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

Have you've ever searched online for maternity wear, pregnant or not? Whether you've been genuinely buying for your bump, or considering where to find stylish maternity wear for the future, you would have surely stopped at the website Isabella Oliver.

The leading maternity label has long been matching wearability with a classic style that is both functional and on-trend. Founded by designers Vanessa Knox-Brien and Baukjen de Swaan Aronsit, the label is a celebrity mum favourite, with actress Angelina Jolie wearing their pieces.

So it's exciting news to hear that the label is launching 365 - a ready-to-wear collection to satisfy the cravings of women without 'a baby in the making'. The new line promises to be a stylish offering for all of us who have been itching to own an iconic piece in our wardrobes. Much like their maternity wear, the new venture focuses on providing a contemporary take on the classics.

Isabella Oliver 365 features key tailoring and plenty of draping, for a look that is relaxed and elegant. All pieces are versatile enough to effortlessly take you from day to evening. Could it be the perfect capsule collection? The 365 collection is launching exclusively online on the 17th of February. Click here to request a look book.


Isabella Oliver
Website: http://www.isabellaoliver.com

Recently I had the pleasure of attending Delia Covezzi's Autumn/Winter 09 collection show. Covezzi studied at Central Saint Martins, graduating in 2006 and specialising in womenswear. Within a short space of time, her work has been featured in fashion titles internationally; and as growing accolade for her work continues, key industry players have recognised Covezzi as an exciting, up-and-coming designer.

The event organised by the International Fashion Designers Group was the perfect teaser ahead of fashion week. Fashion groupies and industry professionals eagerly anticipated the catwalk show and once it began, her new collection had our full attention. As models strut down the catwalk, the rich pallet of fabrics and textures take power dressing to an architectural level.


Covezzi's inspiration for her new collection stemmed largely from German-Australian fashion photographer Helmut Newton, best known for his photographic account of the female body between the 1940s and late 90s. As strong and thought provoking as his images were, so were they matched with subtlety and gracefulness; the two forces of strength and femininity balanced beautifully.



Covezzi also achieves this equilibrium in her work; the designs showcased combines sharp tailoring and structured body con shapes to bring the power, yet her use of ruffles, feathers and delicate embroidery brought in the softness. Covezzi's designs would appeal to the city woman who isn't afraid to be bold and individual; think Samantha Jones of SATC.

Throughout the collection, the use of classic black, industrial grey, blue and lime green could be a strong hint towards next season's key colours; and with fashion week less than a month away, we won't have to wait long to find out.

See Delia Covezzi's look book http://www.deliacovezzi.com
Special thanks to International Fashion Designers Group for their kind invitation.