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.

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...

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.

A Breakfast in the Sky

You know that feeling when you're headed out and you know it's going to be awesome?

That's exactly how my sister and I felt when we skyrocketed ourselves to the Darwin Brasserie in the 'Walkie Talkie' building, a few weeks back.

The Motorcycle Jacket

I had hoped my expensive love affair with jackets and coats was venturing towards another hiatus with spring just around the corner.

But then I saw this guy.

In buttery, charcoal black, faux suede with silky fur lining, all toughened up with silver zips and a belt, I couldn't resist this Zara purchase. But when can I ever resist a good, classic coat?

The Faux Fur Coat, Shoreditch

It must seem that I begin every blog post with an anecdote about the weather, but it's seriously bitter here in London this winter. I know, it's nothing compared to the blustery snowstorms of Iceland or the arctic winds of Norway, but I quite literally turn into an icecube in any temperature below 10 degrees.

So naturally my fluffy Mango coat has been my best friend.

And it was the perfect winter warmer for a blogger coffee date of shooting with the wonderful Jazmine from Jazzabelle's Diary, whom I met in Shoreditch earlier this week.

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. 

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.

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...

Fur and Lots and Lots of Sugar, Soho

Au revoir university deadlines! I've now handed in my term one work for my degree, and feeling pretty fancy and free if I say so myself. I now have much more time to get back into blogging, explore London and focus on what makes me happy. 

To celebrate my friend Sarah and I popped to Cutter and Squidge in Soho, London - a lovely cake and dessert café. Not quite the boozy knees-up we had envisaged while ploughing through our work (don't worry, that's coming soon), but it did certainly bring a smile to our faces.

Zara Has Your Party-Season Wardrobe Sorted...

Top

Zara always gets it right for me, whether I'm heading in there to buy a cheap t-shirt for summer, a cosy knit for autumn or a luxury cashmere coat. The prices and quality far succeed any other shop on the high street, and so it's unsupirsing that I've been snooping their website for perfect party season attire. From cobalt sequined camis and shimmering rose gold dresses, to an array of off-the-shoulder pieces and an abundance of velvet; Zara has everything you need this party season...

November Style Notes...

All photos taken from Pinterest

It's only a week until November officially begins and I'm already seeking sartorial inspiration for the coming month ahead. The chillier the days get, the only more excited I become since layers bundle up, coats get cosier and the never-ending excuse to buy more coffee to "warm up your hands" increases. As a result of this excitement, I've been pinning away on my Style Notes board (who am I kidding...I'm always frivolously pinning) and have assembled quite the collection of autumnal fashion inspiration. So without further ado, here are your November style notes...