la suite west, london …. the latest from anouska hempel

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Anouska Hempel has done it again with La Suite West, a luxurious boutique hotel in a beautiful part of London.

Inverness Terrace is just to the north of Hyde Park’s Kensington Gardens.

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I have spoken before of her first beautiful boutique hotel in London, Blakes.  There have been other hotels in the meantime, however for me, La Suite West combines the best of them all.

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There is something in the way Anouska Hempel places cushions, her lamps in the restaurant, the symmetry of the potted plants in the garden or art on the wall … she has a signature style … and it all started with Blakes.

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The combination of sleek lines, an asian influence in the detailing and yes .. the symmetry, works beautifully in this elegant London Victorian terrace.

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Her very smart colour palette of ‘black and white’ is complimented by the extensive use of luxurious marble and timber finishes and fine detailing.

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La Suite West … Anouska Hempel at her best !!

Jo Malone, London ….. Jo Loves

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What a delight to discover that the ground floor of David Jones, Sydney has undergone refurbishment and is now more glamorous than ever.  The style and elegance of the David Jones we all remember is certainly back and just in time for Christmas. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful Jo Malone, London …. yes I do think it is the packaging …. their iconic cream with black edging.

And to think it all started in 1994 with her first little shop in Walton Street, London. Her personal fragrances and delicious scented candles soon became the brand everyone had to have. By 1999 Jo Malone had launched her flagship store in London’s Sloane Street. That same year she was taken over by Estee Lauder.  Jo remained at the helm as chairwoman and creative director until 2006.

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I was thrilled to discover only recently that Jo has launched a new fragrance company – Jo Loves.  She told Vogue “Fragrance is absolutely what I love so I’m excited to be back. This new brand is all about memories – it’s where I am and the person I am now.”

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Jo Loves is available online (sadly no shipping to Australia) … with stores opening soon (probably UK first).

Mulberry moments at london fashion week

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When I awoke to Mulberry’s The Blog …. Fashion Week Moments it was too gorgeous not to share.  It captures exactly that …. the behind the scene moments that most of us don’t get to experience.  These photos for me portray the energy, anticipation, excitement, elation and relief …. probably in that order !!

In Mulberry’s words …. Months of planning go into creating a show for London Fashion Week.  Then the day seems to be over in minutes !

The south place hotel London … glamorous and hip !!

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Described as the Shoreditch end of the City of London … this is the part of London where it is all happening.  Every new bar, restaurant and hotel that I read a review of, seems to be in this locale.

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The very smart Conran designed guestrooms appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

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The first hotel venture by the D&D London group, this hotel has 80 guestrooms, two elegant restaurants, three bars (one secret garden bar), roof top terrace and sponsors its own art prize !!!

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… and so much to explore beyond the confines of the hotel.

Olympic viewing at sydney’s iconic kings cross hotel

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Not sure which was more exciting …. sitting up on Level 1 right opposite the famous Coca Cola sign …. so Hollywood !!! or the size of the screen we were watching the Olympics on.

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Such an iconic part of Sydney perched at the top of William Street …. not to mention the Kings Cross Hotel itself with its colourful history. It’s current configuration does not disappoint.

After a weekend glued to the television watching the Olympics it was fun to be out …. still watching the Olympics but with others … all cheering for Australia.

London olympic luxury

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I am sitting here in Sydney full of Olympic Spirit …. no not in London !!! Tickets scarce and crowds crazy, so very happy to travel when London returns to normal. However should I be over there, I have decided that the Firmdale Hotel Group do have the most exciting properties to choose from …. and in all the right locations …. Covent Garden, Haymarket, Soho, Knightsbridge, South Kensington and my favourite Dorset Square.  What could be more divine than this Regency terrace overlooking a leafy square.

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Kit Kemp loves colour and plays with fabric in a very adventurous way.  Each property is unique … in fact, each guestroom is unique, from what I can see. She combines slick contemporary with traditional pieces and details, very brave indeed.

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Firmdale call it ‘fresh contemporary English style”.  I have to say that I have not always been sure that it all works but looking at the newest addition in Dorset Square I have been won over.  Either my taste has changed or I have taken time to ‘just get it’.

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I acknowledge they are quirky, however the attention to detail is exceptional, the furniture and furnishings are beautiful and I am sure the experience would be pure 5 star.

Dorset Square is where I would be staying … just a short walk to Marylebone High Street, an area I love with its gorgeous shops and cafes … oh so civilised compared to the rat race of Oxford Street not so far away.

Would love some feedback on any of the Firmdale properties ….

Wimbledon weekend

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How will we ever go on after the excitement of Wimbledon is over !! Oh well not long till the Olympics and more London fever.

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The views of London in the full flight of summer are always soooo enticing.

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The uniforms by Ralph Lauren so very stylish. Unlike other years however, the players didn’t provide a lot of excitement in the fashion stakes.

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Blue skies at last after all that rain … what a wet and soggy summer England is having.  Thank goodness for the magical closing of the roof.  I do love scanning the crowd for famous faces and the fashion … well Kate and Pippa mainly.

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Strawberrries and cream are synonymous with Wimbledon.  This little selection of Wimbledon food equally as suitable for those watching the final at home.

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Serena Williams is now Wimbledon champion for the 5th time and what a fabulous match. My money is on Federer this evening but the Men’s final is only a matter of hours away !!!

By the time you are reading this … the 2012 Men’s Singles winner will have his name on the trophy.

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Fortnum and mason diamond jubilee tea salon

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Very exciting to discover the refurbished Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason.

Designer David Collins has created a beautiful environment to sip tea or bubbly and enjoy the delicacies …. a tradition synonymous with Fortnum’s.

Since the opening up of the Far East for trade from the west, Fortnum and Mason have sourced the finest teas …. making a choice is the difficulty.

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The fourth floor was always home to the St James restaurant … now one can enjoy the elegant Georgian surroundings of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.

Tea will arrive at your table with a timer that will ring once to indicate that it has reached the perfect brewing time !! and accompanied by the perfect delicate sandwiches and cakes …. linger and enjoy.

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