Notting Hill Carnival

The event on everyone’s minds this week is The Notting Hill Carnival. The streets of Notting Hill are quite literally swarming with Londoners, European and Afro-Caribbean smells and sounds and generally an incredible atmosphere. 

The festival first took over the West London area in 1966 and has been an August Bank Holiday tradition ever since. It is the BIGGEST street festival in the whole of Europe and keeps getting bigger every year. The very first carnival was an attempt to showcase the steel band musicians who played in the Earls Court of London every Weekend. When the bands paraded through the streets of Notting Hill, they drew black residents out on to the streets, reminding them of the Caribbean homes they had left behind.Having been forbidden to hold festivals of their own during the period of slavery, they now took full advantage of the relative new freedoms the ending of slavery brought them. Dressing up in costumes that mimicked the European fashions of their former masters, even whitening their faces with flour or wearing white masks, they established a tradition that continues in the costume-making of today's Notting Hill Carnival.

It truly is quite an experience, even the likes of Cara Delevingne show their support. But this is one of the only festivals where you absolutely, under no circumstances, allowed to wear WELLIES!!! Well… this isn't exactly a rule per say but funk it up a little. Think cool, casual and effortlessly chic. If you need a little help, Innu is here. 

Why not a handmade tee accompanied with denim cut offs or dungarees or some overly bright leggings? 

Not forgetting a little vibrant arm candy by yours truely… you know what to do. Take your pick! 

And while I still have your undivided attention make sure you come and support us and The Prince’s Trust during London Fashion Week on 13th September. 

Tickets and info are available here: http://www.houseofikons.com 

See you at carnival,

Love Innu London

xxx

Luxurious London Weddings

The summer is undoubtedly the best season of the year for a wedding. Sun, flowers and just the happy ambience of summer. If any of you wonderful readers have a London wedding to plan, we may of service...

The Langham Hotel

The iconic celeb hangout spot has a beautiful hidden garden offering a stunning wedding venue. The Middleton Rose garden can host a fantastic reception for up to 250 guests with an unforgettable wedding party in the Grand Ballroom.

Kenwood House

After a recent £5.95 million refurbishment, the supberb Georgian villa sits majestically at the top of Hampstead Heath. The Orangery makes a beautiful venue for summer weddings but only if you having a small and intimate affair as the maximum number guests is limited. With views of London and the Heath itself... you can not go wrong.

Cliveden House

The endless driveway that sweeps up to the house passing the 'Fountain of Love' makes an astonishing entrance. The French Dining Room is the perfect part of the house to exchange those everlasting vows. And with 376 acres of National Trust gardens photo ops are not going to run short.

Kew Gardens - The Princess of Wales Conservatory

Picture this... a champagne and canape reception whilst gracefully walking around the beautiful greenery with ten computer-controlled climate. This is ideal for those who enjoy being at one with nature...imagine the serenity.

Wentworth Club

Last but most definitely not least, situated in the magnificent area of Surrey, the famous gold clubhouse is home to the most fabulous wedding venue. Getting married under elegant chandeliers and beautiful paintings and their personal executive chef creating Ivy and La Caprice inspired food with impeccable service is more than flawless.

Now the location is sorted, what are your guests... or you the bride going to wear. SIMPLE. If you would like a bespoke wedding gown then please do not hesistate to contact us on info@innulondon.com to book an appointment with us.

Or if you are attending a wedding as a guest then you absolutely must pay our 30% off sale a visit! Simply enter "SUMMER14" at the checkout...

Love Innu London

xxx

Ascot Attire

For over 100 years luxury fashion, haute couture pieces and over the top hats have graced the Royal Ascot Racecourse each and every year. Ascot has inspired fashion through the ages from the wide brimmed hats that inspired Audrey Hepburn's My Fair Lady to the mini skirts that took over the 60's.

Here's our guide to impeccable Ascot attire:

1. Hat
The hat is possibly the MOST important thing to remember for Ascot. Unfortunately the only hats Innu London have ever offered our wonderful customers are cashmere beanie hats (soon to be back on the website) so you will have to look elsewhere such as Jane Taylor who specialise in the most exquisite bespoke hats you will ever see.

2. Dress Length
Ideally try to keep your dress no higher than knee length...think of it as Ascot etiquette. Whether it's a body con, full skirt or Innu London, there are plenty of sophisticated and elegantly 'modest lengthed' options.

Why not try the Maria dress with delicate diamonte detailing on the back to give it that added touch of luxury.  The Maria dress is available for purchase or for a 2 night hire.

Or the confused skirt with a sharp and crisp shirt...either way you know you will arrive looking chic and magnifique.

3. Bags
Now this one we well and truely have got covered. As we always say its all about the accessories. A simple clutch bag that doesn't take the attention away from the rest of your outfit (thats the 'over-the-top' hats job surely?) is all you need.  Simplicity is key and with our handmade snakeskin clutch bags and tote bag collection. At Innu London we ensure all our skins are ethically sourced and are of the highest luxury quality to produce pieces that will last for a lifetime.
No matter what colour you go for on the day, we can certainly cater for you with our array of neutral, pastel and brightly coloured bags. Explore the range here.

Whatever you ladies decide to wear, make sure you don't take it too seriously, have fun and enjoy dressing up with your friends. Until next time...

Love Innu London
xxx

Postcards from Cornwall

The innu London team are taking a trip to the south west of England this weekend…yes that’s right we are off for a relaxing weekend in Cornwall.

Kimberley’s (the head designer, who you should already know by now) Father is the owner and creator of the incredibly unique treehouse rentals dotted around lizard point. Hand crafted by his own two hands, the houses include the Tree Sparrow House nested into a tree overlooking the sea and the tranquil countryside, and the Jack Sparrow House overlooking Falmouth Bay from the hilltop. For more information about these amazing outlandish rental homes explore the website here:

http://treehousecornwall.co.uk/rustic-cabins

Tree Sparrow House

Jack Sparrow House

With the amazing weather we are being spoilt with, I can safely say without a doubt that we will be heading to the beach at some point. The lizard peninsula lies on the most southwesterly point on the British mainland, which means it’s the hottest too right?? Kynance Cove Beach is famous for the mesmerizingly stunning sunsets making it one of the most photographed and painted beach in the South West of England. The white sand along with the dark red and serpentine rock produces a breathtaking sight. We have already decided this is where we are making camp during the days wearing our casual Innu London tees over our bikinis of course.

View of Kynance Cove

Red Loose Pocket Tee

With the World Cup underway, the boys (and admittedly myself) are going to be wanting a pub to watch the England match and to eat some typical English pub food. The Top House Inn is steeped in tradition with an added touch of contemporary luxury style. The food is produced using only fresh and local ingredients. Imagine fresh fish accompanied with a very extensive wine list…Yes please!!

It is the perfect place for turning heads in our casual dresses from the maxis to the shorter printed dresses from the Exotic Cruise SS '14 Collection. So there we have it , Innu London’s weekend ahead. We wish you all a sunny and very happy weekend, until next time.

Love Innu London

xxx

Travelling in style to the World Cup

As the biggest sporting event of the year is about to take over the world, Rio de Janiero is the global hot spot to visit this year. With sun, sea and sportsmen, we couldn't agree more. So if you weren't planning on paying Brazil a visit this year you will be if we have anything to do with it.

Budweiser are taking over the 5 star Pestana Rio Atlantica on the iconic Copacabana beach and they will be throwing football star studded events through the duration of the World Cup event. With its rooftop pool and sweepig views of the beach below, it is also home to indoor and outdoor bars.

View from the Pestana Rio Atlanica 

Since 1923 the Belmond Copacabana Palace luxury hotel has welcomed all kind of rich and famous guests. The hotel hosts one the of the largest and most desirable pools in the whole of Rio and even has 2 boutique stores where its guests can purchases and admire exclusive homeware, fashion items and accessories. 

The Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel in the evening with a beautiful sea view.

The stunning Boutique hotel in the exclusive area of Fasano, Rio from the Smith Hotel collection is located in the hilltops with a glass exterior and a white marble pool on the roof. The private section of beach and views will quite literally take your breath away. You only need to pack your bikini's girl as the hotel provide you with a brand new pair of flip flop each and every day. 

The Hotel Fasano rooftop pool with views of the Brazil hilltops.

Now regarding your wardrobe, theres only one place to go, thats right the Innu London official website. 

To see more of our 'Exotic Cruise' collection and the vibrant range of clutch bags and accessories visit our website.

Until next time

Innu London

xxx