30th October, 2012 
Daniel Mikhael
Big confession: I don’t like getting my hair cut. There’s something about sitting in a chair for ages as a stranger tries to make small-talk with you whilst also holding a pair of scissors so close to your face that I’ve just never found very enjoyable. But then I’d never been to a salon like Daniel Mikhael’s before. You know when you’re greeted with a huge orange martini and the friendliest team that it’s going to be a good night, and that’s even before I met Daniel himself, who would be my hairdresser. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, but he’s also just a natural with hair. He sat me down, had a little play with my hair, and then told me what he thought we should do with it – which was exactly what I had wanted done! I love how he considered my lifestyle, fashion sense and hair type when coming up with a cut.
After my hair was washed, Daniel got started with the cutting. Unlike hairdressers I’ve had previously, he was so easy to talk to it was like having a chat with a friend, and there was no awkward small talk. He was also full of great tips and tricks to getting salon-perfect hair at home. My favourite one was his drying method to achieve the cool, slightly messy wavy style in the photos above: run some curling cream through your hair, then twist sections of your hair away from your face and dry with a diffuser. It’s easy to do and gives such a great result. But the great thing about Daniel’s cut is that it works so well with my hair and lifestyle, most of the time I just wash it and go – I didn’t get any of that disappointment when after one wash the cut doesn’t seem so good.
So back to that earlier confession about not enjoying hair cuts … I think I’m going to have to eat my words. After having such a fun evening with great company, the most delicious cocktails ever and of course a great cut, I will definitely be back in a few months to see Daniel and the team for another appointment – and if you’re London-based, you should too! You’ll get a cut that will really work with your lifestyle as well as look great, for a very affordable price. Daniel has also been kind enough to give my readers an exclusive discount – if you quote ‘Girl in the Lens’, you’ll get 15% off a cut and colour! So if you’ve been thinking about that cut you’ve been needing, drop in to see Daniel 🙂
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29th October, 2012 
Spell and the Gypsy Collective
Spell and the Gypsy Collective was founded by a couple of Australian sisters who share a love of leather and feathers. I absolutely love their bohemian, free-spirited aesthetic that’s easy and sexy without trying too hard. I find I keep saying that about ALL the lookbooks and labels I feature on the blog – but then maybe that’s because it’s the style I’m most drawn to. The only problem with this sort of style is it just doesn’t work in the UK. The weather is way too unpredictable and grim most of the time to flounce around in fringed kimono jackets and flimsy tops. I won’t stop trying though 😉
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27th October, 2012 
dress: c/o Krisp, shoes: c/o StylistPick, watch: c/o Guess
I’ve never been one to wear little black dresses – I’m drawn to colours when picking out clothes, especially with dresses. But I’m glad I found this number. It’s everything I love best in a dress – a simple shape, just the right length, and with some cool little detail. The detail on this one is the studded shoulders. I do love studs, but I think they need to be used in moderation to keep a piece from looking too cheap, so Krisp have got it just right with this one with the ordered lines of gold studs on the shoulders. Also – how versatile is this dress? You could definitely get away with it for work by adding a blazer and smart shoes, and it’d look great with Converse and an oversized jumper in the day too.
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26th October, 2012 
Check Gaboury Parka / Opium Shirt Dress / Jules Heeled Boot
(similar) Walker Leather Jacket / Clara Jumper
Fur Shield Coat / Petrol Brodie Jeans / Conical Tee Dress
I don’t think there’ll ever be an AllSaints lookbook that I’m don’t fall completely in love with. This season they’ve taken their trademark military influences and androgynous silhouettes and pushed them further with contrasting textures and just a touch more sexiness (I mean check out the incredible Contour Dress). My favourite pieces are their coats – how amazing is that check beauty with leathers sleeves in the first picture? – and I’m also loving the Bresnef Coat with its statement gold buttons and boyish shape, but I’m also very tempted by that gorgeous dress in the very last photo. It’s exactly the sort of thing I want for Christmas and New Year parties – sexy and cool, and different to your average party dress. I might have to have a cheeky splurge …
Which item from the AllSaints AW12 lookbook is your favourite? x
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25th October, 2012 Ok, I know just a couple of days ago I said I don’t usually post about competitions, but this one is another one with an insane prize I couldn’t resist trying to win! Westfield London are giving fashion bloggers the chance to win – get ready for this – A DESIGNER HANDBAG OF THEIR CHOICE WORTH UP TO £700. That Mulberry leather satchel you’ve been dreaming of? Or perhaps you’re more of a Prada girl? Whatever it is, a designer handbag from any of the brands in The Village could be yours. And to enter the competition it couldn’t be simplier – just create a Pinterest board around an on-trend AW outfit and discuss your choices in a blog post. Here’s mine:
Ted Baker Pashion / Hershesons Blowdry Bar / Dior / Wolford / The Kooples / Burberry / Miu Miu / Zadig & Voltaire / Mulberry / Whistles / Maje
I chose the prim vs grunge trend as I love mixing styles, textures and looks, so I feel like it suits my own sense of fashion perfectly, and it’s such a wearable trend. I love the Britishness of it too – prim and grunge are both styles that are very close to our hearts here in the UK. I also drew inspiration from my starting piece, which is the amazing oxblood Mulberry tassel bag. It has cool embellishments, and yet it’s shape and overall feel is still quite smart, so I wanted to create an outfit to reflect that juxtaposition. Too keep the whole look young and modern I added the cool patterned tights and quiff blow-dry. My favourite pieces from the outfit besides the Mulberry are the Miu Miu embellished-heel boots (such a classic, elegant shape with a little hint of playfulness) and the Maje miniskirt (beautiful detailing and a versatile piece that would be great for workwear and eveningwear too). What do you think? Are you a fan of the prim vs grunge trend too?
For all the details on how to enter this amazing competition, click here. But hurry – entries have to be in by midnight on the 11th November.
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