#100London - February Update

Can't believe how quickly this month has gone by, I'm off to Paris tomorrow and before I know it it'll be the middle of March and I'll be travelling around Norway for 2 and a bit glorious (but cold) weeks. I can't even remember off the top of my head which museums I've visited this month, not because I did so many but because the beginning of the month feels like such a long time ago which doesn't really make sense as I thought this month had gone by quickly but alas I digress.

I started the month of really well by visiting a bunch of museum in the Bloomsbury area including the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, the UCL Petrie Museum of Egyptian Architecture and the SOAS Brunei Gallery. I even made it to the Wellcome Collection to see the Death exhibition on the same day as well! All 4 places were really interesting, especially the first 3 which I've never visited before. I particularly like the jars of dead animals in the Grant Museum, creepy but fascinating. The Death exhibition is unfortunately over now which is a shame as it was really enjoyable. It's not at all morbid but really gets you thinking about the role death plays in different cultures and how it has such an impact on the lives of many people.

After a few lazy weeks I made it to the Natural History Museum to catch the Wildlife Photography and Extinction exhibitions. The Wildlife Photography exhibition is a must see but it finishes this weekend so if you can make it I'd definitely recommend popping along, some of the photos on display are amazing. I wasn't too impressed with the Extinction exhibition overall, there really isn't much in terms of objects to look at and the information of display is really aimed at children. On the same day I popped over to Leighton House Museum which is another new place to me. It's the home of the famous artist Frederic Leighton and is a really beautiful building filled with a mix of original and replica works of art. A lot of the artwork is from the renaissance era which isn't really my cup of tea but because I managed to catch the 3pm free tour I learnt a lot about the different painting and how the house came to be such a treasure trove of art. The museum is free to Art Fund members so if you're ever in the Kensington area and have a spare hour I would definitely recommend visiting.

Last Friday I popped over to the Royal Academy of Art to catch the Manet exhibition. I love Manet and the impressionist era but the exhibition was missing the wow factor, it's on until 14th April so if you are a fan you have a little while left to visit.

So that was 7 museums visited this month bring my total count to 12 out of 100. I'm really behind target and I know for sure I won't be able to catch up during March as I'm away for half of it but once it gets warmer I will venture out more for sure.

What museums have you been to this month x

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Tea please

You probably don't know this but I don't like tea or coffee, shocking right? I say I don't like tea but what I really mean is I don't like black tea, however I am a huge fan of fruit tea, the fruitier the better in my opinion, but not green tea, I'm definitely not a fan of that! Twinings is my favourite brand for fruit tea, their Cranberry, Raspberry and Elderflower mix is my go to so I was really excited to try a few new flavours.

Pomegranate and Raspberry - this was definitely my favourite of the 3 fruit teas I've been trying, so fruity and definitely a revival to my favourite pink tea. I've been drinking this non stop and not only does it taste delicious but it smells wonderful as well.

Apple Crunch - this actually tastes like you're eating an apple, the taste is vibrant and delicious with just the right amount of apple tang.

Double Mint Sensation - this mix of peppermint and mint will definitely get your head tingling, it's the perfect morning pick me up and even though I'm not normally a fan of peppermint tea I did enjoy the minty fresh taste and powerful smell. This tea definitely got my office talking as it smelt so strong.

Everyday Tea and Everyday Tea Redbush Blend - as I mentioned before I'm not a fan of black tea so I left these boxes in the kitchen at work and asked everyone what they thought. One of my colleagues has really been enjoying the redbush blend and is now finding it difficult to drink the normal tea on offer at work so I'd say that's a good review.

Do you like fruit tea x

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Denim on Denim

Dress - Topshop

Tshirt - Ashish x Topshop

Denim jacket - ASOS

Necklace - Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

Tights - Mary Portas via My Tights *

Boots - ASOS

Watch - Michael Kors via ASOS

This outfit has a lot of craziness going on from denim overload to that crazy dog collar looking necklace but you know what, I kinda like it. ASOS describes this jacket as oversized, I would describe it as vastly oversized as you need to size down at least twice for this to fit decently, however I love the stud detailing even if it does look a bit of a hipster cliché. Another pair of new tights in the form of these spotty wonders, I really like them and unlike other pairs of spotty tights I've had in the past they don't feel like they're about to ladder any second. I like the shape of this dress, it reminds me of something I would have worn as a kid as the swing style is perfect for spinning in circles, despite it being so roomy I think teaming it with a somewhat fitted jacket helps bring more shape to the outfit.

Don't think I'd get away with wearing this to work even though there isn't a dress code but it was the perfect weekend outfit for traipsing around London. I'm off to Paris on Friday and I really need to get packing!

Do you do double denim x

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What to wear at the races

Floral dress, £215 / Topshop , £215 / Topshop high heels, £72 / Sophia Webster colorful handbag, £295 / Marc by Marc Jacobs gold bangle jewelry / Stella & Dot studded bracelet, £58 / Yves Saint Laurent yves saint laurent, £190 / Stella & Dot bracelets jewelry, £39 / ASOS pendant jewelry, £29 / Clear Slim Trim Umbrella Black / Kalahari Bangle / TOPSHOP Lip Paint in Yeah Right, £10

With Cheltenham Ladies Day fast approaching at the end of March Ladbrokes asked me to style my perfect outfit to wear a such an occasion. Unlike other races there isn't actually a dress code for Ladies Day which means you can leave the big hats at home and skirts can be above the knee! That being said I still think keeping things on the demure side is a little necessary but that certainly doesn't mean you have to dress like a Granny so here is my pick of race day dressing without looking like a frumpy bag.

I love Topshop Unique and this silk floral dress teamed with a vibrant blue coat is certainly going to make you stand out (in a good way) on the enclosure. Not forgetting the English weather a sturdy heel and stylish umbrella are an absolute must, I love how the perspex heel on these shoes is mirrored in the clear umbrella fabric. For a bit of glam I've chosen this gorgeous arty ring which matches the colour in the coat and to stick with the gold jewellery theme don't forget your arm party with this selection of bangles and chunky watch. A statement necklace and red lip will set the outfit of nicely and when it comes to bags how can you not resist this gorgeous little clutch.

So there you go, my interpretation of race day dressing where the aim is too look on trend and not round the bend.

What would you wear to the races x

In collaboration with Ladbrokes

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London Fashion Week AW13

Jacket - H&M

Top - Topshop

Skirt - Oasis

Tights - Pamela Mann via My Tights *

Socks - Topshop

Bag - Mulberry

Boots - River Island

Scarf - Alexander McQueen

Watch - Michael Kors via ASOS

Cuff - Alexander McQueen

Bracelet - Topshop

So fashion week is here once again and as usual I felt totally unprepared! Friday morning comes and I never have a clue what to wear, my show invites aren't printed and I have to hot tail it to Somerset House because I am inevitably running late. This year I decided I was only going to attend for one day and my goodness was it a busy day. I had a handful of shows to go to (reviews to come soon) and a birthday outing in the evening. When I did get a second to relax I spent most of my time in the New Look blogger lounge at the Waldorf Hilton which was a lovely little oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Somerset House.

As usual with fashion week I ended up wearing a monochrome outfit. I'm head over heels in love with my new Alexander McQueen black and white skull cuff and scarf so based my outfit around those items with a new spotty top, my trusty pleather skirt and a shiny PVC and tweed jacket. Teamed with these awesome face tights which found themselves a little attention on the cobbles and my silver tipped Chelsea boots I was ready to go from morning to night.

I always enjoy the craziness of fashion week, it's nice to catch up with blogger friends I don't see very often and I love people watching around Somerset House, some of the outfits on display are completely crazy! After the fashion craziness died down I headed to Covent Garden for dinner at Bills where I had a delicious fish finger sandwich followed by a crazy night dancing away to indie tunes in the Borderline to celebrate Sophie's birthday, what an excellent day!

Have you been at fashion week this season x

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Valentines Day Lust List

Chinti and Parker , £350 / Equipment blouse / Mulberry bag, £135 / Vivienne Westwood crocodile bag, £300 / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry rose gold jewelry / Heart shaped necklace / Topshop , £10 / Heart t–shirt - COMME DES GARCONS PLAY - T-shirts & vests - Tops -... / XL Love Hearts money box 468g - WHAT NEXT CANDY - Valentine's day -... / Archie's Girls Pearlmatte Face Powder - MAC - M·A·C Archie's Girls -...

Hope you're all having a lovely day whether your spending it with a loved one or being fabulous on your own. I thought it would be fun to compile a list of heart shaped things I'm currently lusting after. I actually have the lipstick already and can confirm it's a lovely creamy pink shade, Topshop have really hit the nail on the head when it comes to high street make up. Really looking forward to getting my hand on the MAC Archie's Girls collection as well!

What did your secret admirer get you this year x

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Pancake Day 2013

I flippin' love pancakes so today I was not going to miss an opportunity to indulge. Whilst I am fond of the little fat American style pancakes I prefer crepes so decided to make those tonight. I follow any old recipe but they mostly consist of the same thing; 4oz plain flour, 2 eggs and some milk. Mix them up, ladle into a hot pan and when they start to bubble it's time to flip them. If you don't know how to make pancakes you can find plenty of pancake day recipes on the Baking Mad website. For me the fun part is the toppings, I like to smother them in lemon juice, vanilla sugar, raspberries, chocolate and ice cream. Very indulgent but this day does only come around once a year...

After a unsuccessful start I managed to make 2 decent creations. The first was covered in lemon juice, vanilla sugar and raspberries which was very tasty. The second pancake I have nicknamed the indulgent for being just that; vanilla ice cream, chocolate buttons and raspberries. I find it's best to let the chocolate melt a little when the pancake is in the pan just to make it an even gooier mess, mmm so good!

Anyway, I haven't decide what I'm going to give up for lent yet, I was contemplating with the idea of no more chocolate but I seriously don't think I have the willpower.

What do you like on your pancakes x

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Big Boots

Dress - Topshop

Jacket - River Island

Bag - Zara

Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell via Office

Watch - ASOS

Pyramid spike bracelet - Topshop

Cross bracelet - The Bohemian Collective

Silver bracelet - Topshop

I've had these pictures sitting around for a few months so not so sure why I haven't posted them yet. The main reason I took them was to show off my not-so-new-any more Jeffrey Campbell wedges. Now I can't actually remember what the style is called but they are very similar to the Alexa's but have a zip instead of laces. I got them in an Office sale in November time if memory serves right after coveting them for ages. I hate buying expensive shoes so always try to hold out for sale so when I saw these for 50% off I knew I had to snap them up! As heels go these are really comfortable due to the hidden wedge and chunky platform and I think they look really cool when styled with most dresses, they add that grungy element I am always so keen to channel. I know everyone and their mother has this bag but it's perfect for evening use.

Do you have any Jeffrey Campbell shoes x

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Tie Dye

Dress - ASOS

Blazer - River Island

Hat - River Island

Shoes - Agness Deyn x Doc Marten

When I first spied this dress I didn't buy it straight away because I was waiting for pay day to roll around, of course it sold out instantly! Anyway, after keeping a beady eye look out for returns and possible restocks it came back online and I snapped it up. I'm so glad I got my grubby mitts on it because I love the tie dye print and cut out shoulder detail plus that oversized just throw on shape makes it so easy to wear on lazy days.

I teamed the dress with MY GORGEOUS AMAZING NEW DMS which I have lusted after for so many months now but the price always put me off buying them and then along came a 50% sale and they were finally mine. Cherry red, velvet and a double sole what it not to absolutely fall head over heels in love with. You all know I love a chunky shoe, well these are on another level and are my new favourites! I'm tempted to get the black patent boots as well but shhh, don't tell anyone.

I thought my hat kind of matched the shoes as well, I've had this beanies for ages and it's perfect for keeping my head nice and warm in the winter. I like hats but I don't think I'm a hat person but I'm going to keep wearing them regardless.

Easy outfit for an easy Sunday, what did you wear yesterday x

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ASOS Africa

Dress - ASOS

Boots - ASOS
Tights - Jonathon Aston c/o My Tights 
Socks - Monki

I picked up this dress from the ASOS Africa AW12 collection and I absolutely adore it. What's not to love about a dress where the front is a completely different print from the back? The floral design at the front is gorgeous and made from faux silk whilst the back is jersey material with big chunky stripes i.e my favourite of all pattern! This is quite possible one of the nicest dresses I've ever bought and I am going to be wearing it lots! Despite all the crazy clashes going on I think it's easy to wear as the skater shape is very easy to style and because the back and sleeves are made from thick jersey material it's really warm.

I wore this yesterday for some #100London action in the Bloomsbury area where I visited a bunch of UCL museums and the Wellcome Collection to see the Death exhibition which is really interesting. I then went straight out for a birthday dinner in the evening and the dress saw me nicely through both occasions.

My leather boots which are only a few months old are looking so battered these days but I love them and all the studs. I wore them with my new fringe socks which are really fun.

What did you do this weekend x

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