Tolula Adeyemi; British actress, model and muse to Vivienne Westwood (as pictured below) recently spent a fabulous month in Hollywood.

Photo Credit – Photography by David Yeo, fashion styling by Marian Kihogo, make up by Maria Papadopoulou and hair by Chrysostomos Chamalides.

She very kindly honoured Mariankihogo.com by documenting her trip in an exclusive diary. It covers the entire course of her trip. The A list glamour, the sights and all the nuances in between.

Her fun adventures make this personal piece a must read.

I am delighted to share Tolula Adeyemi’s exclusive LA Diary with you…

21st January

This is the first picture I took on my first night in LA. I suffer terribly from jet-lag and couldn’t sleep, after waking from a nap at 2.30am. Luckily my flatmate in LA, Jerome (ex-model, True Blood vampire & personality extraordinaire – who should have his own TV show) took me for a drive, showed me a few late night sights, The Santa Monica Pier, with it’s immense crashing waves.

I had arrived in LA during a freak storm, to which I was repeatedly told that it never rains in LA. Maybe just frogs I think (see film Magnolia)….Then I was taken to my first LA Diner experience – Norms Diner in Beverly Hills, beautiful. I spied two on duty Beverly Hills cops taking a break, built and tanned. When Jerome told them I was a Brit, they were willing to have their photo taken with me. Oh Mr. Officer….

22nd January

This was taken on the start of the evening of my birthday, the day after I first arrived in LA. 22nd January is my birthday. My friend Shingai ( Shingai Shoniwa,lead singer of the Noisettes) was also in LA laying down some hot tracks with R&B star Ne-Yo at the famous Westlake studios in Hollywood. Shingai had told Ne-Yo and his crew that it’s my birthday beforehand and so when I arrived after they’d finished recording, he had laid on bottles and bottles of champagne and Patron (super strong Tequila, super popular in the US). I was a very very lucky birthday girl!

I had invited fashion designer Julia Clancey along to the studio too and we all got into the swing of the birthday celebration with a game of loco ping pong in the studios games room! Apparentley Micheal Jackson used to record here and I wonder if he ever played a game of ping pong on that very table after recording his hot track….?

This is my birthday celebration part 2! At Chateau Marmont lounge. We grabbed a table and this lovely gentleman sang Happy Birthday and a selection of classic tunes, which was a surprise form the Hotel!! I really wanted him to join our merry sing-a-long later on in the Chateau courtyard. “It’s My birthday and I sing if I want to….”

I took took this picture from my moving vehicle on the way home. My American flatmate, who was driving, assured me that it’s only because he heard my Brit accent that he was friendly and waved back!

25th January

Handprints of Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and other musical legends on the floor and walls of a famous guitar shop on Sunset Boulevard.

26th January

Picture of the the ‘Pretty Woman hotel’. We drove past it while I was running errands in Beverly Hills. I love Julia Roberts.

28th January

Chequered LA taxi outside The Mondrian hotel on Sunset Boulevard. It’s difficult to hail taxis in most places in LA, but Sunset Blvrd is very busy and quite tourist-y during the day. Today I just finished an acting class on “Theater Row” on Santa Monica Boulevard…..

Also I saw Rihanna today…seen her twice now, the Grammys are coming up.

A scene that caught my eye. This picture was taken on Sunset Boulevard, during the sun setting, the sun setting in LA is gorgeous.

This is another photo I took during the sun setting. It is the famous Mel’s Diner (one of my favourite Diner’s in LA). This one was round the corner from my apartment on Sunset Boulevard. I really do love the sun setting on LA in the distance. I love the billboards of Chanel and the film Precious, the famous Ketchup restaurant where my flatmate has a 50 percent discount because he’s a loyal customer in the know. I love the colours of the neon sign of Mel’s Diner…curly fries & a vanilla milkshake please!

29th January

Mae West & Cary Grant – real stars in Hollywood…

This picture was taken at Brit fashion designer Julia Clancey’s house, where I got ready for the Calvin Klein and LAND bash and she dressed me for it. Julia has now settled in LA and her apartment is seriously fabulous, it sort of needs it’s own section! Situated on the Marina Del Rey, Venice Beach, so basically she lives by the beach. SO wonderfully decorated, it’s like a boudoir, playhouse, crossed with a Miami Vice type pad, where maybe Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface character may live after divorcing Tony Montana. I am wearing a Julia Clancey creation, standing next to a dummy also wearing a Julia Clancey creation. In the picture it looks like i’m sprouting antlers, but in fact that’s the stag’s head that is mounted on Julia’s living room wall. Belles of the Ball!!

The sculpture from The Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue, where they have many events and premieres – also Elton John had his Oscar party there last year. Just saw model Devon Aoki walk past me.

This event is like the Frieze art fair in London, but bigger and all in one place, organised by Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND). They are a non-profit organisation who invited me and are creating a type of Frieze art month in LA. Which I love as I studied art at Chelsea. So I followed them wherever they went.

So I also followed them to their collaboration with Calvin Klein + LAND which was celebrated with a party, which was convienently directly across the road from the Pacific Design Center. Kate Bosworth, Melissa George (who I love and was lovely), Kellan Lutz from Twilight, Ryan Phillippe, Jared Leto, Nicky Hilton and many more were in attendance.

31st January

I’m standing in front of a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting at The MOCA Geffen art opening down town wearing Julia Clancey, during Grammy week. An event organised by LAND.

This is at a private after party in a suite at the Chateau Marmont after the MOCA Geffen art opening…On my right is Matt “Boston” Russell (who I named Boston) and on my left is Joshua, who I christened the next Colin Farrell. They are a part of a little gang of Brit actor friends I was running around with including actress Redhead Rhian Rees. I orded the most expensive and delicious burger i’ve ever had from room service.

9th February

Valentine’s Day after premiere at Chateau Marmont. This is a picture of part of the Valentine’s Day film cast, posing for a picture. With Anne Hathaway crouching in the middle. Topher Grace, far left….

The other picture is of me and hottie Topher Grace!!! Also at the Chateau on the same night….

11th February

This picture was taken in the Viper Room venue upstairs. This day I had found out very tragic news that Alexander McQueen had committed suicide. I had modelled his clothes before and he was a very close friend of good friends of mine. I was feeling very low so I had to go out. A friend told me that she knew of a band called the Binges who were performing at The Viper Room and were actually very good. They had two hot Korean/Japanese girls on bass and guitar, they kept flinging their hair about so couldn’t see their faces clearly…The Viper Room, which was previously owned by Johnny Depp and where supremely talented River Phoenix overdosed….

13th February

” The Jeremy Piven night” – This was taken at the opening of new restaurant, bar and club, La Vida. Owned by Chris “King Of Hollywood” Breed (Pig n Whistle, Green Door etc). Kristen Stewart, Rose McGowan, Nick Moran, Jason Straitham and loads of other actors turned up. I was quite emotional that night as it was I was leaving LA soon and it was Valentine’s Day the next day! I got very merry by the end of the night. And I met these two hilarious and glamourous Southern Californian ladies who are friends with Chris Breed. We coined the catchphrase for the evening: “Pop-The-Titties” I wish I had a picture of them to show you….The champagne flowed that evening…

17th February

This is a picture of the LA Girls Choir.The choir members are a mix of hot actresses, models, musicians and other fabulous girlies.
I went to see them perform at the Million Dollar theatre because my friend actress Rhian Rees is a member. She is super talented and plays the Ukelele! I thought she and girls looked and sounded great!

The other picture is The Little Dog I met in the loos of the Chateau
Marmont, it followed us in. I called it the Ren and Stimpy dog, was so cute!

The blonde in the picture is my friend Larissa, she’s originally from Orange County in California. I met Larissa in London while she worked at Vivienne Westwood, she loves British culture. This was my last night and I was very emotional.

Marian’s thoughts -

Adoring Tolua’s LA adventures! From that adorable dog, the glamorous itinerary, her chic holiday wardrobe (the pale blue Julia Clancey gown is gorgeous) and much more.

What is your favourite part of her LA Diary?

For more on her visit Tolula Adeyemi’s official Facebook page here.
Kind thanks and kisses to the model and actress for this exclusive piece.

Glam Kisses,
Marian.

Today I did the ‘all the dressed up and dining in’ option, in this guest post I wrote. Some days are just better unrushed.

It’s been gorgeous; lazy lounging, lashings of vintage gold, Crème Brioche, lounge illuminated by 40 flickering flames, gorging on cupcakes, shimmying into a pool of vintage 90′s satin, Jules Destrooper almond thins, copious pear cocktails, the perfect orangey-red lippie, an obscure brushed gold tone headpiece that equals love, drooling over a greyish-beige nail polish that’s an ode to Chanel’s Particuliere , a wonderfully moorish Moroccan meal that I’m still nibbling on, catching up with loved ones(Valentine’s is all about those you love right?),brunch in bed, loosing myself to Sade and Charlie Parker.

Happy Shopping!
Glam Kisses,
Marian.

Photo Credits: my-wardrobe.com

♥ Gold Skull Candle £45
This candle by Koff makes such great eye candy. How luxurious does the gold piece look? The life size skull candle is drool inducing.

♥ Taschen’s Favourite Movies Book £34.99
This is a book you’ll be fighting him for a sneak at. Love that the book lists celebrates the varying genres of film like horror, adventure, comedy, romance etc The two volume book contains essential stills, film trivia, production photos etc. This is for the guy who loves film.

♥ Mimobot Darth Vader 2GB USB Stick £24.95
Mimobots are the cutest USB sticks ever. I have a whole family of them. This Darth Vader one is adorable.

♥ Hugo Boss Black reversible belt £69
I love this sleek belt, it would great with sharp tailoring or a great pair of jeans. It is reversible and can be worn on either as a black or grey belt.

♥ Simon Carter Silver Spider cufflinks £45
These make me smile! The spider cufflinks are super cute. The silver designs are embellished with black crystal details and red eyes. These would make a stylish but fun gift.

♥ Hudson Brown Leather Scott boot £175
Adoring the weathered finishing to these boots. I like the stitching, top cap and gold hooks on these crinkled washed leather boots.

♥ Mulberry Black coin and card wallet £130
Every man needs a great wallet. This fab one by Mulberry is fantastic, he will be using it for years to come.

♥ Levi’s Red Gingham Sawtooth Shirt £60
I like that the casual shirt has the signature Levi stitching. I love a great gingham shirt.

♥ Timex 80 watch £60
Retro watches are super and are having a real moment. This black Timex 80 watch is a great example. It will look great on him.

♥ Burberry Cashmere Scarf £195
This scarf looks incredibly soft. Love a man in a great scarf. This burberry one is a great colour. Perfect for keeping him warm but stylish in the cold.

Visit My Wardrobe for more information on any piece featured above.

Show some self love and snap the piece you covet the most for yourself. Self love is the most important love of them all.

Photo Credits: my-wardrobe.com

♥ Lulu Guinness Padded Lips clutch £225
Lulu Guiness makes the most delectable accessories! I heart her iconic lip clutch.

♥ Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon Heart Slingbacks £88
These Westwood heels are probably the most wanted slingbacks dare I say? This fucshia design with the black heart is adorable. It makes me think of girly parties and dreamy frocks. I heart the huge heart and gold fastening studs.

♥ Laura Lee coin pendant necklace £140
I like Laura Lee’s sentimental gold coin pendant. The coin has the word ‘Love’ inscribed on it.

♥ Taschen’s Guide to New York Book £27.99
This book is delightful. I cannot get enough of New York,so I am definately snapping this up for Valentine’s Day. The yummy guide features haunts that are both well known and off the beaten track. Perfect for the Big Apple fan. Love much!

♥ Vivienne Westwood heart stud earrings £66
Okay it is official! Westwood’s accessories are crush inducers. Drooling all over these earrings! These diamante heart stud earrings have stolen a fragment of my fickle heart.

♥ Dogeared Love Bug necklace £55
I heart love bugs. This enchanting necklace by Dogeared can have a home around my neck any day of the week.

♥ Mulberry Pink Patent Charlie clutch £175
I am not even a fan of pink but this wonderful bright-tastic shade just makes me happy! The magpie in me loves how super shiny its exterior is and it is a cute size too.

♥ Steve Madden Black Regaal Corsage Suede Ruffle Shoe £95
These shoes are a bit of everything;flirty, formal, elegant and playful. I heart that ruffle corsage.

♥ Timex 80 Red Indigo watch £50
Add a bit of colour to your wardrobe with this eye catching red Timex 80 watch. It is all about the retro digital style.

♥ Day Birger et Mikkelsen Daily Couture Candle £20
This candle is a favourite, I adore candles and own an embarrasing amount. The Daily Couture candle is a dreamy orchid scented candle that is beyond gorgeous.

Bunny hop over to My Wardrobe for more information on any piece featured above.

♥ Gilda & Pearl

Images from Gilda & Pearl

I am loving lingerie line Gilda & Pearl. Their decadent designs are handmade in the UK and would make a fabulous Valentine’s Day gift. The below designs trump tops! I am enamoured by the ‘Blue Dahlia’ set in first image and adore ‘How to marry a millionaire’ set in image two. I think that is such a memorable name.

The Blue Dahlia set is priced at £72 for the pleated bra and £45 for the skirted knicker. The How to marry a Millionaire set is £65 for the bra and £39 for the bow knicker.

Shop the lingerie at Gilda & Pearl.

♥ Wendy Brandes

Images from Wendy Brandes

These above pieces by fine jeweler Brandes would make any girl very happy. The hefty sterling silver, heart shaped ‘Diana’ ring, is named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales. It was inspired by Diana’s efforts in the late 80′s towards to the AIDS cause.

The Diana ring is $450. It also comes in plain gold and a gold bedecked with diamonds options too. I am in love with the decadent Mignonette earrings too! They are $935.

Buy the pieces at Wendy Brandes.

♥ Duchess Marden

Roses have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Eco fabulous beauty product company, Duchess Marden uses the rose in it’s products, as it is known to have a positive impact on well-being.

Spoil yourself or a love one with the all natural luxury line’s Enzyme Exfoliatant. The soothing mask is great for tired skin at $44. I am forever spritzing myself with their Rose water. It is such a mood lifter! It is $40.
Images from Duchess Marden

Purchase at Duchess Marden.

♥ For the girl who loves Pink

Images from Net-A-Porter

The Erdem for Smythson Medium Manuscript notebook is delightful! It is priced at £195 and makes me want to throw a chic tea party.Fashion designer Erdem always creates the most adorable prints. This Smythson notebook would be perfect for jotting all your inspired thoughts.

Lanvin’s grosgrain pompom key ring equals love! I would wear it hanging off a handbag. It is £125.

Both are available at Net-A-Porter

♥ Black is always super chic

Images from Net-A-Porter

I am drooling over these pieces. The Burberry patent leather bracelet is simple but makes the right impact. The yummy piece is £75.

The Mulberry ‘Continental’ purse will remain a classic for years to come. The purse is £195. Purchase at Net-A-Porter

Image from All Women Stalk

Recently I was super flattered when fab site, All Women Stalk, featured my site in their 7 Best Fashion Blogs

Lovely Meream from the site, offered me the yummy chance of writing a guest post for them.

I took up her offer and wrote a 5 Delish Party and Outfit ideas for Valentine’s Day post.

It not only gives you 5 yummy party theme ideas but also suggests a dress code and decor to suit each as well. I love a good party, so I hope the guest post at link below inspires you to do something fab this Valentine’s Day.

5 Delish Party and Outfit ideas for Valentine’s Day

Glam Kisses,
Marian.

It is not about price points/budget. It does not matter whether your wardrobe is primarily made up of designer or high street. It’s about letting their personal style inspire your outfit.

♥ What would Audrey Hepburn do?

Images of Audrey Hepburn from cinematicpassions.files.wordpress.com and yarnela.com. Oufit images from Net-A-Porter.

Audrey was wonderfully gamine. Her minimalistic,classic but pared down style made her a style icon of the masses. For Valentine’s Day I could see Audrey in this chic Calvin Klein dress. She wore black abso-freaking-lutely ravishingly!

She would pair the dress with her signature ballet flats, like these ones by Tory Burch. The Bottega Veneta clutch and the Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Lipstick would be her final touches.

♥ What would Donyale Luna do?

Images from Style.com, Fashionbombdaily.com, artinvestment.ru. Oufit images from Net-A-Porter.

The model who was romantically linked with Rolling Stones Brian Jones was known both her statuesque mysterious beauty and her style. She favoured a rock’n'roll jet set style full of textures,colour and embellishment. I could see her wearing this caped back velvet Issa dress.

She would totally rock it with that Diane Von Furstenberg faux mongolian fur, Jimmy Choo clutch, Falconiere Klimt Peacock necklace and smidgen of Rouge Pure Shine in Candy Plum. The Brian Atwood suede thigh high boots would be a total no brainer.

♥ What would Edie Sedgwick do?

Images of Edie from joseflebovicgallery.com,stylecouch.files.wordpress.com, photobucket.com and 10021nysocialites.blogspot.com. Oufit images from Net-A-Porter.

Edie was a rule breaker, a style setter and muse to Andy Warhol. She had incredible devil may care style.

Long before the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce etc discovered the fashion possibilities of the leotard she had made it iconic. She wore them to high society dos with statement jewellery(she favoured large organic chanderlier earrings) and her trademark peroxide cropped coiff. Super gutsy even for the Sixties!

The original Factory girl and darling of the New York social scene would totally don the fantastic strapless Lounge Love jumpsuit. She then ever so nonchantly throw on these Isharya 18 carat gold plated earrings and Louboutin ankle booties. She would top that off with MAC’s nude lipstick and oodles of personality.

♥ What would Jane Birkin do?

Images of Birkin from smokeye.files.wordpress.com, latimesblogs.latimes.com, i.telegraph.co.uk. Oufit images from Net-A-Porter.

Jane Birkin, my first still living icon is as notable style wise as it gets. How many people have a Hermes bag named them? Birkin was inimitable in her effortless style. Long before the likes of Erin Wasson and Kate Moss made cut off denim infamous, Birkin was rocking them all about town. She made jeans and a white T-shirt iconic. She favoured short hem lengths worn in her ‘I just rolled out of bed’ manner.

For Valentine’s day she would wear Alexander Wang’s gun metail long sleeved dress. She would keep signature Birkin with long gold pendant necklaces by Giles & Brother(anchor pendant) and Paul & Joe(Cat pendant). She would then do a signature Birkin by accessorising with a basket(she always had one!) inspired bag and flat shoes.

♥ What would Talitha Getty do?

Images of Getty from blog.bohoglamour.com. Outfit images from Net-A-Porter.com.

She was master at throwing varying global influences together. From embellished kaftans to an amazing mix of ethnic jewellery. She was the Queen of decadent bohemian luxe. Getty put textures together like no other.

If she was here today she would throw on Roberto Cavalli’s bright and unapologetic kaftan. Then she would shimmy her feet into these amazing blue fringed heels. Isharya’s 18-karat gold-plated metal tiered Bedouin necklace would be perfect with her look. She would then bedeck her fingers with multiple rings; Yves Saint Laurent’s Arty aventurine ring, Roberto Cavalli’s large orange stone ring and Monica Vinader’s triple stone stacked ring. A woman truly after my heart!

♥ What would Charlotte Rampling do?

Images of Rampling from Style.com, frockology.blogspot.com and iamthechildofthemoon.blogspot.com. Outfit images all from Net-A-Porter.com.

Stunner Charlotte Rampling is a model turned actress. She is known for her sex appeal and notable film roles. Style wise Rampling is simultaneously elegant and smouldering. My second still living style icon would shimmy into this Stella McCartney dress. Stella’s pieces are always demure meets sophisticated sexy, a mix that is completely Rampling. She would throw on the sleek Louboutins, Anita Ko diamond earring studs and Lanvin clutch. She would finish off with a pout stained with Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Lipstick.

All garment and accessories used in collages are available at Net-A-Porter.

Which icon will be inspiring your Valentine’s outfit?

Glam Kisses,
Marian.

I start off this series with one for the boys.

Thomas Pink, known for their luxury tailoring, and perfectly crafted shirts, have a yummy piece or two that would be perfect for a gentleman. Here are a few suggestions.

Images from Thomas Pink

Top Row
Pink and Purple Macmillan Stripe Woven Men’s Tie £59- A tie says a lot about a man. This woven tie is utterly luxurious and pink and purple always work well together.

Pink Traveller Plain Men’s Shirt Button Cuff £49.00 -
This traditonal shirt with an English collar is super smart. The pale hue keeps the pink from being intimidating. The cut is timeless.

Second Row
Limited Edition Pink Panther Cufflinks £75 – I am enamoured with these cufflinks. It is a pair of Pink Panther cufflinks in solid silver featuring sweet swarovski crystal eyes.

Red Hexham Men’s Merino V Neck £89.00 - I love a yummy knit and the man in your life will love this too. This 100% Merino V neck is light, effortless but super stylish. This would look great on its own or beneath a blazer.

Third Row
Pink Double-Washed Casual ‘Aish’ Solid Men’s Button cuff Shirt £49.00 - I like that this informal shirt is the result of the label stone washing one of their fab favourites(Royal Oxford cotton) twice. So it’s a classic with a soft informal well worn feel. This would look wonderful with a great pair of jeans.

Abson Herringbone Men’s Boxer Shorts £20 - These luxurious boxers are in a soft to the touch herringbone twill. I heart when mundane everyday basics are given luxe twists.

Visit Thomas Pink here.