Tuesday 21 July 2020

Spa day at Champneys Tring


For those of you that know me personally, you will know that I love a good spa day. A chance to really get away from it all, relax and be pampered. With recent news that spas can now start to re-open in the UK, I'm sure that my fellow spa fans will join me in celebrating this and get their spa treatments booked in quickly! For anyone looking for a luxury spa close to London, Champneys Tring could be the perfect treat.

Location


Having been to Champneys Spring in Leicestershire around 10 years ago with my mother, I decided to try out the original flagship Champneys Spa Tring in Hertfordshire. Now that I'm London based, it's surprisingly easy to reach, as it's just 45 minutes on the train direct from London Euston.

Checking in


I booked a spa day a few months ago with a friend that included one treatment each, access to the full spa facilities, breakfast, lunch and use of robes and slippers all day. Set in a converted stately home, guests are in awe of the Champneys Tring building on arrival as you pull up on the driveway. It's surrounded by expansive grounds and perfectly manicured gardens. On arrival, we were welcomed by the staff and checked in for the day. As part of the arrival process, we were treated to a welcome breakfast buffet which included a range of healthy and delicious options such as granola, fruit and smoothies.

Spa facilities 


After getting changed into my robe, I felt completely relaxed and settled in to the atmosphere. The spa itself is huge with a 25 metre swimming pool, several different jacuzzis including one outdoors, saunas, steam rooms, a gym, a thalassotherapy pool, two spa product shops and plenty of relaxation areas. I was very impressed with the layout and the amount of space available, however on a Saturday it did get a little crowded in the afternoon.


Treatments


For my 30 minute treatment, I opted for a facial which was both relaxing and refreshing for my skin. The only thing I would change is having a longer treatment time as I didn't want to leave the treatment room! There is a very long menu of treatments available, from massages to manicures and pedicures, so you'll definitely be spoiled for choice.

Lunch


At lunchtime, we were seated in the grand dining room amongst plenty of other guests having lunch in their robes as well! The buffet included a range of delicious and nutritional food - all very low-fat and healthy. After lunch, it was time to make use of all the facilities and chill out for the rest of the day. My absolute favourite areas included the thalassotherapy pool, jacuzzi and steam rooms as I feel like they do wonders for both my skin and any muscle tension.

For anyone looking to get away and enjoy some true pampering, I would highly recommend Champneys Tring. Find out more at: www.champneys.com/spa-resorts/champneys-tring.

Photo credit: Champneys Tring

Sunday 21 July 2019

Brunch at Crispin in Spitalfields



When I first saw this building from afar I didn't think it was a restaurant, but perhaps an event venue or even an exhibition space. However the closer I walked to it, I realised that this purpose build 'spaceship' like building was a lovely little restaurant and cafe.


Photo credit: Time Out


I visited Crispin the other week for brunch with a friend and I really wanted to write a review as I think it's one of the Spitalfields area's hidden gems. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available and luckily with the sweltering heat on the morning that I visited, we were able to secure a table outside and soak up the sunshine over a healthy and delicious breakfast.

I ordered the avocado on sourdough, with lemon, chilli and chives and my friend ordered the eggs and soldiers, which also looked delicious. Although my breakfast plate sounds relatively simple, the seasoning really made it, plus the locally sourced sourdough, which Crispin prides itself on. I also ordered a fresh drink to complement my brunch, which was the carrot, apple, orange and ginger juice. It was so refreshing and really set me up for the day.

The menu may be small, but the breakfast options do cater for all with healthy options like porridge, overnight oats and even banana bread. I also thought the pricing was very reasonable, with my avocado on sourdough coming to £6.90.

For those visiting the Spitalfields area, I would certainly recommend visiting Crispin, even if it's just for a coffee and cake.


Sunday 25 March 2018

Choosing the perfect spring fragrance



Spring is a great time to freshen up your fragrance collection and add some new perfumes to match the season. I actually have lots of perfumes in my collection, but I'm always looking to discover new ones. The British perfumery brand, Amelgo, kindly sent me* one of their new fragrances in the scent Burnt Rose. It's a beautiful blend of fresh rose like notes with pink pepper and saffron. It's a very luxurious scent, ideal for an evening out. 



With beautiful packaging, the highest quality ingredients and rich scents, the Amelgo brand is right up my street! I also really like the packaging as the opaque black bottles help to preserve the longevity of the fragrances. They're also compact enough to fit in your make up bag, and ideal for travelling. Amelgo also source unique ingredients such as oud, sandlewood and freesia from countries including South America, Asia and the Middle East. I also really like the fact that they have no harmful chemicals in any products and are strictly cruelty free.



I would highly recommend trying one of their lovely fragrances this spring and you can view all perfumes here. Although the Burnt Rose perfume is my favourite, there's a range of scents to choose from, many of which are suitable for both females and males.



Photography by Kirstie Melville.

*Thank you to the team at Amelgo for kindly gifting me this perfume. As always, all views are honest and my own.
   

Monday 5 March 2018

What to wear for Ladies Night in Dubai



Last week I went to Ladies Night at the beach bar at the Burj Al Arab. It was probably the most iconic beach bar location I've ever been to and was even more magical when the Burj Al Arab was lit up at night. We had a lovely evening full of bottomless Prosecco.

The fashion brand Tobi* gifted me this red lace bodycon dress which I took with me to Dubai. It's perfect for nights out, dinners and drinks with friends. So I thought it was ideal to wear for drinks at the Burj Al Arab!



The dress has small straps and a lovely red lace detail throughout. It falls above my knee, making it really fitted and flattering. As the colour was bright, I decided to go for natural make up and accessorise the outfit with my Chanel bag and Valentinos.





*Thank you to Tobi for gifting me this dress. As always, all views are honest and my own. 

Sunday 4 March 2018

What to wear for Friday Brunch in Dubai



One of my favourite things to do each time I visit Dubai is a classic Friday Brunch. Last week I attended brunch with my friend at Mina A'Salam at the Madinat Jumeriah. The atmosphere, food and drinks were excellent, with an iconic view of the Burj Al Arab.



Brunch in Dubai also means dressing in your best outfits, which I obviously love to do! The fashion brand Tobi* kindly gifted me this gorgeous ivory white lace dress which I decided to wear for brunch. It's perfect when in the heat and extremely flattering as it's a fitted bodycon dress with flower lace detail.





I decided to wear my Tobi dress with my favourite Valentino rockstud heels, my classic Chanel bag and Valentino sunglasses. I also wore a classic red lip as I thought it went really well with this white dress. I also love the fact that the dress has a Self Portrait vibe with the lace detail. However Tobi dresses are just a fraction of the price of Self Portrait dresses, so they're a really nice dupe.





*Thank you to Tobi for kindly gifting me this dress. As always, all views are honest and my own.

Thursday 15 February 2018

How to pick the perfect swimsuit or bikini


As you may have guessed, I’m always planning my next trip abroad. I’m soon off to Dubai to visit one of my best friends and when thinking about holiday outfits, swimsuits and bikinis are often the first thing I pack. The feel of sand in your toes and the clear blue sea is what we all long for during the cold winter months in the UK. But when shopping for your perfect swimsuit, I’ve put together some tips to help you find your most flattering fit.



Pick your style


There are so many types of swimsuits, from backless to strapless, and there’s one to suit everyone. Browse all of the different styles, try them on and take your pick. The most important thing is being comfortable in whichever you choose. Personally, I always go for strapless swimsuits as it means I don’t get tan lines on my shoulders and I find the strapless ones the most flattering on my figure. Plus, this green swimsuit has extra details such as lace panelled sides, which makes it even more interesting to wear.



Pick your colour


I would usually go for bright coloured swimsuits for my beach holidays, but my friend who I was shopping with in Thailand convinced me to buy this green swimsuit instead. At first I wasn’t too sure, but when I tried it on I loved it! The green tone compliments my olive skin tone well, so don’t be scared to try something different. Equally, if you usually wear dark coloured swimsuits and bikinis, why not mix it up and wear something brighter.





Accessorise


I know I always talk about accessorising outfits, and I think there’s no difference when it comes to swimsuits. From beach necklaces to sarongs, there’s lots of little touches you can add to your beach day outfit. In Krabi in Thailand, I was very minimalistic with this beach look, as I just wore my sunglasses as I was in and out of the sea a lot! But other things I take with me to the beach include a small beach bag and stylish sandals. Sometimes I even wear beach bracelets and necklaces.


Saturday 10 February 2018

How to achieve the casual chic look



Weekends are the best time to dress down but I still like to ensure I’m dressing up my outfits with key accessories to turn them into 'weekend chic' looks. The fashion brand Tobi recently sent me* these lovely blue denim jeans and I’ve been wearing them on my casual chic days. Read on for how I achieve a classic and stylish weekend look.


Picking your perfect pair of jeans 


I often find it difficult to find jeans that fit me perfectly and the best way is just to try on as many styles as possible. I finally found that skinny jeans suit my figure the best, so now I always shop for that particular style. The jeans from Tobi are perfectly flattering and they have a range of skinny jeans as well as lots of other styles.


A statement top


If wearing trousers or jeans, a standout top can make all the difference when styling a weekend chic look. On this particular day I was going for brunch with friends and then to a museum for the day, so I wanted to wear something appropriate. This gorgeous pink lace top goes so well with the light blue denim, and the bell sleeves are both fashionable and flattering on the arms.


Accessories 


I’m saying it again - you make an outfit with the accessories. I invest in designer accessories as I truly believe they complete your outfit and can make pretty much any look be high end. My favourite Valentino rockstud heels can be worn with anything in my wardrobe, so they’re ideal for a weekend chic look. The detail on them and the nude colour complement the pink lace top. Plus I love the compliments I receive when wearing them!

My brand new Gucci Dionysus handbag made an appearance for my weekend look. I received this handbag as a birthday present and absolutely love it! The flower detail is so eye catching and the clasp is so intricate. It’s also a good size so I can fit everything I need for a day out in London, including an umbrella!



How do you like to dress for a day out at weekends?

*Thank you to the brand Tobi who kindly gifted me this pair of jeans. As always, all views are honest and my own.

Wednesday 31 January 2018

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition at the V&A



Even before started blogging about fashion, I always loved going to fashion exhibitions in London. It’s been a while since I covered an exhibition on my blog so I’m really excited to be writing this. I recently went to the Balenciaga exhibition at the V&A museum with some friends. The exhibition was curated by Cassie Davies-Strodder and really highlighted the influence Cristóbal Balenciaga had in the fashion industry. I learned so much about the designer which I never knew before.



The designs and outfits showcased at the exhibition were simply stunning and emphasised how creative and bold Balenciaga is, as his designs even inspired Givenchy (who I also love) and Alexander McQueen.



Over 100 pieces are presented at the exhibition, many crafted by Balenciaga himself but also pieces created by his students. I took photos of all of my favourite designs and they were of course the embellished gowns and evening wear. Balenciaga’s clients included famous names such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.



Although the exhibition has been open for a while, there’s still time to see it as it ends on 18th February. If you love fashion as much as I do, I would highly recommend it.


Wednesday 10 January 2018

The top five things to do in Gran Canaria



This post is in collaboration with James Villa Holidays.

With January in full swing and the cold winter weather sweeping across the UK, everyone is starting to think about their summer holiday destinations. I'm already planning my 2018 trips and getting inspired by various travel sites and blogs. I've visited a few of the popular Canary islands and wanted to help others get some summer holiday inspiration by sharing the top things to do in sunny Gran Canaria (aside from sunbathing on the beach)! Sometimes staying in a private accommodation rather than a hotel allows more flexibility to explore the area. James Villa Holidays offer a number of handpicked villas ideal for a holiday in the sun.

Roque Nublo

The rock formation of Roque Nublo is a fantastic sight that you must see. Often surrounded by clouds which is a reason many people miss this sight, it's actually a beautiful natural rock formation that you travel through the small town of Tejeda to see.

Playa des las Canteras

For the hustle and bustle of the city life, Playa des las Canteras must be visited. Relax on the sandy beach or browse the many shops.

Dunas de Maspalomas

A truly unique experience, the rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas are not to be missed. You feel like you're in a desert but you're actually very close to the sea, on a beach that is miles long at the south coast of the island.

Vegueta

I love visiting old towns and travelling to Vegueta allows you to walk along the cobbled streets and explore the old city centre. Don't miss the visiting the famous Cathedral at Santa Ana Square.

Visit a spa

Holidays are all about relaxing after all! Gran Canara has a number of fantastic spas including the popular Siam Spa and Corallium Spa. Enjoy the spa facilities and book yourself in for some luxury treatments.


Have you ever visited Gran Canaria? What did you enjoy the most?

Image credits: spain-grancanaria.com

Wednesday 20 December 2017

What to wear for the party season

What to wear for the party season


There’s something about the Christmas and New Years party season that I absolutely love. Apart from the glamorous parties, food, drink and festivities, I love dressing up for the party season and shopping for new outfits. I believe it's a time of year to make the most of dressing up in your finest outfits.

What to wear for the party season


This year, one of my favourite outfits has been this gorgeous blue Whistles dress. It's so elegant and has a distinctive Self Portrait vibe, which is what attracted me to it. I also like that it's different to wearing festive colours such as red and green. Instead, the deep blue colour is perfect for evening events and the lace detail is so intricate and sophisticated.

What to wear for the party season


Things to consider when choosing your Christmas or New Years Eve outfits include most importantly, being comfortable. Make sure you're completely happy with the fit and style of your outfit. I used to worry about my party dresses feeling too tight after eating a big meal! But when carefully chosen, dresses can look flattering for both the dancing and the eating at a party :)

What to wear for the party season


If you know me well, follow me on Instagram or read my blog regularly, you'll know that my style is very much classic and timeless. So this Whistles dress must come as no surprise, as it's very me! I always say to people that you should always stick to your signature look or style, as that's what will make you feel and look amazing.

What to wear for the party season


Finishing touches include make up and jewellery. For this party look, I opted for a classic red lipstick and pearl earrings. My gold clutch bag is my absolute favourite for parties, especially when you don't need a large bag getting in the way of dancing!

Merry Christmas everyone :)

Photography by Kirstie Melville.