Zatchel Sugarcube Bag

If it is gold and metallic it is pretty likely I am going to want it!

#GoGlamGala

Last week I attended the Go Glam Gala hosted by the beautiful Scarlett London. If you have been on twitter at all the last month or so you would probably have seen the hashtag #goglamgala and lots of bloggers discussing what outfits they would be rocking up in, the right attire is serious business. I ended up going for the seriously underdressed look, I am still holding onto some baby weight and honestly every 'glam' dress I owned made me feel like a potato. I was a bit worried about what I ended up wearing however lucky for me there was a huge mixture of outfits so I didn't stand out too much!

Saturday Night - Red Dog Saloon & The Maccabees

Me and my husband bloody love a gig, it's not often we go 'out out' together but when our favourites bands are playing we really let our hair down. On Saturday The Maccabees played at Brixton Academy (which due to the slanted floor is in my opinion one of the best music venues in London) 

Obviously first it is important to line your stomach...  

Red Dog Saloon is a BBQ restaurant, there are three in London Hoxton, Clapham & Soho, this is American dining at its best. You don't want to visit here if you are on a clean eating diet because there is very little clean about it.  If you haven't heard much about the menu you may have heard about their legendary hot wing challenge. We was lucky enough to witness this live when the guy on the next table decided to take it on, he quickly regretted his decision after only managing to eat one and then having to down a pint of milk - I wouldn't recommend it. 

Winter Wonderland & Elf the Musical

Every year I take it upon myself to organise a Christmas doo for my closest girlie pals. I am such an event planner I really enjoy organising everything and trying to pick a better event each year, competing with myself. 

The girls thought I was crazy when back in February I started discussing the 2015 Christmas doo, but when we saw how quickly the tickets to Elf the musical sold out everyone was pleased that I am super organised. 

First we headed over to Meat Liquor to fill our bellies up, if you haven't been you must. It's a secret little burger bar behind Debenhams on Oxford Street, the windows are blacked out and it looks very much closed. Inside is a joyous occasion I recommend the Fried Pickles and House Grogg as a must. 

After eating ALL the food we popped along the road to Winter Wonderland, there was the most amazing atmosphere there this year. Everyone was singing and dancing and full of Christmas Spirit, we didn't really want to leave. 

The piece de resistance was ELF the musical, it was slightly different to the movie however a lot of the best lines were still included. Kimberly Walsh was very good although I personally wasn't too sure about her american accent. 

Any way lucky for you vlogged the day so if you want to see the day in all it's glory you can check it out for yourself :) 

Outfit Post - Start Of Autumn Style

Last weekend Alex and I spent the day getting lost in London town. This time of year it is difficult to decide what level of warmth you will need, the answer to this is layers and that means an excuse to finally wear this Primark poncho.  

I am a woman of little colour, so this monochrome shirt from ASOS called out to me.... loudly! "Buy me Gemma, Buy me!!"

My Olivia Burton watch always gets so many compliments, even though the strap shade is so perfect for spring I like adding the pastel colour into my autumn looks for a touch of colour. 

How will you be layering this transitional season? 

A Meander Through Kensington

Autumn is my favourite time of year. It's chilly enough to layer up and there are still the occasional sunny warm afternoons perfect for wondering around parts of London you are yet to discover. 

I decided to go for a navy/ black/ maroon combo for our day in London. All of the tones I associate with this time of year. Plus I wanted to wear this hat with my new navy blue roll neck so it had to work!

Hat - H&M

Jumper - New Look @ ASOS

Jeans - Topshop

Bag - Zara

Boots - Similar Here

 

 

I usually stick to a cute little bobble hat when the weather deteriorates but this hat had been hanging on the back of my door just waiting to be worn. Luckily for me the weather was beautiful so it didn't get ruined in any potential downpours. We stumbled across this crescent in Kensington and it was the perfect location for some quick snaps before I embarrassed myself in front of anyone.

The new love of my life, my mini maroon crossover bag from Zara obviously came along too. I thought it would be handy on keeping my days out light but it is actually a Mary Poppins bag so naturally I made use of the room and took extras I didn't need with me.

I found these little heeled gems in Topshop three years ago and I still reach for them on days when I want to feel a little dressier and also for going 'out out'. They aren't too high, although five hours worth of shopping in and any heel, no matter how small, starts to niggle.

What is your go to outfit for a day of shopping?

Love,
Alex x

P.s. Thank you to Gemma for these lovely shots!

Lunch | Yauatcha

I'm definitely one for trying all different types of food. So far in my 24 years of life I've discovered I'm not a fan of baked beans and mushrooms - Pretty good going but awkward asking for them not to be present on my plate when ordering a Full English as apparently I'm in the minority here. 

One cuisine I'm not too familiar with is Chinese. When I think of going out for dinner an Indian or Italian meal always springs to mind and so when I was offered the chance to eat at the lovely restaurant, Yauatcha I wasn't sure what to expect. 

Yauatcha is a mix between Chinese dim sum and a French patisserie. It shouldn't work but it does. Luckily for me I was in the company of people who knew what to order from the numerous pages of choice. Everything came out as and when it was ready which I quite enjoyed as I didn't know what I would be eating next as I sipped away on my Ginger Martini - An adults ginger beer as I like to think of it. 

We started with the crispy duck. Which might I add was the most delicious crispy duck I have ever tasted. I don't know what it had been marinated in but I want the recipe right now. It was sweet and moorish and quite frankly I could have eaten the whole thing to myself. 

Next we had small dishes and I liked all of them bar one. The King Crab Sui Ma was first and foremost the most tricky thing to eat. In the end it was a rather unglamorous affair as I had to stab at it to eat it. Not ideal in such a swish establishment. Everything else was amazing though and it was fun experimenting with dishes I probably wouldn't have picked if I was choosing for myself. We had, Venison Puff, Chili Squid, Prawn Toast, Char Sui Bun, King Crab Sui Ma, Pork and Prawn Sui Ma and Spicy Szechuan Pork Wanton.

Then dessert. I am a huge chocolate fan, I always have room for chocolate after every meal - judge away - and I can say hand on heart that the Chocolate Pebble is the best dessert I have ever had. It was rich, smooth and melt in the mouth joy. Luckily for me, Yauatcha have a shop dedicated entirely to Patisserie goodies just around the corner from where I work. Dangerous but wonderful. Close friends watch out, I may be dragging you here for dessert in the near future.

Have you got any recommendations for different restaurants worth a taste test? Let us know, we're always looking for an excuse to dine out!

Love,
Alex x

Banishing the Male Gift Headache

I know that Father's Day has swept by for this year but Dad's are growing old (sorry, Dad) and celebrating birthdays every day of the year and is it just me or are they incredibly hard to buy for?! Socks just don't cut it anymore. Did they ever?

My lovely Father is hitting a big milestone this year and my Mum, brother and I have been racking our brains for a good 9 months trying to conjure up a present for him. He is notoriously difficult to buy for as whatever he likes he purchases himself before we get the chance to and he is too fussy for us pick out anything we like for him. As I've grown up and realised he doesn't necessarily want chocolates and lemon sherbets (his ultimate favourites) for every celebration I've turned to experience gifts instead. I've found and been recommended a number of ideas that I thought might lend well to others out there struggling with an equally particular male in their life. 

Cue the ideas that could save present buying headaches. 

Rick Stein Cookery Course
 

Located in idyllic Padstow on the north coast of Cornwall,  Rick Stein's Cookery School offers a range of classes from fish to Indian cuisines for the novices or even the skilled cooks out there. My dad is the chef in our house and although he is already rather talented, rustling up new recipes every week, he is also an avid viewer of cookery programmes from Saturday Kitchen to the Great British Bake Off (somebody please let me know when this is back - serious Hollywood and Berry withdrawal symptoms!) taking notes and ideas to use himself. For years Rick Stein has been a firm favourite so for us this was the perfect gift choice.

Ranging from half a day at £98 to a full day course at £200. This would suit anyone who is a foodie and keen to flourish and improve in the kitchen. Plus a perfect excuse for a weekend in Cornwall!

 

A Swish Meal
 

Alternatively, for those who can't stand the heat and want to get out of the kitchen, a nice meal is probably the favourable choice.  As my dad is a bit of a food and wine lover, we are taking him somewhere he has sneakily mentioned to us before. There are some great restaurants all over the country but if you want somewhere impressive, I would recommend somewhere in London with a view of the city.

One of the most popular restaurants of the moment, The Shard has a restaurant on the 31st floor, Aqua Shard which is famed for it's vertigo inducing menu and is the perfect place to treat someone special. Duck and Waffle is one of those restaurants that you have to experience and without doubt order the duck and waffle. You can also book a table for breakfast and watch the sun rise from the 40th floor of the Heron Tower. If you're an early riser that is...

 

Boutique Camping

If the male in your life is an outdoorsy type then Canopy & Stars is definitely worth a look. From treehouses to yurts on offer, this could be a welcome change from the usual muddy and claustrophobic tent. Canopy & Stars offers a range of glamping ideas. For a sweet romantic getaway or a weekend with friends this is a unique opportunity to be at one with nature. They are located all over the country depending on where the mood takes you and you can buy a gift card and let the recipient choose (probably a good idea as there is so much choice!)

 

Helicopter Flight Over London

This is on a lot of people's bucket lists and I think for a special occasion this would be a really impressive and thoughtful present. The London Helicopter Company offers a range of different flight packages depending on your budget and ideal location. Of course this doesn't have to be in London but a bird's eye view of the capital city would be a brilliant way of seeing the famous landmarks whilst following the River Thames.

I hope this has helped if you needed smidgen of inspiration for a different and novel gift idea. These of course aren't male specific but as they tend to be the trickier people to buy for these might be good alternatives to the usual presents that spring to mind.

Love,
Alex xx

Shop of the Moment #1 Oliver Bonas

I tend to go through phases with different types of shops. When I was younger I used to love nothing better than browsing (and whining my way) around Claire's Accessories. Then I moved on to H&M Kids where I could just about afford a new t shirt or 'cool' new Hello Kitty coin purse that I desperately needed at the time. 

My teenage years came along and my love affair with Topshop began. But sadly it was normally only a window browse through lack of money until I started my first Saturday job and even then I would be asking the bank of Mum and Dad for a loan on a pair of skinny jeans and a pretty, but over priced, Peter Pan collar blouse. 

Fast forward 6 or 7 years and I'm apparently now obsessed with small boutique homeware shops and in particular Oliver Bonas. Most people love interior shopping when they start renting or buy their first home. But for me, it's more about exploring the options for when I do eventually save up enough for my own home. My ASOS basket is going to have to be put on the back burner for this to actually materialise.

 

Not only do Oliver Bonas sell everything you would need to deck out your kitchen and dining area but they also have books, photo frames, bags & purses and beautiful throws. Basically the ideal place to buy anyone you love a present.

Now the problem is, not only is their kitchenware a joy to look at so are their clothes and in particular their dresses. They are all in the most beautiful prints but at nearly £60 a go the are the type of item that have to wait until pay day. I would definitely recommend looking online at their collection, especially for summer parties and BBQs. Even better if you happen to have one of their shops near you (this can be a hindrance, depending on how you view it...)

 

Working round the corner from Oliver Bonas means I walk by everyday and once in a blue moon (or rather every other day) I pop in for a browse. I had my peepers on a particular dress for weeks, the Amelie City Print Dress and I finally bit the bullet and bought it after going into a frenzied panic that only one was left in my size. It is a sweet little skater dress in a fabric with different famous landscapes all over it. I thought it would be the perfect little summer dress for days out in London and for my holiday to Corfu in a few short weeks (OOTD to follow)

On another visit I spotted some copper initials and for once the letter 'A' was available. Of course I had to snatch this up before it disappeared too! You have to work quickly in this shops it seems. Initialled items have been popular for years and now the cooper trend is well and truly stuck I just couldn't leave it on the shelf. Plus, I bought Gemma a 'G' for her birthday so watch out for that featuring in the back of a video soon.

 

I have mentally placed half of their shop in my future house and I'm going to be honest, it looks wonderful.

Have you been pulled into the Oliver Bonas obsession? Where do you like to shop for homeware nic-nacs?

Love,
Alex x