Milano

Lausanne

Jaeger squared

Although I was quite tempted to brave the queues for a taste of the second Sonia Rykiel range for H&M, I decided some more leisurely shopping was in order.

I headed to one of my favourite charity shopping zones in Essex, where I always manage to find something. This time I scored two vintage Jaeger silk blouses; one a red and black floral print and the other a light coffee shade. Both are in great condition with little obvious wear, apart from a cuff button that needs some reinforcement.

Come spring, they will be perfect with pencil skirts and wide-legged jeans, channelling a softer 70s silhouette.

Don't walk away

Today, while it hailed and sleeted, I watched Control, Anton Corbijn's film about Ian Curtis and Joy Division.

Every frame looks like the black and white posters that I used to tear out of NME and stick on my suburban bedroom wall.

Beauty Bible testing

I am a huge fan of The Beauty Bible website and series of books. All brands are reviewed and their writing style is honest and real. I started using Liz Earle cleanser after reading the 21st Century Beauty Bible book and it remains one of my favourite skincare products.

So I was very excited to be selected as a tester for the next book. My package of products is due to arrive in a week or so and I can't wait to get stuck in.

The Pudding Bar @ Kettner's

Kettner's is a landmark venue in Soho. First opened in 1867, many illicit romps have taken place in its hidden nooks.

I met up with two girlfriends at The Pudding Bar, a candlelit room where everyone had a gorgeous rosy glow. We drank a bottle of cold rosé and sampled a selection of three desserts: a rich chocolate amaretti tart, surprisingly-light green tea cheesecake and the pavlova with a sharp lime and gooseberry topping. All were beautifully prepared and lovingly presented.

We lingered for hours. Next time, I'll be back for a drink in The Apartment.

Valentine

Mark's @ Hix

This week, my friend B and I met up for the first time since December. Although we work within a 15 minute walk of each other, we see each other less frequently than I'd like.

I had wanted to visit the new Hix venue in Soho since it opened late last year. I'm a big fan of Mark Hix's venues and his Chop House in Farringdon is an excellent venue for an unstuffy business lunch.

We decided to start with a cocktail in the basement bar, Mark's. I ordered one of the retro cocktails containing gin and rhubarb from the extensive, reasonably-priced menu. Served in a small sherry glass, its punch belied its dainty appearance.

Due to their licence, we were instructed to order a couple of small dishes to accompany our drinks. Before we had even decided on food selections, our attentive waiter brought us a complementary serving of warm goujons and pea puree. We supplemented these with sides of french fries and pork crackling with apple cider sauce.

Mark's has a grown-up members' bar feel: it's a large enough space not to feel cramped, yet small enough for an intimate chat in surrounds where you can hear yourself think.

TK Maxx

I have to be in a certain state of mind to visit TK Maxx - well-rested, calm and with a mental shortlist of items to target. Today in the East London branch, I picked up a subtle ikat-style printed cotton top by French Connection for a bargainous £12.99. I love the graphic punch of an ikat print - and many brands from Dries van Noten, Gucci, Kenzo and Marc by Marc Jacobs have included ikat-influenced prints in recent collections.

In my hunt, I also spotted blazers and capes by Luella, dresses from Calvin Klein, Miu Miu and Valentino Red and armfuls of Moschino tops and trousers. It's not the most relaxing place to shop but a master plan of arriving early when the store is restocked and well-ordered has rewarded me on numerous occasions.

You're taking me over

Denim perfection

My summer wardrobe would be complete with this Stella McCartney beauty.

Gap, do you hear me?

(Image source: style.com)

Milk and Honey

It's been a while since I last drank at Milk and Honey in Soho. After an initial mixup with my details, a booth was mine for the evening. Accompanying me were Mr K and Ms K, whom I hadn't seen in months: there was a lot of catching up to be done.

The three of us were ravenously hungry so we ordered six dishes to share. However, this included a minuscule smoked salmon starter for £9 - I'm talking half a dozen 1cm cubes of smoked salmon with a crème fraiche filling. The food wasn't bad; just incredibly stingy for the price. On arriving home I had to have a late night snack so I was somewhat begrudging of the food bill.

However the drinks were excellent as always. I had two different champagne cocktails, both expertly prepared and deliciously smooth. The fizz made for excellent banter and some hours later, there was a high-heeled dash for a late tube.

With its low-lit booths and sublime drinks list, Milk and Honey is a great location for a romantic rendezvous, though I recommend eating before (or after) a cocktail or three.

Yoshino

I love working in Soho - for people-watching and food choices, it's second to none.

Japanese is one of my favourites (mmm, umami) so I'm always on the lookout for decent sushi. I've tried most of the takeaway choices (including Itsu, Japan Centre, Kulu Kulu and Papaya) but I was very happy to discover that Yoshino recently opened a sushi deli on Shaftesbury Avenue, between Dean and Wardour Street.

Before the Japan Centre refurb last year, Yoshino used to supply the sushi to the ground floor takeaway section - and the queues used to snake up the staircase into the main restaurant area.

Yoshino sells an enormous variety of sushi and sashimi including large mixed trays and everything is under a fiver. It can get pretty crowded in the small shop but service is friendly and super efficient. I'll be going back at least once a week.

Midwinter

Foxy