All About The Booties

While I have been working away at the gym in an attempt to shape up my minimal behind, this isn't a post about derrières (sorry to anyone that may be disappointed).

I've been hunting for some boots which is obviously entirely necessary now that the grey skies have set in. No one likes having cold toes so here are just some of my favourite finds.

Tall boots are always the hardest to find - I have had one pair for years that have finally been worn to death and I am yet to find a worthy replacement. Short boots, on the other hand, I never ever have trouble with and I have an endless wish-list of options.

Office - Was £60, Now £25

Dune - £99

Dune - £159

Clarks Originals at Urban Outfitters - £89

Topshop - £68

New Look - £59.99

Topshop - £62

H by Hudson at Office - Was £145, Now £100

Topshop - £68

There's hundreds and thousands more where these came from so I'm having to stop myself here before I get carried away.


And something for the boys (bit of a theme here):

Poste at Office - £94.99

Urban Outfitters - Was £69, Now £40

Clarks Originals at Urban Outfitters - £79

NB. I do not own these images. They belong to respective websites which can be accessed via the links given.

Blueberry & Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Here's a tasty little recipe that's incredibly quick to make and is a perfect energy boost for sleepy mornings (like today)!

Ingredients

50g of blueberries

1 banana

1 tbsp chia seeds

2-3 tbsp oats (I use gluten free)

Small handful of pumpkin seeds
---
For extra creaminess try adding a tbsp of peanut butter or, if your sweet tooth is getting the better of you, squeeze in about a tsp of honey.

Put the blueberries, banana, oats and seeds in a blender with about 200ml of water. Blend until smooth. Add chia seeds and mix.

So simple and yummy. And it's so good for you with the antioxidant values of blueberries and all the axing benefits of bananas and chia seeds!

Not only will it give you a morning boost but the oats will keep you full up until lunch too.

Banana 'Ice Cream'

My lovely friend Jenny and I spent yesterday being as productive as possible with a good workout at the gym followed by a study session in the afternoon. We made smoothies for breakfast and a lovely salmon salad for lunch but by mid-afternoon the novelty of being productive wore off and our sweet teeth seemed to be raging. So we took a little break and set to work on a wonderful little treat that is too good to keep to ourselves (and I don't usually like ice cream)!

Its gluten, dairy and guilt free and only takes a few minutes to whip up:

Banana 'Ice Cream'

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 frozen banana (chop before freezing)
1 heaped tsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp peanut butter (we used 'Old Fashioned Peanut Butter' which has no added sugar & no palm oil)
1 tsp honey (optional)

All you need to do is throw everything into a blender and put on a slow setting until smooth. It is ready to eat within seconds and can also be made in bigger batches and frozen for later.

Not only is it delicious but it made a very pretty picture too...

Isabel Marant for H&M

So today is the day that Kate Moss and Topshop announced that they will be designing another collection to launch in Spring 2014, almost 7 years since they launched the first range of their 3 year collaboration which ended in 2010.

But while we wait eagerly to see what designs make the cut for the 40-piece collection, there's another designer collaboration that's set to storm the high street. Isabel Marant is the latest designer to work with H&M, producing a 52 piece range which spans several departments of the store from womenswear to menswear.

Concerns have risen regarding how well suited Marant's design will suit the usual customers of the store who are unlikely to be as tall, young and thin as the girls she normally dresses. However, there's no doubt that the range will be a hit among many with some amazing pieces set to go on sale on 14th November this year, which bring Marant's signature boho style to the high street.

I've picked out my favourites - I just hope I get there before they sell out!

I do not own these images

A/W 2013-14

With S/S '14 trends hitting the catwalk last week at London Fashion Week, its hard not to get carried away with what your taking on holiday next year. In the mean time as temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, heres a few ideas of how to stay warm AND look good using a few of my favourite trends.

Rose Pink

This seasons hottest colour. The pink coat stole the show in AW13/14 catwalks but choose pretty much anything rose pink and you're on to a winner. Mix multiple shades together and experiment with texture...

For information on the individual items click here

Skirts & Shorts

Brave bare legs or invest in some warm tights. Skirts and shorts aren't being put away for the winter and are very much a staple part of your winter wardrobe this year. While minis are still perfectly acceptable, the lady-like calf length skirt gives you a few more inches of warmth.


Floral

Flowers also haven't been restricted to the summer months. Hold on to the chance of sunshine with florals.

For more information on the individual items click here

Check

Punk is back and with it comes check. A single statement piece is probably sufficient for most wardrobes. Add a plain fluffy crop jumper to a pair of check trousers for a simple but stylish look or be daring and clash with another print.

For information on the individual items click here

Oversized

I have just invested in an 'oversized' teddy coat from Topshop. I spent a good while working out which size to get in order to get the balance between over sized and just plain silly and eventually decided on the smaller one. As a general rule, the bigger the better but for someone of my size I didn't want to be mistaken for a Hagrid-look-a-like. This of course depends on the cut of the coat (or other oversized item of clothing) and its worth shopping around to find a shape that you can pull off.

If the androgynous look isn't for you, balance oversized items with something slim fitting for a more feminine look.


Texture

Sequins, feathers, silk, quilting...the list goes on. Combine different textures to make a perfect, on trend outfit for any occasion.

For information on the individual items click here

So how do you put these all together? Its good to experiment and there are really no rules but here is a few guidelines I will be following:

1) Mix and match. Whether thats with textures, patterns or trends, experiment with different combinations. How about a pink fluffy crop with check shorts and and oversized coat? Or a sequin skirt, silk top and feather jacket? Just be careful not to go too far!

2)  Keep warm. Self explanatory really.

3) Go oversized but know where to stop. There is a fine line and just make sure you are on the right side of it.

4) Sensible shoes. I know it sounds boring but while most things would look great with a pair of heels, you'd be better off preparing for puddles in a nice pair of boots.

5) Its never the wrong occasion for sequins. Especially as we get closer to Christmas.

Honestly Delicious

I've lived in Brixton for 18 years now and I'm completely ashamed to say that I've never ventured to Brixton Village. I naively   thought that the market was limited to the market stalls dotted around the side roads around the station. How wrong I was!

Walking though the arch we arrived into what can only be described as a treasure trove of tiny cafes, restaurants and bars tucked amongst Caribbean food shops and independent boutiques.

There was such a buzz in the air from all the Sunday afternoon chatter of young (generally very good looking) couples and groups of friends probably discussing last nights antics over a latte, crepe or plate of delicious food (be it Thai, Lebanese or burgers and chips!).

We had visited with a purpose - to check out Honest after so many people raving about it. We arrived and were told we would have a 45 minute wait despite trying to time out visit at a non-conventional mealtime of 3pm. So we went off for a peppermint tea and waited to be notified by text that our table was free. By this point we were starving and these burgers had a lot to live up to!

My usual panic over choosing what to eat was calmed by the small and simple menu. I went for a homemade lemonade and an Honest burger (on a gluten free bun - this market is a dream for any gluten free eaters) and Barney went for the special and we shared a side of coleslaw. 

It was all absolutely delicious! As in seriously good. The chips were debatably the best chips I've had in a long time...or maybe ever - they were all crispy! Yum. And the burgers were amazing too. There was such a charm about the place and the staff were very friendly and helpful. 

It was such great value for money, supporting British farmers (all meat is purchased from Ginger Pig) and a really lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

For more information on Honest burgers, you can visit their website at www.honestburgers.co.uk

Autumn Lust List

While I try super super hard not to shop I decided I should compile everything I want in my Autumn wardrobe into a little style guide to act as a shopping list for everyone else!

1) This two piece is just incredible and the price is just as candy sweet as the colour! (also available in black if Candy Floss isn't you're thing)

Crop Top £28 from Topshop

Skirt £32 from Topshop

2) I'm sure it has something to do with the grey skies at the moment but I'm lusting over macs right now. And this Petit Bateau one is one of the best I've seen (despite being slightly on the pricey side).

Petit Bateau Mac £195 from Urban Outfitters

3) If there is one crucial decision to make this season its what coat to buy...pink vs checked...
Masculine cuts are everywhere and there is no shortage of choice so find a length and cut that works for you.

Check Boyfriend Coat £75 from Topshop

Masculine Pink Coat £179 from Zara

4) Boots. A staple investment at any time of the year. Straps, buckles and heels are in and this pair are a great combination of all of these things. And even if you find cheaper ones elsewhere, its worth paying more to make them last.

Steve Madden Leather Ankle Boots £110 from Selfridges

5) Dress up or down to make these work for day time and evening!

Vine Bloom Trousers £65 from French Connection

6) Bad hair day or fashion statement? Either way it's time for a hat party.

Large brim hat £14.99 from H&M

Catarzi Fedora £30 from ASOS
(I'm loving the whole Catarzi range exclusive to ASOS)

7) You can never go wrong with embellishment for a posh frock and this ASOS number is so elegant. Play around with up dos, down dos or somewhere in between and keep accessories to a minimum for a simple but glamourous evening look.

Embellished Dress £85 from ASOS

8) These 'city' bags - either one or both is fine by me. And I live in the city so both is fine right?

Leather Citybag £149 from Zara

Leather Citybag £159 from Zara

9) Brighten up the day with some sparkles. These two are at opposite ends of the scale but I want them both! How long 'til Christmas?

Elise Split Skirt £178 from All Saints

Sequin Organza Hem Mini Skirt £30 from Topshop

10) As much knitwear as you can store....

Textured Jumper £59 from French Connection

Lovebox 2013

A slightly belated post - I wont bother with excuses!

Having been allowed to leave work an hour early for the occasion, Friday afternoon couldn't have come any sooner. What more could you want than a London festival in the sunshine with friends AND Rudimental. Dreaming.

The girls loving Rudimental

I had the BEST time grooving away at the various stages (when I wasn't queuing for food/loos/drinks). Azealea Banks was headlining the main stage and her outfit was just mental. She honestly looked like a martian in a luminous green catsuit (with a thong-bearing cutout on the lower back/booty area) and a white contact in one eye. Although this statement was memorable, the highlight was undoubtably the amazing set by Rudimental. I just loved it and so did every single person there, no exception - well not as far as I want to know about as that would ruin the idyllic memories I have of the event.

Amazing British Sunshine!

As a festival newbie I was definitely converted to the loved up summer vibes and even the portaloos weren't going to get in the way of my amazing evening! I came home covered head to toe in the dust from Victoria Park so I felt really authentically dirty and festival goer-esque. And with the bonus of the amazing weather it definitely didn't feel like we were in the middle of East London.

Very good fun.

Key To Freedom

I have been useless this month. I have been so flat out with my internship and trying to catch up with old friends that I just haven't found the time (with the exception of the 45 minutes I spent writing how excited I was about doing all the things I had planned... which I subsequently deleted. Boohiss). Anyway I figured now was the time to put the laziness to bed because this is actually important!

So this month I am loving Key to Freedom...

Topshop have launched their new charitable venture and the result is beautiful. I have been lucky enough to get a sneak peek into the collection and I've fallen a little bit in love!

Key To Freedom Sarong - 100% Silk

Key To Freedom has been set up to support the Women's Interlink Foundation, a programme set up in West Bengal to help vulnerable women earn an income and develop skills. Many of these women have suffered from domestic abuse themselves, or been exposed to it from a young age. The project helps these women to escape from this violence and obtain independence from their backgrounds.

The beautiful Key To Freedom scarf in blue

Topshop have not only provided a platform to sell the hand made products to more people but they also have also helped the women to further develop their skills. 

The scarfs are large enough to wear as a sarong and would be the perfect holiday accessory. The range available in Topshop have been designed by Penny McIvor and hand dyed and sewn by the women of the project in India.

The pink is my favourite!

You can find out more information on the project, the process and Topshop's involvement here and purchase your own sarong here. Topshop don't take a cut and money from each scarf goes directly to the woman that made it - a wonderfully personal touch. That's £32 well spent I reckon.

You can also show your support via social media with #mykeytofreedom. 

Everyone has the right to freedom...

This is a step...

Recipe: Super Spicy Squid Salad

Super Spicy Squid Salad (see what I did there...)

So this is a really basic, quick and easy meal that I have put together (and eaten multiple times) in the last few weeks. I'm a big fan of spice, although on occasion have been to overestimate my tolerance to it! So this is to my taste and can be adapted to yours!

Ingredients (serves 2)

150-200g of squid - this can be ready diced squid rings or something fresher if you prefer
1 red pepper
1 onion
1 courgette
2 cloves of garlic
chillis to taste - can be fresh, from a jar or a combination of both
a dash of soy sauce

Prepare all the veg (and squid if needed). Using a nonstick pan on a medium heat, start to cook the onions and red peppers. I choose not to add oil in order to make myself healthier but feel free to add some if you want a fried option. Crush in the garlic, and add the chilli and soy sauce to taste. The courgettes can go in after about 2 minutes and once they start to soften slightly, put in the squid. It is really important not to overdo the squid as it can become rubbery quite quickly. The squid I use is ready to eat to save time so I just put it in long enough to heat it through.

I prefer this served warm but you could allow it to cool and serve over salad or other base. It really isn't anything fancy but it has been a meal I have enjoyed a lot recently without taking up too much time while I rush around like a maniac! Let me know of any tasty variations you find!

The Intern Effect

So a few weeks ago I was enjoying my final days (and very hot and sticky nights out) in Nottingham which came to a very abrupt end when reality hit!

A particularly pretty Snapchat from our final night out in Nottingham

As I got in to bed in the early hours of Saturday morning, it dawned on me that I had little over 48hours to get back to London, unpack and organise myself for my internship starting on Monday.

I have been lucky enough to secure a placement in the PR department for 6 weeks at a fashion retailer close to my heart. Naturally I was nervous primarily about what I was going to wear! Smart-casual is officially the most awkward dress code. Fact. Go to smart on the first day and you're trying too hard, go to casual and you're not trying hard enough! I settled on a lime Zara blouse (no longer in stock but can be found in black here), black jeans and my favourite pair of black heeled boots in hope that I couldn't go to wrong with that combination!

I arrived, collected my temporary security pass and sat in reception waiting to be collected by the press assistant. Waiting to meet someone you don't know is always a strange one as you don't know who you are looking for. Luckily after ten minutes or so a pretty girl who must be similar in age to me called my name and greeted me with a smile! She took me through the office - similar to any other office but with clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and mood boards everywhere (have I died and gone to heaven?).

I immediately realised I was going to have to muster up levels of self control that I have never executed before so as not to swoon at every rail I passed and would surely pass hundreds of times a day for the next six weeks. Blinkers on I followed on and we eventually weaved or way to the press area.

Time has never passed so quickly and without realising I'm almost half way through my third week! Multiple times have I looked at my watch to find hours have passed in what seemed like minutes. Surely that's a good sign? What's more, the weekends have actually been the slowest parts of the week so I'm not wishing away my free time. And one of the benefits of being unpaid is that the girls in the office are almost angry if I stay past 5 - even if they have hours left to do themselves they are insistent that I leave on time. I still feel a little guilty every time...

One thing that is noticeable is that I must be rushing around a huge amount. I made a conscious decision at the end of university to put my gym routine on hold and spend as much time as possible with my friends. BBQs, ciders and eating out almost reverse the hard work I had done on my waistline. However, it was a temporary sacrifice I was willing to make in order to make the most of my final few weeks, after all you are only a student once (YOASO). I was ready to get back to my healthier ways but have struggled to fit in as many trips to the gym as I had been getting used to. But somehow I am managing to progress back towards my pre-partying body which I was actually becoming relatively fond of! While I've been eating well, I really haven't had a chance to exercise apart from the occasional early morning/after work run so there is only one thing I can give credit to...

On the topic of running, I'm in love with my new trainers...

Photo from sportsdirect.com

Anyway...I am on my feet all day everyday, carrying bags to give to couriers, moving samples between departments, taking items to shoots or personal shoppers and always user time pressure. (I will post more about the day to day tasks at some point in the future as I hope that over the weeks I will get to see more and more of the department and what the girls do). I've decided to call this 'The Intern Effect'. Having initially thought the entire office must be starving themselves as part of their employment contract in order to make sure all the size 10 sample sizes were too big for them to borrow, I now realise how wrong I was. Cake and sweet treats are demolished in minutes so there is certainly no concern there. Everyone is running round all day and I'm convinced its why they are all so tiny! There is definitely truth in how much your job effects your weight. Although my legs are more exhausted than my brain by the end of the day, at least I'm getting a full body workout without even thinking!