Sundays At Columbia Road

Excuse the hyperbole, but Sundays in London are the best. It's almost as if the city workers, bankers and businessmen stay in bed all day for all of the young families, artists and creatives to roam free around the city. It's the day where food and flower markets lure us out of the warmth with their bittersweet smells and the perfect time to explore somewhere new in the capital's quiet charm.

I usually work on weekends, but I made sure to book a couple of Sundays off come September (my favourite month in London - goodbye tourists and hello autumnal colours!) to enjoy the city I call home. Since Columbia Road Flower Market only runs on Sunday mornings, we headed to Bethnal Green bright and early to grab the freshest bunch.

Here We Are, Burberry

"They provide a portrait of British life, in all its nuances, both exceptional and mundane, beautiful and harsh," said Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Executive Officer of Burberry on the many beautiful photographs housed in the Here We Are exhibition. Featuring over 200 works by photographers Alasdair McLellan, Dafydd Jones, Bill Brandt, Brian Griffin, Shirley Baker, Jane Bown, Martin Parr, Jo Spence, Ken Russell, Charlie Phillips, Karen Knorr, Janette Beckman and Andy Sewell, the exhibition is a celebration of British life and reveals the inspiration behind the latest Burberry collection.

On an Indian summer Sunday, my sister and I headed to Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, the site of the exhibition, to dose ourselves up on art and culture. Isn't that what weekends are for?

TOMMYXGIGI AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

There are definitely a few perks that come with studying Fashion Journalism in London. And often that means invites into fun, exclusive events (but sadly no free Chanel handbags...damn). On Tuesday evening, my course-mates and I were allowed special access into the Tommy Hilfiger after party, the closing show of London Fashion Week.

Morty and Bob's, London Fields

The east end of town always favours quirky, off-the-beaten path spaces. Nothing is glamourous, too clean or pretty, in fact it can often be a little grimy. But that's part of the charm of the newly-gentrified areas of Hackney, Dalston and London Fields. They're flooded with young businessmen and creatives, and its bohemian inhabitants are what shepherd in a wave of beatnik cafés, restaurants and creative spaces. So I guess you could say this is where all the "cool stuff" is. 

On a sunny but slow Sunday afternoon, my friend Sarah and I headed to Morty and Bob's upon the news that Palm Vaults was closed for the week (we've been trying to go for ages!). But if we knew just how good this place was, we would have headed here first. A spot like this should never settle for second best.

The Birkin Bag

Not the Hermès, before you get all excited. I'm talking about the original Provencal basket.

Though Birkin, wife of Serge Gainsbourg, was British by birth she was Parisian by style, attitude and strong personality. Always with a basket in hand, she has become a true icon for all of those who admire an effortless 'cool-girl' style.

In an attempt to release my inner Birkin, this straw bag from Zara (sadly not a basket, but I can pretend it as such but sticking the odd baguette inside), has rarely left my side since its purchase.

(The Last of) Summer In The City

A floral dress for summer. Groundbreaking.

But considering the sunshine season, complete with evening walks in the park and al fresco dining, visits London so rarely, the need to make the most of it is imperative. After a week of rain, I was ready to slip into something wholeheartedly summery and loose.

2018 Travels: Five Places On My List

Positano, Amalfi, Italy

Travelling is the only thing I'm happy to admit I'm greedy about. Sure, pancakes and pizza make the list too, but there's something about travelling that makes me commit all the deadly sins. I lust after every place I read in Condé Nast Traveller, become greedy by booking more and more every year and take supreme pride in making each of my holidays the most perfect they can be. Yet, I'm still not ashamed. Travel enables us to escape, experience and learn so much. We can leave winter at home and arrive in the height of summer. We can learn a new language, swim in unknown waters, walk along untouched sand and learn about endangered wildlife.

And does anyone else ever get that feeling of impatience and restlessness when it comes to travel? Once one is over, we're thinking of the next, in a never-ending cycle of researching, booking or preparing for holidays. There's almost a frightened feeling that nestles itself within me that I will never be able to see all of what Earth has to offer, all of what I want to see, smell, touch and taste in the world.

So with the summer of 2017 wrapped up and London in full autumn swing, I'm fervently planning 2018 travels. Some of these that made the list have been on my 'must-visit' for years, but I finally think next year is the time to go.

Pancakes and Bali Bowls, Amsterdam

It is a truth universally acknowledged that it will rain in Amsterdam during some point of your visit. 

Be it a day long downpour or a passing shower, however, you'll still find yourself relishing in all of that the city has to offer.

We found ourselves relishing in breakfast.

Cycling Through Vondelpark, Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam, do as the Dutch do!

So in true Dutch style, we hired bikes and took a spin through Vondelpark, the 'Hyde Park' of Amsterdam (but most certainly nicer by my opinion!).

Exploring Jordaan, Amsterdam

I must confess, Amsterdam was never part of my bucketlist of places to visit, until now..

When my sister mentioned a trip a few years back, the immediate thought of "coffeeshops", stag do's and other unmentionable things sprang to mind. No thank you.

However, after reading a few too many blog posts with a not bad word said against it, and Alice, a work colleague of mine, suggesting her and I go, we booked a flight immediately (sorry Jess, next year!). It is a 45 minute flight after all!

Into the Wilderness, Zermatt

There is not one hike in Zermatt that isn't worth walking. The crisp mountain air, the sound of the crickets buzzing in the midst of the alpine flora and the awe-inspiring views can be experienced from any angle. 

But if you want the real thrill of adventure, then fly on the cable car up to Shwarzee.