Lizzie’s Top Picks:
We asked Lizzie to hand pick a few of her favourites and we are proud to feature this beautifully unique selection of hats and headpieces:
- This hat is by siggi and is the one I have chosen to front my business cards as it is amazing and a real stand out piece.
- This hat is by Edel Ramberg who is based in Galway. It is the sweetest headpiece in a coral colour with quirky detail that makes it special.
- I really love this hat as it is simple yet has a really lovely shape. It’s not too big. I added the silk flower myself and it has transformed this hat into an attractive hat of a fashionable colour.
- This headpiece is by Dawn Guibert who has hand sewn 2000 Swarovski crystals on to this butterfly which is on a steel re-enforced beret because of the weight but it is comfortable to wear. The crystals change colour in the light and compliment many outfits.
- This hat is by Philip Treacy and is really popular with its unusual shape, a stunner.
- This hat was worn by my mother in the carriages twenty years ago in the royal procession on ladies day at royal ascot. It is by Rachel Trevor-Morgan who is one of the best there is. It’s classic and beautiful and one of my all time favourites
- I love this hat by Dawn Guibert the colour is stunning and the roses are beautifully hand made. This disc style is very fashionable and it’s a head turner without being too big.
Despite attending a vast number of race meetings throughout the year, Lizzie told Chelsea and Country, that Royal Ascot was without a doubt her favourite time of year for both racing and fashion:
“My favourite time of the year is definitely Royal Ascot it is the pinnacle of British society and it’s great for people watching and enjoying being British . It is a real spectacle and it’s great to be part of it. Every race has Huge importance and prestige behind it and it’s the one p,ace where connections dream of having winners. The car park is also a great atmosphere both before and after racing where people have picnics and parties.”
Finally, as the excitement builds during the lead up to Ascot, we asked Lizzie if there were any rides Richard was particularly looking forward to this year.
“Yes, Sir Prancelot in the Coventry or Norfolk stakes Fort Bastion in the jersey stakes and Trumpet Major in the prince of Wales stakes.”- We wish him the best of luck!
So whatever the occasion, be it Royal Ascot, another race meeting or even a wedding, Lizzie has something to compliment and accessorize any outfit. A quality hat can cost anything between £800-£1000 and as no lady likes to wear the same hat twice, hiring could be the perfect solution. So why not get in touch with Lizzie today or visit the website: www.lizzieshats.com
TV review: Made in Chelsea series 3: episode 8
Desperately running out of party themes, the show’s writers had to dig deep in last week’s episode of Made in Chelsea. Luckily for their clever researchers, Mr Laing turned out to be half Scottish, who knew? And so what better way to draw the bickering, backbiting cast into one majestic milieu, than that of a Scottish reel? Honestly.
As Jamie and Proudlock were fitted up for the dance in “modern Cameron” tartan, Proudlock talked a rather reluctant and somewhat bitter Jamie into inviting Louise and love rival Spencer – “You should never hold a grudge,” came the wise words of Chelsea’s hottest church goer.
“I am dying to know what is underneath that smile” Cheska revelled in her own bitterness towards Kimberley this week.
The prospect of bringing down the beautiful blonde who stole her love interest Richard was too much to bear for Cheska last week.
(read the full review here)
Event: Launch of Summer at Bluebird, Chelsea
You know that summer is fast approaching when you spot the small yet perfectly formed queue by the courtyard at Bluebird, Chelsea. This week, Chelsea and Country had the pleasure of popping along the Official Launch of Summer 2012 at Bluebird, which was sponsored by Moët & Chandon. A beautiful summers evening, we were served mini Moët’s along with a delightful selection of canapés.
The Moët & Chandon girls looked a treat, the weather was short from perfection and the Bluebird’s infamous courtyard was decked with green to add the summer garden party vibe. Guests enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere with good food, music and of course the champagne was flowing.
Check out the May lunch menu and pay a visit to the Kings Road while the sun is still shining. You won’t be disappointed.
TV review: Made in Chelsea series 3: episode 7
Transgressions more appropriate of Wisteria Lane, Made in Chelsea hung a dark cloud over the residents ofKing’s Road last week as the gang returned home from their holiday in Dubai. Louise arrived back in the Royal Borough with Spencer, only to find a distraught Jamie sprawled on her doorstep - a scene which evolved into a sloppy confrontation, leaving us with little hope of a happy ending to the shows most monotonous storyline to date.
Clutching it with her life, Louise sobbed into her IKEA travel pillow; cowering in her flip-flops and beach shorts as Jamie accused her of being “so weak” for sleeping with his best friend, after vowing in the previous episode, that she would never so much as kiss the love rat Spenny “ever again”.
Seven days later, glowing from a week in the Arabian sun, Spencer smugly shrugged off the accusations of any wrong doing on his part and Jamie fled the scene in a clichéd jealous rage to the apartment which he now shares with Spencer – scratches head.
You may be surprised to hear then, that both Jamie and Spencer went home alone that evening, figuratively speaking - because neither of the boy’s went home with Louise and when did Jamie gain sole custody of the bachelor pad and chapel room? Or did I fall asleep and miss something crucial during last week’s episode? Probably not.
The plot sequencing was a little out of touch in last week’s episode, as the next few scenes to grace our screens showed Spenny looking rather dapper on the river side of a sunny Battersea Park, where he made his first attempt to call a seemingly regretful Louise.
Perhaps he had spent the night in the park after all? Smart phone in tow, he would make a rather reputable edition to the anti-capitalism campaigners at St Paul’s, according to expert Francis Boulle – minus the Rolex perhaps, the suit, and the Hermés tent – because let’s face it, one cannot imagine Spencer sleeping al-fresco in anything much less.
(Read the full review here)
Style: Esemplare SS12 at The Shop at Bluebird
Since opening in 2005 The Shop at Bluebird in Chelsea is renowned amongst the fashion astute for housing an eclectic mix of well-known labels and undiscovered brands.
Throughout March, the King’s Road boutique will dedicate a space to new luxury label Esemplare; a casual, urban menswear collection designed by Alessandro Pungetti for Manifattura Riese Spa. The pop-up will launch the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
Think sophisticated lines, choice materials and exquisitely crafted finishes. The classic outdoor jacket for example, has been updated with strong fabrics such as Japanese cotton, whilst cotton nylon blends have also created oiled finishes giving the material a contemporary wet look.
Nylon is a key element to this collection creating an unusual wrinkled effect after being meticulously treated. Individually piece dyed parkas as well as exclusive crincol nylon fabrics create waterproof, lightweight and functional outerwear.
The attention to detail is what is what makes the collection so special. You can feel the passion for quality that Esemplare represents in the individual garments. The collection is current yet classical; traditional Italian tailoring has not been compromised but instead merged with sporty yet sophisticated technical styles.
“Everything starts with the fabric” - designer Alessandro Pungetti, previously of Missoni and Stone Island spoke passionately about the inspiration behind his collection.
“Take nylon” he said, “it reacts differently to other fabrics, it is waterproof and windproof yet easy to manipulate. Raw materials are always my inspiration.” Alessandro also went on to speak of the versatility and practicality of his collection saying: “Fashion is never my concern; I want to create something that will be timeless.”
It is fair to say, that the functional yet sophisticated details like multi-task pockets, reversible jackets, wired hoods, semi-automatic buttons, removable waterproof lining and internal/external taping, place Esemplare firmly at the forefront of what promises to be a timeless luxury menswear brand.
Esemplare SS12 collection is available now at The Shop at Bluebird, with the AW12 collection scheduled to launch later in the year. (www.kingsroad.co.uk)
Interview: with the Made in Chelsea Boys
It’s almost Christmas and what better way to spread seasonal cheer than a chat with Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews and Jamie Laing as they tell me exactly what they’d like for Christmas this year…
So starting with you Spencer, you’ve been sporting a new haircut this series, we’re a big fan of the hair. New hair cut, new game is it?
Spencer: Well thank you very much. That’s very kind. Yeah I thought it was time for a change, given that it was a new season; why not mix it up a bit? I like your lipstick; it’s very, very cool. I love the colour, where is it from?
Why thanks Spencer, it’s from Mac. So guys, Christmas is creeping up on us once more, what are you hoping Santa will be putting in your stockings this year?
Jamie: A lump of coal
A lump of coal, Jamie, have you been a naughty boy this year?
Jamie: Yeah I have, no (he grins). I think a tangerine is always in my stocking. If it was full of sweets that would be a good Christmas.
And is one expecting a few Mcvities treats in his stocking perhaps?
Jamie: Possibly! Maybe a few rich teas and some jaffa cakes - edible gifts. I think edible gifts are always good.
Spencer: Haribo tangfastics would go down a treat for you Jamie. I think that it’s more fun not to expect anything, so then everything you get, is a surprise.
Jamie: Yes! I also like surprises. Surprises are like, the best things in the world.
Neither of you have so far mentioned Louise …
Jamie: Ha! Louise is already in my stocking (he winks)
Spencer: She’s in my stocking too (they both laugh)
You guys seem to be having all the luck with the ladies this season. Do either of you have a lucky charm perhaps, that you take out with you?
Spencer: What about your little thingy’s, what are they called? Silkys?
Jamie: No they went away, they got taken.
Spencer: I think you secretly still have silky’s.
Jamie: I don’t still have silky’s, if I had silky’s I’d be happy, that’s why I’m sad, they’re not with me anymore.
For the readers who are unfamiliar with silky’s, they’re like the equivalent to a comfort blanket right?
Jamie: Yeah I used to have these little blanket things, I had a big rug and my mum cut off either end, sewed them up and two silky’s were made, but they got stolen by someone when I was 13.
Spencer: That’s terrible.
Jamie: It was the worst thing that ever happened to me, but I don’t have a lucky charm, what is my lucky charm?
Then how about a chat up line that never fails?
Jamie: I could do that to you right now and it wouldn’t fail.
Ok go for it, straight face.
Jamie: I can’t, I can’t (turns to Spencer and says) eyelashes. (They both laugh.) I seriously can’t, I’m getting hot now just thinking about it.
Spencer: Here’s a bit of exclusive gossip for you, it worked on Gabriella recently, Gabriella Ellis.
Oh really? Ok Jamie you can’t go this far without giving away the rest. Spencer is Gabriella, go!
Jamie: So I had a bet earlier… (Jamie turns to Spencer)
Spencer: Yeah (Spencer replies in a girly voice)
Jamie: Yeah I had a bet earlier that your eyelashes were fake.
Spencer: Really?
Jamie: Yeah, so are they fake?
Spencer: No.
Jamie: Really?
Spencer: Yeah.
Jamie: They’re not real.
Spencer: Yes they are.
Jamie: They’re not, close your eyes… and then you go… (He lunges in for a kiss) works every time.
Great role-play guys. That was… almost believable.
Spencer: Works every time, great fun. I don’t think to the best of my knowledge that any of us are really that superstitious, so we don’t keep lucky charms on us, and as far as one chat up line working better, I think it depends on the girl. I think it’s always good to be humorous though.
Jamie: Mine is like humour where you put them down, but in a funny way and then you put yourself down.
Spencer: It’s called negging. It’s all about the negging.
Negging you say? Well I’m sure our readers will bare that one in mind. In fact, Spencer, while we’re dishing out advice, you’ve found yourself in a little trouble with the ladies recently haven’t you?
Spencer: Um yes (he replies sheepishly)
So what advice would you give to the boys of Chelsea when it comes to getting back in your girls good books? Would you shower her with gifts perhaps?
Spencer: I think gifts are material, if you’ve done something wrong and you buy something, then give it her, you’re just taking the easy way out.
Good answer!
Jamie: Good answer! You’re trained well. (Pats Spencer on the back)
Spencer: I think a gift is something you could buy when the situation has been resolved. The gift itself doesn’t resolve anything.
So a gift would be an added bonus? We like your style.
Spencer: Honesty is the way forward is it not? I think, not somewhere necessarily expensive but you take her for a nice afternoon somewhere…
Jamie: Yeah you have to prove to them, rather than just giving them something that you think proves yourself to them. You prove yourself through your words and your emotions…
Spencer: You can tell from the eyes…
Jamie: Good advice little boy.
Spencer: Cheers little boy.
And what about you Jamie?
Jamie: Exactly the same as what he said… from now on (he laughs) I won’t be buying a gift anymore.
Speaking of girls, Spencer, what ever happened to Funda? Will she be reappearing this series?
Spencer: I believe you can now find her on the train line advert.
Jamie: And the tummy tuck advert, has she had a tummy tuck?
Spencer: No!
Jamie: Um, I don’t think he would be too happy if she came back (glances at Spencer)
Spencer: Hmm, I don’t think that it’s the best thing for her.
Um, on a brighter note, I know you guys are big on your ‘bromances,’ tell me more about the weekend in Paris you have lined up?
Spencer: Yeah Jamie and I are going to Disneyland Paris next weekend.
Jamie: I cannot wait, I literally cannot wait; I’ll be in my element (at which point he almost jumps from his seat in excitement)
Spencer: We’re taking Hugo and Proudlock too.
Jamie: I’m so excited.
Spencer: You look pretty excited boy.
So tell us, are all the friendships on the show real?
Spencer: Yes, everything is real.
Jamie: All the reactions and emotions on the show are real, but what people have to understand is that the cameras can’t follow us around all the time.
Spencer: It’s not a fly on the wall show.
Jamie: Exactly! It’s not a Jersey Shore. What they’ll do, is say right you guys are meeting here to chat about this, and so it’s all set up and you walk in and have your chat.
But surely you are very aware of the cameras, is this not off-putting?
Spencer: Jamie and I are not particularly private people and so it’s not really a problem for us.
Jamie: We’re the most open people you’ll ever know.
Spencer: People say to me all the time, does it not bother you that your life is projected to all these people who you don’t know, but I’d almost prefer it to be that way.
Jamie: I think if you really have nothing to hide, then it’s a good way to be. I only have one secret, but it will never get out.
Spencer: Exclusive, get it out!
Jamie: My secret is vaulted.
Spencer: Jamie’s secret is vaulted.
Ok boys, well on that note, I’m afraid we have to leave it there. Thanks for being such sports today.
Spencer: No thank you. Any time.
To read my interview for kingsroad.co.uk in full click on the link above.
