Designer Day is here again!

Hi everyone! One of the most exciting events we have at QVC is Designer Day in my opinion. I think it's a great opportunity to showcase the fact that we are not just about steam cleaners and jewellery alone.

I don't know if you've ever come across someone who has had a preconceived idea about QVC and what we do. I certainly have but they soon change their minds and appear genuinely surprised when I proudly list some of the truly great brands we have. Then when I go on to tell them about our designer ranges I think they can see why we have come a long way since the early days.

Our Designer Day this Friday 20th November will focus on top jewellery designer brands such as Lola Rose, fashion designers such as Harald Gloeckler and many handbag greats including, of course, the wonderful Lulu Guinness.

Lulu was awarded an OBE by HM The Queen for her services to the British Fashion Industry and has been a true style icon since her brand launched in 1989. We are incredibly proud to have her on board. In fact, she is as much a fan of QVC as we are of her and she has designed a Today's Special Value especially for us for this Designer Day! Lulu has had two TSV's so far and each sold out by morning so make sure you tune in from midnight on Friday 20th November so as not to miss out.

I'm not going to give anything away about our Designer Day Special Value except that it is a bag! Ok then, the piccy above is from my recent visit to Lulu's flagship store in London. The lips are her trademark (don't you just love the lippy mug?) and line the inside of the bag. That's all for now!

Please tell me what you enjoy about shopping for designer brands on QVC. See you from midnight on Friday!

Love Catherine x

Rwy'n caru fy Nghlogau (I love my Clogau)!

Through my lovely partner Steve (with me left) and his gorgeous Welsh family, I have developed a fascination, respect and wonder for Wales. I've even tried to learn the language.

Not got too far on that one as yet due to the fact I don't get the opportunity to return to Wales as often as I'd like to hear Welsh being spoken. I may find I have more of an opportunity now though as Steve is a member of a new Welsh men's choir and they are already booked for some major events in Wales (I'm not allowed to say which ones just yet but watch this space).

I simply fell in love with the passion of the Welsh for all that they do and stand for. I also fell in love with the beautiful countryside. Where Steve's family live there are no streetlights, so on a dark night you can see all the stars - very meditative.

One day Angela and Nigel (Steve's mum and dad) and Steve and I went visiting some sacred sites (left). Pentre Ifan is a bronze age megalithic site dating back to about 4000BC. The 'Hill of Angels' can be seen from the site too. There's such a sense of magic and history to be felt there.

One of my favourites to visit was the Ty Canol woods (left), a stunning ancient wood which seemed to be alive with energy and nature.

The Clogau Today's Special Value, coming up on Monday 16th November, is extra special to me because it features a theme that reminds me of the delicate vinery of the woods we visited.

The pride of the Welsh is evident to me in the Clogau Collection. Never compromising on detail or quality each piece is a work of art. I bought Steve Clogau cufflinks last year for his birthday. He bought me a bangle that I'd chosen from the range. His family also own several pieces.

All in all we are massive fans and I can't wait to present the show on Monday at 6pm with Julian Roberts, our Clogau expert. Julian has incredible knowledge to impart and heartfelt enthusiasm for the treasures we present. A joy.

I would love to hear from you. Are you familiar with the sites I've mentioned? Do you already own pieces from the Clogau Collection? Why is it special to you?

I hope to see you on Monday!

Love, Catherine x

Take a look at the Clogau Collection

A return to the enchanting Forbidden City

It was around a year ago that I had the pleasure of launching the stunning Forbidden City jewellery range with its designer, John Cooney.

This is definitely one of those shows I would class as 'not to be missed'. If you didn't catch its debut then make sure you put Friday 3pm in your diary!

I caught up with John, who is delighted to be joining us once again for an hour of breathtakingly beautiful treasures.

Q. John, great to have you back. For anyone who missed the show last time can you tell us about your inspiration for the range?

I started my whole quest to the Forbidden City as a student of Asian Language and Cultures and ended up spending two years in Beijing to perfect my Chinese.

As a designer, I found truth in the elements of Asian design and a balance in Asian thought that I had not experienced anywhere else. It was from this that my Forbidden City Jewellery Collection was born.

I simply fell in love with the Forbidden City, this Palace of 9,999 rooms - the infinity of it all influenced my designs tremendously.

From imperial craftsmanship, I learned how to make jewellery truly fit for a queen and no matter where I sell my work, my quality doesn’t change. It’s luxury plain and simple.

Stunned by the gorgeous Earth Stone Collection

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to let you know about a premiere show that I'm presenting on Saturday 22nd August at 2pm called Earth Stone Collection.

The range is lovely. How can I describe it? Hmm...well, if you're a fan of unusual gems and a large gem presence with sterling silver clasps, you'll adore this highly collectable range.

The stones themselves have taken thousands of years to create in an environment of volcanic eruption, meteor strikes and intense heat and pressure. Then there's the mining, the sorting, the cutting, polishing and the setting of the stones. Of course the designer has a massive role to play in showing them off to their best, too.

We're going to have stones such as pink opal and poppy jasper but so many more I'd never even heard of before as well. Fascinating!

I hope you can join me for this show. The pieces are show-stopping. You may have noticed my bracelet and ring when I was presenting with Dawn Bibby on Tuesday 18th August, well they are from this stunning collection.

I'll be joined by an expert guest on the day too, who will enlighten us further on the background of the stones and designs.

See you then and don't forget to text in and give us your feedback. I think you'll love it!

Love,

Catherine x

How fabulous was Harald Gloockler?!

Hands up, who loves Harald Gloockler?

What a fantastically flamboyant character! Harald Gloockler premiered his Pompoos jewellery range on QVC last week and I just had to drop by his dressing room to say hi. Here is a piccy of myself, Harald and Steve, our CEO, sharing a giggle and a photo opportunity!

If you missed the show it's definitely one to look out for in future. I can't wait to present a show with him. Did you see his gorgeous dresses too? Maybe if I ask nicely he'll let me wear one if we do a show together. Oh so glamorous and oh-so-fabulously over the top.

My work is never boring and I love it!

As I left home at 15 to go and make my mark in the world, I learned from an early age what hard work was. I also vowed to myself that I would never do a job unless I could be truly happy and satisfied doing it. I loved my job as a dental nurse and I remember even having fun as a school cleaner on a temporary contract with my cousin!

No matter what you do I say that if you have passion for it then it's worthwhile. I've always relayed that to my children too. I'd rather they were truly happy and satisfied sweeping the streets (unsung heroes, our street cleaners) than be miserable and stressed in a high-powered, highly paid job, and I really do mean that. Happiness is something no money can buy.

I've always been a 'finger in every pie' kinda girl and that's why QVC has turned out to be my absolute dream job as it never gets boring, there's always something new around the corner. For example, tomorrow (Thursday 25th June) I have Clogau Gold at 11am featuring a limited edition Today's Special Value made only for QVC, followed by Lulu Guinness OBE at midday. They are two of my all-time favourite shows and I honestly can't wait!

My night at the BAFTAs

Oh what a weekend!

I have been bouncing off the walls ever since I found out that I'd be attending the BAFTAs and presenting Jewellery from the BAFTAs Style Suite.

My preparations for the event began about a week ago. I treated myself to a professionally applied spray tan which was wonderful. Just one problem - I must have slept with my palms against my new tan and awoke to find my hands were, by far, the brownest part of my body! Luckily they faded a bit.

A day or two before the long-awaited BAFTA ceremony my son developed a very nasty virus. He shared it with me and I lost my voice on Saturday and felt hideous. I was determined to be there though, no matter what!

The buzz of the BAFTAs!

Well the BAFTAs are now only days away and you've probably noticed that Kathy, Daniel and myself are extremely excited about attending.

Kathy will be on the red carpet interviewing the stars and hoping for clement weather! Make sure you tune in on Sunday 26th April at 7pm with Jilly and you'll get a sneak preview of Kathy, the red carpet brigade and some of the stunning jewellery from the Style Suite.

Daniel and I will be soaking up the atmosphere so we'll have lots to tell you on Monday 27th April at 8pm when we'll be bringing you a 3-hour feast of jewellery from the BAFTAs and we'll let you know who wore what and who we shmoozed with!

It's great to be a girl!

I've always loved playing with make-up, hair and generally experimenting with style. This Sunday I'm in for a real treat, as are you if you tune in for our exciting Big Brand Day! I'll be with you for three very girly hours!

At 2pm I'll be joined by style icon Lulu Guinness MBE for an hour of her scrumptious accessories. Since we launched the range together on QVC I have become a true Lulu devotee!

I bought her red patent purse to begin with, then my partner, Steve, bought me her red patent 'Carmella' bag and I have to admit to treating myself to the same one in black as I adore the design so much! I now have the black patent purse on my wish-list to go with it. Look out for some Easy Pay options during the show too.

Lulu Guinness returns to QVC... and I can't wait!

Hello everyone, Catherine here!

Lulu Guinness is back... and boy, has she been in demand. She's been so busy recently with London Fashion week, but she's taking time out of her hectic schedule to come back to QVC this Friday.

I had the great pleasure of launching Lulu Guinness bags on QVC earlier this year. The premiere show sold out so quickly, we didn’t get much of a chance to chat to Lulu herself. I was so disappointed.

I fell in love with Lulu Guinness bags instantly, and I even visited her New York boutique when I was on holiday. Check out the piccy! Keeping two teenagers amused on holiday was hard work, so a trip to Lulu's boutique was my little treat - mum's half hour of 'me time'. It was absolutely divine!

Lulu's show is going to be a busy one, so join me for a girly night this Friday at 8pm. Straight after the Lulu Guinness show, I'm also presenting the stunning Jacqueline Kennedy collection. It's a great collection of jewellery, and much talked about too!

Bags and jewellery - a fab way to start the weekend, wouldn't you say?

Love Catherine x