Fernandez and Wells - Spanish Heaven on Lexington St

This is one of my favourite places... ever. Now, you should know, I am the kind of person who can be enticed into any establishment, if there is Jamon hanging in the window! Even if you are not a fan of the deliciousness that is cured meat, you are bound to fall in love with this place for many more reasons. The food is mouth watering (with only top notch ingredients used), the wine selection delicious and the staff friendly and knowledgeable, but the great thing about this place is the atmosphere. It is so comfortable and relaxing, that inevitably a quick drink easily turns into a bottle with food - not that I'm complaining! A great place to meet friends, enjoy an intimate date or indulge in a cheeky glass of wine on a Wednesday night! Get a feel for the place (and food) here.

Love these tube tiles...

Designed by Annabel Grey in 1985

Smile for London - Art on the Underground

Smile for London has vowed to help us beat the January blues (the most depressing day of the year was apparently last Monday) with a 'showcase of film, art and animation' on the underground. A fantastic group of artists have created a collection of 'creative intermissions', which are being showcased during morning and evening rush hour at selected stations. 

It has certainly put a smile of my face, with favourites being Amy Thornley's 'Spreadsheet Invasion' (sharing my contempt for spreadsheets) and Sodazot's film with the crazy eyes (I may have actually snorted out loud)! I found myself  doing the unthinkable and voluntarily missing a tube (or two), just to see more, as well as mixing up my journey to catch films at different stations! Check out their great site for a map of featured stations, as well as artist names and previews of what to expect.

Walker & Bromwich – Limbo Land

Best Before – Smile Birdy Smile

Last day to catch this is Friday, but hopefully there will be more projects to follow...

Vroom Vroom Sculpture

When I heard that this new piece of sculptural art had hit our streets, I just had to go and see it up close, especially as i have a long standing love for the classic Cinquecento. Talking about his piece, Lorenzo Quinn said that 'Vroom Vroom symbolises part of my independence, my freedom and my personal growth. This was the first car I bought with the money I made in my first jobs'. 

Still my perfect city car... minus the giant arm!

On display on Park Lane until April

Swedish Hasbeens for H&M

Here is something to cheer you up on this cold January day... H&M have announced that their next shoe collaboration will be with Swedish Hasbeens - Very exciting! These wooden soled, mega comfortable shoes became extremely popular last year and are set to become even more so with this collaboration. Available from 20th April in over 150 stores, the collection ticks both the 70's and Swedish trends that are set to be key for summer. But wait...you haven't heard the best bit yet... prices will start from only £34.99! With original Hasbeens in the £100+ bracket, these gorgeous shoes are sure to create humongous queues. I am planning my strategy now, as these are a must for my summer wardrobe. I have my heart set on the red peeptoes... I just might have to get them in white as well!

These three styles will each come in two colours....decisions, decisions...

Black Swan

The already critically acclaimed Black Swan is set to hit our cinema screens this weekend and I can't wait! Having missed the opportunity to see the film at the BFI Film Festival last October, I have been craving the general release ever since. There is a lot of buzz around the film and it is sure to be very inspiring to the fashion and design world, especially if these stunning Art Deco style posters are anything to go by! Unfortunately they are not available to buy as of yet (only used for promotions and displays in cinemas), but hopefully that will change with the success of the film.

The posters are the work of London based design studio La Boca. Check out their portfolio and great blog for more visual treats. 

 

I am finding it impossible to choose my favourite...I love them all!

Trend Alert - The Roaring Twenties

What with Boardwalk Empire on our screens from next month (Sky Atlantic) and filming due to start this summer on Baz Luhrmann's next project, The Great Gatsby,  I feel there could be a strong trend brewing around the 1920's. Carey Mulligan is set to play Daisy Buchanan and possibly Leo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, in what is sure to be an epic version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic. Definitely one to watch!

Jack Clayton's 1974 version of the The Great Gatsby, with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, seen here, in the leading roles. Image via Blue movie review.

Two gorgeous examples of twenties fashion already hitting the high street (both by Topshop, but already sold out!)

Boardwalk Empire and Prohibition London

I am a serial box setter! Favourites have included The Wire, The Sopranos and Mad Men. Since Mad Men series 4 ended a month ago, I have been on a major come down, however that is all about to change with HBO's long awaited Boardwalk Empire coming to our shores next month. Set in Atlantic City during prohibition, the series (with the most expensive ever pilot - $50 million no less!) is set to dazzle with stunning sets, fabulous fashion, gangsters and plenty of glamour. With Steve Buscemi as the lead character ''Nucky'', Terrance Winter (producer on The Sopranos) as creator and Martin Scorsese (no comments required) as producer/director, this is one sure fire recipe for success!

Now, if you fancy a little prohibition style indulgence of your own, there are a number of places in London that offer just that. For a themed night out, bringing the best of the roaring twenties to Bloomsbury Ballroom (what a decadent venue), check out this great site. 

Or, if you are looking for something a little more low key, then the fabulous Bourne and Hollingsworth in Fitzrovia is perfect. This gorgeous, basement bar keeps prohibition sentiments alive, with the most delicious cocktails served in fine china. Each one is accompanied by cute finger sandwiches or biscuits! Just delightful!

Naked lady fountain

Love this fountain. Came across it walking along the South Bank this week. To find it head to Tower Bridge and look out for Brewery Square. There are some great bars & restaurants nearby, where you can refuel before the walk back!

Must have - Morris dancing shoes

After watching the Morris dancers at The London Thames Festival last summer, I became obsessed by these gorgeous shoes and have since been trying to find a pair of my very own. So far, no luck, so any tips would be much appreciated! I love the etched detailing and the studs on the sole. I can imagine them making a lovely clip-clopping noise as I walk/ jig down the street. The hunt is still on!

Cubana Cafe

To reward ourselves for jumping seamlessly back into the rat race last week, the man and me hit Cubana Cafe to indulge in their delicious, stress-busting mojitos!  The fabulously kitsch interior and infectious Latino music, were the perfect antidote to a week of train fare and VAT hikes! The food looked pretty tasty as well, must go back to sample soon...