THE WANDERLIST

Saturday, 27 June 2015

DESTINATION: VEGETATION

I often find it hard to relax.

I've come to realise my mind never fully switches off - well obviously not Courtney because then you'd be dead - even if I think it has. Even if I decide to actually do nothing, it still will usually entail constantly jotting down things in my phone, or googling things before I forget them, its something I can't help but do.

I've discovered, its hard to completely disconnect.

So, whilst on this learning curve of disengagement, I've decided to compile a helpful, cute little list of things to do to simply unravel yourself...

MY PINTEREST WEEKLY ROUNDUP #1

I love Pinterest.

And to think there was a time when I thought that the only purpose of Pinterest was just to show you how to manufacture striped straws and decorate mason jars. (Well, I'm not entirely wrong there.)

Nowadays I struggle to think where I would be without it, its a mood-lifter, its an constant source of inspiration, it enhances your outfit, but most important of all - Pinterest enhances your life.

I pin all day long. I am fully aware that I could very easily spend countless hours doing that very activity, but I have to actively refrain daily in fear of wasting my life. So. I'm going to share some images that have ignited some impassioned inspiration this week.

Oh lawdy, narrowing this down is going to be emotional.

PLAYIN' IT COOL

1) This outfit, this picture, is just wholly, and completely inspiring. Its this kind of androgynous styling that I am absolutely smitten with; its so laid back, and nonchalant and attractive. The sunglasses, the suit, the hair pulled back, the vans, the bracelets, the glow, the cafe, the croc patterned handbag perched on the table - yes, yes, everything, YES.

2) Nuff said.

I LOVE ASOS WHITE

OH, HAI THERE.

I only found out about this collection on ASOS a few months ago, and boy, oh, boy is it right up my alley. Given my current infatuation with clean, classic pieces and timeless shapes, ASOS white is singing loud and proud from my hymn sheet, so because of this, I thought I'd do an edit to show my adoration and appreciation;

(Many deep breaths are taken to prepare for the peruse of the picks...)

ASOS WHITE: EDIT

If there was only one thing I could buy from this collection, it would be this Denim Shirt Dress. Its perfect; the grandad collar, its ambiguous shape, its versatility. Its one of those pieces that you could reach for if you were lost for inspiration - its fail-safe, and reliable. I also love the idea of having it buttoned down and wearing it as a jacket - to be concise - its SUPER FRICKIN' COOL. Its just so cool.

It would make me look cool.

EXPLORING LDN | SOHO - GRUB - Cutter & Squidge

After one failed attempt to get here, determined, Mimi and I finally made it, and we were ready to get our mitts on some CAKE AND MORE CAKE AND OTHER CAKE LIKE THINGS.

Buried deep in Soho is the Cutter & Squidge pop up, and thankfully it was still here - after getting a frightening panic the evening before thinking it had popped off.

I come across Cutter & Squidge on instagram about 2 months ago, and instantly knew I had to visit. The decor and branding is so wholesome, and colourful, with its friendly 'countryside' appeal. Really original and rather adorable.

I mean, how could you possibly NOT want to try one of these beauties?! The creations above are called 'Biskies' created especially by Cutter & Squidge and are a cross between a cake, a cookie, and a biscuit. And I can confirm - they are an utter triumph.

I was so proud of my time- efficient and swift selection, considering the array of tantalising flavours in front of me. I went for the 'Chocolate Coconut Smore Biskie', and to, logically, counteract the chocolate overload, my second choice was the 'We Bake a Tart Well'.

The actual Biskie itself is close in texture, and pleasantly soft, quite similar to a 'Whoopie Pie' but less thick and stodgy - they are the perfect sweet treat.

Also on offer, are a selection of 'Dreamcakes'; tall, colourful and exceptionally, as the title would suggest - dreamy.

I had to didn't I - I'd been to the gym the day before, so, you know, it was fine. I had the situation under control. In the end, it was between the above and 'Apple of my Pie' - which had some kind of apple puree filling which was super enticing, but in the end I decided to go for the 'Cookies'n'Cream'.

The sponge was so moist and dense, but in no way heavy, and the buttercream was super light and whipped to perfection - but there was a lot of it, and it was very sweet so I couldn't quite manage it all. The slice was finished off at the top with a tiny biskie embossed with a little 'C&S' stamp, which was a lovely, sweet touch.

One of the main things I love about this company, is that they themselves, are health concious - much like myself - so they have purposefully created products that aren't laden with the bad stuff.

They use no hydrogenated fats, no artificial flavourings, colourings, or preservatives, and use premium, and British ingredients whenever possible, and its this kind of authentic, considered ethic that makes me champion Cutter & Squidge; it makes everything you buy worth the money you pay for it.

AESTHETIC: 8.5/10

GRUB: 9/10

Would I return and recommend? - Uh, YAH.

So get yourself down to their Soho pop-up, like, NOW. Ok, maybe not right now, because I don't think they are open, but, when you get an indulgent itch, get scratching with the help of these pals.

EXPLORING LDN | SOHO - GRUB - Melt Room

I've been to Soho quite a few times now, I'd like to think I'm pretty well-acquainted with the area, but because its such a 'hip'n'happenin' area, there are always new places popping up that I want to try out/ dribble outside of.

I heard about 'The Melt Room' a little while ago via twitter, and enticed by the rather unique idea of the place, started following them when they were in the process of setting up their shop, so was happy to find it open when we happened to stumble upon it.

(P.s how amazing does my nail varnish look ermagherd.)

#itnevermeltsogood

I got 'The Classic' with onion which was priced at £5.00. The bread used is sourdough - a great touch - which gives the sandwich that ultimate crispiness.

I really love the branding. Its simple, clean, and effectively attention grabbing and bright.

AESTHETIC : 8/10

GRUB: 5.5/10

Would you return and recommend? - I probably wouldn't return, no - unless I had a seriously uncontrollable and specific hankering for cheese.

EXPLORING LDN | SOHO - #OOTD

I really really loved the idea of having, and choosing, a song for my last #OOTD - so, please hit play!

BOHO BOYF

Casual | Masculine | Cool AF

#thosecheekbonestho #whoneedscontour #shedoesnt

I was continually bombarding Mimi with exclamations of love for her outfit when I saw her earlier this week, so I thought it would only be right to do a guest #OOTD!

Mimi is an accidental dresser; one of these people who can throw on anything without spending hours pondering, and unbeknownst to herself, ends up looking enviably effortless.

I loved the layering of the crochet under her shirt - major boho vibes.

Kewt.

I really loved the toughened, masculine feel, and the fact that it was so comfortable and casual but still experimental. For anyone else who is partial to a bit of 'Made in Chelsea - I said this outfit was rather reminiscent of a stylish Mr.Jamie Laing, does anybody else agree?

My beautiful babs.

@mimi_gilles

I hope you've enjoyed this different #OOTD - and are feeling inspired!

(Resorted to layering in mid-june. Come on england ffs.)

Saturday, 6 June 2015

SEASIDE STYLE DIARY | 04/06/15

Before we begin, I would like to ask you to please press play on the video below, in order to create the desired ambience, transport you to the beach and to provide a more sensory, well rounded experience when viewing these images. Please take your time, and enjoy. :)

Thank you.

(Corrr, that was a bit formal wasn't it.)