Monday, 4 September, 2017
Groucho Marx famously wrote in a letter …..
I Don’t Want to Belong to Any Club That Will Accept Me as a Member
I don’t think the newly opened Curtain Club in Shoreditch, East London will have the same problem. To be honest I think it will be the reverse. As the hottest new opening in the area, it is set to rival Shoreditch House and give the eclectic local residents and workers a fabulous new space to work and play in.
Having walked past the building works on my way to the offices every day over the last year, I was intrigued to see the inside of the Curtain Club and so was delighted when it finally opened and I was offered the chance to go in and have a snoop!
The wow factor clearly comes from the rooftop restaurant and bar, The Lido, set in front of a year-round heated swimming pool and sun loungers, but all the spaces have been carefully and beautifully curated, and will transport you away from the, at times, gritty city surroundings.
Interestingly, it was the area that attracted New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum (of the acclaimed Gansvoort brand) to build his club in this area. As he says : “We spent almost 10 years seeking locations throughout London, with the last 7 years specifically focused on the emerging East London area. It’s in our DNA to create hotels in neighbourhoods that are not only ahead of the curve but also in areas that are growing. The Curtain is that vision come to life in Europe.”
In addition to The Lido, members have access to private club club spaces and bars as well as a 24 hr gym, spa and live performance space.
And foodies, both club members and the general public, can enjoy the delights of Marcus Samuelson’s iconic Red Rooster restaurant, bringing its Harlem cool to London, as well as an all-day taqueria and bar, La Tienda, which are both also on site.
Finally, the Club also offers 120 guest rooms, including five suites, but more on that next time!
Check their website for more information about the club and about applying for membership.
With love
Sangeeta x
Image credits (except pictures 3, 6 & 7 : Adrian Houston)
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Thursday, 31 August, 2017
I am thrilled to launch my new look blog which has been a long time in the making!
As mentioned, recent personal transitions have meant it was time for a re-brand and new direction and so am excited to welcome you to The White Diaries – a lifestyle blog with a mission statement inspired by the mantra coined by the incredible philosopher Joseph Campbell.
Life is like a blank white page and I strongly believe we create our own experiences and we can only find true happiness by following our bliss.
The White Diaries is essentially a journal documenting the amazing places I am lucky to experience and the inspiring people I meet in my day to day life. For over twenty years I have worked in the city of London, predominantly as a finance (bond) lawyer. I also set up a luxury wedding accessory label with my now ex-husband. And I now spend my days marketing the skills of incredibly talented lawyers in a city law firm.
I hope The White Diaries provides inspiration and ideas of how to make each moment truly count, and that you find the Inspiring Individuals within the blog, who I will be featuring, as fascinating as I do, and that they motivate you to keep what you are passionate about at the core of what you do!
If you would like to get in touch with me you can email me at hello@thewhitediaries.com
With love
Sangeeta x
Note: I remember been inspired many years ago by Conde Nast Traveler’s Mission Statement that it does not accept free or discounted trips and accommodations or even payment in exchange for editorial coverage. And so when I decided to launch my lifestyle blog I wanted to ensure that I brought the same ethic to the articles I wrote. The majority of the places I feature (hotels, restaurants etc.) have been paid for in the same way as you would without any special treatment or recognition. I hope this allows me report fairly on what I have experienced and provide inspiration and experiences that are affordable.
In some instances, I will write about places I have been invited to as part of a showcase or open evening, and where I do I will make full disclosure. The purpose of this blog is not to generate an income and so I won’t be accepting sponsorships or paid adverts.
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Sunday, 23 July, 2017
For the final post in my honeymoon series and before I relaunch my lovely little wedding blog into a new luxury lifestyle blogzine, is a homage to one of my favourite destination hotels, The Residence on the gorgeous Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
On an island replete with luxury hotels, the Residence stands on its own with an old-school luxury and understated colonial-style charm. Even now, two years after my last visit, the smell of ylang ylang, which is used to generously scent the rooms and public areas, takes me back to this magical place. Inspired by plantation houses, the hotel boasts a mile-long beach and every room comes with butler service.
Situated on the east coast, which boasts the islands best beaches, I think the five star Residence would make the perfect luxury honeymoon destination. Well-appointed rooms and suites with views of either the gorgeous tropical gardens or the ocean, this hotel remains one of my firm favourites for total relaxation.
On my last visit I travelled with one of my best friends and we each stayed in ocean-view room, which was elegant and comfortable, but I think if you were staying here on honeymoon it would be worth upgrading to a suite with muslin-draped four poster beds and other thoughtful amenities including your own Nespresso machine. And as mentioned above, each room comes with your own personal butler to help with unpacking after the long flight and even running a bubble bath complete with rose petals.
We had opted for the all-inclusive basis so were able to choose between the the hotel’s three restaurants. Our favourite for lunch was definitely the beachfront Plantation restaurant for its spectacular views of the ocean and delicious fresh seafood and curries.
With plenty to see and do both in the resort and on the island, our seven night stay just flew by. And for the ultimate recharge of those city worn batteries, there is also a fantastic spa and gym in the hotel which I visited several times during my visit.
For me, the Residence retains the charm of a bygone era and although you are staying in a luxurious five star accommodation, there are no airs and graces and you truly feel like you are one of the family.
Longing to return! Maybe next time, will be on my own honeymoon!
With love,
Sangeeta x
Note: We travelled with Elegant Resorts (approx £3,500 pp on an all-inclusive basis and including single room occupancy supplement) flying on British Airways. The flight from London takes just under 12 hours. Transfer time from Mauritius airport: 50 mins.
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Sunday, 20 November, 2016
I always love to feature the talents of wedding planner extraordinaire Jemma Jade who has a knack for bringing together the right mix of suppliers to create some gorgeous inspiration for brides to be. Her concept for this shoot was British Heritage – getting her inspiration from a time when men and women were oh so elegant, venues were traditional and the dessert tables were overflowing.
Jemma picked Two Temple Place for the shoot venue, a beautiful late Victorian mansion built by William Waldorf Astor, the house combines the grandeur of a gothic mansion with the intimacy of a private home. It might also be familiar to Downton Abbey fans as the wedding of Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridge in series 5 finale was filmed here too! With a fabulous stained-glass roof covering the atrium and intricate wooden panelling, including statues of literary figures from Shakespeare’s works, Two Temple Place is a hidden gem in London.
The palette of whites and natural foliage are perfect for a winter wedding and work so well with the rich hues of the interior. Classic and elegant, I loved this shoot and have picked some of my favourite shots to inspire you to plan your own perfect winter wedding.
Until next time,
Sangeeta x
Credits
Styling & Coordination: Jemma-Jade Events
Photographer: Kate Neilen
Venue: Two Temple Place
Wedding Cakes & Dessert Table: Elizabeths Cake Emporium
Flowers: Elizabeth Marsh
Hair : Louise Alway
Makeup Artist: Amanda White
Table Linen: Over The Top Rentals
Bride’s Dresses: Sassi Holford London, Alfred Angelo, Ian Stuart, Madeline Isaac James, Emma Hunt
Bride’s Shoes: Aruna Seth and Freya Rose
Hair Accessories & Jewellery: Olivier Laudus
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Friday, 29 January, 2016
In the second instalment of my new honeymoon series, I am thrilled to feature the Jandia Princess hotel in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. I have visited this gorgeous island and hotel several times on holiday and think it would make a fantastic mid-haul honeymoon destination. Only four hours from London, Fuerteventura boasts white sand Caribbean-esque beaches and luxury accommodation but at purse-friendly prices.
The 4 star Club Jandía Princess is located in the south of Fuerteventura about an hour from the airport. It is an all inclusive hotel and has two separate areas, one for adults-only and one for families, with the adults-only section focused on privacy, relaxation and tranquillity. And as Canary Islands resorts go, it really is stunning. The perfect place to switch off and recharge your batteries: beautiful white low-rise buildings, an incredible location perched on a cliff with breath-taking views from every angle and incredible sunsets and delicious food to suit all palates; in short all the ingredients for the perfect honey or mini-moon.
My favourite spot at the hotel was the Chill Out Bar with its cool vibe music, and white chairs to just relax and enjoy the views below.
We also rented a Balinese bed, not once but twice, which came with fresh fruit and cava, and was our own little private cocoon for the day from which we could go for walks on the beach, swim in one of the pools or just take a nap.
Am already dreaming about my next visit ….
Until next time.
Sangeeta x
Information: We travelled with First Choice, prices start from £414 for 7 days and covers flights and all-inclusive package in the hotel.
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Saturday, 28 November, 2015
I am thrilled to share with you the sensational NEW collection from avant-garde design house Berta Bridal. The S/S 2016 collection takes its inspiration from the 18th century in the aftermath of the French Revolution, and reflects a time when women started to feel more comfortable with wearing clothing to emphasize their figures.
Israeli designer Berta has a truly artistic approach to bridal fashion and her collections are considered among the most praised and anticipated in the world, boasting luxurious fabrics and unique detailing and textures for her dresses, which are also evident in the higher price tags, with gowns retailing on average around GBP 5,000.
The signature figure-hugging gowns are however incredibly lust-worthy and sure to create the requisite wow factor on a bride’s big day. There are so many gorgeous dresses in this new collection, I am not sure how you can pick just one though. Here are some of my top-picks:
In order to achieve a timeless regal look, Berta has combined many new elements in some of her creations, such as beaded boleros, tulle capes, beaded cathedral veils, and detachable dramatic tulle & lace trains.
For more information and a list of stockists visit the website – Berta Bridal. Happy browsing!
Sangeeta x
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Wednesday, 22 July, 2015
At Olivier Laudus, we love getting involved in styled shoots as they are a fabulous way to work with great suppliers and together create some amazing inspiration for brides to be. And so were thrilled when luxury wedding planner Jemma Jade asked us to lend pieces for one of her styled shoots at the oh so elegant 11 Cadogan Gardens, a boutique hotel near London’s Sloane Square. The theme was stand-out luxe and glamour and the final images I think you will agree were just stunning. Here are some of our favourites from the shoot plus some ideas of what you might like to think about when creating your own luxe wedding day style. 
The colour scheme of black, white, gold and red had dramatic Gothic overtones, but was softened by the romantic silk and lace wedding dress by Emma Tindley and a loose 40s style bun, accented with our Amelia vintage inspired diamanté hairclip from our new Romance accessory collection.
The pearl earrings and bracelet also from our new collection gave the overall a more ethereal feel, while the smokey eye-shadow tied in with the Gothic romantic theme but the rest of the make up was kept more subtle and pretty.
The indulgent luxe feel was created with lavish attention to detail: chic black and white cakes made by the fabulous Elizabeth Solaru from Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium; floral scented candles and blooms in red and white as well as fruit displays.
And the piece de resistance were the striking black bridesmaids dresses by Maids to Measure, complemented with sparkly Olivier Laudus wedding accessories, contrasting beautifully with the feminine bridal outfit. The overall effect in 11 Cadogan Garden’s mirror room was just breathtaking.
Until next time, Sangeeta x
Credits
Venue: 11 Cadogan Gardens
Styling: Jemma Jade Events
Photography: Kate Nielen
Hair: Kasia Fortuna
Make up: Amanda White
Cakes: Elizabeths Cake Emporium
Candles: Wick & Tallow
Flowers: Larry Walshe
Bride’s Dress: Emma Tindley
Bridesmaids Dresses: Maids to Measure
Hair Accessories & Jewellery: Olivier Laudus
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Sunday, 12 July, 2015
There is no longer a one size fits all for honeymoons. Gone are the days when it was just about selecting an expensive tropical destination, newly-wed couples nowadays choose to use this time to do something they have always wanted to do or which fits their respective personalities. A honeymoon is about quality time together and the world is literally your oyster!
In my new honeymoon series, I wanted to showcase three different types of holiday to cover varied interests and budgets and am starting with Barcelona which has always been a place very close to my heart. I lived in this gorgeous city almost eighteen years ago and am still wowed each time I go back, and think it would make the perfect European honeymoon destination. Offering lovely beaches, architecture and culture plus a vibrant nightlife, there is plenty to see and do in this gorgeous city and a wealth of fabulous hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. And it is just over two hours flying time from London.
A personal favourite is the Miramar Hotel up in the Montjuic hills away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still only a ten minute taxi ride away from all the action. I stayed at the Miramar last August for a short weekend and was struck then at how perfect it would be for a European honeymoon.
Luxurious, elegant and relaxing are all words that come to mind, but there is also something very special about this fabulous hotel, which was built on the site of a former palace and gives you the feeling of a private residence – a real home from home but with all the amenities of a larger hotel (gym, spa, restaurant and bar). And with just 75 bedrooms you feel like you have discovered a secret gem and able to enjoy Barcelona from your own little idyll. I loved being able to explore the city during the day, before returning to the calm of the hotel up in the hills.
And for honeymooners, cocktails by the pool, breakfast on your own private terrace overlooking the harbour, or relaxing in the privacy of your suite in the oversized marble beds listening to classical musics. My idea of bliss and the perfect way to start your married life.
Thank you to Lucia at Life in Motion Group London who helped me organise my trip to Barcelona and who suggested the Miramar Hotel. Fabulous service and a simply sensational hotel!
Sangeeta x
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Saturday, 18 April, 2015
After the months (maybe even years) of planning your wedding, the honeymoon is time for the bride and groom to finally relax and celebrate their union and new life together. Mini-moons have been really popular in the last few years and I loved featuring three fantastic London hotels which would each be a wonderful way to start married life together, but what about the much anticipated honeymoon?
Over the next few weeks, I would like to share with you three hotels which I have personally visited, and the reasons why I think each would make for the perfect romantic honeymoon destination without breaking the bank.
First up the uber stylish Miramar in Barcelona, Spain (short-haul)
Then next, is the one where you get a luxe Caribbean beach feel without the long flight and at a fraction of the price, the fabulous Club Jandia Princess in the Canary Islands (mid-haul)
And finally, the grande dame, a personal long-time favourite The Residence in Mauritius (long-haul) where personal butlers come as standard!
Get ready to dream!
Sangeeta x
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Wednesday, 1 April, 2015
The new season is brimming with love – catwalks filled with opulent dresses, embellishments and lace are all the order of the day – and why not go all out, it is your wedding day after all. Our new accessory collection at Olivier Laudus for 2015 is all about romance and oh so pretty detailing.
Here is a selection of my favourite pieces:
The detailing in the sensational vintage inspired Amelia bridal hair clip (£89.99) is sure to wow with its delicate Swarovski crystal butterflies and sweet crystal flowers.
A pretty pendant works perfectly with most wedding dress necklines and gives subtle sparkle. I love the gorgeous pearl taking centre stage in the vintage inspired design of the Ivana necklace (£49.99).
Drop earrings are very in and the art deco look of these super stylish Matilda earrings (£44.99) will add a touch of glamour to your wedding day look.
And what could be more romantic than wearing flowers in your hair. Our Amore faux flower clip features double gardenia (£34.99) and is simply divine.
We hope you love the new collection as much as we do!
Sangeeta x
Credits : Main image shot by Kate Nielen and styled by Jemma Jade Events (all other images Olivier Laudus)
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The White Diaries
