Hearts For All

Hello my lovely ladies!

Some fun thoughts and ideas for you to have a peep at...

Hair flair- nope, not this February! Flat packed and sleek more like! We are going back to the curtain! Poker straight locks as seen on the Mui Mui catwalk sees us ladies dusting off our GHDs this season with an acute and fierce middle parting. Unless my hair is cut in its last year's short bob, think Posh way back when, my hair insists on the curl! And with my round shaped face, its a side parting for me all the way otherwise I tend to look terrible...Oh well, hat please!

Movie of the month- go watch The Book Thief. The book was simply stunning and such a melting heart read. I had the devilish sneaky pleasure of reading the movie script when I was in LA. It really has done the story justice. A good one for the girls.

Dress Up to Dress Down- Loving the sport luxe look meets prom queen fairy style at the moment. Team your boyfriend's old running tee with a frou frou skirt or an over-sized basket ball jumper with a huge bag, in at the ankle trackies and killer stilettoes and you've bagged yourself an uber trendy, dress up to dress down look!

You can flip it too by sticking with the trackies and teaming a sequinned vest or plain white T with a blazer and heels. Add an oversized leather bag and you are good to go! Check out all my delicious little finds on our Pinterest Page.

Tasty Tasty - Why not add some wonderful protein powerhouse chai seeds to your breakfast or a smoothie each day? They provide 4.5g of easily digestible protein per 2tbsp serving and they are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These help improve brain function, lower your cholesterol and protect from heart disease. Sprinkle on your toast or cereal in the morning or add to a delicious salad or yogurt. Go get ecogreenstore.co.uk or thechiaco.com.au 

Deliciously Designed- One of my favourite deigners right now is Serafina Sama. A graduate from Saint Martins and former freelance designer for Acne and Vuitton. Her style and cut breaks convention and her separates give a fabulous multi-tasking range of outifts that are designed so exquisitely. With such an edge, you just feel like you're the only one wearing this type of clothing. The label is by Isa Arfen....Check out this delectable two-piece culottes suit. Obsessed!

Get it from the Grocer's? - What? Yes indeed, go grocer glam and gleam with none other than Tesco's beautiful retro-esque two piece in mesh and white. A steal at £20 each, this jumper and skirt teamed with some Rayban sunnies...well here's my holiday outfit for Spring! 

And so Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Is it a good time of year for you? I can remember this time last year, after a ten year relationship ended very sadly a few months before, I was in a deep hole of misery. And love? I couldn't even spell the word, let alone say it, share it, or feel it for anything. Heartache and break is just the worst and although I look back at how painful it was then, for the love that I have now, I am grateful I experienced it. 

Not to be an idiot, but I wasn't supposed to be with that 'love'. It is only now I can really appreciate love in all forms and so I shall be celebrating this Heart Day with full on goo and sickening kisses and cuddles and poetry! Whether you are dressing up for a night out in search of a cheeky kiss, or a snuggly night in with your partner, even a movie with the kids or a swanky meal for your pet...spread the love! There is never enough to give and share. And pop the frock on that makes you feel your sexiest! Go on! Slap that red lippy on, lacy underwear and heels and feel fabulous! 

Quote me Some Love

 'Hold my hand and I'll go anywhere with you.'

 'I didn't plan on falling in love with you and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But when we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us.' 

The Notebook

 'Your voice is my favourite sound.'

 'When I saw you, I fell in love and you laughed because you knew.' William Shakespeare

 'True love doesn't mean being inseparable, it means being separated and nothing changes.'

 ' You will forever be my always.'

 ' You are pretty much my most favourite of all time in the history of ever.' 

Happy love Day Ladies.

Warmest Swishes,

B x

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

Best Birthday, Beautiful Friends, Big Trends!

So as you know my Birthday has been and gone recently and we danced the night away and sipped on delicious martini cocktails. We started off the day with beautiful sunshine at the house then onto a wonderful surprise arrival by a very very good friend of mine, Dan. As you know I used to write for his fabulous men's blog Last Style of Defense. We don't get to see much of each other as he's always jetting off to Europe and the likes for shows and launches so it was wonderful to spend some time together. Plus my girls, my love and my siblings were there so after a few happy tears, bubbles and huggles it set us out for a gloriously fun and special weekend!

Delicious Birthday Bee Choccies

LA Birthday Bound B Card

I wore one of our stunning Frock Exchange frocks, the delectable short Philip Lim LBD and paired it with a very hot trend right now, metallic silver! I wore my favourite killer Sam Endleman heels, my H&M wool padded, painted silver jacket and a 'Primani' £6 silver clutch. Designer mixed with high street at its best!

Phillip Lim LBD

Funky 'Feather strand extensions' by Chi Chi's

Jumper and Silver Skirt by Maison Rabih Kayrouz, from Joseph

Now I know 'Heart Day' is coming up, but let me share that love next time! In the meantime I thought I'd help you to prepare you for 'that' date, looking great and feeling fabulous.

Here are a few of my favourite things right now. Everything from tips for your health, fitness, make-up and a hair product update. As well as your positive mantra for the week, inspiring quote and of course the hottest trends (naturally!), and some songs to get you going!

We all know the secret to looking good starts from within and what we eat. Read this great article in the Sunday Style Magazine last weekend...yum!

Health- Just Go Green

Green veggies are the key to boundless energy, mental clarity and an increase in immunity. Amelia Freer, a nutritional therapist explains, 'Whether you eat or drink greens, it's the fastest way to infuse the body with a cocktail of compounds to support the immune system, essential for fighting disease, promoting energy production, regulating digestive health, reducing sugar cravings and slowing down the ageing process.' She encourages us to eat at least 5 portions a day!

They are loaded with vitamins and minerals, fibre, disease-fighting phytonutrients and alkalising properties, rich in chlorophyll - the miraculous molecule that gives plants their green colour and acts as an oxygenator, blood cleanser and a powerful detoxifying agent in the liver, colon and entire digestive track.

Greens to keep you keen- kale, spinach, beet greens, dandelion greens, broccoli, swiss chard, collard greens, watercress, dark leafy lettuces.

Fitness Fun

Ballet Bootcamp is a fun and elegant way of keeping fit whilst using stretching, breathing and toning techniques.

'It combines military-style pace and energy with posture-correcting movements of ballet to sculpt and strengthen your physique.'

Sweaty Betty, my top sportswear shop (I used to work there in my very early twenties and I religiously wear their training sweat pants...I have 5 pairs!) are running free weekly classes across the UK from today. Check out their website for more details. And if you can't make it to one of their boutiques, there is an exclusive virtual class available online, so there's no excuse!

Face And Locks Me Beautiful Please!

I simply can't live without my Rhodes To Heaven Orange Skin Food with this chilly weather right now! My skin constantly changes during the month; oily, dry, hormones gggrrrrrr, depending on my sleep and water intake too of course, but this deliciously smelling cream quietens my blemishes and red areas, softens my skin and reduces my fine lines. With its collagen boosting ingredient, Lupin, I am left with the silkiest, most moisturised face. It also acts as my day, night, eye AND anti-ageing cream and is a great primer for my make-up so I am ready to 'slap on and go' whatever I am doing in a flash without worrying what my skin looks like!

I don't know about you but I need to change my shampoo and conditioning treatments every 8-10 weeks as my hair seems to get used to them too much - starting off lusciously shiny then becoming a little dull...even after my hairdressing colour session! I am currently using a wonderful duo by James Brown London; it's rich moisture conditioner and rich moisturising shampoo leaves my hair healthy looking, soft and glowing without any greasiness with its deeply hydrating properties. I add V05 'Give Me Texture' Volumising Powder after a day or so to add some 'ooomph' meaning I only have to wash my hair every 2-3 days giving my locks a break from styling, heat and unnecessary fiddling! As I have a bob hair cut, it also allows me to structure my hair in fabulous 'up do's' without using hair spray. It brushes out easily but be careful as it can make your hair delicate. I advise to wash your hair before combing through properly after using it!

Fix For The Week - keeping your resolutions going! Tips from The Sunday Times Style Magazine

Focus on a goal - visualise that frock on a fitter, more toned version of yourself.

Think of the wider health benefits - you'll sleep better, have more energy and be less stressed, and your heart will be stronger!

Reward yourself - you'll so deserve a healthy snack or smoothie once you've reached your target for the day.

Lean on those positive mantras - write them on the wall in front of your desk, be the best version of yourself!

And if you're ready to quit half way through? - Say this to yourself, 'Today it hurts, tomorrow it works! I can do more, I can always do more.'

Quote Me, Inspire Me

'Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.' 

The one and only, Coco Chanel

And my tunes for the moment...loving Sam Smith's cover of RY X's Berlin, Bombay Bicycle Club, Luna and this one....oldy but just discovered it! Jai Paul, Jasmine- perfection!

This blog is dedicated to my brother, my Peter. He gave me an amazing Birthday week. Love you darling- see you in Berlin soon! I, and the Webbs miss you already!

The Warmest of Swishes,
B xxx
bethany@londonfrockexchange.com
London Frock Exchange

Let's get inspired!

Will your 2014 be everything you hope for? Will it be better? Different than last year? Yes! Every day is different ladies! Good days, bad days - our lives are constantly changing, so just enjoy the unknowing and surprising ride!

However, this pressure we put on ourselves for another new year...'I'll go to the gym, I'll wear those expensive shoes I have only worn once, I'll call my Granny more!'...Whatever it is you want to change, what's stopping you?

A great friend of mine, Anna Reynolds, an inspiring woman and wonderful soul, passed on a perfect paradox I thought was so appropriate for the beginning of a new year.

'Stop making it about you if you want to create the life you say you want. Shift your state of mind and ask yourself, how can I be valuable to others?'

One of my favourite things is the ocean. Wherever I am in the world, if I can get close to the sea, the waves, the sand between my toes, I seem to let the wind blow any cobwebs or worries away. It reminds me of just how little I am, a speck in the world; not in a bad way, not insignificant but that the niggles or worries I do have, well it puts them into perspective. I can challenge that worry and solve or resolve it - usually it isn't anything to worry about anyway! We can't change what's done, we can only create the now, and not predict or assume the future. Let it go. See the love in everything. Send in some pics and share with us! Don't you just love what happened when I was having breakfast the other morning! 

 'Seeing the love in everything!'

'Hearts Everywhere!' Look for the Love!'

How do we keep to the things we say we want to achieve, or our resolutions this year? Simple. Take advantage of your good intentions and moments of clarity. Take the actions that would commit us to making good decisions in the future. It's a bit like knowing full well how you feel in the morning when you have that 'one more drink', or knowing that when you have dark chocolate you get a headache.

Picture that feeling and memorise it. Visualise the way it makes you breathe, move, frown. See yourself in the mirror and remember that 'sigh' and the fact the whole day is just a little bit annoying and slow. It's only because you are cross with yourself for losing that strength within. If you search for that feeling, the disappointed feeling, it will do wonders for the choices you make this year. I know I harp on about it but boiling the kettle and having a tea does always help! That or hot water and some lemon if you're not a tea person!

Above all, give yourself a break! Nothing is set in stone. If you've said, 'I'm not going to spend money on things I don't need, if you do it once and allow yourself that treat, you're more likely not to do it anyway but if you do, you've allowed yourself that guilt free card and instead of wallowing in it, you just carry on as normal. You can't change what you've done, you can just forgive yourself, remember the feeling and go on with life knowing you are growing and changing without the hassle we usually give ourselves!

Warmest Inspirational Swishes,

B xxx

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

It's our Birthdays!!!

This time last year, my darling Sarah gave me a wonderful gift for my 30th Birthday. A gloriously posh cream tea at the beautiful Cliveden House in Berkshire.

What with a very very hectic year, whenever we booked it, we had to cancel and re-arrange! Mostly my fault I must admit! But finally, and I think at the best time, we trotted off last weekend, all dolled up in our frocks for a deliciously scrummy tea with cakes, soldier sandwiches and piping hot tea.

Sitting on the comfiest of grand sofas by a roaring fire, we nattered and gossipped away, reflecting on our wonderful London Frock Exchange year and our beautiful and strong friendship. Take that time and call a friend today you haven't seen in a while. It is the best fuel for your heart, soul and mind!

It's my Birthday tomorrow and my dearest friends and I all dressed up and went out to one of my favourite spots in Bournemouth! Watch this space for our fun, cocktail fueled night and the fabulous frocks we wore! Dance floor Aruba, I thank you! Here's to the wonderful Adele and Pete who won the dance off! 

Last week was our one and only, Sarah's Birthday! This is dedicated to her. Happy Birthday to us my darling. Love you.

'Words could never tell you

How important you'll always be,

Just little things that you do

That are especially meant for me.

You always seem to remember

All the things to do,

That makes friends last forever,

And share a bond so true.

I'm so glad God gave to me

Someone just like you.

He knew that you would be

One of the chosen few!'

Your B,

Always and forever xxx

New Year, New Wardrobe...New You!

Happy New Year dearest Swishers! Well I think last year, wow it feels weird saying that, has been the best year of my life...so far! (Touch wood!) So much has changed me and happened, where do I begin?

I won't harp on about myself too much...we all know the blogs that are having a love affair with themselves don't we?! But I did want to share with you how amazing 2013 has been for me, Sarah and of course London Frock Exchange.

After moving back from Los Angeles, having quite a rough time of it, the start of the year was very blurry. What shall I do? Where shall I move my fashion career? Help! All that, 'golly-I-am-turning-30-soon-and-my-life-has-been-flipped-and-I'm-a-bit-lost,' sort of tizz wozz.

Then...then...London Frock Exchange! I remember meeting my dear Sarah for a lovely lunch and chin wag, my best friend and sister really, at a pub just off the M3. She mentioned re-launching the fabulous dress swap service and immediately sparks flew and I was excited about my life again.

Oh, oh how hard we worked! It was the most fantastic journey of my life. Because Sarah has babies...one of them being my beautiful god-daughter, I would travel up every week for a night or two and we would work 'til the wee hours, sipping on endless cups of minty tea and eating choccies. The giggling, the sweat and tears not to mention the emotional ride. Looking back it has given me so much strength and happiness. I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful company and cannot wait to show you all the fabulous treats, changes and add-ons that we will be launching this year and beyond.

I will, as always, take you on my journey of how we are doing it all and what with Sarah's third baby coming any minute, so excited, I cannot wait to tell you all about that too!

I gained a family, a wonderful man and a fantastic business last year and 2014...well, it can only get better - touch wood. Stay positive and, although it's January, and everyone is harping on about how 'We should really take a good hard look at ourselves'...So annoying(!)...Just remember that you are beautiful and as long as we work hard and be kind, listen and love, the rest falls into place. There are rocks that get thrown at us, I'm not saying everything is rosy all the time, not at all, that's for princesses and fairies, but they are only thrown at us to guide us and push us in a different direction, because we are actually probably going in the wrong one! Crikey that was deep, forgive me!

Right, after all that reflection, how about I give you a fun new task for January? We probably still have all our stocking pressies and gifts shoved in a Christmas bag that Auntie Sue put all the pressies in, tucked in a corner in the living room right? And our shoes are a bit all over the place as we couldn't decide which ones to wear to the New Year's party? Clothes still needing washing from before the office do...just haven't gotten round to it...am I right? 

So take a weekend to sort this... and soon! It seems too much but it really won't take that long. Turn the radio up, make some tea and empty the washing, file your shoes and hang up those clothes like they were last year (re-read my wardrobe guide ladies!). Be calm, take it slow. It will make you feel like you have really started this year with a clean, fresh approach. A bang! 

Do things that you've never done this year. Plan a wild trip or call someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Wear something you are scared of! It will bring out a new shiny and confident you! There'll also be some frocks you don't want, naturally, so send them in and we'll get you some beautiful new frocks for the Spring and Summer!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW IN WHISTLES FLOWY FLYING DOVE FROCK!

I'll be back soon lovely ladies!

Warmest 2014 Swishes,

B xx

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

For Daddy, Sarah and My Charlie. Thank you for bringing my joy back. I love you x

Trips, Treats and Tra-La-La's!

How will you celebrate with friends and family at this special time? When I lived in LA I'd hold an 'Ugly Sweater' party every year and organise fun games to play. It's such a festive investment - buy one either cheap and cheerful off the high street, or really splurge on one worth a bit more so you can bring it out every year! I found these gems:

Santa Claus Classic - think Coca-Cola, holidays are comin' Father Christmas! £270 by Markus Lupfer.

French Connection Robin Jumper - sequined and sassy, a steal at £69.

J-Crew Embellished Llama - Intarsia Wooly only £100.

Back with sleigh-bells on is the wonderful Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair. They've returned with Christmas flare at the Old Spitalfield's Market. Featuring fabulous fashion delights as well as accessories, homeware, menswear, textiles, collectables, winter warmers, stocking fillers and an electric seasonal vibe. Popping up at various hot spots on certain weekends - check out the website for more details of different locations and dates. Free entry too!

If you are ever on the Isle of Wight, you must visit this amazingly scrummy place- Well Bread Artisan Bakery and Cafe. 53-54 Cowes High Street. Walking in for just a quick latte and some fashion mag flicking, I stumbled upon this free spirited kitchen. It was such an inspiration because it was very old school - two large long tables sandwiched between beautiful vintage church pews. The yummy huge fat cakes, buns and treats laid temptingly out all around. A 'help yourself' cafe, I made my steaming drink (hug in a mug!) and soaked up the delicious aromas and friendly family feel atmosphere. Huge blocks of butter on the table with inviting bowls of lush home-made jam.  Yum! A secret island find well worth a visit!

Wants And Wishes

Loving Tiffany & Co's new Atlas Jewellery Collection. It has the blend of new and classic, which oozes style and class.

Coat watch - obsessed with the Rebecca Taylor Wool Coat. A luxe winter jacket, shaped in a cocoon keeping it casual and loose but stylish. It has an oversized shearling collar with a neutral beige/ brown body. To finish with a sexy side, the arms are leather, padded stitching to create a quilted effect. Wear with a leather micro mini shirt, little cowboy booties and a cosy knit jumper. Add a Christmassy edge and keep the festive cheer merry and light with silly bauble earrings and dashing through the snow, Rudolph red lippy!  Tra-la-fa-dee-dah!!!

Twinkle Toes - cosy up by the fire with Ugg's glam new slipper range. Fun, bright colours, warm wooly and wonderful.

Stocking stuffers - for little ones, Little-Pip's have these cutesy bow hair clips. 50% off too -7 for a snip at £12.50! 

Have a peak at Handpicked Collection. An award winning gift shop, they specialise in a unique variety of well-priced, stylish and high quality pressies. I got my Daddy a great stocking filler this year -  a Corkcicle! Just pop in the freezer and then when having a picnic or even a dinner party, put it in the bottle and it acts as a cork whilst keeping the wine chilled! No more to-ing and fro-ing to the fridge and back! 

Sales From Santa

65% off Fenn Wright Manson - chic modern feel fashion for the sophisticated trendy woman. Check out our stunning collection from the designer in stock!

65% off Scott & Scott and London Cashmere, 70% off CK, Original Penguin and Fiona Paxton Contemporary jewellery!

Shearling Boutique also have a sneaky snowy sale with up to 60% off of their collection of luxury winter coats.

Layer up with sexy underwear too! Figleaves are pushing the seductive boundaries this season with French courtesan lingerie, robes and pyjamas.

Writing my Christmas List

Now it wouldn't be Christmas now would it without a few of my favourite things. So here's a few of my list of goodies and ideas to have a cracking Christmas. For above all, it's about family, friends, sharing, giving, celebrating and loving!

• A silly must have onesy- Primark have the whole zoo it seems this year!
• My trusted glitter and sparkle make-up and red red lipstick!
• 'Can't walk in them but they're AMAZING' new Carvella heels!

• Ugly sweater party! Get those invites out now!
• Christmas carols and cheesey tunes!
• Classic Christmas telly!
• Nuts, nuts, satsumas and a chocolate orange!
• Getting all excited about picking up my best gal from the airport! LA girlfriend here for a truly British Webb family Christmas, woop!

• Orange and clove making with Christmassy ribbon to hang above the AGA, delish!
• And of course-lots of mulled wine, laughing and loving!

Christmas 'Bethlehem' Swishes,

HO HO HO!

bethany@londonfrockexchange.com

London Frock Exchange

Wish and Tell - A Glittery Christmas Spell

With your inbox piling full with invitations galore, the party season is picking up so get your favourite Christmas frock now! Check out these gems of ours! Festive, fun and frocking fabulous! 

Reiss Red Rah-Rah Ruffle Frock

Lace 1920s Style Cocktail Frock

Biba Fever Cocktail Frock

After what feels like months and months away, I am finally back in my beloved Frock Shack after all the wonderful shows and fairs with Rhodes To Heaven. Golly how I've missed my dresses! Lots of 'new in' frocks to pop up soon so watch this space! Nab your Christmas party frock in time to rock this December!

Keep sparkly and twinkling with bold electric embellishments and add a hint of glitter in your eye make-up for that total knock out shine! You'll be the star at the top of the tree this year!

Now, I think I might have had a bit of a gift giddiness come over me recently! What with being at all the shows with lots of lovely things to see and buy, the coffee runs turned into me scooping up all my Christmas pressies! I, of course did buy a few naughty treats for myself! One being this beautiful skirt! I mentioned the brand in my last blog but check this bad boy out! I wanted to do a moody dark and dramatic look here! Not sure if I pulled it off this time, but oh well! Got my cheeky hair extensions in for this shoot! 

Moloh Silk Skirt- From £600

 It's bold, graceful, cut to wear in lots of different exotic ways and outrageously unique and exquisite! Team with a classic white shirt tucked in or an off-the-shoulder knit jumper for elegance at its best! This is definitely my Christmas day outfit!

Last year I wore a Topshop classic, which seems to be back on the shelves this year - tight, dark green, long sleeved pencil dress worn with simple pointed black court shoes or booties and black tights. The stretch fabric glistens in the light with a touch of gold sparkle. Not a dress to eat all the mince pies in though!

More Christmassy thoughts from me soon...

Warmest Festive Swishes,
B
London Frock Exchange
bethany@londonfrockexchange.com