I love this quote from the  Online Stylist blog and having met the very stylish Amanda, I think  it sums up her style philosophy v nicely :

 “Great style is not just the preserve of the rich and famous – it’s something unique, personal and comes in many guises. Few are born with it, some learn to cultivate it but many are inspired by it.”

 Amanda lists Eva Mendes, SJP, Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively, Kelly Rutherford as some of her style heros…. so lots of common ground….

 

Another string to Amanda’s many bows is that she writes for the company Upper Street, which allows you to design your own bespoke shoes….joyful!  Read through Amanda’s account of designing her very own  Perfect Ballet Flat  

If you love fashion on every level The Online Stylist is the place to park yourself with your latte this morning.

 

 

Amanda’s favourite places to Eat, Sleep and Be…..

 

Getting away from it is a rare treat in our household at the moment, so when we do get the chance, we like to make it an indulgent treat if we can. For me getting away means either exactly that, an opportunity to eat out somewhere amazing or just quiet time spent somewhere peaceful and with meaning.

 

 I absolutely love New York and after our first trip in 2008, we’re determined to get back there and next time, take our daughter. It’s such a vibrant city with a buzz that I have never experienced anywhere else. We stayed at the wonderful Soho Grand Hotel  and booked a room on the 12^th floor to ensure the perfect Manhattan skyline view.

 

 

If you have the pleasure of a visit then eggs Benedict for breakfast is an absolute

must, as is a session of uber-chic people watching whilst sipping a cocktail in the lounge later on in the evening.

The little touches such as the option to have a goldfish in your room for the duration of your stay are pure New York!

 

 

 

Our favourite places to eat locally are: The Three Tuns Inn , The Chewton Glen and The Captains Club.

All very different but each bring their own extra special something to the table whether you’re looking for a country pub with fantastic home cooked food, a luxurious evening meal where the rest of the world ceases to exist or a chic waterside venue for Sunday lunch and reading the papers. Which in itself is a rare luxury these days!

 

 

Our wedding took place at Highcliffe Castle so a reminiscent trip for tea and cake (ice cream for Small Child!) and a walk along the beach is always a favourite pastime. I much prefer the unspoilt beaches in our locality to the busier coastline of Bournemouth and Poole – the combination of the beach with the New Forest on the doorstep is perfection.

 

 

On wedding anniversaries we try and return to our reception venue, The Lord Bute Hotel. This was the gatehouse for the original castle at Highcliffe and Sunday lunch eaten here at a leisurely pace to the sounds of the resident pianist is heaven!