When in London...

Not long ago, my friend Lucy and I went down to London for the day. The main purpose of our trip was to see the Vogue 100 exhibition, but we went to various cafes, went shopping (obviously) and checked out a restaurant neither of us had ever been to. Due to us going on a Sunday, the Brick Lane Market was on in Shoreditch and we found this really cute cafe called Kahaila. The interior was quite retro because of the wooden tables and benches and brick walls, and overall the atmosphere was really chilled out. If you're ever looking for a cafe in Shoreditch, we both had a frothy mocha which tasted amazing and the cakes and sandwiches looked sooooo good! They also offer quite a few vegan and vegetarian options which is a plus if you or your friends don't eat meat or dairy products. 

Four and a half star cafe Kahaila

After going to the market, we planned to go to a restaurant we had seen online called Busaba Eathai and conveniently there is a massive one just off Brick Lane and five minutes from the tube. If you hadn't already guessed, it is a Thai restaurant that serves various noodle, curry and stir-fry dishes. The food here is incredible, our waiter was really polite and it was nice to go somewhere we do not have in Birmingham and that is a bit different. Being on a bit of a tight budget, I went for the chicken butternut squash stir-fry, Lucy had the tofu and spinach stir-fry and we shared a coconut rice. Both of our meals were under ten pounds which is an amazing deal, especially being in London. If I could have had more I would have bought most of the menu, it all looked so delicious!

Chicken Butternut squash stir-fry

Tofu and spinach stir-fry

Before getting the tube to The National Portrait Gallery, we found a really cool street with massive graffiti art all up the walls. Here, Lucy is a wearing a DKNY, long sleeve top from Depop, Mango  pinstriped cropped trousers, Office Nike trainers with a red tick, Prada sunglasses, Zara grey textured jacket and a material bag from the Channel, Mademoiselle Saatchi gallery exhibition. This look is a casual day to day look with a smart edge. The basic colour coordination of black and grey makes it a simple yet classy outfit which has an added sporty element with the branded Nike and DKNY items.

Lucy

As you can see, a couple of months ago I was slightly obsessed with black, which is why this outfit consists of mostly black clothing. Not only this, but whilst writing this post, I have realised that pretty much everything I am wearing is from Topshop. Even so, I shall tell you about my outfit. Firstly, my black scallop hemmed skirt is from, guess where? Topshop! It is a simple, yet chic part of any outfit. Being tall, I find it hard to find skirts that are the right length, which is why most of my jeans and skirts are bought from here as the sizing is a bit more specific and they have a tall section.  I then paired this with a stripey, short sleeved, polo neck top, also from Topshop. I always find myself wearing this top because it is super comfy and adds a bit of pattern to my outfits. Then, to keep me warm, I went with a black leather jacket. Personally, I feel leather jackets always make an outfit look more smart, maybe because most are asymmetric, I'm not sure. For my shoes, I wore black chelsea boots from Office, which I practically live in. I always wear flat shoes because I'm 5'11 and feel massive in anything with a heel and these go with everything.

Daisy

To finish the day before going home, we went to the Vogue exhibition currently on at The National Portrait Gallery. I definitely reccomend seeing this if you are interested in fashion or read Vogue; it is so interesting to see the past of Vogue and check out their most famous pieces. If you have never been to London, it has such interesting and cool places to go to and see and I assure you it should be on your bucket list. I want to live there one day.

Vogue 100 exhibition, ends May 22nd

March Favourites

Considering it is my first blog post, I thought why not write about my March favourites? I have bought quite a few exciting things recently and there seems to be quite a few items I can't stop using and wearing.

The first beauty product I am currently obsessed with is this limited edition Smashox 'Crush on Blush' palette, which my Mum spoilt me with for an Easter present. This includes six colours: shimmer, suntan, warm apricot, rosy, guava and rosette. Since starting sixth form college, I have found myself buying a lot more make up, especially from higher end brands and this is just another to add to my collection :). After using this, I find it is amazingly soft on the skin and is really easy to apply giving a soft, natural glow to your cheeks that everyone desires. This product is also very pigmented, lasting all day and limiting the number of times you have to re-apply the powder. The palette comes in a small, compact, magnetic closing box which fits perfectly in your makeup bag and never disappoints. This was bought on my way to Belgium so was slightly cheaper than usual at £32 however, the exact same can be bought for £35 on the Smashbox website.

 Smashbox Crush on Blush palette, £35

My next favourite is another blush and it is the Mac 'Harmony'. This is a matte, medium brown, powder which is perfect for contouring and creating a natural looking shadow. This is also very pigmented leaving a long lasting finish although, personally it takes me a while to get a good amount on the brush and achieve the effect I would like, making it harder to apply. Other than that, I definitely recommend this product. Even though it is slightly more pricey, it lasts all day once applied and gives your cheeks a healthy burst of colour.

Mac Harmony, £18.50

When getting the ferry or aeroplane abroad, I always try and find a beauty product or perfume. We all know there's nothing better than duty-free. On one of my trips I purchased an OPI nail varnish in the shade 'Berlin there done that'. Not only does the name scream sassy, it is the most beautiful beige in their collection. I wear this colour all the time and I never have to worry about my nails not matching my outfit because it suits absolutely everything and I mean, everything! Not only do I adore the colour, applying this is easy and smooth and it dries surprisingly quickly. Due to the fact I bought this on the ferry, it was only £8 but this can also be bought in Selfidges for around £11. 

 OPI Berlin there done that,  £11

I also bought these Quay, black and white sunglasses from Topshop. I think I've dropped them about five times now and they still haven't broken. The black and white stripes on the frame give them a chic, monochrome look which also adds an element of pattern to your outfit. If you're like me, it's quite a struggle to find sunglasses that fit your face shape and don't look really strange therefore, these are perfect because they're just the right size- not too big or too small. These were bought for £25 which is more expensive than own brand, Topshop sunglasses however, they are completely worth it. I definitely recommend this brand!

 Quay sunglasses, £25

Seeing as summer is on it's way, I have wanted a primer that I can wear and not have to bother with foundation or powder (let the tan do all the work!). Clinique is a known fab skin care brand, so I thought why not pick up this Superprimer which 'colour corrects' redness and is perfect for the summer heat. This is another product that I purchased on the ferry, making it £17, but after looking online this retails at £20, not much more expensive. I have used this for the past two weeks and already love how soft and velvety it leaves my skin. You also only need a tiny amount each time you apply the product, therefore I hope the 30ml will last most and if not all summer.

 Clinique Superprimer, £20