Ten years of Fashion Foie Gras: A Look Back at the 50 Most Memorable Moments

Tomorrow marks the official decade of Fashion Foie Gras's existence. If you want a real laugh, go back 11,918 posts to read the very first one. Yes, by the end of this year, I will have written 12,000+ blogposts. How is that even possible? Well, I'll tell you how it's possible... I didn't sleep for three years, filling this blog with posts every hour on the hour. These days, the blog posts are fewer, but the work time remains the same, with the invention of four different and additional epically sized social media platforms. I've had ups and downs over the years. I've wondered if I wanted to keep FFG around. I've pondered my position in the new world of celebrity influencers. But, I still wake up every morning excited about what Fashion Foie Gras has meant to me, what it's given me, and all I've given to it. 

I've always said that when that goes, it's time to shut up shop and try my hand at something new. But that's enough about that kind of talk. What I wanted to do was look back at what ten years in the business of blogging looks like. I thought I'd share my top 50 moments, out of 11,000+. Each and every post I'm sharing below, I'm discovering all over again. It's amazing how much can change in ten years. But, for me, each and every post shared herewith is a moment I'm proud of and will never forget. So here we go... (and just in case I forget to say it in closing, thank you for sticking with me for this past decade. It's been a crazy ride hasn't it?) fire up the time machine and let's start from the beginning....

Gap Denim Pop-up Customisation in London: Walk don't run... get there now!

Ladies and gents, if you are in London in the month of September, you absolutely must get to Soho and here's why - Gap have launched a popup to celebrate 50 years in the business of denim. The store features highlights from the 1969 Premium Denim Collection, but also showcases designs through the decades. It's like a shoppable museum, but there's a twist. In this Gap pop-up, it's all about customisation and it's available for new or preowned Gap denim. Here's all you need to know...

Style Update: Floral, stripes and animal print, oh my...

I once had a lady stop me on the streets of London and proclaim, "It's so wonderful how you feel empowered to mix and match without a care in the world." I said, "thank you" and walked away with a spring in my step. Although, about fifteen seconds later it dawned on me that the compliment might have been anything but. I took a minute to reassess and came to the conclusion that people in this world only stop you to say nice things, right? Well, we all know that isn't the case on social media... far from it. However, I do believe people, in person at least, are more likely to compliment than criticise. Am I crazy to think that? I hope not. But, here I am getting off the topic entirely. When it comes to prints, this outfit, in particular, packs a powerful punch.

Seven days of style: What I wore last week

Above: Llama Dress

That glow you see is a sweat. No, really. It was a scorcher last week in London. Looks like summer decided to make a quick reappearance, to the delight of us all. I can't remember a bank holiday weekend with sun for as far back as my mind serves me. So, out came the legs, and along with them the self tanner. I'm going to make the most of my summer 2019 wardrobe before it's time to pack it away and pull out the chunky sweaters. So, if I'm slightly orange, it's simply because I was a little too excited about the aforementioned sun and decided to grab the darkest tan from the pharmacy shelves without testing first. The end result is a bit punchy, but I'm working with it. Enjoy a look back at an impromptu summer wardrobe. 

FFG Eats: Maggie Jones's, High Street Kensington

Just when you think you know all your neighbourhood haunts, someone turns around and says, "you must love Maggie Jones's. We visit every time we are in West London. And you live so close." It's then that I have to smile and pretend that I know exactly what these foreigners are talking about and rush to make a reservation. Such is the way in London. You never know everything, ever, no matter how long you've lived here - even restaurants that have been in existence and loved for over forty years. So, this is a bit of a love/apology letter to the establishment that is Maggie Jones's. You've never been on my radar before, but after one visit you've become a fast favourite.

100 dresses under 100 to buy now for the heat

This post contains affiliate links.

This weekend, in London, we are in for a scorcher. Temps are set to reach record breaking levels and we are being told it's all going to stick around for a while. So, before we tuck into our autumn dressing, I thought I'd give you a bit of a wardrobe boost for the weekend ahead with 100 dresses under 100 smackers, all coming in up to size 18. There's something here for everyone...and a whole lot of dresses with sleeves and pockets, as I know that's a basic requirement for a lot of us, no matter the temperature outside. A lot of these are on sale, but all are an absolute steal when talking about what you get for your money. So grab them now and wear for the remainder of this great British Summer! 

Introducing Laurence Coste

I've made no secret of my earring obsession over the past decade. You guys know I love a statement earring as much as I love a great dress. They are the two wardrobe items that make me go weak in the knees. Earrings last forever. They don't change as your weight yo-yos, can be worn for any occasion, can be used to dress up any look and have the ability to finish an ensemble like nothing I've ever known in accessories. I am an earrings fanatic. There, I've said it. So, meeting Laurence Coste last month was like meeting a unicorn. This is a brand that is truly at the top of the style charts and can be found in every little black book possessed by a London lady. Five minutes with Laurence Coste only made me fall deeper down the rabbit hole. And so, dear reader, I wanted to give you an official introduction to the brand.

FFG Travels: Coworth Park

Fashion Foie Gras was a guest for one night and two days at Coworth Park.

"Escape to the country", they said. "It's just right outside of London and you'll find yourself in a bubble of relaxation", they claimed. "They" aren't usually right, whoever "they" usually are. But, in this instance, the collective were absolutely on key. Two days at Coworth Park, an 18th century home turned hotel near Ascot, was exactly what I needed to get out of my London funk and right back into a summery chill. Of course it helped that my stay coincided with one of the hottest days we've had in London all summer. While everyone back in the big smoke was complaining about the sweltering heat, I was picnicking in the shade and dipping into either the pool or my air conditioned room for a bit of heat relief. If I sound smug about it, it's because I was. Visiting Coworth Park is like visiting your country estate. Well, that is if your country pad has 70 rooms, stables, multiple restaurants, an award winning spa and a special collaboration with Dom Perignon in the works. A girl can dream.

Why it's important when people say "finally I see someone like me in fashion"...

So here's the thing. Apparently there are a few people out there saying they are tired of women commenting about how good it is to see someone like them represented on Instagram. Like it's somehow insulting. Interestingly enough, the women I've seen complaining are all in their early twenties. Ladies, young ladies, let me tell you a thing or two about why some ladies from a few generations before yours might be writing such words, and mean them as the ultimate compliment. I want to write this because I truly believe you don't understand the history behind it. 

This is the best lobster roll in London

I feel I need to start this review with a rather crucial declaration of expertise. My lobster palette is next level. Think seafood connoisseur. It's not because I've been ordering lobster in restaurants my entire life. Quite the contrary actually. I've been eating lobster every summer since I first had teeth on the back porch of my family's beach house in Maine. Our lobster dinners literally came from our front yard, the ocean. So, I know fresh lobster. I know how to eat it, I know how to cook it and, more importantly for this review, I know how to ruin it. My history of eating lobster rolls outside of Maine has been very hit or miss, but in London, I had yet to find a lobster roll that I would be willing to take my mother to for judgement. She is the true connoisseur. However, all that changed last month, when I sat down at Bob's Lobster. 

An Update: Where I've been...and why I'm back

So I suppose I need to start this with an apology. A sincere apology. For my absence. I've had a bit of a soul searching summer and some of that has meant picking and choosing which platforms I could deliver on and deliver well, and letting the others rest until I was ready. Sadly, the blog lost in this battle. I'm not one for putting out sub par content. It just isn't me. You guys deserve more than that after ten years of FFG being in existence. So, I stepped away from the computer. I rested my typing fingers and put long form on the back burner, aside from a few times I just couldn't resist the urge to sit down and pour my soul out onto the page. That's when you should sit down, by the way-when you actually have something to say or share. You shouldn't just start typing because you feel a need to deliver something for someone to chew on. I want to give you guys something to salivate over, always. 

Last night Keanu saved my life (and to think I almost turned him down)

Here's the thing about Keanu. He almost never came into my life at all, if it hadn't been for the lovelies at ZenAuto. And here's where I have to say that my experience with ZenAuto is above and beyond any experience I've ever had in my life, which is why I will keep telling you guys about this company until I am blue in the face. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. You came here to read about how Keanu, the Mini Countryman (just so we're clear I'm not actually talking about Mr. Reeves), saved my life. That should actually be plural, as over the past three months, this car has completely changed everything. I believe everything happens for a reason and this one I'm still wrapping my head around as I think it's one of the biggest anxieties I've conquered to date. Let's take a step back and let me explain myself a bit here.

FFG Travels: New Road Hotel, Whitechapel, East London

I've had a lot of requests lately for a greater variety in pricing for hotels that I share, specifically in London. As your wish is my command, here's one that fits into the "bargain" category in The Big Smoke. The words "bargain" and "London" don't often fit well together. In my experience, the end result is actually pretty scary. But, New Road Hotel have managed to showcase that you can stay in fashionable digs without sacrificing a month's wages in this big city. Their rooms remind me of The Ace in New York, their food is quirky and fun, which is bringing the young folks right into their coffee and cereal bar, and every single member of their staff is considerate, approachable and down right friendly and familiar. I can't say the same for every hotel I've reviewed in the past in London. 

The Marks & Spencer Shopping Obsession Continues

Yesterday, I was flipping through the gram, as you do, and I was noticing that I've had a big month of wearing Marks & Spencer looks. Full disclosure, you guys know by now I work with the brand on an ongoing basis, styling and sharing looks. But, I don't think I've ever had as big a summer wearing the brand out and about almost every other day of the week. So many good things... so many. Hence today's share. I wanted to round up a few of my favourite looks. These are the pieces that I'm pretty sure I will have in my wardrobe forever. They are easy to throw on, will truly last forever and a few even have the ability to be worn into fall. It's a win win situation here. So without further ado, here are my top Marks & Sparks looks for July. Oh, and remember if you live in the USA- M&S ship throughout the continental US. Get involved! 

10 reasons to visit Canary Wharf this weekend

Written in collaboration with London Marriott Canary Wharf 

It's time to put a few myths to bed today, people. First and foremost, this whole rumour that Canary Wharf is for suits and bankers only needs to end right here and right now. And while we are at it, let's throw out the idea that it's a bad thing that the London location becomes a ghost town on the weekend as well. The calmness and beauty of Canary Wharf on the weekend is a welcome change to the usual hustle and bustle stress of this city. Times they are a'changing and after 18 years of hearing that Canary Wharf wasn't really worth a visit, I took matters into my own hands and explored the neighbourhood to form my own opinion, alongside a stay at the London Marriott Canary Wharf. For an entire weekend, I devoted myself to uncovering every hot spot, green space and shopping situation that this booming London neighbourhood had to offer. What I found left me wondering what took me so long to get here in the first place. I think people were telling me not to go just to throw me off the scent and to keep this area of London all to themselves. No longer, dear reader. No longer. Let's explore Canary Wharf. 

The wishing magic of Marrakech with Royal Mansour

When people ask me what it's like to visit Royal Mansour in Marrakech, I simply respond, "there is no way for me to tell you what it's like, really. It's as if it exists in its own time and space, one that is magical and full of charm." So I might as well admit that's why it's near impossible to try and officially "review" such an establishment. Some things just have to be seen and experienced for themselves. Royal Mansour is one of those places. I can, of course, do my best to share my thoughts, feelings and pictures from any adventure I have there. But, it comes with a disclosure in that you must know my words will never capture one tenth of how special this place really is. 

In May, I drove through the larger than life gates of Royal Mansour for the second time. For this visit, I had been asked to return to showcase a new offering that the hotel was rolling out for guests. In true, lets-spoil-the-guests-to-death style, Royal Mansour was rolling out a special package that could be booked offering three wishes for those in residence. The idea is to see the best Marrakech, and the hotel, have to offer, in the most luxurious way possible. I don't think any amount of staring at the itinerary could have prepared me for what was about to happen.

Introducing Keanu... My first car in London, the good, the bad and the unexpected

Last year, after sixteen years of calling London "home," I decided it was time to bite the bullet and get my drivers license in the UK. Now, keeping in mind I'd been driving in the USA since I was 15, this all seemed a bit ridiculous. Why wait so long? All my friends back at home thought I was crazy, living carless in the UK. But, in all honesty, I'd always found ways around needing a car. I had public transport, and uber for everything else. So why need a car? Well, the older I got, the more people I met who were constantly telling me that a car in the city would give me a freedom that I never realised I needed. The more I heard, the more I convinced myself I needed to at least give it a shot. So, in October of 2018, I passed all my tests and was handed a license to drive...on the other side of the road. 

For all of you that keep hearing about how scary the UK driver's test is, let me tell you it isn't nearly as scary as the entire country builds it up to be. I passed all my tests on the first try and lost so many nights' sleep over it all that it now seems absolutely ridiculous. However, when my license arrived I had a whole new reason to panic. I sat on my sofa and blankly stared at the wall realising I didn't have the first idea about what was required over here to purchase and own a car. Of course I'd grown up in the USA, where things are completely different when it comes to car ownership. So I was found myself once again in the land of the unknown. But, let me backtrack here a bit.

How I take all my travel self portraits with just a smart phone, compact camera and tripod

{Yes, all of the above pictures were taken without a photographer, just me, a tripod and a camera}

At least once a day I'll be asked about my pictures and who's taking them, specifically when I'm travelling, and my response is always met with a sincere look of surprise. You see I take all of my own pictures on the go. It's just me and my tripod. I have a photographer that helps me about once a month in London with various campaign images (and I'm lucky that he's one of my best friends), but the rest of the images you see are all mine...taken with one trusted camera, two lenses, a travel size tripod and the help of a few iPhone app editing suites. Every bathtub shot you see, every Lowcountry bike ride, every outfit in situ on a balcony, it's all just me. And since I find myself answering this question daily, I thought it was about time I explained how I do it. I haven't been keeping it a national secret, I just haven't had the time to sit down and properly explain it all. But now I'm making the time, because I think what I'm about to share might just blow your mind a bit and give you the confidence to perhaps try it yourself. I think all too often people think there's this massive support group with creating content and more often than not, it's just the content creator and their craft left to their own devices. In reality, I prefer it that way. I feel I can be a lot more free with my photography when it's just me, myself and I. Ask anyone that's ever worked with me and they'll tell you I'm an entirely different picture when there is an actual human being working behind the camera. When it's just me and the tripod, you get the real me, no inhibitions, just solid entertainment. So, without further ado, let's get into it.

Style Update: Sensational Separates

Written in partnership with Marks & Spencer

Above: Skirt, Shirt

I'm not sure if you've officially recognised this, but I feel like it will come of no surprise for you to hear that separates in fashion are having a serious moment! Whereas I have always preferred the ease of throwing on a dress and going, I've found myself oddly attracted to this new trend and my closet most definitely reflects it. In theory, it's not all that different from the concept of a dress. Separates are designed to work together. So, an easy outfit is simply throwing the two together and running out the door, providing the same "pulled together" look as a dress. However, the glory of separates is this. The two pieces can be used to create dozens of different looks when styled apart. 

Sunday Shopping Newbies vol 2.

 Above: Straight ripped Jeans

A new Sunday Shopping feature and this week I'm focusing on the high street. So that means everything you see here is on the "affordable" side of shopping. No need to eat PB&J for a week to purchase anything on this page. The solid favourite is the discovery of Valentino slide rip-offs for £6. Plus, there are more dresses than you can shake a stick at... or something like that. Enjoy and happy weekend!