Violet Lake Loves...
We're always coming across hidden gems and brands we like. Some of them are good enough to share with you.
Detox into my bikini!
With two weeks to go before my annual unveiling of flesh in Ibiza, I decided to do the 5 day Mini B cleanse from Raw Fairies. It's very simple to do as Raw Fairies do all the hard work for you! Every morning they deliver your daily allowance of food which is made up of salads, raw foods and juices. Your week starts and ends with a day of salads, raw food and juices, then on Tuesday and Thursday you have salads and juices and on Wednesday its a juice only day. You are also given supplements to take while you complete the process and advice on beneficial complimentary therapies that you might also consider doing during the week. I had quite a busy working week this time with a few very long days, but I am pleased to say I didn't feel overly tired or unable 'get through the day' despite consuming what most people would consider as being not much food. It only goes to show that we really eat a lot more than our body needs. A week later, my skin is clear, stomach is flat (ter!) and I have lost 5 pounds. Its a great thing to do as a little heath boost before a holiday or maybe a big event.
£295.00 per week from www.rawfairies.com (only available in London)
Too good for the beach?
Tiffany & Co the world famous jewellers have brought out some new leather items including this rather fantastic leather tote bag. Its rather glamourous for the beach, but I think it will suit me just fine and the larger size is big enough for a spare bikini, suncream and sunglases etc! Available in several different colour ways, but I am rather fond of the classic 'tiffany blue' and silver one. Starting at £305.00, its not the cheapest tote in the world but then as it's reversible its like getting two bags for the price of one! You can have it blue one day, silver the next! Perfect!
Essential beach cover ups from Me and Em
We love Me & Em at Violet Lake. Their simple, classic designs and soft jersey fabrics make them a hit when you are travelling or on holiday (I am pretty much live in their roll-top palazzo trousers) But I love the little dresses that they do every summer. They are perfect for layering over a bikini when you have lunch or are going to and from the beach. The trapeze tunic in white £89.00 is my latest obsession. I plan to wear it over my tangerine bikini on the beach in Ibiza in July!
www.me&em.com
Missoni for Havaiannas
I love a bright coloured stripe (albeit a wavy one!) and I love a flip-flop; so what could be better this summers hot collaboration between Havaianas and Missoni! They go with all the Violet Lake colours so you really can't go wrong! The 'Slim Wave' flip flop costs £70.00 and is available from Selfridges and on line at www.net-a-porter.com
Under wraps with Tallulah and Hope
If, like me you are wondering what you should be wearing with your Violet Lake bikini or swimsuit, while lunching or going to or from the beach, can I suggest a kaftan or sarong from Tallulah and Hope? The brand specialises in super light cottons and silk georgettes to create divine, airy kaftans, pareos and scarves in subtle, elegant colours. Super versatile, you could be on the beach in one of their pieces, slip on some high heels and feel perfectly dressed for dinner. I particularly love the fine cotton pareos in the bird prints and also have my eye on the chiton in black which would look amazing slung over a bright coloured bikini... our very own tangerine bikini would look amazing with this!
Gwyneth's Sunglasses
Since the gorgeous Ms Paltrow was photographed wearing a Violet Lake bikini, I have been pondering who made the very cool sunglasses that she was also seen wearing at the time. A very helpful reader to this blog (you know who you are!) told me that they were from an LA brand called Benjamin and that the style was called the Cindy. They are such a cool shape and seem to be a celebrity favourite! The collection is available at Harvey Nichols in London.
Great Beach Bag from Anya Hindmarch
I do love an Anya Hindmarch bag, I always have done since I used to work there as a Saturday girl! So what could be better for the beach or poolside than this lovely raffia shoulder bag. The black leather trim makes it much smarter and chicer than your average beach bag, and it has zip up compartment inside to put your lip balm and keys etc in. Available at Matches online for £330.00
The Amazing Miss Paltrow
As you some of you may have seen in a recent issue of Grazia, the sublime Miss Gwyneth Paltrow was seen frolicking in the sea in Barbados recently in a Violet Lake bikini. She was sporting the Plenty top and the Blush bottoms in Navy and we thought she looked INCREDIBLE! We love her sunglasses in this picture too, so we will try and find out where they are from and report back!
Thank you so much Gwyneth, Violet Lake really loves you!
North Island in the Seychelles
I was very lucky this February to get a chance to go to North Island in the Seychelles......
It's DIVINE!
When I am working as a Fashion Editor, I am very lucky and I really get to travel the world! I often stay in the most amazing places, but North Island is now pretty high up in my top ten! It has the things you need on a lazy, luxury holiday......Empty white sandy beaches lead to a warm turquoise sea that is teeming with tropical fish (diving lessons and snorkling trips are included in your stay). The spa is the most stunning location I have ever been pampered in, with a 180 degree view over the sea. The treatments are expertly done in the most luxurious spa room (it was the size of my old flat!!!) you chill out to the sound of the waves crashing against the beach and tropical birds singing.... gorgeous! The rooms are not your average rooms, there are 13 individual, incredible villas, set in their own garden which overlooks the sea and comes complete with its own plunge pool, butler and golf buggy so you can drive around the island at your leisure. Quite honestly I could have lived quite hapily in the bathroom which had the most comfortable day bed to flop on to after you have swam about in your huge bath. The food there is excellent too, the idea is that you can have whatever you like, whenever you like it! Weather it's creating a pizza to your own specifications in the more remote, romantic beach bar (where the barman makes a mean cocktail too!) breakfasting on the beach (the staff will set up a table so you can eat your eggs with your toes in the sand) or a more fine dining experience in the main resturant.. its all sublime! Needless to say the celebrities love it here.. apparently the Beckhams hired out the whole island to themselves and when I win the lottery I will do the same! STOP THE PRESS! I just found out that this is where our very own Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Wills and Kate) spent their honeymoon! If its good enough for them.....