A Parisian's Guide to Instagram...

I may be a patriotic Londoner, but I want to be a Parisian as much as the next girl wanting to ooze charm, mystery and elegance. Even on social media, Parisians are capable in translating their cool attitude. I follow so many of my favourite Gallic icons on Instagram since I always like to find out what they're up to, what effortless chic vêtements they're sporting, or where the new hot spot in Montmartre is. I couldn't help but spot the other day (after a much-enjoyed stalking session, obvs) that each of my favourite Parisians have a running theme when it comes to using Instagram. And since attempting to be French in real life is a little difficult (how does one really look good with unbrushed hair?), let's all fake it 'til we make it on Instagram, bien sûr! Here's a few tweaks to make to your account to also exude that French allure.

January Style Notes...

New year, new style? Just kidding. I'll still be sporting a loose-fit pair of jeans teamed with a navy jumper and smart coat until I'm ninety. It's a classic combination our Parisian friends adore, and one I will always care to adopt (even if it is to pretend I'm Jeanne Damas). So expect nothing less in this post other than a slightly more elevated masculine look that I've been loving lately and wish to wear come 2017. Expect a flurry of oversized pinstriped blazers, devastatingly chic loafers and sexy shirts. So below are my January style notes - a little scrapbook of inspiration I shall to turn to when I just have nothing to wear...

Christmas Date at No. 197

My sister's birthday is always a little teaser of what's to come at Christmas. We head to a restaurant we love, order up their mighty Christmas menu and scoff it all up.

Not quite the humble masterpiece my mum serves on Christmas Day itself (but nothing will ever compete with that...*I know you're reading this mum!*)

So today we ventured to No. 197 Chiswick Fire Station, since we were so impressed from the time we visited before. With pink velvet sofas and cacti in abundance, how we could not give it another go!

A Trip to Narnia, London

If you find yourself in central London on the run up to Christmas, I have just the little retreat from the selfie-stick-holding tourists and all that endless shopping. And really, where better to start than Narnia...

The Aviator

You all know by now that this girl loves a good jacket. Any kind, any shape, and style - if it's a jacket, or coat I'll wear it. To keep warm in the winter sunshine last Sunday, I nabbed up (a.k.a stole) my sister's aviator jacket as I naturally felt it belonged in my wardrobe (duh). The aviator jacket is all kinds of cool and androgynous chic. It's oversized fit thankfully makes room for all the bundled up layers underneath (and the extra pounds thanks to those one-too-many mince pies), while the mix of shearling and leather makes for a luxurious warm finish. 

How To Be A Londoner...

"Forget being a Parisian, I want to be a Londoner!"

- said no one ever.

But, au contraire. Call me a biased patriot, I think there's a lot more to us Londoner's than moaning about the weather and being moody (not too much, be steady).

It's residents, much like the city, are a vibrant, eccentric and happy bunch of people. They adore the city they call home and would never dream of living anywhere else. We behold a somewhat different je ne sais quoi to our Gallic friends across the pond, yet it is equally mysterious and intriguing.

Today I'm sharing you with you a fun spirited take on what it means to be a Londoner. If you're from elsewhere in the UK, around the globe or a fellow Londoner yourself in need of strengthening your true roots, consider this your guide to being the ultimate Londonien...

A Hampstead Brunch

It's December - woo!

I had made it my mission this year to see more of London, and I don't doubt once the new year rings in that this shall continue. Sarah (a.k.a my main fellow London explorer apart from my sister Jess), and I often stick to the usual Soho, Covent Garden and other central areas, but this time we wanted to broaden our horizons (such daredevils). I had read so much about Hampstead, and seen it endlessly crop up on my Instagram feed, and so we embarked there for a few hours, devouring a beautiful brunch along the way.

10 of London's Prettiest Streets

For me, the best way to experience London is through the city's streets. Yes, monuments such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament are iconic, but the true beauty of the city lies in the meandering roads where Londoner's reside.

London boasts some of the most beautiful streets in the world so it's no wonder my Instagram is somewhat dedicated to the enviable houses that sit pretty along them. I really enjoy seeing the way people express themselves through their homes, and painted houses and doors make for a cheerful neighbourhood. Now come with me and I’ll show you some of London’s prettiest streets. Most of these I have seen, but a few I wish to visit too...

My Christmas List 2016...

Taken on a recent trip to Covent Garden

This year, I found it a rather hard task when asked to jot down a few Christmas ideas for friends and family. There was nothing in particular that I wanted or needed or that would make a sweet little gift. However with a little extra thinking (hot chocolate and mince pie in hand, naturally) and some research, I came across a few things that they may like to tell Santa about. I never expect big, lavish presents as Christmas to me really is about bringing the family together for food and fun, but they always like me pointing them in the right direction for gift ideas. So, here's what I chose this year!

December Style Notes...