Hot on the Highstreet Week 10

Russell and Bromley are bringing the loafer back into fashion.

Simple, sensible and stylish they are the shoes for every occasion. Loafers can be worn with cropped trousers to create the androgynous look, or with a smart dress to replace heels. Cheap copies can be seen everywhere, and although Russell and Bromley is the top end of highstreet, I think its prices are mostly fair. These shoes are made from good quality materials and should wear well.

Every branch of Russell and Bromley seems to stock different colours, both patent and matt leather. I love them all and want them in every colour, but if forced to pick a favourite I think I’d go with a pair of the classic black patent leather ones. Regularly worn by our favourite fashion icon Alexa Chung.

I feel a little guilty for featuring footwear two weeks in a row but these loafers are just too cool to ignore. Treat your feet, £125 in Russell and Bromley stores now.

Mint Leaf Lounge & Restaurant

Mint Leaf Restaurant and bar offers innovative Indian food and delicious cocktails. Situated conveniently in London’s West End, the restaurant space is expansive with smart wooden tables and stylish decor. I loved the trendy catwalk-like platform that runs through the restaurant.

The highlights of my trip to Mint Leaf were the delicious cocktails, some of the best I have tasted. I opted for the fresh fruit choices – Pineapple Martini and Peach Daiquiri. I was wisely advised, by my very own cocktail connoisseur, to have the daiquiri straight up rather than muddled (and messed up) with crushed ice, which is the less tasty American way.

The food was good but not worth the hefty prices (starters £8 ish, mains £16-20), with all the extra trimmings (rice, naan etc) extra on top. The menu is short, useful when you have difficulty making decisions. We chose mostly meat dishes to share – Lamb Bhuna, a tomato based curry, fragrant from the whole spices added, and Chicken Biryani, which I wasn’t as impressed with – it lacked flavour. We gave pudding a miss when we discovered the chocolate fudge tart was unavailable. Bad form Mint Leaf, bad form.

Final verdict: Ambience – nice, cocktails – great, food – okay.

See menu here.

Going to Work in style...

What is your favourite day of the week? I would normally answer Friday, without hesitation...however, I'm beginning to change my mind. I find myself looking forward to Wednesday - the day that I excitedly retrieve my free Stylist magazine from the kind man at Hammersmith station.

Stylist magazine, now on its 31st issue, tackles a variety of topics, but is definitely geared more towards London's ladies. Fashion, food, beauty, politics and more are all discussed. Often they include interesting interviews and stories too. My favourite part is the double page 'Style List' at the front of the magazine, picturing 30 little gems, that are hot this week. In fact, this week I spotted a pretty gold necklace (worn by Carrie in SATC2!) and immediately went on the website to purchase one myself.

I came into work this morning (avec Stylist), and soon discovered that none of the girls in my office knew anything of this wonderful magazine. So, if nothing else I hope this blog post raises awareness and reminds you all to look out for Stylist magazine next Wednesday morning - you're sure to find it by the man screaming 'Stylist' at your nearest tube station!