Hot on the Highstreet Week 81 - Hermes in Harrods Pop-up

I began collecting Hermes twilly scarves a few years ago when I spotted a second hand yellow one glinting in the Notting Hill vintage shop window… I gathered up a bag of my old clothes to take in and swap for the beautiful scarf I had fallen in love with. Two years later and my growing collection includes a beautiful black twilly from my trip to New York, a sophisticated white twilly from the Hermes shop at Nice airport and a few others - each acts as a memento of a particular place or time. I love them all, and wear them regularly: in my hair, on my wrist or round my bag.

When I heard that Hermes were holding a pop-up shop in Harrods over the Christmas period, I was there in a flash. The pop-up honours twenty years of Hermes at Harrods and celebrates the brand’s most iconic accessory – the silk scarf. In one corner of the busy shop a colourful demonstration is set up. A beautiful display shows many of this seasons designs, including the new, exclusive to Harrods, ‘H’ scarf. Stylists are on hand to demonstrate the multiple uses of these versatile scarves, illustrating the endless styling possibilities. Women and men swarmed to the pop-up when I visited last Friday each decorated in gloriously coloured silk, turbans on their heads, scarves round their necks - it was a sight to behold.

After receiving an exotic scarf makeover myself (see the photo above), I had my photo taken by the photographer for the Hermes website and was given an orange bag with a few goodies to take away. This included a pack of the knotting cards explaining how to get the most out of your Hermes scarf with all the different ways of knotting, plaiting, twisting and tying to create numerous fabulous styles and looks.

I’ve already tried a few of the new styles and love the results. While I am still coming to terms with my new tangerine blonde hair, my twilly scarves are the perfect hair distraction.

Hermès Pop Up Scarf Boutique at Harrods

Harrods Room of Luxury II,

Ground Floor


Dec 5 2011 – Jan 2 2012


Stylists on hand every Wednesday and Friday afternoon

Hot on the Highstreet Week 73 - Rosie Sugden

Brrrrrr, it's getting chilly. I’ve put my Brora blanket back on my bed and the Wolford tights are coming out in force - it's much too cold for bare legs. At this time of year it is all about accessories: the little extras that make the colder, darker days a bit more manageable. And I have found just the thing...

Some of you will already know about my neon obsession, I am drawn to bright colours like a magpie, and I find with my yellowy skin tone that the brighter the neon the more flattering it looks on me. Rosie Sugden’s cashmere collection is just the thing to satisfy my neon cravings, and when I saw her beautifully made fluoro pink pom-pom beanie (£95) I was hooked. Made from 4 ply cashmere yarn specially dyed in the Scottish Borders, this accessory is of the highest quality. The slouchy style combined with gorgeous moss stitch and cable texture will add instant appeal, a fun dash of colour to any dull winter outfit. Lovely matching pink mittens (£56) are also available.

Rosie Sugden launched her luxury cashmere label this year, after graduating with a degree in Knitwear Design. There is a strong flavour of Scotland, the influence that this magical place has had on Rosie. The work is designed and manufactured in Scotland using 2ply Scottish yarn. Rosie says about her collection: "I have always felt passionate about supporting the UK textile industry, the Scottish arm in particular, and my debut collection is a testimony to my passion for quality cashmere and to the skills of those individuals who have helped to make this possible."

All the pieces are made with immaculate care and attention to detail and are built to have longevity. Most interestingly there is flair and innovation in Rosie’s collection, a fresh new perspective on cashmere, moving away from the normal cashmere designs that tend to be very traditional and plain.

Luxuriously soft and warm and perfectly pink, Rosie Sugden’s fluoro hat and mittens are my first must-have accessories for Winter 2011.

Visit the Rosie Sugden website and buy online here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 64

Barbour are renowned for their farmer-chic, long lasting and beautifully made wax coated jackets, but last week, while visiting their new Covent Garden store I discovered a great accessory.

I have been searching for a suitable, elegant but casual hat recently, but having no luck finding one that I liked for less than a hundred quid. Kangol make an absolutely stunning one, but it can only be bought from America and costs a fortune. I hunted at all the festival vintage stalls, and though I did come across a few dashing burgundy and deep green trilbies, none were quite right.

Then last week, while killing time before a play, I popped in to Barbour. Upstairs, admittedly in the men’s section, was this dazzling hat, the Barbour Crushable Bushman Hat. Available in two colours – olive and black, and costing a reasonable £34.95, it was just what I had been looking for.

This hat is made from 100% wool felt and regains its shape even after folding away; hence the name. The hat does come up quite petite, I found that I liked the large best on me, which must mean I have a massive head! The hat is structured but has a summery flexibility, it is easy to wear casual or smart, for festival get-up or cocktail party. I think I will be pairing my olive green number with a maxi skirt and cropped lace top.

Buy yours here online, or visit a Barbour shop to try it on.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 33

You may have seen pictures of attractive couples dotted about the city, on the sides of taxis and buses. ‘The Kooples’ have been around for quite a while now, and I thought it was about time to check out what these funky adverts are all about. This rock’n’roll company has been going for two years, a French brand that has the same backing as Comptoir des Cotonniers womenswear chain. The clever advertising campaign comes as three new shops open here in the UK, with more apparently on the way.

The his and hers hipster style is a much yearned for idea on the London highstreet. The Kooples offer both boys and girls clothes and some lovely accessories. Characterised by body hugging dresses, skinny jeans and chic leather detailing, but also with a wide range of pretty basics - everything you need for that rockstar lifestyle.

I was particularly struck by the leopard print scarf that has an uncanny resemblance to the very desirable McQueen accessory. The McQueen skull scarves are usually priced at £220, unless you are lucky enough to get one for a fraction of the price tag at the sample sale (like I did). The Kooples item is now in the sale, reduced from £100 to a staggering £60. The scarf comes in two colour options: dark grey and cherry and is made from 100% wool – guaranteeing maximum warmth. I’m impressed with how generous they are; it’s always nice to have a scarf that can double up as a blanket if needs be.

You can find The Kooples in King's Road, Carnaby Street, St Christopher's Place and Selfridges in London. thekooples.co.uk

Hot on the Highstreet Week 4

Hello summer sales! There is so much to choose from this week ... I have decided on French Connection's Moroccan Suede bag. Reduced from £160 to £80, this bag is a real bargain.

I am a sucker for designer handbags, but this French Connection beauty caught my eye. It is made from good quality soft suede and has nice stud details that make it look much more high end designer than highstreet. It comes in black, pink and blue. My favourite is the pink, a bright and yet sophisticated colour that would perfectly complete an evening summer outfit.

This bag also comes in a leather option, also nice and even cheaper at £57. If you can't quite afford a Mulberry or Balenciaga I would say French Connection's Moroccan Suede bag is the next best thing.

Buy here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 2

Spotty tights have been everywhere this season and last, and VOGUE have featured them in several shoots recently. Fun, flirty and sheer they are ideal for breezy English summer nights.

I searched high and low for them; apparently the VOGUE ones could only be found in Paris. Eventually I found them hidden away at TABIO. If you've never been to Tabio before you are in for a surprise. It is a sweet shop of foot accessories; every style, every colour, every pattern - they are beautifully made and reasonably priced.

Alexa Chung in her spotted tights

These spotty tights are £9.95 and are currently number 7 on their 'Daily Top Sellers' list. They come in black, brown and beige and are also available in a heart or ribbon variety. I think the spots are the most classic.

Check out Tabio's knee high socks as well - great with summer dresses.

http://www.tabio.com/uk/

Float like a butterfly... Sting like a bee...

Pearl and Ivy (Carly Beischer and Samantha Neary) are a dynamic duo who create the prettiest of hair accessories. I first spotted them at Portobello Market a few months ago, back when their feather headbands were one of a kind. Strongly influenced by the fashions of the 1920's and '30's their hair ornaments are ethereal and yet have a fierce bold quality. They definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

Sadly as Pearl and Ivy's ideas flourished others began noticing their inventive products and started creating cheap copies, and now brightly coloured feathered creations appear round every corner of the West London market.

The products from Pearl & Ivy show real artistic flair, and a beautiful attention to detail. The feathers are selected and arranged with the upmost care, so that each headband has its own individual charm. They seem delicate, but are in fact quite sturdy and mine has lasted well through many dancing nights out! They are also incredibly versatile and can be worn in a huge variety of ways, some of which are demonstrated on the website - http://www.pearlandivy.co.uk/

I wear my headband with every and any outfit, it adds spice to my look but above all makes me feel regal and glamorous, which is how every girl should feel.