(forks.tumblr.com, factorydirectcraft.com, Winter Kate AW12 Dress)

The House of Harlow Winter Kate AW12 collection is full of vibrant, rich colours and amazing 70′s inspired geometric shapes. I love the way that Nicole Richie has collaborated modern materials with a vintage, hard, graphic edge. I am currently in awe in a few pieces from the collection, in particular, this beautiful cobalt and olive green, long sleeved dress. As soon as I laid eyes upon the dress, I was completely inspired by the pairing of the shapes and colours, it was only a matter of time before I made some nails of it! This post shows you exactly how I did it, it’s super easy and fun, and a great way to brighten up the dreary bank holiday weekend!

You will need:

-Rio nail art pens in white and light blue

-Clear varnish

-Barry M nail paint in light green and dark blue

How to:

Start by painting the nails with a layer of clear varnish, then paint the nails with the Barry M nail paints, alternating colour at each nail. Now you’re ready to get creative!

Paint another layer of clear varnish over the final designs, and then you’re finished!

The result:

I hope you all like the post! It has been a pleasure sharing my inspirations and nail art designs for the Amber Nectar blog. Please let us know how you get along!

If you enjoyed this How To post, you can check out my other designs at Nail Hart.

Layla Hart x

Last night, the excellent night Platform 33 introduced me to Sabrina Mahfouz, a poet and performer.  Looking swell in her 1970s wide brim hat and oversized 1980s cream mohair cardi, this girl immediately caught my style radar.  This girls owns the stage.  Her London accent was clear and eloquent; her use of words were inspiring from telling us poetic stories of her experiences working in London strip clubs and over hearing convo’s in girls toilets.  We all can relate to girls chatting about their weight, stupid boyfriends and missing drugs but Sabrina has this sensational way of drawing in the crowd and placing you there and then in a strip club or club cubicle.  Catch the girl at her next show at Dry Ice at The Bush.  Ill be there with bells on.

Sabrinamahfouz.com

This May the Design Gallery will be holding a 20 year retrospective of Louboutin’s famous red-soled shoes, since the start of his label in 1991. Visitors will be able to view the whole lengthy design process, from the designers initial drawings through to the production process. A range of shoes will be shown from stilettos through to trainers. As well as this, louboutin’s inspirations behind his designs will be shown, adding to the overall excitement of being around so many beautiful pairs of shoes! A part of the exhibition will be dedicated to the collaboration between the designer and David Lynch in 2007 -the Fetish show which was held in Paris. We can’t wait to go and visit, but until then, we will be dreaming about our next pair of Louboutins! (We wish)

Layla x

Designer Stella said she took inspiration from British flag – but ‘modernised’ it,  ”The first place to start on a project like this is to look at the Union flag.”  ”Ultimately, we wanted the athletes to feel like a team and be proud with the identity we created.”

The designer has took a lot of critism about her designs.  Some arguing that there is not enough red in the kit, as the colour is just used a trim on the garments. Some have even gone as far as to say the kit is a ‘massive fail’ for not sticking to national colours.

I think Stella McCartney has got the kit spot on. I like how she has taken a section of the flag and made that the main focus of the designs. I like the red trims. I like the shades of blue. If McCartney was to make the kit too flamboyant, there would be a problem.

It’s simple and it works!

To see the video press here

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The Australian brand Minkpink has recently teamed up with the online fashion store Nasty Gal to create the colour explosion that is the 25 piece collection. The collaboration, which is heavily inspired by the colourful, print-loving eighties, is available to buy online now. The prices are reasonable, starting at around £30! Take advantage while you can.

Layla x

I love an Adidas Gazelle on my boyfriend and he loves them for their classic shape, quality materials and retro style.  So this season, my feet can look a lil bit like his in the summer sunshine as I love these candy coloured versions for the ladies.  I love the flamingo coloured Gazelle’s; ideal with a maxi in the height of summer.  The kicks will set you back a mere £65.

www.adidas.com

Offering a range of beautifully crafted leather goods and accessories each piece from the Dollargrand collection is made from sumptuous Italian leather in exotic croc and exquisite laser cut prints. Featuring a selection of chic clutches, purses, coin pouches, pencil cases and make up bags, the collection also includes a range of luxurious travel goods from oyster card holders to small photo frames, ipadcases and smart phone covers.

Created by Dollargrand’s in house design team and made by talented craftsmen, the brand fuses classic functional design with fashion forward colours; hot pink, bright turquoise, brilliant green, zesty orange,classic tan and shimmering metallic, each trimmed with contrasting gold clasps and finishes.

I LOVE the Craina in natural python, £125….Defs on my summers wish list.

Dollargrand is available to buy from www.dollargrandlondon.com. Prices range from £10 to £125

Courtallam is the latest collection from the UK based, hand crafted jewellery designers Kat & Bee. The collection is inspired by the waterfalls of Courtallam, India, nicknamed the “Spa of the South”. The falls are known for their healing and medicinal properties, an idea which has been incorporated into the designs; with the use of vibrant flowers and precious metallics. Each piece is named after Indian god, or a meaning which translates into positive, healing messages. A perfect present for Valentines Day, let the healing begin! Take a look at the full collection here.   Layla x

This couture season, Jean Paul Gaultier is inspired by late great Amy Winehouse. The Jean Paul Gaultier fashion team have delved into Amy’s love for the 1950s which have influenced the collection. The pieces include Amy’s statement looks: the beehive hair, flicked eye liner and pencil skirts. The range was said to be a ‘tribute’ to the singer who died from alcohol poisoning last July. The names for the different looks were named: “Brit Award”, “Victoria’s Secret In My Bag” and “Love Is a Losing Game”;  all of her which are elements of her music and awards career.
The collection features Jean Paul Gaultier’s own signature pieces, figure sculpting dresses, tight corsets, famous trench coats and the pin stripe suit. Jean Paul Gaultier combines the looks perfectly, mixing couture with a British music and fashion icon.
Amy Winehouse was most famous for her jazz and soul style music. Her album Back to Black became the UK’s bestselling album so far of the 21st century, sales rocketed after her death.
I adore the range . The collection captures her style and I think it’s a beautiful reminder of Amy.
Her favourite album for me is Frank, a well sang 13 track album. Each song individual, if you like any soul or jazz music then it’s for you.

Click for album..

Click for the catwalk collection…

Victoria

x

I Can’t seem to be able to put this book down. A funny, sad and moving book by Tony O’Neil about the seriousness of drug abuse and addiction. The story tells all and he holds nothing back.

Buy it here..

Victoria

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Every girl needs to have a lil bit of gold in her life.  It may be fantastically expensive, but boy is it worth investing in.  Jewellery designer and one to watch, Touran Reddaway designs the most exquisite pieces for her label Firouzeh.  Hand made by third generation goldsmiths in Turkey, each 18 carat design is personal, beautiful and full of historical influences.  Here are images from the SS12 collection.  Pow.

www.firouzeh.co.uk

London is unquestionably one of the fashion capitals of the world, with top class designers and a distinct street style any country would be enviable of and if that wasn’t enough to make any British fashionista brim with pride 2012 is the year to embrace our stylish heritage as the 2^nd of June marks the Queens Diamond Jubilee, celebrating her 60 year reign in which time she has established herself as quite the style icon. Bright, block colours, pearl necklaces, pristine white gloves, headscarves and plaid skirts have all become a part of Her Majesty’s distinctive look influencing the likes of Agyness Deyn and Dolce & Gabbana.  The V & A museum will be exhibiting a collection of beautiful, inspiring Cecil Beaton photographs of Her Royal Highness beginning in February which documents an array of intimate portraits revealing Queen Elizabeth II over the ages and you don’t need a Royal budget to recreate her classic look. Miss Selfridge have all you need to become a Queen of style including this elegant vintage inspired necklace and the salt and pepper knitted jacket, all that’s left now is to bag yourself a Prince!

Click Here for more Miss Selfridge pieces fit for a Queen.

Susan Bedingfield

Start the year as you mean to go on.  If you are anything like me and love a lil culture then head to Platform 33 at The Union Chapel on 19th January.  You can experience a trumpeter, string quartet and opera singer in one night.  The Platform 33 idea has been launched to educate, invigorate and explore different areas within the cultural world.  Be there.

Tickets are £11 in advance, £15 on the door.  Click here to buy now.

We’ve noticed how these beautiful, 1960s style candy pastel shades  are being used everywhere at the moment, from Meadham Kirchhoff’s spring/summer show to the urban star, Labrinth, being shot for ID.  Even though Christmas has only really just begun, we are already looking forward to next summer when we will have an excuse to invest in some gorgeous pastel coloured goodies!

Layla Hart

Lydia Rose Bright has been papped looking fantastically chic yet casual as she was spotted out with her partner James Argent. She is seen flaunting her amazingly slim legs in a pair of leather leggings, an intricate embellished top and she finishes the look with a sophisticated blazer in a muted cream colour and matching killer heel boots. Get Lydia’s look all in one place; Miss Selfridge have the most amazing variety of casual wear for this season, spice up your wardrobe with these fantastic faux leather leggings at the reduced price of only £30, a shimmering Animal Embellished tee £55 and this slightly less muted ochre one button blazer also at £30. Finish off your look with these black calf wedge boots at £58, despite not being in the same tan colour as Lydia’s, they will still add the perfect edge to any outfit. Get this whole look for under £180 at no other place than Miss Selfridge; click here to find all 4 items.

Alexandra Clark

The girls can’t stop giggling at Christy Powell’s brand new novel about the highs and lows of female life working in a London High Street cosmetics salon. Based on the author Christy’s own experience setting up her business, ‘News From The Nail Bar’ is the hilarious account of the world inside the nail bar office. Delve in to Rebecca Harris’s complicated life and live her story through day by day accounts of her emails to best friend and business partner ‘Felicity’ and ‘Babs the bitch’.

This is one Christmas present which cannot be missed, for £8.99 click right here to grab it while you can!

Alexandra Clark

This season what more does any girl need than a fabulous little black dress. Our favourite party item, no special occasion is complete without a teeny tiny black number, team it up with tights and pair of glittery killer heels. Harrods have the most incredible selection, a variety of day dresses, cocktail dresses and fashion forward creations, from as reasonable as Maxmara’s cap sleeve dress at £229 to the sophisticated scoop neck dress by Lanvin for £2399. Look no further than Harrods for the classic LBD to make that mind blowing appearance this Christmas, stand out from the crowd in a sensational piece that will bring glamour to your wardrobe for years to come.

To feast your eyes on more of these festive frocks click here.

Alexandra Clark

Layla Hart

We have recently come across the most beautiful bags in Accessorize and have been blown away by the variety, a style to suit everyone. Prices range from as reasonable as £12 up to £65, you can’t go wrong! Chose one out of the fabulous collection to add colour to your favourite winter outfit by day, or by night pick a sparkly clutch to compliment the perfect evening dress to create outrageous glamour just in time for the Christmas parties.

These are a few of our favourites, absolutely gorgeous!! Click here to see more of these wonderful party dress accessories.

Alexandra Clark

Susan Bedingfield

Click here to see more from Stylebop.com

Pugh has recently collaborated with M.A.C make-up to create a limited edition line of cosmetics which are sure to be found at the top of Christmas wish lists everywhere.

Pugh has remained faithful to his futuristic vision and transferred the drama and impact he brings to the catwalk to the cosmetics in the shape of geometric ‘flight lashes’ and deep metallic shades of eye shadows and lipsticks.

Snap up your piece of the exclusive range here.

Susan Bedingfield

Rebecca Minkoff is my latest love.  This bag is super, sexy fun.  This bag will change your life we think.  Fact.  At $295, this is a holiday gift just for you. Buy now from the lovely website here.

As the January issue of Vogue UK popped through our letter boxes on this icy morning, there was only one thing on our minds; Florence Welch gracing the front cover. As fabulous as she looked, we couldn’t believe that the eclectic English musician had made the front cover of one of the highest end fashion magazines in the world.

After emerging from a giant clam, Florence’s under sea goddess appearance and show stopping performance at Chanel’s ocean inspired run way show for spring/summer 12, she has been propelled 100 miles an hour in to the beady eye of the fashion media. If only we all had an extraordinarily beautiful voice and exceptional auburn curls, maybe we could link arms with Lagerfeld. Lovelovelove her.

Click right here for more on Chanel’s exquisite Spring/Summer 12 collection.

Alexandra Clark

Fatale is an editorial that we have recently seen and fallen in love with, featured in the October 2011 issue of Vogue Paris. Shot by our favourite photographers, the incredible Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot.  The beautiful Sasha Pivorarova is fiercely sporting the Fetish trend that blew away the Autumn/Winter 11 catwalks. In a provocative variety of leather, lace and sheer fabrics Pivororarova screams sexuality and along with her dishevelled blonde hair and pillar box red lips she rocks this season’s most influential style.  We heart.

To see more images from Mert and Marcus, just click right here.

Alex Clark

Budda n Spice in Cobham on Church Street is  a fantastic  kids fashion boutique, owned by Jodie Wood and Charli Hooper.  Brands available include Dandy Star, Most Wanted, No Added Sugar, Scotch & Soda…I want to buy it all for lil baby friends.

Tel: 01932 868934.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Budda-n-Spice/146492568752580

I love a little boutique.  The personal shopping experience is where it is at right now.  Club in Esher stocks the most incredible brands in the prettiest store.   My favourite picks have to be the Balmain Military jacket…pwoaaarrrrr.

Isabel Marant Feather Print Tee £260

Balmain Green Military Jacket £1,800

Isabel Marant Black Poppy Court Shoes £398

Tel: 01372 469262

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CLUB-Esher-Designer-Boutique/124595037606227

I had the pleasure of looking after the stunning Laura Whitmore at an event on Saturday.  The Republic store at Westfield Stratford hosted a sick DJ set by the Rizzlekicks (those boys are hot) and Laura made an appearance and styled a competition winner.    If you haven’t made it to the WFS store yet- head there now to sample the best stores and best food available in the heart of East LDN.

Alex and I attended the Nahm launch party at The Shop at Bluebird last night. The film Belle du Jour and Parisian Expats who ventured to Laos in the 70s inspired this stunning collection for SS12. Sophisticated, feminine dresses fuse the Parisian blend as seen within the pretty White shirt dress range. Combining the culture of Laos in the 70s, contrasting prints in red wine, burnt Sienna, and lemon yellow add an exuberant and unknown exciting touch.

Plenty of Belvedere cocktails were consumed and the people watching was a pleasure.

Nahm-ny.com

Mary’s new store at House of Fraser is fantastic.  If you haven’t been yet, you should get yourself there this weekend!  The product (hello gorgeous Radley bags), service and ambience is perfect.   The staff have clearly been trained by the very best, and the product including clothing, Clarks shoes, Radley bags and Charnos hosiery is made from the finer fabrics.  Mary Portas is an inspiration so go and get inspired!!  The Radley bags are my favourites… the tassled Compton is divine!!  Heaven in the form of arm candy.  Yum.

www.radley.co.uk

The Correspondents EP is out now!  Hurrah!  You can buy this bad boy on iTunes, Amazon Play…I LOVE them!!!

Track list includes;

1. Ground Floor
2. What’s Happened to Soho?
3. Washington Square
4. Bad Ragsaw Boogie
5. Jive Man
6. Basement

OMG.  I loved the black patent versions of these bad boys last year…. but I ADORE the leopard print.  I need these in my life.   Last year the patent shoe and boot styles totally sold out.  I for one will not be making that mistake again….

F-troupe.com

New in at Oxygen Boutique…. this shirt from A.L.C is simply too hot.  Wear with a lil skater skirt (that’s the look I shall be channelling) or those with sickening skinny legs should wear this looped over some drainpipes.

Easy.

www.oxygenboutique.com

Hello lovely new lil leopard print collection from Tula!  I love leopard print and I particularly love a leopard print hand bag.  These gorgeous little numbers are available now from www.tula.co.uk .  The best thing is that prices for the bags start from £39.  Barganistic.  I chucked in the mustard pouch too.  Perfect for fun and frolics on a summers day in the park.

Last night we went to an exhibition at Lee Street Studios in Hackney.  Russell Hardman displayed his prints, paintings, posters and t shirts in the beautiful warehouse belonging to the lovely Gina and Chris.  Guys with gorgeous voices sung on a creaky lil wooden stool, people art- watched and the vino was flowing.  The studio can be rented out for shoots and I would highly recommend it for its high ceiling’s, sky light and good vibes.  I heart Lee Street Studios.

www.floatingcinema.info

www.ianchristie.org

I love a little bit of arts and crafts.  I am currently looking for a haberdashery course to embark on… I love the idea of picking up some old and smelly chair and transforming it into a little more me.  I came accross Homemade London whilst searching and I have fallen in love.  Homemade London offers great courses to partake in throughout the week for anyone wanting to learn a new skill.  Take the lampshade making course in August – YES please!  Either take yor own material or buy when you are there and you will come home with a 9 inch shade, all fro £69.  This is too good to be true!  Mums, kids, young and all can all have a go.  I can’t wait to get involved.

www.homemadelondon.com

Love, love LOVE the new collection from Radley.  Despite the terrible rains, I am going tropical this week and embracing the longest day of the year in true style.  I adore the burnt orange Earlsfield pictured here- it is understated and a true classic.  Join me and go Club Tropicana, yeah?  Think Hawaiian shirts, flower hair situations and lil jumpsuits and pow, you are good to go.

The orange Earlsfield is £134

The Charlton shoe is £180

The Pink Bermondsey (seen in both images) is £195

www.Radley.co.uk

As a fan of Mervyn Peake and his incredible works, I am really proud to say that his daughter and family friend, Clare has written an incredidle memoir.  Do buy this book to inspire yourself and those around you.  Clare is an incredible story teller and I look forward to reading this book and hearing many a story in the future.

What girl doesn’t love a handbag?  I LOVE bags.  End of.  Here is my selection of SS11 bags I would love in my life right now!  A little bit of British Radley, a festival must from Jas MB, mixed with a fierce Moschino and chuck in a classic Chanel = my life right now.

Look at these beauties from designer Karen Karam!  The SS11 collection is available exlusively at Browns.  If money was no object I would love to purchase the whole range.  What with wedding season in full swing, head to Browns to snap up one of these stunning frocks.  The flowy silk chiffon looks smooth and light enough to be swept off your feet at any given moment.  Having worked with John Galliano and at Chloe, this Lebanese, London based lady knows how to make a dress or two.  Karen Karam is certainly my summer secret that I will be sharing with you this summer!  Get yourselves to Browns I say.

www.karenkaram.co.uk

Want an acid house rave soon in the comfort of your own home?  Smiley homeware is the only way to go… check out the launch of The Smiley Company’s newest homeware range Smiley Happy Deco.  The collection will launch with a luxurious soft furnishings range by French furniture designers Maison de Vaccances.

A super chic range of leather, suede and denim cushions, bean bags and accessories, available worldwide in specialized boutiques, hotels and department stores in 2011.  I’m thinking that ill be kitting out my tent with the cushions and purses (make up uses obvs) for nexts years festival season… Chase the rave all the way back to your tent….LOVE

www.smileycompany.coM

I love a lil bit of Indian food so when I saw that the Dishroom were launching a pop up restuarant, I could feel those taste buds yearning to eat something spicey.  This summer, the South Bank is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the original Festival of Britain, which was itself celebrated amidst the austerity of post-war reconstruction. There will be a big beach along the promenade (LOVE that!) with lots of bunting and Tracy Emin doing her first show for years, Ray Davis of the Kinks doing the Meltdown Festival and Vintage Goodwood relocating to the South Bank.

The Dishroom wants to add their bit too… If an old Bombay Cafe strolled casually down to the beach (while perhaps on a mild acid trip), the result would be the Dishoom Chowpatty Beach Bar.

Cannot wait!

www.dishroom.com

I am off on my first boyfriend holiday/adventure this Wednesday!  YAY.  After a few months of tough work, we are currently packing our backpacks in preparation for a trip to Morocco for ten whole, fat days.  We are traveling from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains to Essaouira and other places in between.  One place that swung it for us when we were booking our holiday was Kasbah du Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains.  Boy oh boy does this place look insane!!!  Our lovely friend Matty’s, dad and uncle own this magical rhiad and we are lucky enough to be spending two nights there.  I.CAN’T.WAIT.

 www.kasbahdutoubkal.com

London is smoking right now.  Vanilla Ice sums up London right now!  This picture is HOT!

CC Skye at Oxygen Boutique…need I say anymore?  I absolutely adore this brand.  Any jewellery with added bling and a bold look ticks all of my boxes.  I really need one of these in my life for the Festival season!  At £110, these babies will last you an entire lifetime.

www.oxygenboutique.com

I adore reading but I particularly love personalised books.  Given as a special gift for a special occassion, there is literally nothing better than a book that has your name embossed on it. 

At Prometheus Bound Books you can do this and a lil more.  You can select your favourite book and bind as you wish.  Incredible, right??  The books are all handmade in Britian, providing an even more patriotic feel when you customise your favourite Dicken’s novel!  Available online and at Harrods.

www.prometheusboundbooks.com

I love a bit of swimwear, for girls I love Liberty’s and Zimmerman.  Both provide stunning prints and design and when I wear them on the beach in some place far, far away from London I feel a trillion dollars.  For men, there is nothing better than a pair of Paul Smith printed shorts or newly launched, Myo.  Myo takes inspiration on the French Riviera; think lounging by a pool at a villa with a massive glass of wine (for me) and a beer (for him).  Utter bliss, right?

www.libertys.co.uk

www.oxygenboutique.com

www.paulsmith.co.uk

www.myoswimwear.com