Sanctuary

(Gold bangle: MAIYET, Necklace: Topshop, Bikinis: All by H&M, Sunglasses: American Apparel, Clutch: Victoria Beckham, Watch: Casio, Gold bracelet: Dogeared, Wedges: Zara)

Despite not actually having any holidays booked so far this summer, I went into H&M yesterday and couldn't get over how nice all of their swimwear is! After hours of trolling through net-a-porter for bikinis I can't afford, I genuinely think I prefer these three. The sunglasses are the Ava's by American Apparel and as quickly as I fell in love with them they seem to have sold out online.. (call the waaaambulance please). Whistles do a very similar pair but the frames aren't totally blacked out and as much as I love the Tom Ford Nikita's, my face is unfortunately too small to make them look remotely respectable.

Maybe I'll just stay in miserable England, and showcase my H&M bikinis whilst walking the dog. Woe is me. Someone take me on holiday now please.

'Cross Your Heart'

(Images via NastyGal)

I just came across the new NastyGal lookbook the other day and even though the look is nothing completely new or unexpected from the brand, I think its a really strong shoot and Hailey Clausen looks amazing. The styling is all by Ashley Glorioso and its been photographed by Zoey Grossman. 

From a branding point of view I find it odd that NastyGal haven't used their own team to put the lookbook together but I guess thats all just part of their transition into becoming more of a brand than an online store. Either way.. I'd still do unforgivable things for the cross heeled boots!

Ashley Smith by Andrew Kuykendall

(Images via Andrew Kuykendall blog)

Here are some of the Andrew Kuykendall shots for Dossier with Ashley Smith.

Kuykendall is by far one of my favourite photographers and I thought these images were too beautiful not to be shared. No one does editorial polaroids this well! 


Check out more of Andrew Kuykendall via his website here.

10 Corso Como

10 Corso Como, Milano, Italy

This is the concept store/gallery '10 Corso Como', which I was lucky enough to visit when I was in Italy a few weeks ago. The building is a cultural epicentre in Milan, dedicated to art, fashion and design. Built by gallerist and publisher Carla Sozzani in 1990, number 10 is a must see for anyone interested in fashion, art or beautiful books.

Sozzani effectively decided to create a place which acted as the 'virtual narrative' of a magazine layout; the bookshop and gallery being the core. The brand now consists of "10 Corso Como" design and fashion store (pictured above),

the "10 Corso Como cafè" restaurant, and a small 3 room hotel. All in all, it is one of the most amazing places I've ever come across and my pictures had to be shared. (The SLR-nazi security guard will not be happy)

At the time I was there, Alice Springs (photographer, actress, real name June Brown, wife of Helmut Newton) had an exhibition on which featured the portraits of various fashion icons, naked women and old men. It was lovely. The concept store was also lovely, comprising of beautiful Celine creations and diptyque artefacts. I was in my materialistic Mecca and can't wait to visit the Tokyo Corso Como for my next fix. Fingers crossed I'll be there this time next year!

Paul Cadden

It's unusual for me to blog about art work; but it's something that I'm utterly intrigued by and these pictures are too amazing not to share! They are all drawings done in pencil, but look so realistic its mind-boggling. The artist is called Paul Cadden and he produces hyper-realistic drawings based on photographs which are all done in good old HB. Check out his website, its completely surreal! His work is currently on display at Plus One gallery on Sloane Square and I literally can't wait to have a gander!

via paulcadden.com

Milano

Despite some pretty dull weather and a stolen passport, the past week has made Milano quickly move up the ranks to being one of my favourite cities. So many beautiful buildings and incredibly well styled people! Highlights have to be the watermelon gelato and 10 Corso Como (pictures to come) .. Amazing!