yippeeeeee

It is actually warm outside. I can finally venture out without thermals and a grumpy face. Time to snap up this summer dress, would look great with these too and these earrings.

everyone in new york is wearing…studs

Big earrings have been out for a while now, replaced by random shapes or pretty Bauble Bar constellations (as seen above on Fashion Me Now). I love wearing these by brvts (which I have featured before), for similar try these at Tiny Armor. I have seen a lot of girls wearing gold safety pins by Catbird, love this web, or you could try something pave by Anna Sheffield or this selection at Madewell. Oh and these are very pretty. 

*image via fashion me now 

valentines hint

boys, please skip the naff flowers and knickers and go for...

some seriously good cake 
a trip to Secret Bay
this aurelie bidermann lace
 a boob earring, yep

a night staring at Jake Gyllenhaal followed by shake shack

wish list

If your slightly unorganised husband/boy/partner/parent/cat hasn't been shopping for you yet you might want to forward a few of these wish list items on…

fluffy sandals - & Other Stories 

heart clutch - asos

 cashmere leopard onesie...oh yes - Marks and Spencer

magic cream for hungover faces - Charlotte Tilbury

cute studs - Tiny Armour on Etsy 

cosy chalet socks - Woolrich

this tea cup - Yvonne Ellen Etsy

a diamond disc - Erica Tanov or honey bee stacking rings - Silver May

cheetah booties -  Loeffler Randall  

round sunglasses - Illesteva

bucket bag - Helmer or this one - J Crew

boob lamp - Jonathan Adler 

always love navy cashmere - Uniqlo

gorgeous pics of your little people - Coral Garlick

this raisin lip sheer - Beauty Counter or this Burning Love Lipgloss - Nars

embroidered jacket - Zara 

more grey skinnies - Frame

lola & syd and 5 styling tips for new mothers

Meet Sally and Hugh. Sal is a great friend from my HK days. Now back in Australia she's relaunched her much loved boutique Lola & Syd, added styling services and a gorgeous children's range. 

I miss drinking wine with her so much….anyway...she's kindly given us some styling tips for new mothers. Sal is someone who always manages to look very cool without trying too hard so I would listen in…oooooh and its FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE until Sunday with the code SSFreeShip. I NEED this clutch. Too many capitals I know. 

The early days of motherhood aren’t easy. You’re tired, have an in between body that’s not pregnant but not how is used to be, leaking boobs if you’re breastfeeding, no time or inclination to do your make up and even less to do your hair (Sal - I never did my hair before babes ;)) 

But after sitting round in your pyjamas and breastfeeding singlets for the first few weeks, there comes a time when you realize you’ll feel a lot better if a) get dressed, and b) make a little effort. Here are 5 top tips to get you started...

Clothing - Look for easy to care fabrics that can go in the machine and that will wear well. Ironing is the enemy when you have small children so avoid pieces that crease easily.  It’s worth investing in good maternity bras as they provide a better shape. Also, stretchy singlets are very handy and can work on their own or as layers in the winter months. Look for styles with thicker straps – maternity bra straps are not attractive so best not to have them on show. If you’re breast feeding separates are best (with the exception of the shirt dress – see below). Maternity jeans are your best bet in the early months so it’s worth investing in a pair you love in your pregnancy.  Leggings are fabulous for winter, and shorts and skirts with elastic waists (there are quite a few around at the moment) are good for summer months.

The Shirt dress - This personally saved me in my early months of motherhood! They are perfect for breastfeeding, can be belted, are great with flats and some simple earrings, or can be glammed up with heels and a big necklace (for the time you actually get to go out at night!). They suit almost everybody. Choose lightweight cotton for hotter months. Denim works well in cooler months and you can layer over the top with sweaters and boots. 

Accessories - The best bet in early months is keep clothing simple and classic and use accessories to add an edge. Bangles can be difficult when constantly holding and feeding a baby in the early months so it’s best to look for earrings and statement necklaces to liven up your outfits. Bangles can be introduced when bub is a little older and starts pulling at your necklaces! My little one will play with my resin bangle collection for hours! 

Buy a REALLY good concealer and a VERY bright lipstick - It’s no secret you don’t get much sleep with a newborn so a great concealer to hide those dark circles is a must. I find Bobbie Brown the best but try to fit in a visit to a department store to find one that suits you. While you’re there, make a bee line for a bright lipstick. Gone are the days when you have half an hour to apply a full face of makeup. If you have a good base, mascara, and a bright lip then you look polished and it takes under 5 minutes! I love Mac lippies - favourites at the moment are Morange and Impassioned, but there a ton to choose from so try a few and see what suits!

Have a great bag that you love - Nappy bags serve their purpose and while there are many great style out there now I have always preferred to use a stylish handbag that can hold all the necessities and work as both a stylish accessory and holdall for baby paraphernalia. Look for something lightweight – neoprene, cotton and canvas are great options. Also, zip pouches work well for containerizing things like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes and bottles.

lulu frost sample sale

The Lulu Frost sample sale starts on Thursday at their showroom, always a great bet for Christmas presents (for yourself)…if you missed the Renegade craft fair here are a few of the brands I spied… Sun + Glory | Make Shop Nyc |  Luke Hobbs Design | Luez Design and Play | Small Adventure | Alibi Nyc | Odette Williams | Conscious Step 

*image from net-a-porter

brvtvs - earrings by caroline ventura and sales sales sales

I spied a stylish mum in the playground the other day, she was wearing these little bar earrings. They are made by BRVTVS, a New York designer. Its pretty hard to wear whacking great jewels with little ones around, these would work perfectly, delicate but different. Have a great weekend, there are a gazillion sales around...

The Outnet - an extra 30% off 

Whistles - 25% off with issue 493 of Grazia 

J Crew - 25-30% off with PICKASALE code

Mango - 30% off online until Saturday with 5WEEKEND3 code

My Wardrobe - 10% off with PAYDAY10 code

Atterley Road - 20% off until Monday with NEWSEASON20 code

lulu frost sample sale

The fabulous Lulu Frost sample sale started today at their offices on 12 E 20th Street. I always pick up some great pieces when I go. It runs until Thursday, daily 11am - 8pm. Love these...

 

capes and tassels

I hope you all had a very happy thanksgiving :) I am particularly thankful for the fact capes are still in, and I keep spotting gorgeous tassels everywhere...cape from Mango (Zara has a cute grey one too), earrings by Asos, tassel pendant by Eddie Borgo at Bergdorf Goodman and necklace at Stella & Dot.

*image of mossy from the Telegraph 

lola & syd launches online boutique

At last. Those of us who are not currently residing in sunny Oz can accessorize with the gorgeous range from Lola & Syd. Founder Sally Dwyer sources a style which always attracts attention, her collection is well-priced, on-trend and, whoop whoop, she ships globally. Here are my picks...

25% off j.crew and free shipping

Only today and tomorrow left for the J.Crew 25% off + free shipping offer...love the saddle bag, ladylike pumps, cashmere snood, pretty tops and art deco style jewels...tempted? 

kate middleton earrings...giveaway extended!

Hi there, it didn't seem appropriate to blog about shoes and handbags last week in the midst of the crazy storm. Plus we lost power! Luckily refuge came uptown on Madison with amazing friends, which was so kind. As we've all been on and offline this last week we are extending the giveaway with those gorgeous people at My Flash Trash until the end of this week (Friday 9 November)...

To enter simply comment on My Flash Trash Facebook page or tweet telling us why you like them and use #secretstylistblog. Remember, you can enter from anywhere in the world...good luck and stay warm x

kate middleton earrings...my flash trash giveaway

Epic jewellery website My Flash Trash have teamed up with secretstylist to give away these gorgeous earrings to one lucky reader...Kate Middleton wore this leafy pair with an Alexander McQueen dress during her trip to Malaysia. Now whilst we don't love her granny tights and nude shoe problem, we do admire her immaculate style under the spotlight of the entire world, and hey, I love these earrings. To win the golden beauties just comment on My Flash Trash Facebook page or tweet telling us why you like them and use #secretstylistblog. You have one week, you can enter from anywhere in the world, best of luck and have a rocking weekend x

*images from My Flash Trash and Daily Mail 

lesley blume lets bring back cocktails and lulu frost jewels

I met the fabulous Lesley Blume last night, she was rocking black and gold vintage Oleg Cassini (I am pretending I know who that is), the crowd was cool and buzzy, assisted nicely by the free-flowing Hendricks Gin for her cocktail book launch, "Let's Bring Back" at Hotel Americano (check the names... Angel's Tit was a hit...) this pretty much sums up the evening: 

*image by guest of a guest, more in Jen Pelka's tumblr

Lesley also teamed up with Lulu Frost designer Lisa Salzer to launch this limited collection Let's Bring Back by Lulu Frost for Moda Operandi, available for pre-order until the end of today! They officialy launch in early 2013, so treat yourself, the start of the year always needs a bit of sparkle in the post. 

win 1000 GBP shopbop giftcard via liberty london girl

Liberty London Girl is hosting a great competition with Shopbop, open internationally, you can win 1000 GBP to spend. Winter wardrobe sorted. Just comment on one her picks, as seen here. The competition closes Tuesday next week. From her edit I think I'd go for...Linda Farrow for The Row sunglasses, Alexis Bittar cuff, Clare Vivier clutch, Pamela Love spike earrings...

embrace yellow

Inspired by the yellow at the Emmys I purchased this bright cashmere jumper at Uniqlo this week (they have a sale on cashmere until Sunday), love it with grey skinnys and spiky jewels. 

Yellow cashmere jumper at Uniqlo / Anton Heunis necklace and earrings at My Wardrobe / Skinny Jeans by Rag & Bone (image via Shopbop)

big jewels

Loving the embellishment, opulence and chunky, sparkly, over-the-top jewels this autumn/winter. Guaranteed to liven up a t-shirt or simple dress...from top left: The Outnet, Bauble Bar and Lulu Frost for J.Crew

*images via Red Carpet Fashion Awards and pinterest

ethical label love...edge of ember

I'm spotting a few ethical brands which are both stylish and doing some good in the world, so I had to share them with you. Love the collection at Edge of Ember, designed by Lynette Ong who works with local artisans in Asia. 10% of all proceeds go to the Ember Project which funds local charities, mainly helping women and children. Gorgeous pieces, ideal for layering, prices from 70 - 125 USD, plus she ships everywhere. 

gold is the new black

Ok I got a bit carried away with the gold theme. Just loving the GB team in the Olympics and their incredible gold rush this weekend, even Murray had a smile for us. We rock x

from top left: Maje top, Giles & Brother bracelet, Temperley sequin skirt, Topshop glitter ballet pumps, Isabel Marant necklace, Stella McCartney necklace, Mulberry Bayswater, Stella McCartney trousers, DVF shorts

new york and hong kong happenings this week

You know me, I don't post on anything I wouldn't love to buy, have bought or would get out of bed for...so check these out happening this week...

WHEN: 6/19 – 6/24; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

* via the stylish city