• Fashion

    2018 Christmas gifts to suit all budgets

      Okay, Iā€™m allowing myself to get officially excited about the holiday season now. And that means thinking about some of the gifts I might get for family and friends and also (ahem) what I might like to see in my stocking on Christmas morning.   So Iā€™ve had a lot of fun today pulling together the Stripeycoral Christmas edit ā€“ a selection of fashion, jewellery and other lovely items that will put a smile on the face of anyone who receives them. Some I already own, others are on my wish list, and together Iā€™ve tried to find something to suit almost every stylish woman ā€“ and at prices…

  • Fashion

    Dedicated follower of fashion

    Iā€™ve been dying to tell you about this ā€“ and finally I can. A while back, Bon Marche magazine contacted me as theyā€™d been following my Insta and liked the look of the styles I was showcasing. They wanted me to appear in a four-page photoshoot and interview article, highlighting the brandā€™s Winter collection. This was tremendously exciting as it was my first photoshoot, plus a chance to share some of the style tips Iā€™ve picked over my years working in the fashion industry.   I spent the day with the team selecting my favourite pieces from the new season collection and talking through the winter styles, as well as…

  • Fashion,  Travel

    Style in the Land of Smiles

    It’s been a while since I posted but, following a recent two week trip to Thailand ā€“ taking in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (lots of islands, basically!) ā€“ I wanted to share some of the fabulous fashion items that I enjoyed wearing while there.   They call Thailand the ‘land of smiles’, as the people are so warm and friendly, and I found it to be a terrifically welcoming place.   It’s also terrific as a backdrop for fashion shots and I hope you enjoy some of the looks (and settings) that I’ve put together below. Keep in mind, too, that these aren’t just fashion items…

  • Fashion

    Cool watch alert ā€“ the joy of a Jord

    Itā€™s funny but, up until a few years ago, I wasnā€™t much of a watch person. Sure, I wore one but it was purely functional, rather than as a piece chosen for its looks and performance.   But then my husband starting working on a watch magazine. Heā€™s always been a horophile (watch nerd, in other words) and as he started to come home with amazing watches he was testing, I began to appreciate them for the miniature marvels they were. Isnā€™t it refreshing, in this digital age we live in, that something mechanical ā€“ and beautiful ā€“ still has the power to surprise and delight   Thatā€™s where this…

  • Fashion

    Colour me happy

    Iā€™m in love with this skirt fromĀ Anthropologie, courtesy of those stylish folk atĀ Geisha Designs. Itā€™s got such a happy, summery feel and thereā€™s so much going on with it. BeautifulĀ colours, stripes and pleatsĀ come together as a delightful whole and itĀ really makesĀ you feel like a million dollars when you sashay down the street in it. Yes, sashaying is theĀ onlyĀ way to walk in this skirt ā€“ trust me.Ā  Exotic and almost tropical in feel, this Eastern-inspired piece wouldnā€™t look out of place at an Indian wedding, but works just as well at a sunny British garden party.Ā Admiring comments are virtually guaranteed for anyone indulging in its rainbow-hued loveliness.   I’ve styled this…

  • Fashion

    A treasure trove of designer fashion

    Iā€™m probably going to regret posting this but itā€™s too good not to share. Say hello toĀ Deuxieme, a fabulous Aladdinā€™s Cave of pre-loved designer fashion, situated inĀ Fulham, London.Ā  To explain, like many people I have a major love for designer fashion but not the budget to indulge it. ā€œChampagne taste and prosecco income,ā€ as my mum used to tell me. Well, this is the answer to any girlā€™s dreams ofĀ filling her wardrobe with quality items by great designers such as Hermes, Gucci, Prada, YSL, Isabel Marant, Anya Hindmarch (and so many more) on a budget. Iā€™m talking aboutĀ buying pre-loved designer. SomeĀ of these items have never been worn while othersĀ are lightly…

  • Fashion

    The shop that comes to you

    I’ve always had a bit of a problem with online clothes shopping. Sure, it’s convenient ā€“ but fashion is about how something feels and fits, not just how it looks. And you can’t truly know form and fit until you try the item on. And if it doesn’t fit or perhaps doesn’t go with that outfit you’d planned for it, then back to the seller it goes. Let’s face it, it’s a bit of a faff. Now, though, someone has come up with a solution so simply I’m surprised it’s not been tried before. I had the pleasure of testing this clever new service a few days ago. It’s calledĀ Your…

  • Travel

    Is this Englandā€™s finest country house hotel?

    Iā€™ve been lucky enough to visit several luxury hotels in England over the last few years, from the majestic Tynley Hall and the (surprisingly handy for London-dwellers) Luton Hoo, to the Eastern-influenced delight that is the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. I think I may have just found my new favourite though. Situated a few miles out of the gorgeous spa town of Bath and sitting in hundreds of sweeping acres of landscaped grounds, Lucknam Park comes complete with a stable full of horses and a walking trail that takes in ancient woods and hidden follies ā€“Ā itā€™s the sort of place that needs a few days stay to enjoy all that…

  • Fashion,  Uncategorized

    THE SUMMER OF STRIPES…

    Welcome to my first blog! As I write this, the sun is blazing in our London garden and it felt like I should start with a fashion trend that fits with the brilliant weather. I’m talking about stripes ā€“ a style that I have always worn and loved. I grew up in a place called Salcombe in Devon, which is a beautiful sailing town. Pretty much everyone wears stripes! Interesting fashion fact ā€“ it’s also home to the very first Jack Wills store. So I guess my love of stripes started at an early age. The classic item in any stripe-lover’s wardrobe is the breton top. Historically, the top was…