Plaits & Ponytails....

I would never think of plaiting my hair....it always feels a little Laura Ingalls to me.... 

(not that there's anything wrong with Laura Ingalls of course, I read & re-read those books when I was younger) 

but I keep seeing images everywhere of fabulously stylish plaits & ponytails & I absolutely love them.

I don't have super long hair, it's shoulder length right now - long enough for a ponytail, not sure it would work for a plait though.

It would seem the key is to have a slightly messy plait, it needs to stay intact but still look as though you've slept in it. Effortless chic....as always.

As for the ponytail....again, it needs to look as though you've created it & almost forgotten about it, more this-took-me-twenty-seconds-and-not-a-second-longer as opposed to this-took-me-hours-and-even-then-i-needed-a-friend-to-assist.

It seems the "high pony" is often the style of choice...and with the right style, you can apparently wear this at any age, it's not just for the under-12s.

My daughter wants to try out both a French plait or a fishtail plait - neither of which I can do - so I took a look around for a good hair tutorial....it would appear the internet is full of them!

Joanna over at A Cup of Jo has some great hair ideas/tutorials and Nikki who writes the fabulous beauty blog Bella Mumma has lots of super-helpful hair style posts....

love this beautifully chic & easy half-up-half-down style

Blake Lively's tri-ponytail 

mastering the "messy" ponytail

the two-second-hair trick

and finally, a very straightforward tutorial from a lovely young lady who made me want to be young, cute with super long hair again....isn't she gorgeous?

Would you wear any of these?  

all images via Pinterest

Slipped down a couple of stairs at school today, managing to narrowly avoid splitting the knees of my brand new jeans & squashing a couple of small children and & still hold on to the box of cupcakes that I was delivering to school!!

Could I have claimed it as a "work injury" or even a vaguely work related one as I had made them on behalf of the class rep ;) 

Crisis narrowly averted....last day of term, how terrible would that have been?!!

5 Modern Office Chair Trends To Watch

When it comes to office chairs, the modern look is always in high demand. Now that 2013 is in full swing, it's easy to see that several hot chair trends are sweeping the industry. This article highlights 5 of the latest office seating trends you'll definitely want to be aware of before your next office makeover.

Trend 1: Chrome Frames

One popular trend that's gaining momentum in the seating world is the use of chrome. Using a chrome frames and chair accents is an excellent way to highlight a modern look. While manufacturers like Global Total Office have offered this option for years, more and more models are coming standard with this luxury features. Chrome, and even polished aluminum accents pull together a high class look that's easy to love. The Accord Mesh Chair is an excellent example of this new trend. Consider this look before purchasing your new office chair.

Trend 2: Two Tone Upholstery

More often than ever, two tone upholstery is being being adopted into the office seating world. This look is a great way to create a one of a kind look while showcasing ingenuity. Two tone upholstered computer chairs allow consumers and interior designers alike to release their creative style. Models like the new Takori Office Chair are an excellent place to start your search if this new trend strikes your fancy. Other products like the Sirena lounge chair are perfect for reception and lobby furniture applications where the modern look is always appreciated.

Trend 3: Vinyl Upholstery
















Looking for an excellent way to provide your office a with a luxury look on a budget? Vinyl seating is an excellent way to save you a ton money when compared to leather. For this reason, vinyl upholstery has become incredibly popular for the start of 2013. Models like this European Influenced Office Chair from the Eurotech Seating Europa chair collection provide consumers with the ability to stay comfortable, in style, and within budget. A quality vinyl is also easy to clean and extremely durable. Take OFM office chairs for example. This industry leading chair provider is offering products from the new UNO seating collection in awesome two tone vinyl combinations that really rock! These top items have been selling like hotcakes since their arrival in late 2012.

Trend 4: Kneeling Chairs

Kneeling chairs are an excellent way to ensure comfort during your workday. These ergonomic office chairs allow users to adjust their posture and form a new way to operate while engaging in workplace activities. This form of chair gets it's inspiration from massage style tables. The modern shape and look make for a great conversation piece! These once considered luxury office chairs are now available at everyday low prices and for that reason are becoming incredibly popular for both home and business use. Kneeling Chairs from Flash Furniture can be found for as low as $99.99. We definitely recommend trying a few models out as this sitting style will take some getting used to at first. However, once you convert there's no going back! These chairs are super comfy!

Trend 5: Nesting Chairs

While stacking office chairs will always be popular for any high volume guest seating applications, nesting chairs have taken over as the number 1 training room chair style. These versatile chairs offer excellent space saving attributes perfect for multi use areas. More often than ever, modular training room chairs with nesting capabilities are being incorporated into conference room furniture configurations as they incredibly budget friendly. Looking for the best of both worlds? New Mayline Office Chairs like the TSH2 Valore Chair offer the ability to stack and nest for a truly unique and versatile solution to any office seating need.

Style : Boden S/S 2013 Picks

Peter Pan Top

Just a few picks from the new Boden Spring/Summer 2013....

Boden is always good for basics, i always find some great choices for the summer there. 

Cat's Eye Shades & Audrey Jumper

HotchPotch Breton Top

Essential Long Sleeve Tee

I have several of these - they go with so many things & are made of soft stretchy cotton....perfect.

Straight leg jeans

I have found Boden jeans to be a great fit, they also wash really well.

Leather Clogs

Love these for summer....these are in Boden's Johnny B teenage range, sizes go up to UK41

Style Focus : Emily Blunt

Critics Choice Awards, January 2013

Emily Blunt was my favourite look at last night's Golden Globes, she is looking fabulous at the moment. Her hair has slowly become lighter, she's super-toned....and she looks radiantly happy.

She would appear to be a girl on top of the world right now and it clearly shows. 

Here are my favourite looks from some of the Red Carpet events she has attended in the last few months. Always getting it right, I love all the hair and make-up looks too. 

National Board of Reviews Awards Gala,

January 2013

wearing Emilio Pucci

in Miu Miu

Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards

November 2012 

Harpers Bazaar Woman of the Year Awards,

November 2012 

wearing Alexander McQueen

in Michael Kors at last night's Golden Globes

Golden Globes 2013 - The Close Up

Rachel Weisz

Some of my favourite looks from last night's Golden Globe Awards....

fabulous hair & make-up + radiance = perfection

Emily Blunt

Claire Danes

Kate Hudson

Jennifer Lawrence

Anne Hathaway

Adele

Michelle Dockery

Kristen Bell

George Clooney

Professionally Designed Waiting Room Areas to Inspire Your Space

The waiting room or visitor area is the first place seen by most anyone visiting your place of business. First impressions are formed from this areas decor, style, and level of professionalism. Creating a stylish waiting room starts with an idea or inspiration. To provide that spark, this article will highlight several beautifully designed spaces sure to get your creative juices flowing!

Space 1: The Serpentine

Braden lounge furniture by Global Total Office highlights this space. The modular lounge seating set offers a serpentine shape that's sure to impress. Sets like the one highlighted here are perfect when space is at a premium. Braden's modular design and simplicity make it an easy to spec solution for almost any visitor area. The seemingly limitless array of Global upholstery solutions make interior designers dreams come true. This space is also accented with with a matching square coffee table and gorgeous tile floors. The marbled walls and blue fabric compliment each other nicely, while the whole area boasts a welcoming feel.

Space 2: Elegance On A Budget

The Mayline Santa Cruz collection of leather lounge furniture is hard to beat. This affordable line includes a variety of leather sofas, matching ottomans, and stylish seating sure to impress event he harshest of critics. In fact, all of the seating and items used in this room can be purchased as a set to ease the shopping process! Available in a choice of Almond or Black leather, Santa Cruz lounge furniture sets key on one of the hottest industry trends, light upholstery. Using white, cream, and almond colored materials show class and elegance without taking away from grandeur or the area it accompanies. Along with the seating, this unique visitors area includes full panel windows and contemporary wood wall paneling for an enhance modern appeal. The tile floors and retro side lamp pull this space together for an all around professional look.

Space 3: The Highrise

When it comes to waiting room furniture, OFM,Inc. offers one of the largest selections of quality products found industry wide. This fantastic modern office furniture manufacturer has built an excellent reputation based on customer service and awesome products that ship quickly. This space is a true testament to that fact. The highrise features a curved reception desk from the industry leading Marque reception station collection along with an abundance of sled based visitors chairs. As you can see, this area is all about the welcoming desk. The floors, natural lighting, tables, and seating are all geared towards bringing out the wow factor or the reception desk. The curved designed and plexi glass transaction panels truly make for an impressive space.

Furniture Trends: Glass Office Furniture is Hot!

In today's world it's all about the cutting edge. When it comes to office furniture, three words best describe the trending style... modern, modern, modern! Everyone is in love with latest and greatest furniture collections for both home and business needs. That being said, the latest and greatest includes a variety of glass accented desking that really pops!

Glass office products show class and style in the workplace and have grown in popularity over the last few years. Calico Designs caught this trend and just the right time. As a relative newcomer to the industry, Calico hit the ground running. Their innovative computer workstations have been a huge hit. One reason for the boom in popularity is the glass. Consumers love the modern look of Calico stations like the Jameson desk. Configurations like the Jameson are perfect for both home and executive office applications. The tempered glass surfaces and corner friendly shape make them extremely versatile. The affordability of glass when compared to wood veneer furniture is often striking. Glass can accented furniture can be significantly less expensive and therefore a better value. Units like the Jameson Workcenter are only $225.99!

A favorite amongst industry professionals over the last 3 years, Cherryman Industries Verde furniture has been hard to keep in stock. This white glass accented casegoods collection includes a huge selection of modern conference tables, executive desks, and reception stations to meet the needs of any upscale business. This affordable laminate office furniture series is available in two coffee inspired finishes including latte and espresso. Verde desk set solutions like the VL-707N are designed for luxury office environments where budget and style are important. The white glass hutch doors, and shiny metal desk legs really provide a spark of interest by any visitor lucky enough to grace the space. Verde conference table models like the VL-741 feature glass leg panels and boat shaped surfaces. The contemporary style is hard to miss and for that reason, Verde is one of the best selling office lines in 2012.

So you like glass accented furniture but still want to keep a traditional look in your workspace. No problem! Mayline furniture collections like the Aberdeen series feature subtle glass accents on hutch doors while maintaining a traditional appeal. The Mayline Napoli collection offers a nice blend of modern style with traditional charm. This collection of executive workstations offers a choice of three wood veneer finishes and a variety of small reception desks with glass transaction counters. Napoli is truly stunning and garners respect in any workspace. For the budget conscious, Mayline Brighton furniture is a line of laminate casegoods designed for professional businesses not interested in sacrificing quality. For that reason, Brighton appears to almost everyone!

In the long run, glass office furniture is a style gaining momentum for years. It looks like this trend has no end in sight. Utilizing glass is an excellent way to make a professional statement while staying within the confines of even the strictest budget restraints. Collections like Verde and Napoli are perfect for the contemporary minded while Aberdeen and Jameson products work offer a nice combination of both traditional and modern decor needs. By working with a designer or professional furniture consultant, a well thought out and efficient workspace is never out of reach.

Christmas Wishlist : Woolly & Warm

"The Godfather"

The Buxton Scarf by Louise Dungate....

this scarf in charcoal please....perfect!

Cable & Rib Poncho - The White Company

Hunter Quilted Snow Boots....LOVE these!!

(Available in chocolate & black)

Wool/angora snood - J.Crew now $49.50

(also available in blue)

Cashmere long gloves - J.Crew now $55.00

(available in 6 colours)

Marc by Marc Jacobs beanie

via Net-a-Porter 

Hush Cashmere beanie

Hush textured mittens - now £28 

Hush Charcoal Marl Moss Stitch Tunic - 20% off this week-end only  

Wool mix cable knit bed socks by Hush - on sale this week-end 20% off!

I have never ever ever worn socks to bed....

until very recently when I bought these gorgeously soft socks from Hush & literally could not take them off. They are the perfect winter item..

They make a beautiful gift too :) 

London is definitely feeling the winter cold this week....layers, boots & wool are my essentials.

Sometimes there is nothing for it but to pile on those layers but it is rather lovely to feel super-stylish too :)

The items above would all be on my wish-list....

Hush is a beautiful brand that I adore and The White Company always has great basics plus a bit of luxury too.

Zara is my favourite High Street store for accessories, always great for scarves & hats.

Hush has a great sale this week-end only, many items are 20% off