New York Fashion Week: Razzle Dazzle 'Em

With New York Fashion Week drawing to a close, one of the strongest trends emerging at the beginning of this fashion month, has been the romantic/roaring Twenties inspired look. At Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa's offering was beautifully minimal but more romantic than previous seasons, Ralph Lauren's collection offered a more direct Great Gatsby reference; Alberta Ferretti used subtly embellished pieces at her Philosophy label, and Marc Jacobs' cross referenced Twenties and Sixties for a futuristic look. In fashion, we continue to look back to bygone eras for our inspiration, and the Twenties provides the base for Spring/Summer 2012, nodding to the upcoming film adaptation of The Great Gatsby starring Carey Mulligan; we all want to be a modern day Daisy Buchanan.

All images © Fashiongonerogue.com

Fashion: Objects of Affection, September 2011

1. Hexagon Gold Ring by Mociun . Found this beauty thanks to illustrator extraordinaire Niki Pilkington. A classic piece for your jewellery box (hope the boyf is reading this!)

2. Necklace from The Diamond Collection by Myia Bonner. I discovered this talented jeweller at New Designers this year and this necklace is on my must have list.

3. Never has going back to school looked so chic. It's September, so time to parade your new Autumn/Winter wardrobe including Christopher Kane's Aqua fel-filled PVC clutch which reminds me of my obsession with gel-filled pencil cases and watches (which had a tendency to burst...) when I was 11.

4. I'm planning a whole blog post around about how, in the words of Carrie Bradshaw, "I've been cheating on fashion with furniture," in my quest to find beautiful pieces of furniture and home accessories for mine and my boyfriend's first flat. I plan on having a whole wall filled with beautiful limited edition prints, and this print by Kate Moross is high on my wish list.

5. I don't know one girl who isn't obsessed with Miu Miu's glittery peep toe booties for Autumn/Winter - I know Briony over at A Girl, A Style is obsessing over them as much as I am! They're the perfect footwear choice for the festive season (and every other season for that matter!) - everyone deserves a bit of glamour at Christmas.

6. Finally, 'tis the season of the jumper. I'd like mine navy, warm and cable knit please. Topshop's navy blue offering will go perfectly with tailored trousers and brogues for a laid-back Autumnal look.

Fashion: Lanvin vs Pitbull

So obsessed with Lanvin's Autumn/Winter 2011 campaign video. So awkward it's cool!

Day Trip: Headlam Hall

Yesterday, I ventured to Headlam Hall in County Durham with my mum for a well deserved day of relaxation. Headlam Hall is an absolutely beautiful spa and golf hotel with stunning grounds and a luxurious spa. My mum visits the spa regularly with her sister but this was my first time there and I had a truly fantastic day.

We arrived about 9am and were offered complimentary tea and coffee and then were whisked through to the ladies' changing rooms where we found our personalised itineraries for the day. I didn't get a chance to take any photos of the pool and treatment rooms (I was too busy relaxing!) but all facilities were done to such a high standard and no detail had been missed.

We indulged in use of the Hydrotherapy Pool (hot tub to you and me!), sauna and steam room before our first treatment at 10:30am - the Moroccan Rose Oil Foot Polish and Head and Scalp Massage. The therapists were extremely attentive and I could not recommend both of these treatments more. I was so relaxed during the head and scalp massage I actually nodded off. After we'd let the oils sink into out skin, we managed to get a quick swim in before lunch. Another swim after lunch and then our final treatment at 3pm was the Hot Stone Back & Neck Massage. Actual heaven! Headlam Hall use Aromatherapy Associates and Thalgo products, which smelled divine and left us completely destressed.

After we'd finished using the spa we'd planned to have a look around the main hotel but there was a wedding taking place - such a perfect setting for a celebration. We had such an amazing day and the staff made it a great experience for us both. I would highly recommend a visit and can't wait to visit again!

All photos © Alice Mary Barnes 2011.

Road Trip: Bamburgh

On Friday after work, I ventured up to Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast, where my boyfriend's mum was renting a cottage for a week. But as I was at work all week, Friday night was the only opportunity to make the trip up. We went for a walk on Bamburgh beach on Friday evening and the sunset was just spectacular. I am always entranced by them!

I have been a lazy blogger of late. Normal posting to resume this week with a trip to Headlam Hall, North Yorkshire for a long overdue spa day!