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.)

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.)

PALM SPRINGS

Fun | Kitsch | California Dreamin'

ESSEX meets LA

DENIM: River Island

CROP: H&M

CULOTTES: New Look (£6 in the sale - bargain of the year!)

TRAINERS: Vans 

BACKPACK: Primark

SUNGLASSES: Urban Outfitters

Chocolate and Coconut. 

...it would've been rude not to.

EXPLORING LDN | SHOREDITCH - SHOPPIN'

What's the name? Of that shopping place? Near Shoreditch High Street station?...um. oh ffs. I can't remember for the life of -

Oh! OH! I've got it! - oh, wait, wait. No, no.

I know I know it. Its probably staring me right in the face. Muahahaha. Lolololololol.

I've been hearing about Boxpark for like, ever, so I was glad when I finally got to see it. Its so unique, and unlike any other shopping destination. Funnily enough, we didn't actually end up spending loads of time here because there was so much in the surrounding area to see, but what we did see of it we did really like. It has this very casual, chilled, nonchalant vibe, which allows you to comfortably drift aimlessly from one shop to another without the pressure of having to buy something.

I was so happy that Spitalfields was so close, so very very happy. I love the fact that we got to see and explore so much within such a small vicinity. Holly and I stood staring at this stall for a little while, debating whether to get a necklace made. We both love bar necklaces, and I've been on the look for another dainty necklace to pair with my Estella Bartlett one for a few months now. Before we go any further - we didn't buy them. BUT. BUT. I'm definitely keeping it in mind, and would without a doubt go back solely to get one.

I would want a word, a meaningful, motivational word - so as you can imagine, with all the will in the world, making a decision on what word to have is one that needs to be pondered over for more 5 minutes. Coz I'm famously indecisive like that. 

If not you can get your initial on a small disc, which was ANOTHER option we thought was super sweet and had to consider, making it all the more agonising. Options are so bittersweet.

We wandered into this shop on the outskirts of Spitalfields and fell in love. First of all - the name - Bethnals - I love it. Simple, memorable, authentic. 

The design and layout of the shop was just as beautiful as the clothes, and I nabbed one of these brochures in the picture to mull over at home. The general - much coveted - consensus was very minimalistic and basic, which is an aesthetic I find irresistible and have for a while now. Everything looked so well-made and thoughtful, and the chambray, granddad collar shirt folded up in the picture above had me at first glance. Understandably not cheap, this is the kind of place I would love to shop in when my bank account is financially flourishing, but even if its not, its still a true joy to go in there and pleasurably appreciate it on a visually gratifying level. 

Skilfully spotted by Holly - well done, pip - Anthropologie happened to fall right into our laps as we walked  floated out of COS in a euphoric, inspired daze. I didn't get to take many pictures in there, as I was too busy taking it all in, having never come across or been into the store before. Holly and I both bought one of the infamous monogram mugs each - which I still can't believe were only £6 and actually much more substantial than I'd imagined - and meandered around the store picking up plates and teacups and cute notebooks. I managed to snap this beautiful Olivia Burton watch though, which I tried on; Powder blue and Rose Gold - what a dreamy combo. 

Two bags. A whole lot of satisfaction. 

And that's all for my #shoreditchspam folks! 

I hope you've enjoyed this style of post, and keep an eye out for my next London escapade!

EXPLORING LDN | SHOREDITCH - GRUB

...that got your attention didn't it. 

First stop of this magical ride of oral titillation (god that sounded sexual)... 

DUM DUM DUMMMMMMM. 

...donuterrie.

I've been following Dum Dum on instagram for so bloody long. Like, so long.The longest time. Pining to go there everytime they pop up in my feed, my stomach crying a little with every photo of their mammoth cronuts and glossy donuts. I was elated when I found out they were even closer to me with their pop-up in Stratford Westfield, but that dream was short-lived when I went there and they were no where to be seen. Sigh. 

ALAS, fate finally allowed me to experience some Dum Dum! Myself and Holly both got the same; A raspberry donut ( our tradition) which was only £2 and the (rather mammoth) 'Cro-nutella' cronut, priced at £3 - so £5 for two gourmet donuts! Quite a cheerful price if you ask me!

Baked not fried - such an appealing USP. Its always nice to know that your super indulgent treat has been made in a healthier manner; makes you feel a little less naughty. Tehehehe.

NEXT STOP;

As mentioned in a previous post, I had already scoped out this little gem beforehand; the minute I saw their branding and logo I was sold, and the trip there did not disappoint...

Coffee is something I want to know more about, I feel like such a novice and I don't like that. I went for a latte, served to me with a complimentary glass of water. The coffee itself was lovely. Smooth, rich, decadent and perfectly frothy. I normally add sweetener to my coffee, but I actually got through half of it questioning the need for it because it was that flavoursome.

There were some suuuuuuuper super kewt, totally kitsch, tremendously tempting donuts with an animated aesthetic (One called 'The Homer' - basically a real life version of Homers famous donuts - SO COOL) on offer - which I later found out were made by a company/business/lady called 'Vickys Donuts'. I didn't get the chance to snap them on the day, but after looking at their adorable, fun and cartooned branding and instagram page, I really would love to try them. If it looks good, you've got me interested. 

Can't afford a city break to the Big Apple? - NBD, Brooklyn Coffee with scratch that itch.

This small space was absolutely oooozing with an undeniably cool, trendy New York vibe; the interior was stripped back, bare, very minimal and modern. I say this with no exaggeration, but sitting in the window of Brooklyn Coffee was a truly transporting experience. Holly and I both agreed, as we enjoyably people watched on a sunny Saturday morning, that we felt as though we had been picked up and dropped into NYC. I don't know how they do it, but, they do, and it just feels so considered and authentic. Authenticity is exactly what this place transmits, which makes it so appealing and unique.


THE MAIN EVENT;

 OH HAI BLEECKER STREEEEEEET.

Um. AMAZING. Yep. You'erd - AMAZING.

Because I know there is so much more food to try throughout London, and from all the various food markets we wish to visit, I find myself very rarely 'craving' somewhere we've already been. BUT. BUT. Bleecker wins a prize, because the other day I got a very specific Bleecker hankering.

- how could you not?!

A single cheeseburger and sweet potato fries - £10. 

This is worth more than £10. Its better than any burger I've had at any chain restaurant and probably paid double the price of a Bleecker for. The meat, THE MEAT, the meat. It melts in your mouth. It just disintegrates, and the recommendation of medium rare is bang on the money. Its flavoursome, its light, its juicy. After we'd devoured the burger, Holly and I said we felt like we hadn't even eaten anything, because it was so delicate it didn't give you that horrid full feeling, The sweet potato fries were the best, like, honestly they were the best, and the generous portion size was a much appreciated touch. We both want to go back - period; we want to go back for the double cheeseburger, but I also really want to try to Bleecker Black (double cheeseburger with a slice of black pudding), since its so raved about and just looks so delicious. Bleecker, you ma no.1.

GO THERE - you'll just have to get behind me in the queue. 

EXPLORING LDN | SHOREDITCH - #OOTD

I've been paying some serious attention to my style these past few months; experimenting, seeing what works and trying to find a consistency within it. 

Comfort, functionality and versatility are all of key importance to me, and so I've been slowly building up a wardrobe of interchangeable basics and staples and I'm really really happy with how its shaping up. 

I've definitely got my moneys worth out of this mac I bought back in March, it goes with everything, is the ideal finishing touch to most outfits and perfect for the notorious 'in-between' British weather.

Totally unintentional specsavers ad. lols.

This white v-neck t-shirt from H&M is 'the one.' I'm actually getting irrationally worried I won't be able to find it again; it hangs in a really flattering way and is one of those essential staples I've been collating. I find a white t-shirt makes any outfit look effortless and crisp - the pinnacle of adaptability.

I was so happy when we found a COS - it embodies the style I'm smitten with. 

I'm super chuffed with my navy straight leg trousers I got from H&M - (the ones I showed in a previous post) - they fit like a dream, are comfortable, light, and contribute a composed, chic element to an outfit which I'm really diggin'. Its so nice to have another trouser option other than just jeans, they add a formality which jeans never can - they are regimented, but relaxed and I love them. A strong addition to my wardrobe. Plus, I'm totally down with anything navy. 

'The Viv' ,as she's affectionately called, is the queen of my wardrobe. She goes with anything and everything and I'm so thankful for her.

I've always admired an ambiguous and androgynous approach to styling; I find it so aesthetically pleasing, so simplistic and uncomplicated - the coolest of the cool. Its one of my many inspirations that I like to incorporate when it comes to my own style, and something I that I find always looks effective and fresh. 

There's always inspiration to be taken from your future, immaculately dressed boyfriend...

EXPLORING LDN | SHOREDITCH (30/05/15)

I HAD THE MOST AMAZING SATURDAY.

It was utterly and wholly triumphant.

I was brimming with a euphoric sense of fulfilment on the train home. The day was absolutely chock-full with inspiration all around; fashion, food, art, style - so much amazing style my eyes could have probably ejected from their sockets. The buildings, the shops. Its such an enlivening and prevailing part of London, its one of those places that has so much too see and I have fallen in love as I had expected. My body ached when I was in bed that evening, I was stiff as a board; my theory behind it being that it was because I was in a continual state of attentive, engaged excitement all day - I've never felt so present. 

My eye was bloodshot when I got home. Maybe it was because I saw too much. 

Because I have so much to say/show/rant on about, I'll break up my day into sections, to make it a little more digestible. 

So, I hope you enjoy my #SHOREDITCHSPAM as much as I enjoyed documenting it!