stressful thing about my journey ever!

A standard photo of the ice rink at Rockefeller Center- it has to be done!

In the afternoon, I caught up with BBC America journalist Laura Trevelyan. Lots of fun!

A small trip to Brooklyn Heights reaped a big reward in the form of these stunning views of Lower Manhattan and then back towards Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building in the distance.

In the evening I finally meet PR genius Matt Dillon!

After lots of sleep I headed to the Lareymondie showroom to meet creator Maylis and see the gorgeous collection for myself! (More on this special visit in an upcoming post!)

If you are looking for a quirky lunch spot then give the Crosby Street Hotel a try!

In the evening I had great fun catching up with friends Filomena and Cheryl at the amazing seventh floor restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman. Stunning views, delicious food and lots of laughs!

Also have to say big kudos to the lovely ladies at the Bobbi Brown counter at Bergdorfs- my make-up was out of this world and I wish I could do eyeliner as professionally as this!

On Saturday I had fun exploring around Midtown and the UES with lots of shopping thrown in for good measure!

In the evening I met with Annie and Rachel from Small Girls PR at The Standard! Lots of fun and a venue you must visit if you haven't already!

Sunday was a little calmer- I stopped by Ralph's for coffee and did some shopping at Kate Spade and Tory Burch before meeting my friend, Jennefer for brunch.

I love strolling around the UES- spring flowers were in full bloom, and I visited my favorite apartment building, 1040 Fifth Avenue. All in all, a pretty spectacular trip!

For more photos check out my Instagram feed!