firststreet denisse

It's funny how fashion works. The great creative minds seek out inspiration, then they create garments which walk down runways before filtering out in variations to the mass public. But somewhere between the runways and the high street is a very important step and it involves celebs. 'It' girls have an uncanny ability to 'translate' these trends for us. The way they wear something has an ability to inspire our own fashion and style. Check out the three babes who are inspiring my style this month and how you can create the look for yourself... Stripe Shirt / Stripe Trousers / Gold Chain Bracelet / Barely There Heels / Round Sunglasses The fashion world’s darling Olivia Palermo hit the [style] nail on the head yet again. Contrasting stripes make a great statement for the new season. For a look that is seriously high-end yet looks effortless, ensure the palettes of your two stripe pieces are tonal, but choose different stripe designs so it’s cohesive but not too m...

A summer weekend and Paris. The two things just go so well together. Last weekend I packed a bag, jumped on the Eurostar and made the hop across the channel where I popped up the other side a Parisian. Summer Dress / Floppy Hat (on sale!) I’m lucky enough to have visited Paris a few times now so I’ve had many a chance to explore the city and do all the tourist sites. This time I went to France’s capital with one thing in mind, to live like a local. A booked a little 1 bedroom Air Bnb in Saint Germain (my most favourite area of the city), and I had a beautiful little surprise when I arrived – you could see the Eiffel Tower from the window! Cue: gushy ooh’s and aah’s for at least 30 minutes every day. I simply got lost in staring at the view, particularly at night when the light show was on. By day I went for walks amongst the many streets. Honestly, I could spend hour upon hour just soaking up the architecture of this place, I truly think it wins the award for the most spectacular in ...

My recent trip to Paris only served to remind me just how much I love that city. I honestly I feel my spirit belongs there. Every time I visit I'm in raptures with the culture, the architecture, the language, the food and, of course, the fashion. From Breton stripes to tailored blazers, pencil skirts and a good red lip, everyone knows that if sophisticated style is your thing, French-inspired looks are as chic as it gets. I've rounded up a few of my favourite Parisian-inspired styles to ensure you have total ‘It’ girl status. Cream Tote / Lace Dress / Black Blazer / Lace Up Shoes / Bardot Top / Skinny Jeans / Saddle Bag  / Wedges / Leather Cuff / Denim Dress / Bracelet / Stripe Top / White Capris Once you've embraced your new look, if you're here in London why not embrace a little French culture this side of the channel as well? La Boheme at ENO (English National Opera) will be starting its season later this year. Telling a story of love and tragedy [well it...

I’m an Aussie who has been living in London for a year and until last week I’d never been to Clapham. What kind of Australian am I – I hear you ask? Not a very good one obviously because everyone knows that Clapham is Aussie central. Anyway let’s strike that from the record because now all is right with the world. I’ve had my visit and I really loved it. It’s a great area and the park is so sprawling, even better is that I found an amazing brunch/lunch/snack place. Brickwood. I’m pretty sure this place must be run by Aussies because they have… wait for it… TIM TIM muffins! And the best banana bread of my life. Seriously. It was delectably good and they serve it with this espresso butter which will just take you over the edge. We certainly indulged ourselves with toasties and corn fritters, cappuccinos and multiple rounds of iced coffees. Yum. All while we sat in the little back courtyard having a good chat about the goings on of London life and the fact that it’s finally summer! I can’...

There's a pretty good little foodie scene around my neck of the woods. Fulham's always got a new up-and-coming cafe, restaurant or bar to boast about it and Hally's is one I've been meaning to visit for quite some time. The allure of its California beach-inspired design totally drew me in, so last weekend when my beautiful friend Soph was staying with me after an amazing trip in Greece, I thought it was the perfect opportunity. Why not chat about her Greek Islands escapades in a seaside cafe setting? After a bit of a wait (no bookings here) we were settled into our table by a lovely waiter and our barista was equally as friendly, not to mention had fabulous pouring skills. We perused the menu with obvious hunger and, being the Australians that we are, settled on something decidedly Aussie for brunch - avo on toast with poached eggs. Although this one had a bit of a gourmet twist with tomato chutney. Needless to say it was fab. We devoured it quickly in between serious d...

Tucked away behind Piccadilly Circus and amongst the myriad of West End streets, the elegantly modern Ham Yard Hotel certainly doesn’t feel like it’s in Soho. Quite unlike its name suggests, the venue is very retro-glam largely thanks to its £90 million fit-out. Upon entering it feels like you have been transported from the craziness of London to a cool urban village retreat. I don’t know about you but as a city slicker that’s exactly what I crave sometimes… We wandered around for a bit of a gander before settling down for an after work drink and a bite. Boy is there a lot to see. This isn’t your average hotel. There’s a private cinema… A bowling alley… A dance floor complete with disco ball and crazy crocodile installation… Multiple bars and seating areas… Plenty of funky artwork… A spiral of oranges fresh for juicing that would easily be 5 metres tall… A quaint roof garden that you can hire for the pretty price of £750/hour… And, my favourite, a library. This is exactly what I want i...