This Week The Mice Have Mostly Been...

So the GREAT news is that it's Friday! And it's not just any Friday... It's - wit woooo - Valentine's Day Friiiiday!

And depending on who you're kissing/ not kissing/ your general feelings about a dozen red roses and stuffed animals holding pink heart shaped signs that say 'Be Mine', you're likely either feeling like this...

...Or maybe more like this...

...or even more like this...

...or if you're anything like us, probably more like this...

...but you know what, no matter whether you're reading this peering through a forest of heart festooned cards while munching on a whole sweet shop worth of chocolates, or whether the mere thought of all that makes you wretch; whether you have a hot date lined up for later, or whether this evening is all about back to back Game of Thrones while downing a bottle of Pinot Noir... we say Valentine's Day 2014 should be all about self love. No, not that sort of self love (go and wash your mind out with soap and water...), we're talking out and out self-indulgence, taking the time to do something just for you, making yourself your very own Valentine.

So maybe stop work for the next five minutes, and go and grab yourself a big mug of coffee and something naughty to nibble on (we'd be inclined to go for something salted caramel or a macaroon or even a salted caramel macaroon...) or perhaps grab your credit card and treat yourself to something you've been lusting after for weeks. In case you need a little shopspiration here's what we're self-gifting as we type...

Porter Magazine

£5

Diptyque Insolite Limited Edition Candle

£45

Anya Hindmarch Crisp Packet Clutch

£995

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in B*tch Perfect

£23

Aminah Abdul Jillil Bow Pump

US$195

Swoooooon!

And when we haven't been draining our bank accounts in the name of love, this week the Mice have mostly been...

Wishing with all our might that we were back in NYC, but making do with NYFW stalking instead. New York kicks off fashion month and not only sets the tone for what's to come, but also plays host to some of the most wearable collections of the season. The NY runways often spawn looks that we know Zara are going to be all over in a New York minute so we almost feel like we're picking out our new season wardrobes while we're scrutinising Karlie Kloss and Co stalking down the catwalks. What are we feeling for Fall 2014? Well, for us it's all about texture - from chunky oversized knits, to cosy furs, with plenty of buttery leather pieces and slinky silks in between.

Michael Kors

Marchesa

American Hustle seems to have played muse to a whole host of designers from Vivienne Tam and Anna Sui to Jenny Packham and Diane von Furstenburg with an abundance of coloured furs, plunging necklines and seventies prints popping up all over the place.

Diane von Furstenburg

Vivienne Tam

Meanwhile, the new girls on the block at Marc by Marc Jacobs (Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley) hit it out of the park with a collection that was sporty bonkers - part harajuku girl; part ninja BMXer and in Hillier's words very 'narky girls who stomp around'! We're dying over those kickass obi belts.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Blacks and greys featured heavily (unsurprisingly) but splashes of jewel tones and golds kept things interesting. We're obsessing over the gorgeous double face, colour pop, wrap coats at Altuzarra.

Altuzarra

At the other end of the spectrum were the soft pastels and nuetrals. We loved the girly palette at Ralph Lauren - dove greys, blush and winter white. 

Ralph Lauren

Pieces we're particularly coveting include the chain belted mannish overcoats at Victoria Beckham, the snaky-wrap stilettos at Marissa Webb and Marchesa and pretty much everything that Mara Hoffman sent down the runway (we're wannabe boho gypset girls).

Victoria Beckham

Mara Hoffman

And the strongest look of the week? Well, it has to be the streaker at Prabal Gurung who crashed the catwalk in nothing but a leopard print thong, a pair of red socks and a crown... Too fabulous for works (and more than a little D&G!)

Getting Lana Fever over the news that LDR's new album Ultraviolet is out on 1 May (while her record label are yet to confirm this, a fan video doing the rounds on YouTube shows her inadvertently leaking the date). Love her or hate her, you can't deny that Del Rey has gone stratospheric since she burst onto the scene with Video Games in 2011. We love Lana and can't wait to hear where she goes with Ultraviolet, but in the meantime we've got her cover of 'Once Upon a Dream' on a loop on Spotify

And that's that for another week! 

All that's left to be said is, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, we wish you a weekend filled with...

Happy Valentine's Day & Happy Weekend!

x

The Mice

  

Williamsburg Wandering

It’s official - I'm head over heels in love with New York. When I say love we’re talking real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love! *Carrie Bradshaw quote alert!

I love London with all my heart, but New York just has that extra special something that I can't quite explain. It mirrors London in terms of the serious shopping scene, wow skylines and crazy busy go go go streets, but somehow it's just better! With it being my first visit I was beyond excited! I couldn't wait to jump into my first yellow cab, shout 28th and Broadway with the confidence of Carrie Bradshaw and order a stack of pancakes weighed down by ample maple syrup and a strong quaffee… (don't worry I didn't actually say the quaffee part to anyone out loud)! It was the most perfect sister city getaway, spending three amazing days sipping cocktails and champagne, consuming delicious (albeit seriously calorie-laden) meals, shopping till we dropped (even in the snow - that's dedication), sightseeing whenever possible and all with barely any beauty sleeping!

So what was my favourite part? Well it had to be exploring the streets of Williamsburg on a snowy, sunny Sunday. A friend had mentioned that she thought we'd love Bedford Avenue, so after a delicious NoMad brekkie we jumped on the subway with just a map and a credit card each weighing us down! (I lie, we also had google maps for back up - thank God!)

Some may prefer the glossy streets of 5th avenue, browsing the gleaming shelves of Saks and Bergdorf Goodman, however with Shoreditch and Spitalfields just a stone’s throw from home in London, I couldn't have been happier in Williamsburg! As a New York newbie, I would say it's definitely the Shoreditch of NYC - cool, quirky, a bit scruffy and graffiti-clad around the edges but if you scratch the surface, you’ll find it’s bursting full of gems!

First off we took a little stroll down 9th Avenue which led us right up to the Williamsburg waterfront which boasts the most fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline - a pretty peaceful and picturesque way to enjoy the city from a distance…

After a 3BM water edge photo-shoot session we went on the hunt for the renowned and much-hyped Brooklyn Flea Market. Along the way we happened to stumble upon Artists & Fleas - a designer and vintage market that runs every weekend at 70N 7th Street. Artists & Fleas is housed in a small industrial space chock-a-block of vintage stalls selling everything from jewellery, sunglasses, furs to screen prints. Be warned, it’s very easy to spend hours here browsing and casually purchasing - it isn't hugely expensive but I can totally imagine the bill totting up if you don’t keep track as there’s so much to love and conveniently most stalls seem to take credit card! 

Middle Mouse managed to somehow escape without spending a penny but HK Mouse and I got stuck in. I bagged myself a vintage fur which I whipped on as soon as I left the flea to protect myself from the NYC snow! HK Mouse snapped up a super cool alternative NYC screen print by Kevin Marcell. Kevin is a Brooklynite artist who presents his vision of New York through the combination of graffiti, photography and mural painting. His artistic creations are then projected onto a canvas backdrop made up of New York City subway and cycling maps which he dubs ‘Re-Cycling Maps’ - nifty huh?! Each piece created is completely bespoke and handmade by Kevin himself. Check out his work here.

After our impromptu detour we eventually located the Brooklyn Flea just around the corner at 70 Kent Avenue. A similar concept to Artists & Flea but much bigger in size and also boasting a pretty impressive food stall section. In true 3BM style we of course had to trial a few of the stalls offering up tasters… I tried a slither of pecan pie which was to die for – the girls had to literally drag me away before I snatched the whole damn pie! If you’re a vintage (clothes and home) lover, then this is a definite must to add to your Williamsburg hit list, and if you’re not so bothered on the retro front, I guarantee the salted caramel doughnut stand is enough of a pull alone!

Next on the hit list was Catbird. We're massive fans of the brand’s dainty midi and stacking rings so we already had the shop's address firmly ingrained in our minds - 219 Bedford Avenue. Now be prepared to drop some serious cash here – the shop is filled floor to ceiling with amazing candles, stunning jewellery, beauty products sent from heaven, quirky cards, beautifully designed matchboxes, sweet drinks tiles - you name it, they have it! A stylish nik nak shop where you can't resist but pick every item up and coo over how charming it is. This is naturally swiftly followed by a few sneaky, impulsive purchases!

One of our favourite touches was a takeaway hand-out at the till featuring a list of recommended 'Staff Favourites' - AKA the perfect afternoon itinerary for 3BM! So we spent the rest of the day exploring all of the other amazing boutiques and hidden gems in and around the streets off Bedford Avenue.

With Catbird done and dusted off we raced to the next - In God We Trust. A cute little shop inspired by everyday life selling both men’s and women’s clothing, jewellery and interior bits and bobs all laced with a smidgen of dark humour and naughtiness for good measure! Middle Mouse treated herself to a Blah Blah Blah sweet nothing necklace for a snip at just $40. Brass, hand engraved and super wearable. Some of the other sweet nothing necklaces were not as ‘sweet’ as you might imagine – check them out here! Other favs include ‘hot mess’ and ‘sweet tits’ – ha!!!

The queue snaking around the block outside Blue Bottle coffee shop was endorsement enough to check this joint out! Middle Mouse had spied a write up on Blue Bottle in Grazia on the plane over and had made note to pay it a little visit. Let me set the scene – this coffee is no ordinary coffee, it’s drip coffee made Japanese style where each bean is individually ground and filtered with the help of a ‘swan neck’ kettle, whatever that it!!! All the gear and no idea is not a saying that Blue Bottle is known for instead they’re famous for making coffee worth the show and hassle! Good enough for me… 

And ones we didn't make it to but wish we had include...

The Meatball Shop, apparently does meatballs to die for - 170 Bedford Street
Bakeri, for delish pastries, cake and naughtiness - 150 Wythe Avenue
Hotel Delmano, a gorgeous, cosy cocktail haunt - 83 Berry Street
Primp N Polish, for super cool nail art - 172 Bedford Avenue 

A final stop and perfect to get the appetite going - Mast Brothers. Middle mouse had also read up on this little gem a few weeks before jetting off and had her heart set on paying it a visit. If you have any trouble locating it just get to the rough area (111 N 3rd St) and let your nose lead the way! No word of a lie, you can actually smell the incredible chocolate aroma wafting through the streets of Williamsburg about a mile off! 

As soon as you walk through the doors you walk straight into a shop slash factory - it's simply amazing to see everyone in the background making the chocolate from start to finish. I was watching one woman folding each bar up in the thick printed paper, sealing them with a sticker and stacking them ready to go out on the chunky wooden display table! 

The chocolate itself is divine - rich, intense and incredibly moreish. They use only cacao pods and cane sugar, very impressive when you see what goes into other branded bars! You can either opt for a number of different plain chocolates or one of the delicious sounding flavours - from trusty sea salt to black truffle! We decided to get the sea salted caramels and WOW... I would fly back just so I could get another one of those in my life (not that I need any reason to go back!)

Feet aching and tummies rumbling, we decided it was time to refuel! A good friend and fellow guest mouse, Lucinda had pre-recommended Aurora, a cute little leafy Italian on Grand Street so off we skipped to try our luck bagging a lunchtime reservation. As we walked in three empty stools materialised at the bar, the perfect spot for people watching, mimosa sipping, much needed lunch and endless chatter! Keep your eyes peeled for our NYC food lowdown post which will be winging it's way to the blog soon!!

All in all, one perfect day and my dream NYC neighbourhood for my new and improved life... now to find a job, visa and flatmate...any offers?!

On the 3BM Bookshelf: February 2014

When it's cold outside, what's better than snuggling up with a big mug of tea (or a large glass of red) and a spellbindingly great book?!

Due to hectic work schedules and a light sprinkling of travel, despite the hibernation level temperatures, I haven't really managed to do too much book snuggling over the last couple of months. Luckily though, the ones that I have managed to sneak some bookworm time with, have been pretty dazzling. So here's a quick round-up of my recommended reads for February...

Z: A novel of Zelda Fitzgerald - Therese Anne Fowler

I'm a little bit obsessed with anything Gatsby, so this novel, based on the lives of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, has been on my must read list for a while. While I had this pegged as a romp around New York in the Twenties - packed with tales of jazz clubs, flappers and Absinthe-fuelled midnight swims in fountains (of which there is a certainly a generous helping) - it actually turned out to be a pretty dark read. The book chronicles the Fitzgerald's decline from dazzling talk of the town to crumbling shadows of their former selves. Beautiful, sad and compellingly readable, I now have a whole lot of Fitzgerald and Hemmingway to add to my Kindle download list.

Kiss Me First - Lottie Moggach
A story centred around social media and euthanasia may not sound like a page turner but this is guaranteed to have you hooked from the very first page. The book centres around socially awkward loner, Leila, who agrees to help a stranger to disappear by impersonating her on the internet. Dealing with trust, betrayal, obsession and manipulation - it's a bone-chillingly brilliant read. This is Lottie Moggach's debut novel and I can't wait to devour whatever she writes next. 

The Other Typist - Suzanne Rindell
Continuing in the Gatsby-mania vein, the Other Typist is set in Jazz Age New York - a city where debaunchery bubbles under the dry Prohibition facade and where gangster rackets rule supreme. Rose is a typist in a Police precinct on the Lower East Side where she works for a Lieutenant tasked with clamping down on illegal speakeasies. She's hardworking and prudish; a rather annoyingly good two shoes, until that is, the new typist Odalie arrives at the precinct. Odalie captivates and enchants everyone that she encounters, even Rose. Before long, the two are inseparable and all at once Rose is drinking gin martinis in underground drinking dens and tearing around town in Odalie's beyond glamourous wake. Which is exactly when everything begins to unravel and very bad things start to happen...

The Other Typist is without doubt the best book I've read in a very, very long time. As soon as I'd finished it, I wanted to read it again immediately and a month or so after finishing it, I'm still thinking about the story and periodically googling other people's thoughts on it. When you finish it, I'd love to hear what you think...

On the 3BM iPod: Salt Ashes

Looking for a dose of shimmery, disco ball, synth-pop to lift you out of your shivery February blues and get you dancing at your desk? We've found your track... Salt Ashes' debut single, Somebody. 

 

We wouldn't be at all surprised to discover that 22 year old Brit newcomer, Veiga Sanchez (AKA Salt Ashes) is actually the secret love child of Kylie and Daft Punk (yup both of them). Take a little listen and tell us your day isn't just a bit more discotastic...

Salt Ashes - Somebody

 

Liked that? Well, there's more where that came from. The B-side to Somebody is the delicious but totally different Little Dove. A little more Banks than Minogue, we may even love this more than Somebody...
 
Salt Ashes - Little Dove

 

Salt Ashes is definitely one of the most exciting artists we've come across this year and we can't wait to hear more from her. In the meantime, here are a couple of extra tracks to brighten up your Tuesday.

Salt Ashes - Black Celebration



Salt Ashes - If You Let Me Go

Our NYC Adventure In Pictures...

We're back!!! Have you missed us because we've missed you! 

So what have we got to show from our sister adventure away in New York? Well, the short version is - a mountain of shopping bags, credit cards seriously in need of snipping and bulging food babies from all the delicious meals devoured! BUT what rip-roaring fun we all had!

We thought we'd share the NYC love with a smidgen of boasting for good measure via a few choice photo but rest assured we'll be back with full write-ups of our favourite New York hot spots over the coming weeks...

The magical view from our seat in the clouds...

Start spreading the news... we've arrived!

 

 

Our attempt to keep the jet lag at bay...

Stepping out onto chilly 5th Avenue for the first time...

A spot of sightseeing...

 

Back at our NoMad hotel suite for a power nap before hitting up the NYC nightlife...

 

 

 

Dressed to impress in our sky high heels ready for an evening of girly chatter and cocktails...

 

 

Shopping til we dropped - quite literally...!

Soaking up graffiti-clad Williamsburg and staring open mouthed taking in the cityscape view from across the river...

And shouting 'GO Seahawks' Super Bowl style...

 

Phew! SO much fun! We want to go straight back this second!!