Saturday 9 November 2013

THE STYLE-LIST ............. LA SPECIAL!

Hi Jojo here still in LA  ! Bringing you the best and most stylish that LA has to offer. This week I have decided to share some secret treats that even I did not know existed. So ditch the tourist trail and come with me to read more about some of my amazing discoveries.
Its A Wrap
It's A Wrap a used/vintage store full of clothes from the Movies and Tv series. I could have spent a week in here. Each item has a code on it just match it to the code on lists posted around the store which will reveal which production it featured in. I purchased a pink box clutch bag with a diamond dragonfly clasp used in Desperate Housewives for $200. My little piece of Hollywood to take back to London. Find this shopping heaven on W magnolia Blvd Burbank.
Beverly Plaza Hotel
Le Cure Spa located in the stunning Beverly  Plaza Hotel 10300 Wilshire Blvd. This Hotel I had never encountered before and certainly not in travel brochures. But a truly truly stylish place to stay- rooms from $200 per night. I only visited to attend the Spa- 50 minute massage,champagne ,use of steam rooms and free valet parking all for $79, Mish was amazing and one of the best massages I have had. great place for a girly afternoon I did not see another soul the whole time I was there.
Toast yet another new discovery. Poppy Jaime, Tv Presenter and a good friend invited me for brunch here. Full of cool, hip people perfect for an al fresco laid back brunch. Perfect for people watching on W 3rd street bohemian area.ndd
Toast
Trader Joes people that know me well know that I have a complete phobia of large supermarkets. Well I get very excited at going to Trader Joes for my produce similiar to a small Wholefoods. Fresh organic food and a food tasting station AND a coffee tasting station. A local turned me onto Trader Joes. Love Love Love.


Food Store






RUN A MILE.............
Mortons
Morton Steakhouse hungry for a steak one night we headed to Mortons close to our LA home. It is important to pay a little extra for a good steak so we knew Mortons was not Burgerking but guys $63 for a steak a bit over the top. Note there are no prices on their on line menu and when you get there they do not show you the menus until you have ordered your drinks....so you cant leave. The steaks were good but did not compare to Gauchos in London where the prices are far more 
reasonable.
Footnote: Just attended a private film screening of James Corden in One Chance (the story of Paul Potts) its a must see. Well written ,touching and very funny. Go see today at a cinema near you !!

Bye Bye Stylistas next week back to my regular blog coming from London xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wednesday 23 October 2013

THE STYLE LIST - LA SPECIAL

EATERIES

Hooray for Hollywood and all the fantastic eateries available here I know I have listed several stylish LA food and beverage venues on this blog in the past but now I have been living here for a few months I wanted to share with you some of my regular haunts where I take my friends that you may not find in the tourist guides.

LE CLAFOUTIS
Le Clafoutis
Located on Sunset Plaza the land of free parking and great boutiques. Take a pavement table at this fantastic french restaurant for an afternoon of people watching. Also people watching you as a tour bus of celebrity spotters passes by every 10 mins. I just wave back politely. Stays open all day and evening and brunch is served until 3pm on the weekends perfect for a stylish late riser like myself. I recommend the Crab Benedict.Scrummy! Look for the sunny orange decor you wont miss it.
MELS DRIVE IN
I pop in here on a daily basis as they have the best fresh fruit and vegetable juice bar you can mix and match your own blends from a menu of 30 choices for $5. My personal favourite carrot, beet and apple. Beware of the lemon ,ginger and cayenne pepper shot it nearly killed me. This is such an iconic eatery located in the legendary Max Factor building and featured in many films such as Guess Whose coming To Dinner and American Graffiti. The food is typical American Diner but excellent as is the service. To top your experience each table has a jukebox with over 1000 songs. I always put 3 quarters in for my three fave Santana songs. Located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland.
Mels Drive In Diner

AROMA
Aroma
7373 Sunset Boulevard located right on The Strip. I come here for Sunday Brunch mostly. Fresh bakery goods. The biggest menu I have ever seen it is a thick novel and based on a middle eastern palette. The only thing is when I bring people here for the first time I am simply waiting for ages to eat while they make their selection. Breakfast tends to be accompanied by a big bowl of fresh fruit.Equally good for lunch and dinner too the Greek plate is a good choice hummus,tabouleh,feta.pita, shwarma $13.95 (now no need to keep your dining partner waiting)

CHATEAU MARMONT
Chateau Marmont
I took one of my girlfriends here for a birthday lunch on the Garden terrace very St Tropez. Laid back from Sunset Boulevard (8221)you would never know this gorgeous french inspired Hotel was here. The menu consists of mainly gourmet sandwiches and salads. Very reasonably priced. A good place for celebrity spotting as it really is a private haven here. Super stylish and very special.

Bouchon
BOUCHON
Beverly Drive Beverley Hills. Downstairs for light  al fresco lunches upstairs in the rather plush mediterranean surroundings for a formal dinner. Stunningly beautiful restaurant thoroughly recommend. Justin Bieber was here when we dined here...... but don't let that stop you trying this one.

RUN A MILE.....................................................

SUR
SUR by Vanderpump
Don't bother. Located 606 N Robertson Blvd. Owned by Lisa Vanderpump of Real Housewives fame and the filming location of Vanderpump Rules. Odd sort of vibe here a very odd crowd. The place was very quiet on the evening we were there we decided not to eat as the place was rather shabby and put us off. I wonder if I would have even known about the place if it wasn't for the TV show and I am not sure that is enough to keep a restaurant going if nothing else is in place. Distinctly mediocre. Although her other restaurant Villa Blanca holds a very special place in my heart.
But we love you Lisa !
THATS ALL FOR THIS WEEK LA STYLISTAS MY NEXT BLOG STILL ALL THINGS STYLISH HERE. BUT DO NOT WORRY UK STYLE BUNNIES RETURNING TO LONDON IN TIME FOR PARTY SEASON....................HUGS AND KISSES.
MWAH MWAH xxxxxxxxxx

Monday 30 September 2013

THE STYLE LIST .......LA SPECIAL

View From My Balcony



PART TWO
HAIR AND NAIL SPAS


The two most important people in your style world are your Hairstylist and your nail technician. I always feel like I am cheating on them when I have to visit different ones. I have used the same Hair and Nail guys for 10 years so I do feel terribly guilty........but needs must. I wont tell if you don't? Sssshhhhhh !

My favourite hair salons..............

Umberto the king of all hair salons this is a two storey palace where all things are possible. Sumptuous surroundings but may have to wait for your first movie to get your hair done here. But a real treat for a one off Beverley Hills experience. 416 North Canon Drive.
Fringe also in Beverley Hills.9406 Brighton Way. a beautiful salon here does not have to cost. They do wash and blow outs here for $35. always have offer packages e.g cut, deep conditioning and blow out $75. a small friendly salon where they make you feel like a celebrity with champagne se
rved throughout the service.
My favourite salon and where I get my colour and glossing done is Eden Sassoon at Sunset Plaza on Sunset Boulevard. Eden is Vidal Sassoons daughter who runs the salon but does not cut hair. Although Scott does a mighty fine job, he is in demand from a long list of celebrities.... and lil old me ! He made my hair look so amazing shiny and bouncy and did the whole lot from washing it to blow drying which they tend to do here in LA. I swear I was asked out on dates by three different men within 1 hour of leaving the salon.

Sassoons swanky Salon

Also if you join Brits in LA website you can get 10% off your bill.

My Favourite Nail Bars.....................................

Well I am afraid its another shout out to Eden Sassoon, I managed to squeeze a pedicure in 
while I was having my hair done. The best pedicure I have had $28 ask for Chi. My toenails are as shiny and glossy as my hair !
I regularly attend The Nail Garden in Burbank (Miley Cyrus a regular) for my french manicures which they overlay with a UV Gel to keep the nails shiny and new. I have definitely got glossier girls being in LA. There are many Chinese Nail Bars out here which offer cheap fast service with 'walk ins' welcome. These bars are usually excellent although I have had bad experiences at some, it is mostly trial and error. So I hope this helps as I am currently an Angeleno and doing the groundwork for you.



Thats all for this week girlfriends you must always plan ahead when it comes to Hair and Nails in LA in a land where there is sooo much choice. I have done the leg (and head) work for you this month and the reccommendations on this page have all been tried and tested.  Sssssssh your secret is safe with me I wont tell them you cheated !









Tuesday 24 September 2013

THE STYLE-LIST : LA STYLE
Hooray for Hollywood


My style path has led me to spending the entire 'Fall Season' at my home in LA. So this is the first of five letters from LA where we explore the style of The Angels. Over the next five weeks we will be looking at:
LA fashion
Hair and Nail Bars
Fab Eateries
Hip Hangouts
Whats Hot and Whats Not in LA right now.
So this week lets talk about hot LA Fashion in fact its not hot just lukewarm. It always surprises me how little style there is on the streets of Los Angeles. Even as I am sitting in the supremely stylish eateries of spagos and The Wilshire I casually glance around at the really poorly and dull dressed. Styles vary from eccentric to dress down preppy I wonder does this reflect the fact that there is really no 'high street' as in The UK , only high end boutiques or low end stores with the gap in between filled by J Crew or Banana Republic. Even the designer stores seem to stock a different collection to the vibrant stores of London. One that seems oddly dated. Of course two of the most  stylish designers I know are American, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein ( although oddly the only two that spring to mind !) Michael Kors as my regulars will know is my hero but only since he returned from a stint with Lanvin before this he was staid and boring.

Klein and Lauren are the epitome of style simple clean lines plain vibrant colours taking no notice of 'fashion' but cutting beautiful clothes to suit all women. Colours to suit all complexions and hard t make a mistake just accessorise in context. But i think this is more New York woman and less LA woman.

EMMY FASHION UPDATE.............
I had been alarmed by the lack of style I was noticing on this trip and then it was all confirmed............. I watched The Emmys last night. An array of women paraded in the wrong dress for their complexions , the wrong dress for their body shapes and just the wrong dress for anyone !! A whole evening of the worst dressed women I have ever seen LA what has happened this is truly a style desert in this pocket of the world the worse I have seen on my travels. Stylists !! What are you thinking. The only 'celebrity' on the night who truly owned her dress and knew her body and the shape that flatters her and really knows her style was Sofia Vergara. She rocked that dress.
Sofia Vergara

There were soooo many bad frocks to choose from but the worst was Clare Danes someone who has no sense of her own personal style as is evident on previous occasions. But Clare darling, wrong colour for your very pale complexion wrong dress for your shape(read bust size) ill fitting . Nice dress(Armani Prive) but soooo wrong for you sack your stylist.  The irony is  Clare was voted best dressed by the LA fashion gurus !!!! I rest my case.  Clare give me a call .

Clare Danes


NEXT WEEK THE BEST HAIR AND NAIL BARS IN LA................................TUNE IN STYLISTAS.  MWAH MWAH AIR KISSES xx

Saturday 17 August 2013

THE STYLE-LIST

Well hallo there fellow fashionistas it has been a very busy week as it has been my birthday. Now anyone who knows me know I have a birthday season so it does go on and on...........and on. So I though I would share with you this week some super stylish places I was lucky enough to be taken to.

The Goring restaurant
THE GORING HOTEL Beeston Place London is a stunning hotel and the restaurant is outstanding. This is the Hotel the Duchess of Cambridge left from on her wedding day. The Lobster Omelette starter was the most divine dish I have ever tasted
the service is unpretentious yet incredible. Before Dinner in the bar we were presented with amazing canapés on large trays. I think I was in a dream like state the entire time. Company included! That my darlings is a whole different story.....
Latymers
LATYMERS,Pennyhill Park Hotel,Bagshot, Surrey. OMG this two michelin star Restaurant (chef Michael Wignall) was mind blowing. We had a 10 course tasting menu(yes...10) of dishes such as Duck and foie gras, Pastrami of Deer,truffle with pine nut foam you get the picture. Truly style on a plate fine dining at its best this was a culinary experience to be reserved for special occasions. Even the petit fours were an experience. But not for the fussy eaters amongst you.
Pennyhill Park
COWARTH PARK HOTEL,Ascot the perfect place for a girly birthday lunch. There is a set Lunch Menu £39 for 3 courses and coffee. The setting is undisputedly stylish although very quiet. Thomas the French Restaurant Manager is superb and makes everyone feel special as soon as they enter. The food was once again so artistic and beautiful it seemed a shame to eat it. Dress to impress even for lunch you cannot fail to be seduced by the food and the surroundings oh and indeed Thomas.
Cowarth Park



Finally one of my favourites and has deservedly been mentioned on this blog before. KASPERS in The Savoy Hotel, The Strand. Recently opened a few months ago. I like to eat Dinner early so we booked a pre Theatre Supper £23 for two outstanding courses. The Chef has an acute palette here as the taste of the food is perfection. Skip dessert for the 'Cheese menu' where different cheeses can be selected according to type. We had a whole cheese festival going on. Kaspers with its wonderful views by the River is the jewel in The Savoys crown.
Kaspers

The Shergar Cup this year saw us obtaining an ASCOT BOX for all our beautiful and of course superstylish friends. This is indeed accessible to many now and the costs can be split between the Party. However I did treat everyone to Lunch

and high tea and lots of wine . It was a very pleasant experience until Kerry Katona came on to sing in the guise of Atomic Kitten and blotted the stunningly stylish landscape. A great idea for a day out however thumbs down for the food which needed to be styled up a little. Or is it just that I have been dining at far too many salubrious institutions !!

Well my little fashion bunnies next week I am heading to LA so I will be able to bring you all the exciting Events Places and People and what they are wearing so stay tuned !!!!

Tuesday 30 July 2013


THE STYLE-LIST SPECIAL

COTE D'AZUR

Hi once again fabulous Stylistas I have just returned from a wonderful stay in Cannes. I lived here for !) years so it was super to return. This week I thought I would like to share with you a few of my favourite places there are of course too many divine places in this part of the world to mention. But I have selected a few where I return to again and again they combine elegance, style, service and a special product .... everything a stylista is on the lookout for.
Lets start with my favourite Hotel

CARLTON HOTEL CANNES superbly situated to explore both Monaco and opposite direction St Tropez without having to change Hotel. Refined, elegant and sophisticated. This La Belle Epoque (reminiscent of a wedding cake) hotel is celebrating its 10yr  anniversary this year. It does not have to try hard it just is !
Carlton Intercontinental
This leads nicely onto my favourite beach to spend a day and lucky it is right opposite !!



CARLTON BEACH CLUB Olivier,Thierry and Michael have run this superbly for 20 years (I have known them that long too) the service is second to none. You may baulk at paying 30euros for a sunbed(50 for front row) but it is worth it. If you are staying at the Hotel negotiate it into your room rate as it is generally not
Carlton beach Restaurant

included! Roll off your sunbed to experience the seafood buffet for lunch then roll back on again. This the place to be seen. Another great restaurant which has sun beds too and at a much more reasonable rates th highly acclaimed L'ANNEX and it is right next door. One of the best seafood restaurants along The Croissette and run by Michael and his father who are always warm and welcoming. The fish is laid out for you to select but this is the best salad Nicoise here (18 euros ).
Lets move up the coast To Monaco go to the unmissable PORT PALACE Boutique Hotel close to the casino. Its super stylish restaurant La Maree a seafood restaurant looks down on the Marina Hercule and only 1 km from the station. Forget about all those super expensive restaurants you have been told to visit here. This is the one ! Great for lunch but an incredible serenity for dinner.
La Maree

Chateau Eza
Moving back down the coast to the ancient medieval village of Eze after a morning sightseeing go for lunch at the Michelin starred CHATEAU EZA for lunch. This is a place to don your Missoni dresses and chic daywear though no flip flops and shorts it is undeniably classy and the most spectacular 180 degree views from your dining table. this Hotel is soo romantic I would not hesitate to recommend it to honeymooning couples..........................................
Tahiti Beach Club
Ok lets pop down to the other end of the Cote D'Azur St Tropez hopefully you have procured a yacht or someone with one as the drive is impossible during the summer months-bumper to bumper traffic. The first beach as you hit Ramatuelle is the Exquisite TAHITI BAR AND GRILL also a hotel and full beach club. Forget all those over hyped Club 55 and Byblos only the people in the know come here. As you dine you are treated to a fashion show all of which can be purchased from the beach shop or as you see pay the models and your goods are brought to your table. When is this going to catch on in London ???????????????? This is truly paradise water taxis come to collect you from your yacht or in our case all the kids swam to shore (only because they did not want to wait  for taxi!!!) okay heading back to Cannes then inland up to the hills of Provence the old village of MOUGINS.
Le Feu Follet



This place is very dear to me as I used to live here. It is a gastronomique and artistic village (Picasso lived here). My number  1stylish restaurant is the formidable FEU FOLLET in the heart of this picturesque Disney like village. The food is fine dining yet Provencal but there is an extremely good value Prix Fixe menu always busy must book beforehand. Ask for Antoine the Headwaiter the finest waiter in France possibly the world !

RUN A MILE...........................

Club 55
 For true style in the South of France avoid the overhyped places they are usually frequented by sleazy pretentious annoying idiots. One place that immediately springs to mind is NIKKI BEACH (actually ANY Nikki Beach) in St Tropez . CLUB 55 or CINQUANTE CINQ as it is frequently called. the first time I was taken here I was deeply disappointed with the basic decor unimpressive menu and laid back staff, stylish ?....no expensive ?...yes. Worth bothering with ....No. Finally for super stylish South of France you really cannot stay anywhere less than 5* hotels as even 4* on the continent tend to be considerably more basic than the rest of the world so if you want to live in a super stylish gorgeous world you cannot do it on the cheap here !!


Monday 1 July 2013

                    



ROYAL ASCOT STYLE

I have been attending Royal ascot for over 20 years 15 of those have been as a Royal Enclosure member. The Dresswear has a strict policy and this year the guidelines were strictly adhered to and many people were turned away. I as a Stylist am totally in favour of this and a message to all Stylistas is if attending Ascot whether it be Silver ring or Grandstand dress by these formal guidelines too it will ensure you look classy and elegant.

STYLE LIST

LADIES
Jojo showing you how to work it !
  • Dresses and skirts modest length knee or below
  • Dress straps one inch or greater
  • Hats must be worn/headpieces must have a base of 4 inches or more
  • no midriffs
  • formal and elegant
Gentleman

  • Waistcoat and tie (no cravats please)

True Gentleman of Ascot
  • Black or grey Top hat
  • Black polished shoes
  • No removal of hat unless inside a building



Of course Ascot focus is on the many beautiful hats on show and it is wonderful we still have occasion to dress formally in the presence of The Queen and normal people from every walk of life still ensure standards are met. Here are a small selection of Hats spotted throughout the week from the kooky to the elegant.

Beautiful hats



RUN A MILE FROM THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE IF YOU:

Please Girls No !!

  1. Insist on getting drunk at every social occasion
  2. Wear shoes that hurt and need to remove them
  3. Cannot travel light and carry your world with you in a holdall
  4. Swear
  5. Hassle Gentleman to buy you champagne that you cannot afford
  6. Are not interested in Racing !
  7. Have a weak bladder you will spend the entire day queueing

Thursday 23 May 2013

PLACES<PEOPLE<FILM>FASHION.........

THIS WEEKS STYLE LIST

PLACE

Another busy week in the world of style let me share with you some stylish secrets to immerse yourself in to live a more beautiful life.
WolfgangPuck


In keeping with the current flavour of 1920's when invited to lunch this week I suggested a revisit to a favourite restaurant of mine the Dorchester owned 45 Park Lane. Wolfgang Pucks Art deco influenced dining experience. This is style at its height , the decor is breathtaking. The sumptuous bar is upstairs with a great cocktail list. I had a 'Somebody to Love me" Vodka,( St Germain,lychee,lime).Lunch £29 for two courses once you have tasted the wagyu beef burger there is no going back to McDonalds. (somewhere I have never been !!) You can also stay here they have a package (A Cut Above) Dinner for two , a superior room and breakfast for approx £500.
FILM
Leo and gang
If you have not seen it yet trot along to see THE GREAT GATSBY. Do not be put off by the critics poor reviews this extravagant film was amazing Baz Luhrmann styled the film in a way that only he could do. F Scott Fitzgeralds novel was  a delicately written story but Baz brought it to life in glorious cinematic technicolour while telling a fabulous story. It will start a trend for all things twenties (see above).Stunning film

PEOPLE
Down the pub with Nigel
Mmmm Politics and style do they mix?? They do now with the man of the moment Mr NIGEL FARAGE, Leader of UKIP. He must be stylish as Tatler featured a three page article to him last month. Billed as the most exciting man in current British Politics (I know , not difficult). But here is a politician  that tells it how it is, anti establishment. A heroic figure trying to save Britain from the tyranny of Europe. I have met Nigel  ok yes in a pub and never in my lifetime have I witnessed a more popular politician the public are hugging and kissing him (and thats just the men) even the babies shake his hand !! Go Nigel !! 
SHOES
My shoe heaven
Everyone who knows me know that I never had that shoe addiction that seems to infect every other woman I know. I don't buy that many so this week girls I actually bought a pair of shoes although for Royal Ascot. As true stylists only buy items they actually need !! But these are they >>> DUNE £85 pretty spectacular don't you think ??
FASHION
The Summertime blues have definitely arrived. No not because of the rain and terrible weather. Girlfriend, I am talking fashion I am loving all the beautiful shades of blue from palest aqua to brightest Cobalt. From the designer collections a la Gucci and Burberry right down to the High Street. Everywhere is rocking the blues.  Monsoon ,
Monsoon
Oasis and Coast have plenty of blue hues. Find one to suit you it is the colour of Summer 13. Check out these blues.
Gucci
Burberry


Dip dye blues like
this Burberry on the left make the look even more on trend. Blue is the colour-fashion is the game ! Work it sisters.



Well thats all Stylistas for this week but plenty of style fixes here for you to be going on with. So hope you all help me in making our world a more beautiful place. See you all next time XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX