My ten favourite things…
1. My jewellery collection
My obsession with all things sparkly began with my great aunt who was this larger-than-life character – she always bought a bottle of Sambuca to family BBQ’s. She always had some amazing item of jewellery on and I remember being transfixed. A proper magpie in the making. I now can’t stop collecting jewellery and am always adding to my jewellery box, which is a clear Perspex tray from Muji – that way I can see everything. Lisa and Jess, who I work with at InStyle, bought me a gold racoon necklace from Zoe& Morgan as a surprise and I’ll treasure it forever. YSL’s art deco rings, Alex Monroe’s necklaces, Missoma’s gold hoops and Laura Lee’s friendship rings – it doesn’t get much better. I travel a lot with my job and I always try and pick something up, whether it’s from a cool boutique in LA, quirky shop on one of the bridges in Paris or cool and kitsch from Marc by Marc Jacobs in NYC.
2. James Bond
I’ve seen all 22 and am dying with excitement for the 23rd to come out in October 2012. I love the early ones with Roger Moore with the unrealistic gun shots and scantily-clad, doughy-eyed Bond Girls. Live and Let Die is a personal fave; all the voodoo, tarot cards and snakes are genius.
3. Coffee
God knows where I’d be without caffeine. When I was an assistant, I used to have six espresso’s a day to cope with the long hours and pressure of magazine deadlines. My family bought me a Nespresso machine for my birthday and it’s the best thing I’ve even been given. I’m now only ever two seconds away from a hot, strong Americano. Still pretty miffed George didn’t come as part of the package.
4. My nephew
I’ll never forget going to hospital on the 23rd December 2009 to meet my nephew, Oscar. I remember feeling so proud seeing my poor sister-in-law who was in labour for several days. I made my brother by her a Mulberry bag as a reward! Oscar may be snotty and break everything in sight, but he reminds me what life is all about – fun days at the park with too much ice cream and watching Toy Story 3 on repeat.
5. My engagement ring
I love a story behind a piece of jewellery. This is my boyfriend’s mum’s engagement ring that was given to her by his dad when he proposed over 30 years ago, and now I’m the lucky wearer. I’m very close to my future-mother-in-law, she is bravest person I know, and I’m damn chuffed to own something of hers.
6. My country retreat
We moved out to the country about a year ago for more space and sanity. We’re now surrounded by fields and flowers and we love it. Our friends from London come and stay all the time and we have to literally push them through the front door to get rid of them. They soon get hooked on the long walks and lazy pub lunches.
7. Couture
I was lucky enough to go to Elie Saab’s couture show last season and it was magical. Seeing his designs first hand was every fashionista’s dream. Wish I’d pinched one of the dresses when he wasn’t looking.
8. Christmas
Call me mad (and 5-years-old) but Christmas is my favourite time of year. Food, family and festive fun are a dream recipe for me. I drive the girls in my office nuts with a big countdown (from about September) and insist in a sit-down mince pie, custard and mulled wine session before we all head home to our families. And then there’s the presents…
9. Greek mythology
I studied Classic Civilisation for my A-levels and loved the tales of travel, mythological stories and characters. I still can’t believe a war was started by one pissed off man whose wife left him to be with someone else. Men. I saw a girl the other day with a cool tattoo of an arrow going through her Achilles heel.
10. Net-A-Porter
Not only is this one of my favourite online stores, I find it really helpful for ideas on how to put outfits together – with new stuff and pieces that I’ve owned for years. I was thinking of throwing my old Breton t-shirt out the other day, but then I saw how NAP styled one similar with a pair of Current Elliot red jeans, a Max Azria blazer, Christian Louboutin wedges and a Pamela Love cuff. It’s now back in the wardrobe!
Thanks Alice! x x
