Blazer - Old (belonged to my Dad)
Jumper - Charity shop (belongs to my pal Gaby)
Jeans - Asos (old)
Shoes - Gucci (old, via Depop)
Sunglasses - Rayban
​Earrings - Rock n' Rose

I have always been a bit of a bargain hunter, and for me no shopping experience can be as fun as thrifting. I was really loving my outfit on this day, and it suddenly hit me whilst taking these photos that nearly every item was either an old piece, thrifted, borrowed or bargained for. For starters, the massive green blazer, which used to belong to my dad; a great androgynous piece which is probably very unflattering on my frame, I know, but I don't care. I see blazers like this in charity shops all the time, especially in places like Fara where the mens section is really well curated. Next up, the patterned knitwear - this jumper belongs to my friend Gaby who is an absolute queen at charity shopping (seriously, I wrote an entire blog post on her which you can read here). She credits this jumper as being one of the first great finds she discovered in a charity shop, and I love love love it so just had to borrow it! Thirdly, these old Asos kick flares, which are so fun and a great nod to the seventies. I remember first seeing these on What Olivia Did back in 2016 and knowing that I had to have them. Places like Beyond Retro always have a great stock of seventies jeans, so you're sure to find a pair similar to these in one of their branches or online here. Lastly, and for me probably most importantly, these beautiful Gucci slides. I'd been saving up for a pair of Gucci loafers, but I was struggling to decide whether to go for plain black or a brighter colour. I then managed to find this beautiful older style on a whim on Depop for a fraction of the original cost, and I'm so surprised at how easy they are to wear and style with my wardrobe. 
All I can really say is that I strongly urge you all to dig deeper when thrift shopping, to have a closer look at what you already own, and to give older pieces a new lease of life. Don't knock it til' you try it! x

After many years of drooling at the sight of this place, I finally ventured to Granger & Co in Notting Hill for brunch with a couple of pals. It was everything I had hoped for, and more. Although the prices are a little steep, it is definitely worth trying out and experiencing as a once-in-a-while treat spot. 

One of my friends and I split the (constantly talked about) ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter, and the feta and spinach bourekas with pomegranate jam and yoghurt. Both were absolutely delicious and also really unique in their own respects. The hotcakes were incredibly fluffy, yet somehow managed to taste effortlessly light (seriously, they weren't stodgy at all and I was pleasantly surprised to say the least), and the bourekas were really good, especially when paired with the pomegranate jam (this dish was really reminiscent of traditional pastries from my home country so bonus points for it there!). I would definitely recommend both, and at such varying price points (the bourekas were £7 whilst the hotcakes were priced at a heftier £13), there's definitely something for everyone. I also had a turmeric, pineapple, apple and coconut juice which was amazing (though certainly overpriced at £6.20, however, no regrets).

In general, what really drew me to Granger & Co was the variety within the menu. Middle-eastern touches, sunny Australian classics, there is truly something for everyone. The place itself is really stunning within as well with beautiful, relaxed interiors including the parquet cealing which was divine. This place exudes a truly warm atmosphere, so Granger & Co is somewhere I shall definitely be returning to in the (hopefully, near) future.

​Granger & Co
175 Westbourne Grove,
London
W11 2SB

Jumper - Denner
Trousers - Baum und Pferdgarten
Trainers - Adidas
Sunglasses - Rayban
Rings - Rock n Rose (September birth stone and Virgo star sign)
Gold hoop earrings - Rock n Rose

Slightly obsessed with these powder blue 'tracksuit' style trousers that I found in the sale in Wild Swans a few weeks ago. I've never owned a pair of trousers that encompass the sport-luxe trend, but these have thoroughly convinced me to delve in a bit deeper. The fit is so effortless and the feel of the fabric on the skin is amazing due to the fantastic craftsmanship. They almost make you feel as though you're wearing a pair of vintage Adidas trackies from the seventies! They're from the amazing Scandi brand 'Baum und Pferdgarten' and I first saw them in Wild Swans about a year ago, but didn't consider that they could become a huge part of my wardrobe until the Winter sales this year. Unfortunately, these are no longer available on the Wild Swans website, but you can still find them on the Baum und Pferdgarten site for full price. 
To make them a bit more in keeping with my own personal style, I paired them with a navy blue cashmere roll neck and my Rayban round sunglasses, but then also added my blue Adidas superstars for an extra little nod to the retro sport luxe feel. 

Evening, all! I just got a roll of film developed so have got a few blog posts to share with you over the next week that I'm super excited about, starting with this one that I've been thinking about for a while. I got to thinking recently about how our personal style develops as we get older, but how often we stick to a base look, a uniform as such. It hit me that my uniform of sorts hasn't really changed much since I was about sixteen, and I'm actually really happy about that! For me, nothing feels as right as wearing a pair of vintage 501's with a roll neck jumper. I love the retro yet timeless feel that that combination has, especially when paired with an over-sized blazer and a pair of ankle boots (or, more often than not, a pair of creepers, which definitely has a more 'vintage' feel a la 70's!) So, here we have it - my uniform. The outfit combination I feel most myself, most comfortable and still stylish, in. 

Blazer - &OtherStories
Jumper - Levete Room (via Wild Swans, online only available in lilac)
Jeans - Vintage Levi 501's (via Asos Marketplace)
Boots - Topshop (old)
Belt - Vintage

An excellent brunch at an excellent establishment with some excellent friends last week! Milk Beach café in Queens Park is one of the cutest new places we have tried out in a while. Their now famous pink latte was so much better than I thought it would be (considering I'm not a fan of chai tea, this was a really excellent cuppa). The brunch menu has a great selection of foods, and at a variety of different price points to suit anyone's needs (ranging from the banana bread with espresso cream cheese at £3.50 all the way to the coddled eggs in a jar at £10.50). My pal Sophie and I both got the coddled eggs in a jar with cream and sweet potato puree and sourdough soldiers, and I can honestly say it was one of the most interesting as well as tasty brunches I have ever had! It was well worth the higher price point and was an absolute delight to eat - super flavourful and filling. Chiara had the avo on toast with goats cheese and Anna had the toast with selection of jams, apparently both equally wonderful as well. I can honestly say that Milk Beach was an absolute delight to say the least, and we will be back asap to try out their wine nights, or maybe we'll come back for another pink latte...or two. 

p.s. it was also really nice to check out a different part of the city, and Queens Park did not disappoint, especially from a 35mm photographers point of view :)

p.p.s yes I know I said 'excellent' one too many times, I just really enjoyed it...

MILK BEACH CAFE: 19 Lonsdale Road, London, NW6 6RA
closest stations: Queens Park (4 min walk, Bakerloo and overground lines), Brondesbury Park (8 min walk, overground line)

​It's been a while, old chums - but I am back after a break at the end of 2018, ready to smash and bash my way into 2019 with a bang! I cannot tell you all enough how much I've been looking forward to the new year. The new year is a chance to really reboot and start afresh. I'm not one to write resolutions, but I always like to set myself little goals or ideas, and I am beaming with them this time around, so I am very much excited to get cracking.

​I'll be writing a blogpost soon about the day these photo's were taken on, along with a new year musing I wrote to myself on January 1st, but for now I really wanted to share this outfit with you all as it comprises of a few new in bits that I have been loving. Let's start with this oversized blazer from & Other Stories, which I bought myself as a gift from me to me. I'd been eyeing it up for well over six months, potentially even a year, and I just couldn't wait any longer. It's so oversized I had to purchase an EU 34 which is usually a UK 6 (for reference I'm usually a size 10, but tend to veer towards 8 in coats), and even then it's still pretty big on me, but I love it. It works so well with my wardrobe and is really well tailored, as well as being surprisingly warm considering I was assuming this would be a Spring piece for me, but it has well and truly served me well thus far even on the colder days.

​Secondly, the vans. I have never owned a pair of Vans and after a long time of umming and ahing over the thought, I bought this checkerboard pair from Depop. Needless to say these are probably the most comfortable casual trainers I have ever owned and are so easy to walk in all day, as well as looking bloody brilliant if I do say so myself. They're certainly not a Winter shoe though I must add, but luckily they've served me well on milder days with a pair of thick socks (Weekday stock some amazing ones!)

Finally, this beautiful tangerine jumper from Samsoe & Samsoe. I am a huge fan of Scandi style and after seeing this cosy, fuzzy piece in my all-time favourite boutique Wild Swans, I knew it would be a brilliant addition to my 2019 wardrobe, especially considering the wonderfully bright fruity colour is unlike anything I have in my collection of knitwear. My mum very kindly got me this as my Christmas present (I am eternally grateful) as the price-tag is a little higher than I'd usually go for, but for a piece this beautiful and well crafted, I can't recommend Samsoe & Samsoe enough.

Hope you're all well, and can't wait to let you know what's coming up! x

Full outfit details:
Coat - & Other Stories
Jumper - Samsoe & Samsoe
Jeans - Vintage Levi's via Asos Marketplace
Shoes - Vans
Scarf - old

Thought I’d share a super quick post of these photo’s that were taken on Monday. I took my mum out for a quick lunch at the new No. 17 Dickens Yard in Ealing. One of my all time favourite restaurants (and cocktail spots) is No.197 Chiswick Fire Station, and I only recently discovered that it’s actually a chain! The new spot in Ealing has a lovely relaxed atmosphere (and brilliant interiors) and we enjoyed a light lunch of sharing starters, which consisted of pulled beef tacos (honestly could not recommend this choice enough!!), the crostini with wild mushrooms blue cheese and tarragon, and a ‘guacamole’ salad (which was literally chopped avocado with chilli and a drizzle of lime - not what I expected, but was a damn fine avo to say the least). I also dabbled in a pumpkin spice whiskey hot chocolate which was seriously good and no where near as sweet as I thought it would be, thankfully. Definitely felt a bit merry after this meal and am so glad to have discovered this cute new spot.
I also whipped out this fuschia roll neck which is fast becoming one of my favourite items of clothing. It’s a hand-me-down from my sister and is so cosy yet lightweight, and the colour is absolutely divine. I honestly never considered this could be a flattering colour on my skin tone, but I’m utterly sold, so you’re sure to be seeing more of this soon xo

​p.s. HAPPY DECEMBER!!

'Death of the polaroid' A Manics Family Album, photo of Nina in Harris & Hoole

Another dreary, bitterly cold day here in London. Been quite anxious lately for a variety of reasons, so thought why not cheer myself up by looking at all the things I’ve been truly loving and enjoying over the last couple of months. Let’s get cracking!

My favourite piece of artwork of all time - Donovan 'Sunshine Superman' by Martin Sharp (this has been the screensaver on my phone for months now) 

My pizza addiction is well and truly back (this is Homeslice in Neals Yard, one of the ultimate pizza spots in London)

This smoked mozzarella, yellow tomato and nduja pizza from Rossopomodoro is potentially the best pizza I have ever had...

Been loving wearing my classic hi-top converse with super thick socks lately.

The Rialto poetry magazine - perfect for nights in bed with a cuppa, flicking through amazing new poetry work.

Got my favourite vintage Levi’s repaired recently and haven’t taken them off since. Nothing feels as good as vintage denim on the skin.

’Where to draw the line’ - I borrowed this from a friend of mine recently and it is honestly brilliant. I’m definitely going to be ordering my own copy! It’s a great book to have for days when you’re unsure of things around you, and when you feel like your boundaries are being pushed. A great reminder that you need to do what’s right for YOU and OWN it.
The yellow notebook was a cheap as chips purchase from a random stationary store in Ealing Broadway called Neon Sheep. I love their selection of super bright, uplifting notebooks, and for £2, you can’t go wrong.
Start where you are was a beautiful gift from a friend of mine for my birthday, and I started filling it in a couple of weeks ago. It’s great for moments when you feel like you’re not yourself and you need a pick me up.

I’ve always been a huge fan of NARS makeup, and this foundation, the Natural Radiant Longwear foundation, is by far the best I have ever used. It’s pricey, but certainly worth it if you want silky soft, naturally glowing skin, with buildable coverage. I’ve had so many compliments on my skin already which is such a plus for me as I’ve always struggled with dry, acne prone skin. I wear the shade ‘Mont Blanc’.

I bought this ‘Danielle Ficus’ in Sainsbury’s recently, and it only cost seven quid (this included the pot!) I love houseplants and this one looks so lovely on the shelf above my bed.

I went to Sketch for afternoon tea for my mums birthday, and honestly, what an experience. The food is incredible, not to mention the stunning interiors and beautiful atmosphere. This is well worth the wait and to be honest, as pricey as it was, it was an unforgettablet magical experience.

I can’t lie, as controversial as it is, I adore the pop-up Goop store on Westbourne Grove. It’s so eclectic and beautifully curated, it’s definitely worth the visit! And not every product will break the bank - there’s plenty of affordable items, too.

I saw this display on South Milton Street and had a little chuckle to myself.

These. Shoes. A post dedicated solely (hehe punny) to them will be coming your way soon!

I used to read magazines every week, and only recently did I realise that I haven’t picked one up in months! So I decided to pick up a copy of ES magazine two weeks ago, and it honestly brightened my day. So many great articles and interviews, and I cannot wait to pick one up every week. One of London’s greatest (free!) luxuries.

Lush bath bombs and oils have been a staple in my life as of recently. I often find that a beautifully colourful bathtub (this particular bath bomb was ‘Over & Over’, but my current favourite is by far ‘Cheer up, buttercup’) paired with a copy of the Evening Standard magazine (see above) is the epitome of a relaxing evening. And ofcourse the scent of Diptyque ‘Benjoin’ flickering alongside the tub.

Cannot WAIT to go and see this exhibition at the RA! I haven’t been in so long and really miss my yearly membership. Maybe I’ll have to bring it back...

And finally, this bunch of loons. The kindest, most supportive and craziest cast I have ever had the pleasure of working with, all of whom I now consider integral people in my life. Cannot wait to see a bunch of them tomorrow!

As I’ve been really obsessed with vintage looking knitwear recently, I’ve decided to start a Winter series documenting my random knitwear discoveries (in my mums guest-room wardrobe of clothes that haven’t seen the light of day since 2002). It’s the perfect time of year to be looking for new colours and styles to brighten up your everyday wardrobe, and I thought this would be a fun way to show some of my favourite discoveries, and where you can find similar styles on the high street today.

This jumper is particularly cosy and was incredibly effective in keeping out the icy winds on this rather frosty day in London. I’m also a huge fan of pairing yellow with navy, so my Zara unlined wool coat (complete with gold buttons, another great touch paired with yellow), a navy and gold accented belt, men’s 501’s and black converse was the casual combination of the day. This particular jumper is an old Polo Ralph Lauren piece, and is synonymous with the classic style that Ralph Lauren have become known for.

I rediscovered this cream cable knit jumper lurking in the back of my wardrobe this morning, and suddenly felt an instant urge to take it out on the town today. It’s such a classic cut and works so well with my style, I honestly don’t know why I haven’t been wearing it! There’s something so simple, so stylish, and very much retro about wearing a cream cable knit tucked into a pair of vintage 501’s (speaking of which, I finally got my 501’s repaired and honestly I don’t know how I survived the last couple of months without them) and it’s a look that I know isn’t the most flattering for my height, but I honestly don’t really care.

I love simple outfits like these that encompass all my favourite styles and cuts - it’s a great feeling going out for the day in an outfit you truly love no matter how relaxed or simply it’s been thrown together. A pair of heeled ankle boots, a straight cut trench coat and a cool belt to tie it all together - this is a style and a look I will be recreating throughout the Winter (minus the thin trench coat, today was surprisingly warm but that is apparently not set to last due to the snow predictions...)

Some simple gold pieces really add a little extra touch to an outfit like this, I find. It helps make that “effortless” look seem even more lived in. I’m not a huge fan of big costume jewellery anymore for the very reason that it makes an outfit feel too put together. The necklace is a newer favourite from Rock N’ Rose, the rings are both &OtherStories sales finds, and the tortoiseshell earrings are from Whistles.