BoBelle London opens NEW W1 Boutique - New Quebec Street, London

I am thrilled to announce that BoBelle London has opened its very first Central London boutique - I couldn't resist taking a few pics on my phone to show you all! It is 2 minutes away from Marble Arch on a gorgeous side street called New Quebec Street. Have you heard of it?

Sneek away from the hustle and bustle of town and enjoy a wander down New Quebec Street where you'll find an array of independent boutiques, gastro pubs, salons, top designers and more. Sandwiched between Oxford Street and Upper Berkeley Street, New Quebec Street in Portman Village brings you glamour, quality and individuality.

I look forward to welcoming you to BoBelle London soon.

Claire x

Shortlisted for 2 FABULOUS awards....

Hello all,

I wanted to let you know that I have been shortlisted for 2 major awards this week.....I pray I win both!! They are both fabulous and to win would mean so much to me.

First off is the Women of the Future Awards: http://wof.realbusiness.co.uk/2011-shortlist - I am so thrilled to be in with a chance of winning as Thea Green (founders of Nails Inc) won the same award last year. To be associated with her is just so flattering. She is a real inspiration.

The second is the Red Hot Women Awards: http://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/red-s-hot-women-awards/red-s-hot-women-awards-2011/red-s-hot-women-awards-2011-shortlist - and winning this would be astounding as it could potentially open so many doors for BoBelle and I. Belinda Earl (the talent behind Aquascutum) won last year, as did Emma Sinclair who started her own company, Target Parking. Hopefully not only would winning this help boost my brand, but also I could potentially meet so many other media types and other ladies in the same field as myself.

Please keep all of your fingers and toes crossed for me! If you haven't already, please see BoBelle London on Facebook and Twitter and please do forward onto your friends and family as there is no better way to grow a business than by word of mouth.

Thank you so much for your support,

Claire x

New York and London - two fabulous cities

Good morning all,

Apologies for not writing sooner; I have been away on honeymoon for a week in the Big Apple - and what fun it was! Plenty of sightseeing, shopping and general New-Yorking. One of my favourite areas was that of the Meatpacking, merging with Greenwich Village - so funky and uber stylish; far away from the hustle and bustle of Time Square. And the shops....wow. Well, I had a magnet to Louboutin and fell in love with Theory and some of Helmut Lang's new AW11 pieces (some of which you can get at the fabulous net-a-porter.com. His asymetric styles are just so flattering (and go perfectly with BoBelle's gorgeous new Brackenbury and Chiswick bags). These Smoking pants below, classic blazer and Brackenbury Satchel look so perfect together - and so wearable for the new season:

The choice in the States is vast and most flock to the department stores for inspiration. My advice? Head out of town and wander around the small boutiques soaking in the new trends, colours and styles. It is far nicer and less stressful, I found! Plus, there are no queues for the changing rooms and the assistants can help you pick the perfect outfit. Then there is the bonus of sauntering along and finding a bar and enjoying a much-needed cocktail and a sit down. Marvellous.

I have to say though, writing this blog now with the sun shining in the office in West London and a proper cuppa to hand, I do wholeheartedly love London - it is full of endless possibilities, excitement and above all, BoBelle! What is your favourite spot in London? Mine has to be St Paul's - its sheer domination, size and history makes it the most interesting spot for me.

Enjoy the sun, fellow readers!

Claire