There are so many Tyre and Exhaust places to pick from even around any small town or village in the UK so finding a gem like K T Tyres can be a challenge.

I feel fortunate to have stumbled across them over 15 years ago now and when I need anything tyre or exhaust related these are the fix it go to guys.

It is not a fancy outfit, you don’t get a waiting room or coffee while you wait but what you do get is friendly efficient service from a long standing team some members who have been there as long as I have been going I know by name.

I have NEVER had a problem with the work. If they don’t have your particular tyre in stock, they get it same day, if not next day.

They are inexpensive compared to the competition but offer the same if not better no frills service.

I don’t have a new car, and I am always cost conscious and they are always sensitive to finding the least expensive safe solution rather than an expensive repair on a jalopy which I always appreciate.

If you live in or around Leicester and are looking for a tyre and exhaust place you can trust I can highly recommend K T Tyres.

They have a little motor parts shop next door with handy helpful service, I have bought oil there and accessories like car mats before and if you don’t know what you need they will always point you in the right directions.

Something you don’t always get in a larger shop or online.

Thank you K T Tyres for always being there when I need you. Brilliant no frills business.

Open 8.30am-5-30pm Monday through Friday and 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturday (closed Sunday)

No appointment necessary just drive in and get sorted.

Who Makes The Best Quality Black Leggings 2026 Venus Cow

Venus Cow made in Britain textiles

Shirley Yanez

2026-09-16T07:14:00.0000000 2026-09-16T07:43:39.4400000

Venus Cow’s Perfect Black Staple Collection—anchored by the globally trademarked PBL (Perfect Black Legging)—is a masterclass in affordable luxury, regional British craftsmanship, and authentic capsule styling. While mainstream athletic performance brands try to convince consumers that transitioning activewear from the gym to the office is seamless, the reality of synthetic, shiny fabrics often falls short. Venus Cow solves this dilemma by stripping away the gimmicks and focusing heavily on premium raw materials and engineering. It delivers a collection that does exactly what it says on the tin.

The Fabric Secret: Nottingham Knit & 'Magic' Recovery At the absolute core of this collection is a proprietary, luxury heavyweight (225 gsm) cotton-elastane blend. The journey begins in a historic cotton mill in Nottingham, where the finest British cotton yarn is custom-knitted into a unique two-way stretch fabric. Unlike thin, synthetic fast-fashion leggings that wear down after a few washes, this fabric behaves like a structural canvas. It features a "magic" recovery system—blending 92% high-grade organic cotton with 8% elastane—meaning the fabric completely pings back into place every single time. It holds the body firmly without compression or squashing, creating a sculpted, smooth silhouette across all body types.

Precision British Manufacturing Venus Cow bypasses cheap overseas mass production in favour of local, sustainable craftsmanship. The entire Venus Cow Perfect Black Staple Collection is manufactured in Leicester by highly skilled precision machinists with decades of heritage in premium garment construction. This exceptional oversight translates to perfect seams and industrial-grade construction. Furthering their dedication to conscious luxury, every order is packed and dispatched entirely in biodegradable packaging, leaving zero plastic waste behind.

The PBL Breakdown: No Muffin Top, No See-Through. The centrepiece, the Venus Cow PBL Perfect Black Leggings, entirely eradicates the common complaints associated with standard leggings: Zero Transparency: The dense, matt black weave guarantees absolutely no see-through, even during deep squats or under bright office lighting. Engineered High Waistband: The waistband is structurally engineered to hook securely over the hips. This prevents slipping or rolling down, ensuring no muffin top and removing the need to constantly pull them up throughout the day. Anti-Bagging and Sagging: Thanks to the Nottingham-milled yarn structure, they entirely avoid baggy knees or a sagging seat. They retain a crisp, sharp fit from morning to night. Real-World Versatility & True Inclusivity The real beauty of the collection—which also features perfectly coordinated foundation pieces like the Perfect Black Vest and the Perfect Black T-Shirt—is how effortlessly it integrates with an existing wardrobe. Because the fabric is entirely matt and devoid of athletic logos, it functions beautifully as high-end ready-to-wear.

You can effortlessly style them for the street with a denim jacket and trainers, or elevate them for work alongside a tailored blazer, crisp white shirt, or heels. Designed by fashion industry experts who understand real women's bodies, the collection completely defies standard size biases. Whether you are super-slim or a plus-size girl, the stretch adapts to the individual height and contours of the wearer, providing an identical standard of premium comfort and aesthetic confidence to women of all ages and sizes.

The Verdict Venus Cow succeeds where athletic brands fail because they treat casual staples with the seriousness of high fashion. By combining British textile quality, expert regional manufacturing, and accessible pricing, the Perfect Black Staple Collection is an essential foundation for a modern, hard-working wardrobe.

www.venuscow.com £25 perfect black leggings

Waterstones Told Me “Buy From Amazon”

And When I Said I Didn’t Agree With Amazon Business Practises Other Customers Agreed

SusieQ

2026-09-15T07:20:00.0000000 2026-09-15T07:58:26.1870000

Lots of authors have to use print on demand services to get their titles and work out there and it seems the only channel available to them to sell their work is Amazon.

A friend of mine has published a title Waterfall Down that has been mentioned in a write up about her in the national press, the Daily Mail and is selling on Amazon. It’s available through distributors Ingram and Gardners books and yet when I went into Waterstones to order a copy, to my complete shock they told me I had to order the title on Amazon.

Their channels to order the book I wanted to buy were closed.

I try not to shop on Amazon. I don’t think it’s good that one company has the whole market share, people are paying them a membership fee to shop with them, how? Staff at Amazon have been treated so poorly they had to set up their own union and Jeff Bezos just continues to get richer and richer.

The only consolation for me is his ex wife McKenzie Scott continues to give her half of the Amazon fortune, approximately $40 billion (according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index) away in philanthropic donations. Her way of attempting to create some balance.

When smaller more ethical business are turning away their customers and actually telling them to buy from the giant that is Amazon I think the executives at Waterstones need to look at their business and open up to smaller lesser known writers.

The literary world like many creative industries is very difficult penetrate. Great writers are often silenced by the agents they cannot get and the publicists they cannot speak to. Getting a publisher onboard is nigh on impossible so writers who believe in themselves are often left with the only remaining option Amazon, to get their work out.

And the customers for their books, their raving fans are left with having to support a monster like Amazon or not buy their book at all.

I’d love to see this change and smaller lesser known authors becoming available on the shelves of our high street book stores so we get more diversity and expansion in a closed off exclusive literary club.

I did some more research, paid a premium ant €20 and bought this title from Blackwell to support my friend. I also found a couple of copies of this great book on EBay from small independent resellers for anyone who wants to buy it but like me doesn’t want to channel money to Amazon. In Waterstones I was very pleased to hear support for my plight from other customers who spoke up in agreement on overhearing the Amazon recommendation.

I am looking for a new book store to visit in the future.

Strictly come Dancing Is Back I Don’t Want To Watch But I Know I Probably Will

Like Picking A Spot You Just Can’t Help Yourself

Margaret Clayton

2026-09-14T07:31:19.5100000 2026-09-15T09:30:49.8200000

I’m As Mad As Hell and I am Not Going To Take This Anymore!

If I asked you what movie this famous quote was from you probably wouldn’t know. It’s actually one of the few films that has scooped all five major academy awards, best lead actors, best picture, best director and best screenplay. And when you watch this (I’ll give you a clue) classic that is actually 50 years old this year it will jolt you awake.

I am a fan of Strictly but over the years I have become more and more disillusioned with the format and the behaviour and choices of large TV corporations and networks. Basically the expose of the industry in the acclaimed film Network (1976)

I am one of the 20,000 people who have added their name to the petition against the firing of Sir Tom Jones from the hit show the Voice alongside original judge William from my favourite band the Black Eyed Peas, the main reason I tuned in, Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher who add different energy to the line up and the fabulous Kelly Rowland who joined the panel this year to be replaced by Stacy Solomon who is a house organising expert, Alicia Dixon, Strictly Contestant and former judge on the talent show and well Cheryl who can’t sing. The fourth member of the new line up I can’t even remember, a man I’ve never even heard of.

The show must be tanking or costing too much money to face an overhaul axing on this scale. And it made me think about the brutality of TV bosses and how compliant audiences allow them to get away with doing anything for money and ratings. We just don’t realise how powerful we are together. If only we could just switch off.

Of course you don’t know what’s gone on behind the scenes where large amounts of money and big egos meet for a cup of tea but I think you will never replace a the skill and diversity of a long standing panel like William and Sir Tom Jones on the Voice, it would be like removing Simon Cowell from the X Factor and expecting it to work.

Which brings me on to Strictly, when I think about Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly sitting on their respective sofas, will they be watching the car crash unfold together, or perhaps just screen shotting excepts and what’s apping them to each other.

I wonder what I’d be doing if I was them, seeing Emma Willis take the reins of the iconic global BBC franchise, the biggest show in the UK. There has been no mention of whether she’s leaving the Voice too and then I wonder how can you be employed by two opposing and competing powerhouse networks heading up hit shows on both BBC and ITV.

Was Emma Willis the only person, talent available for the converted TV role everyone wanted.

It made me think about Shirley Ballas joining the judging panel as head judge with no TV experience just a wealth of experience to actually do the job, Tom Jones and what a success that turned out to be. A normal woman who knows what she’s talking about. Who in TV made a common sense decision like that.

The appointment of South African dancer Johannes to the Claudia Winkleman role I think will prove smart. Popular talented, amusing and knowledgeable about the show and the dancing, he’s a great choice for promotion, showing stick around long enough and you might just get a step up, unless you are Spaniard Gorka Marquez, personally one of my favourite and most talented professional dancers axed this year. He announced he was stepping down from the show after a 10 year tenure in April 2026 which sparked questions about whether he jumped or was pushed to leave. Happily married normal family guy really good at his job, a judge on the Spanish Strictly show, in my opinion probably one of the kindest and most talented actual teachers and he didn’t make it.

The Josh Widdecombe appointment I don’t get. I think it would have been much smarter to give the job to ex contestant and impresario, comedian and drag queen La Voix.

I will be watching the first episode and reserving judgement, it may be a triumph who knows. Will original Craig Revel Horwood be the next one to get the boot, Tom Jones style.

The strictly show has suffered a lot of controversy and scandals over the last few years particularly.

I for one am as Mad as Hell and I’m Not Going To Take This Anymore.

They’ve got one shot on Saturday Night and I imagine after that I’ll be switching off and the lights will go down on the glitter ball in our house.

The BBC have really blown it this time.

Peppermint: An action film for Women Men will Absolutely Love

2018 Jennifer Garner Returns Reviving Her Alias Personna In A New Character Riley North

Chanel Rampart

2026-09-13T10:40:56.1930000 2026-09-13T13:11:12.1400000

When I think about Jennifer Garner first of all I think about her Hollywood marriage and subsequent break up with actor director writer and now multi millionaire AI CEO Ben Affleck. The pair after a well publicised separation (after 10 years of marriage) back in 2015 and Ben Affleck seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, have both been highly successful in business ventures outside of Hollywood.

Garner joined organic food company Once Upon a Farm as a stake holder in 2017. She holds an equity stake valued between $55 million and $64 million following the company's initial public offering (IPO)

Ben Affleck made £587 million selling his filmaking AI solution to Netflix whilst advocating against AI in Hollywood in order to protect creativity and jobs. A great solution or a well organised bait and switch to make a load of money. The jury is still out.

I digress.

In Peppermint Jennifer Garner shows what a highly versatile film and TV actress she is, remembered for roles like Nurse Sandra in Pearl Harbor (2001) in Daredevil (2003) she played Elektra Natchios. 13 Going on 30 (2004) as Jenna Rink and in Elektra (2005) as Elektra.

In 2007 she was back Vanessa Loring in Juno and then a memorable performance, as Dr Eve Saks in the fabulous Dallas Buyers Club 2013.

And who could forget that memorable cameo opposite Leonardo Di Caprio in Catch Me If You Can as Cheryl the call girl who out smarts the out smartable.

Despite never receiving an Oscar nod, she’s surprisingly never even been nominated, she did win a Golden Globe for her breakout role in Alias, a TV series I will be revisiting after watching this epic performance in Peppermint.

Although Peppermint is not the kind of film I would ever watch normally from the movie synopsis, violence, action, death and destruction, guns, gangs, etc it was an absolutely edge of your seat heart racing fast paste epic. I absolutely loved it.

Not for the faint hearted or the squeamish, in the first 10 minutes I did have to close my eyes a couple of the times, the on screen violence is brutal as someone is about to be garrotted, too much for me, (the gang leader and drug lord Diego Garcia has the nickname “La Guillotina" Spanish for "The Guillotine" and director Pierre Morel validates these character building credentials early in the film.

He earned this terrifying alias due to his signature method of execution—killing his enemies by cutting off their heads, something we witness at the beginning of the film. A look away now moment for me.

But this is actually a chick flick. Garner is magnificent as a girl scout cookie selling “soccer Mom” turned vigilante Riley North. After her life is devastated by a drive by shooting, a gangland style execution of her husband and child Carly and a corrupt federal judge and a bent LAPD fails her, she goes under ground for 5 years returning to Los Angeles three months before the 5 year anniversary of the execution to take her revenge.

I usually hate watching a film with ad breaks, but this one aired in Film 4 I actually didn’t mind the adverts. The film is so action packed you almost need the breaks to recover.

I won’t tell you what happens except to say, you find yourself cheering on this normal woman turned self trained assassin. Think Girl With the Dragon Tattoo meets Killing Eve.

The level of violence is off the charts, but the one liners are quotable,

When Diego Garcia says;

"I can hear the pain in your voice. You're hurting. You're hurting bad. Out-manned, out-gunned. How you really think this is gonna go?

Riley calmly replies, “I'm gonna shoot you in your fucking face. And then I'll pretty much figure it out from there.”

Garner is completely believable in this role, Riley North is a character you could never forget and every woman longs deep down to find a piece of her somewhere inside. I think that’s is what makes this film so relatable especially for women who in the most part don’t lean towards on screen violence on this scale or scope.

It’s an ugly world out there. And sometimes when it’s us or them we have to do bad things to survive.

This film is a stark reminder of how corruption invades every area of public life, our governments, every public body, every police force and whilst taking the law into our own hands and machine gunning down the baddies is obviously not the right course of action as human beings, great filmmakers can tap into that deep feeling in all of us that sometimes the end does justify the means.

Not only is the film totally magnificent in every way, exciting, thrilling, memorable, fantastically shot, gripping, engaging, dramatic it is also empowering, inspiring, and presents a massive ethical dilemma.

With a spectacular deeply thought provoking and unexpected clever ending.

Who would watch: anyone who likes crime thrillers, drama, heart racing action, high violence. For a couple wanting a film that will suit a mixed movie taste audience it’s a fantastic choice. Too violent for kids though.

Would I watch it again. Without a doubt. Brilliant film. Loved it.

Lakeland The Household, Kitchen And Utility Shop Everyone Has Dreamed Of

I visited for the first time and here’s what I thought

Charlie Black

2026-09-12T08:37:00.0000000 2026-09-12T10:03:16.4770000

If you’ve ever been to the old Habitat, Lakeland is a bit like that, except just Utility, so great design, medium to high end price point and everything you can think of you might find in a well stocked kitchen, Nigella Lawson style, a great utility room, Mrs Hinch or Martha Stewart style or a great homeware store specialising in high modernist design like Ikea, the Conrad Shop or Habitat I just mentioned, a shop I loved to browse as a student, I couldn’t afford the prices.

When a shop that sells product you are not that interested in with great merchandising, point of sale displays, bright lighting and spacious aisles to wonder and lots of staff on hand to help if you need them or not, generally quiet unless called on, you can see why Lakeland is a retailing success story. I don’t work for them or have any association with the business. I hadn’t ever stepped foot in the shop until a few weeks ago but I was very surprised by the whole overall experience.

I don’t cook a lot and tend to spend as little time in my kitchen as possible but I just moved into a new flat, I needed a few things for the kitchen, a washing up bowl, scourers, a chopping board, a bread knife, a laundry rack and basket, and Wilkinsons and the old fashioned hardware shop in Market Harborough have closed down, the place I would have normally gone to buy these items.

I found myself in Lakeland by default and was pleasantly surprised by the product range and not so scary prices.

Don’t get me wrong, I probably did pay a premium for the items I purchased about £50 in total, but I did find the experience easy, the products I bought were definitely all superior quality with an emphasis on high design and I did get everything all in one place.

The chopping board was particularly nice, real wood and the knife selection was extensive. FYI the one I chose slices the bread brilliantly. And I am sure will last me a lifetime.

The little washing up brush I was particularly impressed with too. Sort of a door handle knob on a brush that fits neatly inside the palm of your hand and makes that task of washing up a lot easier. I cannot actually believe I am raving about a washing up brush.

Lakeland is the kind of shop you can actually browse. It’s full of things you’ve never seen before and certainly never realised you needed.

If you are looking for a practical gift for someone it’s good place to start especially for someone who loves to cook.

I don’t imagine I’ll be in Lakeland every week picking up a new gadget, like I said I keep my time spent in the kitchen to a minimum but I can see why this shop is popping up on the high street replacing the cheaper household hardware shops we used to see.

I get the feeling instead of the 99p green washing up sponges I used to go through I am going to be using my new wire wool scourer clothes and my fabulously designed washing up brush for some time to come.

So good I am thinking about buying another one just in case in a year or so when it does have to be thrown away I can get another one. Yep, that good.

NUVIO : Shopping In China When You Think You Are Shopping In America

Wanted to share a couple of experiences I’ve had recently and warn others what I discovered

Fiona Moss

2026-09-10T07:50:00.0000000 2026-09-10T08:44:47.0500000

First off I am never reading a review or anything frankly in Forbes Magazine ever again, a magazine until recently I trusted not to steer me wrong.

It is only when things do drastically wrong that we tend to look deeper into a company. When I shopped with Nuvio a red light specialty product business I thought was dealing with an American company. The address is

17595 Harvard Ave, Ste C-827 (or Suite C-613), Irvine, CA 92614

When you read between the lines the company explicitly states on the Nuvio Recovery Contact Page that this is a mailing address only and products should not be returned here. And they have no phone number, just an SMS service that I discovered doesn’t get responded to which should have been a dead giveaway.

Would I have purchased if the company had been upfront about where they are actually based who knows but it would have been better for me, the feeling of being misled isn’t a good one.

The particular product I purchased was for a gift. The shipping stated 2-5 business days and I purchased 3 weeks in advance of the birthday thinking I had plenty of time should anything do wrong.

The order was shipped, tracking provided and all was fine or so I thought. I’d read about this particular product in Forbes magazine so I foolishly trusted the big name publication and the editor writing the article, in hindsight probably an advertorial for commissions had I read the fine print there too.

6 days after placing my order it was returned to sender on my tracking which revealed it had come from mainland China not Southern California as I believed. And then the fun began. Trying to get help from a non existent customer service department via a compliant but ineffective AI assistant Julia, no phone number, no email response, no response to SMS, and a whole load of people online ranting about the same experience I was in the middle of.

The advice to just challenge the transaction with the bank or credit card and chalk it up to experience, which is what I did.

The disputed transaction takes up to 60 days to resolve so I don’t have an outcome yet but just wanted to let others know if you are thinking about red light therapy products Nuvio are perhaps a company you might want to avoid.

Another experience I just had was with a fashion company Electicook I didn’t buy from this time without doing a bit of exploration first. They had been popping up a lot showing a designer jumper I liked, at a very competitive price. Too competitive. I got the impression from the website advertising this jumper was preloved secondhand, then when I saw it appearing repeatedly I realised it couldn’t be a one off, it must be a dupe, fake, mirror copy and I set about finding out how a company operating illegally violating copyrights could be advertising so prolifically on Meta.

Was that allowed? Apparently yes.

I found out if you buy from a company like Electricook and your goods get opened by customs they will be seized, and you lose the goods and the money. I also found out on Google this particular company is known for operating illegally and whilst it is not a crime to shop with them what they are doing using brand names in their marketing to mislead consumers, stealing trademarks and proprietary designs is criminal.

Some people don’t mind, they want the designer dupes and are happy to take the risk but buyer beware, if you see something that looks too good to be true, I honestly thought this particular jumper was a one off on a platform I hadn’t seen before. I guess I trusted that Meta would not allow known businesses like this to advertise openly with them.

Got burned the first time with Nuvio, when it came to Electricook I did my research before shopping.

The Chocolate Lovers Shop In Market Harborough

A gem of a shop stocking Booja Booja Ice Cream

Florie Deva

2026-09-09T08:15:03.5300000 2026-09-09T14:07:39.3970000

When you visit my feed regularly it’s easy to see I am a big advocate of supporting small and local.

Our town of Market Harborough is heralded nationally for its mix of small independent shops and traditional market town feel and although big brand names have definitely infiltrated, Lakeland, a shop I actually love, Jo Malone again I’ve snagged a few testers and bought a couple of lavish gifts for friends and The white company whose sheets I sleep on and pick up a candle in the sale, it’s the little ones I love to shop in and enjoy a friendly nod to the proprietors I have got to know, not necessarily by name but by their smiles when I walk in.

Someone compared the reception you get at say Two Old Goats a neighbourhood bolt hole to a more corporate approach from the staff at large chain like Pret A Manger, polite but NPC and it’s why the small independently owned businesses are so appealing.

There’s been much commentary on the news and in the media about the decimated high st and it’s true small and independent can’t survive unless we all go in and spend money.

So it’s great so see Chocolate Lovers offering things you cannot get anywhere else, alongside their chocolates, gifts and hot drink offering like Booja Booja Ice Cream.

A reason to go there. The ice cream is absolutely delicious, plant based and gluten free but that’s not why I like it, just tastes really good.

Next time you are passing pop in, the coffee served always smells divine and I am told the hot chocolate is better than the larger Le Chocolat chain across the road.

BOY SMELLS a candle brand for Los Angeles Head and Shoulders Above The Rest

You have to be a little candle obsessed to appreciate how great these really are.

Headie Aster

2026-09-08T07:42:00.0000000 2026-09-08T08:29:43.1230000

Who doesn’t love a scented candle and every perfume company in every price point has jumped in the bandwagon to try and gain traction in this billion dollar gift and home interiors market.

Globally we buy a lot of candles. The market in the UK alone is worth a staggering £630 million and with profit margins between 40 and 60 percent and start up costs as low as £500 it’s easy to see why there are a lot of kitchen table top candle makers out there sitting alongside the premium brands like Le Labo and Dipytique Baird out there where it’s not unheard of to pay £60-£80 for a 240g beeswax candle.

50 or so hours later it’s gone so what’s the appeal of Boy Smells for the candle obsessed like me?

Like many perfumes, fragrances lasting is number one for consumers. Ever sprayed a tester in a department store you love and a few hours later it’s completely disappeared? For me most perfumed candles offer the same experience, you can smell them while they burn but the fragrance doesn’t hold after you extinguish the flame.

Not Boy Smells the unusual gender fluid scent combinations linger long after the scent has been extinguished. Burn one in your bedroom or bathroom at night and the fragrance will greet you in the morning, like an English country garden inside depending on which flavour you choose.

This one Ambrosia you might struggle to find, that’s the only thing with Boy Smells they do change their offering quite a lot which is frustrating if you land on a particular favourite although I I have found jumping around the range, I’ve tried Cameo, Neopeche, Gardener, Cashmere Kush, Hackney Garden of late and although if pressed I’d probably say Agua De Jardin is my favourite I am such a big fan of this company I’ve got two Philia in my cupboard waiting to be lit.

It’s a wonderful exciting range available in NK Space. They cost £40 in the UK which I know is a lot for a candle but if you can buy in bulk stateside you can pick the same product up a lot cheaper around $30.

I burn a candle every couple of weeks. They do last and the scents are completely intoxicating.

I am probably Boy Smells super fan, I always have a few on stock and they make the very best hostess gifts, teacher gifts and if you just are caught off guard for someone’s birthday. The feedback I’ve got from friends and family is always where did you find that incredible candle you gave me.

If you haven’t tried a Boys Smells candle yet, bite the bullet and treat yourself. I promise you’ll never go back.

Oh and if you care about how evenly your candles burn, and hate the wastage or the big hole in the middle at the end, never once has this happened to me. My only issue is what to do with all the left over glass containers, too beautiful to through away.

Would love to be able to recycle them in some way or buy just a wax insert, if that would ever be possible. Who knows.

I Predict Selfridges Will Follow Harvey Nichols If The Fashion Offering Doesn’t Improve

What the hell? Is it the end of an era for department store shopping

Dora Black

2026-09-07T08:14:00.0000000 2026-09-12T10:12:33.5630000

Did you know Selfridges was taken over by the Saudis and a Thai Investment Group a couple of years ago and it shows.

All the good taste, and conjured excitement to shop has been drained away leaving behind a soulless commercial shell full of likely zero hour contract staff on strict timetables, clock in clock out schedules and tough sales targets. I don’t know this for sure but that’s what it feels like as a customer.

It’s been a long time since you’ve been able to buy a bra or a pair of socks, two things I like to shop for in Selfridges, a sheaf of writing paper, or an ink cartridge. I have to go to Liberty in London for this kind of department store browsing and shopping, the kind of luxury curated offering a trip to Selfridges used to offer.

That said Birmingham Selfridges was the only remaining destination shop for fashion, expensive high end on the third floor, middle of the road brands on the second floor, outside of London. A short jaunt from Leicester I like to go with my sister 4 times a year to see what’s up.

And usually blow a few hundred quid on something unique and irresistable.

Not this time.

What has happened?? The fashion on the lower floor has completely shrunk away to nothing. Skims seems to have the largest concession at one end taking up the whole wall and on either side, leggings and sweatshirts from cheaper brands like Adanola, Tala, and Bo and Tee. They are clearly catering to the influencer crowd not the luxury fashion shopper.

On the other side I was horrified by the merchandising, so shocking I had to snap pictures, I didn’t know if I was in a costume shop, a drag show, or the merchandisers had just lost their minds completely.

These wide brim hats were such poor quality they could have been resurrected from Woolworths in the 1970s.

If you wanted a great quality T shirt, well made, sustainable, forget it, a plain cashmere jumper, I looked at Joseph upstairs and the selection was weird over designed shapes in odd colours, no black, no navy, no grey, no cream, I don’t understand.

When the owner of Uniqlo has made 50 billion selling staples???? The clothes people wear every day.

Upstairs the Victoria Beckham rails were filled with size 4 and size 6, at a UK size 12 nothing would fit me even if I had £870 to spend on a pair of Gucci footless tights. The only staple item I looked at in the whole shop. I kid you not.

There is a massive Sephora like beauty and skincare section which was good. Like a high end boots which has replaced a lot of the less expensive fashion offering. The perfume counters are well stocked with limited edition to Selfridges options like Solferino and Maison Crivelli but hold onto your wallet, to experience more than a squirt in store you need a couple of hundred quid spare even for a small bottle.

We did get a top tip when trying perfume, smell coffee beans inbetween scents to not get a sensory overload.

The best areas for help and assistance, the old fashioned shopping experience in Selfridges Birmingham is the perfume, the staff are knowledgable and super experienced. My sister did buy perfume just because this was the best shopping experience of the day with a really skilled and passionate assistant. I nearly bought a pair of sunglasses for the same reason, we were having fun, a great interaction with a good sales assistant. The only thing that stopped me is I need prescription lenses for driving.

I didn’t think I’d get my wear for the investment with paying more to put my prescription in them.

The assistants in the fashion departments were either too young to build rapport with people knowledgable about fashion themselves or too pushy. When you are looking at fashion you need enough time to find something you love before you need help.

The make up counter assistants ranged from highly skilled and intuitive, the lady on Bobby Brown was excellent and we shopped, the lady on Nars was terrible and we didn’t.

The lady on Victoria Beckham had no idea of store layout beyond her own concession and the staff on Le Labo didn’t know how much things were.

I am going to Selfridges on Oxford Street this week to have the experience in a different location. I hope it’s more like the Selfridges of old. A shopping experience, full of atmosphere and anticipation, the kind of theatre that makes you love spending where the staff are memorable and full of knowledge, energy and filled with genuine love and passion for what they are selling.

Otherwise like Harvey Nichols, I am afraid we’ll be saying good bye to Selfridges as we know it.

Selfridges online for me, may be convenience, but it’s not Selfridges really now is it?

LAURA A Noir Murder Mystery 1944 Old Black And White Classic Hooked and Kept Me Guessing

Always good to discover a great Vincent Price film with Hitchcock feels I’ve never seen

Lindsey Lowson

2026-09-06T07:39:00.0000000 2026-09-06T09:48:12.1600000

This isn’t a Hitchcock film but somehow it felt like one. It was directed by Otto Preminger and the screenplay was adapted from a novel by Vera Caspary written a year earlier, 1943z

Laura feels totally like an Alfred Hitchcock movie, it features an obsessive romance, a twisty murder mystery, and a dark, moody style. You’ve got the Vertigo combination, a dead woman, with a detective falling in love with her portrait, a painting of a woman named Laura, who appears to be murdered. This obsession with a missing or dead blonde woman strongly matches Hitchcock's later classic.

It’s not a scary film but filled with creepy longing, The main character, detective Mark McPherson played by Dana Andrew’s stares at the painting of Laura Hunt, (Gene Tierny) and listens to her repeating music, living in a fantasy world.

Like many old films and I think why I love the good ones so much this is pretty much a five character story, the leading Lady, Laura, Gene Tierny, very clear in her performance here why she was a movie star, the detective, Dana Andrews, her jealous older mentor, gossip columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), Laura’s beau and intended net do well Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price) and his heiress mistress Mrs Treadwell played by Judith Anderson.

It’s directed a bit like a Noel Ciward play, staged mainly in Laura’s glamourous apartment and tells a tale with shots from present to past of a young woman’s rise from unknown stenographer in an advertising agency to high flying business woman and socialite with the help of the much older and more established (rich) Waldo Lydecker who of course is in love with her too.

Like many films of it’s time, the sets and costumes are glamourous and create the depth in this film to balance the simplicity of the locations padded out with parties, dinners, drinks and extras.

It’s a fast paced film with a couple of very interesting twists, no spoilers except to say you do get a very dramatic shoot out in the end and high suspense as the loose ends are tied up and the murderer revealed.

Not an entirely surprising reveal but done in a really good way with clever work on the part of detective McPherson to down the baddies. I won’t tell you what happens on the romantic front, or who ends up with who, suffice to say everyone gets what is coming to them like great 1940s Hollywood.

The favourite scenes for me introduced comedy and lightness to contrast the suspense themes with house domestic and cleaning lady Bessie Clary, played by Dorothy Adams.

Publish Nation Self Publishing Made Easy and Affordable

Helping writers publish their books.

Shirley Yanez

2026-09-05T09:17:00.0000000 2026-09-05T09:35:08.7400000

I cannot recommend PublishNation highly enough!

I have now published four books with them, and their support has been absolutely exceptional from start to finish. As an author, the prospect of self-publishing and getting your work out into the world can feel incredibly daunting. David and Gwen Morrison, along with their fantastic team of specialists, completely take that stress away. They offer a true one-stop convenience, managing the entire project on your behalf with a level of patience, friendliness, and professionalism that is hard to find. What really stands out is their ethos of "taking your book to the world without it costing the earth." Starting from just £215, they help you produce a professional-quality book and seamlessly handle global distribution—making your work available on Amazon and in worldwide bookshops. They deliver top-tier, media-experienced guidance at a genuinely affordable price.

What really stands out is their honesty and value. There are absolutely no hidden charges, and their packages include a Total Distribution service. They have set me up on IngramSpark, which is fantastic because it allows me to log in and track exactly how each of my books is doing. Through their distribution network, they make sure your work is listed with the world’s top distributors, making it available to retailers globally—including Amazon, Waterstones, and many more. PublishNation has now produced over 3000 titles, but your book is the most important. They are all editorial, with the focus always on publishing and building long-standing relationships with their authors along their journeys (over half come back). You’re in good hands, they know how to get you there!

If you are looking for a reliable, helpful, and affordable team to help you self-publish and distribute your books globally, look no further than David, Gwen, and the team at PublishNation. They have helped me turn my writing dreams into a global reality four times over, and I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Froth Cafe Made Me The Best Homemade Burger I’ve Ever Tasted

And the friendliest of service, genuine warm place you’ll love on the Finchley Road London

SusieQ

2026-09-04T07:45:00.0000000 2026-09-04T08:18:10.7570000

Just been to the cutest little cafe I wouldn’t have known about had it not been for reading about it in here. Random.

This place Froth on the Finchley Road is outstanding. I was trying out a new hair salon across the street, was early for my appointment so decided to stop by here and try and get something, a bite to eat beforehand.

The staff first of all were the friendliest, positive people I have encountered in a while and not just with me I observed them serving other people with the same warmth and care. Offering free biscuits with every drink they served. Something that wasn’t lost on the customers. Who does that these days I heard one customer say in complete shock.

I ordered a smashing burger, the marketing flyer and pictures looked like it was coming from a take out shop down the road, but no it was being made in house.

I wasn’t sure what I was getting but when it arrived in the best folding cardboard to go box, brilliantly engineered for transportation I wasn’t sure very optimistic what I was going to find inside.

The smoothie to go with I had already polished off half by the time the burger was ready, mango, lime, pineapple and coconut, plant based and totally delicious to be fair. Cost me around £5 but it was a pretty decent serving.

The food was probably the best homemade burger I have ever tasted. No lie. Absolutely blooming delicious. Stand out, a little bit spicy, juicy, really well made. The burger cost me about a tenner, an extra £3.50 for fries which isn’t cheap I know for a snack. But it was something totally memorable and really enjoyable, you could tell it was made from the best fresh ingredients. I will definitely be having again. And so delicious I wanted to write this shout out to the staff at Froth.

Also say thanks to the snooper who spread the word about this special little place.

If you are driving or walking down the Finchley Road you’d never know what awaits you at Froth. Pop in and say hello, you’ll love it.

I didn’t take a picture is the food sadly but I did get a couple of snaps while I waited. I thought the books and toys corner was a really nice touch for kids.

Pass it on.

Vinted Have Built A Unicorn But Is the Dream Of An Amazing Company Also Mythical?

Algorithmic Platforms, We Keep Returning Even Though No Customer Service

Charlie Black

2026-09-03T08:31:00.0000000 2026-09-03T08:47:03.1570000

All the talk in the press of the Vinted platform selling children and questionable posts with even more questionable product descriptions and the investigation by French authorities which remains ongoing. The French preliminary investigation into suspicious listings on Vinted continues, although authorities and the platform state that no concrete evidence of an actual child trafficking ring has been uncovered.

The egregious allegations have not stopped us using the platform me included.

When things go wrong I do swear I’ll shop elsewhere except where can you find a £10.50 item on Amazon and EBay for £3.50 (£6.00 including fees and shipping)

The draw is powerful.

But when that £6.00 purchase smashes into a 100 pieces before it lands in your hands the onus is on you to jump through a load of hoops and if you don’t do it the seller gets paid you are toast.

Of course I sent images of a smashed item, not enough, here’s the instructions of what must be done to get £6.00 refunded.

We are sorry to hear the order from arrived damaged. Can you help us investigate what happened?

We’ll need as much of the following from you as possible:

A description of the damage. Photos of the inner and outer packaging. Photos of the damaged item. Photos of how the item was packed inside the parcel. Photos of the parcel before opening, if possible. Take clear, high-quality photos with good, natural lighting. Show close-up details, if needed. Please provide these within the next 48 hours by pressing the Contact us; button on this page If we don’t hear back from you within this time, the order will be completed and the payment released to the seller. We’ll wait to hear back from you soon. Thanks for your cooperation, Vinted Support.

The seller meanwhile has already apologised and told me she can’t do anything on her end. Except when I sold something on Vinted the buyer didn’t like, not broken in a 100 pieces, just didn’t like I pressed a button and actioned a refund.

The pictures I sent clearly show a broken item.

What do they think I did, hit it with a hammer on receipt?

Please provide an image of the parcel before opening. How many people take a picture of a parcel before they open it in anticipation of a problem, none.

In this instance I just had to rant before I go and start my lengthy photography project in the hope of a £6.00 refund.

I should just not bother but 6 quid is 6 quid and the idea of Vinted and the shipper getting paid if I don’t act is even more annoying than having to do a load more work.

I know, I just have to stop using the Vinted platform. To be fair I have stopped listing items. That was completely pointless to sell a fraction of items for 50% or more less than the asking price.

I know, I just have to stop using the platform.

The Ultimate Case from Kilo wine bar in Quorn, Loughborough

Sommeliers Ed and Ryan will put together a custom case for you based on what you like to drink

Andrew James

2026-09-02T09:05:00.0000000 2026-09-02T09:28:31.8330000

I have nothing but good things to say about the sommeliers, Ryan and Ed and the wine expertise ousing out of the crevices at Kilo Wine Bar in Quorn Leicestershire.

What began as a wine and cheese taster on the occasional evening after work has become an ongoing discussion and exploration into the Kilo Wine cellar, the staff really know their stuff and everytime they recommend something I go from loving this to loving that even more.

The journey all started when we were perusing the list wondering what to order, I’d started with an average medium glass of Cote De Rhone, stick with what you know I thought.

Ryan came over to the table recognising the question mark over what to order next and stepping in with a recommendation. I can’t quite remember what it was but so good I returned for more a few days later.

It was sold out and they were awaiting a delivery so another wine was suggested. This one was so good I wrote it down and recommended it a couple of friends.

Duo Rosso wine was the recommended bottle.

It tasted of cherrys with a hint of aromatic coffee heavy with loads of viscosity and so smooth it went down just a little bit too quickly.

By the time I was back this was sold out too. The beauty of Kilo Wine Bar, small batch independent well selected wines everybody loves. I have learned if you like something you have to buy it immediately.

The next beautiful wine we tried was Quintos dos muros a Portuguese family run vineyard, the same grape as Rioja, but a different region we were reliably informed. This time by sommelier Ed who really knew his stuff and gave us an even more comprehensive walk through of the cellar at Kilo Wine Bar.

He even went to the trouble of hand curating a case for us based on the wines we had already tried and exactly what we liked which included

Le Alene Rosso Veneto and Amarone Valpolicella we’ve yet to try.

If you are a wine enthusiast or just love the conviviality of sharing wine stories with passionate experts I’d really recommend popping into Kilo Wine Bar.

This place is so much more than a local hostelry, it’s a business established and based on real genuine love, knowledge and passion and supporting it doesn’t feel like spending, more like rewarding everything they give.

It’s a really great place. One thing, the food is good but not always consistent. Maybe they have different chefs working different days. I’d avoid going on a Monday if you are eating.

If you are there for the wine and cheese, everyday is magic.

AI ASSISTANT SIDEKICK TALKS RUBBISH ON SHOPIFY

I am not saying don’t use Shopify, it’s an incredible tool, just be aware

Harvey

2026-09-01T06:48:00.0000000 2026-09-01T07:04:23.1430000

A few months ago I wrote a glowing snoop about Shopify. But the more work I do the more I learn it’s not all hearts and flowers.

When Prince won the award for Best Internet-Only Single for his song "War" in 1999 and shared a cautious message about the rising computer age, no one took much notice. Almost 30 years later his words resonate and show us he was so much closer to the mark than many wished to acknowledge back then.

"Don't be fooled by the internet. It's cool to get on the computer, but don't let the computer get on you. It's cool to use the computer, but don't let the computer use you. Y'all saw 'The Matrix.' There is a war going on. The battlefield is the mind, and the prize is the soul. So, be careful. Be very careful."

I try to avoid AI as much as possible, I don’t use Alexa or Siri I was recently freaked out when put something a question into Google the response included my name. I have a Google account sure but this was too much for me. I’d already downloaded Duck Duck Go and have begun the process of detaching. Living without Google is like living without a smart phone, not easy but working on it.

I have been a customer of Shopify for a couple of years working on my own E Commerce website paying about £20 per month. That amount will increase when I start selling as they take a commission on every sale, but part of the E Comm journey, traffic and sales has proved the most challenging.

Credit where credit is due, the platform and tools available are pretty incredible and without any knowledge of coding I have managed to build an impressive website that works and looks pretty decent, like I said getting people to visit it, my challenge all along. And the reason I have come to be engaging with the AI helper within the platform more and more.

In the beginning I thought this on hand assistant who seemed to know everything about E Commerce and my store in particular I didn’t, was great and pointed me towards easy fixes I could see made sense and were logical improvements, until last weekend when it suggested a feature change I questioned because I was already using these particular fields in a different way and immediately recognised a conflict.

Good point the AI robot politely said, they don’t have an ego, part of the appeal for humans I guess, when challenged they always graciously backdown.

They assured me there was a way to use the functionality to facilitate the feature they were proposing without compromising the features already build. Basically keeping a badge marker in one group of products but removing it in another where the conditions were different.

The long and short of it was after three hours approximately in the code snippets, changing, copying and pasting, going crossed eyed looking at lines of the code, the task wasn’t completed. The expert AI robot even started explaining to me in complex language why it was going wrong, like I wanted to know that.

In the end I told it I’d had enough, wasted too much time and was reverting back to the way my site was before. It said it understood my frustration but had got it now and wanted me to try this one final solution it assured me was the answer, the fix that had eluded it, it wasn’t.

The final kicker was when it congratulated me on making the changes we had worked for three hours to accomplish and failed. I honestly couldn’t believe I had been listening to something that could get it so wrong. It was plain for all to see what I was placing all my faith and trust in wasn’t logical, couldn’t connect the dots, basically wasn’t thinking, even though it appeared to be so clever and smart.

Don’t get me wrong the people that have built Shopify are clearly geniuses, they have over 7,000,000 customers globally but it’s important to remember it’s just a tool, an interface. It doesn’t find the customers for you, it can’t build trust and relationships, hard fought for and won over time and to place all your belief and faith in a robot to help you, I learnt the hard way you will spend a lot of time going around in circles.

The one great thing I have learned from the experience. Shopify has shown me my customers are out in the real world and my time is better spent there than talking to a LLM as if it were my friend, so for now I am cutting off the robot helper, getting a new batch of business cards printed and going outside to meet people in the flesh and talk to them about what I do.

Features and functionality are all well and good in business, I have built an amazing Shopify site but the problem still remains, the great online problem for every small business, the problem social media was the answer to, Google and Facebook ads was the answer to, TikTok was the answer to. Visitors. We the business owners have paid to play, buying in whilst all these big tech businesses selling the dream of traffic, of sales of loyal returning customers have exploded without taking us with them.

Welcome to AI.

The Quiet American A Quiet Schooling In the Similarities Between War and The Human

A Remake That Needs to Re Watched

Tara Chirpy

2026-08-31T11:09:00.0000000 2026-08-31T11:57:19.2330000

The Quiet American and adaptation of the book with the same title by Graham Greene.

During the first French Indo Chine War, 1946-1954 a young American falls in love with a Vietnamese girl who is dating an English reporter Thomas Fowler. The reporter retorts by framing the American, Alden Pyle for selling arms to the anti-communists.

It was made into a film staring Audie Murphy, and Michael Redgrave initially, then the remake in 2002 where Michael Caine takes on the role of Times war correspondent Fowler and the Quiet American Alden Pyle is played by Brendan Fraser.

The Quiet American is a political drama film directed by Phillip Noyce, I wouldn’t normally lean to. It was the stars Michael Caine, Brendan Fraser, and Do Thi Hai Yen that made me watch, I remembered Caine being nominated for best actor by BAFTA and receiving Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, his performance is outstanding but the acting is superb throughout by all cast members to be fair.

Although set during the French Indochina war and some scenes are Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, Platoon graphic it’s more psychological thriller, than war movie I’d say with an unusual love story threaded through as the central characters Fowler and his young mistress Phuong navigate the challenges of their relationship, her desire for security in the traditional sense, marriage in the 1950s and his frailty and selfishness in knowing regardless of his love and desire for her, his inability to deliver what she needed.

The sets the costumes and the emotional dynamics are gripping and what create sensitivity and complexity in what would probably otherwise be described as a guy movie.

For me it was a paradox between war in politics and power, colonialism of the French fighting the local independence of Indo China and communism with the interference from the anti communist Americans and the quest for power in personal relationships, friendships and professional associations, the director showed this in a clever engaging very deep film about the gravest of subject matter, war.

It’s a film that shows the evil in everyone, and I guess that is what war brings out in people. It’s a historical reflection on a beautiful magical Saigon, an extremely thought provoking and enigmatic film showing the intersection of Eastern promise and Western interference with the characters taking what they want when they want and the pain and carnage exposed in every direction by those actions.

For me it was like being schooled in the deepest ugliest reality of human nature whilst being coddled in a blanket of fine silk puffing in an opium pipe.

Maybe this was the directors way of conveying a very deep message about the fragility of human consciousness and how we are all able to be manipulated to get what we want in the end regardless of the consequences.

I won’t spoil the ending but Fowler does get what he wants the big question the film leaves you with in the end, at what cost.

I will definitely watch this film again, not for a while, it’s an intense journey but one we all need to go on more than once.

Chiquitos Could Be The Best Restaurant In Leicester

Freshly prepared Mexican Food I would return for

Florie Deva

2026-08-30T07:28:50.3230000 2026-08-31T07:46:49.2400000

Don’t get me wrong Chiquitos is not fancy. And there’s no vibe whatsoever. We are always craving that lunchtime bistro brasserie you find in so many European cities the chic locals support every day because the food is so good, the staff are passionate, funny, individual and the atmosphere gossipy and buzzing. I know it’s Leicester. But why can’t we find a restaurant like that???

All that wishful thinking said, someone on here suggested trying Chiquitos in Braunstone, a chain based at Meridian for freshly prepared pretty well made nachos and tacos. To be honest we didn’t hold out a lot of hope.

When we arrived at around 12.30pm the place was empty. A big restaurant with no people on a Saturday would usually be a very bad sign. But the cost of living crisis and summer holiday spending was maybe the reason.

The conversation went like this as there was no server to greet us instead a dirty jey cloth and bottle of table cleaner on the host/hostess station.

“Shall we just go?” “Well we are here now”

We were hungry and had driven 30 minutes to get there.

When the server appeared we joked about being able to fit us in. He said they had only been open 30 minutes. A little embarrassed maybe asked us where we’d like to sit.

Saturday lunchtime, payday weekend and no people we were anticipating disaster.

We only ordered a large plate of nachos between two, £10.95 and a couple of Coronas, the plan; to eat and run.

When they arrived they looked particularly inviting and when we began to tuck in, even though the portion wasn’t stingy we wished we’d ordered one each as a main meal.

The chips were light crispy and salty, up there with the best tortilla chips and the toppings aside from the salsa which was out of a jar tasted very fresh. The great thing was the balance, just the right amount of chips for the toppings, pico de gallo, Cheese, sour cream, fresh guacamole, jalapeños and sweet red opinions, something I hadn’t had on nachos before but a tasty addition. They were a bit messy, by the time we got to the end, the best bit, the broken crunchy chips mixed in with all the other flavours we had found forks to devour the lot. Lick the plate clean literally. A word of warning, I did have to retreat to the bathroom mid meal to wash my white top out after spilling tomato and using the black napkin provided and water to clean it. The napkin made matters way worse as the napkin dye came out on my clothes and left a muddy stain wider than the tomato splatter.

We planned to have a pudding the brownie with ice cream served in a tortilla like a sweet burrito did appeal or brownie with popcorn, caramel sauce and chocolate ice cream was also calling. We decided they would probably be mass produced desserts with lots of E numbers and preservatives, that taste incredible in the moment but don’t digest properly afterwards and went for another plate of the nachos instead, this time the regular size at £7.95.

The smaller portion didn’t work out so well as the big one, not enough chips and too much of the jar salsa, the balance wasn’t right, too many of the red onions and no pico de gallo and jalapeños, maybe they were just made in a hurry or harder to get the combo right on a smaller plate.

That said the larger portion I would definitely return for, even in an empty restaurant the friendly server and the great Latin music made up for the lack of people. When we left a healthy tip he was genuinely surprised and really grateful. Enough for us to comment privately “clearly nobody tips.”

The decor reminded me of a beachy South American scene with colourful Mexican tiles around the bar and interesting art hung throughout, it did transport me. Maybe I need to get out more.

Or maybe Leicester just needs a few more great restaurants but Chiquito got enough right when it came to the food for me to go back. The nachos were the best I’ve tasted outside of Mexico in a long time.

And if the salsa had been home made I would have been returning within days. Even to dine alone.

Mayfair Shoe Shopping Guide: Where to Buy Carel in London, Aquazzura Bond Street Updates & Designer Finds in Charity Shops

Your guide to Mayfair shoe shopping: where to find Carel and Aquazzura in London, updates on...

Poppy

2026-08-29T06:55:00.0000000 2026-08-29T08:22:55.3600000

If your heart belongs to Carel’s polished Mary Janes and Aquazzura’s elegant party heels, Mayfair and its neighbouring postcodes are prime hunting ground.

Here’s a practical, up‑to‑date guide to finding those styles (and their kindred spirits), plus where to score designer shoes in charity and consignment shops nearby.

I feel an affinity with fictional character Carrie Bradshaw even though much younger. I too live in an Apartment in a neighbourhood (Mayfair) I could never ordinarily afford and as such will never be able to leave too small to house the shoe collection I have accumulated over my almost thirty years on earth. Half of which I feel I have spent picking out shoes, wearing amazing shoes and shopping for shoes in the incredible shoe shops in my beloved Mount St and beyond, Oxford Street and Bond Street walking distance away.

Where to buy my ultimate favourites Carel in London

A Standalone boutique: Carel does not currently operate a permanent London store. The brand’s own site ships to the UK and occasionally trails London pop‑ups; check Carel’s Instagram and newsletter for dates.

Department stores and multi‑brand stockists: London’s big destinations carry Carel on and off through the season. Before you set out, search online or ring ahead for:

Selfridges (Oxford Street): frequently lists Carel’s Kina and Estelle Mary Janes, colour drops vary.

Liberty (Great Marlborough Street): edits come and go; best to check availability first.

Other multi‑brand boutiques: selections rotate; calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

Resale for Carel: If your size or colour is elusive, try well‑curated consignment (see “Resale near Mayfair”, below) or verified platforms for past‑season pairs.

Aquazzura in Mayfair: Bond Street area updates

Boutique status: Aquazzura’s London presence is in the Bond Street/Mayfair pocket (think New/Old Bond Street, Albemarle Street, Mount Street grid). Openings, refurbishments and relocations do happen; for the current address, hours and capsule launches, check:

Aquazzura’s store locator (official site)

Aquazzura’s Instagram for event and pop‑up news

Department‑store alternatives: If you want a wider size run in core styles (So Nude, Tequila, Bow Tie):

Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols regularly stock Aquazzura; call for specific styles/heel heights before visiting.

Fitting tip: Who doesn’t love a shoe shop try on, my favourite part of shopping for shoes, walking up and down on those bouncy carpets. I think it’s actually how I got addicted to shoes.

Aquazzura tends to run true to EU sizing with a slightly narrow fit. If you’re between sizes or have a wider forefoot, try both your EU size and the next half‑size up.

If you like Carel and Aquazzura, try these Mayfair neighbours for ladylike Mary Janes, loafers and polished pumps.

Chanel (New Bond Street): seasonal Mary Janes and slingbacks. Personally I find Chanel shoes old fashioned and a little old lady but that’s just me.

Miu Miu (New Bond Street area): fashion‑forward takes on the Mary Jane. Not my favourites, a little too preppy and bad colours. I like black, red and navy over brown, purple and green. I am generalising of course.

Roger Vivier (Bond Street): buckle pumps and elegant flats with a similar prim‑meets‑playful vibe.

Sleek evening heels and sandals:

Gianvito Rossi (Mount Street): pared‑back, flattering silhouettes.

Manolo Blahnik (Burlington Arcade): timeless pumps and satin evening styles.

Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo (Mayfair/Bond Street area): statement occasion options.

Concept and edit shopping:

Dover Street Market (Haymarket, a short hop): avant‑garde labels; not Carel‑specific, but strong for unexpected finds.

Department stores within easy reach; are Selfridges, Oxford Street (walkable from Mayfair): huge shoe floor spanning designer to contemporary. Where I have recently discovered a Turkish shoe designer I absolutely love, Dorateymur. A cross between French regency styling and the 1960s psychedelic vibe if you like, classical, theatrical and ultra modern and contemporary all thrown into one shoe take a look.

Liberty, just north of Soho: tightly edited, good for discovering adjacent brands. If you want to go as far as Knightsbridge (short Tube or taxi): Harrods and Harvey Nichols both carry Aquazzura and a deep line‑up of designer shoes. Although you better hurry up visiting Harvey Nichols since the sports direct owner Mike Astley purchased the store, we all know shopping on Knightsbridge will never be the same again.

Designer shoes in charity shops: where to look near Mayfair

Boutique charity shops in affluent neighbourhoods turn up the best designer footwear. Stock changes daily, quality varies, and great pairs go fast—go with an open mind.

Marylebone High Street (10–15 mins from Mayfair) The selection is good and easy access a load within a few metres of each other but be warned the prices are steep.

Oxfam Boutique: regular designer donations; check the glass cabinets.

Cancer Research UK Boutique: priced fairly; weekday mornings are productive.

Belgravia

Mary’s Living & Giving for Save the Children (Elizabeth Street): small but high‑quality edit; chic local donations. Not always open because of volunteer shortages so this one definitely call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Chelsea and South Kensington

There are a couple of amazing ones on Bute St, very close to South Kensington Tube.

Royal Trinity Hospice (King’s Road): consistent designer and premium contemporary labels.

Mary’s Living & Giving (King’s Road): good accessories wall; sizes skew smaller.

British Red Cross Boutique (Chelsea): shoes and evening clutches worth a look.

FARA Boutique (Kensington/Notting Hill borders): fashion‑led mix with occasional gems.

Notting Hill

Oxfam Boutique (Westbourne Grove) and Mary’s Living & Giving (Notting Hill): strong at weekends after Friday donations.

Charity‑shop tips

- Timing: Mid‑week mornings or just after opening on Saturdays often yield new put‑outs.

- Inspect: Check soles, heel tips, insoles and lining for drying or lifting; factor cobbler costs into your decision.

- Bring thin socks or footies for try‑ons; many shops provide minimal hosiery.

- Returns: Most charity shops operate exchange‑only within a short window—ask at till.

- Sizing: Continental/EU sizes dominate in designer shoes; know your EU equivalent before you go.

Resale and consignment near Mayfair

Sellier (Mayfair/South Molton Street and Knightsbridge): authenticated designer footwear alongside bags and RTW; good turnover and seasonal drops.

Pandora next door, my personal favourite consignment shop and where I bought the most shoes. The prices are more reasonable than Sellier and they have a wider selection. Be prepared to route through the shoe buckets.

Sign of the Times (Chelsea): established consignment with curated shoes and accessories.

Designer Exchange (Knightsbridge and Marylebone): authenticated designer with fair pricing; check new‑in rails frequently.

Tip: For high‑demand styles (Aquazzura Tequila, Carel Kina in patent), set alerts on reputable platforms and ask in‑store about waitlists.

Practicalities: sizing, routes and care

Sizing cheat sheet: UK 4 ≈ EU 37; UK 5 ≈ EU 38; UK 6 ≈ EU 39. Aquazzura fits slightly narrow; Carel Mary Janes are often true to EU size but can run snug in patent—try both sizes if possible.

My Best walking route: Start at Bond Street Tube, sweep New/Old Bond Street and side streets (Albemarle, Mount), cut to Burlington Arcade, then on to Liberty via Hanover Square; finish at Selfridges’ Shoe Galleries.

Weather and pavements: Mayfair’s stone setts and rainy days are not heel‑tip friendly. If you buy satin or patent, a protective sole and heel guards from a reputable cobbler are wise.

Tax and policies: The UK has not been offering in‑store VAT refunds to overseas visitors in recent years; check gov.uk for the latest before large purchases.

Call ahead: Store edits and opening hours change. A two‑minute phone call saves an hour’s detour.

Quick checklist before you go

Make a short list of target styles, heel heights and colours.

Check live stock online at Selfridges/Harrods/Harvey Nichols and the brand sites.

Book fittings or styling appointments for busy times (Fridays/Saturdays).

Pack footies and a foldable tote if you plan to charity‑shop.

Screenshot size conversions for each brand.

With a little planning—and a few strategic detours through Marylebone, Belgravia and Chelsea—you can try the latest Aquazzura, track down Carel Mary Janes, and unearth a designer bargain or two, all within a mile or so of Mayfair.

EL Fuerte Marbella I Cannot Think Of A Single Reason Not To Return

All The Places In All The World And We Want To Go Back To El Fuerte

Amanda Moss

2026-08-28T06:33:00.0000000 2026-08-28T07:32:48.7130000

My father took us back to his same favourite hotel year after year, it drove my Mother potty, she wanted to try somewhere different. I remember three family holiday hotels growing up, Sandbanks in Bournemouth, St Brelades Bay in Jersey and then by the time I was a teenager we had broken him down and were driving to the South Of France and exploring the Cote D’Azur resort towns of Ste Maxime and Ste Raphael. We called it progress.

This summer I visited El Fuerte, Marbella. I read a review and booked in and we had the most incredible week I am returning in October. Of all the places we could choose this hotel has stuck and I find myself just like my father deciding to stick with what I like. Not because I am adverse to change, on the contrary but because when you spending a significant amount of money there’s comfort in knowing you are returning somewhere where things were pretty much perfect the first time around.

Location, location, location, there are lots of 5 star hotels in and around Marbella and quite a few expensive refurbishments of old properties but unless your budget stretches to the Marbella Club or Puente Ramano, both of which I have visited I think El Fuerte is tough to beat.

The breakfast has already made a name for itself in the area, spectacular, spectacular and the room service, which can often let a hotel down was as good as dining in the restaurants.

The staff throughout the hotel, especially the housekeepers at bedtime made a vast hotel feel like home and the mini bars in the rooms packed with delectable chocolates, nuts and gourmet crisps and popcorn was a highlight too. Again better than most hotels I’ve visited.

If you want a party scene with a DJ around the pool and dancing until the wee hours try the Niki, if you have kids and want a family experience the Kimpton is a good option but if you are seeking relaxing in luxury, with fantastic food, staff and facilities including an amazing spa experience, ocean front swimming and dining, yoga, and an amazing fully equipped gym with wonderful panorama to keep you motivated for an affordable luxury price off peak put this hotel on your list.

Couldn’t fault it and cannot wait to return. I almost trust I’ll slip straight back in and my daily needs will be met without me having to say a word. It’s that good. The incredible staff take pride in making it just so. FYI I am not an influencer being rewarded in anyway. A regular paying guest with so many beautiful pictures of this magic place I wanted to share them. I didn’t have enough room to show you all the be incredible food, you have to experience that for yourself.

Sometimes luxury is quiet and El Fuerte doesn’t make a sound.