How tweet it is to be loved by…..
Marie Claire online!!
Yes our new Rose Gold Clover necklace from Vicky Davies has been snapped up as today's MC online Buy of the Day. Of course savvy readers that you are you saw it here first last Saturday.
Cerise UK is also feelin' the love from the super dooper savvy Martina McHowat . The gorgeous Martina is the Style Editor of Urban Junkies one of the hippest guides to London life on cyberbia. Martina was guest blogging on the delicious Wee Birdy site which has recently been named as one of The Top 100 Blogs by The Sunday Times. A well deserved "Tweet" of congratulations is in order for the talented Topbird!!
As promised a follow up on LWF before the splendour fades from my mind. 
Here are two snippets from a new and a soon to be collection at Cerise UK.
First up I had a great chat with Vivienne Johnston the designer behind Fifi Bijoux. Having come so far and winning so many awards for her commitment to ethical sourcing and production of luxury goods one could expect Vivienne to be on a very high pedestal. Nothing could be further from the truth as she is always one of the most welcoming a positive people that I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
We had a laugh about her "lavender" Scottish complexion while trying to find a suitable spot for this shot under some pretty dreadful lighting. After having fallen fowl of the sun while visiting miners in Mongolia, Vivienne practically covered herself in a shroud on her trip to the mines of Brazil. She giggled and confessed to repeating the mantra, "I'm not from here" as she slathered on the sun cream. Not that it's a problem, she's naturally radiant.
I almost didn't recognise Beate Kubitz as the last time I saw her she had Gail Trimble hair. Now a punky platinum blonde she made me do a double take. Her beautiful designs were instantly familiar though. I first had the pleasure of experiencing Makepiece at the previous LFW. I looked and lusted but as the line was predominately clothing I left it there. This time however I just had to pick up some of their vibrant and snuggly knitted accessories. Makepiece's eco-cred is one to be admired as well. Beate lives in West Yorkshire where she raises her own sheep and goats. She keeps a flock of Shetland sheep for their naturally coloured fleeces - and occasionally brings lambs to the studio for bottle feeding!
Dash in a Flash
Apologies in advance for the brevity of this post but I must get some sleep soon. I'm on my personal day 2 of visiting the Exhibitions at London Fashion Week and I'm having a blast.
Day 1 was just a nip over after a high energy day at the shop so today I had a little more time to chat.
First up was Tim Ryan, knitwear designer and much loved fav of fashion blogger extraordinaire Susie Bubble. Tim and I had met a few years ago on a course and since then his business has rocketed. So it was a real treat to have time for catch up and to see his dynamic new collection. There is a studio visit on the cards so watch this soon to be lurex-ed space.
Just a few stands down from Tim were the lovely girls of Alex Monroe, Emma and Susie. I brought them one of "Momma Maria's Muffins" 
in blueberry which they promised to share over a cup of tea later. Alex's new work is as romantic and whimsical as ever! I'm really looking forward to receiving the goods from his "Roll Me Over In the Clover" collection and to the super sweet Love Birds Ring.
No visit to Fashion Week would be the same without a stop in ( or two or three) on the Angel Jackson girls. With sister Millie stationed in Bali it was down to Katie and the crew; Emily, Felicity, and Becky to man the mobs. Lucky Becky is with the gang as a part of her work experience. How fab? Just think of all those wannabe vets out there with their hands up the nether regions of a cow at this very moment. I know where me and my muffins would rather be.
More soon on the dynamic duo of Juan and Lenny from LeJu and the gal with the heart of ethical gold, Vivienne from Fifi Bijoux. Plus the strange synchronistic meetings with Jacey Withers and the disappearing Maria. No not me another Maria. And last but not least we go upstairs to visit the queen of future classics Tamara Fogel, see kitsch and cuddly winter warmers from Lowieland and begin the hunt for the real Emily Shoehorn!!!!!
Everything’s coming up roses
New in at Cerise UK, the much loved Vicky Davies Clover pendant and bracelet now both come in Rose Gold.
This is a particularly flattering and warming shade of gold that is very suitable for anyone that finds yellow gold to be a bit too bling.
Coming up soon to both in store and online will be Rose Garden silk chiffon scarves from Carol Lake. Before creating her own label, Carol consistently worked with High-end companies worldwide and continues to do so. Her client list includes some of the top names in the design world such as Lulu Guinness, Nina Campbell and Scalamandre and her work has been featured on the TV series 'Friends' and 'Sex and the City'.
We’re OK
Around Cerise UK we are beginning to think that mag press is a bit like buses. You wait for ages for one and two come along in the same month. Today we have the honour of our Pondi Tassel bag from Emily Shoehorn being showcased in OK magazine. Fringed and fun this bag oozes hippy chic at it's finest.
Speaking of buses I was on no less 6 today. There were collections from the shop, three separate destinations in Hatton Garden, a quickie catch up with designer Anna Lovell, maddening searches for 500w 3200k light blubs, a dash to collect my boy and a final meeting with designer Emma Chapman. Whew! Luckily you don't have to hunt so hard for glorious bits and pieces to make your look complete as we've done all the running for you! Not that I'm complaining mind as one task was to purchase grey pearls and drool over pink sapphires. Mmmmmm more on that story later.
Sunday @Cerise
Female Independence Day
I hope that everyone enjoyed a fantastic Valentine's Day yesterday. Did anyone make use of any of the "8 Days of Love Tips"? I for one certainly got inspired. Even though I'm married I got inspired by Carole Ann Rice's singleton tips and bought myself a bottle of heavenly perfume from our wonderful next door shop Angela Flanders. I've planned a special night out with my man to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our first date on the advice of Sally Ann Law. A resent de-clutter with Carmen Morris-Coulson prompted me to make room for love by clearing out months of half read papers, books and magazines surrounding my bed. Most fun of all was crooning Minnie Ripperton's "Lovin' You" into my egg beater as I cleaned the kitchen! Thanks Heather and yes I was alone.
After opening the shop quite a few times this week for men seeking last minute Valentine's Day goodies I expected today to see a lull in the proceedings. How wrong I was. There were plenty of sisters doing it for themselves today snapping up jewellery and the last of the sale handbags.The new Alex Monroe "Lots of Love" collection was a massive hit and will be coming to our site very soon. Two customers even went so far as to eschew packaging and to wear their items straight out of the 
door. One proud mama even went so far as to tell her man that this was exactly why she had a job and her own income so that she could spend it on whatever she liked. Go head girlfriend! Oh we do love a bit of spice and spirit on a Sunday.
During a quite moment though I left our dear Simon on his own and routinely nipped out quickly to get my lunch. Twenty plus long minutes later I returned with the usual yummy calamari and powder pink bag full of girly goodies from our newest neighbours The Powder Room. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I stood outside their window. Move over Mad Men this is Madame Missy May heaven. Dressed in retro pink uniforms complete with hats is a room full of lovely girls offering manicures, make up, hairstyling, tea in dainty china cups, biscuits and so much more. I grabbed a scrumptious Paul and Joe limited edition eye colour palette and a lipstick immediately. There was even expert advice on hand when I was torn between two blushers. Fantastic! Owner Katie and the crew make a super addition to Columbia Road and I wish them all the best.
Now of course a Sunday for me and especially my kids wouldn't be complete without a visit to Suck and Chew. It is the most glorious old time sweetie shop ever, made even sweeter by the luuurverly Vicki and McCaulay. Today Vicki and I had the mythical and hysterical battle of giant The Branch rings with her just nicking it by virtue of bling. Losing is never great but I took comfort in their motto " When life sucks, chew!"
Top Styling Tips for Romantic Hair
Day 8 in our "8 Days of Love"
You've got the outfit, the venue and even the song sorted so now it's time get your quiff in order. Luckily we have styling tips from BBC 1's "One Show" favourite, The Street Barber and celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas.
Here Michael gives instructions on how to create some of the best up dos in town. Hairspray and Kirby grips at the ready girls! Your Valentine won't know what hit um'.
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Apply some volume mousse to damp hair and dry in.
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Once all the hair is dry wrap the hair around some large heated rollers, about 10-15 should do.
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You don't need to be to neat, however put the parting in before putting in the rollers.
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Once the rollers have cooled take them out and gently using your fingers tease the waves slightly.
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Back comb the roots of the hair at the crown and use some HAIRSPRAY to help.
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Pin back sections of hair into and onto the back combed area using Kirby grips.
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Finish the whole thing with more hairspray.
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Apply some strong hold mousse to damp hair and dry in.
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Once all the hair is dry wrap the hair around some heated rollers. Smaller the better for this style about 10-15 should do
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Try to be very neat and put the parting in before putting in the rollers.
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Once the rollers have cooled take them out and section of the front hairline at the top and sides.
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Use a Mason Pearson flat bristle brush to smooth out the rest of the hair and keep it flat to the head
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Tie in a neat pony tail at the back of the head.
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Use a padded hair donut to put the pony tail through (a blonde one) and using the pony tail start to cover up the hair donut using pins and grips to help .
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Once all the donut is covered take the front hairline section on top and put a small amount of back combing at the roots to create a slight quiff and a the sides smooth and pin in place.
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Finish with hairspray.
- Apply mousse to damp hair.
- Blow dry the hair using a large round bristle brush.
- Don't put a parting in the hair and blow the hairline back.
- Once all the hair is dry use some hair spray at the roots and start backcombing using a fine tooth comb.
- Back comb all the roots!
- Then use a flat bristle brush and start to smooth out the surface of the hair and and pull back into a high pony tail.
- Making sure the hair at the sides and back is quite close to the head but the top keeps most of it's back combing (a bit quiffy).
- With the pony tail in place back comb it slightly and then start pinning it into the base of the pony tail using pins, grips and hairspray.
Cut a dash as a Romantic by Tracey Morris
Day 7 in our "8 Days of Love"
It is widely documented that we are judged on our appearance and, rightly or wrongly, how others perceive us is more important today than it has ever been. Having worked with Executives for many years, I soon realised the impact our appearance has on our confidence, the way people react to us and even our promotion prospects. Similarly, in our social lives, we are happier and more confident when we are looking our best, which in turn leads others to treat us more favourably.
This knowledge together with my passion for clothes, colour and style led me to the captivating world of image consultancy. I've witnessed people being transformed simply by knowing which colours and styles best suit them and truly believe that having this knowledge enhances their lives, as well as saving them time, effort and money.
I am a professionally trained image consultant and an Affiliate Member of the Federation of Image Consultants.
What's your Wardrobe Personality? Are you a Romantic?
Ten Top Tips to Serenade your Valentine!
Day 6 in our "8 Days of Love"
By Heather Mair Thomas ftcl,dipTcl, ltcl
Valentine's Day is often a day when, traditionally, we take a step beyond our usual boundaries.
We reveal our true feelings and say those 3 little words through gifts, cards and romantic gestures.
This year why not go one step further and say it with music by singing a love song to your Valentine?
As well as being lots of fun, singing a love song to your amour can be a romantic, personal gesture of love, even if your vocal cords are a bit rusty.
I believe we can all sing, in our own way, and we can all sing better with a little help.
So, to make your Valentine shout "Encore!" here are my top ten tips to free your inner Diva and make your vocal cords gleam!
How to sort out a Last Minute Valentine’s Day Meal
Day 5 in our "8 Days of Love"
For our 5th article leading up to Valentine's Day we have some useful advice from Carmen Morris-Coulson, director of Plan My Life, a lifestyle solutions company that offers a professional organising service for busy people.
"I was chatting to my husband about dates for our diary earlier this evening and he asked me if Valentine's Day was Friday 13th February; at first I thought he was joking but he genuinely forgot that it's on 14th! Over the years we have celebrated Valentine's Day very sporadically; to him it is a nightmare and he would prefer to be.....
Singles Valentine’s Survival Kit – by Life Coach Carole Ann Rice
Everything you need to go it alone on Day 4 of our "8 Days of Love"
Single this Valentine's Day? We've got the perfect article for you. This is little gem of wisdoms is brought to you by Life Coach Carole Ann Rice, the fairy godmother of self kindness.
It's that time of year again when the Tube and buses are full of smug-looking folk with red roses, teddies and I Wuv You cards cradled in their laps. It's enough to make you swear a life of celibacy, shave your head and join a monastery (one where they still serve a glass of Chardonnay daily, natch)
Romance in a Walk
Day 3 in our "8 Days of Love"
As a walker's coach, Heather Waring writes, speaks and runs workshops on the subject of walking. Through her work she encourages people of all ages to improve their lives through its physical and mental benefits. She also trains people to complete treks and charity walks. Today she talks to us about the romance of a walking with your loved one.
Tips to Preserve Romance
Day 2 in our "8 Days of Love"
In a relationship? On the second of our "8 Days of Love" we have a thought provoking post for you from Dr. Sally Ann Law, Personal and Executive Coach.
Melt My Heart Muffins
Day 1 in our "8 Days of Love"
Snow Days
All work and no play
