What's On: Mother's Day

The 14th of March is Mothering Sunday in the UK. The time when it is encouraged to give mum the day off; pamper her, shower her with gifts, and make her feel extra special. If you're looking for an alternative from the traditional bunch of flowers and a box of chocs, here some gorgeous ways to say 'Thanks Mum'.


Afternoon Tea With A Twist

The Trafalgar Hotel is launching Afternoon Tea with a difference just in time for Mother's day. Offering a modern take on a classic tradition, the chefs have worked up a winning menu to include iced tea cocktails, salmon and caviar sandwiches and rich chocolate opera band. At an introductory price of £15.50 per person, this is one sweet treat mum will absolutely love.

When you book in advance there is also the chance to have a beautiful mother-daughter sketch portrait on the day by artist Kirk Kirtchev, priced at £90.00 - it's the perfect keepsake for mum to have pride of place on the mantelpiece. To book call +44 20 7870 2900

The Trafalgar
2 Spring Gardens,
Trafalgar Square,
London, SW1A 2TS
Web: www.thetrafalgar.com

Pampering Superskin Face Treats

Liz Earle, my new skincare crush is offering the ideal beauty gift for mum; the offer includes iconic products such as Superskin Concentrate 10ml, Superskin Moisturiser 15ml, a sample of Superskin Eye and Lip, all smartly presented in the White Superskin bag for £29.25.

Liz Earle products are rich in antioxidants, calming and nurturing ingredients to help boost the skins elasticity and perk up the complexion. Tell mum that she doesn't need a dresser full of anti-aging products, it's all here naturally in one pampering pack. Place your orders at uk.lizearle.com


A Creative Mother's Day At Bead Aura

If mum is big on accessories, then book her into Bead Aura's jewellery making class where she can learn the basics of making jewellery in a one hour beading master-class, and leave with her very own personal bracelet or necklace. An hour long class is priced at £22 per person so you can double up to share the experience.

Bead Aura
3 Neal's Yard
WC2H 9DP
Web: www.sevendials.co.uk

Giveaway: WIN! Benefit Goodies

Pretty Stylish London has two fabulous Benefit products to giveaway. One lucky reader will win Benefit Boiing - the industrial-strength concealer (in shade 02), perfect for hiding dark circles, shadows and discoloration. And Brows a-go-go; the all-in-one brow and eye shaping kit.

So fingers at the ready to enter this quick fire competition! To be in with a chance of winning you must be following the blog - simply leave a comment telling us why you'd love to have these two Benefit beauty essentials. Ready, set, GO!

Winner picked Monday 8th March
For more information on Benefit cosmetics visit: www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

The Winner of £100 Wahanda Voucher is....

Big congratulations to Pretty Stylish London reader Tor of Fab Frocks who won the £100 Wahanda Voucher competition in December.

Tor's fabulous blog covers all things fashion and even has Wendy Brandes' Seal of Approval. When asked how she intends to spend the pampering gift, Tor has opted to take her sister on a beauty treat. Aww. Have fun lovely and be sure to check out the latest deals on Wahanda.com.

To keep abreast of the latest giveaways and posts on Pretty Stylish London, follow the blog or subscribe today.

The winner of the Kipling Clutch Giveaway is....

Thanks to everyone who entered the latest giveaway to win the gorgeous Kipling clutch bag and OPI goodies.

To win the prize all you had to do was was tell us what your coveted party outfit will be this year. A big congratulations to reader and fellow blogger Charlotte. Her comment was picked at random this evening and it read: "Ohhh any excuse to wheel out that LBD! It's so cold that I'm going particularly wintery this year and combining with a faux fur shrug and thick woolly tights."

With the weather as freezing as it is right now, her party outfit sounds like a very good plan! And now she has a brand new clutch bag to accessorize the ensemble. Charlotte's blog Lipglossiping covers all things beauty with a special dedication to lipsticks, so check out her beauty musings at www.lipglossiping.com.

There are more fantastic giveaways coming up so don't forget to follow the blog and you won't miss out.

Beauty Buzz: Roll up, Roll up

In a recent Style Note post I featured homemade gifts and the editor's pick went to a pretty travel brush roll designed by London based beauty blogger Muhsine of Bubblegarm.

I loved it so much that I ordered one as an early Christmas pressie to my myself, and it arrived in the post today! It came beautifully gift wrapped so it felt extra special opening it. The version featured in a previous post was pink roses, however since then, she had designed others in lilac and red. I opted for the red; it's a bolder shabby chic fabric and looks gorgeous on my dresser.


Priced at £10 it's a practical investment to keep my makeup brushes nice and tidy. Not to mention the fact that it's machine washable, perfect! I understand that the brush rolls are limited edition, so visit the official blog of Muhsine's accessories L O L I C O C O to get your hands on one before they're gone.

Web: lolicoco.blogspot.com

Giveaway: WIN! A Kipling Clutch Bag and Limited Edition Keoki Pouch

Here's the perfect way to add some festive sparkle to your Christmas wardrobe this year: Super cool accessories brand Kipling have recently launched their holiday collection, featuring a range of clutch and shoulder bags.

I'm sure you'll agree that they are all divine, but the style that stands out above the rest is the new G*rilla Girlz sequin Limit range; priced at £52.00. It comes in bright pink and green for that added pop of colour, or classic silver and black.

Kipling have also joined forces with nail lacquer brand OPI to bring you a glitzy pouch gift set in similar sequin style, containing three of this season's must-have OPI shades. At £35.00 it's a gift that is practical as it is luxurious. To see the entire holiday collection visit www.kipling.com.

Pretty Stylish London is excited to announce that Kipling will treat one lucky winner to both the Limit Clutch in green and a fabulous Keoki Pouch packed with a trio of OPI colours.*

To enter this festive fashion giveaway, you must be following the blog. So if you haven't already, please follow via blogger, or subscribe via the mailing list.

Next: Leave a comment below and tell us what your coveted party outfit will be this year; Are you wearing a little black dress? Will you be draped in a splash of colour? Or perhaps your ensemble is simple and understated?

Good luck darlings!

Terms and Conditions:
*Keoki Pouch colour may vary.
Entrants must be 16 years of age or over.
The promoter reserves the right to re-draw the prize if the prize winner cannot be contacted within a reasonable period of time.
The competition will close on 21st December 2009.
All entries received after this date will be excluded from the competition.
The winner of the competition will be chosen at random and contacted via email.

Christmas Shopping: Thomas Lyte Leather Envelopes

If you love leather luxuries and the likes of Smythson, then feast your eyes on these classic yet quirky purses from Thomas Lyte.

In case you're not familiar with the name, Thomas Lyte is a modern, ethical, English luxury brand with an obsession for fine craftsmanship. The swish collection of accessories and gifts are oh-so elegant and display a real attention to detail.

This week, I've been swooning over the Leather Envelopes featuring fun little messages to keep you smiling. These make fabulous gift ideas for the girl who pretty much has it all. Starting at £78.00, it's an investment in quality and longevity; the price reflecting an accessory that is timeless as it is charming. I'll be dropping hints to hubby - it's on my wish list!

Web: www.thomaslyte.com

Get FREE UK Delivery on all orders

Christmas Shopping: The Filofax Beauty Gift Box

Yes, it's that time of year again, the Christmas rush has officially begun. Thankfully, I've been scouring the high-street and online to bring you rich pickings for the festive season, including some fabulous gift ideas and sweet treats for yourself too.

Every week until Christmas day, I'll be selecting one thing you really need to know about, and this week's post goes to The Filofax Beauty Giftbox.

How ingenious is this? It's a Filofax Organiser complete with a handy Mirror, Perfume Pen Atomiser and a Beauty Gift Voucher. When I recently attended a press day for this new launch, I could tell most of us where thinking the same thing; where has this been all our lives? Clearly the team behind this new Filofax product know what we busy women want. Personally I've never seen anything quite as adorable and practical as this. It costs a surprisingly affordable £40.

Picture the scene: You're running late for work, you've applied you're makeup in record time and now you're sitting on the train. Suddenly you have a sinking feeling your makeup is a little too heavy on one eye... out pops your Filofax; everyone around you thinks you're simply checking today's to-do list, whilst you're safe in the knowledge (thanks to the in-organiser mirror) that your makeup is just fine. And there was no need to worry about carrying a full size bottle of perfume in your handbag - out pops the Perfume Pen Atomiser and voila! You've got an instant spritz of your favourite scent with no fuss.

I love the choice of design, there's three options to choose from; a hot pink leather-look, an oatmeal 'snakeskin' design and the trendy kitsch 'Fresco' fabric. I'm particularly smitten with the uber sophisticated Oatmeal, I love classic looking stationary so this is my favourite.

The Filofax Beauty Gift Box makes a brilliant gift idea for the girl-on-the-go. But I get the inkling you may well want to treat yourself with this... just as well that it comes with a Beauty Voucher worth up to £100. The voucher is redeemable against either a free treatment, a haircut and finish or a fashion makeover session. So you can indulge yourself with the Organiser and pamper a friend or family too. Result!

To buy visit www.filofaxgifts.co.uk or call 08705 143702. Be quick, it's a limited edition release and only available via the website so when it's gone, it's gone.

Style Note: Timeless luxury at Smythson

Smythson of Bond Street is in my book, the ultimate retailer for luxury stationary and smart accessories. Synonymous with timeless luxury and discerning design, their accessories make a fantastic gift for lovers of classic style.

I've been browsing Smythson purses for an inspired gift for Mother's Day and I've added this gorgeous Mara brown photograph purse to my wish list. The photo display is great for adding Mum's favourite image of you as a child or present day. And I love the luxuriously rich dark chocolate print and the gold finish.


Whilst browsing for gifts, I couldn't help but look at possibilities for myself! I saw this delicious raspberry crocodile print travel vanity case and swiftly added it to my wish list. It would be just perfect for my trip to New York next month.



Naturally such luxuries inevitably come with an equally luxe price tag. However, like so many other Londoners, I'm strictly watching the pennies. So it's good to see that Smythson also feature a selection of products for under £100. Click here to view.


Smythson
40 New Bond Street
London, W1S 2DE
Tel: 020 7629 8558
Web: http://www.smythson.com

Image Credits
Continental Photograph Purse
From £335.00
Mara Brown
Travel Vanity Case
From £1,370.00
Crocodile-print Raspberry leather.

Mother's Day Ideas: Bespoke Perfumes at Floris

For a truly unique gift this Mother's Day, head to Floris, London's Purveyors of Perfumes & Toiletries and enlist the help of one of their perfumers to create a bespoke fragrance just for Mum. Floris, originally a family run business was set up in the late 1800s and is one of London's most celebrated perfumeries offering made to measure fragrances.

Floris Fine Fragrance Customisation

Choose from their wide range of starting fragrances and add additional new ingredients to your selected scent. You'll receive a 100ml custom blended eau de parfum of divine smelling essential oils and floral essences. This bespoke perfumery service has a luxury price of £100 but well worth the spend if you intend on giving a gift that is spectacularly special.

Floris
89 Jermyn Street,
London SW1Y 6JH

Web: http://www.florislondon.com

Mother's Day Ideas: Chocolate Tasting Club

Here's a fresh take on confectionery this Mother's Day: If your mum is a chocolate lover, then a gift subscription to Hotel Chocolat's Tasting Club will treat her to new and authentic chocolate boxes every month.

I absolutely love this idea - unique chocolates are created every month, delivered for Mum to sample. The new recipes are made in separate, fresh batches and delivered exclusively to tasting club members.


Inside each tasting box is a selection of rich chocolates and textures including ganaches, pralines, truffles, white, milk and dark. Memberships are available from 1 month to a year and smartly presented as an embossed scroll, tied with elegant ribbon.

Prices from £16.95
Delivery available to UK addresses only.

Web: http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk

Mother's Day Ideas: Floral treats for Mum

As it's Mother's Day on the 22nd of March, I'll be dedicating much of this week's blog entries to highlighting activities and alternative gift experiences perfect for spoiling mum!


Seven Dials Flower Arranging Workshop
Flowers are the standard gift for Mother's Day, this we all know. But for a more creative floral gift, the Seven Dials Mother's Day Flower Arranging Workshop is just the thing to give mum an inspiring, hands-on experience.

The workshops, hosted in association with Sweet Pea floral Design promises to be an intimate lesson for mum to get a comprehensive guide to creating floral masterpieces. From essential tips on colour palettes to advice on how to keep flowers in excellent condition, Mum will be given insider knowledge over the course of two hours. She'll be given the opportunity to create a beautiful bouquet or an eye catching centre piece with the assistance of Sweet Pea's team of industry experts.

Priced at £50 per person, the sessions also include tea, cakes and a goody bag to take away. Book online at www.sweetpeaflowers.co.uk

Workshop dates:
Saturday 21st March
Sunday 22nd March

Times available:
10:30-12:30 pm
14:00 -16:00 pm

Seven Dials
Covent Garden,
London WC2
Web: http://www.sevendials.co.uk

Valentine's Day Ideas: Sweet Treats for Singletons

Valentine's day isn't just for hopelessly loved up So-and-Sos. Being footloose and fancy-free is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. What better time to invest in some seriously nice goodies that only you need to enjoy! Here are my best buys:



Summer Butterfly Kimono

Oh how we long for Summer... this kimono dressing gown is that little bit of summer style we can embrace (at least whilst in the warmth of our boudoirs). Throw on this oh-so-pretty loungewear and you'll be walking on sunshine.

£40.00
Available at Idlewild London



Chanel Facettes D'or Nail Colour in Gold Fiction

Who needs a sparkler on the finger when you can have the look of 18-karat gold on your fingertips. This limited edition nail colour from Chanel covers nails in brilliant golden lacquer. Nails have never looked so dazzling.

Available at Chanel Boutique
167-170 Sloane Street
London - SW1X 9QF
http://www.chanel.com



Selected Femme Chunky Jewel Knit Dress

A bit of retail therapy is just what the love doctor ordered. Take a look at this beauty of a dress. A great day to evening piece. Knitted with contrast panels, it's a flattering shape and the gem embellished short sleeves add some serious glamour.

£150.00
Available at Oli.co.uk



Black Suede Pumps by Balenciaga

It's not everyday that Balenciaga shoes are on sale so take advantage of the Matches reduction on these beautiful black suede pumps. Check out the sexy curved heel and the low cut at the toes. With gold piping detail around the outer edge, they are so luxe! But not the price, thankfully! Move over Carrie Bradshaw.

Now £148.00
Was £333.00
Available at Matches


Lacoste Love of Pink

With top notes of lemon, heart notes of pink magnolia and base notes of white cedarwood and vanilla - Love of Pink is fresh, fruity and sensuous. It smells delicious - so dreamy. You'll fall in love with this scent.

£33.28
Available at Boots



Limited Edition Hershey's Chocolate Fans Scented Soy Wax Candle

This is definitely one for the chocolate lovers! Light this candle and dip into a relaxing bubble bath as it surrounds the entire room with the yummy smell of Hershey's - warm and sweet - just like you right?

From £22.44
Available exclusively at Sephora.com

Valentine's Day Ideas: Gifts and Goodies for Her

Let's face it girls, sometimes we wish our valentine would indulge us with a romantic gift that has been given a little more thought. So here's a wish-list of valentine's day goodies; some simple, some stylish and other practical items that will leave a lasting impression. Why not forward this gift guide as a hint to your beau? Oh and if you're not romantically inclined, these are lovely ideas to treat yourself or your best friend!


Instead of flowers think...

Click on the image to take a closer look!

Where to buy:
(1) Wild Rose Braclet by Azendi
Price: £85 available from www.azendi.com.

(2) Paloma's Crown of Hearts Pendant by Tiffany & CO
Price: £155 available from http://uk.tiffany.com

(3) Mandarin mist eau de parfum by Stila
Price from: £24 available from www.stilacosmetics.com


Instead of chocolates think...

Click on the image to take a closer look!Click on the image to take a closer look!

Where to buy:
(1) Elsa Peretto Bangle by Tiffany & CO
Price: £295 available from http://uk.tiffany.com

(2) 'Gucci by Gucci' eau de parfum
Price from: £34.26 available from www.boots.com

(3) Maggie Satin Evening Clutch bag in Chocolate by Anya Hindmarch
Price: £235.00 available from www.anyahindmarch.com

(4) Ciaté Paint Pots in Guest List and Mines a Mocha
Price: £7.50 available from www.ciate.co.uk


Instead of cuddly bears think...

Click on the image to take a closer look!

Where to buy:
(1) Spring Blue Roberts Radio by Cath Kidson
Price: £200 available from www.cathkidston.co.uk

(2) Love Letters of Great Men by Ursula Doyle
Price: £6.99 available from www.amazon.co.uk

(3) Sex And The City : Seasons 1-6 Shoebox
Price from: £54.98 available from www.amazon.co.uk

Main Image Credit:
VALISERE "Columbiana" lingerie available at Triumph
Price: Bra £25, G-String £27