And The Winner Is..

Erin congrats!!! And great name:)  I will be emailing you to give you the details!!


This passed weekend was filled with a trip to the lake, BBQ's with friends and a little shopping. I hope you are ready for this weekend. I am doing a wedding, going on a date with the hubs and finishing up some projects around the house. Happy Friday!!

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As Of Lately

I recently got a few items that I am literally obsessed with. I have been really into bright colors and trying to squeeze every last bit out of what little summer we have left I picked up a bottle of  Face nail polish from J.Crew in a super bright orange. I literally died when I put it on this stuff is so think and I only had to do ONE coat. Can you believe it? I would definitely pick up a bottle the next time you are in there.

 

While I was in J.Crew I scored this perfect little necklace.

Super fun right? What is better thank clear crystal strung on bright orange and white bakers twine? PS did I mention I got it in the kids section?

Next up is this luxurious pair of Alice + Olivia shorts which I got from Shop Bop. I might just have a closet half full of stripes, but I still just had to have these shorts. I am planning on rockin' them with a bright red blousy top and some black Loubi's.

***  Also we are running our end of summer advertising deals for the next two weeks and it's a steal! email me for deets at thepocketstylist@gmail.com

Lovely Weekend

Since my hubby was out of town for most of the weekend I decided to have a girlie weekend. It is almost essential to shop on a girly weekend so I headed to San Francisco with my mom and sister-in-law. I picked up these pieces of perfection to begin my fall wardrobe. {These are the stock pictures of them}

These I got in Black!!

Saturday Night:

I was craving sushi so I took my daughter with me to pick up some of my favorite rolls and had a girlfriend come over and munch on them with me while sipping champagne. I mean can you really have girl time with out it?

Sunday

We decided to have a few friends over for an impromtu dinner party. I made shrimp, broccoli and zuccini in a spicy asian sauce and it was killer if I do say so myself.

What did you do for the long weekend I would love to hear.

Giveaway: Get an Exclusive Seven Dials Privilege Card!

Staying pretty AND stylish in London can be an expensive job! So if all this high maintenance up-keep is playing havoc with your bank balance then help is at hand with this exciting competition!

Pretty Stylish London has teamed up with Seven Dials, to offer five lucky readers an exclusive Seven Dials Privilege Card, which will entitle you to a *10% discount at over 70 stores, salons and venues throughout Covent Garden’s hidden village.

Seven Dials should be in every London gals’ little black book – it’s a shopping oasis far removed from the chaos of the high street and boasts some of the best boutiques, urban flagship and grooming establishments in the city, not to be mention great places to eat, drink and celeb spot.
The card will entitle you to discounts in stores such as American Apparel, Coco De Mer, Diesel, Firetrap, MAC, Miller Harris, Mimco, Miss LaLas Boudoir, Office, Poste Mistress, Mint Vintage, Adee Phelan Hair Salon and Kitchen Italia to name but a few!

For your chance to win, you must be following the blog or subscribing to email updates. Then check out the Seven Dials website to answering the follow question:

What date is the Seven Dials Shopping Evening, is it taking place on:
A) 24th March
B) 14th April
C) 29th April

Simply comment with your answer by 10th April to enter. Please remember to include your twitter account, or an email to reach you on. Good Luck!

Web: www.sevendials.co.uk
Follow Seven Dials on Twitter

* Terms and Conditions Apply.

Beauty Buzz: Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soaps

I've recently discovered Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soaps. These naturally moisturising soaps are organic come in a variety of yummy scents including Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rose and Lemon Grass Lime.

My favourite to use is the Organic & Fair Trade Shikakai Hand & Body Soaps (£6.99). It's a smooth, rich caramel-colored soap, made up of an organic blend of white grape juice, sucrose and Shikakai powder, coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, citric Acid and vitamin E. While some soaps can leave the skin feeling stripped of moisture, the Shikakai soap foams into a rich lather and skin feels cleansed and soothed.

Dr. Bronner’s is the No. 1 selling organic soap brand in the USA, famous for not using any synthetic components in their products, and all major ingredients come from certified Fair Trade sources throughout the world. It's no wonder UK fans are flocking to department store Liberties and Waitrose supermarkets to get their hands on the multi-use soaps. Not just for hands, Dr. Bronner's soaps are also ideal for shampooing and body.

Have you tried Dr. Bronner's Soaps? Leave your comments.

Web: www.drbronner.com

Beauty Buzz: Pretty Powerful with Bobbi Brown

Last week I attended a Bobbi Brown event for an introduction to their new Pretty Powerful campaign. It takes a look into the relationship that women have with makeup and how it makes them feel. Many of us at the event agreed that it made us feel a little more 'polished', 'put together' and more confident.

The idea behind Pretty Powerful is to show how a few simple tweaks to your daily makeup routine can help you achieve more beautiful results for added confidence in looking your best.

I had the opportunity to try out some products with Bobbi Brown's Head of Artistry Paul Herrington. He showed me how in less than 10 minutes, I could brighten my normal makeup look with Pout Rouge (£16.50) and Long-wear Gel Eyeliner (£15.00).

Normally, I shy away from wearing cream blush because my skin can be oily and within a few hours the colour melts into the skin. And I don't wear much eyeliner partly because I'm too impatient to put it on and also the fact that I never quite mastered the liquid liner look.

But I was presently surprised to discover how fool-proof it was to apply Bobbi Brown's gel eyeliner. With the nifty eyeliner brush in tow, making my eyes pop is now easy. The Pout Rouge for Lips also works a treat on my cheeks and has the staying power I need.

Prior to the event, I only had one Bobbi Brown product in my makeup kit, and that was the Shimmer Brick; a must-have especially during the Summer to pull off a dewy, golden look. However, now I'm keen to stock up on more Bobbi Brown essentials for the sheer ease and versatility of the brand.

Check out my before and after photo to see how I went from 'pretty' to 'pretty powerful'. (No, I'm not indulging in self appreciation here, merely quoting the words of Paul Herrington! ).


To find out how Bobbi Brown can take you there too, visit your nearest store, or watch the video campaign online at www.bobbibrown.co.uk/prettypowerful

My question to you is how does makeup make you feel? Leave your comments please!

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

What's On: One Day Diva

Date: 06th February
Time: 11:00 - 15:30
Location: Jalouse Private Members Club
17 Hanover Square
London
W1S 1HU

This weekend sees the launch of One Day Diva; a series of designer sale events in a bid to satisfy your fashion cravings and support Breast Cancer Research.

The events will be set in the heart of Mayfair, and is the brainchild of two friends; Francesca Farnesi of London Dress Agency Frankie and Lola, and Hayley Smith - a singer with a passion for fashion. Expect gorgeous clothes, coveted accessories and shoes, all displayed at a stitch of the rrp.

Among the sellers will be vintage & designer couture boutique owners and industry specialists, including Frocking Fabulous Vintage, Funky Bling and Rous Iland Boutique. With 20 hand-picked sellers all showcasing on the day, celebrity stylist Ian B will be on hand to offer complimentary personal styling advice to shoppers.

There are a limited number of tickets left which include special VIP Early Tickets to get your hands on a goodie bag and receive two hours priority shopping access to the best bargains. I'll be there, will you?

Web: www.onedaydiva.com

Beauty Buzz: Pinks Boutique

Introducing a wonderful natural beauty range that has perked up my pamper time considerably; Pinks Boutique is a UK based brand lovingly created by Luke Sherriff and Kirstie Allen. Their passion for unique aromas and exotic Asian ingredients has manifested in a range of spa quality products, free from parabens and unnecessary chemicals.

The buzz around Pinks Boutique is increasing at a rapid pace; the brand kick-started the new year with co-founder Kirstie's inclusion into the Natural Beauty Yearbook 2010 Top 20 Personalities, placed 17th as voted for by Spas and Salons.

Recently, I've been enjoying the citrus blend of the Lemongrass and Mandarin Facial set (£23.00). These little pots of goodness are a pleasure to apply, and my skin feels like I've had a professional facial afterwards. It's the Bamboo & Oatmeal Polish (£19.50) that I love the most - it has a rich texture that glides on the skin, and the beads of oatmeal are gentle enough to use everyday.

I'm so impressed that I'm keen to try the other ranges, and will schedule a visit to one of the increasing number of spas within London that now treat with the Pinks Boutique range. I'll keep you posted on how the other products fair.

What organic products are you smitten with right now?

Pinks Boutique
Visit the website to find your nearest organic Spa:
www.pinksboutique.com

What's On: The London Designer Makers Sale

Date: Saturday 19th December
Time: 12pm - 6pm

Location:
St Aloysius Social Club,
Phoneix Road,
London, NW1 1TA

Admission: Free

The London Designer Makers sale is on this weekend featuring 30 stalls of unique handmade goodies and gifts.

From jewellery to homeware, you'll find some of the best work from London designer makers on display. The lineup includes UglyLovely, Natasha Salkey and Ting Low.

If you get a chance to head over to the sale, you may find some last minute gifts or be tempted to treat yourself. Further information about the event and the designers can be found on the Designer Makers blog.

Email: londondesignermakers@googlemail.com
Web: www.designermakers.blogspot.com

Millinary design by UglyLovely

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

Fashion News: 7 Ribbons, the new online accessories boutique

7 Ribbons is a new website that launched this week selling accessories, hand-picked from around the world.

The independent boutique is well known by shoppers astute to popular London summer festivals, as the brand regularly exhibits at shows throughout London, and their pieces are creating a buzz among fashion editors and stylists.

The online shop has an impressive collection of eclectic and contemporary pieces; most great for everyday wear, others for occasions and making a statement. There's also an ethical collection of handbags, hand woven and made in Kenya.

If you're a fan of high street chain Accessorize, then I think you'll like what 7 Ribbons has to offer; their range is a happy medium between premium fashion quality and high street prices.

Web: www.7ribbons.co.uk

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

Style Note: Handmade Happiness

This week's style note is dedicated to the craft of handmade products. I've been inspired by fellow blogger Muhsine of Bubblegarm who impressed me with her handmade shabby chic travel brush roll, and it got me thinking about cute gifts that make ideal stocking fillers this Christmas.

I've headed over to ESTY and ethical shop Love Eco in pursuit of handmade happiness, and of course I couldn't leave out Muhsine's fabulous travel brush roll (which I've made an order for already). I think you'll love these too:

1. Mini Soapsicle Set - £3.03 (converted from $5.00)
Oh so cute soaps shaped like popsicles. Comes in four fragrances; cherry, blueberry, watermelon and pineapple. Mmm.
www.etsy.com

2. Handmade Magnets by Inkjet Design - £4.00
These will look so pretty on the fridge!
www.etsy.com

3. Chicken Doorstops from Love Eco - £13.00 each
Simply fill up these lil' chickens with rice, zip up and away you go, your very own unique doorstop made from vintage fabric remnants.
www.love-eco.co.uk

4. Travel Brush Roll - Price available on request
With 9 pockets for your key brushes, it rolls up and ties with a cute bow. This is the prototype and hopefully the finished product will be ready soon. Pre-order yours!
www.bubblegarm.blogspot.com

Special Offer: 25% off Samantha Cole London

News just in! Designer Samantha Cole is offering Pretty Stylish London readers an exclusive 25% off her new collection via samanthacolelondon.co.uk and the items listed on Catwalk Genius too.

How generous is that? So if you've been swooning over the fabulous pieces featured in my recent Label Love post, here's how to claim your discount:

For 25% off the new collection
Email: sales@samanthacolelondon.co.uk quoting offer code: SCL/PST

For 25% off items listed on Catwalk Genius
Email: sales@samanthacolelondon.co.uk quoting offer code:PST

One of the lovely representatives will take your order and reduce the total price by 25%. Simple!

Happy shopping darlings! xx

What's On: Winter Sample Sales

December is all about the party frocks so get yourself down to samples sales starting this weekend and grab a LBD bargain.

My top choice is the Bodyamr sale, I'm a huge fan of their clothes and with prices starting from £15, there should hopefully be some great treasures to discover. If you do pop along to any of the sample sales, I'd love to know what you buy! Leave your comments below.

Alexander McQueen
Up to 90 per cent off ready-to-wear and accessories.

Dates:
Thurs 03/12/09 12:00 -20:00
Fri 04/12/09 11:00 - 19:00
Sat 05/12/09 10:00 - 17:00

Location:
The Westminster Room
The Old Sessions House
22 Clerkenwell Green
London
EC1R ONA

Web: www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk


Bodyamr
Discounts on eveningwear, separates and accessories from £15.

Dates:
Thurs 03/12/09 10:00 -19:00
Fri 04/12/09 10:00 - 19:00
Sat 05/12/09 11:00 - 16:00

Location:
7 Coptic St
London
WC1A 1NH

Tel: 020 7691 2085
Web: www.bodyamr.com


Nicholas Kirkwood
Up to 80 per cent off shoes.

Dates:
Fri 04/12/09 12:00 -19:00
Sat 05/12/09 10:00 - 19:00

Location:
Swarovski Crystallized Lounge,
24 Great Marlborough St
London
W1F 7HU

Web: www.nicholaskirkwood.com


La Perla
Up to 75 per cent off lingerie, beachwear, outerwear, hosiery and fragrances.

Dates:
Mon 07/12/09 - Tues 08/12/09 10:00 - 18:30

Location:
Hornvale Ltd
22 Newman St
4th floor
London
W1T 1PH

Tel: 020 7291 0930
Web: www.laperla.com


Graeme Black
Up to 70 per cent off ready-to-wear.

Dates:
Mon 07/12/09 - Fri 11/12/09 10:00 - 17:30

Location:
151a Sydney St
London
SW3 6NT

Tel: 020 7565 0066
Web: www.graemeblack.com


Source: Daily Candy
Image credit: Alexandar McQueen Fall Winter/09 Collection

Cyber Monday

Hello gorgeous ones. So in honor of cyber Monday I have decided to post some fabulous finds I found on TopShop. I would love to know what you think of these items. I am in LOVE with TopShop so I just had to do a post for it. I cannot get enough of it. This weekend I am so excited I am heading down to L.A. for  much needed little getaway so My hubby and I will pack up the car with all of are things and our little girl and head to our cousins house. I am so excited to see my cousin who is like a sister I never had and her baby girl and her hubby.

Happy Monday my Lovelies!!

Beauty Buzz: Winter Skin SOS

There are some products that I use all year round and then there's the SOS products that I stock up on especially for the Winter.

The change in elements can be particularly trying for my skin (and my mood), so I'm drawn to creams and potions that have rich, uplifting scents and are big on nourishment. There are four must-have products that I can't live without during the colder months, strangely enough they are all in green packaging! Not only do they look give the bathroom shelf a boost of fresh colour, they boast some pretty impressive ingredients to keep my skin supple and protected from the cold.

Weleda Skin Food - £6.95
This deep-penetrating replenishing skin repair cream is perfect for dry patches of skin and for added winter protection. The key ingredients are extracts of soothing chamomile, calendula wild pansy and a blend of enriching oils.
Available at www.weleda.co.uk

Vaseline Lip Therapy with Aloe Vera - £1.14
This is an oldie but a goodie; it does exactly what it says on the tin. Chapped lips are soothed with the Aloe Vera and the petroleum jelly creates an enriching barrier of protection.
Available at www.superdrug.com

Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash - from £4.00
I love this product not only because of it's fantastic purifying properties but because it's ethical; made from The Kenya Organic Farmers’ Association (KOOFA), it's a Community Trade product which means you're helping to give back every time you buy. The key ingredient is Tamanu oil, which is a natural anti bacteria.
Available at www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Molton Brown Warming Eucalyptus & Ginger Body Scrub - £28.00
My biggest investment is this divine Molton Brown Body Scrub that is a miracle worker on dull skin. I use it twice weekly for an all-over smooth feeling. Aside from making my skin feel gorgeous, the smell of eucalyptus & ginger gives me that boost and picks-me-up when I'm feeling lethargic in the mornings.
Available at www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Style Note: Pretty Snug...

On days like this, nothing makes me happier than slipping into my thermal booties, lounging with a cuddly water bottle and doing a spot of online shopping.

Here are a few of my favourite things to buy this season, from the oh so divine Moschino Cheap & Chic Gloves (my star buy) to the luxe Manoush Gilet Jacket; it's gorgeous finds like these that make Winter all the more indulgent.

1. Manoush Black and Cream Gilet Jacket - £382.50
www.fifiwilson.com

2. Shepherd Sheepskin Ballet Pump Slipper Stone - £35.00
www.riftshoes.com

3. Luxury Faux Fur Hot Water Bottles - £19.95 each
www.vagabondcosmetictoiletbags.co.uk

4. Moschino Cheap & Chic Stab-stitch Gloves - £50
www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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.