Wednesday 20 August 2014

Finding the Perfect White Tee



So I've been searching for a solid fail-safe white t-shirt for some time now and hadn't had any luck. The ones I have found are either too thin and see-through or too stiff and unshapely. I wanted something smart but casual, which I could wear with bpth jeans and cigarette pants, and finally found the perfect one in Topshop.
 
An adaptation of their signature scalloped vests, this white top features a pretty scalloped hem and sleeves, and is super soft on the skin! If anyone else is also on a quest for the perfect white t-shirt, I'd recommend trying this one. Oh and I didn't just stop at the white one either; I now have the top in black and peach too.

You can find it on the Topshop website here... www.topshop.com

Friday 15 August 2014

Olivia Palermo x Aquazzura



Next month sees the release of Olivia Palermo’s collaboration with shoe label Aquazzura. The capsule collection comprises just 6 pieces inspired by designer Edgardo Osorio’s archives along with favourite pieces from Olivia’s own wardrobe; most notably a vintage Victorian necklace which manifested as the ankle embellishment on jewelled sandals.
The collection seems to feature something for everyone’s wardrobe, from thigh-high suede boots, metallic leather sandals, suede and leather courts and an ultra-soft pair of suede boots; made from Aquazzura’s signature cashmere leather.
My favourite piece is actually the gladiator lace-up sandals as I am yet to own a pair similar (and of course cheaper) than these. Plus they look great with both dresses and jeans.
The collection is available to buy from Net-A-Porter.com from September 12th.

Friday 25 July 2014

My Best Friend's Wedding


I am so excited to share this post from my best friend’s wedding with you all. It was the most wonderful day full of laughter, smiles and happy tears.
Kerry and her lovely fella Sam got hitched at Rivervale Barn in Yateley, Hampshire; the perfect venue for their ‘shabby chic meets vintage’ wedding. With 7 bridesmaids, 2 flower girls, 2 best men and 6 ushers; Kerry and Sam were well accompanied. The bride chose to wear the most beautiful ivory lace dress featuring a deep V-neckline and even deeper V backline. I know I am biased, but she really did look incredible.
Soft mint hues featured heavily throughout, from the bridesmaid’s dresses and usher’s ties, to the hanging heart table favours, floral and checked bunting, and of course the wedding cake – which was adorned with cream roses and gipsofila, and trimmed with string pearls and pretty lace.
The weather was gorgeous; sunny and warm, and the barn itself was beautiful, with large green grounds and a courtyard where most people congregated.
Extra touches were left all over the venue, making the day even more memorable. These included a basket of flip flops for the females to change into when needed, a pick ‘n’ mix’ sweetie table, and a personalised Instagram chalk board with the hashtag #MrandMrsPilkington.
The photography was provided by local company Lilybean, along with a photo booth full of props – a firm favourite at any wedding. As always, I took hundreds of photos throughout their special day. Below are just some of my favourites.












Tuesday 4 March 2014

Travel: Cape Town



Josh and I have just returned from a sensational 9-day break in South Africa, where we spent the majority of the trip exploring the beautiful Cape Town. With beaches comprising of stunning (if a little cold) azure waters and white sands, picturesque mountain walks and drives, and bustling harbour-view restaurants, shops and bars; Cape Town really does have it all. Like most people we did have our reservations about safety before we arrived, but after spending half a day in the city these reservations quickly disappeared. Don’t get me wrong, you obviously have to keep your wits about you, but isn’t that true of any city? (London included!) 

We spent our days hiking up mountains, wandering about the Victoria & Alfred waterfront, relaxing on the warm sands of Clifton beach and Camps Bay, and enjoying the native and delicious South African wine (and a frozen daiquiri or two). I don’t think I’ve ever eaten as well as I did in the Western Cape and with a generous fillet steak and fresh lobster linguine costing the equivalent of about £6, there’s really no excuse not to. Of course we did try South Africa’s traditional cuisine of crocodile, springbok and ostrich, which you will find at the authentic Mama Africa cafe in the city centre.

Highlights from the trip included cocktails at Camps Bay (which at night looks even-more spectacular), views from Cape Town’s most iconic landmark – Table Mountain, and a day spent at Boulders Beach – home to thousands of wild African penguins. Other things not to miss include High Tea and the Mount Nelson Hotel (described as the “best tea in the world” by the UK Sunday Times) and the Cape of Good Hope, a nature reserve which lies at the tip of the Cape Peninsula.
For anyone considering visiting the city, I cannot recommend it enough. Cape Town has everything you need for any holiday whether it be a cultural city break or a relaxing beach vacation you’re after. It’s even great if you are looking for an adventurous get-away as there’s tonnes for adrenaline junkies too, including shark cage diving and bungee jumping.
I hope you don’t mind the mass of photos included in this post – there are just too many good ones to choose from and I would love to share as many as possible.