London, in love!

Yesterday was the day that girls and women all over London have been waiting for. The British Victoria's Secret flagship store finally opened its doors! And it was everything we hoped it would be: glamourous, gorgeous, and girly.

It may be surprising for American readers, but Britain has only recently been blessed with a Victoria's Secret store. Just in time for the Olympics, a store was opened at Westfields shopping centre, and it had been planned that the flagship store would open in time for the occasion too. However this was not to be and the opening had to be delayed. But, ladies, it is definitely worth the wait!

The exterior of the store is totally fabulous, and very Victoria's Secret. The black and white building looks chic and fits in well with the other luxury fashion houses along New Bond Street. And dazzling costumes worn by the Angels themselves light up the shiny new windows.

 When you first walk in you're greeted by smiling and stunning staff, offering you a wrist band scented with the floral and flirty Victoria's Secret London - a perfume designed specifically for British Victoria's Secret. Covering the store are beautiful pictures of the Angels, signed by the lovely ladies themselves! One of the first things I noticed were the custom Murano glass chandeliers, which set a sophisticated and opulent tone for the rest of the store.

The ground floor is black, sexy and feels like a boutique. On this floor you'll find ranges such as the Very Sexy collection (my personal favourite), and the cosmetics room. I found the staff on this floor particularly welcoming, and one lovely lady gave me her undivided attention as she guided me through the diverse perfume range. I loved the Victoria's Secret London and Love scents in particular, and may just have to pop back on pay day!

Walking down to the lower level everything is PINK! I loved the fun visual of this floor, and so did the customers. The teenage girls could not stop themselves from gathering everything in sight, and I don't blame them! The PINK range is Girly with a capital G!

Heading back up the spiraling, elaborate stairway (to heaven) you'll see the impressive focal point of the store: a two-storey video showcasing the Victoria's Secrets Fashion Show. When you reach the first floor you'll see more divine underwear and more iconic photographs of the Angels.

The top floor is the exclusive area. There is a room (which I didn't go into) for customers who wish to receive a more tailored experience. However don't be afraid to go up to this floor as there is a relaxing lounge area and some very funky toilets!

I was thoroughly impressed by this sparkling new store. The products are gorgeous and desirable. The decor is sophisticated and very in line with the brand, but with a wonderfully British twist. And the staff, I really could not praise the staff highly enough! They were welcoming, smiling, and incredibly helpful. I told them I'd be writing a feature on my blog, and was very honest about the fact that it had only been up and running for a week, however they still made a huge effort to get me a press pack and looked after me perfectly. The store has a British ambiance with American customer service!

So girls, if you're ever in London be sure to visit Victoria's Secret! It's full of gifts sent straight from heaven!

Love Lucy x

A True Inspiration

Today's post is a celebration of breaking down boundaries within the fashion industry. On the evening of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics it is fitting that we recognise the achievements of the truly inspirational Angela Rockwood.

Before a car accident 11 years ago, Rockwood was an aspiring model. After the accident she lost the use of her legs and some of her arm. However this has not stopped her aspirations, and she is a true symbol of tenacity, strength, and beauty. She has appeared in a TV series in the US called 'Push Girls', and even more impressive is the fact that she has recently landed a huge national campaign for Nordstrom!

This beautiful lady is a role model for all young women, not just those who are disabled. Hopefully Rockwood's remarkable achievements will be a beacon of hope for all of those facing adversity, including those who face barriers within the fashion industry.

Now bring on the Paralympics!

Love Lucy x

P.S. Over the next few days I'll be posting a few (Victoria's) Secret and about my Liebster Award! Stay tuned!

Model of the Moment: Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss is one of the most coveted models in the fashion industry at the moment. I'm sure that I'm preaching to the congregation with this piece, however, I'm going to write it anyway as I really believe that Karlie is the next Supermodel (or, arguably, already is). In my opinion Karlie deserves to be classed with Kate, Naomi, and Linda. And I'm going to tell you why!

Despite her relatively young age of 20 Karlie is already extremely accomplished in the fashion industry. She was discovered in St. Louis, Missouri, at the tender age of 13. With a background in ballet she took to modeling like a duck to water. Since then her career has rocketed (despite a lawsuit between the agency who launched her career - Elite - and the agency who bought her out of her original contract - Next). She has starred in over 20 campaigns (my favourite being the Marc Jacobs Lola campaign). She has walked in countless shows for the best designers (in 2008 she walked in 64 shows in one season). And she has graced the cover of Vogue in Italy, Portugal, China, Korea, Turkey, and most recently in Britain.

It is indisputable that she possesses all of the essentials for a fashion model. Never ending limbs: check. Flawless, glowing skin: check. Enviable bone structure: check. Grace and elegance: check. That certain je ne sais quoi: check. However she possesses something else which is rare, even amongst models: ethnic universality. Although, to my knowledge, Karlie's heritage is Caucasian, she has a face which shows hints of many ethnicities. Along with her asymmetric beauty, her ethnic ambiguity makes her a perfect muse. This makes her extremely flexible and relatable to most girls.

And most of all she seems like a very grounded person who is not likely to forget where she came from; a recent tweet reading: "Such a great weekend in St. Louis with friends and family #STLpride".

https://twitter.com/karliekloss

Be sure to grab a copy of the September issue of British Vogue before the end of the month! Nick Knight's dandy HAZE captures Karlie beautifully. His concept is simple: blank backgrounds to highlight the vibrancy of the clothes and the beauty of the model. It's definitely worth buying!

If you can't get your hands on a copy then here's a sneaky peek:

http://www.vogue.co.uk

Do you think Karlie will become known as the newest Supermodel? I certainly do!

Love Lucy x

Coco & Karl

Coco Chanel was the first woman who understood the true potential of the Little Black Dress. 

She once said that: “Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all.” She would often be seen in her elegant uniform of a perfectly fitted LBD and a string of pearls. And fashion has never looked back. The LBD is now a wardrobe staple for every fashion conscious woman. 

Her legacy has been continued by the controversial genius, Karl Lagerfeld. Whilst his collections often celebrate the LBD itself, the Little Black Jacket has also become synonymous with Chanel. Coco herself promoted the benefits of a fitted box jacket, however Lagerfeld has truly cemented the brand's love affair  with the LBJ. And like his predecessor, Karl takes his uniform of the LBJ very seriously; in fact I can't think of a single picture in which he is not wearing one himself. 

The LBJ has become such a large part of Lagerfeld's legacy that he is releasing a book this Autumn entitled: The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited, in which 109 celebrities model Lagerfeld's chic LBJ. 

Furthermore, if you live in the UK, you still have the opportunity to see the exhibition of the photographs as it is arriving in London between 12th-28th of October. I'll definitely be taking a visit!

http://thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com

If only I could afford the jacket itself...

Love Lucy x

Going for Gold

With London still reveling in the success of the Olympic games, and about to play host to the Paralympics, it seems that we have become obsessed with all things gold!

Gold is one of the ancient beauty secrets. Its luxurious qualities were worshipped in both China and India thousands of years ago as a maintainer of youth and glowing skin.

If you're looking for modern day products containing the magic of gold then look no further! ORO GOLD Cosmetics products contain 24 carat gold and leave your skin feeling gloriously luminous.

Pictured above is the ORO GOLD 24K Gold Deep Peeling and is recommended to be used along with the 24K Deep Day Moisturizer. These products are not cheap, £100 and £129 respectively, however they are supposed to last a year, so you will get good use for your money!

http://orogoldskincare.co.uk

TIP: The ORO GOLD Cosmetics near Covent Garden (Long Acre) are offering a deal on these two products at the moment: if you buy the peel you get the moisturizer for free! Or if you're extra strapped for cash, they're giving away sachets of the moisturizer for free (it's got to be worth at least a fiver with real gold in it!).

So, if you want glowing, gorgeous, golden skin then definitely try ORO GOLD!

Love Lucy x

Pan-Asian Treats

If you're a fan of Pan-Asian cuisine then definitely read on!

Nestled in the heart of London's eclectic Camden Stables Market lies one of the most exquisite restaurants I have ever dined at.

Gilgamesh Restaurant is a stunning experience from start to finish.

From the moment you step onto the escalator you'll be amazed by the ornate wood-carved walls and exotic atmosphere. You'll sit feeling glamorous, sipping a glass of wine. And when the gorgeous food arrives at your table your taste buds will sing with delight! Even the toilets are impressive! If you go on a Friday or Saturday evening you'll get free entry into the Gilgamesh club too. What's not to love? I've been twice this month!

TIP: If you're slightly tight for money then go for the set menu meal (at the moment they are advertising for August and September) as you get 50% off! So that's £24.50 per person for a three course meal (including three different starters!). Or if you prefer lighter dining then visit at lunch time and go for the £12 dim sum menu. To get the 50% off of the set menu be sure to book in advance and mention the deal on the phone!

http://www.gilgameshbar.com/promotions.htm

So, if you live in London, or ever visit London, then be sure to check out Gilgamesh! And if you do then please let me know what you think!

Love Lucy x

The Power of Gray

It seems that Gray is having a moment.

London has awoken to a dull, gray day, Vogue's fashion forecast is suggesting we wear Jil Sander coats in August, and Fifty Shades of Grey has gripped the nation for weeks. Personally, I find these facts rather depressing: give me sunshine over clouds any day; affording a Jil Sander coat is a distant dream when you're unemployed; and as an English graduate I would much prefer to read the romantic and classic Pride & Prejudice than the twisted and classless Fifty Shades.

However there is one Gray who can save this otherwise dreary day... Louise Gray and her vibrant new collection for Topshop!

Her collection offers an exciting explosion of wonderful colours, sequins, and glitter which guarantees to brighten any gray day! This collaboration has kicked against the up-and-coming trends of monochrome and baroque, and has offered fashionistas a fun alternative. Once again Topshop has created a triumphant partnership and is likely to revel in its success!

Will you be brave enough to try Gray's vivacious glittering collection? I dare you...

http://www.topshop.com

Love Lucy x

The First Post!

Hello and welcome to my blog!

My name is Lucy and I have a passion for fashion & an English degree, so I thought why not combine the two and start my very own blog? And I have! I'll blog about all sorts of lifestyle aspects from fashion ideas to beauty tips, from travel experiences to music choices, from delicious food to exercise routines!

As I am a newbie I would thoroughly appreciate any constructive feedback and comments! I'm always looking to improve :)

Love Lucy x