Annie Haak Breakfast, Holborn

Last Thursday I attended a special breakfast hosted at Hush by jewellery designer Annie Haak. We had the chance to glimpse the new collection and there was an impressive selection of new pieces to look at as we munched a stack of delicious pancakes and fresh pastries. 

Annie’s work is inspired by Indonesia. Her attention to detail is amazing and Annie ensures every piece has meaning; even the hearts on her logo represent her three children. Annie is based in Bali for most of the year, where she lives with her family and dogs. Her influences are gathered from many aspects of Bali life – they really come through in the charms on her bracelets and necklaces. 

Annie has recently launched a gold collection as part of her range, which feels incredibly luxurious. The Yard of Gold bracelet is a real Christmas party showstopper; it’s a yard long wrap of gold and was designed to act as five bracelets in one. 

The single strand bracelets would make a welcome addition to any stocking and I’ll certainly be adding the Yard of Gold bracelet to my Christmas list. 

www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk 

Cheeky Parlour, Redchurch Street

(Guest post by Ellie Stidolph)

It’s always been my wish that if I had one superpower it would be to wake up every morning with perfectly blowdried hair so when B asked if I was free to check out a ‘Cheeky’ new blow dry and manicure bar I practically bit her hand off!

I was greeted warmly at the door and invited to take a ticket from the ‘deli style’ dispensers at reception marked ‘blow’ or ‘nails’. I chose a blow as my hair was in desperate need of a cut and I’d been wearing it in a bun for weeks; if they could make it look respectable enough for an afternoon of meetings I would be very impressed! I was directed to the café area to wait for my number to be called out (kinda like in Argos except with amazing coffee, cakes, magazines, long tables, comfy chairs, cocktails, phone chargers…) and was then led over to the blow dry bar to meet my stylist.

We chatted through the various options laid out on the handy card, there are four cheeky blow styles and three cheeky up dos – perfect for me as I usually just wave my hands around my head trying to describe what I want! After a bit of indecision I decided to ‘pump it’ which promised to be the blow for added bounce and volume. The service is very quick (I was amazed at the speed with which she moved through my hair, spraying, sectioning and blow drying like a Duracell bunny) and the results are good – my hair had movement, bounce and you wouldn't know it was in need of a good chop.

Cheeky is from the same people as Cowshed and the concept is great – a large, airy loft space in which you are encouraged to bring friends, chat, hang out, get treatments and experiment with props in the ‘selfie’ studio. It would be the perfect getting ready spot before a big night out, hen do or birthday but I could also see it working really well for freelancers like me. I turned up straight from the gym with no make up on and left 45 minutes later with great hair having had my morning coffee, done my make up and caught up with emails. You can’t book appointments here, it’s walk-in only, but I was assured that you’d never wait much longer that 15 minutes and it would be easy to while away the time with a bit of lunch or gossiping with friends.

The blow dry itself didn't last as long as others I’ve had and needed a bit of fluffing up as the day went on but this could be due to the fact that my hair needed a cut. I would definitely try Cheeky again and can imagine dashing in there many times in the months to come – it’s a good job I’ve moved away from East London or I might be tempted to get my hair done every day (or until my wish for superpowers came true!)

The Cheeky Parlour
1st Floor, 64-66 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DP - 020 3376 1777

TONI&GUY Festive Fashion Fix

 Now the festive season has kicked off, a flurry of party preparation can be expected. Glitter, false eyelashes, fake tanning, nail art - yay! Much as I love experimenting with my hair, sometimes I prefer to concentrate on my make up and leave my locks to the professionals. TONI&GUY have some brilliant hair solutions, perfect for Christmas parties. There are three new 'Fashion Fixes' on the salon menu. I tried 'Pretty in Punk', a sideswept, nineties-inspired look with a punky scalp braid (definitely too tricky for me to do by myself!). There is also a swept back knotted style, 'Nouveau Knot' and 'Fashion Fringe' where a faux fringe is created from the end of your reverse braid. Each style takes just 30 minutes to create and costs £25 - perfect for treating yourself before the work Christmas party or even midweek cocktails! 'Tis the season after all!

www.toniandguy.com 

'Pretty in Punk' £25 TONI&GUY salons nationwide.

Here's how TONI&GUY stylist Ashley created my look:

1. Wash hair with Label m Honey and Oat shampoo
2. Spray Label m Volume Mousse into the roots
3. Rough dry
4. Section and blow dry, wrapping hair around the fingers in spirals
5. Create a low side parting and rub Label m Texture stick over the section of hair which will be plaited
6. Tightly French plait the side
7. Tie off plait and secure at the nape of the neck with kirby grips
8. Lightly backcomb the loose hair
9. Spray with hairspray
10. Go to a party and dance the night away!

The other options:

Fashion Fringe

Nouveau Knot

Burlington Arcade Christmas Lights

Last Wednesday, I attended the Burlington Arcade Christmas lights switch on. My friend and I sipped champagne, munched yummy canapes and marveled at circus performers. We ran away from the snakes and got excited in Lulu Guinness. We sampled macaroons in Laduree. We laughed as David Mitchell switched on the lights and couldn't quite believe that two elderly men were wearing tiaras without irony. A wonderful evening which prepared us for 'the start of retail christmas' (in Mitchell's words). 

Motel Blogger Christmas Party

The Motel Blogger Christmas party was held in Ink, Leicester Square last week. It was lots of fun; lots of glamorous girls, lots of sweets and hair and beauty galore! I love Motel - the glittery party frocks are perfect for glam festive occasions. There were some great leopard pieces this time too; I'm in love with the oversized leopard T-shirt and sweater. 

www.motelrocks.com