If it's Good Enough for Bond............

As it is the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, I thought I would re-post this thread I did on Monaco some time ago.

This blog is about everything decadent (as the tag-line for our company is “Decadence for Divas”) and what more decadent a place than Monaco.
If you are from the USA you have Vegas. But if like me you are from Europe, then we have to settle for this little principality.

I have been to Monaco a few times, but the thing that strikes me is just how over-crowded and built up it is.

Here are some more facts I’ve gathered about the “playground for the rich and famous” :-

*Monaco is only about the size of Hyde Park (London), which is only about 350 acres. Now you get a feel for just how small this principality is.

*70% of people rent their homes in Monaco, including one of their richest residents Sir Phillip Green (owner of TopShop).

*the average rent for a “normal” apartment in Monaco starts at 25,000 GBP/ $40,000 or 30,000 Euros PER MONTH!

*A 4 bedroom duplex, facing the harbour will set you back 60M Pounds to buy. That works out to about 30,000 GBP/squared metre!

* 1.5 Million GBP will buy you 47 squared metre; basically a shoe box with no garden, or no pool. The most basic accommodation you can imagine.

*There are more millionaires per squared metre than anywhere else in the world.
There are approximately 2,000 Millionaires and 50 Billionaires currently living in Monaco.

*There is NO crime, and the papparazzi are banned from the principality.

*Every car license plate is scanned and recorded as it enters Monaco.

*The streets are scrubbed clean every morning, and there is no graffiti anywhere

*40,000 workers from France cross the border everyday to work.



*Monaco is 6X the size of the Vatican

*It is the most densely populated independent country (as you can see from the photos)

*The Gran Prix started in Monaco in 1929,and is now broadcast to 100M people. It is now deemed the most glamorous Gran Prix in the world.

*Lets not forget the principle reason people move to Monaco; it is a tax haven.

* Jack Nicholson called Monaco “Alcatraz for the rich!”



So there you have it, some trivia about one of the most glamorous places in Europe.
If you could, would you want to live there in a shoe box simply because your postcode was Monaco? I’m really not sure I would. I think I would prefer to live just across the border in France and get more “bang for my buck!”
I would love to hear your views, and if Monaco is on your list of “Places to see before I die!”

Live and Love Life

While thinking about what to write today (it doesn’t come naturally for me you have to understand), I suddenly noticed a wonderful poem/piece of writing that I have had on my desk which was given to me by one of my first coaches. I have no idea who wrote it, but I think it is a wonderful reminder of how life should be.

Here it is:

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person
that wasn’t supposed to ever let you down, probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once,
and it’s harder every time.

You’ll break hearts too,
so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You’ll fight with your best friend.

You’ll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You’ll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you’ll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much,
and love like you’ve never been hurt,
because every sixty seconds you spend upset
is a minute of happiness you will never get back.
(This is the sentence that really resonates with me the most-see why below)

Don’t be afraid that your life will end,
Be afraid that it will never begin!!!"



You can see the sentence that really speaks out loud to me- I will tell you why (without trying to be too maudlin). When my mum knew her days on this earth were coming to an end (she was only 49 and had cancer, and I was only 24!) she said she wished she could "just have back" the days when we argued and gave each other the silent treatment (she was a master at the silent treatment as punishment). To this day, I can't bear if someone is sulking or not talking. I apologise even if I have nothing to apologise for, because my mums words have stayed with me ever since; it's such a waste of precious time, because the clock is constantly ticking whether we hear it or not.

Anything you would add to this piece; something that should be included and isn't?

And the Winner is............................

Well my lovelies, it's time to announce the lucky winner of our Spring Giveaway.
And the winner is: DAWN COSTEN

It's lovely to finally have a fellow Brit win our giveaway. All previous winners have been from across the Atlantic, so this is a nice surprise.

Dawn, please contact me (or I will try and contact you via Twitter).

A special thank you to ALL that entered, because without you participating it is no fun.

If you didn't win, don't worry, we will have another giveaway very soon; you just have to keep posted to our blog or Twitter announcements.

NOTE: please note that the winner was selected by random.org (I just have no idea how to add the image to my blog. Please forgive my lack of technical savvy!)

The Sweet Smell of Romance

When the new Duchess of Cambridge walked down the aisle on April 29, the best-kept secret in fashion was finally revealed.
But while the world cooed over her Alexander McQueen gown, the perfume industry's noses were buzzing about what scent Catherine chose for her big day.
According to fragrance bloggers , Prince William's bride was wearing White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, a little-known British brand (how do they know this?).

A description on the company website describes the £70 scent as 'fragrant as a vase of white flowers quivering in the breeze by an open window, this is a delicate and nuanced scent.'

It continues: 'The top note of coconut evokes a seaside location, while heart notes of muguet, ylang ylang and jasmine breeze bring a trio of white flowers into play.
'Amber wood underscores this capricious and light bouquet.'
Extremely verbose for what is in effect a floral scent.

The Illuminum brand was founded in 2007 by former celebrity hairdresser Michael Boadi. He previously styled stars including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell before launching his first line of fragrances, called Boadicea The Victorious.
They were a huge hit with Mr Boadi's former clients - Michelle Obama purchased three scents in 2009 - and the Illuminum brand followed shortly after.
The company is unsurprisingly thrilled by word that Catherine wore their product.
Illuminum spokesman Michael Donovan told BaseNotes.com: 'I am so proud!'

It was also reported that the new Duchess of Cambridge requested her favourite scented candles and toiletries from luxury fragrance brand Jo Malone to be delivered to the Abbey.
A selection of candles, hand-washes and lotions was requested, specifically in citrus spring scents including Orange Blossom, Grapefruit and the ever-popular Lime, Basil & Mandarin.
These were for use inside the Abbey and for wedding guests using the royal bathroom and additional six VIP bathrooms.


I LOVE Jo Malone and stock up on her candles every time I go home to the UK. Will I try out this new perfume? I'm not sure. I'm not a floral girl when it comes to fragrances, more a citrus girl. But also I am not so easily influenced when shopping just because a famous name is attached to a product. I never buy celebrity perfumes etc.Maybe I am just a miserable "grinch". What about you? Will this new perfume be on your shopping list?
What is YOUR signature scent at the moment?

Gorgeous Gualy

We are so pleased to welcome Gualy brand to our boutique(especially as we have on-line exclusivity).

Gualy is a European jewellery design brand (originally from Portugal) and recognized for its unusual jewellery designs, full of meaning and emotions. Each of Gualy’s unusual jewellery designs goes beyond beautiful contemporary forms and possesses an inherent meaning; products have names such as Simplicity, Lust, Freedom, Care, Belong, Happiness etc revealing a strong attachment towards the roles of women in our society. Their aim is to let women express themselves through jewellery design not driven by fashion, but rather by emotional concepts.


These earrings are minimalist on detail but absolutely gorgeous in form.It's obvious why the name of these earrings are Simplicity


The beauty is in this ring's Simplicity


Gorgeous ring enhanced with orange Topaz, Smokey Quartz and Citrine.Matching earrings also available


Freedom Passion ring


Freedom Sky ring
This ring comes in a multitude of finishes.


There's a reason why this ring is called Lust


This is just a small sneak at some of the lovely items that are now showcased in our boutique.
We are offering a special introductory discount of 20% on all Gualy products. This offer ends on Sunday 8 May.

Would love to hear your views/opinions on these pieces.