I think it might be, and the daffodils that are diligently fighting their way through the unexpected snow give me hope it is, but also a terrifying realisation that it’s only a matter of weeks before I might have to bare some of my body parts to the elements.
]]>I think it might be, and the daffodils that are diligently fighting their way through the unexpected snow give me hope it is, but also a terrifying realisation that it’s only a matter of weeks before I might have to bare some of my body parts to the elements.
So that means it is time to take action!
Enough of having everything wrapped up in jumpers and forgiving lycra pants, because the moment we all dread is nearly upon us.
Having spoken to lots of friends about this, I realise it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are; everyone dreads it. The horror the first time you get your pasty white legs out, and the offensive bingo wing that seems to wobble every time you reach for your glass of rose (no, I've not tried kombucha yet, but apparently it's healthy or something? I'll get right on that..)
I have to admit that having just had a baby, and not being in anyway likely to ‘pop’ back into shape, I am on a mission to find things that will help me get into my Spring wardrobe, but that are also FUN!
Yes, I want to go to Move Your Frame in Hoxton and do 80’s aerobics to Madonna, in fact I would love to do that everyday, but then I panic I am not fit enough to do it!
So firstly my very fit and healthy friend Jenni Falconer is suggesting we head to Jason Vale in Portugal for a Juicy Oasis retreat (loved by the likes of Alesha Dixon and Gary Barlow). Here we would get a complete overhaul of mind and body, and it might be the first time I achieve a downward dog!
I am not usually a fan of juicing, but I think every now and then the body could use a re-set. Then I would like to head to the Body Camp in Ibiza where you run on the beach, box and learn to cook healthy meals (and also do 80’s aerobics - move over Jane Fonda). This is greedy I know, but I feel like I need some guidance.
Mainly so that if I achieve my goals, and win the lottery, I can treat myself to the Quinland Leather jacket from Anine Bing that I am obsessed with. I mean, when is a jacket not life changing…
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I remember when I first met my husband, and our moments of true passion had subsided – it was then that I suddenly realised his wardrobe had to change.
]]>I remember when I first met my husband, and our moments of true passion had subsided – it was then that I suddenly realised his wardrobe had to change.
The zip up cardigans were quietly gifted to the charity shop, the high waisted jeans gradually became ‘lost’, and the Pixies tee shirts somehow shrunk in the wash.
However, a few successful shopping trips later to update him with some Edwin and Diesel jeans, a couple of linen shirts from Pink, and a lot of checked shirts from Gitman Vintage, and I felt we had a good base from which to build his wardrobe again.
He moaned and groaned about it, but I know that he secretly loves all the sideways glances he gets from the girls on the street now he is rocking a cooler wardrobe!
Of course in my dream world, my ideal man would be a cowboy (think Paul Newman). For me a checked shirt and bashed up old jeans are all any man needs, and a lot of the male trends beyond this scare me.
But there are some good things around on the catwalk this season – for example the classic vertical stripe is here to stay as shown by APC, but in different widths and colours – think deckchair style.
And to my utter joy light pink is here again, and although only the brave, and quite frankly very hot, can pull this off in an all over suit aka Harry Styles, I think men generally look very handsome in pink linen shirts – check out Frescobol Caricoa for some goodies.
Of course there are some more terrifying trends like the return of the ‘short short’ as shown by Fendi, and last seen in the 70‘s – this is something that should be reserved only for the likes of David Gandy.
And as Father’s Day is just around the corner, I suggest you all have a look at Frangipani shirts – these are gorgeous printed cotton shirts for men, and we all know I love a print!
I think my favourite is the Maui Wowwee but I know I am going to struggle to get my man to wear it.
I will gift it anyway, and hope that this combined with eggs on toast and a surf magazine will be enough to swing it.
]]>You see the thing is, I can’t really imagine a time where I would wear a summer jacket – it seems like a pointless purchase to me, so I always work around it.
]]>You see the thing is, I can’t really imagine a time where I would wear a summer jacket – it seems like a pointless purchase to me, so I always work around it.
That is of course unless you call my leather biker jacket obsession a summer jacket.
I have a black one for the winter, and a light blue one, a cream one and a light pink one for the summer. Yup, that is absolutely true. Because just tell me, when doesn’t a biker jacket work? It is awesome with your jeans, it’s cool as hell over your floral summer dress, it’s perfect for an evening out drinking a glass of rose at the pub and I truly believe you can even wear it over your favourite frock to a drinks party or a wedding.
People may stare, but only because you are the coolest looking person there.
And before you try to tell me leather is too hot in the summer my answer is simple – if it’s too hot to wear a leather jacket, then it’s too hot to wear a jacket full stop.
Pastel biker jackets are all over the place, but head to All Saints for their Balfern biker – it’s a classic but the old ones are always the best.
Pick it up in burnt coral or light blue, pair it with your summer tan, and then make a wish that Tom Hardy turns the corner on his motorbike to pick you up.
If you want to steer clear of leather then Zara has a great faux suede pale pink biker that is worth a look.
And I promise you, you will never feel the need to don a dodgy summer jacket again.
]]>Designer Tabitha Webb and blogger Emily Johnston are fashion-loving friends who don’t always see eye to eye, but when it comes to the UK in January, they do agree on one thing – it’s a good time to holiday.
However, where to go to escape the winter blues is a very different matter!
]]>Designer Tabitha Webb and blogger Emily Johnston are fashion-loving friends who don’t always see eye to eye, but when it comes to the UK in January, they do agree on one thing – it’s a good time to holiday.
However, where to go to escape the winter blues is a very different matter!
For US-born, London-based blogger Emily Johnston, January is the perfect time to head for tropical climes to seek out the sun and clear blue sea January blues are a real thing.
Scientifically speaking, the most depressing day of the year is in January.
So when it comes to this month of depression, I fly away as far as I can.
January is a time to explore warm climates, to step away from the impending snow, sleet or rain and step into a bright blue ocean instead, don’t you think?
Sure, everyone you know back in the UK will unfollow you on Instagram after you’ve posted your ninth picture of a palm tree in a glamorous location, but surely it’s worth it to come back totally rejuvenated.
But where to go? For me, it’s a choice of three.
However, if you’re not in the mood to travel so far, head to Jumby Bay in Antigua. It is the ultimate in luxury and the best for winter sun. It’s also a place where you can sit on the beach and never move, if you so wish – they bring the piña coladas and ice-cream sandwiches to you.
Last but not least would be the ultimate wildlife adventure. The Four Seasons Serengeti in Tanzania combines the best of all worlds – a pool for relaxing, where herds of elephants come to you (no joke) and a daily safari that will take your mind away from any concerns lurking back at home.
Whether in search of the black rhino in Africa or your floatation device in the deep blue sea, find winter sun somewhere on the globe to keep your spirits high and the January blues at bay.
Oh, and don’t forget a chic printed kaftan to complement your amazing tan.
Emily’s Must Have: Faye Dunaway mini-length linen kaftan, £185 (was £265)
Tabitha Webb thinks differently.
There is nothing better than heading for the snow, hitting the pistes, enjoying great food and sloping off in style.
Everyone who knows me realises that I am never happier than when flying down a ski slope with the sun shining and a glühwein waiting for me at the bottom – pure heaven.
I do really love snow, but having said that, I need all the elements to be correct.
So if I wake up and see cloud or actual falling snow, I will then be found ensconced in the nearest spa, or perhaps dancing on the lowest table (ten years ago it would have been the highest).
For a long weekend, I adore Lech in Austria, ideally in January or early February, when all the kids, mine included, are still at school. It is a picturesque little village, loved by the royals, with fantastic skiing.
I love staying at the Kristiania Lodge, which is cool and houses an outrageously good art collection and has fantastic views – perfect for a romantic getaway.
Complete the experience by jumping onto a snowmobile or a horse drawn carriage and head to a gasthof for some traditional Austrian fare.
Fancy further afield?
You can’t go wrong with the Rusty Parrot in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, loved by the likes of Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock.
It is challenging skiing, but still my favourite destination. The lodge is a perfect mix of authentic and personal. And more importantly, the chilli and nachos up the mountain are sublime.
And you can even go line dancing.
Finally, to make sure you look the part, head to Perfect Moment, my present ski label of choice. If I was hot and thin I would wear its Star II merino wool jumpsuit, but as I am not I will be donning its retro 1970s Queenie jacket and flares – identical to my first ski suit when I was 7.
Awesome.