Retro in Gold!

Topshop have always stocked the most upcoming styles and the latest brands when talking about sunglasses.  The display section in the Oxford Street branch is huge and I ended up checking it out with a friend not so long ago.

Out of all the designer brands, one became quite prominent to me... And that was 'Quay', an Australian brand that specialise in unique and retro sunglasses.  Not only do they create amazing frames for the glasses but they also design a variation of tinted lenses that complement the sunglasses perfectly! 

After trying on at least six different pairs of their shades, I finally settled for the 'Fleur' sunglasses in gold! 

They are by far the most exciting pair I have ever owned, as I usually go for black or brown classic glasses, that are less of a statement and more of a practical buy!  But I am thrilled that I took the jump out of my comfort zone and purchased a pair that are stylish and creative! 

They are made from metal that is nickel free, with stainless steel hinges and polycarbonate lenses.  The glasses are 100% UV protected and the lenses are tinted with a slight orange/pink colour that is extremely flattering.  

What I loved the most about this style is the metal detailing on the frames near the lenses... It gives a real retro finish to the overall look, especially as the sides go out creating a cats eye style!  Also the colour of the metal is a light gold tone, which makes it look expensive and well put together.  The sunglasses are £25 but I think that they are a great investment buy and something that can take you anywhere.  I especially will be wearing these at festivals and for going out with a leather jacket, because they're bold, versatile and one of a kind! 

Which sunglasses have you been loving recently?  

M

Portraits and sculptures!

There is always something so fascinating about going to Galleries.  Whether it's discovering new artists, visiting iconic exhibitions or just admiring art... I love how galleries give you the release and freedom to explore! 

The other day I popped into Kings Road with a friend to visit the Saatchi Gallery.  It has always remained at the top of my list, and sadly I have never had the opportunity to go before, so I was ecstatic to know that finally I will be attending the gallery. 

The Saatchi gallery is renowned for being one of London's leading galleries for Contemporary art and  has been an influence on art in Britain since opening in 1985.  Many of the artists shown at the gallery are unknown, not only to the general public but to the commercial art world as well, making it a fantastic opportunity to launch careers! 

There are in total fifteen galleries in the building and for me they saved the best till last!  On the lower ground floor, there is an iconic oil installation that was made in 1987, specifically for the Saatchi Gallery by British sculptor Richard Wilson.  

It is called '20:50' and is made from sump oil and steel, which create the most incredible reflections.  The whole room was created so that it would portray different dimensions, as Richard Wilson was heavily inspired by the world of engineering and construction.  My pictures sadly do not do it justice!  You really must go and visit it for yourself... It's literally breathtaking! 

I shall definitely be returning to the Saatchi Gallery very soon, as I cannot wait to see more new and beautiful creations! 

What art galleries have you been to recently?  Who's your favourite artist? 

M x

Leaving Lorena!

Have any of you, ever had to say goodbye to a best friend, because they are leaving for another country?  Why am I asking this, you say?  Well, because that is sadly what I had to do the other day!  

Lorena will be leaving London in a matter of days and will be returning to her home in Madrid.  It has been amazing to have had her here for the last two years, and I know that it is going to be so hard to not see her as often as I have done!  

So I thought of a plan to have the best last day together... One for her to remember!  The plan was to meet up with her and have a huge fun packed day out in London... So that's what we did! 

Yesterday, we met along the Kings  road and the sun was shining for us!  Zara was having incredible reductions on the majority of their sale stock, which we both in turn took advantage of!  (There will definitely be a haul post coming out very soon... Don't you worry!) 

After an hour of what felt like shopping heaven, we made our way over to the Saatchi Gallery and explored the depths of modern and contemporary art!  The gallery was so good that I will definitely be returning! 

It was half past two by the time we left the gallery and with both of our stomachs rumbling, we made it our mission to find the perfect place for lunch.  I suggested that we should go to Soho, as it is one of the best places for lunch and dinner, because there is such a wide variety of food on offer... It takes me such a long time to choose where to eat!  After walking up and down the streets of Soho, we finally came to a halt at a lovely Italian called 'Va Piano'.  We gorged ourselves silly on double carbs in the form of pizza and pasta... (Naughty I know, but it was so worth it! 

We then did a little more shopping along Tottenham Court Road...  (We honestly couldn't help ourselves)... So many fantastic pieces were in every shop... How could we say no?

Towards the end of the evening, I thought that it would be a great opportunity to grab tea and cakes... To rest our tired feet from all the walking we had done!  Also Lorena had never experienced an afternoon tea before all in traditional pottery, so I knew that this was going to be worthwhile!  

I took her to BB cafe in Covent Garden and we had tea, and the most luxurious Victoria sponge I had ever seen, let alone tasted!  Many giggles and stories were shared and we parted our separate ways at Charing Cross.  

So now all I can do is wish her all the best and keep in touch whenever I can.  I know that this is not the end for our friendship, and if anything this will make us stronger.  Because when you care about someone so much, you make every effort to have them in your life! 

Have any of you got friends in other places or countries?  How do you keep in touch and if so, do you ever visit them?  Let me know in the comment section below! 

M x

Time for a pamper!

These past two weeks have been pretty full on for me... Work has been incredibly stressful and I have been travelling to different locations which hasn't really helped my poor little feet!  I have felt rather anxious and stressed at times, and with not being able to sleep very well, I needed to find some release and just relax!  So I checked into my nearest LUSH store and decided to treat myself to some TLC in the form of anything bath related, and in my case their legendary bath bombs!  That's right I went and splurged on a bath bomb or two!  Well when in LUSH, I never leave empty handed... Never!  You kind of get hypnotised by their ingenious creations of colour and smells!  

The first one I purchased was the 'Butter Ball', which is small in shape and slightly tame in appearance.  This one sadly does not turn your bath a different colour but it does however do wonders for your skin!  Firstly it is made up of coco butter and ylang ylang... two ingredients that are used for treating stress and depression as well as relaxing the nervous system.  Once the coco butter pieces have melted, the small blue flecks of ylang ylang, (which is used in aromatherapy), gently coat and nourish the skin.  This is a great product for people with dry, sensitive or irritated skin, because it is very soothing and leaves your body feeling silky smooth! 

Now moving on to my next find, (which I promise is more colourful and full of personality)... It is none other than the 'Sex Bomb!'  I was mesmerised by the design, especially how the pink and purple shades blended together with a sort of dip dyed effect.  Just when I thought that all the detail was seen... I spotted a tiny pink rose cut out of the inside, which is not only adorable but very feminine.... Plus roses are my favourite flowers so it was obvious that this was going to be my new favourite!  Made up of Jasmine, ylang ylang and clary sage, this bath bomb will leave you feeling much happier in no time!  Jasmine not only has a fantastic aroma but is also used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety, whilst Clary sage clears the mind.  Basically, all of the ingredients which I need to get back into my usual self again!

Once dropped into my bath... It only took a matter of seconds for it to take effect.  My bath was turning into an array of colour right before my very eyes... I was utterly transfixed!  The end result was so girly... Because I finally had a pink bath all to myself!  It's safe to say, that it was very much needed! 

Finally, what really impressed me, was the underlying fact that LUSH produce products that are 100% natural and therefore refuse to test on animals.  Also, LUSH are very determined with their views that they have cleverly created a 'Charity Pot'.  This charity pot consists of an all round body lotion that does wonders for your skin, as well doing a lot of other things...  Each pot costs £1 (which seems like nothing, but if everyone buys one, it will make such a difference!)  For every pot they sell, LUSH donate 100% of the price to support organisations that align with their ethics in areas of animal welfare, human rights and conserving the environment.  So when you're next in your local LUSH store and the cashier asks you to contribute to the 'Charity Pot' - do it!  

What are you favourite LUSH products at the moment?  Let me know in the comment section below! 

M x

A Beautiful Mess!

I had never realised just how many iPhone cases I owned.  It's crazy, I literally have like ten and I use them as  I would with bags... To coordinate with my outfits or to make a bold statement!  So I was overjoyed to hear that one of my favourite American online companies, 'A Beautiful Mess' had designed one that was quirky and very unique!

'A Beautiful Mess' is founded by two sisters (Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman... Both whom I religiously stalk on Instagram) and they focus on creating happiness everyday through a homemade lifestyle.  Their company has its own blog (A Beautiful Mess), two published books (A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book and A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home), two bestselling photo apps (A Beautiful Mess and Party Party), their own product line and two subscription services (Happy Mail and Messy Box).  I think that's pretty impressive... Don't you? 

Ten days ago to be precise, I purchased one of their iPhone cases the (Colour Wheel) to be exact, and I couldn't wait for it to arrive through the letter box!  It was so colourful and I really loved the cute pattern of the print.  The stripes all had different dimensions and it made the overall finish appear to be very abstract, which I adore! 

'A Beautiful Mess' are also renowned for their attention to detail, with regards to the little finishes on each item they sell.  For the iPhone case, it was the inside.  It was all black to contrast against the outside which had all the colours of the rainbow.  But also it had the words "MAKE A MESS", written on the inside, which from now on will be my daily mantra, (especially when I'm tidying my room haha!) 

The 'Colour Wheel iPhone case' is bold but also very chic at the same time and I just know that it will go perfectly with my current Michael Kors bag which is in Tan... (Here I go again with my colour coordination!)  

Extremely impressed by this product and I think it's safe to say that it was worth the wait!  If you haven't done so already, check out the website for 'A Beautiful Mess', because I'm sure you're bound to find something you'll like! 

M x

Khaki, Gold and Green!

With all of the new transitional AW15 pieces slowly being released into the stores, I was however reluctant to view the womenswear... (I was surprised, as usually that's the first thing I tend to do!)  I think it all comes down to the fact that I do not think that I have had a sufficient amount of sunshine and most importantly sunbathing days.  So therefore I am still devoted to having some sort of British Summer, before heading back into my beloved jeans and baggy jumpers!  You see, I am still living each day with the hope that it might become warmer and I have been sporting my Birkenstocks and sun dresses (even when it has poured with rain... I am that dedicated!) )  I will not give in... Not just yet! 

However, looking at jewellery can't hurt though, right?  Just a small peak, nothing more...  Well I think you can predict what happened next!  Yes, that's right, you guessed it... A small peak, turned into adopting three new season necklaces and taking them home with me!  How bad am I? 

The first necklace I purchased because, I adored the colour.  I have olive green eyes and therefore I am always drawn to the colour green as a natural reaction.  Khaki is going to be very prominent next season... And I cannot wait, because I will definitely be adding khaki into my wardrobe.  However for now... I will stick to this gorgeous necklace to add a bit of life to a plain white shirt or a basic tee. 

The second necklace I purchased was this stunning gold circle pendant.... Firstly I think that the colour is very interesting as its a mixture of gold, bronze and brown, allowing it to be very versatile.  And secondly the shape is so simplistic and yet so striking all at the same time!  I will definitely be wearing this over a high necked crew jumper to add texture! 

Lastly I bought this pastel green necklace, because the contrast of mint and gold, looks really expensive and I can wear this with the majority of my wardrobe.  I also have the most beautiful silk skirt from Jigsaw that I know will go perfectly with this necklace! 

I always find that H&M do really great quality jewellery with affordable prices.  Their collections are unique and innovative, whilst highlighting top high street standards... Really impressed by these necklaces - go and check them out! 

M x

The top three MAC lipsticks I swear by!

MAC lipsticks have always been such a luxury to me.  Not only do they come in several forms e.g matte, lustre, cremesheen etc, but also I always find that the colour pigment is of a good quality and lasts all day! 

When I was in Covent Garden last week, I walked into the MAC store with the off chance of obtaining a new addition to add to my already large lipstick collection. 

I found my new favourite pink shade called 'Fanfare' which is part of the cremesheen group of lipsticks, and it only took me five minutes... (Which is a record for me!)  I think that the colour is so feminine and girly, but yet also looks quite grown up.  It's the perfect colour for work as its a rose based neutral shade, but is also ideal for summer dates and parties as it looks really flattering!

I am a huge fan of the cremesheen lipsticks... So much so that all of my MAC products are of that genre.  I will always prefer a cream based lipstick over a matte based one any day, as I get dry lips very easily and therefore the cremesheen ones offer me the best moisture for my lips! 

It was a very difficult task for me to make as I love all of my MAC lipsticks, but I have managed to choose my top three shades that I swear by and continue to replace as I get through them far too quickly. 

1.  Shanghai Spice 

This is the most useful of all three as it is the best nude around.  It is of a caramel colour and looks extremely natural to the lips.  I tend to use this as my everyday lipstick for work especially, as its professional and ideal for daytime makeup. 

2.  Crosswires 

This was the first coral based lipstick I ever bought from MAC and it has served me well.  It is a pink based coral that adds just about the right amount of colour, without washing you out.  (There's nothing worse than too much of a bold lip when you're fairly pale skinned... It doesn't flatter anyone!)  I absolutely adore this lipstick and once my current one has run out, I will make it my priority to re-stock. 

3.  Fanfare 

I know that I have only just purchased this shade, but I have already felt very attached to this lipstick.  It's my new favourite colour for summer and I think it's one of the best pink lipsticks I've ever bought!

So that wraps up my top three MAC lipsticks... What is your favourite MAC lipstick?  Let me know in the comment section below! 

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

M x

Our wurst is ze best!

On Friday, my fiancé and I decided to have a day out in London... Little did we know that it was going to be pouring it down all day and that therefore we would be forced to duck into the nearest store for cover away from the rain!  All I can say is that it was a blessing in disguise! 

You see, after exiting Embankment tube station, we ran up Villiers street and decided to take shelter in one of the two Herman ze German shops in London.  We had both heard of this company before and so were thrilled that we finally had an opportunity to try the infamous German sausage! 

Herman ze German started back in 2008 and having catered for countless festivals in their trailer, they now have two stores in London (one in Charing Cross and the other in Soho).  The stores convey such a passion for German cuisine with their finest quality sausages and great tasting sauces that accompany them!

After realising that we were both being indecisive as to what to choose to eat, we decided to ask the waiter to choose for us.... (It took the pressure off and they knew way more about the food than we did!)  

When our food arrived at our table it looked so delicious... (I couldn't wait to get stuck in!)  We received two Bratwurst's which were pork and veal hotdogs and asked for melted cheddar cheese and crispy onions as our toppings!  I had never tasted veal before, but it works really well with the pork, and it makes the sausage softer in taste.  I'm usually a fan of sweated onions when eating burgers and hotdogs, but I really liked the crispy fried onion, as it added a nice crunch and texture to the food!

At the end of the meal, both of us were wishing that we had brought hand wipes with us, as eating hotdogs is a messy task.  But, to our surprise Herman ze German had yet again thought ahead, and there was a sink with hand wash fitted to the wall... Genius! 

I really think that Herman ze German is a fantastic place for lunch or a quick snack because the food is wonderful and the shop vibe is super casual, which to me is what I want when I'm in the mood for comfort food!  

Which restaurants have you been to lately? 

M x