Life Lately

Last week was a good one with a photo shoot in the countryside, attending my first Barry's Bootcamp fitness class, baking some delicious brownies, shopping for a little DIY project I have coming up, lusting after more trainers and enjoying the last days of the Indian summer that London is experiencing at the moment.

Stoke Park

Styling a photo shoot at the beautiful Stoke Park.

Getting sweaty at Barry's Bootcamp

The lovely ladies at Impulse PR invited me to Barry's Bootcamp to work up a sweat. As someone who likes to run solo and do triathlon's in the countryside, entering the very loud, very packed class was a bit of a shock! It was however an incredibly motivating class and I can see how people get addicted to the endorphin rush it provided!

Salted caramel and peanut brownies

Balancing out my intense workout at Barry's Bootcamp with some calorific brownies (recipe here - I just sprinkled with salted peanuts).

Fabric from Goldhawk Road

If you are ever in need of fabric for a fashion or interiors project may I suggest you head to west London's Goldhawk Road where you'll find loads of little stores bursting with all your fabric needs.

The new object of my desire

Shopping with the boyfriend over the weekend I found and fell in love with these men's trainers by Comme des Garcons in Liberty. 

Pumpkins at Albion

Even though the weather is summery in London at the moment I am looking forward to the change in season.

Have a great week!

Sx

Images: wellandgoodnyc

Wear Them Wide

I was pleased to see the return of the wide leg trouser on the AW catwalks of designers including Lanvin, Alexander Wang and Stella McCartney. I love how relaxed yet chic they look, however the wide leg trouser can pose a bit of a dilemma. Anyone who doesn't possess model thin pins may think that wearing them without a heel can make them look dumpy. This is not the case. Try a variety of styles and fabrics and you will uncover the perfect pair. I found my perfect ones in Zara in Australia. Flat fronted (very thigh slimming), super long so they drag on the floor slighty and in a weighty crepe fabric, they work perfectly with a loose sweater and my Stan Smiths for day, but also dressed up with heels for the evening.

Here is my round up of others I'm loving.

Topshop £45

While the weather is in it's transitional phase these nude trousers from Topshop would work perfectly for day time with a grey sweater or for evening with a black silky vest and strappy heels.

Next £35

A great budget buy are these geometric print trousers from Next. They come in a variety of leg lengths from petite to tall, so you'll never have to worry about ankle swingers!

& Other Stories £65

The sporty trend looks set to carry through to summer '15 so these wide leg trousers from & Other Stories with their slimming side stripe will be a sound investment.

Whistles £225

I adore the fold over waistband on these wool blend navy trousers from Whistles. You would need to be careful not to add additional volume to your top half so a silky white blouse tucked in would complete the look perfectly.

DKNY from Net A Porter £205

These faux leather wide leg pants from DKNY are a statement trouser. If they were part of my wardrobe I'd pair them with an oversized chunky knit and trainers for daytime.

Images: Whistle, Pinterest, Topshop, Next, & Other Stories, Net-A-Porter.com

The Beauty Review

I am a complete beauty junkie who love testing out different creams, hair products and make up. I get through lots of different lotions and potions so thought I would review what I'm currently trying.

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, £19 for 75ml, Aesop

First up Australian brand Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. I like to apply this luxurious balm bursting full of botanical ingredients to my hands and feet each night before bed. A combination of mandarin extract, rosemary and soothing lavender creates a relaxing aroma while a blend of extremely hydrating oils including sweet almond, coconut and wheat germ instantly moisturise without being greasy. I work with my hands which makes them quite dry and rough so can honestly say this is one of the best balms I've tried for making my hands look fresh and healthy again.

Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, £49 for 30ml, Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder's Idealist Skintone Illuminator has been a part of my daily beauty routine for years. I sometimes dabble with other products promising similar results but always return to this old faithful. Why do I hold it in such high regard? I suffer with melasma and while it isn't bad, I am still conscious of it and wear foundation whenever I go out to give the illusion of an even skin tone. I find that applying a couple of squirts of the Idealist after my moisturiser, but before my foundation gives my skin a luminous glow and reduces the appearance of my pigmentation. When my skin is behaving itself I like to mix half and half with my foundation for a lighter coverage. It's oil free so doesn't encourage spots, which in my 30s I thought would disappear (ha ha if only!), and its triple-optic technology smoothes out discoloration and the appearance of fine lines. You only need a couple of pumps to cover the entire face and so while expensive, a bottle will last a while. Even if you have great skin this product will encourage a glowing dewy complexion. 

Lovingly Light Foaming Treatment Mask, £20 for 150ml, Percy & Reed

Percy & Reed's Lovingly Light Foaming Treatment Mask is perfect for fine hair like mine. You apply the mousse formula (very 80s!)  as you would a conditioner post-shampooing. It's super light and doesn't feel at all heavy like lots of other hair masks, plus you only have to leave it on for a few minutes and it's ready to rinse. It's suggested you use this product once a week, but as I abuse my hair quite a bit with straightening irons and daily washing I used it in place of my regular conditioner and was happy with the softening and moisturising results it gave my locks. 

Look out for more beauty reviews coming soon!

Sx

Life Lately

Jeez things were busy last week. Photo shoots and lots of prepping left little time for blogging and a much needed weekend. One of the perks of my job is that I can shop whilst I prep and this week I took a little turn into Selfridges to go and stroke the bag of my dreams. Made from the softest buttery leather, it would be super practical as it's an across the body bag, plus it's navy. Oh how you and I would be such good friends little bag. (I'm hoping the boyfriend is reading this. Hint! HINT!)

I hope you come and live with me soon Celine bag!

I also nipped into Debenhams and succumbed to the culottes trend with these from Jonathan Saunders/ Edition with super flattering front pleats and in a heavy weight fabric. I'll be wearing mine with smart brogues for day and a simple strappy sandal for evening.

Culottes, £55, Debenhams

Friday night called for burgers (I'm a massive burger loving vegetarian) so we headed to Dirty Burger in Shoreditch. Sadly a large mushroom in a bun does not a great vegetarian burger make, it did indeed live up to its name, the Cop-Out burger. However the boyfriend was suitably impressed with his meaty version.

A stroll around our neighbourhood on the weekend uncovered the most delightful new store, Monologue. Filled with incredibly desirable things for the home from marble dishes to glassware from Hay, incredible stationary to the most beautiful leaning mirror that I'm trying to convince the boyfriend we have to buy or life won't be complete. It's a gem of a store and one I will be returning to.

So many beautiful things at Monologue

I also got my DIY on this weekend. Not painting the flat, but customising some old jeans. Anyone who knows me knows my love of a monogram, so I picked up these cheap as chips transfers from Amazon and got crafty.

Letters, £1.20, Amazon

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Sx

Life Lately

Last week was a busy one, filled with prepping and photo shoots before we headed to Wales for the boyfriend to do his Ironman (that's 2.4 miles swimming in the sea, a 112 mile bike ride up the hills and a 26.2 mile run...phew!). It was a fantastic weekend filled with incredibly inspiring people!

Piles of clothes for a photo shoot.

I styled a shoot with some of the contestants from Strictly Come Dancing and can't wait to see the results!

Shoes by Anya Hindmarch

I re-discovered these Anya Hindmarch shoes I purchased in a sample sale many, many moons ago. Check out the squatting granny on the front!

Signs supporting the Ironman in Tenby

On Friday we headed to Wales. The entire town of Tenby came out to show it's love and support for the Ironman. There was such a special atmosphere in the air, with banners all over town. This crafted one was my favourite.

Picture perfect Tenby

We were blown away with how picture perfect Tenby is. Tiny cobbled streets, miles and miles of golden beaches and brightly coloured houses. Just stunning!

Nerdy tourist shot

I couldn't help myself. Well I was beside the seaside!

Supporting the Ironman competitors doggie style!

Even the dogs got into the spirit of the Ironman!

The Ironmen all ready to start their challenge!

On the morning of the race we were treated to the most spectacular sunrise. The picture above shows the 2000+ participants about to begin the first leg of the race, the sea swim.

Go Norris Go!

And here is my Ironman! The brilliant boyfriend completed the challenge in 12 hours and 35 minutes. Here he is racing his first lap of the marathon, after completing the swim and bike, and he still had the energy to muster a smile!

Congratulations to all the competitors who took part in the Ironman and to all the support along the course. It really was a weekend we'll never forget and will always cherish.

Thank you Tenby.

Sx

It's Coat Time!

As I sit here writing this blog the sun is high in the sky and I'm wearing shorts. However now is the time to snap up your winter coat because believe me ladies, when the weather gets cold and grey the coat you want will be long gone, on the back of some savvy shopper who invested months ago.

Coat £2195 by Roksanda Ilincic at StyleBop.com

The above coat by Roksanda Ilincic is my dream coverup. Oversized, mid-calf length, and in 2 shades of blue it would keep me warm and cosy, but most importantly it would lift every out I wore it with. Sadly it's a bit out of my budget (a bit! Ha!) 

Here is my round up of key coat trends to buy this season for all budgets.

Mabel coat £595 by Shrimps

As I've mentioned previously fur is a massive trend for winter. One of my favourite brands, Shrimps, have created fun faux-fur coats in dreamy colour combinations.

Coat £69.99 by Zara

Alternatively Zara have this cute faux-fur jacket in a zingy yellow, perfect for brightening up a grey winter's day.

Rina blanket cape £2300 by The Row at net-a-porter.com

Next up the blanket/cape coat is a relaxed way to cover up on chilly days. Seen on the catwalks of many designers from Stella McCartney to Burberry Prorsum who monogrammed theirs, this divine cashmere grey blanket coverup by The Row is so decadent, but so classic you'll keep it and love wearing it for a lifetime.

Blanket cape £25 by ASOS

ASOS have taken inspiration from Chloe's lighter coloured version making this an ideal pieces for the transitional weather.

Coat £814.56 by Carven at FarFetch.com

One of my favourite shapes in fashion is the cocoon, be it in a dress or a coat. This curly textured wool coat in navy by Carven is incredible. I love the architectural collar and the raised pockets.

Coat £89 by Topshop

Topshop's cocoon coat is a great budget buy. It's in a textured wool mix fabric with popper fastenings and in a skin flattering olive tone.

Parka £790 by McQ Alexander McQueen at MATCHESFASHION.COM

If you don't own a parka you really should. It's a wardrobe staple, perfect for wearing on the weekend with jeans or for dressing down a mini dress with high heels on a night out. This version by McQueen Alexander McQueen has an arm pocket detail, fur trimmed hood and tartan lining.

Parka £175 by Whistles

Whistles' waxed cotton parka in black looks super cosy with it's fur lined hood. 

Camel Coat £1450 by Adam Lippes at Net-A-Porter.com

Another wardrobe staple is the tailored coat. It will elevate a daytime jeans look, work well with tailored separates and chic with a pencil skirt and shirt. This camel coat version by Adam Lippes is perfection, I especially like the boned cuff detail and the gold buttons.

Coat £139 by Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencers have a good range of coats, but be quick they are selling out fast. This tailored coat in navy by Autograph, with concealed buttons and wide lapel is the epitome of chic and a style you will wear for many seasons.  

Happy coat shopping!

Sx

Images: shrimps.co.uk, stylebop.com, Net-A-Porter.com, FarFetch.com, MatchesFashion.com, Zara, ASOS, Topshop, Whistles, Marks & Spencer

Happy In Ibiza

The boyfriend and I recently took a few days off to hang out in Ibiza. 

Flying over Ibiza

We chose to stay in the north of the island at a rustic B&B and hired a car so we could zoom around visiting all the gorgeous beaches.

Our pretty apartment

Cala Xucla is down a tiny dirt track but worth the bumpy ride. Only a few locals frequent this tiny sandy cover. The water is crystal clear but beware of the jelly fish, I got stung by one of those evil creatures on the last day and still have the scar!

Tranquil Cala Xucla

Beware the evil jelly fish lurking in the beautiful blue!

Platja Aiguas Blancas is a long stretch of beach with deep crystal clear waters. Down by the nudist section there's a mud pool with people lathering themselves in the goo.

Platja Aiguas Blancas

Las Salinas is a gorgeous long stretch of powdery sand with shallow waters near the beautiful salt lakes in the south of the island. There are 4 great bars on this beach, playing music and serving delicious food and cocktails. On Sunday there's a cute little hippy market around the pool of nearby Boutique Hostal Salinas.

Lovely Las Salinas

Our favourite beach was Benirras and we would head here most evening to watch the stunning sunset with a mojito in hand. The bongo players come out as the sun sets and people start applauding once the sun disappears. It's a special place.

Stunning sun set at Benirras

Of course I did some shopping while in Ibiza! To the side of Benirras beach is the boutique Deseo selling jewellery and beachwear. I picked up a gorgeous kaftan from here.

Tassels and neon, what's not to love!

Las Dalias hippy market on Saturday is worth the trip but it gets very busy so go in the morning. It sells everything from vintage kaftans, to local jewellery, to baskets, to adorable kids clothes to organic juice. 

Trinkets galore at Las Dalias market

The infamous Sluiz is an Ibiza institution. I was blown away by the range of quirky products on offer, the merchandising in store and the mojitos! From the moment you drive by and see the plastic cows grazing outside, then pull into the parking lot and decide to park in the "only gold diggers" space or the "only high heels" space, the store is incredibly stimulating. In a world dulled down by globalisation it was so refreshing to visit a shop selling such unique products. We picked up some bits for the home, but could have bought so much more. You must visit Sluiz, you really must!

Why wouldn't you want a massive plastic crocodile?

Shopping in Sluiz

And of course we went dancing until the sun came up. Glitterbox at Boom! was my favourite.

Glitter balls at Glitterbox

Shoes in hand after hours of dancing in heels.

And here is a little selection of what I wore on La Isla Blanca.

Dress Seed, Sun glasses Balenciaga, Sandals Topshop

Shirt Gap, Shorts and Sandals Topshop, Bag Labour & Wait,  Sunglasses Miu Miu

Dress vintage, Sunglasses Miu Miu

Dress Whistles, Sandals Kurt Geiger, Bag Marc by Marc Jacobs

Top Zara, Swishy Skirt H&M, Sandals Prada

Dress Mango, Bag Anya Hindmarch, Sandals Prada

Thank you for a great holiday Ibiza, we'll be back soooooooon!