from PERU with PEACE

Once upon a time, a young London born half Spanish woman, living in Miami set about to make her own socially conscious clothing line. With pieces made in Peru from the softest eco-friendly jersey and alpaca in mouth watering neon colours, the clothes provide a message of piece in the Middle East. The designer Clara Lago, grew up in London went to University in Miami and spent time in Peru and it is clear to see the influence of all these places in her clothing line; Pitusa, which prides itself on being colourful and comfortable. 

Clara, the designer of Pitusa, wearing one of her Inca Mini Skirts

The garments are so readily wearable but still feel special largely thanks to the colourful Peruvian brocade which adorns certain pieces. One of Pitusa's best selling items is the aptly named Inca Abaya, which as the name indicates fuses Peruvian and Middle Eastern style influences. The message of the clothing is peace and certain items are embroidered with the words Salaam Shalom, in Hebrew and Arabic - indicating peace. $1 of every purchase goes to a charity promoting peace in the Middle East. 

The Inca Abaya

I think the International conception of Pitusa is a recipe for worldwide success. Pitusa is only in its infancy but is already being stocked in boutiques in Miami, Ibiza and Mexico. Shop for Pitusa here http://store.pitusa.co.uk/

My beautiful sister and friend modeling Pitusa tanks and headbands

The beautiful array of colours in which the inca mini skirt is available

I stand for PEACE do you?

Ever Wanted a Room with a View?

As a true city girl, my idea of a heavenly habitat is an apartment with a cosy roof terrace or modest balcony space. I am more comforted by vertiginous views and cosmopolitan pollution than acres of sprawling garden and fresh air. Whilst dreaming of a room with a view I stumbled across these 2 diverse but equally swish hide-aways. As rainy September sets in I thought I would share them with you.

The exclusive Canopy Tree House appeals to the nostalgic wendy-house lover in me, but comes with grown-up amentities. What could be more luxurious or romantic than this bar- and butler-equipped luxury suite resting 90 feet off the ground in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon. Take me there!!

If an ultra-luxe city break is more your thing and money is no object, check out the newly rennovated penthouse at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. Here you can admire the iconic skyscrapers from William Sofield's exquisitely designed penthouse suite. The hotel offers hot new DJs on Saturday nights and indie film screenings on Sundays. You would never have to leave the building and all for $3,500 per night. A girl can dream...