'Fabulous ..... In Barcelona'

Returning to Barcelona for the first time in many years as we drove into the city from the airport I remembered how much I loved the city & was reminded of how incredible & breath taking its architecture and general energy of it’s people can be.

Staying at El Palace Hotel which is situated near the top of Las Ramblas which is the central heart of Barcelona city with pockets offering such varied experiences branching off the main strip. Pulling up outside El Palace hotel has a sense of grandeur that is in keeping with the hotels heritage, with its history dating back to 1919 and having been recently refurbished back to 5* standard and earning its LUXE place amongst the prestigious group of ‘Leading Hotels of the World’

Complete with doorman dressed in the finest threads & top hats, as you step through the revolving door into the impressive foyer you are transported back to a bygone era of opulence and tradition – but now with every modern amenity seamlessly sitting alongside the hotels distinguished design.

Taking afternoon tea in the main salon, or enjoying an aperitif on the outdoor terrace before heading off for your evening meal is a fantastic way to really soak in the ambience & atmosphere of the stunning décor.

Being in Barcelona for work there was limited time to enjoy the city itself – but from past trips I can recommend that you absolutely must spend a day exploring the exquisite design genius that is Gaudi with the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Guell amongst my favorite places to lose an afternoon and also the wonderful produce market which is found just of Las Ramblas offering a visual feast of mouth watering Spanish delights.

I did however discover a new culinary experience recommended by a local who is very much in the know when it comes to the best local fair – Bar Mut is a new favourite with the well-dressed & well heeled Catalan crowd located in the upmarket area just off Avenida Diagonal serving small elegant tapas, an excellent wine selection and exquisite tapas dishes like the foie, sea cucumbers and wild sea bass.

As my whirlwind ‘Fabulous In ….. Barcelona’ trip came to an end with an extremely early flight taking me to Paris I made a note in my Smythson travel diary to ensure I don’t leave it so long before returning to this enchanting city once more.

LUXE LUST : TUMI

With the last few weeks having been spent living out of my Louis Vuitton holdall & Tumi carry on it has made me appreciated that when it comes to travel the right LUXE luggage really can make a ‘Fabulous In ….. ‘ trip all the more enjoyable and much less stressful.

I have always loved everything about international travel - from pulling off the dustbags to start packing, checking in and being greeted by name, indulging in a little pre-trip dutyfree shopping, right down to arriving at your destination and arranging everything in your hotel room just the way you like it which for me always includes lighting my favorite scented candle making it a home away from home.

There are a very few travel brands that have withstood the test of time & the ravages of the baggage handlers & Tumi is one of those who for the past 30yrs has stayed at the forefront in design, durability and always ensuring that packing/travel be more of an experience rather than a chore – if you glance around the baggage carrousel next time you are at the airport you will be able to pick out the seasoned traveler not only by their relaxed demeanor but by the luggage they are wheeling behind them.

Whilst Tumi has no monogram branding as with Louis Vuitton or Goyard to the well trained eye a quick glance at the distinctive Tumi handle will be an instant give away – regardless of how often you travel & if it is for business or pleasure I would seriously recommend investing in a piece of LUXE luggage as it really does make the way you feel about travel all the more special even when it comes time to unpack on your return & pop it back on the shelf till your next ‘Fabulous In ….. ‘ adventure !!

LUXE LUST : TOM FORD

For as long as I can remember my aspirations to Living Life Luxe have always been influenced & to some extent I imagine always will be influenced by TOM FORD, the man who redefined the meaning of LUXE and revived peoples thirst for the luxury market & the lifestyle that is associated with its products.

Although Ford never really stepped away from the spotlight, with his limited beauty collaborations for cosmetic company Estee Lauder, who are now the powerhouse behind his extremely LUXE own brand Tom Ford fragrance and ever expanding beauty collections.

Then we saw yet another impressive side to the designer with his directorial debut of the film ‘A Single Man’ which was the perfect showcase for not only his creative vision behind the camera but also for his modern take on classic mens tailoring which we have seen dominating the red-carpet around the globe on those deemed fortunate enough to be wearing it.

New York fashion week saw Tom Fords triumphant return to the world of womanswear, whilst there was a break from Ford designing womans collections since his departure from the Gucci Group – you get the feeling he was waiting for just the right the moment to yet again almost ten years on give the world a reason to no longer feel guilty about all things LUXE.

Having recently released a selection of images from the campaign that has been so tightly under wraps until now - it is obvious how long not only the fashion world have been waiting for this, but the wider audience that it transcends – Life is for living and it’s about time we started living it LUXE once again.

LUXE LUST : Chanel N°5 Bath Soaps

Whenever I think of Chanel I associate the brand with just one word .... LUXE !! And this limited edition set of Chanel soaps enriched with Vitamin E is certainly no different.

Scenting the skin with their iconic fragrance Chanel N°5, this is one product worth getting yourself into a LUXE lather over - whilst you can still get your hands on a set that is !!

Luxe 4 Less - Ladurée meets John Galliano

Following in the fabulous footsteps of LUXE designers Christian Louboutin & Marni this November will see the launch of these limited edition Ladurée / John Galliano macaroons - a fashion & food fusion that will have every well heeled girl and boy pushing their way through the doors of this sassy & chic patisserie !!

Ladurée meets John Galliano = Match made in heaven

LUXE LUST : Vertu

When you receive an invite to a party at Lancaster House it is certainly an invitation you don't turn down - the last time I was at the venue was for the Tatler 100th party so I had high expectations.

The Vertu 'Life Beautifully Arranged' event to launch their new 'Constellation Quest' smartphone lived upto everything you would expect from the global leader in LUXE communication devices & concierge service.

Walking up the regal staircase at Lancaster House, falling raindrops were projected onto the paintings that surround the balcony & then we were transported through a audio/visual world of soundbites & video imagery.

Vertu pulled out all the stops, serving vintage champagne that floated around the glass and over the tongue like pure silk, a foie gras bar accompanied by sumptuous sticky wine and a sushi bar to rival that of Nobu.

With the guestlist a heady mix of London's poshest, prettiest and prominent faces - Vertu 'Life Beautifully Arranged' event has to be right up there as one of the most LUXE London soirées to which I have ever rsvp'd !!

LUXE LIVING : The Stafford Hotel London

Living in London & living it LUXE is something I always strive for - so it was wonderful when one of my closest friends & the best beauty blogger/journalist in the business Helene Ravlich arrived into town for a few days & I had the chance to introduce her to one of my favourite and fabulous London destinations - The Stafford Hotel

Those of you who have read my previous posts 'Return to The Blue Lagoon' & 'Fabulous In ..... Istanbul' will know that I am a huge fan of The Kempinksi Hotels and The Stafford Hotel London by Kempinski is no exception.

Situated right in the heart of Mayfair, but tucked away so discretely that their terrace is a favourite to one of Englands Prince charmings 'The Stafford' encapsulates the true essence of old English elegance but provides it's guests with every modern amenity you would expect from a 5* experience.

Sitting at your in-room leather bound writing desk, drafting letters of your adventures on personalised Stafford stationary with the words " My residence whilst in London " stamped under your name ..... *you don't get much more LUXE than that - you can't help but feel you have been transported back to a time when inking a letter to your lover and sending it by horseback was standard rather than a romantic idea in a Jane Austen novel.

Even with the many bars/clubs & restaurants within a stones throw of the hotel, you must spend at least an hour or so discovering the 'American Bar' within the hotel - it's walls are lined with photographs that each have their own enchanting story.

Like with every 'Fabulous In .....' adventure - enjoy, experience and leave having made some stories of your very own .... and staying at 'The Stafford' I have no doubt like us you will !!

Boutique Babies : This Little Piggy went to Prada

I seem to have reached the time in life where amongst many friends & family, the sound of children's pitter-patter feet can be heard treading their parquet flooring - it was a with great joy to find out that I was to officially become an uncle with my brother expecting his first child.

This of course brings the task of finding the perfect little LUXE gifts that with bring hours of enjoyment to both the parents and their child alike - ' This Little Piggy Went To Prada' is one of those gifts that does just that.

Reworking traditional children's stories with a Haute Couture twist that will amuse adult readers and give any child the best possible start on their way to the fashion forefront - Described by Vogue as "Nursery Rhymes for the Blahnik Brigade" this is one piece of literature that cannot be over looked !!

Lust 4 Leather & LUXE

As much as I do adore the whole jet-set lifestyle that I am fortunate enough to enjoy, I am also never happier than when I'm indulging in my own home - which in turn means that I am constantly on the search to find those little LUXE extras to make it my very own !!

4hrs spend in Selfridges and several shopping bags later, what I returned home with is some Leather & Lust ....... in the form of Archipelago Private Reserve 'Leather' diffuser sticks and their 'Lust' candles.

Although in the past I have been adamant that only the French know how to do home fragrance, it is with open arms that I welcome this latest discovery into my home & whilst it will never replace my love affair with all things Diptyque this LA based brand has certainly left it's lovemark with me !!

Fabulous In ..... Istanbul

As we landed into Istanbul the comment was passed that more and more I am falling in love with Turkey as a country & travel destination !! With only two days in the city, looking back I’m not sure how we managed to fit so much adventure / culture / cuisine & discovery into such a short time – but manage we did.

Staying at the centre of the action which is Taksim Square in one of the most prominent hotels on the square – The Marmara Taxsim offered us all the delights of the bustling area right on our marble doorstep giving you is a sense that Istanbul is a city overflowing with a wonderful energy & locals that it would seem are always up for a party.

There is an incredible history & culture that is embedded in Istanbul & it’s people – with visits to the Blue Mosque and the famous Grand Bazaar giving a real feeling that you are walking amongst something steeped in tradition and if you look past the bartering and tourists, you begin to appreciated the local trades past down through generations such as the intricate glass blowing, silk rugs and ceramics with detail incomparable to anything I have personally seen before.

It would seem that when it comes to cuisine & nightlife, Istanbul is right up there in the same playing field as London, New York or St Tropez – as we took lunch at Topaz Restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus River it was a dining experience that ignites the senses in everyway from the service, to the fusion of international flavours all complimented by wine recommend by their in-house sommelier.

The other dining experience that truly cannot be missed is at ‘Sunset’– as you arrive outside to an entrance that is lined with the latest Maseratis, Range Rovers & Aston Martins you get the feeling you are walking through the doors into a world that is truly exceptional.

Escorted through the outdoor terrace, the music lifts you as if walking on air and floating right into your first apple martini - your breath is instantly taken away as you look out to Istanbul twinkling like a Christmas tree !! You are then seated at your table & wrapped in pure cashmere blankets by a staff whom seemingly have been handpicked from the local modelling agencies, the champagne is poured and you have the option of everything from sautéed foie gras to eye fillet steaks that literally melt in your mouth.

When your driver finally whisks you off to enjoy the rest of the evening, the only place to head onto would be ‘LOVE’ , a club that seems to have no particular genre or boundaries as to it’s clientele or what they might be in the mood for on any given evening – served cocktails by beautiful boys & glamorous woman all whipped into a frenzy by a mish-mash of musical influence.

To round off the trip in the only way I know how, we headed to The Kempinski Istanbul for brunch & were treated to a tour through the old Ottoman Imperial Palace, which is now home to the hotels private suites – sitting on the terrace overlooking the pool it was with a little sadness to be having to head home, but with a fabulous feeling of having discovered yet another destination that will certainly be revisited !!

Return to The Blue Lagoon ...... Bodrum

Although I am never much for a sequel, my ‘Return to the Blue Lagoon’ otherwise known as Bodrum was certainly on a par with the first visit – fabulous for many different reasons but fabulous all the same.

Missing two of our ‘Boyz In Bodrum’ cast mates due to their relentless work schedules it was a matter of our powers combined to live up to our reputation as been ‘The Angels of Bodrum’ and to return home with stories of adventures abound.

Waking up in a two bedroom suite overlooking Barbaros Bay @ The Kempinski Hotel surrounded by 5* luxury as you walk over and swing open the doors onto your private terrace is a feeling of true relaxation that one must experience – knowing that the day is yours to make of it what you will and that every want & whim can be provided for by a staff that offer exceptional superstar service !!

With the days getting off to a leisurely start, taking breakfast high above the ocean & sampling a food and beverage selection that would put even the most royal of kings to shame – before slipping into the Dior swim trunks & been driven in your personal golf buggy down to the private bay. Losing hours basking in radiant sunbeams / swimming / devouring the latest Jackie Collins & of course indulging in the standard several glasses of chilled champagne.

Evenings were spent experiencing the culinary delights both within the hotel & also finding the best of the local fair within Bodrum town.

An absolute must would have to be the sushi/sashimi selection & black cod @ Saigon Club and also the mezze/fresh fish selection you hand pick at the beachside restaurant both within the Kempinski.

Just for old times sake we couldn’t resist heading back to Ku Bar for the atmosphere and espresso martinis in classic ‘dinner & dancing’ style !!

It is true that generally I only like things LUXE, but thanks to a friend of ours who lives part-time in Bodrum we were introduced to Maji Beach - which is a small local beach club that has all the charm, character & magic of old Ibiza.

Perhaps there is a slight hint of the inner hippy within me, but I might also point out there is high-speed wi-fi access so you can still check your current position on the Hermes Birkin wait list from the comfort of the sun lounger.

After X7 wonderful & enchanting days, I was leaving my heart in Bodrum with some very special memories .... yet it was time to pack the Louis again and head to the airport with our very handsome driver as we were boarding a flight to ‘Fabulous in ..... Istanbul‘

Let the sun shine ..... Beach Body Beautiful

Whilst I was unpacking the Louis after our wonderful trip back to Bodrum & then onto Istanbul, I thought I would do a quick run down of my must-have 'Beach Body Beautiful' essentials for those ' Fabulous In ..... ' summer vacations:

- Sisley - Age minimizing sun protection face creme

- Dior Bronze - Protective Sun Creme SPF30/Body

- Linge St Barth body wash / Vetyver & Lavender

- Kiehl's - Creme de corps body lotion

- Estee Lauder - Advanced night repair serum & eye repair treatment

- Living Nature - Radiance oil

- Bioderma - Créaline H20 spray

- Dermalogica - intensive moisture masque

- Eve Lom - Cleanser

- Lucas Paw Paw ointment

- Aveda - Caribbean Body Scrub

With these LUXE products stashed safely into your Mulberry toiletry bag you will be turning heads and hearts as you stroll back through airport arrivals most certainly looking & feeling ' Beach Body Beautiful !!

Aviator Adventures

As I lounge on Barbaros Beach @ The Kempinski Hotel in Bodrum writing my next installment of Luxe literature - I realized that life, luxe or not often does look better as the say 'through rose tinted glasses'

And I am lucky enough to have been spoilt by a friend who recently gifted me a rockstar pair of Rayban Polarized - Outdoorsman Aviators.

Although they may not be rose tinted, from my vantage point in the 37degree Turkish heat they make the already inspiring waterfront look as though I have set sail inside a classic scene from 'The Talented Mr Ripley .... Only thing missing being Jude Law !!

Rayban Aviators are an institution amongst a certain set, a symbol of timeless style & understated elegance that were around long before there was ever a ' frame of the season' and before Tom Cruise made them famous in Top Gun.

An iconic shape & style that suits almost any face shape and let's you do the talking rather than what is resting on the bridge of your nose.

So whilst Living Life Luxe, try viewing it through the closest thing to ‘rose tinted’ – cut out the glare & sort the men from the boys.

Luxe 4 Less - Missoni meets San Pellegrino

Everyone loves a little Luxe 4 Less & if you have seen my previous post about how much I adore Missoni, then you can imagine my fabulous flutter at the collaboration of these two iconic Italian brands !!

Missoni meets San Pellegrino = Match made in heaven

Fabulous In ..... Paris

Having spent a lot of time in Paris for work, there is nothing I love more than being in the city for pleasure & for anyone who has been you will know there is a lot of pleasure to be had !!

From the hours spent wandering the quaint side streets, lost in your own thoughts of living as a modern day Oscar Wilde , to taking champagne on the terrace of ‘Le Bristol’ …… Paris is a city that has earned it's reputation and it’s stripes as being one of the most chic destinations on the planet. Regardless of what may be said about the French attitude it is undeniable that their sense of style and ‘je ne sais quoi’ is unrivalled.

My absolute favourite place to stay whilst in the city would have to be Hotel Costes situated on Rue St Honoré – the hotel is famous for not only signature scent which envelops your senses from the moment you walk through the door, a mixture of heady sensuality and sumptuous subtlety. As you unwind on the outdoor terrace, the sunken lounge bar or on a day bed around the pool you’ll find yourself listening to sounds mixed by Stéphane Pompougnac a sound which is now instantly recognizable through ongoing collaborations with the hotel.

Also as it happens turning right or left out of Hotel Costes will put you right into one of the most desirable shopping districts in all of Paris – with every international designer name you could pluck out of the Parisian air right on your doorstep. Although the store has become some what of a tourist attraction in the past few years, I would still always recommend a visit to Colette which is a hybrid of several stores/designers and design items under one roof – perfect for picking up unique items, it is truly ‘destination’ shopping.

Once you have recreated your ‘Pretty Woman’ moment, with bag carriers in tow, and your tired Prada protected feet can take no more, head a few streets over to Angelinas’ which is the best place in all of Paris to indulge in the most exquisite hot chocolate to ever pass your lips, coupled with a mouth watering croque monsieur you will be all set for an early evening disco nap before slipping on your finest dinner suit for a late evening supper.

If there is only one place that you must dine whilst in Paris it is Le Georges, on the top of the Pompidou Centre. With views of Paris second to none you will be sat amongst the design masterpiece of Dominique Jacob and Brendan McFarlane, every table decorated with a single red rose. Even if you are dining alone it probably wouldn’t be for long, as you are carried away by a sense of elegance and romance that would melt even the most cynical heart.

Although I could recommend a million other divine suggestions of how to spend your time in Paris, discovering your very own special places in a city is a must – so slip on the Dolce, turn on your Grinder and hit the streets to go on an adventure all of your own returning home with stories hopefully not suitable for the grandchildren !!

Home is where the heart is ...... MISSONI

Maybe it’s a hangover from childhood & my mothers influence, but I do think the sayings ‘ tidy home – tidy mind’ & ‘ happy home – happy heart’ certainly ring true.

So on a recent trip to Paris nothing made my heart & home flutter more than walking up the stairs of the Missoni Boutique on Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Missoni, a brand that certainly cemented it’s lovemark amongst the jet-set crowd in the 70’s with signature woven string bikinis & dresses that everyone from Bianca Jagger to Gisele Bundchen has been seen wearing. What sets Missoni apart for me is their timeless incredible homeware & soft furnishings.

If the kaleidoscope of bright prints and colour ways send you into too much of a spin, there are an array of pieces within their design collection which will add a touch of understated style and elegance to any home regardless of whether your decor is old world gentlemen’s club, modern minimalist or pink panther pretty.

TOM FORD - GREY VETIVER

With a feeling of summer loving in the air – Grey Vetiver is certainly making a long & lasting impression on men this season and well into the future.

Unless you have been stuck under a rock or under the disco ball for the past 20 years you would have undoubtedly come across the name Tom Ford, a man who is synonymous with designing objects of desire that are truly LUXE !!

His latest scent is no exception – with notes of sensual nutmeg, amber wood and oakmoss surrounding the vetiver extract this scent has been described by connoisseurs as the most elegant available.

Even for men for whom the thought of wearing fragrance fills them with dread of tainting their butch image - Grey Vetiver might just be the one to win them over – Tom Ford has yet again managed to bring a touch of the truly masculine to a genre of grooming that is often lacking.

'Fabulous ..... In Bodrum'

So after only a few days it’s time again to start packing the Louis, as it’s “Boys In Bodrum 2010” a trip that was conceived due to the fact we didn’t have enough time to go to Las Vegas and naturally I was lured through the promise of a 5* boutique hotel, and let me tell you I was certainly not disappointed with what Bodrum had to offer on a silver platter!! Through my Dolce & Gabanna framed eyes this relatively undiscovered part of Turkey, which has been labelled the ‘French Riviera of the South Aegean’ is a destination not to be missed.

Staying at the Mamara Hotel which rests comfortably into the hill above Bodrum town and being exceptionally well looked after by Nino the hotel’s in house guest relations/concierge who has many a fabulous attribute of a character out of ‘la cage aux folles’. There is nothing better to hear in the morning after the night before than “Welcome again boys, my angels of the Mamara” !!

Depending on where your gym toned legs want to take you, there are so many options as to how you spend a day in this fabulous city, with a multitude of private beach clubs and luxury hotels providing the perfect backdrop and sun lounges to sip cocktails and treat your palette to the local taste sensations.

Some of our favourite days were spent at the hotel’s private day club ‘My Bodrum Beach’ although you must also spend an afternoon at the Kuum Hotel with its incredible minimalist/industrial design, the most beautiful Cavalli Kaftan clad women and their delicious man candy working the jetty as if it were the haute couture runways of Paris !!

There are too many ‘Boyz In Bodrum’ moments to relive every one in this blog as it was high-octane from the minute we popped the cork on the Veuve Clicquot …..

But our pick for dining and nights out would have to be: Ku Bar/Lounge for an ambiance that is undeniably chic yet with a true local flavour that will get you onto the dance floor before you reach the bottom of your first espresso martini!

If you are still looking for somewhere to carry on the party, a short ride over to X-Large in Gumbet will take you into the daylight hours as you fill the dance floor to international house music and take in the visual feast of their dancers which are on par with any I have seen around the world.

Brompton Club - London

It’s easy to fill a few days in London with meetings round the pool at Shoreditch House, personal training/yoga and decadent dinners about town. My friends and I have most recently been dining out at the fabulous Brompton Club.

Which is looked after by the delightful Nick House, a man renowned for providing London nightlife with the crème de la crème of after dark entertainment - Brompton has quickly become THE destination in South Kensington and one of the most desired memberships to have slipped safely into ones Goyard Card Holder.

Providing a sense of intimacy that has been missing in so many of it’s competitors on the scene, Brompton has managed to carefully select a core membership that certainly appreciates the clubs opulent design and international cuisine, yet know how to leave any trace of pretence at the door and party like it’s 1999.

Pretty Woman - Polo

Touch down in London town and there is a message flashing on my blackberry which reads “Do you want to play polo this weekend?” Having been an established 3-day Event rider in the past and being quite a dab hand with a stick and ball, I jumped at the idea… immediately my mind is in overdrive selecting an outfit, tight white jeans…crisp polo shirt…brown leather boots…

So a quick jaunt out to Ascot Polo Park and suddenly we are on the field galloping along surrounded by athletic Argentinean men and I’m scoring a goal. I have since decided that polo is to become my sport of the summer season, it combines all of my favourite things: Horses / outfits / champagne / Range Rovers and let’s not forget men in rather fitting white denim.

With the polo season well and truly in full swing, there is still time to catch a chukka or two at one of the many tournaments over the summer and spend a day soaking up the sun amongst the beautiful people both on and off the field. For a touch of celeb spotting check out Hurtwood Park owned by the legendary Kenny Jones, you’ll most definitely see the likes of Ronnie Wood and other Rock n’ Roll royalty being fabulous on the bubbles.

If you’re stuck as to what to wear, I think it’s always safe to take a page out of the Royals book - think Sloane Ranger chic muted colour palettes of cream, baby blue, tan, and navy. Check out the newly opened Polistas Store on Shepards Walk - Harry and William are big fans! And of course, don’t forget the compulsory leather loafer that will take you straight past the velvet rope at Annabels come evening.

'Fabulous In ..... LA'

The last couple of months have felt like an absolute whirlwind, the Louis Vuitton luggage has barely enjoyed the comfort of its dustbags and my Dolce has had more outings than a harness at the Black and Blue ball !!

You know it’s going to be a rockstar trip when you arrive at Air New Zealand check in and are greeted with ‘Hello Mr Ashton we have been expecting you’ and are then whisked through security by personal escort to the 1^st class lounge only to bump into Victoria Beckham as you’re looking over the sandwich selection.

Landing in LA and jumping into a shiny black Lexus out to Malibu where I would spend 10 days with a wonderful friend and client ADELE who was recording her sophomore album with the legendary producer Rick Ruben, exciting times for an exceptional talent. In between applying lashes and liner I found time to pop off and visit my favourite LA haunts and discover some altogether new ones.

Always on the top of my hit list is ‘The Abby” in West Hollywood for the rather picturesque scenery, that being LA’s finest corn fed and well bred boys. The Abby is somewhat of an institution amongst most boys who live or have spent time in LA offering up somewhere a little more refined and clothed after you have had your fill of go-go dancers, further down the road at Mickey’s.

But my latest must see would have to be the recently opened Soho House, West Hollywood. With its chic yet understated décor the mix of Hollywood A-List and LA Hipsters all washed down with fantastic cocktails and decadent food that would make most of Hollywood run quick smart to their personal trainers. You can have hours of fun in the photo booth situated down the long corridor leading towards the secret garden restaurant and post your ‘close up’ on the wall alongside the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z!

If you have the time make sure to pop into the Sky Bar at the Modrian Hotel, take champagne breakfast at the Beverley Hills Hotel and for a little bit of an adventure do head out to Malibu to go horse riding in the canyons followed by lunch at Geoffrey’s on the cliff top, for breathtaking views as you drive back to the city.

LIVING LIFE LUXE

When I was asked to start writing a blog which has now been titled ‘Living Life Luxe’ I wasn’t exactly sure where to start. Although it has always been fun documenting snippets in time through the likes of Facebook updates and Twitter feeds limited to 140 characters, the thought of actually expanding on what I do and what I believe is Living Life Luxe was a little daunting to say the least.

Having mulled it over with several glasses of the finest French champagne, I thought my life long motto was a good starting point: “I continue to aspire to make the gods and goddesses of this world sizzle with timeless elegance and raunchy luxe “

Being born and bred in small town New Zealand and always having had the big city lights on the horizon is what has lead me to travel most of the globe seeing places and meeting some of the most interesting and inspiring people I could have ever dreamed of…. Which has brought me to where I am today. Residing in London, working as a celebrity make up / hair stylist, surrounded by wonderful friends.