Tuesday 16 August 2016

Style Update: The not so sticky button

It's all fun and games until you notice, at the end of laughing, joking around and frolicking on a roof terrace, that you've done it all with a button in your dress undone. Alright, so maybe you wouldn't have noticed right away, but I thought better I point it out than you.

That's the only problem I can find with this Zara Dress, and then there isn't a bad word to be said. I love it's metallic threads, the way it hangs like you are meant to be swinging to and fro on a beach in Ibiza. But those buttons, they just aren't ones that like to stay buttoned. Regardless, this was such a find that I had to share! Just safety pin those darn buttons in place. It's worth it!

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Monday 15 August 2016

The Coworth Park Experience: The perfect "get-out-of-London" weekend

Meadow Picnic Coworth Park
Over the years, I have become a master of many things when it comes to travel - packing the perfect carry-on, swinging free upgrades, getting myself to six countries in three weeks and not feeling like a zombie at the end of it all. Travel is in the bag. That being said, until just recently, I had yet to master the art of escaping London and not leaving the country to find peace. Enter Coworth Park. Now, let's just go ahead and say what needs to be said. This is a luxury country escape from London. There's no glamping involved, no wellies needed (unless you absolutely want them to be) and the food is something you'd likely find in a top tier restaurant in London. This is a country getaway that has all the pleasures of home, but also all the delights of the country. It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, but comes complete with every luxury convenience you'd expect from a palatial excursion.

I met Coworth Park on a Sunday afternoon. Yes, I say "met" as it did feel as if I was receiving an official introduction to a stately home. When we arrived, we awaited our room's readiness with a gin and tonic on the patio overlooking the gardens of the estate. Of course I never pay attention to check-in times. Silly me as this is an essential travel no-no that I keep confronting time and again. Naturally, Coworth Park took our early arrival as nothing more than an opportunity for us to get started relaxing as they scurried in the background to make our room ready faster than one could think was humanly possible. One last sip of our cocktails and we were being handed room keys and lead to our bed for the night. 

A room at Coworth Park is most certainly so much more than just a bed. Our suite was located in the main house and occupied the central, top story, windows overlooking the meadow. This view, at any time of day, is breathtaking. It's easy to get swept away with it all and imagine that the room you are currently occupying is in fact just your dream bedroom, in your dream house, with a dream view. Yeah, I went there. Our suite consisted of three rooms, well technically speaking there were four. First there was the living room, that contained the central windows to the house, following by the bedroom, that I do believe is bigger than most people's entire flats in London. From there you enter a sort of holding area room between the bedroom and bathroom. Here you will find a floor to ceiling mirror for outfit checking, a vanity for preparing in the morning and a walk in closet with more than enough room for two. 

Throughout the decor we discovered equestrian touches absolutely everywhere. From embroidery on the bed to the paintings on the wall, it's all a bit horsey. Of course this isn't surprising as just about everyone I spoke with about visiting Coworth Park mentioned that taking time for a gallop around the grounds was an absolute must. 

While we didn't have time for a ride, we did spend as much time as possible exploring the grounds of Coworth Park. We ate (naturally) in the room, in the barn and in the meadow. Yes, we had quite the picnic experience in the meadow, which is now my most favorite experience yet in the countryside. Coworth Park prepared a feast so monumental we actually felt bad leaving so much food behind. This is not something that usually, if ever, happens with us, being the foodies that we are. Equally, the afternoon tea, the breakfast in our room and dinner at The Barn were all experiences I would encourage you book. I can't say whether the food was as spectacular as it seemed or if we were just so taken away with the setting, in which we enjoyed it, that every morsel tasted magical. Sorry about that - truly bad journalism to be led astray so easily in being able to report the facts. 

The gardens, the spa, the stables, the food, the meadow... I could go on and on. But I'll stop by just saying this. If you've just about had enough of London, consider taking an "adult time-out." Book a night or two at Coworth Park, let the stress seep out of you and then return with a renewed spirit. It's just what I needed. The week before I was packing my bags to move to Los Angeles. London and I had broken up. Now I think we have at least a few months of a good relationship ahead... that is until I need another break. 
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
London Escape: Coworth Park
Fashion Foie Gras was a guest of Coworth Park for the weekend.
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Saturday 13 August 2016

Destination Summer @ Westfield London

This post is is SPONSORED by WESTFIELD LONDON




Earlier this week I had arranged to see my friends but I really didn't know what we were going to do. We all wanted different things from a spot of shopping to straight up exploring and of course we all wanted to grab some food together. In classic British Summer Time style the weather was not on our side. A bit grey and drizzly around the edges and not the most exciting weather to be walking around London in. Saying that it’s really not been all that bad the past few weeks but it has rained more than it should do considering it’s y’know… August. 

In the end we settled on Westfield London. It’s easy to get to for all of us and pretty much had everything we were going to potentially need all under one roof.


As we all know, London is home to host of dreamy outdoor parks. But with the weather being as temperamental as it is, it isn’t always going to be park weather. None the less over in West London there is a little pocket of indoor summertime lurking in The Atrium of Westfield London. It’s a cute summer themed area with lots of fun  activities going on throughout the day as well as some fun things for all ages. 




The thing that caught my attention first was the The Disney Zorb Pool. Inspired by the new Finding Dory film (which I REALLY need to see asap) it’s a themed water based zorb pool for all ages so definitely give it a go if you’re feeling up for some fun! If I was feeling more brave then I would have definitely jumped right in and taken the zorb pool on myself. I saw so many little ones being amazed that they were on water but suspended in a little bubble not getting wet, it was very cute! There are plenty of little things going on for the littles including The Toadstool Garden for storytelling and colouring with tons of activities going on throughout the day.






Right in the centre of the park is a very swish looking Cava bar with very Instagrammable decor if I do say so myself. The Freixenet Ice Bar serves Cava cocktails and drinks by the glass or bottle - Plus there are also plenty of samples going round if you wanted to try a little tipple before going in for a glass or  even a full bottle if you're feeling up to it. I had a really refreshing cocktail made out of the Freixenet ICE, which was light refreshing sparkling wine with a slightly sweeter taste which made it perfect for cocktails. 

If Cava isn’t your thing then try the The Coco Face Kiosk for authentic refreshing Thai coconut water served out of their shells or pop by the Ice Cream Entrepeneurs Pop-up for a little cool down treat. Also throughout the day in The Park there is a Lululemon Yoga & Pilates session if you fancied doing a little workout as well a bunch of other kiosks to have fun at.
 




After a little tipple and a chill session on a deckchair, all while avoiding the dull greyness of the great outdoors we decided to do a bit of a shop. I knew I needed some new jeans. I’ve been really into the River Island Molly jeans in the short leg style so I made sure to pick those up. I picked black, obviously but I also decided to get some creamy white ones as they caught my eye. On our way we stopped by the Lola’s Cupcakes who have just started doing vegan cupcakes so I picked one of those up as well as a GF one for Jon.




For food we decided on Wahaca. I’ve talked about this place on my blog a few times before but It’s definitely one of my favourite chain returns to eat in London. While it’s rapidly expanded over the years the quality is always on point and I’ve never left feeling unsatisfied!  Really awesome Mexican Street food! Plus being in close proximity to the indoor areas of the centre we could just dash over for our meal!



Wahaca has something for everyone, from really easy modified plant based options (just make sure to ask for no dairy) to something for your carnivorous friends. Load up of the chips and guac, that’s definitely my absolute favourite. I ended up having a Super Food Salad which was so good I think I need to recreate something at home like it because it was so filling and tasty. As I was driving and already had a tipple over at the Freixenet Ice Bar I opted for the Hibiscus Fresca which was so delicious and so refreshing. I’d recommend their margaritas or Hibiscus Mojito! 

After more wandering, a lot of gossiping and filled bellies we decided to head home. It was a great little day out and so nice to catch up with some friends and have all the amenities of shops and restaurants all in the same place. It’s a bit easier to go to a shopping centre, come entertainment complex with a bunch of restaurants when you aren't really sure of what to do plus it saves you from getting rained on at the same time!


The Westfield Park is a pop up summer destination, running in Westfield Stratford City between 22nd August - 4th September Monday - Saturdays: 12-8pm & Sundays: 12 6pm




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