Cartier Dazzling

Nils Herrmann © Cartier

Cartier is one of my favourite jewellers, and as someone who loves anything that sparkles, I can never revisit the chance to take in their fantastic window displays when I'm nearby one of their stores! 

Cartier has a reputation for excellence, and the secrets of the brand's unique expertise and its commitment to self-reinvention have made it beloved the world over. A new book is treating us to a front seat into the latest creations from the famous jeweler, with high jewelry and precious objects taking their place amongst the pages. 

Vincent de la Faille © Cartier

Cartier Dazzling: High Jewelry and Precious Objects provides an insight into precious stones and the craft of fine jewelry making, displaying their newest creations in a fascinating light. From an intoxicating look into the magic of India, to tales of the Romanov Sapphire, you'll be spoiled to choose which is your favourite piece! 

Nils Herrmann © Cartier

With sketches and insights into the creation process, this is one book that jewelry and Cartier fans won't want to miss. 

Vincent de la Faille © Cartier

Thanks to Rizzoli for sending me an advance copy of Cartier Dazzling! 

Vincent de la Faille © Cartier 

Gleem

Gleem

Beautiful jewelry deserves to be worn. Go to the jewelry box or drawer of women across the world and you are likely to find pieces that have only had one outing or have barely been worn at all.

Enter Gleem. Founded by Nikki Lawrence, a life-long treasure hunter, Gleem is a trusted intermediary to enable the buying, selling, discovery and obsession over sparkly things. Gleem has a number of industry veterans, all with patience and expertise in finding the right piece for the right person.

From estate jewelry to Hermes, Cartier and Chanel, Gleem has items available at every price point.

Until the end of the year, Gleem is offering customers 90% back in Gleem Credit up front when you sell an item. Alternatively, a standard 70% in cash is available when a piece is sold.

Check out Gleem today and cash in on your treasures! 

W.E.

The story of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII has always fascinated me. Power, passion and scandal, there are many layers to this tale that will never be forgotten.

I recently rewatched W.E., the 2011 film directed by Madonna. Dissatisfied with the way her own life is playing out, New York-based Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish) becomes obsessed with the romance between American divorcee Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough) and England's Edward VIII (James D'Arcy) when Sotheby's holds an auction of the royal couple's belongings. Wally is especially drawn to Wallis' side of the story, and as certain events transpire in her life, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur.

The film captures your attention from the get-go, and it has reignited my interest in the auctions of the Duke and the Duchess of Windsor that were legendary. Almost all of their items were purchased for way above their asking price, and each had a special tale to tell. Interestingly, in the movie, Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels provide reproduction pieces of some of these iconic pieces, and some of Madonna's own jewels are also used.

The film is like my dream world for everything fashion. From the amazing Schiaparelli evening gowns downed by Simpson, to the sensible workwear attire of Winthrop, almost every costume dream is covered. I could spend all day looking at the various jewels, handbags and shoes! The set design too is amazing, and I love how the auction was recreated to the finest detail- what I would have given to have viewed the items in person!

Whilst the film scored some pretty rotten reviews, I really enjoyed this piece of cinematic history. Don't let the words of critics put you off, give it a try and immerse yourself in the world of Wallis and Edward.

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March through Instagram

Inspired by DvF | Civic Centre murals | Starting my Lego minifigure collection | Stars and stripes | The classics | Spring beauty with Clinique | Leopard rainboots and coffee catch-up | Mother's Day throwback | Catching up with my favourite magazines

Follow me on Instagram!

Time Style

I'm a sucker for watches, and love looking at vintage models. Invaluable is a great online auction website with many vintage watch brands available to purchase.

I love Cartier watches for the old school glamour and functionality, and this Yellow Gold Octagon Gold is really striking. I'd wear this with a cool and comfy off duty outfit comprising of Banana Republic's colorblock ponte legging, an asymmetrical zip sweater, low suede pull on boots and a collection herringbone coat with a striking beaded collar all from J.Crew!

If you're looking to purchase a vintage watch for a loved one, or even perhaps to treat yourself take a look at what's on offer over at Invaluable.

*I did not receive any financial sum from Invaluable for this post.*

April through Instagram

Instagram

Tory Burch at Bicester | Know Your Power by Mika Brzezinski | Tory Burch wrap bracelets | Cartier watches | Diane Lockhart and Alicia Florrick | Oil pulling | Sarah Jessica Parker | Kimye Vogue | Tory burch iPad

New Year, New Fragrance

Author's Own

Amongst many other things, a new year signals a new time to try out some new fragrances! I really love these two that I picked up whilst on a Christmas shopping trip- Poppy by Coach and Baiser Vole by Cartier. Both are delicate and flowery- and I love the bottles that each come in!

Which fragrances are you looking forward to trying this year?

December through Instagram

Vintage Hermes watches | Cartier wrapped up for Christmas |  A little Cartier treat | Vintage Louis Vuitton | Treats from Tory Burch | Christmas cards from faraway places | Starbucks essentials | Gingerbread house making | Success at the sales

Invest in your Wardrobe

I've been investing in my wardrobe for several years now, carefully sourcing and selecting pieces that I know will stand me the test of time. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect style of white tee shirt, or the ideal black coat which can take me from season to season without any stress.

Whilst I like to follow fashion trends (and occasionally dabble in a fun, 'on-trend' piece,) I'm loyal to closet basics, embracing classic styles, silhouettes and palettes.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be selecting some of my closet staples, (documented above,) and sharing with you my top picks of what to look for and where to purchase.

It's never too late to overhaul your wardrobe, and starting with one piece can really set your mind to reassessing your personal style and shopping habits.

Where do you shop for your wardrobe basics? Send me an email or a tweet with your top tips and suggestions!