where did you buy that?: 2014

Interview: The Glam and the Glitter's Tamara Kalinic

Blog Crush November 27, 2014

Share |

It's all about Winter Coat Lusting

fashion November 19, 2014

Share |

It's all about the Halloween costume

fashion November 10, 2014

Share |

Hotel Review: Petit Ermitage Los Angeles

Travel and lifestyle November 04, 2014

As I settle back into my reality of work and grey skies, I am still on a high after some much needed vitamin D and time out in LA. Being my home away from home after living there for 2 years, I always love going back to visit friends but also because there isn't a place like it.

During this trip, my friend and I decided to stay at the Petit Ermitage, an eccentric hidden boutique hotel in West Hollywood. The thing about LA hotels is that though they can offer utter luxury and glamour, they can also be impersonal, busy and full of the wrong crowd.

As many of the popular hotels are tourist attractions in their own right, I love the fact that Petit Ermitage has a different flair with its classy yet whimsical gypsy theme.

The rooms

Petit Ermitage los angeles bedroom suite

Our room was a lovely suite which included a king sized bed with Egyptian cotton, pretty kitchenette, fire place, private bathroom and shower and of course free WiFi! The amenities and essentials were great but I also loved the room’s vintage inspired theme with its Venetian plaster walls and original art.

Poolside

One of the main reasons I went on this holiday was to relax and recharge my batteries. LA hotels have some of the best pool sides, but what I loved most about this one was that it was quiet and felt very exclusive. The salt water pool was also a huge thumbs up as I didn't get the chlorine fear of my swimwear changing colour. I also loved the cabana where you could lounge around and look at the city views. I spent a huge amount of time at this pool during my stay and loved it.

Dining- Breakfast

LA has some of the best restaurants in the world in my opinion so we tended to eat out more than dine at the hotel. However, we made it a daily routine to have our breakfast every morning in the outdoor restaurant. The staff were always friendly and helpful and we would happily sit outside in our robes and enjoy fresh fruit, juice, bread and muffins. You could either choose to have a continental buffet breakfast or swerve to the odd American temptation consisting of waffles and maple syrup, crispy bacon and butter cream oatmeal. Yes I now have to go on a serious diet.

Service

The service at this hotel was wonderful especially with the management team (thanks Alex). Whether you needed a taxi, restaurant reservations, printing out a document or decaf coffee ( yes in America) they were only happy to oblige. Part of the reason I enjoyed my stay was the way the staff were so friendly and accommodating.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time and I would definitely stay at this hotel again. The only thing I would change is maybe having a shower room or hotel room checked out guests can use. We had an evening flight so I would have loved to have freshened up and changed in a private room than a toilet. Apart from that I would highly recommend this quirky, unique luxurious and fun boutique hotel. Five stars from me!

Share |

Sunday Selfie: Trusted Zara Jumpsuit

fashion September 23, 2014

Share |

It's all about Double Denim

outfits September 14, 2014

Share |

Out and about: The Chiltern Firehouse

Travel and lifestyle September 04, 2014

The Chiltern Firehouse restaurant and bar Marylebone

Last weekend, my close girlfriend and I had drinks at one of the most talked about London hotspots of the year,The Chiltern Firehouse. Living in Brighton for so long has meant that I'm completely out of the loop on the new London openings, and missed the hype around the Chiltern opening earlier this year. My friend had been to dinner a few weeks before and had nothing but rave reviews so I was intrigued to see what it was all about.

As soon as we arrived, I felt like I had been taken back in time to when I was living in LA many years ago, and stayed at the gorgeous Chateau Marmont hotel. Because I was probably hiding under a rock at the time (seriously, I can't believe I missed this), I didn't realise that The Chiltern is in fact owned by Andre Balazs, the same man behind the Mercer in New York, The Standard hotels in the US, and of course Chateau Marmont.

I can't tell you how beautifully layed out this former fire station in Marylebone is. As his first ever property outside the US, I instantly felt the Balazs's stamp, and excited that London finally has its very own Chateau Marmont replica. The cool, glamorous ambiance still resonates but the fire station theme gives it more of an English/London feel, which I loved.

On this occasion, we went for Sunday drinks and snacks on the outside terrace, to make the most of the final summer days. I had the signature crab stuffed doughnuts as a snack, but based on the way those tasted, I'd like to go back and order everything on the menu!

I wish I had taken photos but I remember that Chateau had a strict no photographs policy so didn't want to get in trouble or worse kicked out! ( though I have seen lots of reviews with photos online since)

I definitely want to explore the menu over a lunch or dinner and do a review though by the looks of it I'll have to wait as its already fully booked till December!

I also have to point out that The Chiltern has the friendliest most helpful service team. As per usual, I had iPhone charge issues and the hosts were only happy to charge it for me at reception when I asked. Being the calamity Jane that I am, I was then late for my next meet-up, so one of the guys kindly hailed me a cab from the main road, got in it and got the driver to stop just outside so I wouldn't have to walk. Excellent service goes a long way, and it has made me even more eager to go again.

The Chiltern gets five stars from me :-)

What I wore