What a day yesterday, my feet are crying right now, but honestly, it was worth it.  On a seemingly average Thursday in Bedforshire, I had plans which were anything but mediocre. Unfortunately for me, a full day ahead of event-hopping in London and bad planning meant I literally had nothing to wear, so after the school run I grabbed my fave bits from the wardrobe and ran for the train. I opted for my comfiest ever shoes – Swarovski encrusted Jimmy Choos – which have worked out THE cheapest footwear I’ve ever had if you break it down to pence per wear! They are giving up the ghost really, but I cannot let them go! There is no way I could have rocked a heel on a mission like that, unless someone wants to provide me with a driver for the day – I wish! So, add in my trusty Michael Kors jeans – bought in America for a song – teamed with an embellished rose-gold Zara blouse…now this wasn’t particularly fashion forward so what’s a girl to do? Well, the solution was to grab a dramatic statement piece like this one from New Look – this seasons waterfall ‘coatigan’ silhouette  – and I was flouncing and good to go!

Aaargh, don’t look at my crows feet! Me & the fabulous Nelson Catarino – Global Lead Artist for Charlotte Tilbury – thank you for my makeover darling!

All about the make up – apologies for my mug in so many pics today!!

I was on my bi-annual pilgrimage to London Fashion weekend; hands-down, it’s London’s biggest fashion pop up, as they so proudly emblazon on all the press boards. Feeling my age & in need of some expert beautifying, I made a visit to Selfridges, where the fabulous Nelson Catarino, Global Lead Artist at Charlotte Tilbury, took control & kindly got me catwalk ready. He was in town for a brief spell, for the launch of the new Mini-Miracle Eye Wand. I have so much to say about his golden touch, it needs a whole post of it’s own – watch this space! The smoky look stayed put well into the night and got quite a few winks & compliments – thanks so much Nelson!

Scavi & Ray Limited Edition LFWend Prosecco. How tempting are these bubbles!?!

London Fashion Weekend runs from Thursday to Sunday every season following the legendary London Fashion Week shows and it gives the general public a chance to dip their toe into the pool of Britain’s premier up & coming fashion brands, with the added bonus of buying at knock-down prices. What’s not to love?

Beauty, fashion, footwear, jewellery, catwalk shows, makeovers and glam in abundance with a dash of Prosecco thrown in, courtesy of Scavi and Ray of course! It’s the ultimate girlie getaway, a day out with all the best elements of fashion under one chic roof.

I have been lucky enough to be invited to this event for a number of years now, and have enjoyed the contrasting venues which have hosted the spectacle. This year, the show comes back to its Chelsea roots, albeit way more refined & rejuvenated than ever before. The days of old where we went in elbows out, heads down and it was every fashionista for themselves to bag a sample sale bargain is long gone. I miss those days as I love a scrum as much as the next hard-nosed Lulu Guinness lover! Then the event moved on to the serene setting of Somerset House, which was transformed into a colourful, crazy rabbit warren filled with treasures twice a year. But trends change, and so do the brands & the fashionistas. Nowadays it’s hello glamour and open spaces with the participants a heady mix of family & friend contingents, dressed up to the max & soaking up the fash-pack festivities and couture clad ladies looking to shop til they drop, flanked by avant-garde fashion students, leading the London way in style.

The iconic Saatchi Gallery, Duke Of York Square, Kings Road, London

I have to confess, it takes a little getting used to the Saatchi Gallery venue and it appears at first that the event has got smaller, but that’s not to say it is any less fabulous, with the space packed to the rafters with home grown designers selling their wares at massively discounted prices. I always feel it takes a settling-in season to get used to something new and I’m already looking forward to #LFWend16! But the space is gorgeous & nestled in the heart of the delightful Duke Of York Square, it couldn’t be any more picturesque!

Ducie Keam-George, creator of her eponymous label, works the camera!

A selection of the Ducie collection – You know that leopard print top I’m ALWAYS wearing – blame Ducie!

Gorgeous cosy faux fur & suede creations for Autumn/Winter by Ducie

My shopping haul included a bit of Marcus Lupfer (literally cannot do without his iconic sequin knitwear for my Autumn wardrobe updates!), a smattering of Ducie who make the most luxurious, wearable pieces and (yet another!) cheeky little Jane Carr scarf for those chilly winter mornings on the school run.

Gabrial working his magic!

The man with the magic fingers himself! Gabrial, MD of Toni & Guy, Newcastle Under Lyne

I also had a hair SOS as my ginger locks withered in the Heat of the fashion show – boy it was rammed and the anticipation of the eager crowd was electric! But help came in the form of my lovely friend Alex at Label M, proud sponsors of the event for the last 10 years, who whisked me off for a hair overhaul at the hands of sweetheart Gabrial Daniels, who was simply mesmerising as he set about expertly curling my follicles into a glossy, tumbling mane within minutes. The Label M team rock, they are always so sweet and generous to me…and my eldest son Harry is often found sneaking my hairspray and gel products of a morning before school, so he can rock the Toni & Guy look. By then I was papparazi ready & eager for the show.

For the first time I can remember, the show focused on one single label, ISSA, and the models strutted the new season creations poker-faced, allowing our attention to hone in exclusively on every exquisite detail of the tailoring & embellishment. Hosted by the eternally effervescent Angela Scanlon, we were taken on a shimmering sequinned journey of Autumn colours, fabulous fabrics & emerging trends. A delight for the eyes.

Show over & shopping done, it was time to say my goodbyes and whizz over to The London Experience venue for the launch of Barry M’s Autumn colours.  As we were served sumptuous canapes & free flowing refreshments by ladies in goulish get-ups, we had a chance to talk beauty with fellow bloggers & to brainstorm with the brand.

Barry M is the go-to brand for nail polish and make-up colour palettes in my book, especially their amazing range of gel polishes, which have been my nail-bed knights in shining armour on many occassion! I have such awful, dry nails I literally cannot hold a chip-free mani for more than 24hours, but a Barry M Gelly sure sticks to those suckers, looks show-stopping and gives great shine on my tricky talons!

I bumped into the lovely BeautyQueenUK, and we had a fab time gossiping about all thing blogging & beauty, time for a quick spooky London Dungeon selfie and my feet took me homeward after a truly fabulous day at the office!

Are you going to London Fashion Weekend? Tell me what you look forward to most?Tickets on sale here!

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