Halloween

Jigsaw blue top, $63
Sacai Luck blue high waisted skirt 
Valentino black heel booties 
Topshop metal jewelry

PAD Art & Design Fair

PAD is basically the French answer to the Frieze fair. I was lucky enough to go to one of the opening VIP nights and it certainly did not fail to amaze me. With a wide array of contemporary works, the collection included works by Picasso, Damien Hirst and Paul Klee. Galleries from New York, Paris and Germany, amongst others, bought their best pieces to entice the public and the art world into buying some magnificent, but uber expensive, art and design works. It is definitely worth a visit when it comes around next time!

3.1 Phillip Lim boxy shirt
Mary Katrantzou skirt
Marni black ribbed tights
Rachel Comey loafer
STELLA McCARTNEY statement necklace

Yve Speight, Newark Antique & Collectors Fair

This wonderful stall has been run for many years at the Antique & Collectors fair in both Newark and Lincoln by the wonderful Yve and her husband Frederick. They have travelled globally to collect many of their jewels, predominantly to the US, so they seem to have a never ending collection! Yve also designs her own contemporary jewellery in fantastic colours with striking visuals. Check out her website here.

Dolce and Gabbana S/S '14: The Golden Goddess

The architecture of ancient Greece was one of my favourite subjects during my degree, and this is one of the reasons why I love the new Spring 2014 collection from Dolce & Gabbana. With prints of ancient ruins and columns combined with gold medallions and coins, the designs reflect the luxurious quality of the culture of a bygone age. As always, the finale displayed the ethereal models strutting down the catwalk in intricate gold and lace designs set off by gold headbands and medallion drop earrings.

STELLA McCARTNEY sweater
Organic by John Patrick jacket
AllSaints shiny skinny jeans 
Zara ankle booties 
Prada double zip handbag 
Susan Caplan Vintage initial bracelet

Megan's

Megan's on the New King's Road is great for a casual supper with friends. Delicious and comforting food, set in a beautiful covered patio with fairy lights, which is opened in the summer. I have been for both lunch and supper and it is definitely worth a visit. Check out their website for more information here.

Susan Caplan Vintage Collection

SCVC is where I am doing a dream three month internship. Susan, who was an antique dealer for thirty years, saw a gap in the market for high quality vintage jewellery ranging from the 40's to the 90's. She sources her products from around the world, and handpicks each item for it's originality and uniqueness. The collection can be found in numerous department stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis aswell as on ASOS and their own website. Check out the amazing jewels here.

Zara shirt 
Miss Selfridge dark green skirt 
Burberry pumps 
Emerald jewellery, stylebop.com 

Summer Fruit Jellies

Last few days of the Summer are here, so use those left over berries in the fridge in this delicious Terrine of Summer Fruits, from Delia Smith's Summer Collection cookbook. The recipe can be found here.

River Island crop top
Carven pink skirt
Pointy toe shoes
Swarovski crystal necklace, Anthropologie
Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses

Whitewalls

David Bowie Is

I was lucky enough to sneak a ticket to the amazing exhibition 'David Bowie Is' which is on at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. It really is a mesmerising showcase of one of the great artists of today. From fashion illustrations, to music lyrics, costumes and numerous artworks by Bowie himself, the exhibition displays the amazing array of his endless talents, with great songs to bop along to in the background! Unfortunately the tickets are sold out online, but they sell a certain number each day on the door from 10am. My advice is not to go until about 2pm or you will be queuing all morning, and then you can get entry tickets for about 3.30. The exhibition is only on for another 10 days or so, up until 11th August, but I really would urge you to pop along if you have a spare afternoon! More information can be found on the V&A website here.

STELLA McCARTNEY long sleeve dress, $2,055
Susan Caplan Vintage crystal jewellery, $760
Untold hat, $115

Ardingly Fair Goodies!

I am about to redecorate my bedroom and where better place to search for ideas than the Ardingly Antique Fair - to be honest, I don't know why anyone buys anything brand new nowadays! I first found these fabulous prints, one intricately detailed botanical painting, and two French costume prints from the 19th century which had been taken out of a book. There was an amazing array of prints, which I think could end up looking very good once framed well etc. I then found an amazing piece of vintage fabric, with similar colours to my prints, which I plan to make into cushions for my bed, with fun piping! These beautiful bowls and plates were part of an extensive collection, but I only bought the medium plates to hang on the wall, and the small bowls to hold all my little bits and bobs. I am now getting very excited at the prospect of redecoration!

Ardingly Antique & Collectors Fair

These Antique and Jewellery Fairs are held regularly throughout the UK and are definitely worth a visit. There is something for everyone from antique jewellery to old furniture and retro style collectibles. Check out there website here to see if there is one on near you!

Topshop shirt top
 Reiss short shorts
New Balance laced up shoes
Boho headband, $69

The Vintage, Edinburgh

The Vintage Restaurant in Edinburgh is located in Leith. Being near the water, it has the best fish and chips I've ever had! One tip is to not sit too near the kitchen, especially in the summer as it does get very hot. Definitely worth a visit for the delicious food and relaxed atmosphere! Check out their website for daily specials and menus: here.

Brian Lichtenberg cotton shirt, $97
Topshop knee length leather skirt
Zara heeles shoes

Fall Couture 2013: Valentino

The designers behind the Valentino Couture collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, look back to the idea of wunderkammer, the German word for 'wonder-room' or more commonly, cabinet of curiosities. The couturiers wished to reflect the uniqueness and individuality of each item in a cabinet of curiosities within their couture designs. Rich cashmere, tweed and embroidered silk are used in many of the designs, providing exquisite details for those in the front row. Some looks seemed simple initially, yet were embroidered with silk baroque detailing on the back of the garment. The muted tones were offset by Valentino's signature red, used to delicately embroider coral shapes onto some garments. A floor length red silk evening gown also graced the catwalk. Each piece is carefully constructed in simple shapes, combined with opulent detailing, captivating a curiosity in every onlooker.

Riad Najah, Marrakech

This beautiful Riad is in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech, and is well worth a visit. The big plus on visiting Marrakech is that the weather is likely to be very warm, and flights can be relatively cheap. The Riad itself sleeps up to 8 people. The tranquil central garden is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the streets surrounding the Riad, and provides a cool retreat from the heat of the roof terrace. More information on the Riad, and its availability to rent can be found on the website here.

Mini skirt, $420
Leather shoes, $185
MICHAEL Michael Kors Bag
Tory Burch necklace
Christian Dior sunglasses $260

Chateau de Queille, France

Thirty of us when to this amazing Chateau in the South of France on our University leaving trip. It is definitely worth clubbing together as it only cost us about £130 each for the week, and then food/wine etc split between that many people is super cheap. The grounds are extensive, with a river running around the lower garden, beautiful flower beds and a little chapel near the driveway. For more information on renting the Chateau, check out the website here.

DIY floral headband

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale

The McQueen sample sale is being held at the moment at a fabulous house near Farringdon. Being a student I knew I was not going to be able to afford anything, but thought I'd go along anyway to check it out! And what a treat it was; intricately made clothes, wonderful shoes and an endless array of skull encrusted jewels - it certainly did not disappoint!

H&M jersey top, $23

Temperley London flared skirt, $1,200

B Brian Atwood peep toe high heels

Topshop cateye sunglasses

Statement Necklaces

rag & bone/JEAN distressed boyfriend jeans
Madison Harding shoes
Chain necklace Jeweliq
Top, Weekday

Lovecrumbs, Edinburgh

A lovely little cafe that sits on West Port, at the West end of Edinburgh, near the ECA is Lovecrumbs. Endless yummy cakes are on offer, as well as an array of teas and fresh coffees with unlimited hot water! They also sell little additions on the side such as yummy jam for £6!

Today's outfit

Jeans, H&M; shoes, Converse; necklace, H&M; top, Topshop

Farhi By Nicole Farhi stretch pants 
Zara strappy heels
Topshop jewelry

Home-made Pasta

First use of the pasta machine! We chose a Jamie Oliver recipe, a ricotta, parmesan and pecorino tortellini with sage butter, and just did a basic pasta recipe using 00 flour. We did it as a starter, and gave each person roughly 6 pieces each which was the perfect amount. Although it was quite time consuming folding each tortellini parcel, it was definitely worth it in the end! Find the recipe here.

Marni color block top
Marni cotton pants
Marni leather shoes
Marni jewelry

Instagram

I know, very behind the times, but only just got an iPhone (yippee!) and my obsession with Instagram is already getting bad...

Plum and almond tart

Very easy to make (especially if you buy your own pastry - I actually made it which is also pretty straightforward if you have a magimix!) A delicious pudding for a dinner party, particularly during this odd winter/spring weather we are having! The recipe I used was from a cookbook my sister got at the Grange cooking course, but there are plenty similar recipes online, such as this one by Jamie Oliver.

DIY agate necklace

The Delaunay

The Delaunay, located near Covent Garden, is a restaurant that is still on it's starting legs - although this is hardly noticeable with it's incredibly slick operation. This haunt was set up by the infamous restauranteur duo Christopher Corbin and Jeremy King. Also founders of the Wolseley and the Ivy, Corbin and King know how to attract a multitude of diners. The Delaunay has a relaxed ambiance, and delicious food at a reasonable price. I started with a yummy butternut squash salad, mixed with chestnuts and quails eggs. For main I had plaice in bread crumbs with the best chips I've had! Definitely to visit if you want something a little more upmarket for a good price.

Marni t-shirt
J.Crew silk pants 
Gianvito Rossi Two-town pump
J.Crew earrings

Folk, Conduit Street

The perfect store to find your spring outfit - Folk is located on Conduit Street, near Oxford Circus. The London based label has a Scandinavian feel to it, and consequently stocks other brands such as Acne. Two shops next door, one mens and the other womens, have a clean and modern vibe, with not just clothes displayed, but accessories, shoes and beauty products. I love the printed geometric prints on the structured shirts - definitely DIY-able! Slightly out of my price range as a student, but well worth a visit to their store or online here.

Illustrated People pattern sweater
Hudson skinny jeans
Reebok tall shoes
Z Spoke by Zac Posen handbag

Three Floor

The eclectic mix of clothing from Three Floor appeals to the anyone who is young at heart. With a vibrant array of colourful and essential structural pieces, Three Floor provides something to brighten up your wardrobe. Also indicative to their success is the inclusion of their line on ASOS. Check out their website here.

Stockbridge Market, Edinburgh

This market graces Stockbridge, in the west end of Edinburgh, every Sunday. A real mixture of yummy fresh food, dried and cured meats, freshly baked bread and jams, along with fresh flowers, jewellery and antique pieces. A great place to wander to on a Sunday afternoon, and delicious food to warm your cockles whilst doing so!

Topshop jacket
Nicole Farhi slim fit pants
Zara shoes
Fendi magnetic necklace
ASOS steel rings
Yves Saint Laurent lipstick

Stella & Dot

We held a Stella & Dot Trunk show at our flat in Edinburgh. A very exciting array of jewellery, from rings to bracelets to necklaces, was produced by the stylist Steph. As they do not sell any jewellery in stores, they rely on the stylists to spread the word and hold Trunk shows weekly. Anyone can be invited and if they like one of the items they can order them through the stylist. It is an amazing brand, and I certainly think it will be a great success. Check out their website here.

Mary Katrantzou jersey tee
Orla Kiely a line skirt 
&OtherStories satin sandals
Volha necklace

Volha

I don't know much about Volha jewellery, apart from that I love it! This is due to articles on the pieces being written in Russian - not my forte! I discovered it through the incredible stylish Russian beauty Miroslava Duma. Made with agate stone, rhinestones and chain, the bold necklaces come in every sort of colour combination. Each piece would add a very special touch to any outfit. Their Facebook page displays their wide ranging collection, check it out here.

& Other Stories

& Other Stories is an incredibly exciting new luxurious label created by the ex-designers of Acne and Lanvin, and the founders of COS and H&M. The store will be hitting London's Regents Street as well as Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Milan and Stockholm. H&M's big sister is still affordable but unique to the high street, with a personal touch of the individually dip-dyed paper bags to take away your goodies in. Looking forward to getting my hands on some chunky platforms, simple cut blazers and gold jewellery. The label will be launched online from tomorrow, so check it out here.

Felder Felder white fitted shirt
Ralph Lauren Blue Label jeans
Zara heel sandals
Stella & Dot statement necklace