Colour me beautiful

With the balmy nights continuing and some exciting plans over the coming weeks - I'm prepping my summer wardrobe with a blast of colour. 

And these LAMB 1887 clutches are PERFECT for a string of birthday parties and weddings I have planned. 

Great teamed with a minimal black cami-dress, or tailored jumpsuits - plus paired with a court. 

Lamb 1887 handbags are crafted from the softest leathers carefully sourced from the highest quality tanneries across the globe. With beauty being as important on the inside as the outside, each bag is lined with luxurious suede, proving the exceptional workmanship that goes in to each and every one.

www.lamb1887.com

Fit is the new thin!

So I’ve decided that in the lead up to a big birthday, I am going to get FIT. Not just my usual measly 20 minute run every couple of weeks, more like actual ab work and weights and all of the sort.

I have also signed up for a 10k in September, so I need to build up my distance again. I injured myself last year and so had to pull out of the Paris Half Marathon last minute (I was actually devastated I couldn't run it) and I haven’t run regularly since.

So I’ve decided to start again, as in all over again – good old running 2 mins, walking 2 mins. It’s boring and frustrating (especially since my fitness has plummeted!) but I’m determined to get back into running at a healthy and lengthly pace.

The first step for me in terms of running, the tools.

One of the main reasons for my injury – the wrong trainers. Even though I knew I needed another pair I continued to use some god awful pair I got in a Sports Direct. Never again I say! So I went down to Nike to get my gait measured (Gait is basically the way you walk/run and land on your feet) and they determined which style of trainer I needed. This was a ‘Stability’ shoe as my ankle tends to rock in my shoes.

The trainers I bought? The very girly and pink (I kinda don’t care!) Nike LunarEclipse 4.  Now I’m no expert shoe reviewer, but these trainers are a godsend!  Lightweight, stable, supportive, airy, comfortable, stylish… I’ve run out of compliments, but as a whole, an amazing investment and well worth the £110 (yep they’re pricey)

Along with the trainers I got myself some amazing now workout wear but at an unexpected place – GAP!

The Gap Fit range is fashionable and affordable, which seems to a rarity these days with capri leggings (my Nike pair set me back at £60!) – but Gap’s range from £16.99 - £29.99. There work out tanks are great too, with built in support.

And so, with my trainers and work out gear, I’m ready to rock…. Or collapse on the gym floor!

Festival Vibes

Is it too soon for me to be thinking about festival fashion??

With Bestival not till September (the only festival I'm going too this year), most probably, BUT why not...

Already I've got enough lace, kimonos and oversized hats but I will always need more.

To accessorize these, NowSeen.com once again comes to the rescue with its beautiful and eye catching jewellery.

The jewellery destination offers stacking bangles and rough stone rings which will work perfectly for my festival wardrobe. Check out some of these beauties below...

Spanish Road Trip. Valencia - Barcelona

So I got the incredible opportunity to go to Barcelona and Valencia last month.. and what a trip it was. 

Starting off in Valencia we went to the Las Fallas festival which is a celebration held in commemoration of Saint Joseph in the city of Valencia, in Spain. Here each neighbourhood of the city has an organized group of people, the Casal faller, that works all year long holding fundraising parties and dinners. Each casal faller produces a construction known as a falla which is eventually burnt.We went along for the lead up which is basically a continuous party, street parties, sangria and tapas! The perfect combination! 

The midday fireworks display

With daily fireworks displays and then follow ups in the evening it was an amazing experience to see! Also we stayed in an amazing flat overlooking one of the falla - all courtesy of Air BnB

Once the party was over in Valencia we headed to Barcelona to party a little more!

A scenic train journey

Staying at the St Christophers Hostel just off Placa de Cataluyna was great, a central location and a great set up with a bar and 'break out' room which was very chic and fun!

We got to sample some amazing food and drink the first night, heading to one of the best kept secrets in Barcelona - in the nighlife borough of Barceloneta lies an incredible Cava bar where glasses were only one euro! The Champañeria (www.canpaixano.com) is a tiny unmarked bar in Carrer de la Reina Cristina - you think you've entered a kebab shop - its not... more like an intense tapas bar with cava on tap. It closes at 10pm so get there early - and be sure you know a few phrases. English is not something they speak there!

Can Paixano

We then headed to to the Borne district for further Sangria before bed!

The following day was filled with tourist spots such as Park Guila and Sagrada Familia but I was still swayed by food. In the evening we went to such an incredible place - Ciutat Comtal another tapas restaurant. 

Here we had to queue for around an hour for a table... but was it worth it. Amazing service, amazing food, amazing place. With tapas lining the room as you enter you may want to take a nosedive into the bar. Please don't. We waited and got ourselves an incredible for dinner for £20 a head with wine. 

So as a whole Spain was good to me - I'm off again in September to enjoy more of its tapas delights and cannot wait!

Sleep - In Rollers

When I got these in the post, I wasn't too sure... rollers? Aren't they totally old school? 

But Sleep-In Rollers are anything but old - coming in a bright pink bag and a variety of colours and patterns,  they have put the glamour back into rollers! Designed to flatten like a sponge 

when you lie down to ensure a deluxe night sleep, but allow you to wake up with salon perfect hair in 

seconds! So no more sleeping in pain for perfect hair. I'm sold!

Fashionable, effective and affordable, Sleep-In Rollers are only £17.95 for 20 rollers which come inside a 

complimentary pink drawstring bag to carry your rollers around in style – available from 

www.velcrosleeprollers.com. 

Nopi

I'm forever on the quest for a good breakfast spot, one that's quiet enough to hear each other and discuss the latest news in the fashion industry, but also still has a buzz and nice warm atmosphere.

My latest favourite is Nopi, the brainchild of the team behind Ottolenghi - a wonderfully modern brasserie with a fresh menu (I don't think I could eat another Eggs Benedict if I tried) and contemporary design. 

Now my favourite dish on the breakfast menu was scrambled eggs and salmon - buttery and smooth, how can eggs be THAT good - But this time round I went for granola, a basic which ended up being INCREDIBLE. Crunchy, not too sweet and basically perfect. 

10 out of 10.

Ring me up!

I've always had  a penchant for jewellery and the more the better I say!

My new favourite ring brand? NowSeen.com - the newest jewellery brand that I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Stacking rings, pendant necklaces and bangles in rose gold, antique stones and vintage styles.

Trying to choose some of my favourites was near impossible but here's a few below....

All the above are only £30! I'm sold!

See their latest collection here at www.nowseen.com

Sunday

It's Sunday and it's still January :-(

BUT I'm looking to summer pastels to brighten up my day!

Shake Shack

The much hyped burger joint finally opened last Summer here in London, here is my very late review on the new place.

As much as I appreciate a good burger, queuing for one is not exactly my cup of tea.

In the middle of August it was pouring with rain and we're were queuing for at least 20 minutes.

Once inside the building it was a seamless process of ordering, its a fast food joint overall. BUT the burger wasn't handed to me at order, I had to then queue in a separate line to get my meal. THEN queue for a seat....

Overall the burger was average, chips were average and just everything was average!

5 out of 10 from me!

Pioneer Headphones

This week I am LOVING my new Pioneer headphones. 

In vibrant red these bad boys make my journey to work much more fun as they cancel out the sound of the tube and have amazing bass!

For over 15 years, Pioneer has been engineering award-winning products trusted by the World’s most respected professional DJs and musicians. With a portfolio of industry firsts including the World’s first scratch CD player and scratch DVD player, Pioneer has been transcending the limits of how enthusiasts emotionally connect with their music through innovative technology, performance and design.

Duck and Waffle

What a wonderful way to start a Wednesday, with breakfast at Duck and Waffle. 

I chose the wonderfully decadent Duck Egg En Cocotte, including baked wild mushrooms, gruyere cheese and truffle. I also got some soldiers for good measure on the side. 

10 out of 10 from me!

Bird & Wild Coffee

So I got sent some loooovveerrrllyy coffee from Bird & Wild to try - 100% organic the coffee is the perfect pick me up for these oncoming cold mornings. 

Farmed at the Yeti Farm in Africa, nestled in the western highland forests of Ethiopia, where the original varieties of Arabica coffee are thought to originate. The farm is spread across a number localised forest areas, each producing coffees with unique and interesting characteristics. 

This batch was smooth and refreshing - i'm on my third cup!

Lee Stafford

So Lee Stafford has come up with a new formula for blondes.. your hair will glow, you will glow. A shampoo specially formulated with Pro-Blonde™ Complex and Moringa Seed Extract to encourage natural shine to truly glow. This formula has been designed so that it is gentle enough for daily use and does not strip your hair of moisture or colour. 21st Century colour protection also helps to stop that annoying colour fade! Use this shampoo to maintain clean, vibrant,  beautiful, salon fresh blonde!  

PLUS there is his Keratin spray a dream product for all you ladies out there with difficult hair. Giving instant results, it gets rid of frizz, protects the hair from heat damage, and strengthens the hair to reduce breakage. Frizzy hair can often be dry hair too! This multifunctional spray contains collagen, known for its rejuvenating and moisturising effects to tackle that troublesome dryness frizzy hair is prone to.

I love it as its perfect for my dip dye!

Imperial Leather Body Wash

So I have got to indulge in a powerful new world of Foamburst, as Imperial Leather introduces seven new genies to represent each of the sensual fragrances in celebration on the stunning new range. Each of the genies holds their own unique personality in representation of each magical new scent.

I tried one including Sea Minerals and bracing bergamot - the perfect way to wake you up in the shower!

Find all the Foamburst Genies online at www.foamburstgenies.com.

The new Imperial Leather Foamburst range is available from all major retailers, RRP £2.99 for a 200ml bottle.

Insta - lately

So I've gone and got a new job, been to New York and had a very full few months. Here's some tid bits from Instagram.

So I've been absent..

... for quite some time. With a new job and new horizons, I am now back! HURRAH!

To get us started, my bag obsession hasn't stopped - the latest favourite of mine is Lamb 1887. 

Heritage label Lamb 1887 is steeped in British history, taking it's name from both the family name and founding year of the family business.  These 'timeless with a twist' collections have kept the brand one step ahead of the fashion pack and earned a rapidly growing celebrity fan base including Pippa Middleton, Cheryl Cole, Fearne Cotton, Diana Vickers, Laura Whitmore and actress Natalie Dormer. 

My personal favourite is this soft 'Audrey' leather clutch - essential arm candy - and perfect for my upcoming holiday!

Available online and at a growing number of stockists nationwide, Lamb 1887 strives to be affordable without compromising on quality. I'm sold! http://www.lamb1887.com/

Statement Clutches

So the weather, quite frankly, sucks... but I'm still planning my summer wardrobe in hope that the sky will brighten up for us all. 

With this in mind, I am off to Ascot this June and already thinking about my outfit!

So what better way to start than with accessories? I'm in love with this range of clutches from Wilbur and Gussie which are available from Rock My Vintage - www.rockmyvintage.co.uk

I spotted these a while ago and have had my eye on them ever since - now who wants to lend me £150 for them? Oh so Louis Vuitton methinks...