Tuesday 27 December 2016

The very best of 2016



As 2017 draws nearer, I wanted to reflect on 2016 and appreciate what an amazing year it has been for my blog Radhika Recommends. I'm so grateful for all the places I have been to, people I have met, events I have been invited to and the amazing brands I have had the chance to work with. I really feel like 2016 has seen my blog develop closer to the place that I want it to be at, and I want to thank all of my blog readers, friends and family for your continued support. I'm really excited for 2017 and all of the new opportunities, destinations and people I will meet. For now, here's ten of my highlights from 2016 (in no particular order), with a mix of travel and events that I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this year.

Munich


My first trip abroad in 2016 was to Munich. I had never been to Germany before so it was a great experience and I was there in January, which was really cold but still an amazing time to see the city.

Dubai


My second trip was to Dubai where I visited my friend Gemma. I was in need of some sunshine after the cold winter, so Dubai was the perfect destination! I vlogged my whole trip which you can watch here.

Malta


My third trip abroad was to sunny Malta in May. I stayed there for a week with my family and it was great to get some sun and relax. I vlogged my Malta holiday as well, so click here to watch it.

Liverpool


I went on a work trip to Liverpool for two days which was great as I had never seen the city before. I had the opportunity to try some great restaurants and even went to the Cavern club where The Beatles used to perform!

MacDonald Manchester Hotel stay


During the August Bank Holiday weekend, I went to stay at the MacDonald Manchester hotel with my cousin. We had a really nice time with shopping in Manchester, as well as having a delicious dinner at Fumo. Watch my Manchester vlog here.

Ox Pasture Hall Hotel stay


I was so grateful to have been invited by the Ox Pasture Hall Hotel to stay at their hotel and review it. It was such a lovely hotel and we visited York on the way home, which was another beautiful city.

London Fashion Weekend


For the very first time, I attended LFW and watched a catwalk show! I went with fellow blogger Steph to London which was great and we had front row seats to a trend fashion show. I vlogged the day at LFW which you can watch here.

Prague


I was lucky enough to take a trip to Prague in October for four days. I stayed at the Penta Hotel and did loads of sightseeing. It's definitely a place I would recommend for a short break. You can read my fashion post on what I wore in Prague here.

Blogger meet ups


I've been to more events this year than ever before. I've made some great blogger friends along my journey and it's from going to blogger meet up events that I've been able to network with fellow bloggers. Some of the events I've been to this year include the East Midlands Bloggers Meet Up, the Birmingham Bloggers Tiki Party and the Derby Bloggers Brunch. I have also been lucky enough to have been invited to events with my favourite brands including L'Occitane and The Body Shop.

Vuelio Blog Awards in London


I was so excited to have been invited to the Vuelio Blog Awards at The Brewery in East London and I went along with Steph again. We had a great evening with a three-course meal and drinks. I'm looking forward to attending more events in London in 2017.

Photograph by Kirstie Melville.

What are your highlights from 2016? Happy New Year to all my readers and followers!

Follow me on:

Twitter: @radhika_blogger
Instagram: @radhikarecommends

Monday 19 December 2016

How to style the roll neck jumper



Roll neck jumpers are a great addition to your wardrobe for this time of year. They keep you warm, they look great and if you pick a neutral colour like black or white, your jumper will pretty much go with anything. Check out my advice on styling a classic roll neck jumper.


Add some colour to your outfit


When wearing a plain black roll neck, it's always great to wear it with a colourful skirt or trousers. In this outfit I'm wearing a mini skirt from H&M which is blue with a red and white print. This goes so well with the black roll neck jumper and is great for a day time look.



Make your accessories stand out


In this outfit, I wore my gold clutch bag which actually has a long strap so you can wear it over your shoulder. It adds more detail to your whole look and also a touch of glamour.



Choose your shoes wisely


If your roll neck jumper is plain like the one I'm wearing, I would suggest wearing some of your best shoes or a nice pair of heels. Personally when I wear heels I instantly feel more confident and elegant, so these black heels from New Look really made the outfit.




Photography by Kirstie Melville.

Do you have any roll neck jumpers? How do you like to style them?

Monday 12 December 2016

A day at the races and what to wear



If you're looking for something different and a fun afternoon, then I have a great idea for you. I was recently invited for an afternoon at the races* at Leicester Racecourse. I had never been before so I didn't really know what to expect. One thing I did know was that a smart dress code was required, and it was the perfect opportunity for me to wear some of my favourite items.



The outfit


So what do you wear for a day at the races? As I was attending on a Sunday afternoon, I decided to wear this white dress from Zara paired with my smart red jacket. I felt that the white and red really complimented each other, and the whole look was chic yet smart. For accessories I wore some black heels and my black DKNY handbag.


The horse racing


On arrival at the races we were directed to the Nelson Suite Restaurant. A table was reserved for us for the whole day. The way it works is that you have your three course meal throughout the afternoon and in between courses you can get up and watch the horse racing from the restaurant balcony. There is a fantastic view of the race track from the restaurant, so you can watch everything at your leisure. Alternatively you can go outside and watch the races to get a feel for the atmosphere. You can also place bets in the restaurant and even watch the races from the TV screens inside.

The food


As soon as we entered the suite, the atmosphere was buzzing. It was a busy Sunday afternoon with tables full of families and friends ready to enjoy a day out. We had a glass of wine on arrival and then for starters I had the leek and potato soup. As it was a Sunday, a special carvery was available with all of the trimmings. I opted for roast turkey which was delicious. Finally for dessert I had the chocolate fondant which was perfect to finish off such a delicious meal!





It was a really enjoyable afternoon and a perfect day out with friends or family. The whole package also makes a fantastic gift idea. Prices for the Sunday carvery start from £54.95 per person which includes the three course meal, a race card and admission.



Outfit photography by Kirstie Melville.

Have you ever been to the races?

*Thank you to Cool As Publicity and Leicester Racecourse for inviting me to the races. As always, all views are honest and my own.

Tuesday 6 December 2016

How to look stylishly warm in winter




Winter is a wonderful time and even though the days are cold and the evenings are dark, you can still have a lot of fun with your style and fashion items during the season. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I love to add pops of colour to most of my outfits. I find doing this is so much more important in the winter, as it just brightens up your day and even your mood. Check out my top tips for keeping stylish and still warm this winter!

Invest in a fitted coat


If you are out and about a lot in the winter like me, you will most likely have your coat on for most of the time. Therefore, I think that investing in a really good and nicely fitted coat makes so much difference to your whole look. This gorgeous pink coat is from Miss Selfridge and I feel so feminine and confident when I wear it, as it's fitted in all the right places.



Wear your best accessories


When the winter sun does appear, wear your favourite sunglasses. My trusty Valentino sunglasses are always in my handbag ready for when the sun randomly decides to appear during the winter. In this outfit I also styled it with my DKNY handbag, as it is so chic and goes with pretty much anything. Taking your best accessories out with you really adds more glamour to your outfit and helps it to stand out.



Keep your head and heels high


I wear a lot of dresses and skirts and still keep this up during the winter. I like to wear my heels with black tights to keep me warm and these black heels from New Look are so comfortable and still flattering. Wearing a nice pair of heels with a fitted coat looks so great in the winter, and don't forget to keep that head up high! Keep smiling even on those gloomy days and have fun with your style.





Photography by Kirstie Melville.

What do you like to wear in the winter to stay looking stylish?

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Dressing up for Christmas parties and the festive season

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Dressing up for Christmas parties

As the festive season begins, it's time for the Christmas parties to start and plenty of evening celebrations to look forward to. I like to wear colours and prints that fit in with the festive theme, for example a classic red lip and pops of red in my outfit. I have quite a few Christmas parties to attend this year and I've been really organised and started planning all of my outfits. Read on for my tips on dressing up for Christmas and the festive season.

Choose a dress with a flattering fit


This black and printed dress from New Look is really flattering for my figure, as it fits nicely at the waist and falls just above my knee. Choosing an outfit that is fitted in the right places for you makes all the difference as it enhances your figure and for me, it makes me feel so much more confident.

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Wear festive colours


Incorporating the classic festive colours such as reds, greens and whites into your outfit can instantly make your whole look more festive but in a subtle way. The dress I bought actually already has a lovely floral print with pops of colour, including red, which is perfect for this season.

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Style your outfit with accessories


As you all know, accessories in any outfit are my favourite things to style. In this outfit, I wore my gold clutch bag from TK Maxx and my Hugo Boss watch. For an evening out, this clutch bag is great as it's small but still fits all of your essentials. What I like most about it is the unusual design and the fact that the gold colour really stands out. By choosing accessories that are eye catching, your whole outfit is automatically made to look more high end and suitable for an evening out.

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Make up


In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a classic red lip. I love wearing red lipstick in the winter and around Christmas time, as it's perfect for a night out or a party. With this dress, I really felt that this matte red lipstick by Revlon brought the colours out. Wear make up that you're comfortable with, but if you are looking to add more colour, I think Christmas time is the best time to give it a go!

Dressing up for Christmas parties

Dressing up for Christmas parties


Photography by Kirstie Melville.

How do you like to dress up during Christmas and the festive season?

Monday 28 November 2016

A night at the Vuelio Blog Awards in London

Vuelio blog awards 2016

Vuelio blog awards 2016

Last week I was invited to the Vuelio Blog Awards 2016 in London. On Friday morning, Steph from Priceless Life of Mine and I headed to London on the train and after some lunch, we made our way to our hotel to start getting ready for the evening. I wore a beautiful coral dress from Reiss.

The blog awards were held at The Brewery - an iconic 18th century venue in east London. As we entered the venue, we had photos taken and then drank champagne in the reception whilst chatting and meeting other bloggers, journalists and media professionals. There were hundreds of people there and it was really positive to see that all of these people had come together to celebrate the achievements of bloggers.

Vuelio blog awards 2016

Vuelio blog awards 2016

We took our seats at the candle-lit table and were served a delicious three course meal before the awards ceremony started. Award winning comedian Mark Dolan hosted the awards and we saw bloggers and fashion icons being nominated for these great awards. One of my favourite fashion bloggers, Victoria Magrath from Inthefrow.com, won the award for best fashion blog! Congratulations to Victoria!

I left the event feeling really inspired and had a great evening with Steph. It was also good to meet other bloggers and network with them. Thank you so much to Vuelio for inviting me to this fantastic event, and I would love to attend the awards night again next year.

Thursday 24 November 2016

Five stylish things to do in Dubai

Stylish-things-to-do-in-dubai

Dubai is one of my favourite places and a great holiday destination. It has the best of both worlds, with a beach for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as the city life and skyscrapers just minutes away. I love the glamour of Dubai and on my trips there I have been lucky enough to experience some of the best and stylish things you can do. Read on for my top five stylish and fashionable things to do when visiting Dubai.

Stylish-things-to-do-in-dubai

Afternoon tea at The Fairmont, The Palm


Afternoon tea has become a past time that is loved all around the world. However I must say that the best experience I have had is in Dubai at The Fairmont Hotel at The Palm. Sitting on a balcony with a sea view, afternoon tea is served with a selection of fine cakes and savoury treats. It was a truly memorable day and the staff were so welcoming and friendly, which made the whole experience amazing. I would love to go back there for more afternoon tea.

Stylish-things-to-do-in-dubai

Spa day at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club


The famous equestrian club in Dubai houses a luxury spa where I spent a whole day pampering myself and having luxury treatments. I had a facial and full body massage which was really relaxing. The spa facilities included a steam room and sauna, as well as a hot tub. As we were in hot Dubai, we relaxed by the outdoor pool as well and took in some sunshine after our treatments.

Stylish-things-to-do-in-dubai

Friday brunch at The Address


Friday Brunch seems to be a bit of a tradition in Dubai. I enjoyed brunch at the well know hotel chain The Address. I honestly had never seen such a wide selection of food in my life! Bottomless drinks were well received and the delicious spread of hot and cold food kept us there for hours!

Stylish-things-to-do-in-dubai

Relax on Nasimi Beach


The popular and exclusive Nasimi Beach, part of The Atlantis hotel requires advance booking. The beach is a hotspot for celebrities so you might see someone famous if you visit! We spent the day relaxing and sunbathing and were lucky enough to be given one of the double beds to relax on. Cocktails and plenty of food are always on offer.

Stylish-things-to-do-in-dubai

Shopping at The Dubai Mall


No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting one of the malls. I've been to all of the malls in Dubai but my favourite is The Dubai Mall. It has a good mix of high street and designer shops. It also houses the famous Fashion Avenue where the likes of Dior, Chanel and all of your top end designer stores are located. The design of the stores is absolutely stunning and it's worth a look even if you're not buying anything.

Have you ever been to Dubai? What are your top things to do?

Monday 21 November 2016

How to dress smart for work




When I've had to wear corporate or smart clothing to work, I've always tried to make it fun and feminine. Your style evolves with you over time and for workwear I've changed a lot over the years. Read on for my advice on how to style your workwear and dress smart for the office.

It's all in the details 


Details and tailoring make all the difference for workwear and this pink tailored shirt from TM Lewin has intricate detail with the frills along the button line. I love that it's bright and bold. Paired with a pencil skirt and heels makes this look so feminine and flattering.



Fitting and tailoring 


The shirt was already tailored and a perfect fit when I bought it, but spending a bit extra on tailoring your outfit to make it just right is money well spent in my opinion. The black pencil skirt is an essential piece in my wardrobe and it's so figure hugging and flattering that you can't go wrong for workwear. In the past I have had some suit trousers tailored and it made so much difference, so I would definitely advise you to consider tailoring.



Keep your make up simple


If wearing a bright coloured shirt like this pink, I would suggest keeping your make up simple so that it doesn't clash or detract from your outfit. In this look, I have simply worn a nude lipstick from Benefit and some mascara.


Choose a flattering shoe 


To feel truly smart, I need my heels to complete my look for work. In this outfit I've gone for some black heels from New Look which are quite high but so flattering for the office look. They also make me look much taller than I actually am!





Photography by Kirstie Melville.

What outfits do you like to wear to work?