WHEN IN THE POWDER ROOM -A sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop

You have a party to go to. You are with your girlfriends. You are sipping on pink champagne and are milling through your wardrobe. You have the outfit yet the dressing up is not over and you want the full pampering process. You go to the most girly, the most camp, the most retro place in London. The Powder room.


Everything is pink, with a hint of the pink ladies from Grease, mirrored and full of fun. If you are on the hunt for somewhere to take your posy of girls then this is the place to go. You will love the 50's feel, the sheer pinkish luxury of it all and most of all you feel like all gals are in it together!

Let the boys sit and read a newspapers ( or ask them to go sit in the local pub) whilst you bask in cream, tea and cupcakes!!

This is a must visit When in London


It's the one and only stop, makes the champagne pop
It's a sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop
A sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop

It's the one and only stop, makes the champagne pop
It's a sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop
A sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop

for more info see:
http://www.thepowderpuffgirls.com/

WHEN IN TOM'S KITCHEN - Made in Chelsea

Yummy Yummy Yummy 

A bustling room filled with the aroma of gorgeous fresh food and a buzzing atmosphere. This is Tom's Kitchen. 

Let me set the scene for you. You wander down Cale Street, a little Chelsea Borough street on a warm autumnal day, kicking the auburn leaves from under your feet and letting the fresh yet warm rays of sun smile on your face. ( how very very poetic of me! and now on another note:) 

A trendy neighbourhood filled with look a like cast members of Made in Chelsea. You are literally on the set of the show, wandering around the gorgeous surroundings of the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea Darling! 

You wander into Tom's Kitchen as if you have wondered into a good friends home and you are popping round for brunch. From English breakfast to gold old hearty meals Tom's Kitchen is a must go to destination to hang with friends and family on those relaxing weekends. It feels as if it is your local, that you have always been there and everyone is totally relaxed! 

This is a must visit When in London

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy.

I got love in my tummy,
And I feel like going to Tom's Kitchen:

The food is such a sweet thing,

Good enough to eat thing

And that's just a-what I'm gonna do.

Ooh love, I told ya,

Ooh love, you gotta eat ya,

Ooh love, I love it so.

Ooh love, you're sweeter, 
Sweeter than sugar.

Ooh love, you gotta go to Tom's Kitchen 

for more info see: 

http://www.tomskitchen.co.uk/chelsea/

WHEN IN DJELLABAR - Marok n Roll in the city!

The King of Swing in Kech! 

Take  a piece of traditional marrocan style and mix it with a bit of Elvis and a bit of Michael Jackson and you are left with Djellabar!

An eclectic mix of all things marroccan and modern art this is a happening place in the bustling new town of Marrakech. This bar is a real melange of all things cool and tradition that you feel that you have entered another dimension of fine dinning and cocktail experiences. If you are the kind of person that enjoys the more risqué and 'Live wild' approach than this is deffinately the place for you.

With nouvelle cuisine, a cool ambience and a taster of all things orient, Djellabar makes you feel as if you have entered another world.

With the cool funk of the DJ playing through the night and acoustic nights to set the smooth scene this a place to chill out and enjoy the setting of northern Africa.

And if you can't bear to leave the vibe and style of Djellabar behind when you exit, there is always the Marok' N' roll style boutique offering visitors a little trinkets and souvenirs of the Djellabar experience!

This is a must visit When in Marrakech

One, Two, Three O'clock, Four O'clock rock,
Five, Six, Seven O'clock, Eight O'clock rock.
Nine, Ten, Eleven O'clock, Twelve O'clock rock,
We're gonna rock around Djellabar tonight.

Put your glad rags on and join me hon',
We'll have some fun when the clock strikes one.
We're gonna rock around the Djellabar tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock, 'till broad daylight,
We're gonna rock, gonna rock around Djellabar tonight.

For more info see:

http://www.djellabar.com/

WHEN IN COS ONLINE STORE- Hallelujah

Oh Happy Day!

The day has come. The day that I have longed for, for so long. COS brings its wonderful fashion to the world wide web! I can sleep well at night knowing that no matter where I am in the world, I can go online and quench my COS thirst, by adding something to my virtual shopping bag and purchasing online.

Going online and skimming through the simple online store, you can't help but add to bag on a continual basis. It is as if COS has wondered into my house and allowed me to shop now and save for later in my wardrobe. I get carried away and I want to share all my new purchases with all my friends so that they can feel that wonderful feeling of jealousy, however....They can all buy it now too!!

You must have a look When on the new COS online store!


Celebrate good times,c´mon! (Let´s celebrate)
Celebrate good times, c´mon! (Let´s celebrate)

Theres Shopping goin´ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, & your credit card too
We going to shop all year round with you ( COS store) 


for more info see:
http://www.cosstores.com/

WHEN IN DARYL K - Right on trend

The Soho independent Fashion Gallery 

Imagine if you could turn your wardrobe into an art gallery. High ceiling walls, all white, lots of natural light coming through the windows and situated into the hip area of the city, full of trendy downtown studios and people who enjoy organic coffee and ciabattas. This is Daryl K. A little boutique on Bond street NYC which showcases simple, yet cutting edge designs. Simple silhouettes, with mixtures of wool and leather, netting and chiffon, Daryl K is right on the money when it comes to what is in trend.


There is that element of masculine vs. feminine, with that soft touch for floating fabrics which drapes on the body. Similar colour schemes emulating the seasons vibe, and a real significant touch on todays trends.

This is a must visit When in New York

I'm cool and I'm happy 
I'm trendy but I'm kind 
I'm chic but I'm unique, yeah 
I'm high but I'm grounded 
I'm sane but I'm fashion forward
I'm in the know and I'm hopeful baby 

What it all comes down to 
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine 
I've got one hand in my pocket 
And the other one is giving a high five 

for more info see:
21 Bond Street 
New York, NY 10012
(between Lafayette and Bowery)

When in Lotus Privilege - Something out of an old movie

Marlene Dietrich's swing pad! 

Imagine you had stepped through a time portal and on the other side awaited the exotic time of the 20s, featured in Marrakech when continents where so far apart from each other and crossing boarders was a luxury. This is what it feels like to step through the doors of the Lotus Privilege in Marrakech.

You enter through dark alley way ( something out of Indiana Jones) and through a door the size of a wooden house ( something out of Lord of the Rings) and into a world of modern comforts with oriental twist. A world of black and white and a splash of bright colour, filled with mirror mosaic and glass, wood and velvet and all you want to do is fox trot your way through the courtyard like a dance from a Fred Astaire movie.

If Marlene Dietrich had a house in Marrakech then this is what it would look like. All the masculine/feminine fashionable features you could dream of and done with such elegance and poise.

Even if you are not staying at the riad for your trip you must try their taster menu dining experience. 7 beautifully prepared dishes, all mini and bite size gourmet cuisine, yet you feel filled and complete at the end of your night and you wish only to sit but the crystal blue plunge pool and listen to the cool water wonder.

This is a must visit of must dine When in Marrakech


If you went here for a night or more 
You wouldn't be a-wanderin' from door to door 
Why don't you do right, like some other people do? 
Get out of here and try this riad too

I fell for your jivin' and I took you in 
Now all you got to offer me's a drink of gin 
Why don't you do right, and try this riad too 
Get out of here and get and try this riad too Why don't you do right, and try this riad too  
and try this riad too 



for more info see:
http://riadslotus.com/

WHEN IN BLK DNM- Occasion Chic

How to look so naturally good! 

BLK DNM once again knows great styling. For that effortless look in being cool at the office, to hanging out with your mates, or simply strutting yourself down the high street, this brand defines the ideology of 'less is more' .

With amazing tailoring to fit with simple jersey and cutting edge denim fits BLK DNM gets it right in the trend spectrum.


If you take a look at their website - the outfit styling is the culmination of effortlessly cool, yet structured and perfectly planned, that ever slight juxtaposition of concept- 'How to look good without evening trying!'( yet you know deep down what you are going to wear and how you are going to show it off)

I love the idea of taking something chic and beautifully manufactured with a simple staple item that can be worn till it falls off your body. BLK DNM does this so well. Muted colours with a hint of a flash tone, it gives across that sense of Acne vs. Jill Sander with a little bit of an urban story to the collection.

If you want to find items that are timeless and that you will always need and will always want to wear than this is a must visit When in New York


If I could dress like that,
I would give anything
Just to dress one day, in those denims and shoes
If I could dress like that,
what would I do,
What would I do

for more info see:
http://us.blkdnm.com/

WHEN IN CAFE NATION -One Drug, one Nation- Cafe nation!

There is only one destination- That's Cafe Nation! 

I love the little pit stops after a hard days shopping! You have your carrier bags and you sit sipping on a cosy latte whilst counting all your items. I get that exciting thrill of counting the bags and I scold those who think of decanting items into one or less bag for less luggage! ( the whole point is to show off your successful day!)

It is all nicely topped up with a calming coffee and pain o chocolate in a funky environment to end the day or take a pause from the hectic crowds.

Down Hopland sits a little bar that is the definition of the word retro that if you read the Oxford dictionary, under the word: Funky - you would see the name  Cafe Nation next to it.

Antwerp is one of those cities full of little hidden away gems,so you really need to go dig them out. That is the whole fun when visiting Antwerp. Its like a game of hide and seek with great purchases at the end of every seek!

Cafe nation is tucked away at the quiet end of Hopland filled with retro furniture and a massive image of Cher Guevara ( She looks so much better with that hat! )with the slogan. One Drug, one Nation - Cafe Nation. It almost feels as you have entered a secret parties hide out filled with the gorgeous aroma of coffee flavours.

Come here and sit in the mixed matched furniture, or if it is a sunny day then chill out in the garden sipping on an iced latte.

This is a must pit stop When in Antwerp.

Follow me 
And let's go 
To the place where we belong 
and leave our troubles at home 
Come with me 
We can go 
To a coffee shop of love and joy 
A destination CAFE NATION! 

for more info see:
Hopland 46
2000 Antwerp, Belgium

WHEN IN JEWELLERY - Maria Zureta

Bei Mir Bist du Schön

Vintage - a word used more often than 'polkadot' and 'trimmings' in the fashion world nowadays. We use history to inspire the future however some designers are able to create trends rather than follow them. I met Ricardo Costa, creator of Maria Zureta Jewlery at Portabello and Spitalfields market a few years ago, where he was a stand attracting the fashion forward and slightly more risqué customer. The customer who wants to have everyone at the evening cocktail party approach them and ask 'I love your necklace, where is it from?' . The customer who has great style and a slightly more complex personality ( seems like I am describing myself!)

He takes unique pieces of old jewellery and refashions it into something spectacular and before you know it, before you can shout,' Givenchy, YSL and Margiela!' - you are wearing something exceptional. Chains and brooches, old spoons and lighters, twine and buttons, every piece is totally different with a little part of history attached to it, so you know that you are wearing a one off.

I feel when I wear each one of my pieces it says a little bit more about my own personality, a little more complex yet always glamorous. If you are looking to be different then you must have a Maria Zuerta piece. If you want to take vintage to another level then you must have a Maria Zureta piece. If you looking for that one item that will make the most simple outfit a work of art then you must have a Maria Zureta piece. If all of the above - Then you must have a Maria Zureta piece!!

This is a must visit When in London

Of all the designs I've known, and I've known some
Until I first saw you, I was lonesome
And when you came in sight, dear, my heart grew light
And this old world seemed new to me

You're really swell, I have to admit you
Deserve expressions that really fit you
And so I've racked my brain, hoping to explain
All the things that you do to me

Bei mir bist du sch"n, please let me explain
Bei mir bist du sch"n means you're grand
Bei mir bist du sch"n, again I'll explain
It means you're the fairest in the land

I could say "Bella, bella", even say "Voonderbar"
Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are

for more info see:

www.mariazureta.com

WHEN IN TERRASSE DES EPICE - If Aladdin took Jasemin on a date this is where it would be!

A roof top dream

Take a breath and take it all in. You are Aladdin and you are escaping the hustle and bustle of the bazaar in Marrakech. But you are not sitting on cold stone and using wicker baskets as beds rather you are lounging in little alcoves with cushions and low hanging lights sipping on a mint tea and eating a delicious bowl of aubergine penne, mopping up the juice with cloud like bread.

You are at Terrasse des Epice, a roof top restaurant which is a great pit stop for lunch. During a long day in the heat lugging around your carrier bags of goodies it fantastic to sit here for a few hours and listen to the murmur of the hustle and bustle of the streets below.

You enter a world of everlasting rooftops and you are in awe of the view. It is a secret stow away so you need to look for the signs on the streets, but when you find it you will be more than satisfied.

If Aladdin had to take Princess Jasmin on a date, this would be the place. Bugger the magic carpet, or the magic lantern, this is a much better deal and you have the choice of Moroccan or European cuisine. So after a few days of ongoing couscous it is wonderful to have the choice.

This is a must visit When In Marrakech

Gotta keep
One jump ahead of the breadline
One swing ahead of the crowd
I love the food it always gets a Wow! 
( That's Everything! )


 Just a little snack, guys
You gotta get there its just too great guys  
Take a hint  gotta face the facts
The best place for lunch in the souks! 

for more info see:
15, souk Cherifia. Sidi Abdelaziz. Marrakech Médina

WHEN IN TIERGARTEN- A little hidden away paradise!

A spot of piece and quiet in a busy city!

Berlin at night lights up. It is a bit of a modern fairy tale city, full of underground life and great hang outs. But one of my favourite places to go in the late afternoon/evening is Tiergarten at the Cafe am Neuen See. It is a biergarten covered in naked light bulbs, long benches and the smooth waft of giant pizzas and the low murmur of people chilling out but the lake. You can even rent a row boat and paddle around the lake with your special plus one. It is the most unpretentious spot on earth and you can enjoy one of the moon shaped pizzas and bier whilst watching the world go buy all the way into the evening.

I love it and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a chill out session in the middle of a bustling city!

This is a must visit When in Berlin

I waited 'til I saw I sun 
I now know why I had to come 
I took you with to the lake of fun
I now know why I had to come 
I now know why I had to come   

Catching teardrops in my hand 

for more info see:
Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin

WHEN IN BROWNS LABELS FOR LESS - Honey I'm home!

That's what I want

 I wonder through those expensive stores and I look around, find something beautiful and pick it up. I gaze for minutes in front of the mirror thinking, 'this is it...this is the one...This is my best friend, lover and sweet temptations all rolled into one.' Then I look at the tag and I burst out crying inside...it is usually more than a months rent in Notting Hill gate, and even if I try to kid myself in thinking I would live of pot noodle for a year, I put the outfit back and I wonder out of the store.

That is usually how my shopping routine will work.

Then I go to Browns outlet! A thrift princess closet filled with gorgeous items all with 30-50 even 70 % off!
I HAVE ARRIVED!

Margiela, Versace, Prada, Acne, Marni and many many more Browns outlet gives you the affordable high end fashion you always dreamed of.

Located across the road from the original Browns store on South Molton street, this little parlour of all things fabulous and common fashion folk friendly is definitely a place to shop.

This is a must visit When in London

The best things in life are free
But you can give them to the birds and bees
I want labels for less

(That's what I want)
That's what I want
(That's what I want)
That's what I want
(That's what I want)
That's what I want
(That's what I want)

You love gives me such a thrill
But your love won't pay my fashion bills
I want labels for less
for more info see:
http://www.brownsfashion.com/home/

When in the Bowery Hotel - Gemma Restaurant

A Scene out of a retro movie 

Imagine walking through the Venice during the 1800s peering through restaurant windows staring at the flickering candle light and wafting food aromas. You see candlesticks dripping with wax and old wooden tables littered with cheese and parma hams and bottles of wine. Old mirrors fill the walls giving off the illusion of space. The murmur of deep conversation fills the air and you can't help yourself but wonder in and take a seat.

This is not Venice in the 1800s rather downtown New York and it is 2011. Gemma is  a hot spot for the trendy New Yorkers.

You feel as if you should share a plate of pasta and meat balls to emulate the romantic scene in of Darling and Tramp from 1955 movie. Sharing a bowl of juicy spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce!

You step in and you have entered another world of old school glamour and the food is humble and scrumptious. Roast chicken, to big bowls of your favourite pasta, succulent meat and rich fish, Gemma has it all on the menu, but what it tops is the ambience. If you want a Sex and the City moment in the big apple with the gals or a romantic candle lit dinner for two then this is the place to go.

This is a must visit When in New York.

When the moon hits your eye 
Like a big-a pizza pie
That's amore
When the world seems to shine 
Like you've had too much wine
That's amore
That's Gemmmmaa!! 

for more info see:

335 Bowery
New York, NY 10003-7138

WHEN IN CARNEGIE DELI - 'You are my Everest!!'

Food the size of the solar system!

We all know portions in the USA are beyond enormous. We know that we have to wear sweatpants and a loose T shirt to feel comfortable after eating in an American restaurant. You mentally prepare yourself for the Everest of all cheese cakes...but oh what light in yonder window breaks...you have never seen anything like Carnegie Deli.

You walk in and are surrounded by familiar faces of celebs. All greeting you as you wonder into this emporium of food heaven. You are seated and you gaze up at the wall to find all you fav images of celebrities who have been seated in the deli before you. Sit next to Jerry Springer, Woody Allen and even the cast members of Jersey Shore, everyone has had a taste of Carnegie Deli.

The menu is as big as Big Ben, you don't know where to begin and the choice keeps rolling out. However as an experienced Carnegie Deli goer I can tell you that if it is your first time here, you have to try their famous corned beef sandwich. Your wait is short and placed in front of you is only what I can descirbe to you as half a cow and two slithers of rye bread. However the beef is soooo succulent and juicy you can't help but plough yourself through it and each bite is a small piece of sandwich heaven.

Their cakes are the size of Jupiter, Mars and the Moon, dripping in flavour so leave some room for a chunk!

Never fear, if you are starting to explode and your body can take no more, but your mind and heart yearns for another bite then take home your leftovers. They taste just as good the next day!

This is a must dine When in New York!

When the cake hits your eye
Like a big-a pizza pie
That's amore
When the sandwiches are so wide
Like you've had too much wine
That's amore
For more info see:
854 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019-5216

WHEN IN SUNGLASSES - OLIVER GOLDSMITH

Unpack your sunglasses 

It is Autum time and we are slowly packing away are bikinis and throwing out old bottles of sun tan lotion, putting away our sundresses and flip flops. We also try to hold on to the last moments of sunshine with our shades in all different shapes and styles.

Oliver Goldsmith is a special sunglass boutique that hosts avant garde, beautiful mod creations inspired by the golden ages of trends.

You can't help but try everything. See through frames, dip dye frames, geek chick, 60s retro, and remodelled classics are a few of the styles that you see in this store.

Right in the heart of Nottinghill, this store has everything that you love about a trendy boutique.

You feel as if you have been transported into another era, a golden time of chic cutting edge trends and Jackie Onassis!!

This is a must visit When in London


In the summertime when the weather's high,
you can stretch right up and touch the sky,
when the weather's fine,
you got sunglasses, you got sunglasses on your eyes.
Have a drink, have a drive,
go out and see what you can find.

For more info see:
All Saints Road in Notting Hill,

When in the blues kitchen - Swing your way into the early hours

Dirty Dancing just got a lot dirtier

It is always fun hearing live music. I love a little get down and boogy moment. However I find it very difficult to find these special places which have so much character and always put on a good show!

In the heart of Camden town is a place so cool that someone like Johnny Depp could not compare to this joint. If MTV were to film Muddy Water's crib this is what it would look and sound like.

The Blues Kitchen is a diner/bar which hosts great live performances almost every night. The food is that traditional all American food ( burgers, fries and ribs ( basically everything I love)) but you head back to the stage after a meal and a drink and you swing dance your way into the early hours of the morning.

The interior is rustic and raw and you are transported into another world of Jazz, with brass instruments dangling from the ceiling as light fittings, and tires littering the walls.

I felt as if Dirty Dancing had upped a level and we were in the pit of all things naughty and nice, the time of secret clubs in the prohibition age where we were the rebels of the night and no one could stop us from doing our thing

This is a must visit When in London

Ain't got the change of a nickel
Ain't got no bounce in my shoes
Ain't go no fancy to tickle
I ain't got nothing but the blues

Ain't got no coffee that's perking
Ain't got no winnings to lose
Ain't got a dream that is working
I ain't got nothing but the blues in the BLUES KITCHEN

for more info see:

111 - 113 Camden High Street
Greater London NW1 7JN

WHEN IN JEWELLERY - Jelena Behrend an artist of another kind

A trip into a story book 

Stepping into Jelena's studio downtown is like walking into a diary. Filled with memories, tools and inspiration this is every artist's dream.


Her ethic is based on individuality, everything having its own character and specialty. If you were to take a look at a Pollock or Rothko painting, and you would turn round to me and say ' Ha that is easy to copy!' I would tell you that there is not a chance that you could replicate the same substance as these artists did. Jelena is in the same category. Her pieces are simple but crafted with such care and personal attention that no matter what you see on the high street nowadays nothing compares to the history behind each one of her gems.


Her studio/showroom is a fantastic space, a museum of brick a brack which Jelena uses to merchandise and inspire. A long hall with shelves littered with old family photographs and candle sticks, books and letters, necklaces and tools, this place is a haven for all things creative.

At one end of the studio she has set up a showing space with her delicate collections, and as she showed me, she talked about her 'babies' and how she loves each characteristic of each individual piece.

It really struck me today that there was creative compassion still left in this industry. Jalena is living proof. Her work is her entire being and she lives and breathes craftsmanship.

This is a must visit When in New York

All of these gems and chains you see
Tell you the story of Jelena's past
So many stories of where she's been
And how she got to where she is
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've not got any jewellery too
It's true...her Jewels are made for you 

For more info see: 
http://jelenabehrendstudio.com/

WHEN IN LOUIS VUITTON - The Monet of all Luxury Brands

What came first the Bag or the Egg??


Now I know that this is slightly off topic for  a When in Fashion post, however I feel it only right that I should post something about this incredible brand.

Louis Vuitton is a store of timeless fashion, everlasting class and a dedicated team. I have spent three months here and have never seen so much compassion to a brand as the Louis Vuitton group possess.

Louis Vuitton is at the forefront of Visual Merchandising. With its creative team based in Paris, a dedicated North America group,  it strives for best in class actions and boy oh boy do they succeed.

If you take a look online at the Fashion Night Out windows for 5th Avenue,  you will understand why. Based on the FW11 catwalk show in Paris the windows are decked out with mini Kate Moss figurines, strutting their stuff over levels of catwalk which encompasses one of the gorgeous looks.

It is such a sight to behold that you feel engrossed by the sheer level of creative thought behind this window. This optical illusion is one of the many great things the brand does to keep the story of Louis Vuitton alive and I have come to love it.














In other stores windows there is a comic take on ostrich eggs hatching out shoes and wallets, Legs with bodies as bags walked by a lean and delicate mannequin. Simple yet beautifully structured, these walls keep you ' oohing' and 'ahhhing' and you wander- ' Which came first the Bag of the Egg???!!'

This is truly the Monet of windows, the Degas of presentation and the Cezanne of representation and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!


This is a must visit When in New York

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord how they come up with that"
But you've got the Style I need To see me through



LV got the style 
LV got the style 
LV got the style 
LV got the style 
LV got the style 
LV got the style 


for more info see:
1 E. 57th St