Bookish Monday

The one thing I buy as much, if not more than skincare, is books and music. Yes, I still buy CDs, the old-fashioned way. 

Book-wise, I'm a sucker for a beautiful, good, solid hardback and there have been an abundance of them released in the last month.

First up is Bloom by the lovely Estee Lalonde aka Essie Button-of-old to those of us in the blogging world. Bloom is a journey through Estee's life so far and is done really beautifully, almost like an extra long blog post with fabulous photographs. A joy. Available from: waterstones.com/book/bloom 

Estee's site can be found here: www.esteelalonde.com

I remember shopping for Lime, Basil and Mandarin shower gel in Jo Malone's first store in Walton Street in London. Since then she's sold the business to Estee Lauder, survived breast cancer and opened Jo Loves, while being a wife and mum along the way. This is the story of her journey. Available from Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Jo-Malone-My-Story More info on Jo can be found here: www.joloves.com

Sali's second book looks at iconic beauty products through the decades and is a cross between a fun encyclopedia and a trip down memory lane. LouLou fragrance anyone? 

A breeze to read, it's an excellent reference book and a perfect Christmas present for the beauty lover in your life. Available here: waterstones.com/pretty-iconic More info on Sali here: salihughesbeauty.com

Finishing up with The Coveteur. I am fairly new to this site, but I am completely addicted. If you like nosying into people's wardrobes/dressing rooms/general living spaces, be warned, you'll be here for hours. The book is beautiful. Big, hefty, bright and chock full of exquisite photography.

Available from Waterstones: waterstones.com/the-coveteur and the website is here: Be warned - make a brew before you start. coveteur.com/closet

As an aside: every time I googled these books, Amazon came up first. Can we please support traditional booksellers? The absolute joy of meandering for hours in a bookshop cannot be matched by having something delivered to your house with lightbulbs and phone chargers via Prime delivery.

To that end, here are some of the best:

www.dauntbooks.co.uk

www.johnsandoe.com

www.ica.org.uk

www.assouline.com/boutiques

www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk

www.clairederouenbooks.com

www.sotherans.co.uk



*This post contains no affiliate links. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Jo Malone White Lilac & Rhubarb Charity Candle

Charity projects always put me in two minds: is the money reaching the end target? Are the brand doing it purely to satisfy their CSR demands? 

So when something like this comes through, it puts my sometimes-too-cynical mind at ease.

When you purchase this new candle from Jo Malone they will donate the full retail price (less VAT) to a number of charities including the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, St Mungo's Broadway in Bristol, the Kirkdale Country Garden, Rotunda Limited in Liverpool, Redhall Walled Garden, Scottish Association for Mental Health and Thrive - the Society for Horticultural Therapy in Battersea.

Working with community charities across the UK and the USA, through the sales of items such as this, Jo Malone supports their work with adults living with mental health issues and the fourth Jo Malone charity garden will open this June in Bristol. With the help of homeless charity St Mungo’s Broadway, it enables homeless clients to gain horticultural qualifications that could lead to long-term employment. 

The candle itself smells exactly like you would expect, soft fruit mixed with the white lilac. I am breaking my Limited Edition rule and already burning into it on my desk.

White Lilac and Rhubarb Scented Candle is available for £42.00 in all Jo Malone stockists including www.jomalone.co.uk (although it is not showing on there as yet)

Jo Malone London Lace Bottle Collection

Jo Malone has long offered a brides service - a complimentary appointment to find your own bespoke fragrance for the big day. As my own 'big' day was 21 years ago (OMG) there's not much joy in that for me. I can, however, indulge in the new Lace Bottle Collection, which hits counters in May. 

Available in three different designs, two ivory and one black - the fragrances can be ordered in ten of the most popular scents: Peony & Blush Suede, Orange Blossom, Red Roses, English Pear & Freesia, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Wild Bluebell, Pomegranate Noir and my two personal favourites, Velvet Rose & Oud and Dark Amber & Ginger Lily.

The go-to scent for a lot of brides seems to be Orange Blossom mixed with a complimenting fragrance. I've never been a big fan of citrus fragrances, I've always gone down the white floral or heavier amber roads.

The Dark Amber & Ginger Lily is a perfect blend of two of my favourite scents in one - so it's a pretty obvious choice for me. I know it's the same product wrapped up in different packaging, in essence that's what most new design/limited editions are - The only problem I have with limited editions is actually using them - I know you can always keep the bottles when they're empty but just like with the Charlotte Tilbury Limited Editions from last week, part of me feels like they should be 'saved'. Although God only knows for what, if I don't use them, Ava will - or the kids will just flog my Limited Editions when I'm dead...*gives up, sprays self to death, opens all the compacts*

However, the Jo Malone London Lace Bottle Collection is not limited edition - it's a permanent addition to the range - and it goes on sale in May, priced £86 for 100ml or £105 for the Cologne Intense Bottles and is available in all of the free standing boutiques. www.jomalone.co.uk

Jo Malone Rock the Ages

It's hard to think of a fragrance house that churns out newness as much as Jo Malone. Whether permanent additions to the core range or Limited Editions, as in this case, they are certainly playing well to the consumer that wants more more more...

Rock the Ages focuses on key periods of British history including Tudor, Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian and Modern Britain.

Rose & Amber - the Tudor fragrance, is the standout for me. Yes, I'm nothing if not predictable. 

It's warm, heavy and sexy yet not overbearing. The only sadness is that it won't be around forever. All the more reason to go check them out while you can.

The Rock the Ages Collection is £42.00 for 30ml from www.jomalone.co.uk and as I mentioned, strictly limited. Bah humbug. Or more appropriately, off with their heads.

Jo Malone Just Because

Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water your money was safe in your wallet. Nope. Jo Malone again.

The new Just Because campaign/offering is so ridiculously simple that it's only surprising no-one thought of it before. You order any gifting option that you want to send to someone - and it is sent with the 'just because' message card, stickers and specialised ribbon  ...

'Why not celebrate generosity? And being thoughtful. Giving someone a treat because they
made you laugh this morning. Because you love them. Because something made you think of them.
Because you’re grateful. Because you’re sorry. Because the sun is shining…Just because.'

Jo Malone Just Because service is available now at www.jomalone.co.uk

Jo Malone London Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Jo Malone continues to go from strength to strength. The latest offering, Wood Sage and Sea Salt is perfect for this time of year. Think 'blankets on a windy beach' and you're halfway there.

As per usual, my preference is the candle, which is crisp, salty and warm and fills the gap between white floral summer and cinnamon/eucalyptus/pine Christmas perfectly.

As a brilliant touch, you can send a postcard - either e-card or paper - via the Jo Malone website.

Taking marketing and service to another level. 

The Wood Sage and Sea Salt range starts at £28.00. The exquisite candle is £40.00.

Available from all Jo Malone stockists and online at JoMalone.co.uk

Jo Malone London Tuberose Angelica and Velvet Rose & Oud Candle

When I was in California in February I approached what appeared to be, from a distance and without my glasses, a bunch of white stocks from a flower stall outside Whole Foods. As I got closer, my favourite smell in the world literally rose up to smack me in the nose. I had never seen huge bunches of tuberose before (not much call for them in Fulham sadly) - but here, there were bunches of them everywhere - and for $5.00. FIVE dollars. I was borderline hyperventilating I kid you not. 

White flowers have always, effortlessly, been my favourite flowers. They smell so much stronger than coloured flowers because they have to work that much harder to attract the bees - and in that, they become heady, lush and borderline overpowering for some..

Gardenias, frangipane, white delphiniums, roses, hydrangeas and tuberose - the Queen of the white florals. 

It was only in my later years that I realised that most of my favourite fragrances were based around tuberose and gardenia - Fracas, Petit Fracas, Estee Lauder's Tuberose Gardenia, Diptyque's Doson, Anick Goutal's Gardenia Passion - It's also the reason why I didn't mind saying I liked Madonna's Truth or Dare and Kim Kardashian's fragrance. 

So, I was most displeased (fuming) when Jo Malone discontinued Vintage Gardenia. They have though, redeemed themselves in style. Tuberose Angelica is a welcome new addition to the Cologne Intense Collection - and brings my tally to 5 that I love and wear on a regular basis. (I am always, always stopped when I wear Rose Water and Vanilla - in a good way!)

Tuberose Angelica is pretty simple in its formulation being angelica as a top note, tuberose at the heart and amberwood on the drydown. It's a really beautiful fragrance - so much so that when I was walking down Sloane Street last Thursday I was drawn into the store by the beautiful window display - and doused myself in it again just for good measure. You could literally smell me before you saw me after that. Ne'ermind.

And being the beast that is Jo Malone - I feasted my eyes on this beauty while I was there...

Having seen this picture on Instagram from Laura I had the 'black candles' in my head all week and so gave in and treated myself. It's all her fault. Damn you Jo Malone. Damn. You.

The fantabulous Tuberose Angelica is £100.00 and the excruciatingly sexy Velvet Rose & Oud Candle is £45.00 - both are available at all Jo Malone stockists and at www.jomalone.co.uk.

Michael Angove for Jo Malone London

Coming on 1st April is this beautiful limited edition collection from Michael Angove for Jo Malone. I'm really enjoying these collaborations - they give new life to an already-solid brand.

The candle is exquisite and the design built around the glass instead of relying on just the scent works perfectly.

The wardrobe scented sachets are subtle and not overpowering and the soaps are adorable.

It's a shame they didn't launch in time for Mother's Day here in the UK but I don't need an excuse for a Jo Malone gift. (ever-so-non-subtle-hint for my children)

Available in all Jo Malone outlets on 1st April including online www.jomalone.co.uk - prices start at £20.00

Pure Candle Porn. Jo Malone Just Like Sunday Collection

I don't need any new candles - says Mr Hirons. That's besides the point - says me.

Jo Malone just unleashed these beauties as their Just Like Sunday Collection and they are doing nothing to help my addiction. Although to be honest if it was 'Just Like Sunday' in my case, they'd have one that smelt of bleach, tea and Blue Blood marathons.

Sweet Almond and Macaroon

Green Tomato Leaf

Lavender and Lovage

Incense and Embers

Just Like Sunday Home Candle Collection is available now on www.jomalone.co.uk priced £39.00

Jo Malone Limited Edition Red Roses - going going...almost gone...

I readily admit, when I first heard that Charlotte Stockdale was going to be Jo Malone's 'Style Editor' I raised my eyebrow (For a change? How rude.). 

Now? Now I get it. Jo Malone needed a fresh pair of eyes and it would appear MS Stockdale has done just that. I've been a customer of Jo Malone since Walton Street. I wasn't particularly 'in the know' back then - I just happen to be a West London girl. Lime, Basil and Mandarin has been on my shelf since those days - although I now favour the stronger Cologne Intense range - especially Velvet Rose & Oud and Rose Water & Vanilla. *bliss*

I've completely digressed.

Charlotte's Corner debuted at Selfridges last week and is a one-off installation featuring must-have Jo Malone London pieces mixed with vintage finds and textiles. Says Stockdale, "I wanted to add a modern twist to the iconic packaging of Jo Malone London. I love neon, especially on a neutral background, so the classic cream and black set against shocking pink is a brilliant combination. It's fashion graffiti. Playful, cool and alive."

The Collection contains scatter cushions and scented sachets - but the main attraction is undoubtedly the Limited Edition dipped bottles of Red Roses of which there are 300 available. Well, there were. I just called the counter in London and they have none at the moment but are expecting the very last of them on a delivery tomorrow. Get yours while you can. 

Jo Malone in Selfridges London is on 0207 318 3998. The Limited Edition Red Roses Cologne is £120.00.

Now they just need to BRING BACK VINTAGE GARDENIA and all will be well with the world.

Where has this year gone? The year so far in pictures. Picture Heavy post..

Honestly this year has gone so quickly that I don't know where to start. After the success of the events in Liberty last week and the equaled success of my real 'day job', it seems a natural progression that the blog includes more of my day-to-day activities alongside the usual rants reviews and industry natterings. As I work in the industry, I figured it should still be of interest one way or another...!

Major shoe envy on the tube.

Aerin Kabuki brush. Loveliness.

Liberty's new self select area.

Finally got to see Sinead do 'Jackie' 26 years after the fact..

Girls Night In courtesy of Gillette Venus. Everything in the picture was stolen by Ava before I took my coat off.

Interviewing Poppy King at QVC.

Birchbox. The first time I've used everything in a monthly sub box.

Mum and Nana circa 1950

John Bell & Croyden's reception area. Anyone would think they were the Queen's pharmacy. Oh.

Ava in her element. In M&S.

CEW Demo Evening. Manic as always.

Setting up.

Ava's perfume collection. Thieving wench.

Goodwood Forest. Gorgeous.

The best salmon starter at Goodwood.

Bob Bob Ricard. Sadly unused button.

This month's indulgent purchase.

Rehydration in seconds.

Oh Good Lord.

It's Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

La Bella Donna foundation - brilliant - and Lancome Hypnose. Standard.

My desk on a typical day. Flowers, lip gloss and too many pens. That's not even my main pencil case.

Ottolenghi's Friday madness.

Camelia Gardenia!!!!! - in HOMEBASE!

My gorgeous Mama.

Muji storage.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Can't stop looking at it!

Cleanser line-up. Reviews coming.

Standard day. Lushness.

Brilliant product.

Sprays face to death.

The big week at Liberty!!!

Setting up the workshops in Liberty.

A bag. Can't really see who it's by though?