THE STYLE LIST NOVEMBER

WHATS HOT THIS NOVEMBER…….AND WE DO NEED SOME HEAT !!

SEE WHO AND WHAT MADE IT ONTO THE STYLE LIST THIS MONTH

MOST STYLISH HOTEL

THE BILTMORE HOTEL , LONDON

This recently opened Hotel in September this year after two years of renovations , now getting into its stride it has now made it onto the Style List after my recent visit. This is a little gem in the heart of Mayfair located in Grosvenor Square a stones throw from Claridges and the fabulous New Bond Street shopping. Jason Atherton overseeing the cuisine in Betterment the Hotels rather lovely and spacious restaurant and an equally sumptuous bar – The Pine Bar. Stylishly cool and still largely still undiscovered the quietness added to the overstated elegance. From £400 ppp night.

Betterment Bar in Jason Athertons Restaurant
Private Dining at The Biltmore

MOST STYLISH RESTAURANT

SCOTTS, MAYFAIR

A frequent visitor to SCOTTS in Mayfair it is consistent in both food and service. At this time of year it is particularly stylish with the most beautiful christmas decorations of any restaurant I know. I tend to go for my favourite fish, Skate with shrimp and an ice cold glass of Chablis and this week was once again exceptional. Super classy and I could put it on the Style List every month but at this time of year it is especially so exudes christmas from a Hollywood film set.

Scotts of Mayfair
Christmas Wonderland at Scotts

MOST STYLISH PERSON

TERRY O NEILL

This must go to the lovely TERRY O NEILL whom I was lucky to meet on a few occasions, we had the greatest conversations and invariably ended up in LUIGIS Deli on of Terrys favourite places for great Italien food. His death this month was no surprise as he had been ill for some time but I hoped he would make one more Christmas. Terry s exhibition at the Iconic Gallery Chelsea makes you realise what an amazing stylish and exciting life he led for someone so normal and unassuming. A truly talented photographer and a wonderful man. You will be missed. Legend.

Terry
Faye Dunaway -once married
Afterparty
Terrys latest book a brilliant collection

MOST STYLISH PRODUCT

TOM FORD SKIN ILLUMINATINGPOWDER DUO

OK , so everything about TOM FORD is stylish and my followers will know that im a MASSIVE fan of all things TF (even his films). But put this on your christmas list ! I love ‘Flicker’ it is for darker skin but i find it works well on mine as I use the darker colour for contouring and the gold for highlighting. The sleek platte with mirror – perfect for touch ups during the evening and great for the party season ! I apologise if this has made a previous Style List but just needs to be on repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Tom Ford Skin IlluminatingPowder Duo

SIR BOYD TUNNOCK

Following his knighthood this month , the inventor of TUNNOCKS TEACAKES cannot be left off this months Style List. Along with the Queen this is my treat of choice . Satisfying yet calorie light (105calories) light fluffy marsmallow on a biscuit base covered in a thin layer of chocolate it is enough. Beautifully wrapped in that iconic red and silver foil. The TUNNOCKS CARAMEL WAFER cannot go unnoticed.

Tunnock Teacake. Yummy !

STYLISH FASHION

Ditch the sequins its all about chiffon this month. Find it everywhere and at reasonable prices. No need to spend a fortune on pieces you may only wear seasonally. Try NASTY GAL, RESERVED and ZARA for some super pieces at excellent prices. Go all out with bright colours and bows.

Zara £39.99
Reserved £34.99

JOJOS STYLIST TIP: LOOK OUT OR NEXT MONTHS STYLE LIST AFTER MY CHRISTMAS VISITS TO ST BARTHS AND TURKS AND CAICOS. BRINGING YOU WHATS HOT FROM WHERE ITS HOT !!

JOJO MWAH MWAH XXXXXXXXXX

TRAVEL: HOW TO DO LONDON NOW

If you are looking for a weekend in London away from the crowds, queues and over subscribed West End. I bring to you an interesting alternative from the usual weekend haunts of Knightsbridge. Mayfair and Trafalgar Square. I recently stayed at The Soho House owned The Ned at Poultry in the City of London. The wealthiest square mile in the world. A perfect weekend escape as the bankers and IT guys have all deserted the area for some much needed down time. leaving YOU to discover the peaceful haven that they never see. Great for this time of year as this area offers up some stunning restaurants and bars, culture and art galleries and all your christmas shopping in The Royal Exchange. Here you can find Aspinalls, Fortnum and Masons, Boodles, Tiffanys, Jo Malone, Penhaligons, Links to name but a few. All perfectly gift wrapped. Be warned though do your shopping here on your arrival day of Friday as most of these stores close for the weekend. But good to get this out of the way to ensure maximum enjoyment and relaxation in the most chilled place and best kept secret for a genuine London weekend escape.

So, now we have the shopping out of the way lets concentrate on what I love about this area.

WHERE TO STAY

THE NED has 250 1930s inspired bedrooms , 10 restaurants , spa and gym. With prices starting at £250 per night it represents real value for money. This imposing building and stunning facade was once Midland bank. The rooms are sumptuous and cosy perfect for a winters night and the bathrooms are stocked full of cowshed products (10 different shampoos and conditioners ) . There is also a “Mr Porter” (Net A Porter) menu you could turn up just with a handbag and order anything you may have forgot and it arrives in minutes delivered direct to your room from Spanx to swimwear to clothing to cosmetics.

The Sumptuous Beds at The Ned
Ordering from Mr Porter menu

The price also includes access to The Spa with its amazing 20 metre indoor pool, Moroccan Hammam, and several cowshed treatment rooms and nail bar and blow bar. Even vita drips are offered here in the Elixir clinic.

Truly you could just stay holed up in the Ned for the whole weekend but if you do want to venture out then lets look at some of the amazing eateries and places to visit.

EATERIES

Some of my favourites……..

Well The Ned itself has a number of diverse eateries downstairs in the “faded glamour of a 1930s ocean liner” feel. Its lively with live music in the centre of the restaurants. You can choose from healthy californian to Jewish to Sushi to italien every taste catered for. My particular favourites are Malibu Kitchen for healthy by the ocean fare. Cecconis , I love in Mayfair and here at The Ned it never diappoints and the setting feels grander. Great for cocktails with a big sit around square bar.

The Many different Eateries at The Ned

Coq D’Argent directly across the road. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner. the restaurant is set up high with a garden and the best views across the city. Popular with City peoples during the week but easier to get a table on the weekends although booking advised. The food and service here is exceptional with a set menu starting from £29.50 for two courses. Elegant and white table clothed glamorous restaurant. Perfect for a romantic dinner.

Coq D’Argent

COYA as my followers are aware i am a massive fan of Coya in Picadilly. So was very excited to find the newly opened Coya in Angel Court Throgmorton St. Party atmosphere and fresh clean Peruvian cuisine and not so clean Pisco Sours ! Bottomless brunches with live music on Saturdays from 12.30pm onwards and only a short stagger back to The Ned !!

Coya

HAWKSMOOR SPITALFIELDS is the place if you like a steak. The best steaks in London. All day dining so this one can work around your own schedule.

LE PONT DE LA TOUR just over a mile away from The Ned is an old perennial that never gets tired situated on the river right by Tower Bridge this could fit neatly into your sightseeing schedule if you are choosing to visit Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Saturday and Sunday have a Brunch or Dinner menu with old school french cuisine and an excellent wine menu. Absolutely beautiful setting and a lovely romantic evening stroll back to your Hotel, weather permitting.

I must mention here my little secret a great champagne bar with incredible views and outside seating , perfect for the summer months. JIM BO LAW located within the DORSETT HOTEL Aldgate just jump in the elevator press the pineapple to head straight to the top floor. Although no food served here.

Jim Bo Law

There are so many great eateries in this part of town so experiment.

THINGS TO DO

A few suggestions

  • St Pauls Cathedral – pre book a guided tour
  • Tower of London – a firm favourite
  • Spitalfields Market – one of Londons oldest Markets. Open 7 days a week. Original clothing and arts from over 80 independent designers.
  • Guildhall Art Gallery- Guildhall Yard. Over 250 paintings, drawings and sculpture. Also houses in the basement Londons only Roman Amphitheatre unearthed in 1988. Both free admission.
  • St Swithins Wine Shipper , St Switihins Lane opens until 10pm Friday but alas closed on a weekend. a destination for wine enthusiasts 48 wines to try from state of the art enomatic machines. also very rare wines can be tried. There is a lovely tasting terrace and platters and nibbles are served to enhance your wine tasting experience. No booking required.
  • Sky Gardens , Fenchurch St (the walkie talkie building) for a 360 degree view of London amongst a lot of greenery, plants and trees.
  • Typically British Tour a 2 hour tour starting at St Pauls available only on a weekend 13.00 -18.00. For tourists to see how British people typically live but how interesting to go as a Brit to see how we are portrayed. great fun and always a good crowd. Be aware they are walking tours.
  • If you are missing the call of the West End theatres head down to the banks of the Thames, New Globe Walk close to Tower bridge for some Shakespeare matinees or evening performances of HenryVI or Richard III. Check schedule for listings. But to see Shakespeare within The reconstructed Globe Theatre as it is supposed to be is a real treat.

Hopefully there are some activities of interest on this list. But as you can see there are many experiences to indulge in the City. It may not have crossed your mind to plan a WEEKEND visit to the City’s square mile but there is something refreshing, new and exciting without the mass crowds. It feels classy like London used to.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: Ssssssssssh stylistas lets keep it a secret !

JOJO . xxxxxxxx

MIDWEEK MANTRA

POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS TO HELP YOU MAKE IT TO THE END OF THE WEEK.

TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

AS THE TEMPERATURE DROPS AND THE NIGHTS ARE DRAWING IN LETS TURN OUR THOUGHTS TO CHRISTMAS. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CHRISTMAS MORE THAN ANYONE I KNOW BUT MANY PEOPLE ARE FULL OF DREAD AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. TIME, MONEY, FAMILY ISSUES, COOKING ARE ALL ISSUES FOR MANY PEOPLE.

THIS YEAR LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. I KNOW YOU WILL EXPECT ME TO SAY THAT PRESENTS ARE NOT IMPORTANT. WHILST ITS TRUE THAT I DONT THINK YOU NEED TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY, GIVING GIFTS IS VERY IMPORTANT. BUY OR MAKE A PERSONAL GIFT FOR SOMEONE TO SHOW YOU KNOW THEM WELL AND APPRECIATE WHO THEY ARE E.G BOOKS, A SUBSCRIPTION, HOMEMADE BISCUITS OR CAKES. SMALL PERSONAL GIFTS CAN BE MORE MEMORABLE.

THINK BACK TO YOUR OWN FAVOURITE GIFT MINE WAS MY FIRST (70P) VOGUE MAGAZINE AT AGE 15. I STILL HAVE IT TODAY. YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL CERTAINLY REMEMBER MORE MEANINGFUL WELL CHOSEN PRESENTS RATHER THAN THE EXTRAVAGANT ONES. SPENDING TIME WRAPPING THEM BEAUTIFULLY CAN ALSO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

TIME IS ANOTHER WAY TO GIVE. VISITING PEOPLE AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. TAKING THEM TO CAROL SERVICES, LUNCH OR TAKING LUNCH TO THEM. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHOWN YOU LOVE AND KINDNESS THIS LAST YEAR RATHER THAN PARTYING WITH STRANGERS.

SET AN EXTRA PLACE AT THE CHRISTMAS DAY DINING TABLE FOR A STRANGER THAT YOU KNOW MAYBE LONELY. START OPENING YOUR EYES TO ELDERLY PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN YOUR STREET.

THIS IS THE YEAR TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS DIFFERENTLY. LOW KEY , RELAXING AND ENJOYABLE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

JOJO STYLELIST TIP : YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED BY NOT WHAT YOU DID , NOR WHAT YOU SAID, NOR WHAT YOU SPENT BUT…….HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

JOJO . xxxxxxxx