Chanel Vending Machines and Video Boys: Vogue's FNO '12

For Chynna's 18th birthday I decided to take her to FNO for a fun night in the town, and what eighteen year old would say no to cute male models, free cocktails and a chance to shop and rub shoulders with some of London's chicest? I wanted to get some nice beauty goods so tonight was a mix of running errands, a girl's night out and some serious stylegazing.

From a whimsical vending machines at the Chanel Beauty Pop Up to being complimented by some Made in Chelsea girl, all in all I think the birthday girl had a blast. However on my part, I had never felt more detached from this generation's pop culture. I was standing next to this guy who was actually Hugo from Chelsea (I don't watch the show but in the end he looked familiar) and I hadn't the slightest clue. Then while walking down Bond Street just outside Dolce & Gabbana, Chy spotted the dude from one of Rihanna's music videos (a.k.a Dudley O'Shaughnessy). Again, no clue- but he was cute and she was starstrucked so I asked to take a photo of them together. He was lovely and very sweet with fans so that was an extra bonus. I did scream like a little girl when I saw Alice Dellal and her fabulous icon of a mother from two feet away, strutting in sky high heels and nearly tipping on us. Another highlight was finally catching up the always chic Mademoiselle Poirot at the Liberty Scarf Room where we met the year before. It was a mini anniversary!

I went for the Provocante twinset of Allure Rouge Velvet and Le Vernis

...tokens in.. 

...et voila! the magical, albeit slightly creepy yet well-manicured hand comes out to pick it up.

She found love with Dudley..

We finished the night at the West End with Tash and Laura, with a Thai feast for a nightcap. Overall it was a good night. I didn't actually get into it as much as I did last year but it was still fun. We met some very interesting people, including the two guys who sat opposite us on the train. After some small talk over a McDonald's 'to eat or not to eat' sitch, we found out that they were directors who shoot promotional campaigns for hotels and the like. They had just come back from their latest job, shooting footage for a five star Moroccan fusion hotel in Marrakech where they also stayed, enjoying the great perks of the job. Unfortunately I didn't catch a name, but it was late and it went over my head. I think I might just dream the nights away with that beautiful male model bouncer from L.K. Bennett as tonight's leading man.

Hope you had fun last night!

Lots of love, and Happy Birthday to my baby sistah

Bring On The Night!: Vogue's Fashion Night Out London (Part Deux)

As the evening rolled on, so did we. M and I headed off to enjoy our first FNO, and where better to start it off than at Bond Street? It was around 6pm and the festivities had just begun. Blackcurrant mojitos were served in copious amounts at Mulberry, where Alice Gold took charge of the decks. There were masks to be worn had you wished to have had a photo taken in front of a giant mushroom, while at the other side of the boutique, there were nail stations for stick on manicures and a table for fortune telling. We worked our way along the street, stopping by Coach (it was a bit early, but just after we left Bond Street, Gwyneth Paltrow and David Gandy made an appearance), Louis Vuitton where the au pairs kept their blow-up pooches on a tight leash (the waiters/models were admittedly more delicious then the lemonades they served and the Speedy bags), Dior, Vivienne Westwood (where I got asked for whom I was shooting for. Zee blog bien sur!) and a whole slew of boutiques, enjoying not only the free refreshments but also soaking in the ambience and the fash scene. The stylistic atmosphere was so colourful and individually creative that I couldn't help but admire from a distance. I kept an eye out for fab shoes for most of the time though, and saw plenty of Jeffrey Campbell Litas, YSL Tribtoos and Christian Louboutins. Goyards seemed to have been the bag de nuit because everywhere I looked, somebody had one in whatever incarnation. For the most part I coveted and lusted over pieces I couldn't afford even if I break my bank account, but what I did get was a lot of great new tips for my fall wardrobe. Little pieces have inspired me to assess what I want to rock this fall. 

Chanel-O!: Vogue's Fashion's Night Out London (Part Une)

After finally managing to attend my first Vogue's Fashion's Night Out last night in London, I have to say...

...it was FABULOUS! Everyone was out, bloggers, fashionistas, celebs and plebs alike, altogether celebrating a night full of style, creativity, free cocktails and a whole lot of goodie bags. It was great to see and take part in an event that is totally inclusive and not intimidating. Having said that, it did took me a good half hour to let my hair down and enjoy the ambience. The air was heavy with high energy, colourful vibes and live music. At one point, I had to stand still to take a moment to breathe it all in. It was absolutely surreal being there, especially since I have only ever read about the event and seen photos online. Being present and experiencing the excitement and the temptation to break my bank account first hand was definitely so much better, and I can tell you now, it has only just begun. 

Now in terms of what we actually did, and by 'we' I mean me and my friend Mimi, let me give you an account of how the evening went down for us. We set off for Harrods to see the Chanel 'Une Promenade' exhibit to have a look at what Alex Loves described as 'Disneyland but in Chanel'. It was spectacular. Photography wasn't allowed inside the exhibit, so I'm afraid I don't have a photo right next to the gargantuan 2.55 bag, but I do have one blowing kisses at the Chanel Aslan. On the third floor, search for any person wearing  the iconic Camelia to lead you through a curtain of pearls. Beyond this cascade of shimmering beads lie the magic that is Chanel. The exhibit was divided into different sections; one room showed a video installation of how the Classic 2.55 Bag is made, while another showcased the ubiquitous Numéro 5 Parfum and its historic faces. Unkle Karl (or at least a cutout of him) stood in one section, inscrutably looking at visitors while the iconic Harrod's Stuffed Bear lounged around the next room, clad in Chanel tweed suits. What made me giddy and super fluttery though was the couture installation, where they had mannequins dressed in some of the most beautiful couture dressea I have ever laid my eyes on. Never mind the huge boxes that come with the apparel when you order them (cue Carrie Bradshaw and her Vivienne Westwood moment!). Along with my photos I am putting up some of Alex Loves as well, so you too can get an idea of what it's like and to prompt you to get off your ass and go to see for yourself.