Come Closer.

There is so much bloody great music coming out of the North East at the minute, I can't get enough.
I'm more than obsessed with Lulu James (from South Shields, what's not to love?!) and I literally can't get this song out of my head. If you haven't heard it, where have you been?

Bernicia Festival 2013

Now, I wasn't at the press launch today, but I can't bloody wait for Bernicia Festival - South Shields' own alternative arts festival happening on 4th August at The Customs House.

As a Shields girl, this is big business for the town. We have so many great artists and bands coming out of the area at the minute and I'm so glad there's a chance to see everyone altogether in one place.

Tickets are free but only on a lottery basis, so make sure you sign-up quick sharp to be in with a chance of seeing South Tyneside's finest Little Comets, Lulu James, Natasha Haws and my mates, Boy Jumps Ship.

Want to see more? Check out KYEO's line-up reveal and new from the press launch.

Warby Parker: Summer 2013 Collection

As a glasses wearer, I am always on the hunt for the chicest pair of specs. And, as the biggest hoarder of sunglasses known to man, as soon as the sun shines, I'm on the case looking for the most brilliant new sunglasses styles to adorn my face with.

So, you can imagine my delight when an email from chic spectacle maker Warby Parker dropped into my inbox.

Their Summer collection launches today, and boy oh boy, do they have some great sunglasses styles to see through through the sunny months and gorgeous new eyeglass shapes to get your hands on.

My favourites? Check these out and head over to Warby Parker to see the full collection.

Warby Parker also run a fantastic initiative whereby if you buy a pair of glasses, they give a pair to someone in need. Head over to WarbyParker.com to find out more about Buy a Pair, Give a Pair.

Recent Snaps: Feb/March 2013

The last few weeks have been a blur of work, cooking, weddings, running and a lot more.

Here's a snapshot of what's been going down.

Valentine's gifts from Joe - Coco Noir and pretty red roses / a surprise stay at the Malmaison as a Valentine's treat - Joe is a keeper / pretty gin packaging in The Wine Chambers, Tynemouth / Caroline Issa for LK Bennett clutch bag - see my blog post on the collection here / All hail the new issue of fabulous women's magazine, The Gentlewoman featuring non other than Queen Bey / a heart in a morning latte / picture wall at the Harbour Lights / Alvinos cocktail list in cassette tape format / the trial run bake for our Comic Relief Great British Bake Off event at work - my Chorizo & Leek pasties  went down a treat / artwork in the best coffee bar in Newcastle, 9 Bar / the ever-amazing coastline in Tynemouth, 5 minutes from our flat / Defense! / Nail art goodies from Quantum Beauty Company / A new addition to Joe's family - Lottie the beagle / the ace gramophone in the Crown Posada / Pennyhill Park for my cousin's wedding with my sister-in-law Nat; I'm wearing Topshop / Bella my niece doing her flowergirl duties / Forgot-me-not seeds as wedding favours / pretty Spring flowers for centrepieces / a much need health boost in the form of a Leon salad on the train from London / Mama and me...a #latergram  

& Other Stories

I know, I know: who hasn't blogged about H&M's new brand this week? But, it's all for good reason.

& Other Stories, created by the teams behind the brilliant high-street collections from H&M and Cos, now bring us this new brand. The brand's collections aren't depicted by trends, but 'stories' which will develop each season. They've integrated some brilliant video 'Shop the Story' sequences, showing the clothes on real people (definately where eCommerce is heading) and this week launched their London HQ on Regent Street.

The ready-to-wear clothes, accessories and shoes are the type of staples which you need in your wardrobe; simple colour, shapes and styles. My idea of utter style heaven. Pass me my credit card - here are my picks:

Block heel sandals £65 / Claire Vivier for & Other Stories Notebook Holder £29

Leather clutch £55 / Sleeveless shirt £39 

Knitted top £29 / Leather belt £29 

What's your favourite story this season?

& Other Stories

256—258 Regent Street

London, W1B 3AF 

Caroline Issa for LK Bennett

This week, I invited along to one of my favourite department stores, Fenwick Newcastle, to have a sneaky peek at Tank Magazine editor Caroline Issa's limited edition collaboration with LK Bennett.

The capsule collection, comprising of footwear and bags, are absolutely exquisite and so detailed; the craftsmanship is astounding. Issa, inspired by her travels to Thailand, has pair the neutral tones of leather and canvas with hot pink, green, yellow and red embroidery to such beautiful effect. I'll let the images speak for themselves. Absolutely gorgeous.

It's brilliant that we have this collection available to buy in the North East and that brands and retailers are recognising the high demand for these high-end products in the region. Hats off to Fenwick!

Prices for the accessories start at a very reasonable £245 for footwear and £275 for bags - a snip when you think of the craftsmanship involved.

The collection is exclusively available at Fenwick Newcastle and other LK Bennett flagship locations.

Jan/Feb 2013: Some snaps

Tim Walker poster from his brilliant Story Teller exhibition at Somerset House, finally in situ above the bed; Big Sis and me ready for a day out in London town; Heaven in a can; Aesop goodies from Beauty Expert; the best coffee from Ouseburn Coffee Company at Tynemouth Market; old shipping lights in ORA Tynemouth;  Rob Ryan mugs from Joe for our 5 year anniversary <3; the snowy seafront near our flat; gorgeous new wooden blinds in the bedroom; visiting Redhouse in Newcastle for a birthday pie; citizenM Bankside; the fabulous pop-up Chanel beauty store in Covent Garden; lights in citizenM reception area; cocktails and martinis in DUKES London; Sophie Hulme for Globetrotter - want, need, love.