Wednesday 12 March 2014

Drinks on the 32nd floor...

I went to Law School in London Bridge. Which meant every morning when I got off the tube I'd be greeted by the enormously impressive building - the Shard. And every morning I'd look up and daydream about taking a trip up there and sampling the food and drink whilst looking out over London town. Unfortunately I was a student, and the little money I did have didn't really stretch that far. However now I've become a grown up with a proper pay check, I decided it was time to make that dream a reality. I knew James was going to absolutely love it. So on Saturday we took the 12 minute tube ride from Clapham and arrived at the Shard, ready to admire the wonderful views and drink the finest cocktails money could buy.

I wore a simple but classic outfit. My silk black cami is from River Island, my red skirt is from H&M (I had previously bought it for work and realised it was waaay too short) which has beautifully overlapped fabric which you can't see on the photo, and then my simple black heeled sandals are from New Look. I absolutely love wearing red - there's just something sexy but effortless about it. We asked the security guard on the ground where to go and he said Oblix on the 32nd floor. We got into a lift which only had one button (32) and whizzed up. When we arrived I left my coat with the people at the desk and we walked through a dimly lit corridor into what can only be described as a fantasy.

There was a live band playing everything, from JT to Amy Winehouse. It wasn't too busy but the atmosphere was buzzing. Everyone was dressed to impress, and the decor was elegant and sexy. James and I decided to order cocktails. I went for the Pink Cadillac, and James had the Plum Rum Mai Tai. Both were absolutely delicious (and extremely strong.) Whilst they were pretty pricey and definitely not your casual drink in the local pub on a Saturday night, it was so worth it.



You literally could see all of London whilst you sipped on your drink. James and I naughtily went to the window and looked down at the ground, and immediately started pointing out landmarks and things we knew.

I definitely didn't capture enough photos but I urge you to go. It was absolutely MAGICAL. I vow to go back for dinner next time for a really special occasion. James and I didn't really have words to describe how amazing it was. We had a couple more drinks (oops) and eventually headed home for some fast food and cuddles. Best Saturday date night EVER.

Monday 10 March 2014

Portobello Road, Portobello Road...

So for quite a while I've been promising James a date weekend in London. A whole weekend, just the two of us, where we explore different parts of the beautiful city and do things we wouldn't usually do. I love London, but it's so easy to get stuck in your little bubble. Home - work - home - out in the area you live in. You forget that a 15 minute tube ride can mean you end up in a completely different area of the city with a completely different vibe. It's one of the reasons I love our capital.

We had a little lie in on Saturday morning followed by a naughty full English brunch. We then got dressed and headed out to Notting Hill and Portobello Market. I spent the whole journey singing the song from Bedknobs and Broomsticks (James has never seen it - devastated) and as soon as we got there I wasn't disappointed.



The weather was unbelievably beautiful. There were all kinds of antiques, clothes and people to admire. The smell of the food stalls made my mouth water (especially the peri-peri chicken, chorizo ciabattas and falafel wraps) and if we weren't still full of brunch I would have feasted on all of it (MENTAL NOTE: Return for the food.) James bought himself a 100% wool tartan scarf from one of the little shops (what a trendy man I have) and I may have treated myself to a gorgeous black floppy hat which I proceeded to wear the whole afternoon...

After strolling up and down the road and admiring everything on offer, we found a local drinking hole to quench our thirst. A Carling top for James and a Modelo with lime for me.



James was in heaven - the place was the perfect mixture of classic pub with an edgy cool modern twist. Everyone was relaxed and just enjoying a casual Saturday afternoon. Perfect.





On our way back we lingered along the roads of Notting Hill, dreaming about one day living in one of the beautiful white houses with the tall pillars at the entrance and the big black doors. One day it will happen, I'm sure of it. I got James to snap a photo of my outfit.



I wore my trusty black Joni Jeans from Topshop, a beige oversized polkadot shirt from Topshop, my tan loafers from New Look which I absolutely love (but kill my feet,) this GORGEOUS bag from Primark (yes, Primark. For £9. Bargain or what?!) and finally my new floppy hat. I can see that appearing in a lot more future posts.

It was the perfect Saturday afternoon. Check back to see what we did Saturday evening and Sunday day - you're in for a treat!

Saturday 1 March 2014

A sneak peak into our new home...

I can't actually believe I'm saying this, but I think I've found something I've enjoyed buying as much as clothes this month. Homeware. I know, am I feeling alright? Since moving into our new flat almost 2 months ago, we have made a lot of effort to decorate as much as possible so it feels like 'home.' For both Katie and I this is the place we will spend almost all of our time when we're not at work, so we wanted to make sure we were excited to get home to it every night!

So without further ado, here's a little tour of the place we like to call home!

First up is my bedroom. Now I am a massive girly girl. I love all things pretty and pink (hence being likened to Elle Woods.) However, I wanted my room to be feminine and cute but not so over the top that it resembles a 5 year old's princess room (although I was tempted.)



I chose some simple white floral bedding, and got 2 pink cushions from IKEA and a white soft heart-shaped cushion from Primark to 'dress it up' a bit more. I think cushions just add that little something. My little pink bedside lamp is from IKEA as well, and I am in love with my 'LOVE' letters from BHS. I'm a sucker for all things like that (I'd own everything on www.notonthehighstreet.com if I could.)

My dressing table was a steal from JYSK at £24.99 and now I've finally got somewhere to put my plastic make-up storage on. I finally have my 50 lipsticks to choose from in the morning again! I still want to get a photoframe collage to go above my bed (you can never have too many photos of loved ones) and I need to get a chair so I can sit down to do everything but then the room is DONE!



The open plan lounge/kitchen is my favourite part of the flat. The sofa and coffee table were already there when we moved in, but we've bought a random mixture of cushions to cover the sofa, and the rug was gifted to us by my parents as moving in present! The flowers are from James from Valentines Day - They look so beautiful I'm tempted to just buy some for myself every week!



The red theme runs all the way into the kitchen. I LOVE the cute Tea, Sugar and Coffee ceramic pots we picked up from Sainsburys and the gingham teatowels are adorable (and so on trend ;) )

So there's a little sneak peak. We've still got a few finishing touches to make like photos and canvases, but it's almost all complete and I'm so happy with how it's turned out. My first proper grown-up home...when did that happen?!