The Blogger's Hangout Tea Party

Welcome back!

This week I was lucky enough to receive an invite to the blogger's tea party event hosted by The Blogger's Hangout at the Pop Up Patio. I thought I'd dedicate a whole post to it and all of the lovely brands and bloggers I met.

BIO-TIFUL DAIRY

The first brand I met at the tea party was Bio-tiful Dairy. Bio-tiful Dairy make organic cultured milk drinks made with either live Kefir cultures or live Riazhenka cultures. Whilst these are bacteria they are both extremely good for you and your tummy. They pose a wide range of health benefits such as improved digestion, improving and maintaining a healthy immune system and just hold a lot of nutritional value. Not to mention they taste so nice too. My favourite flavour is the honey and mint Kefir smoothie. I think I may have found my new favourite breakfast.

THE COCOA DEN

What girl doesn't love chocolate? If you know me well, then you know about my chocolate addiction. So when I saw these pieces of edible art made completely of dark, milk and white chocolate I couldn't help but feel over joyed. The Cocoa Den was founded by Kate Burton who has a special passion for all things chocolate and sweet; be it delicious chocolates or cakes. The amount of detail in each sculpture was astounding and not too mention the chocolate truffles were to die for. My favourite sculpture there was this peacock (pictured below).

JAKE'S BOOST

Named after their pet dog Jake's Boost was founded by a couple who were looking for the right nut butter. But when they couldn't find one they decided to make it themselves. Made with all natural ingredients the Jake's Boost butter is both vegetarian and vegan. However what I like most about this brand is it's emphasis on charity. Every time you purchase a jar or sachet pack of Jake's Boost a breakfast is provided to a child in the UK who needs it. Yummy, healthy and most importantly a worthy cause.

MEAD HO!

I'm not a beer, lager or ale lass. However I do love mead. I first tried mead last year and I couldn't believe that I had never had it before. There is a subtle sweetness to it which I prefer to the traditional taste of beer. Mead Ho! is a relatively new brand filling the gap in the UK alcohol market. Currently mead isn't widely available in the UK but Mead Ho! are trying to change that. I would definitely recommend you give this a try. Especially if you're like me and cannot stand the taste of beer, lager or ale.

DRINK ME CHAI LATTE

I already frequently drink this product and it's always in my cupboard. Drink Me Chai Latte is a powder which you can make hot and cold chai tea lattes from. If you've ever had a chai tea latte from Costa or Starbucks, you'll love this because it tastes 100x better. I was informed at the event by one of the lovely Drink Me Chai Latte team that you can actually also use the powder in baking, breakfast cereals, porridge and even cocktails (I definitely have to give that a try!). You can find the regular chai latte mix in loads of different supermarkets but you have to go online if you want the other flavours like mango and green tea.

That's it for this post lovelies. Keep your eyes peeled for more blogging event posts coming soon! And comment down below if you went and link me to your posts. I'd love to see them!

First Impression Fridays Featuring BLFW

Welcome back!

I was sitting on the tube the other day scribbling away in my notepad about all the of ideas for my blog I had in the past 24 hours. Just as I was doing this my email pinged. I went to my phone to check it and it was The Blogger Hangout inviting me to the blogger London Fashion Week event. Obviously, I said yes please! And that's where this first impression Fridays idea developed.

Basically first impressions Friday will take place on the last Friday of each month and it will feature all of the lovely things I had picked up that month be it from events like BLFW like in this post, purchased myself or been sent to try out. I will carry out some more in depth reviews but for now I will just talk about my first impressions. So without further delay, let's get into the goodies from this month!

I lied... before we get started I just want to let you know that this edition will be a little different as I will include photos of the BLFW event too.

Upon arriving to BLFW we were greeted by the lovely team at ZEO who offered us a refreshing drink before we went to snoop around all of the other goodies. I had the mixed berry which was so yummy. It wasn't sugary sweet like other soft drinks, it was almost dry like a nice rose wine.

THUMBS UP NAILS

The first booth I stopped by was the Thumbs Up Nails stand. It was full of a beautiful array of nail foils, nail wraps and accessories. The kind lady at the stand even showed me how they worked on my own nails. You just simply find a wrap that looks relatively close to the shape and size of your nail, stick it on, peel off the sides and then file down the top. Easy-peasy!

Thumbs Up were even kind enough to gift me their cleo nail wrap pack, a nail file and compact mirror. I am so excited to try out these beautiful wraps as they were so easy to apply and looked just like you had painted them on yourself.

MAGNITONE LONDON

The next stand I arrived at was the Magnitone London stall which was already on my list to see. I've heard so many good things about their facial brushes and was dying to see a demonstration. I know I already own a Braun facial and body cleanser brush that works similar to these, but it definitely doesn't come in pink! 

As I glided the brush across my hands I instantly felt the difference. The Magnitone isn't as harsh and the bristles are a lot softer and forgiving against my sensitive skin. This is now officially on my lust list! 

PAUL MITCHELL

I don't know about you guys but I just love having my hair done. That's why when the very talented Amy from the Paul Mitchell team offered to do my hair in a beautiful Elsa braid I couldn't say no. All of the products used on my hair were made from high performance ingredients and most importantly (to me, at least) weren't tested on animals. 

Amy was more than lovely and did an amazing job on my hair. I just wish I could have her do my hair like this everyday! The products Amy used to create this beautiful full braid were the express dry wash dry shampoo and the express dry stay strong hairspray which both smelled lovely by the way. 

And here is the finished look! How beautiful is that? As I've said I wish Amy could magically come to my house every morning and do my hair. The Paul Mitchell team were all so lovely and even featured me on their Instagram and Twitter (thank you!). They also gifted me a wonderful mini set complete with the dry shampoo and hair spray (which were both used on my hair) as well as the extra body collection serum, conditioner and shampoo all kept neatly in this super cute leopard print bag.

I literally just tried out the shampoo and conditioner last night in the shower and what can I say? I loved them. I awoke today with full thick locks. They both lather up nicely and left my hair silky smooth, bouncy and shiny.

STVDIO 5

Aren't these just the most adorable bath treats ever? Stvdio 5 create the cutest vegan cosmetics. They are all handmade and made with natural ingredients. I can tell you that they all just smelt divine. Lush eat your heart out.

NADIA MINKOFF LONDON

The first brand I stumbled upon in the gifting lounge was Nadia Minkoff London. It was so lovely meeting the team and learning about their brand's story. Nadia Minkoff is a quintessentially British brand with frequent nods to vintage inspiration.

Looking at the products they were everything I look for in jewellery- statement pieces without being too in your face. I like delicacy when it comes to accessories but I also like them to be a bit different. My favourite piece was a pair of black dangling skull earrings which I could see myself rocking with an outfit like my black sun ootd.

Nadia Minkoff also do some really gorgeous bags. They are all classic shapes from the over-sized slouchy day bag to the structured evening clutch. They are all made with high-quality materials and ooze luxe. I was lucky enough to receive a free gift from the brand which was a beautiful dachshund necklace, complete with floral bow detail and dangling gem. You can see a photo of it over on my Instagram.

THE CURL COMPANY

I must admit, as a lady with slightly frizzy but curly hair I was very excited to see what The Curl Company had to offer. Their whole line is dedicated to people with wavy and or curly hair. Each product is designed to enhance and define your curls whilst making them look and feel beautiful. The Curl Company team were so lovely listening to me ramble on about my "curly hair problems" and assured me that these problems were exactly why they created their products.

The Curl Company were kind enough to gift me a whole set of their products. I received a styling gel, a curl cream, defining mousse and a leave-in conditioner. After every shower I have had since receiving the products I have used the curl cream on the ends of my damp hair. I must say I have seen a considerable difference. My hair has no frizz since applying the product and my curls look bouncier, fuller and shinier.

AMIE NATURAL SKINCARE

I was originally enticed over to the Amie Skincare stand because of the beautiful packaging. I mean what girl can't resist a pretty pastel colour palette complete with matching marshmallows? The skincare range is all natural and not tested on animals. So far, a huge thumbs up from me. What I loved most about the brand was the story behind it. Amie was created by the founder Fiona for her daughter Samantha to solve many skincare problems we all face but so many skincare brands fail to solve.

Amie Skincare were so kind as to gift me with a few of their products. I received the exfoliating polish, micellar water, moisturiser and facial wash. I have already tried out the micellar water, moisturiser and exfoliating polish. All of which smell beautiful. The products are all easy to apply and use but most importantly don't leave my sensitive skin red and itchy. Stay tuned for an updated skincare routine featuring these products!

WELEDA

The Weleda brand's best selling product Skin Food has actually turned 90 years old this year. The brand started out as a pharmaceutical lab with its own medicinal plant garden. That's why Weleda products are still all made with natural ingredients today. The very kind team at the event even demonstrated the skin food cream on the back of my hand. It smelt natural and refreshing with a smoothing and moisturising after effect.

Weleda were kind enough to gift me their world renowned product skin food. Although I haven't tried out the two products yet I am excited by the fact that you can use it as a face mask. So stay tuned for a little update on how I got on.

PURE POTIONS

Another natural skincare brand Pure Potions is made from all natural ingredients. The brand is directed more so at those who have dry skin (I internally rejoiced when I heard this). The Pure Potions stall was full of a range of products from oils and serums to balms and cream.  

The lovely Pure Potions team allowed me to pick any products on the stall I liked to take home and try. I decided on the Bath and Body Oil. I have very dry skin especially on my upper arms and elbows so I thought it would be a great product to help me combat that. The helpful lady at the stand also said you could use the oil as a make-up remover. I also picked up the Arnica Rescue Salve. This balm is specifically for first aid purposes to aid with bruising. I dance alot so this will come in very handy.

SENSATIONAIL

I already have a Sensationail kit with the UV lamp and a few nail polishes so when I saw the stand I cannot tell you how excited I was. I couldn't grab any snaps of their beautiful set-up as it got so busy. I already know that I love the Sensationail brand so when I was offered to try out their new Polish To Gel Transformer I couldn't say yes quick enough. I have already tried out the product with a regular drug store nail varnish and it works perfectly! To see photos you can go to my Facebook or Twitter.

I was also lucky enough to be gifted some LAB 2 make-up brushes from the Sensationail team. Although I haven't tried them out yet I am excited to test them out. I was even thinking of doing a comparison between my Beauty Blender I already own against this LAB 2 one. What do you think?

IOMA

One of the last brands I met at the event was Ioma. Ioma is a luxury personalised skincare line which tailors skincare around your skin and its different needs. The coolest part about this brand is that they have a device which once scanned over your skin can create a skincare regime specifically made for you. Everyone's skin is different so I think that Ioma  has hit the skincare nail on the head.

Did you go to the The Blogger Hangout BLFW event? What were your favourite brands? Link your posts down below so I can have a look!

Stunning Saira Shoes!

Welcome back!

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a wonderful blogger event hosted by Saira shoes at the Ninety Eight bar in Shoreditch. Before I get into showing you the photographs I would like to thank Saira shoes and fellow blogger Beckie for the invitation. I am very grateful and had a really lovely time meeting everyone and of course lusting over some really beautiful shoes!

Saira shoes boast a huge range of ballet flats, loafers, boots, sandals and even trainers. The brand is born from Indian influences but all of the shoes are hand-made in London; an interesting juxtaposition for luxury women's footwear. The word "Saira" means bird in Hindi. The name is prevalent through the flowing designs, stunning colours and naturally shaped embellishments.



The trainers are where you can really see the two cultures coming together. The bright colours and elaborate patterns that we are so used to seeing in Indian culture and heritage combined with the shape and structure of an urban trainer give the shoes a unique identity and feel. I would pair any of this trainers with a pair of plain skinny jeans and oversized tee for a colourful twist on the sports luxe look.

Another timeless shape in the shoe collection is the loafer. I particularly like the dark blue velvet loafers with the gold crest embellishment. These would be a perfect addition to a more dressy outfit; think a smart structured skirt and floaty blouse or go all out and pair it with a matchy velvet dress (I have a missguided one that would be perfect with these!).

The shape of the ballerina flats pictured above and below are simply to die for! I love the cut outs on the side of the shoe which almost make he whole side of the shoe disappear. The pointed toe paired with the elaborate swirling pattern and rich colours ooze class and sophistication. Pair these with your favourite midi skirt for a chic city girl look.

Finally the last shoes in the collection were the sandals. Intricately woven with warm thick coloured thread, strong sturdy fabrics and all brought together with a practical leather sole this is your staple shoe for the summer. There is slight padding around the heel and toes for extra comfort for those long summer days. There are so many shapes from strappy sandals to pool sliders. There is something for every style you may be wanting to try next season. 

 

PURE London Fashion Weekend

Welcome back,

This month I got the opportunity to go to PURE London fashion weekend.

For those of you that don't know PURE London is a fashion event that is compiled of fashion shows, seminars, lectures and stalls/units containing this upcoming season's collections by designers big and small. The best thing about PURE is that anyone can go, you just apply via their website. I went as a student and had a great time browsing the expo.

I have attached a few photos of my favourite upcoming designers and trends for autumn/winter '15 that I cannot wait to try.

Firstly I want to talk about jewellery.

It seems like the large statement pieces from this summer are carrying over to autumn/winter. Silver is to be a common base this coming season complete with large rope and beaded designs. I love the simplicity of the necklaces above. I could see myself styling these with plain coloured turtle neck jumpers in the winter to add a little excitement to an otherwise rather normal outfit.

Heavily detailed Aztec inspired designs also dominated the stalls at PURE. I particularly loved the piece above. I would definitely wear this on a night out with my favourite LBD (little black dress). The earrings to the left also caught my eye, I love the bold shapes and unique designs. They are everything you would want in a statement earring- wear them with your hair up for even more impact. 

Overall I felt all the jewellery had a very exotic feel inspired by many different cultures, whether they were Indian, Aztec or Native American. They would all make amazing stand alone pieces or as layered pieces to intertwine designs and give a more bohemian feel like the image above.

Now let's get on to talking about a girl's favourite item to shop for. Bags!

One of my favourite bag designers at PURE was Claudia Canova. I had never heard of this brand until stumbling across their stall at the expo. All of their bags had a little pop of colour which makes a welcomed change from last years monochrome pallets. The patterns were also to die for. I really loved the eye motif that was printed on several different bags. The perfect way to spruce up your work wardrobe next season.

PURE also had some really beautiful clothing items. I would show you all my photos but this post would be the longest in the world if I did. Here are just a few of my favourites. 

There was a really small Spanish brand at PURE who specialized in leggings. These leggings were not just your basic black, they were made of a spandex/lyrca combination with amazing patterns and designs. The above skull and rose motif would look amazing with a plain crop top and trainers for a casual weekend. 

I also loved this more subtle pair. The muted grey in combination with the white and flower accents look positively chic. The cherry blossoms are so beautiful. The helpful lady at the stand also told me that each pair is handmade and the designs hand painted, making every pair unique. 

When at PURE I also normally find a few mannequins I like. Here are a couple. 

I thought I was sick of the monochrome trend but after seeing this outfit combination I fell in love with it all over again. I love the silhouette of the cinched in waist and slightly oversized t-shirt. The mesh on the neckline also adds a bit of texture which is needed in a black and white colour pallet. I could see myself rocking this look up London with a pair of black minimalist heels for a classic city chic look.  

Another trend I noticed at the expo was pastel, it seems the colour pallet has made a come-back this autumn/winter. I particularly enjoy the coral coloured lace dress above. The dress feels warm, flirty and perfect for a party. Pair it with some nude heels and simple accessories for an easy outfit combination. 

I hope you enjoy this post and even if you didn't go to PURE I hope you got a feel of what it was like. 

*CIAO*