How to Wear a Kaftan Everyday

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kaftan - Hartford, Vest - By Malene Birger, Espadrilles - Chanel, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA), Jeans - Current Elliott

Every year around this time I have a shop full of kaftans, all of which I love, sadly everyone thinks that kaftans are only for swanning around on holiday. Thankfully though, I believe that there is a place for them in everyday city life so I thought I'd give you a few ideas on how to wear my favourites.

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kaftan - One Season (available at ANNA), Vest - By Malene Birger, Necklace - Icon, Shoes - Sam Edelman, Jeans - Current Elliott

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kaftan - Mes Demoiselles (available at ANNA),  Vest - By Malene Birger, Shoes - Golden Goose Deluxe Brand,  Jeans - Current Elliott, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA), Cardigan - Selected Femme (available at ANNA)

Primrose Park

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Top - Primrose Park, Trousers - Primrose Park

Primrose Park is my own collection that is available at ANNA but also other fabulous stores; The Cross, Precious, Cavells... to name a few.

The label was created for women that love colour and print, I totally believe that the older we get the more colour and print we should wear!  Greys, black and beige can be safe but terribly draining so try and steer clear of these dull colours next to your face.

This ikat shirt and trouser set is perfect for loads of occasions, dress it up with heels or wear separately teaming the top with jeans and wearing the trousers relaxed with a t-shirt and pumps!

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Dress - Primrose Park, Hat - Star Mela, Shoes - Chanel, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA)

This dress is fresh and fun, the print is clean and vibrant.  I've teamed it with my Chanel espadrilles (summer treat to myself!), a hat and an Icon Buddha necklace. An effortless holiday outfit.

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kimono - Primrose Park, Vest - By Malene Birger, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA), Jeans - Current Elliott, Espadrilles - Chanel

I think kimonos are a must in everyone's wardrobe; perfect over a summer dress, a pair of shorts or try just jazzing up a vest and jeans.

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Dress - Primrose Park, Necklace - Zozishine, Bangle - Zozishine, Espadrille

This is one of our best selling dresses in a sand washed silk.  It feels lovely to wear and can be dressed up with wedges or worn relaxed with flats.

The Primrose Park collection can be found at: ANNA, The Cross, Precious, Cavells, Bibi, Anya, Bod & Ted, Coco Blue, Doodie Stark, Katharine Bird, Toil and Glitter, NO 42.

See Concept

I found these fab little specs in Paris on one of my many trips scouting around.

They were in a lovely concept store called Merci.  They are now available in various stores across Paris and London and I can absolutely see why...

They are a must for everyone that needs magnified help when reading... my arms just aren't long enough any more and it's really uncool to hold the menu at arms length in one of those swanky eateries.  Mind don't get me onto restaurants in London... maybe that will be my next blog post, when was it acceptable to think £150 per head is reasonable??????

Sorry, back to See Concept, the company was started by a couple of cute French boys straight out of Uni, they sell the brand themselves and the passion remains at the heart of the company.

They vision strength ranges from +0  to +3 they come in an array of colours so that you can be really mad or quite straight, they are bendy and really well priced £29 -£39, so you can buy a couple of pairs to suit your mood.... as you can see I went for MAD!

We also sell the sunnies that also come 0  to +3.

Available in ANNA stores.

A Day in The Life of...

Joseph coat, Raquel Allegra knit, Primrose Park shirt, Rag and bone trousers and my faithful rafs.

This is a typical day in my ANNA life.

I start my day bizarrely enough at 6:40am wake up call for 7:10 Barrys Bootcamp! 

Breakfast usually on the run after juicing for RP. Today i am off to a few buying appointments.

 I walk to appointments whenever i can and i am lucky because regents park is my shortcut to the west end. 

OMG! I've just bumped into my BF in the park, quick catch up with her then off i go again. 

 First stop, Chinti and Parker http://www.shopatanna.com/chinti-parker/

I love Chinti and the new collection doesn't disappoint. Emoji jumpers, how cool!

 Next up, Odd Molly.

 This season sees the return of Odd Molly in ANNA.

The Tribute collection is very strong and i can see the original quirky style has returned.  

Whilst choosing my pieces for the stores i have a quick bite and some water, more often than not i drink too much coffee and eat too many biscuits in the appointments, its good to get some real food!

 My last appointment today, is Frame Denim http://www.shopatanna.com/frame-denim/

 Here i am with Sam making my selection. I am very conscious of choosing the correct shapes and washes for my client base rather than high trend driven, niche pieces. Everything in ANNA is personally picked by me. I like everything but obviously i am only ever one size and one age at one time so i can't wear everything all the time. 

I end the day with a quick meeting with the GM of ANNA who is on a shop visit at primrose hill. psssst... Yoga 6:45pm, nutter!!

On Safari

Friends with benefits... I feel very lucky indeed... not only do I have fabulous friends, I have fabulous friends with an amazing lodge in South Africa!  Bingo, 5star safari with the best guides...

After a week in Cape Town watching the test match, myself, RP and the boys flew to Durban and then on to Kwazulu-natal and onto The Phinda Game Reserve.

This was no ordinary safari, we saw The Big Five within hours of arriving and then every drive delivered something sensational, ranging from the roar of the king of the jungle to tree climbing lions (lions generally don't climb!). We were treated to remarkable hospitality, breakfast in the bush, bush trekking and champagne fuelled night drives.

So much luxury!  I urge you to visit this South Africa for a truly magnificent lifetime experience... also pound against the rand keeps it affordable!

Check out. And beyond.

Our vehicles

The wonderful elephant, probably the most dangerous and unpredictable animal

Giraffes a plenty

My favourite, the king

The young inquisitive leopard

Mother and baby Rhino

Climbing lions

Breakfast in the bush, followed by a relax by the pool.......bliss