Cotton Jelly

I am in the middle of a packing nightmare.

On one side of the room is all my belongings in boxes, ready for me to move house. On the other, a pile of clothes that I want to keep out to wear to clubs, pubs, and to pack for next week's trip.

You know exactly what happens too, the majority of it stays out 'just in case.' Though I have found three tops that I am keeping out and took a break to show them off.

Like this one...

Played In Chelsea

It's always the same dilemma. 
You're sat watching your weekly TV show when some background music comes on and you wonder who the artist is, and by the time you have opened Shazam the song has faded. 

Fortunately, if you watch Made In Chelsea, then the artists are playing at a weekly gig in West London, which means you can find out who sang that song and see them play live.

Each week, 'Played In Chelsea' is held at Under The Bridge, featuring three live acts from the shows soundtrack. I was invited down to one of the gigs, so set off the other evening to see what it had to offer.

It literally was 'under the bridge'. 
Chelsea Football clubs stadium, Stamford Bridge, in fact.
I met up with Ryan outside, strolled down the courtyard past the photos of past and current players, and headed on in to grab a drink. 

 Ryan wore his Barbour Coat, Topman Trousers and a satchel from a small shop in Winchester.

I went for my Winter Coat, Taxonomy tee, Black Jeans, shoes by Hudson and my Mulberry manbag.

As it was going to be streamed live on E4 online, we grabbed our spot and watched as the floor manager came on to warm up the crowd into a small frenzy.
Before being quickly followed on by Jamie Laing and Proudlock from the series.

Who laughed and joked about the night and show, before introducing us to the first act.
A new up and coming indie band called Outside Central.

Their songs would act as the perfect backdrop to a day at the beach, cider in hand with your friends. Listen to 'Tell Me That You're Mine' here - I have just added it to my Spotify Playlist!.

In-between the bands, the guys came back on to film some scenes to introduce the next artist to the stage for everyone who was watching at home.
If you follow me on Twitter, you would have seen that we did send a couple of cheeky tweets using the #PlayedInChelsea hashtag to see if they got read out.

Next up was Pylo.
My and Ryan clearly did not know who this band was, or even heard of their music. 
Our vacant faces gave it away whilst everyone else cheered as they walked on stage.

It's all about discovering new music though, right?

By the end of their set, we were tapping our feet and bopping our heads along in enjoyment!
More of a chilled set than a jump-around-going-crazy set. 
It went down well with a pint and they had a few more fans by the end of it too, ourselves included! Take a listen here.

The final band of the night was Deaf Havana, a band we both knew about this time!

The crowd went absolutely wild for these guys, and there was no question they brought the house down.

Think guitars, drums, and a good voice mixed together with a good pace! They are one of those acts that makes you want to put your hand up in the air and sing along!

Three songs later, the band left the stage and the lights came up. 
Gig over, a little tipsy, we grabbed our coats and went back out into the ground of Stamford Bridge.


Being at Chelsea FC, we couldn't resist a little football cheer for the team.

Clapped, foot tapped, and all cheered out, we headed off back home after what turned out to be a great night of new music! 
Played In Chelsea was a great opportunity to discover new bands, and there is one more show left as the TV series comes to an end.
Unfortunately, it is sold out of tickets (which is good though, as the proceeds go to charity!), but you can watch it online and discover who those bands were playing on the latest episode!

I'm off to download some new albums from iTunes, and start foot tapping again under the desk!

Winter Scarf's

I absolutely love winter. It's a time to whip out the extra layers, grab a glass of mulled wine or four whilst Christmas shopping, and see London all lit-up under the early night sky!
It's also an excuse to go shopping for accessories, especially a new scarf. A new shield from the wind, cold and snowfall that is on it's way.

It has to make a statement, stand out, and above all, keep you warm whilst the snow falls and you can see your breath with every exhale.

Something that you can add to the Winter Wardrobe I told you about!

For me, I wanted one that I could wear time and time again, and for a few more winters too - more like a 'timeless piece' than a one season wonder. 
I found it hiding in the corner of a store, looking right at me, and I fell in love right away.

Hello 100% lambswool, made exclusively by Jack Wills with Johnstons of Elgin. It had to be mine, and you can find it here if you want one too!

Within a few minutes I had paid, whipped of the tag, and headed off to a reunion lunch with it round my neck.

With so many out there to chose from though (believe me, I was looking everywhere), I have narrowed some of them down for you here to help with your search. 
From Ted Baker to Reiss, to Topman and Acne, look no further in your search for that ultimate winter shield statement piece.

All you need to do is click on the link below the image to be taken to the store! 

Zara Chunky Knit Scarf. Found here.

Glen Lossie Lambswool Scarf. Found here.

Ted Baker 'Goldwon' Scarf. Found here. Also in Blue here.

Paul Smith Signature Stripe Scarf. Found here.

Reiss Soft Oatmeal Scarf. Found Here

Hugo Boss Lambswool Scarf. Found Here.

Johnstons Vintage Tweed Cashmere Scarf. Found Here.

River Island Green Tartan Scarf. Found Here.

J Crew Stripped Scarf. Found Here

Barbour Tattersall Scarf. Found Here.

Acne Oversized Grey Scarf. Found Here.

Now, time to wrap up and head to the Christmas Markets for some mulled wine!

Come on winter, we are ready for you!

The Autumn Wardrobe

London Fashion Week is about to draw to a close, so whilst the models have walked down the catwalk showcasing next seasons must have pieces, I started to think about my wardrobe for the Autumn.

Or in my case, an excuse to go shopping!

The days are getting shorter, colder, and wetter, so it's goodbye to the shorts and vests, and a hello to a trip down the shops to buy these pieces that I have found for you (or a click on the links to get them online!).
Your wardrobe will be ready to battle any storm Autumn throws at you.

Let's start with shoes. Afterall, most people check out what shoes you are wearing on first impressions, so you need to get these right. For me, brogues are a must have this winter because they can be worn for any occasion. Try walking through the wet streets in some suede shoes and your socks will drown, brogues however, will keep your toes warm!

These bad boys can be found here, and will compliment any outfit. The light brown means you can wear it with any jeans and still look smart or casual, depending on your look! Buy them here.

What to wear on the bottom half is always a bit tricky in the summer, but the autumn is easy and Topman have got it completely covered in this department!

You need three pairs of trousers; One pair of dark denim jeans, one pair of light jeans, and one pair of black jeans. You don't need any others, honestly, as these three colours will provide you with every combination you need, from smart to casual, lunch or partying. 

The rule to jeans this season is to have them tapered, and the brogues match them too!

Number 1 can be bought here, Number 2 is here, Number 3 is here. Don't forget your student card if you are starting at university!

When it comes to tops, there are so many out there with a range of different designs. From patterns, to stripes, to the standard white shirt, the shops are your oyster. Especially when they will be hidden under jumpers or coats and scarfs!

Therefore, here are 4 tops that are on my shopping list (which you can view here), and will last the autumn and into winter!

Buy number 1 here, Number 2 here, Number 3 here, and Number 4 here.

Whilst you have your base layer sorted for when you get to the pub or dinner, it is all about what you wear on top whilst walking down the high street. If it isn't too bad out, then a jumper or cardigan will keep you warm. A burgundy kint will go well with any of the jeans, and my choice would be this absolute gem from All Saints.

You can buy it here, and know you will be wrapped up warm for when the snow comes!

Of course, autumn means coats and jackets. Whilst some of last seasons coats will still look great this year, there is always room on the coat rack for a new one. For me, big hooded parkas are a must for when the snow or rain is hammering down, whilst the classic bomber is great when the sun does pop out.

You can find the Bomber jacket here, and pick up the parka jacket here! 

Obviously there are so many different varieties around on the high street, so don't be afraid to mix and match your outfit choices and go for different colours in the coats, it will still look great and keep you stylishly warm.

Throw together some accessories if you want too, and my top (not-to) secret... Ski socks under your jeans to stay warm!

I'm going to go grab a glass of mulled wine to get into the autumn spirit, let me know if you have found any pieces and I will share them on Pinterest too!

ASOS Black X Puma

ASOS has always been a favorite website of mine, and I know a lot if you shop on there too, which is why I was so excited to be invited along to their launch night for their new collaboration with Puma in East London.

Like the Adidas Spezial exhibition I popped along to last week, I haven't worn Puma in such a long time, so I was really keen to see what their latest collection looked like. 

Once we had finished up working for the day, me and Vitor hopped, skipped and jumped over to BoxPark in Shorditch for the launch of the second menswear collection by ASOS BLACK x Puma.

I wore a plain basic Tee from Topman, with a necklace to break it up.

After a couple of drinks and catching up with some friends we spotted in the crowd, we grabbed a moment to have a look at the look book and chose our favorites. The first collaboration between the two brands brought style and sport together, something I am always a little skeptical about going wrong for any sport brand. Get it wrong, and it doesn't work. Get it right, and everyone wants in.
However, young, hip and trendy, the second collection isn't a sports brand trying to be fashionable, its stylish and on-trend, and everyone wanted in, including us!

It was a little like 'Hello 2013, I am the 90s revival and this is what is cool right now in my world.'

Vitor went for one of the new vests.

Whilst I have fallen in love with one of the new sweatshirts!

There are no large logos splattered across coloured tees, instead patterned jumpers and tees that would fit right in the wardrobe make up the majority of the collection. Throw in some sweatpants too, and you are decked out for all year round!
The collection is available on ASOS now (check it out here), so take a look and pick our something new for the wardrobe.
Go on, treat yourself! Here are a couple of my other faves from the collection...

I absolutely love Boxpark, because you always come across pop-ups that are there for a short bit of time, can buy something that isn't owned by everyone, and grab a bite to eat upstairs too! If you haven't discovered this little gem, then head over there one evening and check it out for yourself.

You will enjoy it, promise!

After a few more drinks and feeling a bit tipsy, we made our way downstairs and had a look through some of the stores who were still open, including Hype and One Piece, before grabbing a bite to eat and heading into the night for another drink...

Adidas Spezial

Everyone loves shoes. From trainers to high heels, to loafers to sandals, shoes always make an outfit better!
I remember when I was younger that I had a pair of trainers that lit up with every step I took, and I thought they were the coolest thing ever.
I think they would probably still pass as cool in London... just.
Over the years, the cool shoes changed shape and colour so quickly that it is easy to forget what styles were in fashion 5, 10, or 20 years ago. 
Then you had the competition. Were you Adidas or Nike? You couldn't be both, it was one or the other.

For me, I have always been Nike person. From what I wear on the track, to the Blazers I'm wearing whilst I type this. It stemmed from years ago when I first started taking part in sport, but I still vaguely remember a pair of blue Adidas Gazelles I owned in my teens that I literally wore with every outfit. 

Luckily, Adidas gave shoe-lovers like me the opportunity to relive their iconic designs with a unique 'Adidas Spezial' exhibition over at The Hoxton Gallery last week. Gathered together by Gary Aspden from hoarders, fans and collectors, there were over 600 pairs of shoes on display from the last 40 years. Some of them you wouldn't have known existed!
From snowboots to badminton shoes, with the classic Adidas designs in-between, this was the exhibition to check out for any shoe lover. 
It was obvious I had to swing by to check this out!

I found my new shoes. Now, if someone can get these hi tops for me please?

Tee from All Saints, Shorts from Zara (but no longer on sale).

Among the hundreds of shoes were a selection designed and signed by some of the worlds biggest stars!

  

Whilst other areas showcased the shoes of the future.

But for me, a white canvas is always the best way to start!
Pass me the paint and let me personalise my own! 

There were so many shoes that I literally felt I had to walk around 2 or 3 times to take them all in. It truly showcased Adidas and their direction of fashion throughout the years. However, it also showed how each shoe was a timeless piece. No shoe would have looked out of place in today's fashion, even if it was made 20 years ago!

Whilst the exhibition only ran for one week, I will be sure to keep an eye out for anything similar for Adidas or any other brands and let you know! In the meantime, have a look on the Adidas website at their latest collection, a must for this summer! Also, the Hoxton Gallery has events on all year round, so be sure to check out their listings!

Now time to go shoe shopping!