miss b loves........... Threadneedles Hotel, London

I've just made my return visit to Threadneedles Hotel, this time during the week when the area is vibrant and busy. My first visit was at weekend when many of the shops, cafés and restaurants are closed, as this is the business district, although this is apparently all set to change now that a new shopping centre has opened its doors near St Paul's.   

Located in the heart of the Square Mile (The City), Threadneedles is housed in a former Victorian banking hall with a beautiful stained glass domed ceiling which was apparently hand painted in 1856 and has survived two world wars!! It's a magnificent 5* boutique hotel which provides a luxurious sanctuary, an oasis of calm.

miss b loves......the key autumn winter 2011 / 2012 trends

 

The next few weeks will result in the usual dilemma - what to wear as the seasons change. There's always that tricky decision around this time - when shall I finally put away those summer clothes and wear the  new autumn looks? Even more difficult with the strange weather we're having - sun, rain, wind then sun all within one day sometimes within the hour!(miss b's tip - never leave home without a bobochic scarf or pashmina in your bag!!)  

Time to treat yourself to some key new season pieces..........

  

PRINTS - SPOTS, CIRCLES, SWIRLS......

Circles, swirls, polka dots and winter florals -the autumn/winter 2011-12 catwalks were a rich collage of print and pattern.

miss b loves...... Chocolat Chic

I just love stylish coffee shops/pâtisseries and here's another one in Dubai again!
It's at the far end of Dubai Marina on The Boardwalk not far fron the Sheraton Hotel on the ground floor of Dorra Bay appartments. There's an overall French theme with a huge Eiffel Tower picture across one wall and glossy, bright purple and white décor.

miss b loves .....Tea Palace, Covent Garden

I am a bit of a tea snob starting my day with Twinings English Breakfast (it just has to be Twinings!) with Earl Grey or Green Tea with mint as a favourite afternoon tipple. I'm not really very adventurous with tea - smoky lapsang souchong, iced teas etc. just aren't my thing but strolling through Covent Garden the other day I came across a gorgeous shop with two assistants outside with a glass tea infuser filled with tea and slices of fruit and they were offering samples of iced blood orange tea. I was so impressed with this summery, refreshing drink that I had to buy some (and the tea caddies are so stylish!)