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/