All About The Booties

While I have been working away at the gym in an attempt to shape up my minimal behind, this isn't a post about derrières (sorry to anyone that may be disappointed).

I've been hunting for some boots which is obviously entirely necessary now that the grey skies have set in. No one likes having cold toes so here are just some of my favourite finds.

Tall boots are always the hardest to find - I have had one pair for years that have finally been worn to death and I am yet to find a worthy replacement. Short boots, on the other hand, I never ever have trouble with and I have an endless wish-list of options.

Office - Was £60, Now £25

Dune - £99

Dune - £159

Clarks Originals at Urban Outfitters - £89

Topshop - £68

New Look - £59.99

Topshop - £62

H by Hudson at Office - Was £145, Now £100

Topshop - £68

There's hundreds and thousands more where these came from so I'm having to stop myself here before I get carried away.


And something for the boys (bit of a theme here):

Poste at Office - £94.99

Urban Outfitters - Was £69, Now £40

Clarks Originals at Urban Outfitters - £79

NB. I do not own these images. They belong to respective websites which can be accessed via the links given.

Blueberry & Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Here's a tasty little recipe that's incredibly quick to make and is a perfect energy boost for sleepy mornings (like today)!

Ingredients

50g of blueberries

1 banana

1 tbsp chia seeds

2-3 tbsp oats (I use gluten free)

Small handful of pumpkin seeds
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For extra creaminess try adding a tbsp of peanut butter or, if your sweet tooth is getting the better of you, squeeze in about a tsp of honey.

Put the blueberries, banana, oats and seeds in a blender with about 200ml of water. Blend until smooth. Add chia seeds and mix.

So simple and yummy. And it's so good for you with the antioxidant values of blueberries and all the axing benefits of bananas and chia seeds!

Not only will it give you a morning boost but the oats will keep you full up until lunch too.

Banana 'Ice Cream'

My lovely friend Jenny and I spent yesterday being as productive as possible with a good workout at the gym followed by a study session in the afternoon. We made smoothies for breakfast and a lovely salmon salad for lunch but by mid-afternoon the novelty of being productive wore off and our sweet teeth seemed to be raging. So we took a little break and set to work on a wonderful little treat that is too good to keep to ourselves (and I don't usually like ice cream)!

Its gluten, dairy and guilt free and only takes a few minutes to whip up:

Banana 'Ice Cream'

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 frozen banana (chop before freezing)
1 heaped tsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp peanut butter (we used 'Old Fashioned Peanut Butter' which has no added sugar & no palm oil)
1 tsp honey (optional)

All you need to do is throw everything into a blender and put on a slow setting until smooth. It is ready to eat within seconds and can also be made in bigger batches and frozen for later.

Not only is it delicious but it made a very pretty picture too...

Isabel Marant for H&M

So today is the day that Kate Moss and Topshop announced that they will be designing another collection to launch in Spring 2014, almost 7 years since they launched the first range of their 3 year collaboration which ended in 2010.

But while we wait eagerly to see what designs make the cut for the 40-piece collection, there's another designer collaboration that's set to storm the high street. Isabel Marant is the latest designer to work with H&M, producing a 52 piece range which spans several departments of the store from womenswear to menswear.

Concerns have risen regarding how well suited Marant's design will suit the usual customers of the store who are unlikely to be as tall, young and thin as the girls she normally dresses. However, there's no doubt that the range will be a hit among many with some amazing pieces set to go on sale on 14th November this year, which bring Marant's signature boho style to the high street.

I've picked out my favourites - I just hope I get there before they sell out!

I do not own these images

A/W 2013-14

With S/S '14 trends hitting the catwalk last week at London Fashion Week, its hard not to get carried away with what your taking on holiday next year. In the mean time as temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, heres a few ideas of how to stay warm AND look good using a few of my favourite trends.

Rose Pink

This seasons hottest colour. The pink coat stole the show in AW13/14 catwalks but choose pretty much anything rose pink and you're on to a winner. Mix multiple shades together and experiment with texture...

For information on the individual items click here

Skirts & Shorts

Brave bare legs or invest in some warm tights. Skirts and shorts aren't being put away for the winter and are very much a staple part of your winter wardrobe this year. While minis are still perfectly acceptable, the lady-like calf length skirt gives you a few more inches of warmth.


Floral

Flowers also haven't been restricted to the summer months. Hold on to the chance of sunshine with florals.

For more information on the individual items click here

Check

Punk is back and with it comes check. A single statement piece is probably sufficient for most wardrobes. Add a plain fluffy crop jumper to a pair of check trousers for a simple but stylish look or be daring and clash with another print.

For information on the individual items click here

Oversized

I have just invested in an 'oversized' teddy coat from Topshop. I spent a good while working out which size to get in order to get the balance between over sized and just plain silly and eventually decided on the smaller one. As a general rule, the bigger the better but for someone of my size I didn't want to be mistaken for a Hagrid-look-a-like. This of course depends on the cut of the coat (or other oversized item of clothing) and its worth shopping around to find a shape that you can pull off.

If the androgynous look isn't for you, balance oversized items with something slim fitting for a more feminine look.


Texture

Sequins, feathers, silk, quilting...the list goes on. Combine different textures to make a perfect, on trend outfit for any occasion.

For information on the individual items click here

So how do you put these all together? Its good to experiment and there are really no rules but here is a few guidelines I will be following:

1) Mix and match. Whether thats with textures, patterns or trends, experiment with different combinations. How about a pink fluffy crop with check shorts and and oversized coat? Or a sequin skirt, silk top and feather jacket? Just be careful not to go too far!

2)  Keep warm. Self explanatory really.

3) Go oversized but know where to stop. There is a fine line and just make sure you are on the right side of it.

4) Sensible shoes. I know it sounds boring but while most things would look great with a pair of heels, you'd be better off preparing for puddles in a nice pair of boots.

5) Its never the wrong occasion for sequins. Especially as we get closer to Christmas.

Honestly Delicious

I've lived in Brixton for 18 years now and I'm completely ashamed to say that I've never ventured to Brixton Village. I naively   thought that the market was limited to the market stalls dotted around the side roads around the station. How wrong I was!

Walking though the arch we arrived into what can only be described as a treasure trove of tiny cafes, restaurants and bars tucked amongst Caribbean food shops and independent boutiques.

There was such a buzz in the air from all the Sunday afternoon chatter of young (generally very good looking) couples and groups of friends probably discussing last nights antics over a latte, crepe or plate of delicious food (be it Thai, Lebanese or burgers and chips!).

We had visited with a purpose - to check out Honest after so many people raving about it. We arrived and were told we would have a 45 minute wait despite trying to time out visit at a non-conventional mealtime of 3pm. So we went off for a peppermint tea and waited to be notified by text that our table was free. By this point we were starving and these burgers had a lot to live up to!

My usual panic over choosing what to eat was calmed by the small and simple menu. I went for a homemade lemonade and an Honest burger (on a gluten free bun - this market is a dream for any gluten free eaters) and Barney went for the special and we shared a side of coleslaw. 

It was all absolutely delicious! As in seriously good. The chips were debatably the best chips I've had in a long time...or maybe ever - they were all crispy! Yum. And the burgers were amazing too. There was such a charm about the place and the staff were very friendly and helpful. 

It was such great value for money, supporting British farmers (all meat is purchased from Ginger Pig) and a really lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

For more information on Honest burgers, you can visit their website at www.honestburgers.co.uk

Autumn Lust List

While I try super super hard not to shop I decided I should compile everything I want in my Autumn wardrobe into a little style guide to act as a shopping list for everyone else!

1) This two piece is just incredible and the price is just as candy sweet as the colour! (also available in black if Candy Floss isn't you're thing)

Crop Top £28 from Topshop

Skirt £32 from Topshop

2) I'm sure it has something to do with the grey skies at the moment but I'm lusting over macs right now. And this Petit Bateau one is one of the best I've seen (despite being slightly on the pricey side).

Petit Bateau Mac £195 from Urban Outfitters

3) If there is one crucial decision to make this season its what coat to buy...pink vs checked...
Masculine cuts are everywhere and there is no shortage of choice so find a length and cut that works for you.

Check Boyfriend Coat £75 from Topshop

Masculine Pink Coat £179 from Zara

4) Boots. A staple investment at any time of the year. Straps, buckles and heels are in and this pair are a great combination of all of these things. And even if you find cheaper ones elsewhere, its worth paying more to make them last.

Steve Madden Leather Ankle Boots £110 from Selfridges

5) Dress up or down to make these work for day time and evening!

Vine Bloom Trousers £65 from French Connection

6) Bad hair day or fashion statement? Either way it's time for a hat party.

Large brim hat £14.99 from H&M

Catarzi Fedora £30 from ASOS
(I'm loving the whole Catarzi range exclusive to ASOS)

7) You can never go wrong with embellishment for a posh frock and this ASOS number is so elegant. Play around with up dos, down dos or somewhere in between and keep accessories to a minimum for a simple but glamourous evening look.

Embellished Dress £85 from ASOS

8) These 'city' bags - either one or both is fine by me. And I live in the city so both is fine right?

Leather Citybag £149 from Zara

Leather Citybag £159 from Zara

9) Brighten up the day with some sparkles. These two are at opposite ends of the scale but I want them both! How long 'til Christmas?

Elise Split Skirt £178 from All Saints

Sequin Organza Hem Mini Skirt £30 from Topshop

10) As much knitwear as you can store....

Textured Jumper £59 from French Connection