TRAVL// LONDON'S CALLING [IMAGE HEAVY]

For a wee while I have thought about venturing down to London, our Capital city, to enjoy the Art, Culture and cuisine. I took an early train, armed with; my map (only £2 from The Works), some travel snacks, my trusty camera and an eagerness to experience bustling London.

The train ride gave me ample time to get through 'How to be Danish', a brilliant book (one of my 101 in 1001) about Patrick Kingsley's experiences with Danish folk and much of their countries cultural attributes. It's a pretty short book but really gives you a sense of the calm, friendly and (for many) cyclist enthusiastic Danes.

I'm a fan of the stunning mixture of architecture to be found in London. The contrast going along the street below, with the immense glass structure of the shard facing the Tower Bridge, it is difficult to believe these two majestic giants exist so close together. It reminds me of Tokyo, where you'd see tiny old shrines the size of a shed stood proudly between two massive skyscrapers.

My University course is design based so it felt ideal to visit the Design Museum. I found myself sat on a bench outside the Museum, enjoying a Starbucks coffee and watching the world drift by, the sun making the Thames sparkle, it was such a lovely break from packed tube trains and the mad crowds of the shops. The Design Museum has an exhibition about Women in Power, showcasing photographs and clothing of women that have influenced the world. I was particularly fond of the Chanel suit and Skin's (of Skunk Anansie fame) outfits which had shoulder pads with immense layering.

I had the chance to meet with a friend for lunch at the new Shoryu Ramen restaurant, located behind Liverpool Street Station. We had a little difficulty finding it but it was so worth it, I had an awesome Garlic ramen dish and a bun with prawns and they were so delicious I would eat there every day if I could! After dinner we went to Liberty's to check out the cosmetic counters and I picked up a few things which I'll put in a later post, it is amazing in there, every time I go it feels like an other worldly experience. I sound like a crazy lady haha but seriously I adore all the beautiful prints and the luxurious displays of fine leather bags and sparkling jewellery.

I leave you with photos of my day, none of me because, well why would I haha I'll probably put my outfit and some Instagram shots in the purchases post.

FASHION // LDN SHOP '14

This week was the 4 designers conference in London, where four designers talk about their work in design and linked careers. I won't delve into it but it was incredibly inspiring and just made the idea of becoming a designer that much more exciting.

Another great part of this adventure was seeing my friend I'd not seen for over a year, she very kindly gave me a place to stay and it was so wonderful to just chill out with her and catch up on what's happening with our lives. Some people you can not see for over a year and yet be able to talk to like you'd never been apart. London has so much to offer in the way of shopping so I couldn't resist a little spend. I found a lot of the shops were full of the same stuff but some gems were out there.

Some LUSH goodies, my friend previously worked at one of the stores so it was great to get her recommendations and to treat myself to some relaxing products after deadlines.

Victoria's Secret is fairly new to the UK and after visiting one in Orlando, Florida I had to check out the London store. The store itself was overly elaborate with loud music and glitzy decor but it was amazing as an experience and the staff were so pleasant. If you're down in London check out the store, it's just outside Oxford Street.

I had been looking for a statement necklace for a while and since I got a rose gold watch on holiday I saw this chain and charm in FOSSIL and went for it. The four leaf clover is a great symbol for luck, I feel like I've had a lot of luck with love and the like recently.

I love visiting London, hoping to go there again with my fella.

x

A few cheeky 2012 photos

I found a few photos that I had on my camera and not really uploaded so here are a few nice pics from 2012. Below is my lovely boyfriend, Jason & my crazy but wonderful friends. These are people that brighten every day. Some frost photos from the crisp English Winter. The bottom 3 are from a trip to London for Uni, we went along Oxford Street and the lights & window decor were just beautiful. I always feel a lovely festive feeling but the crowds are a bit too much.