Wish you were here? Yes I do!

The effect of not having a summer holiday is definitely starting to take its toll. I can't stop thinking about warm sun, blue seas, food cooking on a grill, balmy starlit evenings - aaarrghhh! I'm driving myself crazy. Yesterday I decided to really torture myself by looking at The Cool Hunter's (http://www.thecoolhunter.net/) list of Amazing places to experience around the World. Masochistic I know, but I couldn't help myself. I'm going to spread the misery by sharing some with you.

Virgin Gorda, Carribean



Melisani Lake, Kephalonia, Greece

Petra, Jordan

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

I'd be happy with any of those and there are so many more on their website so check it out. 

 Not helping are other people reminding me of where they happen to be at the moment, which needless to say is not here!

My Mum is staying at the hotel 'La Corniche Plya-sur-Mer, which she urged me to check out online - surely an airline ticket to join her would have been a better way to get my opinion on the place!

The hotel has been decorated by Phillippe Starck (what hasn't?) and looks very nice indeed.

The restrained palette and quirky touches are typical Starck and the overall scheme works well. The only reservation  I have is that it doesn't feel like its connected to the location, the interiors could be anywhere. I think this is a shame when the setting is stunning and very unique. That's my humble opinion, what do you think?

The second person to shamelessly flaunt their jet-setting today is my cousin Zoe who is off to Serifos. I have written about Serifos before, we have a house there. It is a beautiful, relatively quiet Greek island, and I wish it would stay that way. Unfortunately Greek planning officials don't seem eager to stop building spoiling the beauty of the island and as a result homes are springing up all over the place, which is a real shame.

Well it's still a lovely place all the same, lets keep it our secret!

That's enough for today. Anyone lucky enough to be on holiday - happy travels!

Gay Interiors and Sleeping with Diane von Furstenberg (maybe)

I know what you're thinking but I don't mean that kind of gay interior! Because as well as meaning a fabulous homosexual the dictionary defines gay as; 'gleeful, joyous, cheerful, vivacious and merry'. By this definition Jonathan Adler's interiors are as gay as gay can be!

Jonathan Adler is an American designer who's work is the interior equivalent of a fistful of Prosac. his manifesto states that 'Your home should make you happy'. Well I couldn't agree more! So I was very happy to read that Jonathan will be opening his first UK store down the road from me at Brompton Cross. I cant't wait to get in there and buy me some happy!

Until the store arrives here are some photo's to brighten up your day.




The Meurice Light (above) is definitely on my wish list, I love it!

This wallpaper is amazing! Jonathan is not afraid to use colour and I love it too, but I think in our little place it might end up looking a bit like Jeannie's bottle!

Mind you, maybe that's ok! I love Jeannie's bottle - definitely another example of a 'gay' interior!

You can find out more about Jonathan and happy interiors at his website; http://www.jonathanadler.com/

Well, its certainly shaping up to be a bright and colourful post, which brings me to my second exciting thing - a range of bedding by Diane von Furstenberg. Personally I'm not a big fan of fashion designer's diffusion interior collections, but I really like some of these duvet sets.

My personal favourite is the Fifties stripe in coral. I can totally see this in our bedroom, however I can't see myself handing over my card to pay $250.00 for duvet so for the time being its on the wish list alongside that Jonathan Adler light.

Fifties Stripe

 

I think these are a real case of love it or hate it. They remind me of early 90's style and I'm ready for that revival!

KATE WINSLET - THE NEW ELIZABETH TAYLOR?



Its a big day Lizzy Taylor wise! Have just seen these great photo's of Kate Winslet's photo shoot for an upcoming edition of V magazine - channeling Miss T herself. I think they are fantastic. The shoot was directed by former Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, who clearly has very good taste.

 

I think the first photo is definitely the best. It seems a shame that they didn't recreate any other looks than the headscarf when it could have been  a truly epic shoot. Unfortunately the photo's are accompanied by more self deprecating drivel from Kate Winslet. I don't know what it is with her because I want to like her so much but I get put off by her insistence that she is so normal and self doubting - sorry don't buy it. Take a leaf from Lizzy's book and get a bit of self confidence! Lets hope wearing these looks a bit will rub off on her.

 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR IS COMING!



As some of you will already know, I am a huge fan of the late, great Miss Taylor - Never did anyone before or since embody what it means to be a star so perfectly. So I was so excited to hear that Christies would be touring her collection which will finally be auctioned in New York in December. I have been waiting since the announcement to find out what dates the collection will be in London and it turns out its on the 24th, 25th and 26th of September. Three days when I am super busy. But I am determined to go and see the show all the same.

Some images of her legendary Jewelry, which for many will be the highlight of the tour, have been published. for me I'm more interested to go and see some of the less publicised belongings and the clothes. I am eagerly waiting for the catalogues which I have bought at great expense, but I feel they will be something to keep forever, a reminder of a truly great lady and an amazing event, possibly the gayest souvenir ever?

This is the newly named 'Elizabeth Taylor Diamond' it is the star of the show. You can see in the pictures quite how big this diamond is. While JLo was prancing around singing about the rocks that she got and pretending to be the Queen of bling Elizabeth must have been at home laughing - JLo's bling looks positively paltry next to this honking stone!



This is the La Pelegrina Pearl. This is considered on of the most perfect pearls in existence and was discovered in the Sixteenth Century. Originally owned by the Spanish Royal Family it found its way to the Queen of Hollywood and now to know knows. One thing is for sure, the next owner won't be poor - or me, it is valued at $2,000,000 - $3,000,000

This Bvlgari Emerald Suite was given to Elizabeth by Richard Burton, who was by all accounts rather generous. I suppose when a bouqet of petrol station flowers won't do, the next best thing is a Diamond and Emerald extravaganza!

Well all that was a little vulgar, so here are some of my favorite photo's of Elizabeth to remind us that she was more than a draping station for some rather large jewels.

Ironically, a woman so beautiful she really didn't need jewelery to accentuate her looks.

In completely unrelated news I may be off to Japan next week! I read in this mornings metro paper that you can go and volunteer in the clear up after the Japanese Tsunami. I must admit it hadn't crossed my mind to fly to Japan to help, but as I have some time off from full time work I feel it would be a pretty good way to spend my time. I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture and design and it has brought me great pleasure in my life so maybe its time to give something back to this great Country. (I'm not too keen on their fishing policies, but that is for another time - not nice to kick people when they are down). So I am waiting to see if I will be off and will keep you all posted! Fingers Crossed.