Back to my packing guide series (seen here and here) and this time we’re off on a city break, and since I get to choose it has to be NYC. I heart it, so ridiculously much. I was lucky enough to live and work there for a year back in ‘04-’05… well, I worked in Manhattan and lived in Jersey City (known for its skyline views and the fact that Fiddy Cent was shot there, but we’ll paper over the cracks). Best experience of my life and I still miss that city like I miss a person. If you do head there for a break, then I’d advise you to load up on the glam; New Yorkers are about as polished as they get, from their perfect glossy locks down to their painted toes. Flat shoes in the daytime are essential since walking is the done thing, but super high heels are de rigueur for cocktails on roof terraces. Oh and don’t forget a huge shopper to fill with all the purchases you will be powerless to resist:

{images via pinterest}

{1. Sandro printed t-shirt – £100 / 2. Dorothy Perkins mixed stone ring – £7.50 / 3. Topshop shirt dress – £30 / 4. Michael Kors rose gold watch – £219 / 5. A/wear belted shorts – £30 / 6. Essie Cute as a Button – £9.95 / 7. Steve Madden flat sandal – £34 / 8. Zara plaited shopper – £79.99 / 9. Zara butterfly ankle boot – £99.99 / 10. French Connection Samantha sequin dress – £165 / 11. Miss Selfridge colour block dress – £32 / 12. Topshop zip clutch bag – £28 / 13. Star by Julien Macdonald large sunglasses – £18.20 / 14. Marc Jacobs Daisy Hot Pink eau de parfum – £60}

I wonder if in years to come we’ll look back at panelled walls and wince in the same way that we do when we see paper borders now. I hope not, as to me they’re a timeless way of decorating your walls and giving your house an elegance that you see in Jane Austen-esque homes. Whether the panels are completely covering the walls or just reach halfway, I love this effect… especially in bathrooms where it’s a stylish alternative to tiling. Are you a fan of the panelled look?

{images via Pinterest & Country Living}

Sometimes Mondays need a bit of Kate Spade goodness to make them a little more bearable, don’t you think? After spotting a much coveted KS bangle on the wrist of my sister-in-law at the weekend, I knew I had to post about them. Not only are they heart-breakingly pretty, they all have a different message engraved inside them. Love them. Whether you pile ‘em high or keep it simple with just one, your wrists will be a better place for it. And of course, you couldn’t possibly have a new bracelet without a gorgeous satchel, coin purse and sparkly shoes to keep it company. You’re welcome.

{1. Knightsbridge Scout / 2. Flash flats / 3. Cooper Square coin purse / all bangles}

Hurrah, it’s a sunny start to the weekend, I love it. This weekend I’m heading up to Yorkshire to attend the wedding of someone I’ve known since the age dot, and I can’t wait to spend time with my family and friends. The wedding is taking place on a farm, so we’re talking barn dancing, hog roasts and probably a bit of a festival atmosphere. I’m just praying that the sun continues to shine, because mud and my nude Zara peep-toes just won’t do! Do you have any plans for this weekend?
Now, I spend an inordinate amount of time on Pinterest. It’s an addiction, but a healthy one in terms of creativity. I can honestly spend hours just scrolling through the thousands of images – all the while being inspired, noting down ideas, drooling and repinning. I’ve created a number of boards (see here), but I’m sure many more will spring up with time; lately I’ve been inspired by chic neutral ensembles, fresh turquoise palettes, soft feminine interiors, breath-taking destinations, and a little bit of sparkle. With that in mind, here are some of my recent pins:

{images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16}
What do you think of my choices?
My look of the week goes to a newcomer who is starring in The Inbetweeners movie (definitely on the list to see), Laura Haddock. She’s far more glamorous than her name suggests, and at the recent premiere for the film she stole the show in sheer D&G. The gaggle of Z-listers in their shiny, showy gowns didn’t stand a chance. If this effort is anything to go by, we can expect big things from her red carpets appearances. For my room of the week, this kitchen really does it for me… the double doors to the garden, the rustic bench, the slightly industrial feel, all combine perfectly to create a space that would certainly be the heart of a home:

{images via prphotos & Elle Decor}
I hope you have a superb weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Fancy nosing around some amazing holiday rentals? Yep, thought so… and I’ve got some absolute corkers for you. The company Luxury Country Rentals has six properties on its books and each one has been tastefully and sympathetically decorated according to their environment. They consist of two beach houses in West Sussex (this is how I got lured onto their website in the first place, quelle surprise), a Cotswolds townhouse, a thatched cottage in Marlborough, then overseas they have a ski lodge in Wyoming and a “beach castle” in Uruguay. That’s quite a collection! I picked my four favourites – although I’d quite happily stay in them all – and the elements I like about each…
Buttoned chairs, an outside kitchen, sequined cushions and distressed shutters. Oh and a giant bathtub with a view directly out onto the beach. That is what you call perfection, my friends.

I love the patriotic touches and the cosy farmhouse feel of this place. Check out the uh-may-zing candlelit terrace. Sold. And nice how they’ve put out a bottle of red waiting for me.

Beaten up leather armchairs? Check. Bright and light-filled open plan living? Check. Big squashy sofas suitable for napping? Abso-chuffing-lutely.

I mean, really? That covered deck area? Seriously? I die. And then they throw an infinity pool and obscenely beautiful views into the mix, and my head just about explodes.

{images via Luxury Country Rentals}
Which of these properties appeals to you?