Jasper Conran AW14 was both ladylike and businesslike. Made for women who are going to take over the world in their own kick-ass way. Pale pink and black were the colours of this collection: all the clothes were just sublime.
What do you think?
WHAT: AMANDA WAKELEY AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 LONDON FASHION WEEK SHOW
WHEN: Friday 14th February 2014
WHERE: The Amanda Wakeley Flagship Store, 18 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4HR
Amanda Wakeley today showcased her AW14 collection with an exclusive Salon Show in her new flagship Mayfair store at 18 Albemarle Street.
The AW14 collection is inspired by the elusive and erotic side of Japanese culture. The Amanda Wakeley woman has spent the early weeks of winter in Japan, exploring the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. She is captivated by the diversity of style and the individuality of their subcultures; she is inspired by their confidence and presence. She delves into the rich history of the country learning of the Samurai and the warrior class. She is strong, confident, fearless and poised a contemporary warrior woman. She identifies with the understated seduction of the geisha.
WHO:
Amanda Wakeley
Laurent Souviron
Lisa Snowden
Marissa Montgomery
Martha Ward
Katie Readman
Saffron Aldridge
Sarah-Anne Macklin
Tiphaine Chapman
Highlights from Amanda Wakeley’s Autumn/Winter 2014 Catwalk Collection
Above (L-R): Amanda Wakeley ; Sarah-Anne Macklin and Darren Kennedy; Marissa Montgomery, Amanda Sheppard (wearing Amanda Wakeley) and Martha Ward (wearing Amanda Wakeley), Saffron Aldridge
Above (L-R): Lisa Snowden (wearing Amanda Wakeley) and Tim Wade; Amanda Sheppard (wearing Amanda Wakeley), Katie Readman, Martha Ward (wearing Amanda Wakeley) and Saffron Aldridge;
Tiphanie Chapman (wearing Amanda Wakeley), Katie Readman and Amanda Sheppard (wearing Amanda Wakeley), Laurent Souviron
Above (L-R): Camilla Rutherford, Sarah-Anne Macklin, Saffron Aldridge and Lisa Snowden (wearing Amanda Wakeley); Darren Kennedy, Sarah-Anne Macklin and Marissa Montgomery
Above (L-R): Sagra Maceira de Rosen and Claudia Silva, Amanda Sheppard and Martha Ward
What do you think?
Netflix’s “House of Cards” Series two Los Angeles Premiere on Thursday, February 13th. Cast members in attendance included Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Kate Mara.
The second season of the Netflix original series, from Media Rights Capital, “House of Cards,” premieres Friday, February 14, 2014. All 13-episodes of the season starring Academy Award® winner Kevin Spacey (“Horrible Bosses,” “American Beauty,” “The Usual Suspects”) and Golden Globe® nominee Robin Wright (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Forrest Gump”), who both received Emmy® nominations for their performances in the first season, will be available for members to watch instantly in all territories where Netflix is available.
Are you excited?
We love cocktails at Frost and upon receiving these cocktail mixers, or mocktails if you want to go sans alcohol, we were very happy. Especially as you don’t usually have all of the ingredients in your kitchen when you are in the mood for one. Well, problem solved: you just need one of these.
All Funkin cocktail mixers are 100% natural and contain only sun ripened fruit, so all the goodness and natural flavour is retained, meaning you can enjoy a wonderfully delicious mocktail by just adding sparkling water and ice! They are fruity and fresh.
Choose to bring a taste of vibrant Rio to the cold streets of Blighty with the Funkin Brazilian, a tropical blend of mangoes, passion fruit and oranges with Amazonian Guarana, the ‘super seed’, which contains twice the energy of coffee beans, giving you a delicious natural energy kick: this tastes amazing and really gives you a kick. Great for energy and fun. Excellent taste.
Alternatively, opt for the nation’s most popular fruit to bring the taste of summer flooding back and try Funkin Strawberry Daiquiri. a flavour recently voted one of the UK’s favourite cocktails*. (brilliant and tastes great. Not artificial) And complete your marvellous mocktail collection with the Funkin Mojito, made with the highest quality Persian limes blended with the freshest limes for a sharp, refreshing taste.(tastes like a proper Mojito, we added some rum and the taste was amazing)
The Funkin team travels all over the world sourcing the very best ingredients to ensure you enjoy the best tasting drinks. Each Funkin cocktail mixer has been created in consultation with some of the world’s best bartenders, with no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or additives.
These mixers are great, they don’t taste artificial and they are fresh and fruity. We were surprised at just how great they tasted. Very impressive for something that comes out of a carton.
The full Funkin range is available nationwide at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-op, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Majestic Wine, Harrods, Ocado, Amazon, DrinkShop.com
Austenland is a quirky and fun film; a delightful romantic comedy and a modern twist on the timeless tales of Jane Austen’s romance novels. The imaginative story focuses on a woman named Jane, played by Keri Russell (TV’s “Felicity” and The Americans) who is obsessed with the Regency era and the famed author’s fiction. Determined to be the heroine of her own story, Jane spends her life savings on a trip to Austenland, an eccentric resort where guests experience complete immersion in the Regency era. Armed with her bonnet, corset and needlepoint, Jane strives to avoid spinsterhood … but has a difficult time determining where fantasy ends and real life—and maybe even love—begins.
Jennifer Coolidge is hilarious and adds some brashness while Keri Russell plays the introverted, Austen-obsessed thirty-something women who still believes in old fashioned love and romance. I would have liked a little bit more of the background of her love life, it is referenced to but you feel like you are missing something. Although it is obvious that she was hurt badly.
I love the progression of Russell’s character, Jane. She slowly becomes more kick ass, in a way this is a coming-of-age comedy, or coming-of-self comedy. The regency era set and Austenland itself is amazing. The supporting cast are great, bringing excellent comedy timing and some OTT moments. The script is very good; different and funny. Jane Seymour is also great as the stuck-up owner of Austenland.
Will Jane find true love? Will she regret spending her life savings on going to Austenland? Watch the film and find out. This is a good, funny comedy.
Don’t know what to buy for Valentine’s Day? Here is our handy guide.
Timbergram, the original wooden postcard company, are offering a whopping 25% off orders through their website in the lead up to Valentines Day and beyond through their ‘I GIVE YOU WOOD’ campaign. Discerning lovers out there can also now upload any image to be printed onto the front of the woodend cards, as well as having a personalised message etched onto the back.
What’s more, Timbergrams supports the charity TreeAid who plant trees throughout Africa’s drylands to help communities escape poverty. In 2013 Timbergram alone helped TreeAid to plant over 1000 trees, making these little products one of the most eco-considerate ways to tell someone you love them.
As well as being able to upload any of your own images onto the front of your card, you can choose from a huge range of Timbergram’s own designs. Timbergram promotes and collaborates with a wide range of UK-based artists and illustrators, so you’re bound to find something different that your partner will adore. If you can’t find a design that catches your fancy, we can etch your own message on the front – just like the old days when you engraved your initials in tree bark.
Spread the love this Valentines Day… give someone wood with the original and best wooden postcards from Timbergram.
Simply use the code: “GIVEWOOD” at the checkout for your 25% discount.
Austenland
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I Love You To The Moon & Back Wooden Coaster Super cute.
Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Balloons
Alessi Big Love Ice Cream Set from John Lewis
Name A Star Gift from John Lewis
Cowshed Knackered Cow candles from John Lewis
Bespoke Valentine’s Day menu at Michelin starred restaurant Launceston Place
Head chef, Tim Allen from Launceston Place, will be creating a bespoke menu for one couple this Valentine’s Day. Upon booking, the couple will have the exclusive opportunity to have their ultimate menu created by Michelin starred Tim Allen, featuring their loved ones most desired dishes and favourite foods. The couple will enjoy their meal with the luxury of privacy in the romantic Chef’s Office, with each course served to them personally by Chef Allen. In addition to this, Launceston Place’s head sommelier will work with the couple to choose the perfect accompanying aperitif and wines to complement the bespoke menu. With a minimum spend price tag of £500, this unique experience is one of London’s most lavish ways to spoil your other half this Valentine’s Day. For more information or to book this bespoke experience contact 020 7937 6912 or email Ruth (ruthb@danddlondon.com). www.launcestonplace-
LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ZINC
This VALENTINE’S, brand new nightclub Zinc will throw a Valentine’s party where people could find love in the air at the summit of the iconic Centre Point building. Already becoming renowned for its world class DJs playing a unique blend of beach house, melodic, hard house and electro and a 24-hour license, Zinc will host a Valentines’ Party that looks set to be both a musical and visual feast. Guests can enjoy a Valentine’s cocktail, world class DJs and the chance to find love above the clouds!
Love is in the Air at Zinc
Friday 14th February 2014
10pm-4am
£55 per person
East Side tables: £1500
West Side tables: £500
Zinc
Centre Point
101-103 New Oxford Street
London , WC1A 1DD
www.zinc.uk.net
Share the love at Benares
To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Benares, Atul Kochhar’s Michelin starred Indian restaurant, will be offering a five course Valentine’s Day menu designed for sharing. Couples will begin their evening with a specially created Champagne cocktail before tucking into dishes such as pan roasted Scottish scallops, ginger and grape dressing, classic tandoori organic free range Suffolk chicken for two, red onion salad, olive and tomato naan and Atul’s re-invented cream roll with strawberries.
The Benares Chef’s Table, an exquisite private dining space, is also available for an evening of Valentine’s indulgence. After being welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a special gift from Benares, couples will be treated to a six course tasting menu with perfectly matched wines whilst watching the chefs in action through a glass wall.
The Valentine’s Day menu is available on Friday 14th from 6.30pm for £75 per person, or at lunch and before 6.30pm for £50 per person. The Chef’s table package is priced upon enquiry. www.BenaresRestaurant.com
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE AMPERSAND HOTEL
Deluxe Studios from £280
Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea from £32.50 per person
A romantic break in London is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift and a stay at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, is sure to woo loved ones. Guests looking for the wow-factor should book a Deluxe Studio; complete with king size bed, a grand freestanding bath and impressive views of London. With its stunning botanical themed interior, love is sure to bloom.
Once settled in, guests can choose to enjoy a Champagne Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in the privacy of their guestroom. The Ampersand Hotel ensures a soupçon of romance is sprinkled throughout the guests’ experience, from the book of love poetry placed in guest rooms to the love note that guests are encouraged to pen to their loved one prior to thestay; left on the guests’ bed as an additional surprise.
VALENTINE’S DAY FOR SINGLES
Ensuring that it’s not just couples that have all the fun on Valentine’s Day, The Ampersand Hotel will also be serving Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Rooms; perfect for a group of friends.
APERO
For a relaxed Valentine’s Day meal, head to Apero and enjoy the delicious sharing menu created by Head Chef Chris Golding. Located in the original 19th century vault below the luxurious décor of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a tempting menu of sharing plates and cocktails.
The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER
http://www.ampersandhotel.com/
Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk
Enjoy this Valentine’s Day at Plum + Spilt Milk, located in the renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel. Priced at £65 per person, their delicious sharing menu includes a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. www.plumandspiltmilk.com/
Copa de Cava (located beneath Camino Restaurant Blackfriars)
Enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at Copa de Cava; the UK’s first authentic cava bar, this Valentine’s Day. Priced at £60 per person, their specially designed menu combines six authentic cava’s each carefully paired with accompanying tapas dishes including the Presa Ibérica; a succulent shoulder of rare Ibérico pig, creamy pearl barley, Ibérico ham and Manchego. For anyone with a sweet tooth the Crema Catalana; cinnamon custard foam, crispy caramel and freeze dried raspberry, is the perfect end to a romantic evening. www.camino.uk.com/restaurants/
Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. www.facebook.com/pages/
HONK IF YOU’RE HORNY THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT HONKY TONK
Valentine’s day is just around the corner but fear not singletons, Honky Tonk has the answer to all your prayers. This year come and join the singles party on 14th February at both Honky Tonk Chelsea & Honky Tonk Clapham and Honky If You’re Horny! Each table will have a very special cupids horn on it and when you see a certain someone who catches your eye, give it a good squeeze & let them know that they could be your valentine’s this year!
For those attending the party at Honky Tonk Clapham the wheel of fortune will also be transformed into the wheel of love where you can win a shot and other prizes to give to the lucky lady or lad who you may have your eye on. So come down and celebrate Valentine’s day the Honky Tonk way.
Both Honky Tonks are rapidly becoming West London’s destination diners of choice. They offer regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.
Honky Tonk Valentine’s day
Friday 14th February 2014
Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588
Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am
Honky Tonk Clapham
16a Clapham Common South Side,
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: @honkytonklondon
Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm
FISHBone pop-up diner at Kensington Place
Inspired by the restaurant’s hit summer menu, Kensington Place in Notting Hill will transform its private dining room into a pop-up diner of the same name this February. Dishes will include a range of ‘fast-fish’ dishes, including Salmon ‘doner’ with pitta, cucumber and yoghurt and Pulled skate with beurre noisette and capers, alongside the classic Scallopdog with brown shrimp and cucumber vierge. White wine sangria, hot and cold sake and a selection of British beers and spirits make up the drinks list. Seating only 36 diners, FISHbone will be a quirky and informal addition to the West London dining scene. www.kensingtonplace-
Get hooked on Angler at South Place Hotel this Valentine’s Day
Feed your romance at the Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, located in The City atop the cool and contemporary South Place Hotel, a rose-petal trail away from Liverpool Street station. With stunning views of the London skyline, the award winning Angler is a gourmet dining experience to share with your other half. The restaurant will be serving a decadent Valentine’s Day set menu on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February, priced at £85 per person, prepared by Executive Chef Tony Fleming. The simple yet sophisticated six course menu will feature the best of British seafood sourced from across the British Isles. The beautifully presented dishes include carpaccio of octopus, served with a salad of squid and mango, with soy and ginger dressing; fillet of brill with ragout of squid, fennel puree and sea purslane; and milk chocolate mousse with blood orange to share.
Couples wanting to completely escape can indulge with the “Chef’s View package” which includes dining in Angler’s Chef’s View to watch the skilled team at work, while taking in the venue’s beautiful interiors and signature mirrored ceilings. Guests can tuck into a personalised menu created by Tony himself and take advantage of their own dedicated sommelier for the evening, before staying overnight in South Place Hotel’s luxury Suite 610: a chic open-plan living space filled with design classics and saucy artwork, whilst offering panoramic City views and did we mention the glass bathtub? The offer is priced at £1,370 and also includes a bottle of Moet Champagne on arrival, homemade chocolate truffles and rose petals on the bed at turn down.
Copa de Cava
For true romance this Valentine’s Day, enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at the beautiful Copa de Cava, the UK’s first dedicated cava bar. Priced at £60 per person, their tasting menu carefully matches six of the best cavas from Spain with creative and authentic tapas. From Presa Ibérica and hand carved jamón, to seafood and cheeses, to a deliciously sweet Crema Catalana, you’ll enjoy a romantic voyage of discovery through Spain’s incredible food and wine producing regions.
Call 0207 125 0930 or email reservationscopadecava@camino.
Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk
This Valentine’s Day, Plum + Spilt Milk are offering a delicious sharing menu for two priced at £65 per person including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. Located in the newly renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel, it is the perfect setting.
Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. https://www.facebook.
Pont de la Tour – #PontMemories
Iconic Butlers Wharf restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, has started its Valentine’s Day celebrations early, by running a social media campaign called #PontMemories. They are calling for diners past and present to share happy memories of times spent at the restaurant for a chance to win a complimentary glass of champagne over Valentine’s weekend. In addition, one lucky couple will win a complimentary meal. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ametsa at The Halkin by COMO
Celebrate the most romantic day of the year by treating your other half to an eight course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Ametsa with Arzak Instruction which specialises in exquisite New Basque Cuisine. The set menu is priced at £105 per person, and at £145 per person with matching wines.
Couples looking for a more casual way to spend the evening can enjoy “Love Bites”, a selection of Ametsa’s delicious Basque tapas dishes served in the cosy Halkin Bar. Priced at £24.50 per person, the menu includes mini desserts and wine pairings. Ametsa is located in the refined and luxurious Halkin by COMO, in London’s Belgravia. For bookings please contact Ametsa on 020 7333 1234 or email ametsa.thehalkin@comohotels.
Shake Shack’s “Valentine”
This Valentine’s Day Shake Shack customers will be given a Shake Shack “Valentine” voucher for a complimentary single cup or cone of their legendary frozen custard.
Dense, rich and creamy ice cream, spun fresh daily right at the Shack, the frozen custard can be redeemed on their next visit through to 31st March 2014. Any couples dining on the day will also be offered a complimentary glass of prosecco. Happy Valentine’s from the team at Shake Shack!
Valentine’s at Vertigo 42
This Valentine’s Day couples can enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at London’s highest Champagne bar Vertigo 42. A selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats can be enjoyed with tea, toasted with a glass of Palmer Rose pink Champagne for £40 per person.
Vertigo 42 is also offering a Valentine’s evening package of a bottle of Palmer Rose Champagne, a canapé sharing platter for two and a selection of macaroons. Served with breathtaking views of the City skyline for £150 per couple. http://www.vertigo42.co.uk/
The New Engagement Etiquette in the Age of Equality
TV diamond expert, Vashi Dominguez, Founder and CEO of Vashi.com reports that in a recent survey, over 50 percent of women admit they would make a contribution to their engagement ring to ensure they got the ring of their dreams. 52 percent of women answered that ‘yes, I would probably consider [contributing to my engagement ring]’ or ‘yes, I would definitely consider it as it would mean I could have the style and size I want.’ A further 7 percent of women surveyed had already contributed to their engagement ring. The statistics also reveal that a quarter of women surveyed would partake in subtle hinting, such as comments to their partner when walking past jewellery stores, to ensure they received the engagement ring they wanted.
Pear Cut 0.6 Carat D/VS1 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring | £1,899
The financial crisis of the late 2000s caused employment rates for men aged 25-44 in the UK to decrease by 3.2 percent. The employment rate of women in the same age range dropped by a lesser 0.7 percent. Consequentially, more couples now share the cost of living; large expense items such as a new car, holidays or an engagement ring are now more likely to be a shared expense. Couples’ finances in general are now so interlinked prior to engagement that an even higher percentage of women could be contributing to their ring subtlety through linked finances.
The survey results also strongly suggest that engagements in the UK are planned (more frequently than being spontaneous) due to men’s financial circumstances and budget constraints. However, a relatively large proportion of men did not plan romance around the planned engagement – this is according to 24 percent of women who revealed their partner did not plan anything specific for their engagement, with another 13 percent of women stating that their partner did not get down on one knee.
In light of the survey results, Vashi.com anticipates a growing number of sales will be a result of joint decisions made by a couple. Post-survey, Dominguez stated: “These results represent a welcome shift in the way couples approach engagement now. The team and I notice more women being involved in the process compared to previous generations. Traditionally, men were the breadwinners and often as a result, the decision makers. However, we’re beginning to experience a new engagement etiquette. Our male customers are relying on their partner’s input too, whether it be financially or at least from an aesthetic point of view. Not only this, now vashi.com is receiving an increasing proportion of business from female customers.”
Vashi Dominguez continued, “women know what they want and our survey shows they’re not afraid to contribute to ensure they get what they want!”
1000 women aged 20-50 were surveyed UK-wide.
Source re survey: Census Wide on behalf of vashi.com
Source re recession: The Labour Force Survey from 2007 Q1 – 2007 Q4
