A few weeks ago Callum and I spent a weekend exploring the New Forest in a gorgeous BMW 2 Series Convertible 220d. Broad country roads, incredible views, sunshine, music on, top down … what could be better? After the daily fight over who got to drive, we’d set out with a location in mind or just allow ourselves to get lost and explore, winding along the forest roads with the wind in our hair (and bugs in our faces), enjoying the pure thrill of a car like the 220d let loose on the world. Without sounding too much like a saleswoman, let me tell you – guys, this is one beautiful car to drive. It’s like a robot’s been hiding in my brain for the last eight years taking note of all the issues I’ve had when driving and then pinged all the info over to BMW for them to create the most enjoyable, effortless driving experience ever. Plus, I love that the new TwinPower Turbo diesel engine is not only super responsive but also efficient, meaning fewer emissions and less petrol guzzling.
With all the fun we were having, it was a wonder we were able to pull over for a quick photoshoot, but somehow we managed it. Colour coordination with my car is not usually a top priority for me, but with such a beautiful car as this I had to make the effort. And of course, slinky leather trousers and metallic heels are my natural driving gear …
I think I’ll always be a country girl at heart. As much as I love the city, heaven to me sounds like long country walks, curling up with a book and my boy by a river somewhere, and watching the sun set over golden fields. These fields are just a short walk from my parent’s house, and they hold a special place in my heart. They’re the place I go to since young to dream, write and just breathe. I’m so happy with how these photos turned out. A Self-Portrait dress was the perfect choice for this shoot as their pieces – though just as fitting worn with sleek heels and impeccable makeup – have a sense of whimsy and romanticism to them, and that’s what we wanted to capture. I hope you like the photos as much as we do! It’s such a privilege seeing Callum’s photography evolve with every shoot, he’s really growing confident with creating different atmospheres and moods!
Read on to find out how this beautiful dress came into my life …
LOVE FOR LYST
I’ve wanted to treat myself to a Self-Portrait dress for a long time, but have been waiting for the perfect one to come along. So when this one popped up on my Lyst feed, I knew it had to be mine! If you haven’t heard of them, Lyst is an awesome shopping website – and now app – that in my opinion is one of the best there is. Fashion apps are a plenty, but Lyst has some great features that make it stand out from the crowd. You can do the usual searching and browsing for items across your favourite brands, but you can also follow them to keep track of new releases and get inspired by other user’s feeds. And if you see something you like but it’s too expensive, just flag it – and Lyst will let you know if it goes on sale, or if it’s selling out. Super useful! There are many a designer bag I’m keeping tabs on this way. I also like how Lyst learns as you use it, so it can recommend you brands and products it thinks you’ll love. It’s a great way to discover new labels.
Let’s just ignore how smug I was when I landed on with that title for this post, ok? 😉 Anyway, at the moment my feet are having to do all my smiling for me, as month of the never-ending tooth ops continues, with five down (yes, five.. *cries*) and at least one more still to go. With my poor cheeks pretty much immobilised, it of course made total sense to instead convey my emotions with my shoes – that, and I couldn’t resist how cute these ASOS loafers are! I’m crushing on pretty much everything on ASOS at the moment, so if you’re after some new summer pieces definitely head their way. I’ve been quite good with not buying too much up until recently, but it’s been a tough few months in both my work and personal worlds, and I’ve discovered I’m an emotional shopper – retail therapy is a thing, guys!
In other news, I can’t believe it’s next week that I’m off to Spain for my yoga teacher training course. That came around fast! When I first applied for the course it seemed so far away, but with only a few days to go the excitement – and nerves! – are kicking in. I’m looking forward to a month of learning new things and furthering my yoga practice, and getting to know the other students. It’s been a while since I’ve been a student, so let’s hope I remember how to study! Better stock up on some cute notebooks and highlighters..
Have the best week lovers! Wishing you all the happiness a pair of emoji-themed shoes can offer! x
This is of course the Rosewood London and not an actual marble palace – but that’s just what their beautiful white staircase feels like! I channelled my inner princess as we took some snaps and got lost in daydreams of gowns and endless cake (because my first royal decree as princess would of course be CAKE). Following on from testing their new epilator, the Silk Epil 9, Braun invited me and a bunch of blogger babes to the Rosewood for a day of pampering. There was also a shopping challenge,where we were unleashed on Covent Garden’s stores and given an hour and £100 to find an outfit to show off our newly polished pins. Cue mayhem! I somehow managed to get my bits within the time limit all from Zara, and then it was back to the hotel for our photoshoots.
Mine’s a bit of a giggly one, but then I think a smile is always the first sign of feeling confident and happy! And that’s what Braun’s #BreakFree campaign is all about – giving yourself the freedom to wear whatever you want and knowing that your legs are going to look perfect. As a fan of tiny hemlines (hey, my legs don’t like being constricted!) I am feeling so much more confident now going into summer with smooth, polished pins. Check out the video to see what the other girls thought of the Silk Epil 9 and all the fun things we got up to on the day. x
Keukenhof, Holland’s famous tulip gardens, were already at the top of my must-visit list when planning our recent trip to Amsterdam – then I was sent this beyond adorable watering can bag from Kate Spade and of course I just had to do a photoshoot with it there! I knew it might turn out to be a little girly and kitsch, which is not my usual style, but it was all about having fun and celebrating the joyfulness of spring. I literally had a spring in my step dancing through the gardens in this flowy white shirtdress number (and of course posing for the obligatory flower-watering shots with the bag, had to be done!). I 100% recommend the gorgeous Keukenhof Gardens to any of you paying a visit to Amsterdam. It’s super easy to get to from the centre of town – just a short train ride to the airport and then a bus direct to the gardens – and oh-so-lovely for a slow day of wandering amid the colours of spring. But you will have to wait another year I’m afraid, as because of the lifecycle of tulips the park only opens during March-May. We just made it for the last day it was open this year!
Lots more Amsterdam pics coming your way soon, my dears! Hope you all have a lovely lovely week x
