Valentine's day isn't just for hopelessly loved up So-and-Sos. Being footloose and fancy-free is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. What better time to invest in some seriously nice goodies that only you need to enjoy! Here are my best buys:



Summer Butterfly Kimono

Oh how we long for Summer... this kimono dressing gown is that little bit of summer style we can embrace (at least whilst in the warmth of our boudoirs). Throw on this oh-so-pretty loungewear and you'll be walking on sunshine.

£40.00
Available at Idlewild London



Chanel Facettes D'or Nail Colour in Gold Fiction

Who needs a sparkler on the finger when you can have the look of 18-karat gold on your fingertips. This limited edition nail colour from Chanel covers nails in brilliant golden lacquer. Nails have never looked so dazzling.

Available at Chanel Boutique
167-170 Sloane Street
London - SW1X 9QF
http://www.chanel.com



Selected Femme Chunky Jewel Knit Dress

A bit of retail therapy is just what the love doctor ordered. Take a look at this beauty of a dress. A great day to evening piece. Knitted with contrast panels, it's a flattering shape and the gem embellished short sleeves add some serious glamour.

£150.00
Available at Oli.co.uk



Black Suede Pumps by Balenciaga

It's not everyday that Balenciaga shoes are on sale so take advantage of the Matches reduction on these beautiful black suede pumps. Check out the sexy curved heel and the low cut at the toes. With gold piping detail around the outer edge, they are so luxe! But not the price, thankfully! Move over Carrie Bradshaw.

Now £148.00
Was £333.00
Available at Matches


Lacoste Love of Pink

With top notes of lemon, heart notes of pink magnolia and base notes of white cedarwood and vanilla - Love of Pink is fresh, fruity and sensuous. It smells delicious - so dreamy. You'll fall in love with this scent.

£33.28
Available at Boots



Limited Edition Hershey's Chocolate Fans Scented Soy Wax Candle

This is definitely one for the chocolate lovers! Light this candle and dip into a relaxing bubble bath as it surrounds the entire room with the yummy smell of Hershey's - warm and sweet - just like you right?

From £22.44
Available exclusively at Sephora.com

Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Here's a place where you can relax with beauty treatments and enjoy a little 1920s art deco at the same time. Get pampered in style at Austin's Grooming and Beauty Salon - one of London's best-kept secrets.

The stunning surroundings and lavish treatments available make a visit so worth while. The decor is as sharp as the tailoring you'd expect to receive from Austin Reed and the service certainly doesn't disappoint.

Based in the flagship store on Regent Street, the spa has grooming and therapeutic offerings for both men and women that's perfect for Valentine's Day. If you're looking for an indulgent treat to share with your beau, the package entitled 'Just the two of us' is a worthy option. With this package you can enjoy a refreshing Dermalogica facial and aromatherapy massage, whilst he receives a traditional wet shave with hot towel and a matching massage. Total bliss...



The 'Just the two of us' package is priced at £110.

Austin Reed
03 Regent Street,
London
Web: http://www.austinreed.co.uk

14-13th February 09
Time: 7pm-Midnight,
Admission: Tickets £12.50-18.50*

The art of seduction has long been mastered in the world of burlesque. The French consider it an art-form, a musical and theatrical parody. The Americans herald it risqué. One thing is for sure - Burlesque has taken London by storm.

Could it be the nostalgia? Maybe. After-all, there's something magical about the glitz and glamour of vintage beauty. Or perhaps it's the celebration of the female form in all its glory? It's likely to be both these features attracting a new wave of women to embrace the fun and frolics of strip teases - Dita Von Teese style.

If you've got the burlesque bug like me, you can get a taste of the art yourself at Varie-TEASE. The evening hosted by Chaz Royal & SIL is in it's 2nd year and promises sultry song and sizzling dance. There will be plenty throughout the evening to bring out your sultry temptress. It's the perfect event to get tips and hints from London's dazzling divas - you'll be making seductive shapes of your own in no time.

Click here to purchase tickets from TicketWeb
For more information visit the Varie-TEASE Myspace Page

Valentines Varie-TEASE!
BUSH HALL,
310 Uxbridge Rd. W12
Web: www.bushhallmusic.co.uk
*Partial Proceeds to LBF '09 Fundraiser

I'm in love... As I was browsing some of my favourite retailers online, I found this image which is the epitome of flirty, fabulous fashion and I had to share it with you. This outfit is from Dorothy Perkins and it ticks all the right buttons; it's bold, vintage inspired and combines hot pink with yellow gold. I'd team this dress with a tuxedo jacket and bright pumps for a tailored finish, or opt for a leather blazer and shoe boots to add a little more edge to the look.

So this Valentine's day make a date with fashion and fall in love with this romantic look. Remember, this year, Spring Summer fashion is bursting with primary colours and bold statement accessories. 50s inspired dresses will play a major role and the clutch is this season's must-have accessory.

Visit the store online: http://www.dorothyperkins.co.uk

Image Credits:
Bow detail tulip dress £35
Yellow mock-croc clutch £15
Dorothy Perkins Spring Summer 2009

Let's face it girls, sometimes we wish our valentine would indulge us with a romantic gift that has been given a little more thought. So here's a wish-list of valentine's day goodies; some simple, some stylish and other practical items that will leave a lasting impression. Why not forward this gift guide as a hint to your beau? Oh and if you're not romantically inclined, these are lovely ideas to treat yourself or your best friend!


Instead of flowers think...
Where to buy:
(1) Elsa Peretto Bangle by Tiffany & CO
Price: £295 available from http://uk.tiffany.com

(2) 'Gucci by Gucci' eau de parfum
Price from: £34.26 available from www.boots.com

(3) Maggie Satin Evening Clutch bag in Chocolate by Anya Hindmarch
Price: £235.00 available from www.anyahindmarch.com

(4) Ciaté Paint Pots in Guest List and Mines a Mocha
Price: £7.50 available from www.ciate.co.uk


Instead of cuddly bears think...
Where to buy:
(1) Spring Blue Roberts Radio by Cath Kidson
Price: £200 available from www.cathkidston.co.uk

(2) Love Letters of Great Men by Ursula Doyle
Price: £6.99 available from www.amazon.co.uk

(3) Sex And The City : Seasons 1-6 Shoebox
Price from: £54.98 available from www.amazon.co.uk

Main Image Credit:
VALISERE "Columbiana" lingerie available at Triumph
Price: Bra £25, G-String £27

Saturday the 14th of February is officially the most 'loved up' day of the year, so in the run up to Valentine's day, I'll be helping to get you in the amorous mood with ideas and inspirations for the occasion. And don't worry, there will be no mention of love hearts, boxes of chocolates or a dozen red roses, definitely not. Consider this a stylish guide to a cliche' free Valentine's Day.

So to start, here's my pick of London restaurants and bars to enjoy fine food, good drinks and none of the Valentine's day cheese.


Luxe Spot: Pearl Restaurant

This restaurant has an excellent reputation for modern French cuisine and a menu that incorporates the best seasonal product and ingredients. The Pearl Restaurant is set in Holborn, Central London and the elegant marble dining room is adorned with over a million hand-strung pearls. Fine food is complimented with subtle lighting, luxurious leather seating and a décor of cream and white. This restaurant offers a fantastic intimate dining experience.



Special Valentine's Day Menu

Pearl, will be offering a specially designed Valentine’s dinner, created by the Executive Chef Jun Tanaka. The indulgent five-course dinner includes a complimentary glass of Champagne, a pre-dessert, plus petit fours and coffee to round up after a bountiful offering of dishes. This special menu which includes Brill with oyster tortellini, and a variety of vegetarian alternatives, will be available on the 14 February 2009 from 6pm until 10pm, priced at £120 per person.

Pearl Restaurant
252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN
Tel 020 7829 7000
Web: http://www.pearl-restaurant.com




Hot Spot: Moti Mahal

Moti Mahal is a chic Indian restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Known for sumptuous and stylishly presented cuisine, the menu boasts exquisite tandoori dishes and an elegant culinary experience. Inside the décor is formal but relaxed, with dining available upstairs, downstairs and a designated bar area.


The Golden Kiss

On 13 and 14 February 2009, Moti Mahal will be offering the deliciously luxurious cocktail - The Golden Kiss. Priced at £9 each, it's a refreshing combination of Rémi Martin Coeur de Cognac, Chambord and rose syrup, shaken with fresh cranberry juice, lemon juice and gold flakes, and garnished with golden passion fruit caviar pearls. The cocktail is aptly named, promising to turn guests’ lips gold after sipping.

Moti Mahal
45 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AA
Tel: 020 7240 9329
Web: http://www.motimahal-uk.com




Hidden Treasure: Bar 190 at The Gore Hotel

Tucked away on the quiet Queens Gate road in Kensington is the fabulous Bar 190. Featuring candlelit, Art Deco interiors, it's open until 1am. The bar has a fabulous atmosphere and many famous faces have chosen this particular bar as their venue of choice, earning it the reputation as one of the most popular after-show party venues.


Burleque Soirée

On Friday 13 February 2009, Bar 190 at The Gore Hotel will host a burlesque inspired evening, a pre-valentine soirée, starring Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys.

This evening is perfect for couples and singletons alike, enjoy Burlesque cocktails at the bar and witness Miss Polly Rae; one of the UK’s rising Burlesque stars whose shows feature a cabaret, traditional and “neo” Burlesque. The Hurly Burly Girlys will also perform at intervals between 9.30pm and midnight. You're encouraged to join in the fun and come kitted out in Burlesque attire.

Admission: Entry £10 on the door
– includes one complimentary Burlesque cocktail
- Burlesque attire is not essential.

Bar 190, The Gore Hotel
190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington SW7
Tel: 020 7584 6601,
Web: http://www.gorehotel.com

For more information on Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys visit: www.hurlyburlyuk.co.uk