Louis Vuitton Speedy with Strap

I can't believe I'm saying this but ever since Sofia Coppola reworked the Speedy bag, I've started to fall in love with the brand again. After seeing the logo everywhere including on young teens, I'd steered far away from the brand. I felt that the luxury brand was losing its exclusivity when I saw a 13 year old carrying a pochette. Am I a bag snob? Probably. I wasn't pleased with some of the shoddy workmanship I'd seen. However, I've always had a soft spot for the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. My very first LV bag was a Monogram Speedy purchased for a pittance on eBay. Sure it was well worn with gazillions pen marks on the lining but I thought it was such a classy bag.

Before long, I decided I MUST have an Epi leather Speedy but in red which hubby kindly gifted me on my birthday. By this time, I'd long gotten rid of my tatty Monogram Speedy but the Epi leather model was driving me crazy as it was so stiff. I could barely pull apart the bag to shove my things in. Forget about trying to get A4 size folder in.

I remember excitedly visiting various Louis Vuitton stores and making several middle aged sales associates to model their favorite bags. Luckily, most of them was kind enough to humor me on my quest to buy my mother her very first Louis Vuitton bag and I wanted to get it right. I still recall the day vividly. I'd gotten off the train having been on a 27 hour journey from Beijing to Hong Kong in my tatty backpack, dirty cargo pants and sneakers caked with mud - and walked straight into a Chanel store. The sales associates took one look at me with barely disguised disdain and refused to entertain me. Fine. Off I went to Louis Vuitton which was located directly opposite the store. The manager waved me in immediately and hurriedly asked for a sales associate to serve me. The service was incredible. You would've thought I was buying a boatload of bags instead of one measly Speedy. When I went back into the Chanel store with my Louis Vuitton shopping bags, the two snobby sales associates were falling over themselves to serve me. Call me childish but I couldn't help turning the table on them and walked out without a word.

My only problem with the Speedy was that it didn't come with a strap. I'm not all that great with hand carry bags, often preferring to wear a bag across my body to keep both hands free. Now Louis Vuitton has piqued my interest again by introducing a Speedy with strap attached. Both the 30 and 35 sizes are perfect for traveling or everyday wear. The downside to the similarly designed Sofia Coppola bag is the weight but this being a canvas, it'll be far light and cheaper too.

Louis Vuitton Speedy with Strap £640

Interview

I was so flattered when Katherine who writes an immensely popular blog called Feather Factor asked if she could interview me. I've always looked forward to reading her Wednesday interviews so you can imagine how chuffed I was to be included amongst the panel of ladies whom I'd long admired. Click here to read the interview. Thank you again, Katherine!                        

5 Easy Tips to travel photography

Over the past year, I've been asked if I could provide a few tips to taking better photos. I thought it'd be easier if I wrote a piece and broke it down into sections with photos to illustrate my points. I'm always touched and filled with gratitude when people like my work. I'm neither a professional photographer nor an expert on the subject matter. I'm not the most technical person as I tend to work things backwards. I see the kind of shots that I'd like to create and then try to figure what kind of lens and techniques I need to acquire. Over the years, I've gathered a few tips here and there to hone in my skills but not after making countless mistakes. I still have a long way to go but I hope this will clarify and provide a few helpful pointers to improve your photography skills.

I find myself drawn to documenting people - how they're dressed, what they do and the expressions on their faces. I guess you could say capturing the moment in time. I love taking photos of the elderly. The wrinkles etched on their faces show character and tell a story. It's harder than taking a shot of the sunset or sunrise because all you have to do is make sure you're there at the right time, set up your tripod/monopod/bean bag and timer and pick the best spot. Taking photos of people is far more difficult because now you'll have to interact, be interested in what they do and make them feel comfortable while you're snapping away. Not an easy task if you're introverted by nature.

A barber wearing a pair of wooden clogs. He will cut your hair, shave and clean your ears. Taken in Yangshuo, Southern China.

An elderly man having a cup of coffee at Dimitsana, Greece.

1. Equipment
Unless you're a professional photographer, there's no need to carry multiple camera bodies and lenses. Thanks to Photoshop, I no longer require the half a dozen filters along with its adaptor which I used to stuff into the pockets of my bag. The only one that I'll bring along is the polarizer. It cuts down reflections and adds extra richness to shots taken particularly in the afternoon. Although I'd love to get myself L series lenses along with the super duper Canon 5D Mark camera, I simply can't justify the cost. These alloy lenses weigh a ton too and between holding on to Little L and my current camera bag, it's all I can manage now. I use a Cath Kidston satchel or hubby's Bill Amberg's messenger bag as camera bag these days. I'm a mom so I have to carry Little L's treats, water bottle and whatnots and the camera bags on the market just don't cater to my needs. Currently, this is what I tend to bring:

Canon 400D DSLR camera body
Canon 17-55mm f2.8 lens with Image Stabilizer
Canon 50mm f1.8 lens (perfect for short trips but I sometimes forgo the lens if I bring the 17-55mm)
Canon 50-250mm f5.6 lens with Image Stabilizer
Lens Blower
Hama Cleaning Brush
Polarizer
External Hard drive
Card reader
2 batteries
Battery charger
Power Adaptor
2-3 San Disk compact flash cards



2. Postcards or Flickr
Before I get to a destination, I'd spend sometime studying the photos on Flickr to get inspiration. Flickr is a bottomless pit of resource and gives me plenty of ideas on what and where to take certain shots. Postcards are a wonderful source of inspiration too. I'm not above quizzing the owners of the guesthouses I'm staying for information either.


3. Light
The best time in the day to take photos is just before sunrise till approximately 10am and after 3pm. Outside of this time, I find the light tends to be too harsh. This is when a polarizer filter comes in handy. However, I love cloudy days as the light is diffused and colors are less washed out. If you're planning to take portraits, ensure your subject is in a well shaded area. If you're indoors, the light by the window is fantastic. I almost never use my flash. In the rare occasion that I do, I've put a white plastic cap on it to diffuse the light and I tend to bounce it so it won't be too harsh. I won't go into this too much as Neil Wade, a professional photographer explained it far better than I can. Click here to read his tips.

The birthday girl with her friend. You'll notice the light lits up their faces and hair creating a dramatic halo-like effect.

4. Explore 
In the past, I tend to run around like a headless chook (that's Kiwi for a lunatic) trying to fit all the important tourist attractions in one day. I'm a little more sane these days and prefer to explore all the little nooks and lanes without a purpose in mind. Once when we were cycling through the countryside in Yangshou, China, I stopped to check out a primary school. I was allowed to enter the classroom and took a few snapshots of the students. The friendly teacher was happy to answer my countless questions, even inane ones like, "why are some of the students wearing a little red scarf?". My most memorable photos are usually ones that I inadvertently wandered into a place where most tourists don't go.



 5. Composition
Depth of field
For scenic shots, I tend to set my aperture at f16 so that the entire background is sharp. As for portraits with a blurred background, I would go down to f2.8 on my Canon 17-55mm IS lens, f1.8 on  Canon 50mm lens and f5.6 on the telephoto lens. It can be very confusing to newbies in particular trying to figure out the aperture to shutter speeds. I set my camera to aperture priority unless I want to take a photo of say, waterfall where I want to blur out the water. That's when the shutter priority button comes in handy. Remember the bigger the aperture, the smaller the f number, the more light it lets in. I hope I haven't confused you so far.

Depth of field of f1.8 with a blurred out background

Depth of field of f11 which shows a clearer background

Move closer
Too often people try to fit the entire vista into a single photo. What you'll end up with is a busy scenery with no particular theme in mind. Once you isolate one single subject matter, you'll notice how much better your photo looks. Now, get closer and take another aim.

This photo with lots of people milling about versus

this

The Rule of Thirds
Try not to place your subject right smack in the middle of the frame. To make it more interesting, place it off center. Divide the photo in thirds with imaginary lines running vertically and horizontally.




I saw a similar photo on a National Geographic magazine and was intrigued so I hopped on the plane to check it out. Photo taken at the Kota Bahru market, Malaysia.


I hope this has been somewhat helpful. I'd love to hear from you if you have any additional tips!

Top 10 must haves for short trips

If you're like me and loathe having to lug around massive suitcases through various train stations, airports, subways and hotels, traveling light is the way to go. For those of us who live in the UK, you'll know that getting to and from the airport is often either an expensive or exhaustive exercise. The cost of airport cabs is debilitating if you take a lot of short trips. At times, they cost more than the flights. Hopping on the train to Heathrow or Gatwick is far cheaper but frustrating if you have to rely on the tube (subway) as well. It helps having a small trolley suitcase or bag because you can get around so much quicker.

I've backpacked in Greece, Malaysia and China with my medium sized Kathmandu rucksack. I remember a time when I had to walk up a steep hill to get to my accommodation with two other girls. They each had a ginormous backpack. It was such a drama getting up the hill for them so we decided to catch a cab and split the cost. Upon arrival, I jumped out and they followed suit only to fall backwards into the taxi from the weight of their backpacks. Over the years, I've made plenty of mistakes but after countless trial and error, I've managed to formulate a system that works for me.


1. Longchamp Le Pliage totes
These are a lifesaver. They're light as a feather and fold up into a small rectangular pouch making them easy to carry around. I travel with the large sized shopper with long shoulder straps as well as an extra larger tote folded away in case I plan to do some shopping. On short trips, I can fit everything into my bag with plenty of room to spare.

2. iPhone
Previously, I used to carry books, maps, an iPod, laptop, cellphone, journal as well as chargers for the 3 electronic devices. Now a tiny little iPhone does all these and more. I can't live without my smartphone. Well, I can but I choose not to.

3. Ulmon city guides
The city guide is an application which you can download onto your iPhone at a ridiculously low price of £0.59. It works offline with maps including the subway and packed with everything you need to know about the place you're visiting. If you have no sense of direction like yours truly, the map itself is invaluable. The Paris metro system is a nightmare to work out but oh so easy on with this incredible app.

4. External Battery for iPhone
While we're on the topic, I'm fed up with the battery on my iPhone dying on me within a few hours. If you're a heavy user like me, checking your emails, getting on the internet, sending a few text messages and reading an ebook drains the battery like there's no tomorrow. While I was in Turkey, I saw Lil Bro with his external battery for his iPhone. *smack forehead* Why didn't I think of that?! There's a cheap version by TeckNet available on Amazon for only £12.99 plus postage.

5. Travel sized toiletries or better still, samples
I pare down to an absolute minimum. Everything has to fit into my small Cath Kidston toiletry pouch. I have one moisturizer (Trilogy Rosehip Oil) which doubles as a night and eye cream. I buy little bottles for cleanser, shampoo and conditioner as I find the ones provided by the hotels aren't always suitable. Other times, I don't even bother. Instead, I bring little sample sachets that I stockpile at home. I don't wear a lot of make up so the most I'll ever bring along is a sunscreen, lipstick, concealer, powder, eyebrow powder, blusher, couple of brushes and a small can of hairspray.

6. Crease free Clothes
When I'm traveling, my PJs consists of a t-shirt and soft comfy cotton elasticated pants. I tend to wear jeans rather than packing them in as they're bulky. I only pick clothes that requires no ironing and can be easily rolled up.

7. Photocopies of passport and credit/debit cards
If you've ever had your passport and/or bank cards stolen, you'll know how truly invaluable these photocopies are. I've had my entire money belt pickpocketed by a 4 year old gipsy boy when I was in Italy 15 years ago. I was silly enough not to wear my money belt at the time but despite the fact that I was clutching my rucksack tightly, it didn't deter the little thief at all. Thank goodness I kept photocopies of my passports as well as the bankcards. Remember to photocopy BOTH sides of your bankcards as the emergency helpline number is located just above the magnetic strip. Hubby lost his wallet while we were in Greece recently and we were able to contact the banks swiftly. None of the fluffing around trying get online to locate the phone number of our bank.

8. Camera
Okay, I'll admit that I'm just not a point and shoot camera type of gal. I'll grit my teeth and bear it with my iPhone camera but the inability to control a shot just drives me crazy. Whilst most of my male friends who are just as passionate about photography upgrade their equipment every year (The bigger, the better. I call it the penis envy syndrome), I prefer to pare down to an absolute minimum. My banged up Canon 400D is the smallest and lightest in its range. The accompanying 50mm f1.8 lens is not only cheap and light, it is crystal sharp. It doesn't have a zoom but heck, I've got legs.

9. Cashmere shawl
I am addicted to my Hermes and Louis Vuitton leopard shawls. The weather in Europe is unpredictable, a little like me when I've got PMS. A shawl comes in handy and it doubles as a blanket on the plane or train.

10. Tissue paper
You thought I was going to say something clever. No truly. Tissue paper. In little packs. Ever suffer from sinuses especially when the air-conditioning blew hot or cold? You have runny nose and you're desperately trying to look cool and composed.... without resorting to major sniffling. Or worse, you sneezed before you were able to pinch your nose and now you have to deal with snot and saliva sprayed in all directions. I'm sure I'm not the only one......

Light Chocolate Cake

I've been intrigued with these healthy cakes where the main ingredient is, get this - vegetables! I kid you not. Harry Eastwood who by the way is a lady despite what her name suggests and a Brit who grew up in France. She's probably best known for her earlier cookbook, Cook Yourself Thin. I've got two of her cookbooks, The Skinny French Kitchen as well as an all dessert book, Red Velvet Chocolate Heartache and love them equally. The Light Chocolate Cake is a favorite. It's not too sweet or heavy like the hundreds of cakes I'd eaten. She uses very little butter which not only makes washing a breeze but the result is good and very healthy.

If you're used to the smell of butter, it may take you a while to get used to this but the cake is moist and tasty. Most importantly, for those who hate veggies, particularly the kids, this is a great way of sneaking extra vitamins into their food without them realizing it. This recipe is dead easy to make. I normally just blitz the butternut squash in the blender as I can't be bothered grating it by hand.

I HAVE to mention the icing. Now, I love cupcakes but what I detest is the icing. Most buttercream icing that I'd eaten are ghastly. They're more often than not, sickening sweet. I can just visualize my arteries getting clogged up when I think about the amount of butter used. However, this is by far, the best icing recipe I've ever tried and uses a mere 50gm of butter. The recipe is also perfect for those who are allergic to gluten as it uses rice flour. The best thing of all, I get my chocolate fix without the guilt.

Light Chocolate Cake

Serves 12

Ingredients
3 medium free range eggs
160g caster sugar
200g peeled and grated butternut squash
120g white rice flour
3 tbsp good quality cocoa powder
80g ground almond
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/4 tsp salt
125ml buttermilk


For the Icing
50g unsalted butter, softened
200g icing sugar, sieved
50g mascarpone
4 tsp cocoa powder
small pinch of salt


For the Top
handful of spray roses (with stems at least 2cm long)


1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Line the tins with baking parchment and brush a little of vegetable oil over the base and sides.

2. Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl for 4 full minutes until pale and fluffy. Beat in the grated butternut squash, followed by flour, cocoa powder, ground almonds, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Add the buttermilk before beating again one last time to make sure that all the ingredients are well introduced to one another.

3. Pour the mixture evenly into both tins, then place in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes.

4. Once cooked, remove the cakes from the oven, unmould, peel off the baking parchment and leave them to cool down completely on a wire rack.

5. You can make the icing whilst the cakes are cooking, as long as you don't ice them until they are completely cold, otherwise the icing will run off. Beat the butter with 100g of sugar in a large mixing bowl. You will need to work them together patiently, using the back of a wooden spoon. It will seem like an impossible task at first but they will eventually turn into a lovely rich paste.

6. Once you reached this stage, beat vigorously for 10seconds to loosen the butter even further. Add the mascarpone, cocoa powder and salt as well as the remaining sugar. Beat once again to combine.

7. Refrigerate the icing for 15 minutes. Give it a good beating with your wooden spoon before icing the middle and top of the cold cake. Decoate the top with flowers before serving.

Playing tour guide

The locals who often see me with Little L in tow or dragging bags of groceries home were somewhat amused at the sight of a camera loped around my neck for a change. My adventurous aunt had been traveling through various Eastern European countries stopped over in the UK to catch up with her son. It was a wonderful surprise getting a call from her. I'm always touched when people take the trouble to come and visit me. It was an eight hour return journey to my place from his with numerous train and tube changes. It was also the first time he has been to my place since he moved to the UK for his big O.E, a Kiwi acronym for Overseas Experience. My busy cousin has been averaging 3 weekend jaunts per month for the past 2 years. I chalked it down to his young age. I can barely cope with one overseas trip every 2-3 months.





I'm ashamed to say that I did little to explore the beautiful medieval town I live in unless I have friends or family staying over. It's only recently that I've started going for long walks to shift my unsightly muffin top. Anyway, this time I took my aunt and cousin through country trails along the river bed, up the hill to check out the panoramic view and across the meadows to visit a nearby almshouse.

Almshouses have been in existence for more than a thousand years. They provide residences for the elderly who can't afford a place of their own. There are a few near where I live but I've never had the chance to check them out. Cousin K was somewhat fixated with "Wayfarer's dole" dished out by almshouses to visitors and pilgrims alike. This usually consisted of a loaf of bread washed down by a tankard of ale but these days, the generous offering has dwindled to a tiny slice of bread and a small mouthful of ale. You'll have to ask or else you won't get it. I predict the next time I bring a guest here, we'll be getting doles the size of a pea, many thanks to the recession which plays a part, I'm sure.

There were only elderly men in residence, one of whom was complaining very loudly how he had to sit through a family dinner with a baby in attendance. Let's not get into what he called the poor kid.....

Wayfarer's dole

The happy camper after getting his dole.

The old style kitchen which was used for 500 years until the mid 20th century. It was a rather hot, smokey and drafty place where the scullery maids, errand boys and cook spent the entire day peeling, chopping and cooking with dogs running in and out. Not a very appealing place back in those days.

Well maintained church with beautiful floral displays. The church is far too big for its congregation but nonetheless, it's a peaceful place to visit.


Lilies and roses wrapped around the vine along the doorway.






No visit is complete without checking out the eateries where the locals tend to hang out. This is my favorite cafe though admittedly, I much prefer their evening menu to their breakfast.

Off to the local pub for the traditional English roast beef with yorkshire pudding - my favorite!

Summer buys under £35

Surprisingly, shops are putting up their sale signs earlier than usual. I've been to a "Silly Sale" this morning where prices were slashed by 90%! Repetto flats previously priced at £185 now £30. Alas, none were in my size. Cashmere sweaters down to £30, originally £135. Harvey Nichols sent me a reminder that their sale started yesterday with 50-70% discounts.

I'm in need of simple summer wear and now's a great time to bin a few bargains without forking out too much. I love simple t-shirt dresses. They're like a blank canvas where I can accessorize with costume jewelry or scarves to change the look. Despite its namesake, American Vintage is a French brand.

American Vintage T-shirt dress 33€

American Vintage T-shirt dress 27.50€

Only Honesty dress in blue 24.50€

The popular and affordable Les Petites Parisiennes has a range of sandals which rival that of K Jacques but at a fifth of the price.

Leather & Pearls Elena Sandals 31.50€

Patent Leather Sabrina 29€

Leather Lorena Sandals 33.50€

Magnolia Bakery Red Velvet Cupcakes

Thanks to Sex And The City, I think everyone knows about the much hyped red velvet cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery in NYC. My first attempt was a disaster after trying to halve the recipe whilst converting the US measurement to metric and doing it all wrong. I'd also used standard plain flour and the result was a much denser cake which I detest. Various converters gave me different measurements for sticks of butter, cup for milk and flour. According to one website, the conversion from cup to gram for flour is different to that of butter. Furthermore, I was uncomfortable about using 3 tablespoons of artificial red coloring which in my book is a lot! Secondly, there's a chemical like after taste - I just can't describe it.

After drooling after my friend's red velvet cupcakes on Facebook, I decided to give it another go. The actual recipe makes 36 cupcakes which is way too many! My friends and neighbors have already blamed me for their weight gain. I did a happy dance after finding this version of Magnolia Bakery Red Velvet recipe in metric. I've adjusted the figures for 18 cupcakes. I've reduced the sugar content to 220gm instead of 282.5gm which I felt is sweet enough. Due to the fact that I used a natural red coloring from beetroot, the cupcakes ended up looking more reddish brown as opposed to a vibrant red. For your information, I used Dr Oetker Natural Red coloring. My second attempt has been far more successful. The result was extremely pleasing. Delicious scent wafted through the entire apartment. The cupcakes were sublime and very moist. Yum!


Here's the adjusted measurement for 18 cupcakes

202g cake flour (I used 00 flour which worked just as well)
80ml butter
220g sugar
2 small eggs, at room temperature
3 tablespoon red food coloring
1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoons salt
187ml buttermilk
3/4 cider vinegar

1 Karen Walker dress, 5 looks

The best and worst thing about living in the UK is the innumerable choices available to fulfill every sartorial desire. It's all too easy to make inexpensive and impulsive purchases which are then stuffed into drawers and never to be seen again until the next spring cleaning. I've done this on more occasions that I could count, particularly during the sales. "Ooooh....75% discount!!".  I constantly need to question every possible purchase for two reasons. One, it's easy to buy but difficult to get rid of any unwanted clothing. Two, until money grow on trees, investing and saving for the future is paramount to shopping (easier said than done!). This brings back to my point of ensuring clothes in my wardrobe can be worn differently to create multiple ensembles.

I fell in love with this dress the moment I set my eyes on it. It's from Karen Walker Spring/Summer 2010 collection. In fact, it's the only dress I've ever owned that I would've gladly paid the full retail price had a Karen Walker representative not offered a 15% VIP discount. I've set a challenge to create 5 different looks and accessorizing with various articles from my wardrobe. Forgive me while I extol the virtues of my favorite dress.

1. The flowy A line silhouette hides all the jiggly bits.
2. It has longer sleeves with a scoop neck which is universally flattering on all figure types
3. It's made of 100% and is light as a feather. It folds/rolls up into a tiny little envelope size which takes little space .
4. It does NOT crease. I've yet to know anyone who loves ironing.
5. I love the print and color.

Look 1 

For a slightly more dressy event or catching with girlfriends over a nice Afternoon Tea. 

Dress with Zanotti flats and Chanel timeless clutch.

Look 2 

Perfect for summer for running errands or school runs. 

Dress with K Jacques sandals, Just in case belt and Kelly 28cm.

Look 3 

A comfy but slightly dressier for catching up with girlfriends when I'm in London.

Dress tucked into Uniqlo blue jeans and worn as a top with Banana Republic jacket, Hermes belt and Repetto flats (please excuse my well worn flats!)

Look 4: 

Worn as a tunic and belted for cooler days.

Dress with Just In Case belt , Uniqlo jeans, Ted Baker jacket with Repetto ankle boots.

Look 5 

Paired with a tailored jacket for a professional look

Dress with Banana Republic jacket, Hermes Bolide 31cm and Zara heels.

Jack Bear

Ever since Little L started school, I feel as if I'm back at school all over again. The projects and homework that have to be completed on time as well as the infinite number of important dates that I have to remember. There's the multi-cultural week followed by a number of cake fairs, school trips and on and on it goes. Don't get me wrong. I love that the school is actively promoting and celebrating the different ethnicities in an otherwise very homogenous city. They work hard to raise money for the different charities they support.

However, it has been a steep learning curve for  the both of us. In addition, there's the dilemma. Be the Tiger mom and push your child to strive for better, hold her back and let her be a child,  organize playdates and extracurricular activities etc etc. There are so many afterschool programs available and if I didn't put my foot down, Little L would happily sign up for everything. And then there's the teachers who want more involvement from parents particularly extra lessons in the evening as a follow on to their daily lessons. Whew. It's enough to drive a normally relaxed mom wild with anxiety. So moms out there, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Little L has been harping on and on about Jack Bear. Huh? Jack who? It turned out that this prized creature which in the eyes of Little L and her classmates is the ultimate reward for being good.  Each day, she would look so desolate after seeing yet another friend taking the bear home. Anyway, two days ago, she emerged from her classroom triumphant, grinning from ear to ear and raising the little bear above her head as if she'd won the Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament.

Jack Bear had to be included in any after school activities including bed time reading. I, the slave had been instructed to photograph my darling child and her borrowed critter in various poses, print the photos and record their day in the journal included. But at least I had an ecstatic little girl for a day.

 

Teddy bear picnic

Color My World!

You must be thoroughly sick of me harping on about adding colors to my otherwise rather lacklustre wardrobe. My favorite color has always been blue. I've always naturally gravitate towards the color. Lately, I've made some progress which I'm rather pleased about, having ventured into yellows, violets and blues.

I'm a rather conservative dresser but with an added twist of bohemian. Whilst I tend to feel most comfortable dressed in neutral colors, I like my accessories to take the spotlight. I tend to gravitate towards colorful bags and costume jewelry. In fact, up until recently, the only black bag I've ever owned was a Longchamp Le Pliage tote. Here are some of the colorful accessories I'm eyeing at the moment.

Now about the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet...... since it's a statement piece, it's eye-catching enough in black.

Clockwise: Hermes Ex-Libris Cotton and silk blend scarf £320, Chanel Nail Polish in Blue Satin ,£16.85, Cambridge Satchel Company in yellow 11" £74, Hermes Reversible Hapi Bracelet £215, Hermes Collier de Chien

Cavallini & Co

I've just come across the most amazing range of wrapping paper ever. No, it's not Peppa Pig nor some Disney Princess character strewn all over tacky pink paper. You see, I've been looking for a proper map for the longest time. We travel so much that it's gotten rather difficult to figure out the geographical location of a certain place. Furthermore, it's often a futile attempt explaining to Little L where we're going without referring to a map. Who knew I'd find the perfect map which in fact is a high quality wrapping paper printed in Italy for a grand total of £2.95 in shops or £3.25 online including postage.

Cavallini & Co, the ingenius people who re-introduced vintage decorative art on paper are based in San Francisco. There are maps of New York subway, Paris monuments, London, Europe, Italy and the list goes on. Want to teach your young ones ABC, there are a couple of delightful options to choose from. They're too beautiful to be used as wrapping paper so I'm going to frame them up. If you don't want to spend a fortune, the 50cm x 70cm photo frames from Ikea will fit perfectly.

Cavallini Gift Wrap World Map £3.25 available at Papernation

Cavallini & Co Gift Wrap ABC2 available at Papernation £3.25

Cavallini & Co Gift Wrap San Francisco Map £3.25 available at Papernation

Cavallini Gift Wrap Paris Monuments £3.25 available at Papernation