My Favourite Parisian Brasseries

Paris is one of the most-written-about cities in the world. The image of a French writer or heartbroken woman outside Café de Flore on Boulevard Saint Germain, book and espresso in hand, is surely one of the most visible (albeit cliché) sights we can all envisage in our minds. 

As someone with more than a penchant for Paris, food, and wine (and cheese), I have always feverishly sought out the best brasseries to visit whilst on a trip to the City of Light. Simply, there's nothing more relaxing than sitting with friends en terrasse over coffee, watching and commenting on the locals strolling by. On a recent birthday trip with my sister, this is all our itinerary consisted of (case in point with all of the below photographs I'm about to bombard you with). Having visited Paris countless times, and after reading some of the best guidebooks on offer - The New Paris and À Paris Avec Amour being my favourites - I've become quite the brasserie connoisseur. Ahead, you'll find a lengthy list of where best to head for your morning bowl of coffee, your late-afternoon lunch, and your post-dinner digestif. 

Gabrielle Chanel

There are few fragrances on the market that can rival that of Chanel's No.5. The iconic perfume sells every 30 seconds, according to the French government, and rakes in an incredible $100 million per year. But when 'Gabrielle Chanel' thrusted its sophisticated, golden, boxy self in front of our eyes, it seemed there actually could be something just as successful.

Bonjour Londres! Where To Find the Best of Paris in London

Because, if you can't be a Parisenne, you can be a fake French-Londoner, sans beret.

London truly has it all. And that even means a little bit of Paris too. The city of romance is full of charm, history, tradition, amazing food, fashion, wine - the list is endless. Paris is certainly fetishised through the lens of Instagram, and has its flaws of being dirty and expensive, but the city somehow remains magical despite all its faults. And in a world obsessed with perfectionism, isn't that part of the charm?

The Red Jumper

The best jumpers are like rich mince pies, a warm bed on a Sunday morning and taking your bra off after a long day: pure comfort. When I spotted this knitted red jumper hiding in the corner of my local Zara, with its oversized shape and pretty bow at the back, it seemed only courtesy to take it in my arms and give it a home.

And when better to adorn yourself in red than the festive season? You can surely count on us bloggers to get you into the Christmas spirit with our vlogmases, advent calendar openings on Instagram stories and lengthy gift guides.

The White Shirt

Classic wardrobe pieces are classic for a reason. They work in any outfit and for every season. And a white shirt is exactly the kind of piece I'm living in right now. Though, I do admit, these photos were taken a little while ago as these days you'd struggle to find me amidst a bundle of layers and one too many scarves.

Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone

It's no secret that I am a bonafide lover of Marylebone. And if you happen to follow me on Instagram, you'll more often than not see my frizzy hair and wide-toothed grin sitting gingerly at Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury boutique hotel down the ever-stylish Chiltern Street.

To catch a seat in the restaurant is near enough to impossible (Sienna Miller's and Princess Eugenie's clan seem to take up all the reservations), but the dreamy, cosy and undeniably chic courtyard is just as nice, if not better due to its intimacy and twinkling lights.

If you're not in full Christmas mode just yet (I'm a little disappointed in you though, I'll admit), then the cobbled courtyard is just your place. With it's black and white seats and awning, a roaring fireplace and dappled waiters in waistcoats, this charming spot tucked away from the bustle of the city is straight out of a New York fairytale. 

Black and White, Marylebone

Hello, hello ladies. It's been a crazy month cracking on with my university work but now that's all completed, you'll be seeing a lot more of me on here (feel free to boo or cheer.) 

November greeted us Londoners with the most bittersweet chill. A chill so cold that my skin has glued itself to this fluffy Mango coat, making me permanently resemble a polar bear. I've shared this faux fur number numerous times, and it wasn't until today that I realised I always style it in the same way (case in point here and here.) So while I wish I was showing you all something uniquely inspiring and revolutionary today, it's safe to say my style, still a year later, is pretty simple, understated and well, monochrome. So here's to more noir et blanc...

The Secret Parisian Gallery, Mayfair

Dreaming of an autumnal escape to Paris? Can't stop thinking about strolling around the Jardin des Tulieries, post-espresso and pre-Sezane shop? Ain't we all. But if, like me, your hometown ties are reigning you in and a Eurostar ticket is out of reach, there's a little pocket of Paris in Mayfair that can substitute for the meantime.

Monocle Café, Marylebone

Just past the luxury independent boutiques that line Chiltern Street, Marylebone, you'll find Monocle Café sitting proudly under the rust brick. A spin-off of Monocle, a global affairs and lifestyle magazine, this compact café is a cosy corner to read, work or relax. And in today's fast-paced world, where better to slow down than in here?

Today Marks Seven

Yes - today marks seven years of blogging. And, yes, I really did begin this blog at the age of 12! When a colleague of mine raised this to my attention just recently, that at such a young age I knew already that I loved style and travel and loved to share it, I realised something. I genuinely have always adored fashion, and I have only my Nan to blame for endlessly buying me pink silk dresses when I was incredibly young to blame. It just so happened that at the age of 12, the idea of being a journalist or 'blogger' - a term just becoming known as a career or full-time hobby rather than a questionable online diary - ignited within me.

A Winter Guide to Zermatt

Zermatt, a small charming village in the heart of the Swiss Alps plays host to some of the best skiing in the world. With the Matterhorn sitting proudly like a king high above, unique ski areas offering a challenge to all levels of skiers and snowboarders and Michelin-starred restaurants on the slopes, it's not hard to understand why this winter resort is loved by so many. Beyond skiing, there is plenty of adventure to be had from winter hiking to paragliding. And with the winter season soon approaching, there seems no better time to write a complete guide on where best to stay, ski, eat, dance and drink.

I am by no means an expert on Zermatt but considering I've been going almost every year (mostly during summer, I'll admit) since I was born, I certainly know a thing or two on what's good. Zermatt is the most beautiful town I've ever seen, and everything you can expect from a winter resort with chocolate-box chalets, breathtaking views, Swiss fine-dining, all topped off with iridescent, powdery snow. I love hiking here in the summer, but Zermatt certainly comes to life in the colder months, with so much to offer in every possible way.

If you're all booked up or still considering a winter adventure to Zermatt, follow me.

Where to See the Best of Autumn in London

F. Scott Fitzgerald wasn't one to mince his words. And his famous quote, "life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall," is most true when exploring the city of London. Tourists flee back home and nature's true golden colours finally shine through. Us city-dwellers love the frosty mornings and crisp afternoons, and welcome in the arrival of conkers, log-fires and mince pies. It's a true spectacle and one I'm sure you're happy to witness as much as me.

I've put together a list of pockets in London in which best to see the capital in its most picturesque form. Whether you're a Londoner in search of seeing the best of the city, or a tourist wanting to snap the perfect autumnal Instagram, there's an area here for everyone to enjoy. Just keep a brolly at hand...

26 Grains, Covent Garden

Though undoubtedly trendy, 26 Grains in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, still manages to be unassuming and welcoming. There are few foodie hubs in London that put good food before style and aesthetic (here's looking at you Farm Girl), so when testing out one of the city's most instagrammed, I was pleasantly surprised.

And where better to kick-start your weekend than somewhere that is infamous for its delicious porridge? Count me in!

The Cashmere

It's hardly revolutionary or rebellious to talk about a cashmere jumper. It's a classic item that can be found in our grandmother's wardrobes, and is still worn by our favourite Parisian icons today, updated with Levis denim and Chanel ballet pumps.

As a lover of all things classic, high-quality and anything warm and fluffy, I've been on the hunt for a delicate swathe of cashmere to envelop myself in for some time. It's a fabric you must invest in and so a process of elimination around the shops is necessary. And after quite some time, I'm content to reveal Marks and Spencer simply do the best. I know, welcome to my forty-year-old inner-self.

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.