Things To Do In London

September 28, 2015, 9:25 am

≪ Previous: My First Vlog! Inside the Barry M Factory, Yoga at The Shard & Benefit Beauty Launch!

This mini guide to London doesn't include any museums, landmarks or sightseeing hot spots. Well, not the Hot Spots that you'd read about in Lonely Planet guides anyway. This, is my personal list of things that I absolutely love to do in the fabulous city that I'm proud to call my home. All of them are amusing, alternative and suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets, so if you want to discover the city in a slightly different way, here are my favourite Things To Do in London!

1. Take a Rebound fitness class.

Never have I ever enjoyed exercise quite so much as I did at a recent Rebound fitness class! Available across the capital, they are a lively, high-intensity class which you complete on a mini trampoline! I visited this one in West London, where we shimmied and shaked to tunes from Pharrel Williams and the Spice Girls while burning off calories.

2. Be a Spa Junkie.... In Harrods

With brands from Mac and YSL to Chanel and Valentino all under one roof, it might seem odd that it's the Spa in Harrods that makes my list! But yep, hidden away on the fifth floor is the most opulent Hammam (Turkish bath) spa experience. In a marble den, you de-robe and relax in the warm haven, before being taken to an individual marbled area where the body is scrubbed and massaged using black-olive soap, a chess glove and finally warm water from the baths. As it's Harrods, you can imagine that every part of the spa experience is utterly luxurious, from the box of essentials that you'll find in your locker, to the heavenly products that are yours to use in the showers afterwards.

3. Afternoon Tea of course!

I have devoted many, many blog posts to Afternoon Tea places in London, and it's absolutely one of my favourite things to do in the city. Here are my favourites and some of the most unusual teas in London.

4. Visit a Market

As well as Afternoon Tea's, something we do pretty well here in London is a good Market! Whether you head for the foodie delights of Borough Markets, or brave the crowd on Portobello Road, there seems to be a Market for all of your wants and needs.

5. Make the most of Public Transport!

With some Bus routes taking you past the big sights such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham palace, sometimes it's nice to just climb on board and take in the sights of the city from the top deck of the 137 bus! The Thames Clipper is a fantastic way to see the city from the River, and why not take it all the way down to Greenwich and stop for a picnic on the river bank!

6. The View from The Shard

And there are definitely ways of avoiding the crowds (and the cost!) of going up the official way, such as Afternoon Tea at Gong - on the 52nd floor of the shard, or even better, Yoga at The Shard which allows you to go right to the very top and enjoy a Yoga class before the crowds arrive!

7. Ride a Borris Bike

Or Santander bike as they should now be known! Definitely the funnies way to view the whole of London town, there are over 10,000 bikes across 700 stations in the city. I love to while away the hours around Chelsea and Kensington or across Hyde Park for the most scenic of rides!

8. Have a coffee in a public restroom.

It seems to be a growing trend to create beverage hot-spots in disused public toilets, so if you fancy something a little bit different then head to The Attendant near Tottenham Court Road or WC (Wine & Charcuterie) in Clapham for a very different dining experience!

What are your favourite things to do in London?

xoxo

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The Autumn Style Switch Up

September 28, 2015, 11:13 pm

≫ Next: One Day in Verona

≪ Previous: Things To Do In London

Alright, Summer is officially gone, vanished, it's technically Autumn... but, I don't know about you but I am SO not ready to hide away my pins and cover up just yet.

This Autumn, instead of hiding away and bundling up, I've been challenged by Braun to switch up my style and have unlimited fashion choices, which means I don't ever need to be limited by my beauty routine or my wardrobe choices. I love to be prepared and on top of my beauty routine at all times and so today's post is all about the beauty kit that means I can open up my wardrobe and pick out anything at all, knowing it will make me feel fabulous!

So throughout this month, I'm taking part in the Braun Switch Up Your Style challenge, meaning that each day i'll be a trying to be a little more daring with my daily style, with that extra confidence that comes with feeling great about your body thanks to Braun's new beauty tools! I'd love you to join me in the challenge, so why not take more chances whether it's with your hair, makeup or fashion! If you do, then make sure you use the hashtags #breakfree and #braunbeautychallenge so that I can see how you are switching up your style!

And here are the beauty products and tools that I used to create the look!

When I look back to last Autumn, there would be the odd unexpected warm day, and as much as I'd want to pull on a fabulous skirt, I'd be 'unprepared' let's just say, leg wise, and opt for patterned trousers and cover up instead. This year though, I have been using my Braun Silk-Epil 5 Wet & Dry epilator on a regular basis (I first blogged about how to epilate in a pain-free way at the beginning of Summer here) so my skin is silky smooth all the time, not just the day after shaving!

Although I love to use a gradual tan on a regular basis to ensure that my pins have a hint of colour, I've also been using the Caudalie Divine Perfect Legs to give my skin some moisture as well as a luminous golden glow. My legs are instantly tanned and it dries within an instant, so in just a few moments I can pop on a skirt or dress and be ready to go!

During London Fashion Week, I made a mental pact with myself to make more effort with my hair. I'm usually inclined to pile it all on top of my head in a bun, but I've been using the Braun Satin-Hair 7 SensoCare styler to create natural loose waves. It's a style switch which instantly adds glamour to any outfit, and the difference isn't just in my look, but my confidence also! To see how I used the stylers to create my London Fashion Week look, check out my Get Ready With Me Video here!

Finally, I've been honing my makeup routine, using a mixture of luxe and budget products to give my skin a healthy glow. Current favourite include this stunning Sunset bronzer from Delilah, and the gorgeous Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Lip and Cheek Glow.

The feeling of being able to fling open my wardrobe doors and have totally unlimited fashion choices is an addictive one, and thanks to the Braun Silk Epil 5 it's one which i'll be experiencing all year round, not just in Summer.

If you don't want to be held back by your beauty routine, then why not try epilation? It's not as scary as you might think, especially with Braun's massage roller attachment which stimulates skin for an incredible soft epilation experience, and you can even use it in the bath for an incredible chilled out hair removal experience. It's even got a new anti-slip grip so you can handle easily in water and reach all the contours of the body.

Still worried about epilating being painful? Head back to by Guide to Pain Free Epilation for my tips and tricks to a more comfortable experience.

Will you be switching up your style this Autumn?

xoxo

This post is sponsored by Procter & Gamble, but of course all views are my own and I genuinely use and love the products mentioned above!

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One Day in Verona

September 30, 2015, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Luxury Italy : The Lefay Resort & Spa

≪ Previous: The Autumn Style Switch Up

As the setting for Shakespeare's, or possibly the world's most famous love story, there was no doubt in my mind that I'd fall in love with the Roman city of Verona. Also now home to one of the world's greatest Opera Venues, the Roman Area as well as the 'homes' of Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague, there was much to see and do, but with only 24 hours in the city we had to choose carefully!

Trousers by Oasis | Top by Dorothy Perkins | Bag by Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses by Topshop

After checking into our hotel; the perfectly positioned Residenza Borsari, we took a short stroll to the infamous Juliet balcony. Romeo and Juliet were of course fictional characters, so I don't really know how this balcony came to be 'the' Juliet balcony, but flocks of romantic tourists flooded the courtyard of the 14th Century house, adding their love letters and Post-its to the walls of the courtyard gateway. It's free to pop in, so worth a look, but a tad underwhelming and a certain tourist trap - so carry on searching for your Romeo elsewhere!

Roman ruins are dotted about the city, so make sure you wear comfy shoes (I clearly didn't) as it's much nicer to explore the city by foot, every street has a story!

For lunch, we stopped off at Peperino close to the Piazza Bra. The Piazza is the largest in Verona, possible even in the whole of Italy and is lined with numerous notable buildings as well as the Verona Arena; originally built as an amphitheatre nearly 2000 years ago! The Arena is now a world-famous music venue, with operatic and contemporary music performances. There are many cafes and restaurants in the Piazza, but we explored the quieter streets and stumbled across Peperino where we enjoyed two dishes of the day (a saffron and prosciutto risotto and an aubergine pasta bake) both scrumptious and costing us less than a fiver each! Plus, those tiles, that marble!

After lunch, we took a 25 minute stroll across the river from the historic centre, and ended up at the Giardino Giusti. As it's away from most of the tourist destinations, it was pleasantly quiet, mum and I even had a short nap in the sunshine to recover from our early start! The sculpted gardens feature Renaissance landscaping, a blend of manicured and natural gardens (oh, and baby turtles in the fountain - see my Vlog!), and according to local legend, lovers who manage to find each other in the garden's labyrinth are destined to stay together! Cute! While we were there we saw several couples both old and young hurtling through the maze, desperate to seal their fate together!

We found a Pizzeria close to our hotel for dinner before heading back to the Residenza Borsari, the hotel has just 3 deluxe rooms and is perfectly located for anyone wanting to explore the historic city.

If you'd like to see more about what we got up to in Verona, be sure to head over to my YouTube channel and watch my Vlog of the day!

xoxo

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Luxury Italy : The Lefay Resort & Spa

October 1, 2015, 2:54 am

≫ Next: The Discovery Programme

≪ Previous: One Day in Verona

A word of warning: the following posts pay induce cravings for sun, pasta and vistas of the lake, or at the very least daydreams of Prosecco, infinity pools and sun-dappled gardens. You've been warned.

Tucked into the rolling hills that surround the majestic Lake Garda, the Lefay Resort and Spa is a haven of Italian luxury. Offering a wellness experience unlike anything else I've ever experienced; the resort encapsulates a new concept of luxury combined with environmental sustainability while respecting local and regional traditions. Every part of Lefay has been carefully considered - as you'd expect from a five star hotel, and it's these small details and personal touches that make the hotel a fine example of Italian luxury at its very best.

We ascend the steep and twisting road that leads to the resort, and struggle to take our eyes off the vista before us; the gargantuan Lake Garda stretches as far as the eye can see, shimmering in the sunlight, and the small villages on the lake side look like toy towns, complete with charming coloured walls and rickety decking onto the lake. The resort is nestled amongst olive terraces and lemon groves and fits in subtly with it's surroundings.

It's hard to believe that the founders, the Leali family are not seasoned hoteliers, but instead, Lefay is their first foray into hotels. Their philosophy of creating a concept of overall wellness while achieving environmental sustainability is clear in every part of the hotel; of which the heart lies within the incredible spa. Inspired by local lemon houses and crafted into the hillside, the Italian design features include Olive tree wood flooring in every room, warm toned Italian marble, and panoramic floor to ceiling windows - it embraces nature, while being comfortable and luxe.

There are just 90 suites in the resort, giving an intimate feel, and although we stayed during the start of the quiter season, we often felt like we had the spa area to ourselves, but there was still a bustling atmosphere in each of the hotel's restaurants (more about that later!). We stayed in the prestige suite - Lefay's equivalent of a standard room, but there was certainly nothing standard about it! A walk in wardrobe, marble bathroom with jacuzzi bath with lake view, seating area, writing desk, separate WC... this place is bigger than my first flat in London! Our patio doors opened up to a wide terrace with a 'pinch-me' perfect view of the lake - it felt like something out of a film when pressing the button that electrically opened the curtains to reveal the lake view each morning!

As with the rest of the resort, the bedrooms are environmentally friendly too - the energy is produced using wood chip biomass, while rainwater is collected for the irrigation, and photovoltaic panels generate about 60% of the resort's energy. Walls in the rooms are painted with chemical free water paint, and bed linen is of natural cotton fibre.

Our days started with the most picturesque breakfast in the hotel's Limonaia restaurant; we made our own juices from the buffet of fruit and vegetables and enjoyed healthy dishes along with delicious pastries, while enjoying the morning sun on one of two terraces each side of the restaurant. After that, we began the Lefay Discovery Programme - an innovative Lefay Spa method which you'll find out more about in tomorrow's post!

As it's a part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world, it's no surprise that everything about Lefay has been done to exceptional standards, from the service of the resort's staff, to the food, the Spa and the hotel environment, join me tomorrow for more on the Spa, and Friday for the hotel's exceptional cuisine.

To see more of the hotel, join me over on YouTube for my Vlog of our stay!

xoxo

Lefay is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World - further information here!

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The Discovery Programme

October 2, 2015, 12:51 am

≫ Next: Luxury on the Lake

≪ Previous: Luxury Italy : The Lefay Resort & Spa

Things I took away with me from Lefay included a glowing tan, some heavenly bath and hair products and some of Lefay's herbal tea; but most importantly, I took away mindfulness, and words of wisdom from the resort's in house doctor about how to relieve stress and tension from everyday life.

On our first full day at Lefay, I met with Doctor Corradin with whom I discussed sleeping and eating patterns, my dreams and my everyday worries. He felt my pulse and was able to tell things that even I didn't know about myself (even though they were worryingly true!) before making recommendations about small changes I could make to my lifestyle in order to combat my stress and worries. The Doctor prescribed me three special treatments to tackle my energy using methods from Chinese Medicine and healing. My first treatment used warm carbon sticks on my back to relax my muscles and channel my light and heavy energy, it wasn't long before I drifted into a trance of relaxation while listening to renditions of Beethoven classics. I awoke refreshed and calm before the full body massage began, using smooth olive oil from the resort's own olive farms, and inhaling Eucalyptus and mint burning oils - a multi sensory massage experience. The all over treatment is aimed at revitalising the flow of internal energy and although I dozed off after the treatment, the next day I really noticed the benefits, springing out of bed and feeling far more alert and 'present' than any other day.

A facial massage treatment was next, with the aim of relaxing my facial muscles (starting by massaging my hands and feet), before the process of facial cleansing and moisturising began, purifying the skin and soothing the contours. Stimulating the King energy points, I left the Spa feeling calm, but with a clear mind - usually I leave spa treatments in a semi-daze, so this was certainly a new experience! I spent the rest of the afternoon reclined on the spa terrace, sipping on the Nettle detoxifying tea, feeling physically and mentally awakened - an addictive feeling which i'll be using the Doctor's tips to recreate back home.

There was more to come though! We had a private session in the Spa's Salt-water lake, 'La luna nel Lago'. Descending into an underground darker pool carved from natural rock, we submerged ourselves into the marin salt water heated to 38 degrees, surrounding by pools of crystallised salt extracted from the Red Sea, and gazing up at an incredibly realistic larger than life moon sculpture, while allowing our bodies to absorb the minerals from the water.

The Spa lies at the heart of Lefay, and merges the ancient principles of Classical Chinese Medicine with modern western techniques; the in-house Doctor and Spa Manager have created a range of health programmes with are aimed at rebalancing and rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit through the recovery of vital energy, and the rediscovery of a healthy way of living. As a forever-busy Londoner, it was an eye-opening experience, and after just three days at Lefay I recognised the importance of taking a step back sometimes, switching off and enjoying some me-time.

Small Luxury Hotels offer various bespoke packages at Lefay Resort & Spa in the prestige junior suite, including breakfast and private transfers to the resort, as well as the various Spa programmes.

xoxo

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Luxury on the Lake

October 4, 2015, 1:05 am

≫ Next: Bigger, Brighter Eyes

≪ Previous: The Discovery Programme

Why is it, that Italian food is so special? I am no food expert, but while at Lefay it became apparent that perhaps part of the secret, is their simplicity. A platter of cold meats, fresh salad and a plate of pasta in the right setting can make the heart race. Or maybe it's Italy's genius for adding vitality to everyday ingredients? A pasta dish thrown together with pesto and pine nuts, as well as the inevitable pepper - a simple yet mouthwatering dish.

Most of the ingredients used at Lefay are sourced locally, so that fresh burst of flavour can be noticed in every dish. Many of the herbs and ingredients are grown onsite (in the resort gardens or Olive groves), organic too of course, even the pasta is made by the chefs during the day. It goes without saying therefore that the food at Lefay is rather exceptional, even to Italian standards. During our stay, we enjoyed a very modern take on the typical Mediterranean diet, starting with the buffet style breakfast served in the stunning Limonaia restaurant;

Each morning we chose from the different breakfast sections; eggs cooked before our eyes, overflowing bowls of fresh fruit, apricots, bananas, apples, nectarines and more, platters of cheese and meats, sweet pastries, fresh orange juice, even bottles of Prosecco!

At lunch time we sauntered up to the Trattoria La Vigna, where on the warmer days we sat on the shaded terrace area overlooking the lake, and enclosed by potted lemon trees. We chose from the A La Carte menu offering a selection of pastas and risottos, the fish of the day, or choosing from the buffet section. Forget other buffets you've experienced before because Lefay do buffet's differently - a cuisine haven with platters of beef Carpaccio, parma ham sliced before us and delivered to our tables, creamy bowls of plump mozzarella and truffle infused hard cheeses just for the starter! A selection of freshly baked bread, bowls of pasta and rice dishes as well as various pizza and focaccia selections were presented for mains, before possibly the greatest desert selection that I'd ever had the pleasure of devouring! My favourites included the creamy panacotta squares, banana creme brûlée, and passion fruit mousse!

Ingredients picked fresh from the hotel gardens

We spent our evenings enjoying an aperitif in the beautiful hotel bar, before choosing between the Trattoria or La Grande Limonaia restaurants for dinner. The latter is the hotel's main restaurant, where dishes included Steak, Lobster and fresh Fish, all cooked to absolute perfection along with a selection of seasonal vegetables. We were tempted by the extensive wine menu too, choosing to sample various (ahem) beverages from the local Bardolino region. Those on the Spa programme can also stick to a healthier set menu which had equally as mouth-watering dishes! We finished the evening with scrumptious italian classic deserts; a passion fruit and lemon parfait cocooned inside a frozen lemon skin was my personal highlight!

Lefay has successfully ticked all the boxes, the food, the spa, the location are all unbeatable - and we are already plotting our next visit!

Lefay Resort & Spa on Lake Garda is bookable through Small Luxury Hotels.

xoxo

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Bigger, Brighter Eyes

October 6, 2015, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Autumn Comforts

≪ Previous: Luxury on the Lake

Because our eyes are often the first feature that people notice about us, perfecting that 'big and bright' makeup look is a seriously handy skill! Using the right makeup and skincare products, you can make it look as though you've had 8 hours of sleep, even when you only got a fraction of that! Gone are the days where we like to plaster our lids in dark kohl liner, now it's all about going bigger and brighter.

Of course, long term it's crucial to get a good night's sleep (8 hours) and stay hydrated. Especially during winter when our skin gets dry, we need to make sure we are drinking enough water to keep our eyes looking dazzling white. Eye drops can help, but hydration and plenty of rest and sleep are by far the most effective way of having naturally bright eyes.

Choosing a brilliant eye cream will brighten, hydrate, and work to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fatigue - the best way to start your bigger and brighter eye routine. I may only be 23 but my eye area is already an area of concern and I've recently become addicted to the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye cream. It's a rich gel-like texture which you apply the smallest amount of to the eye area, with short term and long term benefits it fights signs of fatigue, puffiness and dark circles, as well as fine lines and pollution. The difference is noticeable within just a few days of using this cream, I'm already noticing a brighter and more vibrant eye area!

A bright creamy shadow can make your eyes look bigger and brighter, one of my favourites is the Benefit Creaseless cream eyeshadow in the shade Bikini Tini. Bringing the cream into the inner corner of your eyes will make the whites look brighter, and open up your eyes giving you an instant doe eyed appearance. To create more definition, using a slightly darker (but not dark!) eye crayon such as the Elizabeth Arden Eyeshadow Stylo in Sunkissed Pearl over the crease to extend the illusion of bigger eyes.

If you want to give the illusion of larger eyes, apply mascara to upper lashes only. Application on the lower lashes can close the eye area, but using a volumising mascara such as the Pixi Lengthy Fibre mascara (which has silk filaments which add to the volume of your lashes) and curled lashes can make your eyes look bigger in seconds!

Under eye concealer can hide any discolouration as well as illuminating the under eye area. My favourite is the By Terry Terrybly Densilis concealer - it's a fair shade but without being too light, it brightens and conceals, is lightweight and doesn't crease (never a good look!). Unlike other concealers that I've tried, the By Terry concealer not only covers darkness in the short term, but also contains ingredients which work to age-correct and firm your under eye area!

While white eyeliner in the waterline used to be the trend, it always looks a little stark and obvious! Only recently have I discovered flesh coloured pencils, and the Charlotte Tilbury Nude Eye Cheat is universal nude tone which instantly gives the illusion of wider, fuller eyes. It's the smoothest liner I've ever applied with a soft waxy texture, and unlike budget alternatives it stays put for hours and hours and contains ingredients which stimulate collagen production! Oh, and it's waterproof too!

How do you make your eyes look bigger and brighter?

xoxo

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Autumn Comforts

October 6, 2015, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: The Autumn Ensemble

≪ Previous: Bigger, Brighter Eyes

There are so many reasons to love Autumn - whether you love the crisp cool air, golden leaves, or snuggling up in your favourite knitwear. Another reason to love Autumn is allowing yourself some little luxuries, so get cosy because today I've compiled my ultimate Autumn comforts to make the next few months feel like the snuggliest Autumn ever!

- SKINCARE -

Firstly, Autumn skincare. I absolutely love the luxurious texture and sumptuous softness of the products that I use in Autumn. Your skincare should be switched up to comfort your skin after it has been exposed to the harsh elements of Autumn! Wind, rain and a drop in temperatures mean your skin should be nourished with a luxurious cleanser such as the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel which is gentle on the skin and also nourishes and repairs skin from environmental damage, leaving your complexion feeling clean, balanced and heavenly soft.

Another staple in my routine is the new Clinique Moisture Surge Melting Mask Balm. When the harsh weather leaves skin feeling dry and irritated, the balm works to restore comfort and radiance back into your skin. I apply as a 10 minute mask once a week, or leave it on overnight when my skin needs some extra attention. Also part of the new Clinique All About Oils collection is the Smart Treatment Oil which I've been applying onto skin after cleansing for some serious conditioning and repair, together they leave my skin looking and feeling lovely and plumped and nourished instead of sad and chapped!

The product that I most look forward to using in the evenings is the new Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream. A hybrid between an oil and a cream, it has a similar heavenly scent to the Darphin oils which I've raved about previously on the blog and transforms from a sumptuous cream to a delicious oil when massaged onto the skin. Ideal for this time of the year, skin immediately feels comforted and thoroughly moisturised - plus as with other Darphin products it feels like an absolute luxury to use.

- EVERYDAY COMFORTS -

In Autumn, it's often the simple details that can bring the ultimate luxury and comfort. Aside from Dexter (who is the greatest hot water bottle / cold evening snuggler in the world), a few things which make me feel warm and cosy include my super-soft Emu slippers, and even softer New Look dressing gown, and, a new discover; the Hotel Chocolat Salted Caramel Drinking Chocolate which really does taste as good as it sounds!

- BATHTIME TREATS -

A bath is a luxury which I try to afford myself once a week, making the time to soak in the tub is the ultimate Autumn Comfort and choosing some lovely bath products can make it a seriously luxurious experience! I've been trying out some new Bath Oils recently with heavenly fragrances, including the Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil which contains heavenly ingredients such as chamomile and lavender which help to instantly relax you while also clearing the mind. It's exclusive to Liberty, and if you look closely you can see that my little bottle is even personalised with my initials engraved in the top corner! The Dr Hauschka Bath Essence is another with a scrumptious scent - I always thought this brand was super expensive but this Bath Essence is under £10! It's designed for recovering from cold and windy days, with oils which bring long-lasting warmth to your body, inside and out!

Various Lush products have found their way into my bathroom recently after I discovered their range at the Christmas Launch event, and bath times have been hugely improved with their bath bombs including these vanilla scented Five Gold Rings bubble bars which soften the skin while you soak.

After bathing, I reach for my most luxurious body lotions, and my current fave is is the Aerin Amber Musk body lotion, yet another product with a gorgeous fragrance which lingers on the skin for hours after application.

- Bedside Luxuries -

The greatest part of chilly Autumn evenings is snuggling up under the duvets, preferably with a Netflix series ready for viewing! Lighting a candle or two and misting the room with a calming spray is the greatest thing for a cosy evening, and Neom have released a Tranquility range; the English Lavender, Basil and Jasmine candle and matching Pillow Mist. Part of their Scent to Sleep initiative, the fragrances are all chosen for their sleep inducing properties and even after the most stressful day, it's hard not to feel utterly relaxed once the room is filled with the lovely fragrances!

What are your Autumn Comforts?

xoxo

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The Autumn Ensemble

October 8, 2015, 12:00 am

≫ Next: The Best Of : Beauty Books

≪ Previous: Autumn Comforts

Autumn weather simply demands for a pair of crisp denim jeans, and soft textures against the skin.

You know that feeling, on a chilly Autumnal morning - the desire to pull out your knits, plaids, scarves and every other layer you can find. The obsession with Autumn dressing begins with the perfect pair of denim skinnies, the pair that will become the staple piece for many Autumnal ensembles to come. Enter this pair which tick all the boxes; the fit is perfect (tight fitting) they don't stretch after just a few wears, and they were a steal at just £22.

My quintessential Autumn outfit continues with my greatest fashion find of the season so far; this soft faux shearling waterfall gilet in a neutral brown shade, with an unbelievable price tag of under £30. Available in a light pink shade too, it adds an effortlessly chic finish to this outfit, as well as keeping in the warmth. A simple cotton blouse is a wardrobe essential. With the soft material, relaxed fit and rolled sleeves, this little number is yet another staple piece.

I'm still obsessed with my Chloe Faye dupe bag, perhaps one day i'll own the original, but for now? I can't stop reaching for this little beauty. Finishing the look is a pair of suede lace-up heels to add a touch of glamour to the ensemble.

As for the finer details, I chose my delicate Pandora ring and this All-Seeing-Eye necklace which is part of Swarovski's upcoming collection with Miranda Kerr.

These photos were taken by Jay McLoughlin, using an Olympus Pen E-PL 7 and a combination of the 45mm lens and 75mm lens.

xoxo

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The Best Of : Beauty Books

October 10, 2015, 1:09 am

≫ Next: Free Doughnut, Anyone?

≪ Previous: The Autumn Ensemble

Whether you use them as a beauty bible, or simply a coffee table book to flick through here and there, beauty books are a lovely thing to own, and to give. Without really realising it, I seem to have built up quite a little collection and I love to flick through, absorbing all of the beautiful imagery and picking up a new beauty tip here and there. Each page is brimming with hair, makeup and nail tips from the industry insiders; whether that's a makeup artist or your favourite YouTuber. Here are the beauty volumes that you should be adding to your shopping list:

How to Be Parisian is one of my newer additions, written by Caroline de Maigret - aka the epitome of a fabulous Frenchwoman. Co-written with three girlfriends, the book is a compilation of essays on everything from dealing with troublesome men and ignoring fashion trends, to the art of nakedness. Us Brits can learn a lot from her honesty and frank outlook on life, a few of my favourite quotes from page one along include 'Don't be afraid of aging' - never a more true word, and 'Always be fuckable' - oh yes, it's an interesting read!

One of the first blogs that I followed was Emily Shuman's Cupcakes & Cashmere. I adored how everything she did had such a natural flare and style, so as soon as she released her book I snapped it up, in the hope of being able to replicate her ways. The book is a guide for those looking to establish a sense of style within their home, beauty routine and wardrobes, giving tips on everything from how to wear bright lipstick, to how to throw a stylish party. I can't say that I've ever truly sat down and followed the instructions on any of her topics, but the bright, pretty imagery and interesting topics make it a lovely one to flick through.

I never would have dreamt that an entire beauty book could have been devoted to just eye makeup, but that's exactly what Lisa Potter-Dixon has created with Easy on the Eyes. Visually, it's beautiful - with gorgeous sketches of her beauty recommendations (most of which are Benefit of course, where Lisa is a Makeup Artist) and it's full of substance too. Lisa's passion for beauty comes through in every word - the book gives step by step tips for those who want to up their eye-makeup game, with 5, 15, and 30 minute makeup looks. Only someone with Lisa's passion for makeup could bring not only fabulous traditional makeup artist tips, but also some new fun ideas on how to switch up your look.

Well, if I'm Pretty Honest, I bought this book as a prop, and didn't actually open it for a few months - embarrassing, I know. The Guardian's Beauty Editor - Sali Hughes decodes many of the beauty industry's mysteries with the level of detail and honesty that comes from her time as an editor, consultant, mother and life long beauty junkie. The book is full of practical recommendations but is written in a way that makes it a pleasure to read thanks to Sali's humour, honesty and wit.

Finally, Fleur de Force's The Glam Guide. There is no stopping that lady, over a million YouTube subscribers, a fabulous book and even now a beauty range under her name. I'd buy this book just to support an incredible women who is absolutely smashing everything that she does. The book is beautifully presented with fun and lighthearted topics such as how to act on a first date, and of course hair and makeup tips (some of which are a little basic, but where are we without the basics?!). A fabulous book to flick through yourself or a wonderful gift for any aspiring beauty junkie.

What Beauty Books have you been loving recently?

xoxo

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Free Doughnut, Anyone?

October 11, 2015, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Suede x Suede

≪ Previous: The Best Of : Beauty Books

Is it Doughnut, or Donut?

I'm going to go with Doughnut, as that's how Krispy Kreme spell it, and if anyone knows a thing or two about doughnuts, it's them. A few days ago, a message popped into my inbox; 'Hey Josie, Krispy Kreme here, how would your readers like some free doughnuts?' I was intrigued, hell yeah they would! I said to myself, and my mind instantly whizzed back to that time at The Apartment during London Fashion Week, when all the bloggers and instagrammers clambered for the perfect Instagram shot of their perfect glazed roundness. Anyway, back to the free doughnuts!

As a doughnut obsessive myself, I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't actually heard about the Friends of Krispy Kreme club before the email arrived, but my ears (or eyes?!!) pricked up as soon as I read that there were free doughnuts involved. It's a unique club which is absolutely free (and very, very easy and quick) to join, and you get to keep up-to-date with all the latest doughnut news, but more importantly a FREE Krispy Kreme doughnut just for joining, another free one on your birthday, plus loads of other good stuff like competitions and VIP offers etc (kinda like ASOS premiere, but for doughnuts).

There's not much more to it really, it's as simple and amazing as it sounds, so what are you waiting for? Sign up here to get your very first free doughnut!

(Keep scrolling if you want the chance to win even MORE free doughnuts)

Oh hey, you made all the way down here! Well then, you deserve a treat! Krispy Kreme have also very kindly sent me TEN of their highly coveted Green Cards, which entitles the lucky owner to a free doughnut of their choice, every month, for a year, AND one of their highly coveted Krispy Kreme Varsity Jackets. Want to win them? Thought so!

All you've got to do is share this post on either Twitter or Facebook (or both if you want extra chances of winning), and make sure you tag me in it (@FashionMumblr on Twitter, Fashion Mumblr on Facebook) so that I can see!

I'll be choosing 10 winners on the 26th of October to receive a Krispy Kreme Green Card, and one of those lucky ten will also receive the Krispy Kreme Varsity Jacket.

Don't forget to sign up here to join the Friends of Krispy Kreme and get your very first free doughnuts!

xoxo

This post is in collaboration with Krispy Kreme!

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Suede x Suede

October 13, 2015, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Autumn in Amsterdam

≪ Previous: Free Doughnut, Anyone?

I think I'm in love with the 'idea' of Autumn.

Even in London, it's still mild and the sun is still shining, yet I'm dreaming of cosy layers and pumpkin spice lattes. Since we aren't quite ready for Autumnal knits, I've found myself finding ways to add a touch of Autumn styling to some of my favourite summer pieces, such as these white wide leg trousers that I'm debuting today.

The outfit is quintesentially autumnal and effortlessly elegant. I've added a knitted T with stripes of Autumnal colours (and a fabulous price tag) and embellished with this stunning suede jacket. Oh yes, the jacket. Possibly the most fabulous piece in my wardrobe this Autumn, it adds instant seventies glamour to any autumnal look - and another way to add more suede into my Autumn ensembles! The stylish finishing touches include these cat eye sunglasses and my tan handbag, as well as my new favourite necklace from Swarovski.

These photos were taken by Jay McLoughlin, using an Olympus Pen E-PL 7 and a combination of the 45mm lensand 75mm lens.

xoxo

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Autumn in Amsterdam

October 15, 2015, 11:59 pm

≫ Next: I Amsterdam + VLOG

≪ Previous: Suede x Suede

Last weekend, rather than hitting the shows at PFW, Charlie and I opted to go on a trip to Amsterdam to discover the city. Having met each other in the most exotic of destinations, travelling together is what Charlie and I do best, so when IceLolly.com invited us to discover Amsterdam, we jumped at the chance to visit a new place.

Amsterdam, and Holland in general, was a place I didn't know much about (aside from the fact that prostitutes and certain drugs are legal here!), so I had no preconceptions, and no idea what I'd discover when I got off the plane.

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There was something very familiar about Amsterdam, from the cool boutiques in unpretentious neighbourhoods, the welcoming cafes that we stumbled across, and the way that the friendly locals dressed. It's easy to picture yourself living in Amsterdam, that's how homely and welcoming the city felt, each restaurant or cafe owner greeted us as though we were a 'regular', and after just one day exploring we felt as though we knew our way around the beautiful canals and cobbled streets.

A hefty neighbourhood guide is on it's way, but until then, here's the outfit that I wore on our first day of exploring!

WHAT I WORE

xoxo

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I Amsterdam + VLOG

October 18, 2015, 11:56 pm

≫ Next: Neighbourhood Guide : Amsterdam

≪ Previous: Autumn in Amsterdam

I could probably sum up our trip to Amsterdam in a few key words; pancakes, bicycles, canals and cheese, and I'm not sure what I loved the most. Three days in Amsterdam was the perfect amount of time to explore, and as Charlie and I burned off the calories from our extravagant breakfasts (more on that in my Amsterdam Guide coming soon!) we stumbled across countless welcoming boutiques and cafes dotted throughout the neighbourhoods, all easily discovered by foot or by tram.

My outfit for day two was planned in advance of the trip, I'd packed thermal layers to cosy up beneath my Mustard Jumper and popped on a new favourite stripe suede skirt - dressing to match my autumnal surroundings! I added my Russell & Bromley boots before we hot footed it to the canals for our tour of the city (more of this on my Amsterdam Vlog!)

I know I'm keeping you waiting for my Amsterdam city guide, but not much longer - I promise, and it's worth the wait!

Thanks again to IceLolly for the opportunity to visit this fabulous city!

xoxo

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Neighbourhood Guide : Amsterdam

October 21, 2015, 4:03 am

≫ Next: Discovering Tom Ford

≪ Previous: I Amsterdam + VLOG

Three days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to discover the city - a weekend break just a (very) short flight from London, and there's so much to see and do, as this guide proves! We walked for hours, stumbling across boutique shops, cosy cafes and unusual restaurants, as well as fitting in the odd tourist hotspot! Amsterdam will probably always have a certain reputation, but as we discovered, there's so much more to the city than pub crawls and the Red Light District!

If you're heading to Amsterdam any time soon, make sure to note down a few of these places, and don't forget to pack some comfy shoes, as it's possible to explore the whole city by foot!

Jumper by Superdry | Bag by Topshop | Jeans by New Look | Sunglasses by ASOS

Coffee & Coconuts

A recommendation from a friend who lives in Amsterdam, Coffee & Coconuts is set in a 20s cinema, and has a warm, buzzing atmosphere that you'd expect to find in a cool Shoreditch hangout. We stopped by for breakfast, both opting for the full CT breakfast including their famous coconut pancakes. Be sure to try their juices, and go for one of the farmhouse tables at the back if you plan on 'gramming your food!

Ceintuurbaan 282-284

The Lobby

So, I failed slightly on the photography front due to the darkness in the restaurant, but The Lobby was our favourite restaurant by far out of the three that we tried in the evenings, we both chose from the set menu, three courses for under €35, including experimental dishes such as Spinach Panacotta and Banana creme brûlée. Highly recommend!

Nes 49, 1012 KD

Bakers & Roasters

Another breakfast spot which came highly recommended from an Amsterdam local, Bakers & Roasters is a New Zealand style cafe in the very cool De Pijp neighbourhood in Amsterdam. With an open kitchen serving up all of your favourite classic brunch dishes, B&R is also known amongst locals as the best coffee in 'The Dam. If coffee isn't your thing then their juices are also incredible, and I also need to try their old school milkshakes!

Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54

Amsterdam Cheese Company

There's a cheese shop around every corner you turn, and very little between them. Charlie and I particularly loved the Amsterdam Cheese Company though as everything was beautifully presented, and there were even little samples of cheese and preservatives to nibble on to help you decide on your favourites!

Leidsestraat 2

We Are Labels

Charlie and I both loved We Are Labels! An edgy cool Anthropologie meets The Kooples type store, with a few locations across the city. We walked away with some autumnal jumpers and shirts for Charlie, as well as some Aesop-esque hand wash and body lotions!

14 DAGEN BEDENKTIJD

The Heineken Experience

Ok, so Charlie had to persuade me to come along to the Heineken Experience with him, but in the end, I am SO glad I did! I wasn't expecting such an interactive and beautiful (have you seen all of the copper?!) experience - I'd highly recommend a visit, even if beer isn't your thing.

Stadhouderskade 78

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I'd love to know if you have any personal recommendations or places to try in Amsterdam! Let me know in the comments so that this post can be as useful as possible to other readers heading to the city!

Thank you to IceLolly.com for the flights & hotel!

xoxo

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Discovering Tom Ford

October 22, 2015, 12:22 am

≫ Next: Bern Old Town

≪ Previous: Neighbourhood Guide : Amsterdam

There's something decidedly old school about Tom Ford makeup. Whether it's the luxe black and gold packaging which evokes thoughts of the couture ranges from the man himself, or the timeless colour range of the products which feels as though they were designed with me in mind. Perhaps that's the magic of Tom Ford beauty - it's luxurious, almost inaccessible, and yet you instantly feel as though you were meant to wear it. It's more pricey than other designer beauty ranges, so I just had to put the products to the test to let you know if they're worth the splurge!

I began with the mascara (applied to the left eye in the image above), which promises to transform lashes with optimal glamour and drama. I have small eyes, so rely on mascara to intensify my makeup look, and it has to be long lasting! I found the wand very easy to use, it's tapered and has a slight angle, and delivers plenty of the mascara to each lash, instantly adding length and volume in just a couple of strokes. The finished result is a dramatic yet delicate lash, and thankfully they lasted all day with no crumbling or smearing, surviving even my runny eyes on a chilly Autumn morning!

Before we continue, I must apologise for the airbrush effect that I've used for my skin in these photos! If you watch my vlogs you'll have heard me complaining about a strange reaction that I've been suffering from on my cheeks, and I didn't want this to detract from the makeup which I wanted to focus on, so I decided to just blur it out!

Back to the brows. I used the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in the shade Taupe. I'm not typically a fan of this type of brow pencil - a calligraphy type waxy pencil tip, I usually prefer a very thin pencil type brow product like the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor changed my mind. Easy to apply and create natural looking shape and depth to the brows, I found the colour match incredibly natural, and even in the areas where my brows are very sparse, the Brow Sculptor added colour and definition in the most natural way. The packaging is stunning, and in the opposite end is a handy spoolie to neaten brows once you've finished shading, as well as a sharpener hidden inside.

- Deep Mink -

- So Vain -

Ah the lipsticks! This is where I truly feel that the beauty products were made with me in mind! Tom Ford beauty has all of my favourite lip shades covered, for an everyday but glamorous lip colour, the Deep mink and So Vain shades are amongst the most beautiful lip colours that I've ever tried. The colour payoff is gorgeous - an intense colour payoff with a surprisingly balmy soft texture. A natural shine but without being glossy is a nice change to my usual matte finish, and much more comfortable to wear now that the weather is getting cooler. At £38, they are most definitely a splurge for most of us, so these incredibly wearable shades are the ones that I'd be most tempted to splash out on - they are timeless classics which add a priceless elegant finish to even the simplest of makeup looks.

And finally, Lips & Boys. I mean, what a great name! They're hard to get your hands on, but with 50 shades to choose from it's worth searching for them because you're bound to fall in love with a shade or two! A personal favourite is this deep red, plum, autumnal shade named 'Wes'. It's fortunate that it's so tiny, perfect for popping in your clutch bag - as the lasting power is not fantastic. It's my only fault with this lipstick, and when you're used to matte lip products which don't need touching up for hours, it's more noticeable when wearing a glossier shade that needs frequent reapplication. The colours work well when you blot with tissue, and this helps with the lasting power without softening the colour.

Another beautiful shade which i'll be picking up more frequently when we reach spring time is Addison - a very girly pink shade but without the 'cheap' look that so many pale pinks can give. So often I avoid the girly shades, worried that they detract from an otherwise elegant makeup look, but Tom Ford have developed a shade that ticks all the boxes for a perfect pretty shade while still looking classic, and beautiful.

Also in the images above, is the Tom Ford Nail Polish in the shade Toasted Sugar. While I'm yet to apply it (never have I regretted my Shellac decision so much!) the shade is beyond beautiful, and destined to become my everyday colour.

Overall, a luxurious and beautiful range, from the packaging to the product inside. Tom Ford has encapsulated the exclusivity and desirability of his couture ranges in his beauty range and it's most definitely one to your 'must try' list!

These products were kindly sent to me for review purposes and so that I could share them with you! Find out more on my Disclaimer.

Have you tried Tom Ford beauty? Which products would you most like to discover?

xoxo

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Bern Old Town

October 23, 2015, 2:03 am

≫ Next: Falling for Bern

≪ Previous: Discovering Tom Ford

Last weekend I was invited to Bern, Switzerland, to discover the Art & Culture within the Swiss Capital - a trip I quickly accepted as not only would I be able to indulge in my Swiss Chocolate cravings, but also discover more to the city that I'd always seen glimpses of during ski holidays when I was younger, but never properly explored.

A capital city is usually a bustling city, larger than life with an unmistakable buzz and mayhem, but not in Switzerland. Bern is tiny, it has an unmistakeable Swiss charm - imagine Farrow & Ball green-grey buildings, sleepy clock towers and cobbled streets, wrapped up by the River Aare. In fact with a population of just 180,000 the streets are never busy, you'd never guess that it's the Swiss capital. Despite its cosy size, Bern lacks nothing in character - with majestic views of the Bernese Alps and boasting former inhabitants such as Albert Einstein and Paul Klee.

We spent the first day exploring the Old Town, wandering the wide scobbled streets lined with beautiful shuttered buildings - we could almost have slipped back a few centuries as we watched the sparkling fountains (including a rather disturbing one of an ogre snacking on a baby.) and explored the inner workings of a clock tower.

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Our city walk took us riverside to the Nydegg Bridge, where we passed Bern's famous brown bears in there Bären Park, before we climbed up to the Rosengarten. When I posted a snap that I was in Bern up on my Instagram, Swiss locals were quick to recommend the restaurant which overlooks the city, surrounded by a rose garden with more than 200 varieties of the flower. We enjoyed a three course lunch while overlooking the silhouetting city's spires and glassy green river.

WHAT I WORE

Have you ever visited Bern? Let me know your favourite spots in the city!

xoxo

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Falling for Bern

October 27, 2015, 12:00 am

≫ Next: The Bellevue Palace

≪ Previous: Bern Old Town

The last time I visited Bern, I was probably about 14 (I'll no doubt get a text from mum if this is in fact not correct!) and most definitely more interested in where my next Trolli Burger or Milka bar was coming from rather than being on the lookout for great food and cute little boutiques, so this trip was an eye-opener. I saw Bern for the first time, and, I think I fell a little bit in love with the city!

There was something so familiar about Bern, each corner we turned revealed another adorable cafe or view of chalets nestled onto the mountain side; the locals were all so friendly and eager to show off their city, and there is something so elegant about the Swiss. We were invited to a Matinée concert performance in the Old Town's Konzerttheater - an experience that transported me back to a time when we didn't need technology or fancy pyrotechnics to be entertained. A hefty city guide is on it's way for you, but until then, here's the outfit that I wore for our second day of exploring the beautiful city...

How would you dress for a day exploring the city?

xoxo

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The Bellevue Palace

October 28, 2015, 1:14 am

≫ Next: The Style High Club : Travelling in Style!

≪ Previous: Falling for Bern

The Bellevue Palace in Bern attract's the Swiss capital's most discerning visitors; we were told during our tour of the presidential suite how ever President had stayed in the hotel over the years (apart from Barack Obama), and as the most luxurious five-star hotel in the city it made the perfect base from which to explore the capital.

We let out an audible gasp when we reached our hotel room, towering over the river valleys, the balcony boasted unparalleled views of the countryside surrounding the city, with chalets sprinkled across the hills. From the larger than life floral display in the grand lobby to the entire wall decorated with gin bottles (full ones at that!), the style is grand palace meets Soho House, and as well as a fine afternoon tea, there is also a smaller much more cosy long bar where the cocktails are the best in the city (so we decided!). The area is packed with sofas and small table sections that give a welcoming club feeling; the perfect setting for enjoying some Swiss wine & charcuterie.

Just steps away, the Federal Palace of Switzerland became a light show spectacle; unlike anything we'd seen before, the opulent building was transformed into a burning building, or melting mansion, all by projectors beaming from across the square. If you're heading to the Swiss Capital between now and Christmas, it's an experience not to be missed!

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Plaid Dress by Superdry | Faux Fur Stole by Monsoon | Watch by Caravelle | Boots by Russell & Bromley

We stayed at The Bellevue Palace in Bern, with flights from London Southend via SkyWork airlines.

xoxo

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The Style High Club : Travelling in Style!

October 30, 2015, 10:00 am

≫ Next: 5 Ways your Hair-Care Routine Should Change for Autumn

≪ Previous: The Bellevue Palace

Just because Summer is over doesn't mean that holidays are too! Recently I've been lucky enough to head off on a couple of city breaks, and have managed to master the art of travelling in style thanks to a few quick and easy tips and tricks! From keeping your makeup simple, to ensuring that your baggage is as stylish as your outfit, give these tips a try and before you know it you'll be a fully fledged member of the Style High Club!

1. Keep your makeup simple, and moisturising!
The easiest of all of my tips for travelling in style is to skip out heavy foundations, and go for a tinted moisturiser instead. The air in a plane is incredibly drying, so a tinted moisturiser will stop your skin from drying out and can easily be touched up before you land. I love to fill my in-flight beauty bag with a mini mascara, and cream and tinted lip balm too, even for short flights.

2. Dress comfortable but fashionably.
The secret is pretty much black clothing. If you want to look effortlessly chic and stylish even after being curled up for hours in a minuscule space then stick to one colour palette and there's none more flattering than black. If you're craving some fashion inspiration then you need only look at cabin crew - has anyone else noticed how stylish they've become recently?! With Julien MacDonald teaming up with British Airways and Vivienne Westwood working with Virgin, there's no wonder they look so fabulous after 12 hours in the sky!

3. Pack the essentials in your carry-on.
There are some things I just can't live without to ensure that you look and feel fresh and stylish throughout the flight. I love to have a small Jo Malone fragrance with me, a little hand sanitiser and a soft pashmina (perfect for when the air con gets a tad too nippy!).

4. Bags of Style
Once you've mastered your outfit for travelling in style, make sure you've picked out some fabulous luggage to complete the look! On my recent trip to Amsterdam I took my new Radley suitcase which I absolutely adore - the fun Radley dog print adds such a fun and lighthearted element to this outfit and theres even a matching holdall which is perfect for those shorter trips!

5. Wear cosy socks!
Not just for on the plane but also, is there anything worse than having to tiptoe through security with bare feet?! Definitly not!

6. Fight the Jet Lag!
I wrote a whole post on my tips for fighting Jet Lag a little while ago, and it's worth making these small changes to your inflight routine even on short flights to make sure you're feeling fresh when you land.

Do you have a fail safe in flight outfit? Or any tips for travelling in style?

xoxo

. Meeting regulation size, it’s the perfect fit for the overhead

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