Spring Clothing Wish List

Well there was that one week, where everyone got super excited (and terrified!), about the rise in temperature. I mean, I saw guys in shorts and T-shirt’s, and I didn’t wear a coat for two days!! As much as I am not into this global warming, I am looking forward to the warmer weather and it got me thinking about the pieces I need to add to my wardrobe to be ready for Spring. Below I have listed my wish list for when things get a little warmer ...

1. M&S Ribbed Polo Neck // The perfect under layer for a Summer dress to make it Spring transitional ready.

2. New Look Lace Up Hiker Boots // I’m loving the biker boot trend, I’ll be pairing these with a floaty midi skirt.
3. Topshop Fitted Western Denim Jacket // The denim jacket has always been the perfect Spring/Summer throw on, and I’ve never owned one! I think now is the time ...

4. Stradivarius Flowing Blazer // Getting inspiration from Allana Davison, I am after a longline blazer to pair with straight leg jeans, a plain tee and heels!
5. And Other Stories Straight Mid Rise Jeans // I must admit, I have moved to the other side. Straight Leg Jeans! And I won’t be turning back ... this colour would be a great addition and I love And Other Stories’ denim.

6. Miss Selfridge Khaki Linen Stripe Co-ord // Now this would be like wearing PJs and I am so here for it! With some mules and a straw bag, I’m all set.

7. ASOS Design Polka Dot Midi Skirt // Smart enough for work, paired with trainers and a plain tee. The perfect Spring outfit.

8. Zara Contrast Ring Earrings // I’ve always loved big earrings, I was there for the chandelier earrings in the early 2000’s. So I’m expanding my collections with lots of materials, shapes and colours. And these from Zara would be a great addition.
9. Cos Loose-Fit Seersucker Shirt // A fab twist on a classic, what’s more to say?
10. Mango Classic Trench with Bows - The perfect transitional coat. The trench can also smarten any outfit!

What are you looking to add to your wardrobe for Spring?

Lounge // Spring Update

Spring Styled Room from Etsy

So it was the first official day of Spring on Tuesday! Yes that's right, we are two days into Spring. And as usual, no one has told the weather. But even if the weather doesn't want to play ball, lets just pretend it's getting sunny outside, and on the plus side, at least it's lighter in the evenings!

So here are five super quick ways to bring Spring inside, and to pretend that it's sunny and warm. So throw open your windows, pretend there's a little family of birds just outside and follow a couple of points from below to welcome Spring.

Gorgeous lounge from Decorenvy

1. Plants

The quickest, easiest and simplest way to brighten up your lounge is to add in some greenery! Pop to your local garden centre for the afternoon, and take your Mum or your Nan. Spending some time with your loved one, getting some tea and cake and then shopping for some plants seems like the perfect afternoon to me. One larger plant to sit next to your sofa, and one or two smaller to chill on a table or two is the perfect addition to any room, not just your lounge.

Floral Coffee Table by Alex Dagmar

2. Flowers

In the same way that plants add in a gorgeous bit of greenery into your life, flowers do too! But they also bring some colour, and a gorgeous smell too. Grab a bunch of tulips (Ranunculus, Roses and Sunflowers are also all in season at the moment) from a local farmers market, pop them in a beautiful vase and you're done! (Side note: it also makes you look super grown up and like you've got your life together).

Prints from eBay (£2.59 each!)

3. Art Work

Artwork is an amazing way to update your lounge. Swap out a few prints around your home at the beginning of the season, or add a couple more to your walls can completely update your room and give it a totally different feel. Jump onto Etsy or even eBay, have a browse around and buy a couple of brighter, lighter coloured prints. Something with a leaf motif, with lots of pastel colours or maybe a water scene. If you don't have a frame then maybe a bit of washi tape on each corner of the print, or a couple of bulldog clips tacked into the wall. It will change it in no time!

Beautiful Minimal House from Cate St Hill

4. Soft Furnishings

It is the perfect time of year to update some of your cushions, to generally lighten things up. Swap out heavier wool, velvet or silk covers with some lighter fabric like linen or a printed or tumbled cotton. You could even go as far as to swap out your curtains! Personally I love a super light 100% linen all year round, as I love having the sunlight. If you have a heavier weight fabric, or blackout curtains then changing these over for a lightweight fabric really changes the whole feel of the room when you walk into it first thing.

Gorgeous Shelfie from Kate La Vie

5. Add Colour

A simple way to bring in Spring is with colour, traditionally more pastel colours, but yellows, pinks, greens and oranges are all super Spring like. This takes a little more time and effort, as you will go on a little colour treasure hunt. Buying bits and bobs for your lounge like vases, coaster, books or candles are a really easy way to add in the colour. Some of my favourite places for these kind of ornaments are H&M Home, Anthropologie and Oliver Bonas. Even some sueprmarket home department or eBay have some great pieces too.

How do you like to bring Spring inside your home?

Spring Fashion Staples

Seeing as we are in full Spring now, and the weather is starting to warm up *fingers crossed*, I thought I would share with you my favourite Spring clothing items to throw on in one of my favourite times of year!

Striped T-Shirt

The striped t-shirt is such a classic, like the LBD. And this Spring is no different, all of the high street and online stores have different styles, colours and stripe sizes, so you are bound to find one that suits you. It can be dressed up with skinny jeans and heels, or dressed down with boyfriend jeans and trainers and perfect for this time of year.

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Cropped jeans

Jeans are all cropped this season! If you're brave enough then the cropped flare is the biggest trend of the season. I am not that brave so will be purchasing some cropped skinny jeans instead, showing just that hint of ankle (Give it a bit of sun ready for Summer), if you get the right length for your height then they can lengthen your legs.

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Chambray Shirt
Another classic trend, making a bigger mark this season is the Chambray Shirt. These are so versatile, and you can always find one to fit your style. Long, cropped, fitted, baggy, wear them open or buttoned all the way to the top! (See I told you they were versatile!)

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Bomber Jackets
The epitome of an off day outer layer, bombers are everywhere this season. They are the perfect item to just throw on over your casual day outfit or to dress down your evening look! A black bomber is a classic, but why not jazz it up with a ___ one?!

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White Trainers
I cannot tell you how happy I am that trainers are still here, and they seem to be staying. Throw on you cropped jeans with some Stan Smiths or KSwiss and you're ready to go! In the evening pair these with a lose dress and a bomber jacket for a casual Spring evening look.

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What are your favourite Spring Staples?

Hello Spring

Image from AngieMake.com

Today, the 20th March, marks the official first day of Spring! I'm not sure anyone has let the weather know yet ... but things are looking up. Whilst walking in the park the other day with Ryan, I was discussing my love for Spring and I think if Spring had a word, it would be 'Optimism'. Spring definitely has a lot of promises; The promise of warmer weather, The promise of my favourite flowers, The promise of longer days, and alfresco dining. It's all a bit too exciting!

Plant something.
It's a little late to plant your Spring bulbs now, but you can get in the garden and start planting your Summer bulbs. Or if you're in a flat then head down to your local garden centre and grab some already grown in some lovely pots to bring Spring in.

Picnic in the Park.
There are so many gorgeous parks in London, so pack a bag and head out. There's Hyde Park, Regents Park, Battersea Park, Holland Park and so may more. They are just a few of my favourites.

Bike Ride.
In London, my favourite place to ride a Santander bike is along the the Thames River path. We're by Wandsworth Bridge. So heading West towards Putney and through to Barnes. Or right towards and around Battersea Park.

Bake cupcakes.
With Easter just around the corner, why not get into the kitchen and bake some Easter nest cupcakes, or even some Bunny shapes cookies!

Fill your home with the most beautiful flowers.
This time of year, all my favourite flowers are in season. Daffodils, Tulips, Peonies and Ranunculus. So head to the flower market, grab as many bunches as you can carry and fill your home.

Or head to one of the many Spring like events in London. A few are listed below;

The Boat Race, Putney to Mortlake (27 March).
One of the oldest sporting events in the world, this year is the 162nd Boat Race and the 71st Womens Boat Race. Watch at many points along the river with friends, and drinks. It is one of those events that signifies the start of Spring.

London Coffee Festival at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane (9-10 April).
Being a coffee addict lover this is my idea of heaven. Filling the Old Truman Brewery with stalls of coffee, tea, food, coffee demonstrations. You can learn how to make the best coffee at home, latte art, even chocolate making and ho to pair your coffee with chocolate. Doesn't it sound like heaven to you too?! Limited tickets remain so if you want to go then act fast. Standard tickets are £14,50 online, £20.00 on the door.

London Marathon (24 April).
Join the crowds and shout encouragement to the runners. Find your spot along the river and settle in, cheer on everyone and your friends. Stop in a pub on the way and raise a glass to the runners.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide opening (TBC).
The UK's tallest structure, and the symbol of the Olympic Park, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is being turned into a slide! There is no more info out yet and to opening date but keep your eyes peeled for it, would be amazing to do this Spring.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show (24-28 May)
Probably the epitome of Spring. Have a wander round the flower show getting ideas for your garden, buying up some beautiful items and generally soaking up all the Spring loveliness!

What's your favourite thing to do in Spring?

Colour Crush // Spring into Spring

Spring is officially only 2days away, and Easter only a week! I am so looking forward to longer and brighter days, with the smell of freshly cut grass and the general sense of everything feeling happier! So above are a few inspirational pastel Spring like images from my Colour Crush Pinterest Board to get us all in the Spring mood!

Enjoy ...

Recipe // Chunky Tomato Soup

I don't know about you, but my weekends can go one of two ways. Either I am super productive, getting up early, buying fresh ingredients for meals that I have planned ahead. Or ... I spend the day in my pyjamas, and use up whatever I have in my fridge. All I seemed to have in my fridge last weekend were a ton of tomatoes, and what do you do with tomatoes ... soup! So along with a couple of fridge and cupboard foods a soup was born:

Ingredients

- 1 Cup of hot water
- 1 Vegetable stock cube
- 12 Salad Tomatoes
- 1 Punnet of Plum tomatoes
- 1 White onion
- 6 Cloves of garlic
- 2 Sweet Potatoes
- Handful of Basil leaves

Method

Put into a saucepan the hot water, stock cubes and all of the tomatoes. As these are simmering away, chop up the onion, garlic and potatoes, and throw them in along with the basil. Simmer for 20minutes and serve with some chunky buttered bread.

This recipe is so versatile that you can swap out the ingredients, maybe add in some courgettes, or carrots. If you have a little longer or want to get some more flavours then just leave the soup simmering for longer or chuck all the ingredients in a slow cooker.

What are your easy weekend recipes?