WHEN IN HERR VON EDEN - Suits that suit you!

The Modern Day Dandy  

Dedicated to the Modern Day Dandy of London- Prince Cassius

I love a man in a suit. But who doesn't?! It is so regal, so refined so charming! However the suit nowadays has become such a uniform, the greys,blacks and pinstripes, its like this vicious cycle of never ending gloom! What if there was a store that could create within a split second the appearance of the good old days with a twist and flash of colour? What if there was a store that could bring back ruffle shirts and make them hip? What if there was a store that could take two opposing colours that in the book of colour is rule no.1 ' Thou shalt not mix...' and make it so cool, so chic and so in demand? Well my friends there is such a store, it does exist and it is accessible to you and me.

Herr von Eden creates the ' Modern Day Dandy' look with such ease and elegance. Shot silk shirts, tartan trousers for him and her, walking sticks and hats, suits in all different colours of the rainbow, over sized ruffled men's shirts for women ( ones that look like they have come out of a Viktor and Rolf catwalk) cuff links of all styles, modern, classic etc. anything you could imagine in a traditional styled suit store and more.

I love milling through the rails of shot silk men's shirts picking out beautiful constructed pieces that are one offs. The blazers are out of this world each having a unique pattern or fabric.

You get lost in time whilst walking through the store foregetting that you are in the middle of east Berlin in the year 2011. Girls who want that chic androgynous look this is the place to go - not only do you find this boyish style here but you can feminine it up with the unique accessories that make it your own.

This is the perfect place to find a suit that suites your personality!

Must visit When in Berlin

Suit for two
All for me

Just one for you
And the rest for me alone

Nobody makes them, sells them or has them Mm, mm, mm,
No friends or relations Mm, mm, mm,
On weekend vacations Mm, mm, mm.
We won't have it known, dear,
That we own one from Herr von Eden, dear

We'll buy a whole new family

A suit for you
And a suit for me
Can't you see how happy we would be...

for more info see:
Alte Schönhauser Straße 14
10119 Berlin, Germany

WHEN IN DECIBEL - Sake's Secret Garden

The Bunker of the Orient!

Now those who know me know that I am the world's worst drinker. I am a cheap date, I get very tipsy very quickly and when that happens I end up singing the Marseilles backwards.

However I have recently been to a bar that it is uber cool and one those grungy underground venues that only the New Yorkers in the Know could tell you about.

Decibel is a little underground sake bar which I can only describe as grunge. Grunge with great style. The walls are covered in graffiti created by all customers, the atmosphere is dark and dim, the eerie sense of the hidden setting mixed with Michael Jackson music?? The strange concoction of styles mixes up to be one very hip bar with little tables and stools only allowing a select few to sit and enjoy the comforts of Sake. Japanese lanterns flicker and old fairy lights blink and the splash of colour comes from the old bottles of sake lined up against the wall.

It hosts almost 100 different types of Sake all with a unique and subtle flavour.
I highly recommend for those that are newbies at Sake to try the cocktails ( especially Rio - very nice taste) and pace yourselves as from personal experience - once you enter you never leave!

This is a must visit When in New York

It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed

'Cause this is SAKE, SAKE  night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about strike
You know it's SAKE, SAKE night
You're drinking for your life inside, SAKE tonight

For more info see:

8th St-NYU
6 at Astor Pl

WHEN IN ELTHAM PALACE- A History lesson in style

Transport through time with Henry the VIII and the Charleston!

Now I know that this blog contains more fashion and food places however I thought I would start a new trend and talk about stately homes. Now 'Why?' you might ask am I doing this. Well the answer is simple. Some of these gorgeous landmarks can be the key into inspiration for our own homes and they are portals into another era which has somehow been forgotten or lost in this modern world of ours. I feel that when I visit such places I am transcended back in time- lost in a time warp, but I love it. It is such a break from the outside world and it gives me a sense of pride- being British and that we have such an ornate and vast history.

Now the other side to this story is that fashion is the repetition of ages and we like to believe that we have an appreciation for these periods through changing trends. It is only when you go to these houses of inspiration do you really start to realise how much we need them for fashion trend and predictions.

Eltham palace is one of those special places where two trends collide and create something so extraordinary that it makes you want to go home redecorate and pull out your wardrobe and restyle!

The melange of Tudor and Deco. How? What? and Why? could this even be possible. However it is and is soooooo works!!

Start by touring the childhood home of Henry VIII ( the remains of Eltham Palace) and end up immersing yourself in 1930s Art Deco built by the wealthy Courtauld family. What a wonderful skip in time! The Tudor rooms are so heavy and regal that you are in awe of such decor for such a time. The deco rooms make you want to Charleston your way through the hallways and pull out the red lippy and deck yourself with pearls and silk gloves. Many a time the backdrop for Hollywood movies or music videos, this place has seen its fair share in modern utilisation.

There is something ever so eerie about the halls of the home, something ghostly, but that sense in mystery fills me with utter excitement as I bound from one room to another to see the next installment in history.

Each room is totally different and the split in historical reference is amazing and will inspire anyone who is having trouble redecorating or wandering what their style preference is!

This is a must visit When in London

Alas, my love, I love this place,
That lies in on the edge of time.
For I have loved it throughout my life,
wishing that it all could be mine.

Eltham Palace was all my joy
Eltham was my delight,
Eltham was my heart of gold,
And who but my Palace of Eltham.

For more info see:

Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London - SE9 5QE

WHEN IN CHEZ PASCAL- Laurence of Arabia's Hang out!

You are at Pascal's home for a friendly Visit!

Marrakech is filled with little surprises. Dining, is one of them.

Chez Pascal is one of those places where you are transported into the time of Laurence of Arabia. His exposition closet to be exact. Old saddles, Deco posters, rusty tools and rugs deck the walls leaving no space empty.

You are greeted by Pascal himself on entering the little brasserie, a bundling bouncing Frenchman sporting a chef's outfit. He takes you to your table and greats you as an old friend coming to visit his home.  Hence the name of 'Chez Pascal' !

The menu is simple cuisine but has such flavour and believe me, after 3 days of pure couscous and tagine you are dying for something European! Beautiful cut meats and veg ( and you know by now i am a meat and veg gal!)  succulent fish and light fluffy desserts, Chez Pascal offers a little taste of France mixed with a Marroccan twist.

Through this old school french colonial interior and the antique styled service this is a great place for lunch during a visit into the modern town or a romantic dinner transporting you into old times.

This is a must dining experience When in Marrakech

When the wind's from the east
And the sun's from the west
And the sand in the glass is right
Come on down
Stop on by

To CHEZ PASCALS and fly
To another Arabian night

Arabian nights
Like Arabian days
More often than not
Are hotter than hot
In a lot of good ways

For more info see:
Rue Mohammed Al Béqal
Marrakech, Morocco

WHEN IN TAFILALET CREATION- A little glimpse into Paradise

Oh Aladdin!! You are too generous!

My own creation 

The souks can be a frightening place to the first time visitor. You have this preconceived idea of how shopping in the market should be- Aladdin springing from the rooftops, lamps with your own personal genie, magic carpets ( so pretty much the usual!)  and you have a long list of items that you wish to by. You want items made, you want to deck out your home with things from the orient without paying crazy prices- I get it!

As a girl however I need my time to mill around the souks for fashion. Something that no one will have, only I will posses that is totally me and that screams- ' Ha - twas a gift from Shaikh Zamzalabim!'

At the beginning of the main avenue of the market there is a store that is a little glimpse into Paradise. It is a store that looks like it should be some of the hidden treasures from Pirates of the Caribbean. It is Tafilalet Creation.

In this store is a man who is like the God of all jewels. Omar is a talented designer who will help you choose ( without the normal pressure of buying in the souk) a piece that fits you. Every stone has a story and every thread and fitment has been chosen specifically to make the piece stand out. The array of semi precious stones is too amazing- I felt like crying with joy the first time I stepped in this store, my boyfriend thought that something terrible had happened, but I had to explain, ' I am at home here' said with hand on heart.

From Amethyst, to ruby, from coral to jade, from sparkling tourmaline and Sapphire you can not NOT love the colour burst in the store. The designs are relatively classic but be not fooled by this. If you are after modern and personalised creations, you simple have to ask Omar and it is ' No problem madame' within 24-48 hours you can design your own piece and have it made quicker than you can say 'Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany!!!'



Imagine designing your own piece in this seasons colours with your own personal flair! Or picking out a necklace which has more citrine droplets than a bunch of grapes or a topaz the size of your fist! All for a bargain!

This is a must visit When in Marrkech!

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental
But Omar is a girl's best friend
A kiss may be grand... but it won't pay the rental on your gorgeous ring

Or all those other sparkly things

Men grow cold as girls grow old
And we all lose our charms in the end
But square cut or pear shape these rocks don't lose their shape
Omar is a girl's best friend

For more info see:
5 Souk Essemmarine Marrkech

Model: Sasha Litvintseva

WHEN IN THE ACE HOTEL- The Ace of my Heart!

A Cocktail of Old school Hollywood Glamour and Urban street style !

The Ace hotel is one of those places where you feel for a certain amount of time within the building seriously cool and seriously hip!

The Ace hotel in New York looks like a melange of Hollywood movie sets from all eras, genres and styles. You walk in through a door lit up with naked lightbulbs spelling out the name into a dramatic hallway with large columns dim lighting and a echoing retro music.

I want everything that is in that room!! No matter how wacky and mad the place looks it all seems to fit. Every last detail, whether its the large red worn out sofas covered in animal throws or the retro lamps scattered all over the room. Even the staff blend in with the surroundings! Doc Martins and funky tattoos- you feel like you have entered a strange portal mixing in all forms of life and time.

You look around and you have a vintage photobooth on one side where you can get some snapshots whilst sipping on some wine ( as you do! ) and on the other an american styled wooden bar from down south.

The rooms are as funky as the lobby each being unique and as retro as the other. The hotel offers a wide range of choice in regards to size and services so you are never dissapointed and there is something for everyone.

Take a trip to the Lobby bar at the start of your night and then end up in the oyster bar sipping on a cool cocktail surrounded by the most amazing decor.

This is a must stay When in NYC

You're the top!
You're the Coliseum.
You're the top!
You're the Louver Museum.
You're a melody from a symphony by Strauss
You're a Bendel bonnet,
A Shakespeare's sonnet,
You're Mickey Mouse.
You're the Nile,
You're the Tower of Pisa,
You're the smile on the Mona Lisa
I'm a worthless check, a total wreck, a flop,
But if, baby, YOUR THE ACE you're the top!

For more info see:

20 West 29th Street
New York, NY 10001

WHEN IN THE LOTUS CLUB - The lap of Luxury in Marrakech

Too Cool for School!


Marrakech is such an exciting city in the old town. For us, it is a mixture of the orient, traditions and scenes from Aladdin! In the modern town it is a mix of the orient, traditions and Sex in the city??

The melange of bars and restaurants amazes you when you visit for the first time.

In the residential area of the Hivernage, hidden amongst palm trees and vines are some amazing restaurants, cafes and bars. There is a place that brings Carrie Bradshaw's sass to the streets of Marrakech and decor that would even inspire Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC!

The Lotus is for the elite of Marrakech. You walk down a red carpet through a courtyard of Palm trees and lanterns as if you are on your way to the Oscars. You then enter a room so sexy and cool that it would even make Mr Darcy's pond scene look like a drab!

The room is broken off in into a series of areas by of a melange of deco mixed with modern chic. Dark tinted mirrors and avant garde light fittings fill the rooms and velvety furniture fills the space.

I went on an evening of live music with a singer ironically from Essex ( a British girl in Marrekech in a bar filled with french and Marrocans being sung to by a guy from Essex??- what a small world this is!) who put a cool jazz twist on some classics from artists such as: Tracy Chapman and Prince. You can sit by the bar ordering a cool cocktail and listen to the silky sound of music whilst watching the impressive OTT Marrakech elite slide through dressed head to toe in designers. It's a bit like being at a bar watching Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass with their posy of followers in a Moroccan sense however the food is great, the ambiance is cool and it is not easy to get a great cocktail in the city but the drinks here are good and you feel you are in trendy location of Paris whilst sipping on some champagne.

This is a must visit When in Marrakech

It comes alive oh, when the sun goes down
It  gets it right you know it's always down
You must keep one eye open and your ear to the ground
Cuz the Lotus is too cool for school

For More info see:

Rue Ahmed Chawki | Hivernage, Marrakech, Morocco

WHEN IN FOUR STORE- Brush up on your highschool Geometry!

Clean cut Geometry of fashion!

Never been much good at maths. Never had the calculating talent. What I am good at is spending large numbers- monies!!

The sleepy street -Mulackstrasse is one of those dangerous streets where shoppers like me are drawn to. I can't help myself really I can't. I have tried to go cold turkey and find other places to take my mind off this street but its cool underground fashion scene pulls me in and takes over my entire being!!! 

Enough with the dramatics!

Four store is a fantastic fashion find- full of different brands such as: Stine Goya and  Won Hundred. It is one of those clean cut stores with funky and mod fashions.

Mute colour rails with a splash of something unique and fun , deck out the interior of the store and I always have fun looking through the funky accessories to spruce up my chosen outfit.

I also have a serious interior envy of the front of the shop. When you walk in sitting at the entrance is this incredible home made structure of lamp shade frames with thick coloured wool woven in and out of the skeleton. I could seriously imagine that sitting in my room as a focal piece! I have no idea what I would tell people but hey! It's modern art!

There is something incredibly futuristic about the store. I don't know whether it is the modern pieces that they have or whether it is the fact that there is a chic sense of new modernism but if you like forward thinking simple fashions then this is the place for you.

This is a must shopping visit When in Berlin!

Don't know much about geography
Don't know much trigonometry
Don't know much about algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for

But I do know that one and one is two
And if this one could spend it in FOUR too
What a wonderful world this would be
 for more info see:
Mulackstraße 12
10119 Berlin

WHEN IN BREAD - The best thing since sliced bread and butter!

Lovin dat Soho's Bread!

I have found since being here that brunching is a seriously popular past time in NYC. They don't do breakfast, they don't do lunch and they don't really do a dinner. However brunch is very common and it can appear on any day of the week in the big apple.

In the trendy area of Soho on the edge of Nolita is a funky urban bar called Bread. It is a place to cool off and relax and to enjoy the mid day sun and obviously to be seen as part of the it crowed.

I love the interior of this place as you have the brown stone urban surrounding of lower east side and inside is completely and utterly white. A white bar, white seats, white tables, white walls, mosaic white bar...

An ice cool feeling with an urban retreat twist!

The food is great. Fresh and simple and you get good portions for your money. I have come to realise that NYC is a food/money eating metropolis and you don't really understand this until you are at the cash wrap about to pay for something and your wallet is empty- Where did it all go?? on little pit stops !

Bread is a great place to enjoy the little niches of Soho and it is terribly New Yorker but what a great way to spend Saturday, than by cooling off with an iced coffee and panini and the sound of smooth jazz and funk watching the avid shoppers mill around the neighbourhood!

This is a must visit When in New York

Mamma's little baby loves soho, soho
Mamma's little baby loves soho's  bread
Mamma's little baby loves soho , soho
Mamma's little baby loves soho's bread
 Three little shoppers layin' in the bed
Two were bored and the other 'most dead
Sent for the doctor, the doctor said
"Feed those children in soho's bread"

for more info see:
20 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012

WHEN IN SEVEN- Alice in Wonderland of Soho

Method in designer Madness!


I am a sucker for the weird and wonderful. I find it incredible that such creations are available to the ordinary folk of the high street. Down the secret slumbering street of Mercer, there is a little doorway into a store so freakishly cool that, the likes of Gaga and Stefani would wear the creations that lurk in the deep.

It is almost as if you have transcended into uncharted waters or the darkest of designer dungeons, however it is ueber cool. The creations of Wilhelm, Christopher Kane, Butterfly Soulfire, House of Holland and Pugh are a few of the names that you will find in this rabbit hole amongst the pristine designer stores surrounding the Soho area.

It is a store which you can only call mad- however I am one to say that in this kind of fashion there is much method in the madness.

You need to do a double take when you skim through the rails of wonderful pieces, all so unique and avant garde that looking twice is a must.

This is a must visit When in New York

What you waiting
what you waiting 
What you waiting for


I can't wait to go 
Back and shop in Seven 
Get me lots of brand new styles
Pugh, WilhlemHouse of Holland
Damn, you've got some wicked style... 

What you waiting

what you waiting 

What you waiting for

For more info see:
 New York
110 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10012

WHEN IN SUPTINO- Bringing New York to Southwest London

New York New York - You mean London London ??



My mum was in town for the weekend and she wanted to meet for lunch. Usually this means somewhere near Selfridges so that we can continue our shopping spree and possibly go for a late night movie. However this time we decided to mix it up a bit.

She wanted to test this place Sputino out which she had read about online.

The only way I can describe this place is; if All Saints decided to branch out from the fashion world into cuisine then this is what each of their restaurants would look like. If Seasick Steve wanted a joint to hang out in with his guitar and his lyrics then this would be his place. A tiny place with iron everywhere subway styled tiles and a rusty feel with this cool urbaness ambiance to it. You are bringing derelict New York buildings with fire escapes and all to the middle of central London. Naked light bulbs dimly light the room and the waft of homely food fills the secret cubby hole of a diner!



You can't really call it a restaurant as it does not host many tables and chairs. You sit along the bar which has maximum 15 places and there is one high table and stools towards the back.

The highlight is however that the menu is a funky as the venue. Popcorn is your bread and everything comes in miniature sizes so you order one of each and you become so addicted that you order more! Mini salt beef and pickle sandwiches, zucchini fries with yogurt dip, brioche and bone marrow etc.  it brings a Novaux New York deli styled food to the streets of Soho in west London. ( you must try the peanut butter jelly sandwich for dessert- it is not what you think and is extremely delicious! The hint is ice cream and compote)

You can't book, you can't call , you just need to go and be lucky.

This is a must dining experience When in London

Start spreadin the news
I'm eatin today.
I want a great big chunk of it 
Sputino Sputino


I want burgers, pizza and fries
Where it's miniatures sizes
Coolest place in town 


Sputino Sputiiinoooo!!


For more info see:
61 Rupert Street
Westminster, London W1D 7

WHEN IN NIBS- Willy Wonker has nothing on this place!

I want Nibs Now!!!


If you decide one day that you want to take a trip to Berlin during the months of January and February, you will need Arctic weather reinforcements, lots of thermal underwear, possible snow boots, a slay and Nibs.

Nibs is what I like to call as the Spanish Willy Wonker. Everything is about chocolate. Chilly and chocolate, walnut and chocolate, raisin and chocolate, chocolate fondue, Chocolate fruit, hot chocolate, Ice chocolate...etc the list can go on. However in this little choco den, the most treasured item on the menu is the ' Spanische Chokolade mit Churros' translation to- Spanish chocolate with Churros.

You will see in a corner a little machine rotating the juiciest, most chocolaty mixture all day keeping it fresh and smooth. Once you order, the lady will go to a machine at the back a prepare warm freshly made churros and sprinkle it with sugar. Then you see her release this choco mixture into a cup which is soooo gooey and mouth watering. It is then placed in front of you. You dip the churros into the cup and consume. It is so naughty and good that the only noise that can be heard is the long drawn out ' hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm' ( sounding a little too much like a good thing ;)  )  Then all is quiet and before you know it you have devoured every last drop and completely cleaned the cup of any chocolate smear.

It is a tiny place so sometimes I would take a Spanish chocolate to go and walk around window shopping in the west of Berlin.

This is a must visit When in Berlin

I want Chocolate
I want Churros
Silky and warm theres nothing I want more
In a cute little store
Don't care how
I want Nibs Now!!
For more info see:
Bleibtreustraße 46
10623 Berlin

WHEN IN COLUMBIA STREET MARKET- Home of the All English Quaintness

I Love Markets

I love market culture. It is such a breathe of fresh air in the shopping world. In the outdoors, milling from one stand to another, stand owners trying to flog you items for so called ' great deals', haggling... its so different to the generic shop - you are back at the roots of trading, face to face with the trader, and showing them the colour of your money. Not to mention the amazing finds.

We all know London to have Portabello road, home of the Nottinghill film and carnival. We all know Camden market, home of the hippy, the rebel and the spliff! We even know Spiterfields, home of Brick lane and Indian food! But do you really know Columbia Road market?

On a Sunday this old flower market comes to life. One of the smaller markets in London, visiting is a lot more relaxed and you don't have the super rush of a block buster market like Portabello. Columbia street market is really quaint and there is something so terribly English about it. I don't exactly know what it is, or why but because it is one of these hidden gems of the city, I feel it has been preserved.

You walk through the center of the flower market but on the sides are amazing little artisan boutiques. A hat shop that has been around since I was born, a vintage china shop with the most gorgeous retro coffee house behind it, a retro inspired hair dressers that makes any gal go crazy! ( in the style of the pink ladies from Grease), a beautiful boutique filled with hand made jewelry and journals in the shabby chic style. There are no limits in this little avenue of creation. It is almost stuck in a time warp or a romantic movie set where you need to wear a little hat, clutch bag and gloves and carry a bouquet of violets or roses and skim through the antique china picking out tea cups heavily decorated in a baroque fashion.... I could go on forever....

This is a must visit When in London!

I love Markets in the springtime.
I love Markets in the fall.
I love Markets in the winter when it drizzles,
I love Markets in the summer when it sizzles.

I love Markets every moment,
every moment of the year.
I love Markets, why, oh why do I love Markets?
Because Columbia Road market is so dear.

WHEN IN BUTTERFLY SOULFIRE - A soul of its own

It's the sound of the Underground

I love Berlin. It has so much to offer. So much undiscovered treasures, I can't help but sing its praises. Wondering the exciting little side streets you are always going to find something interesting. On Mulackstrasse in Mitte there is a store that I found so unique and so dark at the same time. Imagine a scary movie that has extreme fashion taste and there you have Butterfly Soulfire.

Dark tones mixed with occasion light flashes, leather, fur and jersey are the fabrics of choice. Braiding and slashing and tailoring are the tools of choice to create these urban/classic inspired creations.

The first time I walked into this little boutique, a lightbulb switched and I went a little ape. I tried over half the stores collection on and kept having to go for another look to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. I bought a top in duck egg blue in a sheer fabric slightly off the sholder ( something out of a Marni collection), a sweather ( with a side of faux fur for a luxury look), some trousers ( half leather, half tailored- unisex for the androgenous look) and some sunglasses made from a piece of X ray film which clips to your temples and rolls up into a piece of film to put in your pocket.

The items are all hand made and are limited so you feel you are buying something special that only you will have.

This is a real boutique store, small, quaint but with an attitude so you are getting a taste of Berlin's underground fashion scene whilst buying something that makes you stand out of the crowd.

This is a must visit When in Berlin!

Down by the street by the tramlines
Where everybody shops all the time 
Where you wont see any rising sun
Down to the street we will run

Oh  I see how everything is torn in the shop
And I don't know why I go the way
Down by the Butterfly

For more information see:

Mulackstrasse 11, 10119 Berlin Mitte

WHEN IN THE BIRD - Fish gotta swim and Birds gotta have Burgers?

Let's Have a Bird Burger!!!

Berlin is that ever developing city. When I first left the city I would go back on those sentimental visits, where I drive round the city and go to all my old hoods and reminisce on the good old days. This was the first time I went back. Now I go back to discover what new delights the city has to offer.

The east has this underground urban vibe to it which is creating such a buzz. In the heart of the east is a restaurant that I can only say - should have my name written across the front. I am a meat and potato gal- i know , not exactly staying off the carbs however I like to think of it as my own version of the Atkins diet or as I call it - Fleischfresser diet!

It is called the Bird. I don't really know why it has that name, but all I can tell you is that deep in the heart of  Prenzlauerberg this is a mini American styled diner/pub which serves the best in burgers and buffalo wings. The portions are massive and you feel that you have eaten your weight in cow but it is definitely worth it. You come from the streets of Berlin into the Hell's Angeles pub of the US and the atmosphere is great. You need to book for this rough diamond of a restaurant as without a booking you might be waiting for a relatively long time.

My boyfriend took me here on our anniversary. Nice right- there was me thinking 'Oh a romantic table for two , candles and the glint in his eye as he sighs in utter contentment while he stares at me thinking - I'm the luckiest guy in the world....' oh no these sorts of celebrations don't happen to me. Instead it was wooden tables and benches sitting next to a large group of motorbike riders as they glugged down their beer and order with a very German accent ' I vvvill havve zeeee Biiirrrrd Buurrrrgerrrr wizz zeee friiiieeess und zeee beer sreeeee timmmeeesss pllleeezzz' I can only tell you that my boyfriend takes me to the best places, the ones that are humble and real and most of all serve me my meat!

This is a must visit When in Berlin

The Bird does it
I Love it
Even the most educated people do it

The Bird does it

Let's have a Burger!!

for more info see:

Am Falkplatz 5
Prenzlauerberg
10435

WHEN IN BAR TAUSEND- a Tausend times better than you imagine!

The Berlin Bunker

We thought that underground bunkers were a thing of a the past. Things that are only used in wars. That we would have no need of them in this day and age. We are all so wrong.  Located in Mitte on Schiffbauerdamm is a metal door under a bridge. A steel frame leading into the unknown. You knock on this frame and a slit opens and closes. The frame opens. A man asks you if you would like to eat or drink and then shuts the door on you. You wait. The frame opens again and you are taken down a tunnel entrance into another room. A room which is lit by a single light at the end of the tunnel which then reflects onto silver sheets covering the entire ceiling! It is such an amazing sight. You walk in and are memorised by the incredible grandeur of the room. Booths outline the side and straight ahead you have a glowing bar. The events vary from lounge to rock and roll live band, Jazz to techno. It is definitely not a one tricky pony venue.

When I entered this bar for the first time I remember that I was in total awe. I must have looked like a right divvy with my mouth open and eyes the sizes of coins. But I couldn't help myself. The place is so alive and electric that you feel compelled to gawp and gaze for a few moments ( in my case and hour) until you realise that you are hanging out with the cool elite of Berlin.

Important to note. You do need to book for this place. Coming unbooked may lead to disappointment. A little tip try to come to the door around 11pm. You stand more of a chance getting in. Don't come in huge groups. No more than 4. It is not a big venue therefore they like to keep space.

The venue also hosts a fantastic fusion restaurant in an equally spectacular setting. Dine in style and then go for a cool drink at the bar whilst listening to the latest house grooves or live band.

This is a must visit When in Berlin!

I don't care if the sun don't shine

I go out  in the evenin time

when I'm in Bar Tausend  

It's no fun when the suns around

I get my groove on when the sun goes down

When I'm with my Bar Tausend

For more info see:

Schiffbauerdamm 11
10117 Berlin, Germany
030 41715396

WHEN IN APARTMENT - Morticia Adam's wardrobe of Gaga pieces

The Mystery store 

You would usually expect to see rails, dressing rooms, a till, shelves, promotional images, sales staff etc. when walking into a store. These things are a given. Otherwise what would be the point in having a store that is empty. Well there is a new breed of shop in Berlin. I like to call it the 'Secret store'

Apartment is such a store. You walk into what I can only describe as a white space. A derelict room with an open front door and a spiral staircase to the side taking you down to the basement. It all seems rather strange. You go down the spiral staircase and everything turns from white to black and you enter a room filled with treasure from a secret and forbidden world. Independent Berlin designs to Bernhard Wilhelm, this store oozes cool and uniqueness.

You feel as if sexy, sensual Morticia Adams from the Adams family were to give you the key to her secret closet then this is what it would like.

I was extremely excited the first time I went into Apartment as I found a design by Bernhard Wilhelm which I had read about in a book from his then latest runway show. I remember seeing it drape on the hanger in this dark dimly lit corner of the room and jumped with excitement, putting it directly on the counter.

It is bang in the center of Mitte so you are surrounded by cool clever shopping experiences.

This is a must see When in Berlin

Little tip
Next door around the corner is the outlet store of Apartment. Great designers deals!


The clothes a cool and Kooky  
The store is a little spooky, 
The experience is cool, see the 
Apartment store in Berlin. ( Click click)  

For more info see:
Alexanderplatz. Memhardstraße 8 10178 Berlin

WHEN IN THE RUM TRADER-Drinkin Rum and Coca Cola!!!

Back to the 20s

Step back in time to the 1920s Berlin. On the corner of Ludwigkirchplatz is a blacked out window and door which leads you into a room that only fits 2 round tables. You are surrounded by 100s of bottles or Rum. Now I know nothing about Rum or any kind of alcohol for that matter but my mouth dropped when walking into this little Rum cabinet in the middle of the Berlin's west side.

20s jazz echos throughout the room and the bar tender has been transported from the era to serve you in the most civilized manner. The entire experience amazes me as you step into the bar coming from the noughties and end up in the golden era of Berlin before the outbreak of World War.

Don't worry, if you are like myself and have no idea from the uber abundance of choice, the bartender will ask you if you prefer sweet or sour drinks and will recommend something for the occasion. Every time he has been right on the money!

It is great to go here before a big dinner for an aperitif or if you feel like a night cap.

This is a must visit When in Berlin

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down to the Rum Tradaaa
On the Fasanenstrassaaa
Workin' for the Yankee dollar



For more information see:
Fasanenstraße 40, 10719 Berlin

WHEN IN LF- The Bohemian Rhapsody of New York Fashion

Clothes Glorious Clothes!



I thought I had seen everything in the soho area. I thought I had left no fashion stone unturned. However today I walked down Spring street and came to a standstill infront of the campiest and most OTT shop window. Platforms covered in the american flag, floaty sparkly dresses and heels, even Gaga would be impressed. It felt as if I had walked back into the 70s where flairs and boho jewels decked out the shop floor through this jumble sale jungle of a store. However, don't be fooled, the most stylish of stylistas paraded through the shop, looking for retro inspired clothes.

Mock Prada shoes and cascading floating see through summer dresses brought the shop into the noughties and you couldn't help yourself but run around grabbing the must have items of this season.

I grabbed a black chiffon asymmetric dress ( Like something out of a Alexander Wang show) and paired it with a body con skirt and retro belt and felt like a million dollars. The fun doesn't end there. As you wonder over to the till you find yourself engorged by the treasure chest filled with boho jewels to jazz up you outfit.

In otherwords I went a bit ape and lost myself within the piles of silk and chiffon. The condition Purchasing syndrome took over and I couldn't control my hand at the till. ( Side affects are: lots of reaching into ones wallet and compulsive muscle spasms resulting in signatures on receipts)

I highly recommend this funky store When In New York



Clothes glorious Clothes
Dresses, skirts and hot pants
Things that I like most
purchasing when I get the chance


Jewels covered in ethnic stones
wedges so tall I could fly
O Clothes glorious clothes - Glorious Clothes!!!


For more info see:

149 Spring Street

New York, NY 10012