Lace Up

Lace has been a prominent feature of catwalks and collections for the last few seasons, and it’s a trend that is going nowhere. Instead, it has had an update; a lace renovation. In the same way that this autumns florals are dark and dangerous, lace has also gone in the same edgy direction. This seasons take on the historically delicate trim is all about layering and contrast, and its not afraid to be bold!
Make a statement in this vibrant chartreuse lace dress from Erdem. With bead embellishment and contrast print neckline, it is a standout example of the elusive demure-sexy balance.

For more casual occasions, Stella McCartney brings us this contrast lace print silk top. With oversized lace patterning it is perfect paired with slim tailored trousers; either in black for a classic rock’n’roll edge, or in one of autumns warm jewel tones to make the print pop.

Glamour and lace go hand in hand but for an extra added modern sheen, pair it with metallics as Preen did with this icy-blue, layered pencil skirt.

To make the most of this piece, pair with a simple blouse and keep the metallic theme running through your accessories.
Perhaps some of our obsession with lace has been fuelled by last year’s royal wedding and ‘that dress’. The sheer sleeves and snug fit were a dreamy combination. Claim a darker touch of that magic for yourself with Matthew Williamson’s lace sleeved, printed jersey gown.

The floor sweeping length and iridescent peacock tones are complemented by its figure hugging silhouette.
This season, this classic decorative material is definitely taking centre stage, so whichever way you wear it, let it be the focal point by pairing with clean separates and keeping accessories toned down for a fail safe standout look that will see you right through till spring.


Aisha
www.trisori.com

The Jolly Sailor

Claiming to be arguably one of the most spectacular pub-restaurants in England, the Jolly Sailor overlooks the Hamble Estuary - a fantastic spot to have lunch and enjoy the view of the harbour.  Run by Hall and Woodhouse - one of the few remaining regional family brewers, they brew award-winning Dorset ales and have run pubs for over 230 years. So they know a thing or two about what people want and how to look after them well!

The pub itself has little knick-knacks from boats and yachts scattered around the place with other nautical elements - a candle with worn wood around it setting the perfect atmosphere for a pub right on the water's edge, but the best thing about it is the fantastic view across the estuary.

Being a Sunday when we went, it had a roast menu as well as the usual menu and the specials board. So a few of us had roasts - lamb, chicken and beef, whilst I tried the crispy pork belly salad and fries. All the roasts look glorious and come with enormous yorkshire puddings and various helpings of red cabbage, carrots and suede with stuffing with the chicken. Mmmmm! Don't they look good?

Although the pork salad doesn't look like a lot, it is actually quite filling (especially after a pimms) and with a few fries on the side. There was actually a little more than this, but like the fries which always fly off the table into mouths as soon as they arrive, I started muching before I took a pic, sorry!  

Prices are very reasonable considering you often pay for a view - with mains being around £10. They do get quite busy and I wonder if during the week the quality might be outstanding rather than just good. Definitely worth a visit, particularly for mariners.

http://jollysailoroldbursledon.co.uk/

http://www.trisori.com/

Inspiration of the month: French Polynesia, A Jewel for an Artist

Finding a source of inspiration is important for a person who works in the field of design. Travel is one possible source.

We chose French Polynesia as our honeymoon destination, but, whilst there, I found the allure of this island chain capable of more than just being an ingredient of an exotic resort.

French Polynesia has been attracting artists since the nineteenth century. I am not surprised by this fact. It is hard to choose words exalted enough in order to describe the local scenery.

The isles rise from the ocean like mountains, their rocky slopes covered with the green Pacific grove.

The islands lie on the outskirts of the inhabited world, and whenever you look around you see the features of primordial nature.

The tall trees stand exposed to the pleasant oceanic winds; shores of black sand are washed by light waves; the coastal waters are as clear and blue as the skies above them.

These features complete each other; each is like a gem, and when together they form a necklace. A designer of jewellery, I marvelled at this craft of nature and discovered its trace in my imagination.
http://www.trisori.com/

Love of the week: 3 Books to Read this Summer

There is no better way to spend the summer than tucking into a good book while soaking up the sunshine or curling up out of the rain. Here are three books to relish during the long days of summer:

Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts: The epic true story of an Australian escaped prisoner who hides out in Bombay for ten years and spends his time doing everything from starting a medical clinic in slums to working for Bollywood and the Bombay mafia.  

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer: A young boy is on a quest through New York City to discover the mystery behind a hidden key he finds in his father's closet after his death on 9/11. His journey unexpectedly touches lives and helps him find solace.

The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern: A 19th century travelling circus dazzles fans with mystical acts and experiences in a magical world conjured in black and white. But when the enchanter's daughter and sorcerer's apprentice fall in love, they soon realize that their fates and that of the circus are intertwined.   

Pop-tastic!

The recent crush on all things fifties in fashion has made its way through silhouettes, prints, automobiles and is now embracing the mid-century art movement: Pop Art. The bold cartoon-like designs and bright primary colours make for wonderfully playful fashion. 3.1 Phillip Lim champions the trend with his homage to the work of Roy Lichtenstein. Take the look into autumn with his Ka-Pow sweater.

With an ivory base, the slightly subdued tones make this both wearable and a perfect accompaniment to the berry tones that will be everywhere this autumn and winter season. Carry the trend through to accessories with his equally punchy patchwork clutch.

From Markus Lupfer, the go to brand for luxe sweaters, comes another take on a Kapow pullover, this time saying it in sequins. Dazzle like a superhero by pairing with black skinnies and catwoman-esque heels for a knockout evening look.

Alternatively go for a more abstract take on the Pop Art movement in these J.Crew capris. The black and white polka dots mimic the Benday dots with which Lichtenstein created his famous images and the cut is, fittingly, oh so fifties. 

Bring them alive with a splash of colour on the top half and ballet flats to finish a modern, screen siren, day look.
With the whole trend being based on colour and playfulness, what could be more apt than these towering Charlotte Olympia heels. Called ‘Kiss Me Dolores’, the retro style and whimsical lip embellishment is very fun and very flirty.

Ultimately it’s all about a sartorial sense of humour so whether you choose to channel Lichtenstein, Hockney or Warhol, wear with a flick of eyeliner and tongue-in-cheek attitude.


Aisha
www.trisori.com

Villa Giuglia - Sicily

Setting off to Sicily for a wedding, I looked at all the hotels nearby and not too far away from the coast for a spot of relaxation. Quick to come up on my google search was Villa Giuglia - nearest to the town of Noto near the south-east. Its rustic beauty of the eighteenth century old villa gives it an appealing charm that together with the crystal clear blue swimming pool on their website convinced me that it was the place to pick for my sojourn.

We arrived rather late in the day - well actually in the evening at 10 something - but that didn't seem to phase the staff at all who were happy to help us with our bags to our rooms. Despite the late arrival, we still managed to enjoy the evening outside having a couple of drinks on the balcony.

The next day we manged to see the full extent of the 'residence' as it is or was known Italian, with its baroque style and added extras like the old amphitheatre which nestles near the swimming pool in the luscious green grass which the gardener spends ages watering. The pool is surrounded by almond trees - one of the local specialities that they produce into things like almond milk and slush puppies called granita.    

The rooms are really comfortable, done up in sweet Italian style, with air conditioning, TVs with the suites having more space and more (beautiful) furniture, not that you need to spend too much time in them with all that stunning sun and the sparkling pool.
  

During the hot summer months, breakfast, and all meals for that matter can be taken on the terrace of the restaurant which is decorated with aged barrels. For breakfast there is a buffet and then for lunch - there is a simple selection of meats, salads and pastas with a three course set menu at 25 euros a head for dinner, serving exquisite dishes - in this instance, you can trust a skinny chef! We had delights such as crunchy seafood salad and squid stuffed with rice doused in tomato sauce made from the sunkissed tomatoes in nearby pachino.   

The best thing about the place, apart from the architecture, is the friendly staff who are only too happy to help you book taxis, advise on anything that you need. Possibly the only downside for us were all the Germans who came in families and were a little noisy at times...

http://www.villagiulianoto.it/en/home

www.trisori.com

Love of the week: Laurels

My favourite trend for the summer has to be floral crowns, or laurels. Pretty and feminine, they add a girly touch to any outfit! Here are some of my favourites:

If you can't find your perfect floral crown, why not make your own? Thread a length of fine wire through rosebuds, full blooms, leaves and even berry sprigs to make a laurel to match every outfit. I find rosebuds easiest to thread - and if any wire shows between the flowers and greenery, wrap it in ribbon to hide it. Here's a how-to guide: Make-a-Floral-Headdress

The Best of Black and White

Monochrome is having a fashion moment: whether in stripes, prints, (un-)colour blocked or straight up, the trusty LBD meets the LWD for the chic-est of evening wear.
A star of Helmut Lang’s ss12 catwalk show was this silk chiffon mini dress. With panels of suede and sequin embellishment, this graphic piece proves that black and white doesn’t need to be boring.

The king of figure hugging evening wear, Hervé Léger, also delivers in monochrome with this strapless bandage dress. Famous for creating the most flattering of silhouettes, this iconic number with its statement panelling is ideal for the high glamour stakes.

For a more subdued take on the trend, but an equally flattering silhouette, look to Narciso Rodriguez’ silk-satin and crepe, tailored, cocktail dress. The cleverly cut panels nip in the waist and slim the silhouette. The sleek and simple cut is the perfect backdrop for the addition of a statement accessory or two.

Add some texture to the look with Trisori’s Hard Candy ring, with its gold tones and hint of sparkle in the inset druzy...

...or shine with Trisori’s ‘Secret’ oversized onyx drop earrings, the perfect finishing touch to any chic monochrome ensemble this summer.

Aisha

www.trisori.com

Love of the week: Royal Jewels

Prince Charles, in his televised Jubilee tribute, spoke of how he loved to see ‘my Mama’ in her wonderful diamonds. The royal collection is so extensive that a Crown Jeweller has to be on 24-hour call. It’s the history of royal jewellery that makes it so special for me. For her own wedding, the Queen was lent the King George III Fringe Tiara

which had first belonged to Queen Victoria. So it’s fitting that she in turn lent the Cartier Halo Tiara to the then Kate Middleton when she married Prince William.

History and sentiment are bound up in these jewels. George VI adored his daughter, which is why my next pick is the earrings from the King George VI Victorian Suite, which he gave her as a wedding present.

 One of the most splendid of the Queen’s other sapphire pieces is Prince Albert’s Sapphire & Diamond Brooch.

You can see here that she wears it often.

At her mother’s funeral, the Queen wore one of Queen Victoria’s bow brooches, which had been worn at two coronations and passed to the Queen Mother.

What wonderfully romantic heirlooms such jewels are! Wouldn't be wonderful to have them all in your drawer? I'm sure I will have some difficulties in choosing which one to wear!   

www.trisori.com