Tag: chic

A Gorgeous Girls’ Day In Brighton

March 23, 2026

There’s something about a girls’ day by the sea that just feels like a warm hug for the soul, and celebrating one of your besties birthdays makes it all the more special.

We kicked the afternoon off on the pebbled shores of Brighton Beach, soaking up the glorious spring sunshine with pink fizz in hand and camping chairs in tow, because practicality is the new chic when you’re in your 30s!

The air was crisp, the sea sparkled, and I felt the kind of easy, carefree joy that only comes from being with your favourite people.

After a few sun-drenched hours, we headed back to Livy’s flat to get ready for the evening which turned into a wholesome little celebration of its own. Somewhere between doing our makeup and sharing outfit options, we surprised Cara with a birthday cake, candles glowing, and yet more bubbles.

For the evening look I went for effortless glam: my new deep olive green Motel top with a plunging neckline, paired with black flared jeans from Stradivarius, brown pointed Topshop boot heels, and statement gold earrings.

I added a cow skin handbag for a playful pop of print and finished with my ASOS brown textured trench to complete the fit. Sophisticated with just the right touch of drama, the kind of outfit that makes you walk a little taller.

We were ready just in time to see the final few moments of sunset, so we ran back down to the seafront to experience it in all its glory.

Sunset skies never fail to amaze me and it was even more beautiful having my besties by my side to soak up this moment with.

Our first stop of night was Plateau, a cosy little wine bar perfect for easing into the evening.

We shared a bottle of red paired with buttery Nocellara olives and tangy pickled veggies; simple, delicious, and exactly what you want as golden hour fades into night.

Dinner followed shortly after at Tutto, a spot we’d been eyeing for a while and it certainly did not disappoint.

Built on the ethos “bring everyone, eat everything”, it felt like the perfect place for an intimate birthday celebration.

We started with warm focaccia bread and creamy buffalo mozzarella served with Jerusalem artichoke and a hazelnut pesto.

For our main course we shared the roasted cod with clams and borlotti beans, chestnut mushroom agnolotti, and a rich, comforting ragu pappardelle.

Delicious dishes full of flavour that we savoured every mouthful of, absolutely exquisite dining scenes.

The waiter then surprised Cara with her second birthday treat of the day, a classic Tiramisu which we all tucked into and thoroughly enjoyed.

From there, the night unfolded in the best way drifting between a few bars, dancing, laughing, and fully embracing that carefree, slightly chaotic energy that only comes out when you’re with your girls.

The giggles, the shared memories, the feeling of slipping right back into your teenage selves like no time has passed at all; nothing fills my cup more than quality time with my best girlies ❤

Tulum Eats; Mexico Meets the Med At Ciao Osteria

March 10, 2026

We stumbled across Checkpoint Ciao Osteria following a lovely dinner at their sister pizzeria just down the beach road in Tulum. It was a place so charming that one visit simply wasn’t enough.

We first wandered in for a pre-dinner drink, taking two seats at the bar with no intention of ordering much more. But the moment we spotted the bread basket on the menu, curiosity got the better of us.

This was far from your standard bread and butter situation. Instead it arrived as a beautifully elevated appetiser: warm sourdough bread accompanied by creamy burrata cucumber salad, a delightful mini parmigiana, and of course a side of olives.

Simple ingredients thoughtfully done, the kind of sharing plate that makes you slow down and savour each bite. That little taste of the menu was all it took to convince us we needed to come back for a proper dinner.

The interiors alone are reason enough to visit. The design feels like a dreamy blend of Bali and Morocco, yet somehow still perfectly suited to the laidback spirit of Tulum.

One of my favourite details was the striking sun sculpture above the arched entrance, instantly setting the tone for that Mediterranean meets Mexico atmosphere you are welcomed with inside.

When we returned a few nights later, we were seated in the restaurant’s beautiful indoor-outdoor dining space where the palms sway above and warm evening air drifts through the room.

The central open kitchen feature, something we noticed was a theme across many restaurants in Tulum, gives the whole place an inviting, lively energy.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist ordering the bread again to start. This time it arrived with a slightly different accompaniment, swapping the mini parmigiana for marinated peppers with tonnato sauce, equally delicious and just as indulgent.

For mains I chose the homemade pasta topped with a generously creamy burrata that melted beautifully into the sauce, whilst my boyfriend went for a classic lasagne layered with rich bolognese ragù, a comforting and hearty dish.

And because pasta always calls for something fresh alongside it, we shared the Checkpoint salad of crisp lettuce, tangy orange, sweet apple and crunchy walnuts.

Everything was genuinely divine, from the flavours to the presentation. The experience was made even more memorable with the wonderfully friendly and attentive service, the kind of hospitality that makes you feel welcomed and at ease.

Beautiful interiors, exceptional food, and warm, thoughtful service, Checkpoint Ciao Osteria delivers all three effortlessly. If you’re craving Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean soul while in Tulum, this new spot is absolutely worth a visit ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries; Sunset Hues & Moonlit Views At Vagalume

March 7, 2026

As the afternoon softened into evening on the shores of Tulum in early February, we made our way down the powdery stretch of sand just as the sky began its nightly transformation for our penultimate sunset of the trip.

While Tulum sits on Mexico’s east coast meaning the sun technically sets behind the jungle, the Caribbean still puts on a spectacular show.

For the evening I leaned fully into the boho beach aesthetic with a long brown maxi skirt from ASOS paired with a brown flower detail bikini top, my pearl necklace from By Alona, a butter yellow handbag from Topshop, and my ever faithful Celine sunglasses to complete the look.

Soft blush pinks, pale blues and hints of lavender slowly spilled across the horizon, reflecting off the sea in the most dreamy way.

We wandered along the shoreline as the light shifted minute by minute, the colours becoming richer and more surreal with every step, and the sky melting into a pastel painting above the water.

Eventually we drifted back towards Vagalume to soak in the final moments of the sunset.

Cocktail hour felt essential so naturally I ordered a spicy margarita, my go-to whenever we’re by the sea.

With the last glow of the evening lighting up the beach club, we took a few aesthetic photos along Vagalume’s famous wooden walkway, framed by the sculptural pair of hands that look as if they’re cradling you.

It’s one of those iconic Tulum photo spots that feels just as mesmerising in person as it does online.

As the last traces of colour faded from the sky, the moon appeared bright, full and impossibly majestic high above the sea.

The beach took on a quieter, almost cinematic feeling underneath the moonlight; a magical moment I will never forget ❤

Chasing Winter Sun; Tulum Mexico

January 18, 2026

And so we find ourselves; it’s mid January, the weather is miserable here in the uk, so we are jetting off in search of sunshine this week. On Tuesday morning we’ll be heading to the airport and boarding the plane to Mexico and I cannot wait for some much needed winter sun on my skin.

We’ll be staying in the coastal town of Tulum known for its ultra cool, boho-chic vibes and picturesque, palm lined, white sand beaches. 

My birthday is at the end of January and my boyfriend’s is the beginning of February, so getting away at this time of year is a must for us. Why be in cold, rainy England where everyone is on diets and doing Dry Jan, when we can hop on a plane and escape to warmer climates and tropical beachside living!?

We will be there for just under two weeks so the tan will be tanning and being a beach bum will become my full personality! 

Hotelito Azul is where we will be staying for the two weeks, located right on the beach amongst all the best beach clubs and aesthetic restaurants.

I’m thinking fresh coconuts by the sea, a good book in hand and tapping into that boho-chic vibe with all of my cutest holiday wardrobe pieces. 

As always I’ve made a Pinterest board for our trip and also have an extensive list of all the top spots nearby our hotel including Papaya Playa, Bagatelle, Ziggy, Taboo and Ilios.

Mexican cuisine is one of our favourites so my inner foodie is super excited for all the delicious authentic food we have to tantalise our tastebuds.

And not forgetting it being the home of the classic margarita, so my hopes are high for some epic beachside cocktails. 

I plan on consuming bucket loads of guac with tortilla chips, plenty of fresh tropical fruits and all the seafood including fish tacos and the freshest ceviche.

Aside from all the relaxing beach time, we will definitely be going on a few day trips further afield to see the amazing landscape and nature Mexico has to offer. 

We already have booked snorkelling with turtles which was on my goals list for 2026, such a special and unique opportunity in Mexico.

Exploring the breathtaking cenotes is another must while we’re there. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole, formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes a pool of crystal-clear groundwater, common in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and sacred to the ancient Maya as portals to the underworld.

Seeing these natural pools and swimming in their vibrant turquoise waters will be other worldly, like we’re in a dream fantasy world!

The Mayan ruins are another spectacular historical attraction we will have to visit during our stay. 

This walled pre-Columbian city perches on 12 meter cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, known for its dramatic coastal setting, unique walled fortifications, and status as one of the last Mayan cities built. 

I’ve already brought a few pieces to add to my ever growing holiday wardrobe, but I’m also excited to shop the boho chic boutiques and bazars when we get there to achieve the ultimate Tulum beach girl aesthetic.

I have a feeling we’re going to love Tulum with its aesthetic charm, cool coastal vibes and stunning white sand beaches of dreams; nos vemos pronto México! ❤

First Date Night Of 2026

January 11, 2026

It might be a new year but it was the same Saturday drill for us last night as we went out for our first proper date night of 2026. Last weekend was spent recovering from all the Christmas celebrations, but this Saturday we were ready for a cute and cosy date night out again in the local town.

My look for the evening was this gorgeous backless top from Stradivarius in that luscious chocolate brown colour, a pair of flared dark wash jeans also from Stradivarius, pointed brown boot heels by Topshop and my favourite green velvet evening handbag by Sandro.

With the temperatures dropping below zero degrees here in the UK, I wrapped up in this oversized grey trench coat from NA-KD and completed the look with my trusty brown knitted beret from Urban Outfitters.

And not forgetting my stunning new clip-on earrings by Heaven Mayhem featuring the statement maroon stone and gold hardware; the perfect finishing touch for my winter date night look.

We decided to try a new Thai restaurant which has recently opened on Fleet highstreet called Tay Tar Thai.

Thai cuisine is one of our favourites so we were excited to experience somewhere new and see how it compared to our usual Thai locals.

I had a glass of red, my boyfriend ordered a beer and of course we ordered the prawn crackers with sweet chilli dip to nibble on as we browsed the menu.

My boyfriend had his usual chicken Penang curry with coconut rice, whilst I went for something a bit different and braved the fiery hot jungle curry with vegetables.

It was nice to have a lighter curry without the creaminess of the traditional coconut based dishes and despite the challenging heat, I really enjoyed my dish packed full of authentic veggies.

Whilst the food was good and the restaurant had a nice atmosphere, the service was very slow on a busy Saturday night and the prices more expensive than usual in comparison to our other local Thai restaurants.

With the weather absolutely freezing, we headed straight home for a cosy night on the sofa with the warming fire and a brilliant new romcom on Netflix ‘People We Meet On Vacation’.

A simple, wholesome date night was just what we needed on this dark, bitterly cold Saturday evening in early January ❤

December Diaries; A Very Merry Christmas

December 29, 2025

As we find ourselves in this no mans land between Christmas and New Years, I’m grateful for a few days of rest and reset before it all kicks off again for NYE celebrations. Whilst I love celebrating with friends and spending quality time with family, I’m in need of some down time after four days of back to back festive fun.

Going back to Christmas Eve, I went to the local church to watch the children’s Nativity with my niece and they even had live donkeys!

I wore my new ASOS brown faux suede trench coat with the statement collar buttoned across and it looked super chic.

My Oliver Bonas leopard print beret was the finishing touch to this stylish fit.

That evening we went to the local pub where my Dad was dressing up as Santa Claus!

He made a very convincing Santa in his extra fancy costume and everyone thought he was great.

Soon lots of our friends arrived and I even treated myself to a cheeky Espresso Martini to finish the night.

On Christmas morning, my boyfriend and I exchanged gifts by the Christmas tree and I felt like a very lucky lady indeed when I opened my new MacBook.

My outfit of the day was this stunning New Look maroon puff sleeve top which just screams Christmas Day vibes paired with my Zara black straight leg jeans, ASOS square toe boot heels, my Sandro green velvet handbag, and a beautiful new By Alona pearl necklace, another generous gift from my boyfriend.

We spent Christmas Day at my boyfriend’s parents gorgeous new home along with my parents who they invited too.

I was in charge of canapés for which I made three different ones. First of all, smoked salmon cream cheese blinis are an absolute must on Christmas Day for me.

I also did honey glazed cocktail sausages and a goats cheese, walnut, prosciutto, honey bruschetta inspired by an appetiser we had in Mallorca earlier this year.

My boyfriend’s Dad did a top job cooking a delicious turkey roast complete with all the trimmings.

We had such a laugh playing games and getting competitive with the pub quiz which my Dad and I drew!

My Dad always likes to have a Christmas Pudding to dowse in brandy and light before serving for dessert.

It was a brilliant afternoon and evening with our parents who get along so well, it’s such a joy to see.

Boxing Day was our turn to host so I got the house prepped and ready for the family arriving at 1pm.

I went a little more casual with my fit on this day with a cute frill trim tie front cream cardigan, Stradivarius dark wash flared jeans, Topshop brown pointed toe boot heels, Heaven Mayhem statement gold earrings and my Polene Handbag for a touch of quiet luxury.

We were heading to the pub for a late lunch following our gift exchange, so I put out some nibbles as well as another batch of the leftover smoked salmon blinis.

There was a lot of presents to open and the girls were in their element being treated to so many new toys.

I love welcoming family and friends into our home and hosting at Christmas time is always particularly special.

We had a laugh seeing my nieces run riot in the back of my boyfriend’s truck; girls just wanna have fun!

We had 3pm reservations at a new local favourite pub, The Falcon in Rotherwick.

After a few sharing boards for a starter, I opted for my favourite vegan Durban jackfruit curry, a nice change from all the traditional festive food.

It was a superb afternoon with the family catching up, enjoying more good food and seeing my nieces having such fun together.

And don’t think the festivities ended there, the next day I was hosting again for my friends with their partners and kids.

Being an evening do starting at 5pm, it was nice to have the day to myself and plenty of time to get the house ready with drinks chilled, glasses out and nibbles served.

I decided to try making this crisps nacho plate I’d seen on TikTok and it turned out well with the combination of different textures and flavours, it was divine.

I used truffle flavoured crisps as the base topped with slices of prosciutto, torn up mozzarella, crunchy pickles and a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper to finish.

Soon everyone arrived and it was such a joy to have all my closest friends together again for more Christmas celebrations.

Everyone contributed and we ended up with lots of yummy party food to serve including hot canapés of battered prawn tails, breaded cheese bites, vegan nuggets and of course some oven pizzas.

Later in the evening once those with kids had left, the adults got a little excited and stayed up way past their bedtime….

But its moments like these when you’re back with your besties feeling like you’re kids again, which are so special and we always look back on fondly.

I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by so many brilliant family and friends and I will never take for granted what a blessing that is.

So that sums up a very social Christmas period and now we hurtle towards the New Year. 2025 has been another brilliant year and now 2026 is on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what the universe has in store for me next ❤

NYC Diaries; A Dreamy Heli Ride Over Manhattan

December 7, 2025

On our final full day in NYC, we woke up to one of those crisp, blue-sky fall days where the light hits the buildings just right and the whole city seems to sparkle. It couldn’t have been a better setting for taking a helicopter ride over Manhattan.

We booked online with Heli NY just a few days prior, so we made our way to the Downtown Helicopter Port at 2:30pm ready for our 3:30pm flight.

Having done a helicopter ride over Dubai about 4 years ago we knew what to expect, but it still took my breath away as we took off for our flight above the city.

We swooped past the Statue of Liberty, her copper-green silhouette glowing in the afternoon sun, then glided along the Hudson with One World Trade Center standing tall and brilliant beneath us.

Another highlight was seeing Central Park from above with that perfect stretch of green carved into the grid of the city.

After we landed, but still floating a bit from excitement, we headed downtown and caught the ferry across the Hudson to DUMBO.

The water was calm, the breeze cool, and Manhattan shimmered behind us at golden hour as we made our way toward Brooklyn.

I did a quick outfit change just before dinner too, slipping into a cute brown mini dress paired with matching heels, my oversized Jaeger blazer, and my emerald-green velvet Sandro handbag.

A chic, classy look with a touch of cool girl in the oversized boxy blazer, perfect for a fall date night in the city.

Our dinner spot for the evening was the trendy Italian restaurant Cecconi’s.

With the Manhattan Bridge in the foreground and the sun setting over Downtown in the distance, the vibes were immaculate.

I started with a spicy Tommy’s Margarita because when in New York, how could I not on our final night!

For food I chose the burrata tomato pasta which was as heavenly as it sounds…

…and even better paired with a rich, warming glass of red.

My boyfriend went classic with a margarita pizza and we shared a fresh, peppery rocket salad that rounded everything out beautifully.

It was buzzing on a Thursday night and we couldn’t fault the delicious Italian feast we were treated to.

After dinner, we wandered along the riverfront taking in those picturesque nighttime views.

New York glowing, the river shimmering and the gentle hum of the bustling city in the background, simply iconic.

Eventually we hopped on the subway back to our hotel, tired but in that really satisfying way after a perfect day.

Our helicopter adventure, waterfront dinner in DUMBO, and atmospheric nighttime walk, wrapped up our trip to NYC in the most magical way imaginable ❤

NYC Diaries; An Afternoon Wandering The West Village

November 30, 2025

Our afternoon exploring the West Village started long before we ever set foot in its leafy streets.

On the way downtown, we made a quick stop at the iconic Grand Central Station to grab some shots.

That celestial ceiling and the constant ballet of travellers moving beneath it makes this place feel magical.

As another location where many films are shot, it almost felt like we were on set starring in our own movie.

From there, we hopped on the subway and made our way to the West Village in search of the Friends apartment building on Bedford Street.

As a longtime Friends show fan seeing it in person was surreal, like stepping straight into the TV screen I grew up watching on repeat.

It’s funny how a simple building can hold so much nostalgia.

Every corner of this neighbourhood looks like it has been pulled from a movie set; brownstones with perfectly worn stoops, tree-lined streets, tiny cafés with outdoor tables, and endless photo-worthy pockets of charm.

We didn’t manage to find Carrie Bradshaw’s actual apartment from Sex and the City, but we did stumble across a stoop that looked almost identical.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist getting a few fun outfit snaps.

I was even wearing a Carrie Bradshaw inspired fit: a chic shift dress, my favourite sand coloured long boot heels, my new Polène handbag, and classic YSL black sunnies to complete the look.

As the afternoon went on, we kept discovering more of the West Village’s character. Quiet pockets of calm, stylish locals walking their dogs, bookstores tucked into corners, and that unmistakable creative buzz that only New York seems to have.

There’s so much more to see and I can’t wait to wander those streets again on our next trip, latte in hand, camera at the ready, soaking in every inch of that West Village charm ❤

NYC Diaries; Times Square, The Highline & Chelsea Market

November 9, 2025

When visiting a new city we always like to book the hop-on hop-off Big Bus Tours as they’re a cheap and easy way to get around to see all of the major tourist attractions. On the third day of our trip we booked the tickets which last 24 hours so we could split the tour across two days, so here is what we saw on the second half of the bus tour.

Just around the corner from our hotel was Times Square so we had to start by hopping off here to get some shots.

As expected, Times Square is a very busy and hectic tourist trap, so we got our photos and quickly got back on the bus.

Next we made a stop on Broadway as I wanted to visit the Polene store.

I’d had my eye on the Numero Neuf mini handbag for a while and so I finally made the purchase.

I opted for the colour Sable as a neutral tone to go with lots of outfits.

I even got the strap monogrammed with my initials as a complimentary service with purchase.

From Broadway we went a few more stops on the bus down to the Financial District where the new One World Trade Center stands.

I did find it quite upsetting to see the 911 memorial site where the twin towers used to stand, but it has to be done when in New York for the first time.

We hopped back on the bus and went up the west side of town where we got off at Hudson Yards to walk along The Highline.

The Highline is a 1.45 mile long elevated park and greenway created on a former New York Central Railroad.

Along the way we saw The Vessel, an impressive honeycomb like sculpture of interconnected staircases designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick.

It’s a brilliant way to see the city as the path weaves between buildings to provide unique views and perspectives.

Towards the end of The Highline, we came off to go to Chelsea Market for some lunch.

A bit like Borough Market in London but inside a former factory building, Chelsea Market features many restaurants and food vendors from a wide variety of cuisines.

As soon as my boyfriend saw the Currywurst, that was decision made for his lunch.

You can take the boy out of Germany, but you can’t take the German out of the boy!

After lunch we then went for a stroll around the Chelsea neighbourhood as I wanted to get some aesthetic street style pics.

The exposed fire escapes and stoops on the houses in Chelsea are what characterises this part of Manhattan, making it the perfect spot to photograph street style.

With the weather still so mild and warm for October, I wore my smart white shorts paired with a brown tank from C’est Normal, a silk Le Scarf around my neck, Dior sliders, Marc Jacobs tote bag and YSL sunnies to complete this chic, daytime city look.

It was the perfect day to walk along The Highline and it’s something I definitely recommend doing if the weather permits during your trip to NYC.

As mentioned, Times Square is not my idea of fun but a great one to tick off the bucket list.

The Chelsea neighbourhood was so trendy and cool, so I would like to explore it more on another trip to the city as we only got to see the area around the market.

As always, the Big Bus Tours didn’t disappoint in providing a relatively cheap and convenient way to get around and see the sights of New York City ❤