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.

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 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.

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.

Hey Spring!

It's March. It's spring. And I'm finally back with a new blog post! I've been a little quiet over the past month due to university work and celebrating my birthday, but I'm returning with lots of fun content to share.

First up, we have this beautiful backless bow bodysuit from Topshop I bought a few weeks ago. It's the prettiest thing and works fabulously for both day and night. But it was my go-to top of choice on a spring day exploring...and hey, it was almost 18'C which is practically summer in London if you ask me.

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?

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...