A stay in The Hoxton Hotel

In London there is a hotel on every corner and this can make picking somewhere to stay in the city; quite a difficult task. I would guess that for the majority of people, a clean, conveniently situated, well priced hotel is what they look for when picking somewhere and The Hoxton Hotel, Shoreditch ticks all those boxes.

A few weeks back I was invited to stay the night at the hotel and I jumped at the chance - I do love a good hotel stay! I love exploring every nook and cranny of the room, jumping on the pristine bed and using absolutely every free beauty product they have on offer.

The hotel offers 210 beautifully designed rooms, the decor running throughout the entire hotel is uber cool and I loved the vibe of the downstairs area where they have a bar. The bar was packed into the early hours and it was such a treat to have a drink there then slope off upstairs to my room.

Image c/o The Hoxton Hotel  

Each room offers free wifi (praise the lord, you guys know how much I love updating my social media pages), a little selection of fresh milk, tea and water and in the morning you get the cutest breakfast bag delivered to your room at a time chosen by you.

Although I love every area of London, East has to be my favourite part and it's where I tend to spend most of my time. I love the bars, the quirky eateries and I love the diversity of fashion you see on the streets. The Hoxton Hotel is situated smack bang in one of the best areas, Old Street and it's close to the tube, numerous busses and every single kind of bar you could ever wish for. I highly recommend The Hoxton Hotel if you fancy an over night stay in the city.

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post

Monki - Your new best friend

Last week I had the pleasure of being a Contributing Stylist and Writer for The Debrief. I decided to head to Monki, (one of my favourite High Street stores) and try on absolutely everything in the shop that I thought would fit me, document it all and pick my top 6 looks.

I discovered Monki when I lived in Stockholm, Sweden and realised that they catered for the bigger girl because they often stock over size, loose fitting garments. I was so happy when they came to the UK and I regularly pop into their store on Carnaby Street when I fancy that in-real-life shopping experience which is often taken away from you if you are fat and can't fit into half of the clothes on the High Street.

Well, here is the article I wrote if you fancy taking a peek at it and below are lots more of the outfits I tried on whilst I was in the store. As you can see, they have lot's of options! I am a UK 20/22 and often fit into their size M which is equivalent of a UK14. If you aren't able to head to a Monki store, have a look at their website OR they even sell a select range on ASOS.

 Top row 1. Blue Coat / Knitted Dress 2. Anorak / Knitted Dress 3. Printed Shirt 

  Bottom bow 1. Cropped Bomber / Shirt Dress 2. Swing Dress 3. Oversize Zip Dress

Top Row 1. Coatigan 2. Checked Duster Coat 3. Batwing Top

Bottom Row 1. Bomber Jacket 2. Denim Dress / Breton Stripe Top 3. Shirt Dress 

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post

Roll Up, Roll Up.

Shock! Horror! I have deviated from the 70s and actually managed to put together an outfit that isn't inspired by that era but by the 90s instead!

This cute little summer *Midi Dress is beautiful but sadly with our British summer being as hideous as it is; I can't see myself wearing it any time soon. Whilst sitting on my bed and day dreaming, I had one of those light bulb moments and realised I needed to add an autumn twist to the dress so that I could continue wearing it well into the winter.

Adding a roll neck underneath a simple strappy dress instantly updates it and can take you from summer to winter in a blink of an eye. Add chunky boots, some pendant necklaces and a leather jacket (if it's really nippy) and you're laughing! Without realising it, I had styled a very 90s inspired outfit when I put all this together and I think the half up/half down hairstyle or "The Hun" as it is now known and the dark lips finish the look off well.

Photographs by Gemma Bellfield

Earlier this month, I attended a beautiful dinner hosted by Fashion Chick and we chatted the night away, ate scrummy sushi at Kouzu and they gave us the best goody bags, brimming to the top with goodies from Miss Selfridge, New Look, Boden and more. This cute lil New Look dress was part of my selection and now I've found a way of wearing it during these chilly months; I can tell I am going to wearing it a lot. 

What I'm Wearing

*Midi Dress - New Look c/o Fashion Chick
Roll Neck Jumper - M&S
*Boots - old Missguided similar here
*Rucksack - New Look
*Long Pendant - Wallis 
Leaf Pendant - old Philip GoGo similar here

Be sure to follow me over on my:

Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

*Denotes a gifted item

View Post

I've got that 70s flare

When I first found out that the 70s trend was back in full force; I recoiled. I never, ever thought I would love it as much as I have done this year. I have lost count of the number of 70s inspired posts I have done and let me tell you; I don't see myself stopping any time soon! I have a fair few posts in store for you still and I can't stop lusting after everything denim, suede and fringed!

Nothing has surprised me more than the fact I have found myself wearing not only a pair of jeans recently, but a flared pair at that! Now, these jeans aren't the standard 'flare' style but actually... wait for it... a bootcut jean. Now, if you said to me that I'd be rocking a pair of boot cut jeans in 2015, I would have probably laughed at you and then grimaced at the idea BUT look at me now!

These super bootcut jeans are from Simply Be, the only place I've ever managed to find denim to fit/suit me. They kick out at the bottom in a subtle way and they high waisted which I love. I recommend picking your usual size as I tried a size up and they were too big - sure a rarity in plus size jeans!

Styled with a camel coat, plunge neck bodysuit and over size sunglasses;  I've reached optimum 70s realness with this outfit I think!

Photographs by Gemma Bellfield 

SHOP MY LOOK

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post

White and Tan

When I pack a white dress for a holiday; I know exactly when I'll be wearing it. I always save it for the very end of the trip when I'll hopefully be all sun kissed and glowy!

When I went to Spain last month, I spent 90% of my time there basking in the sun so by the time I came to wear this little white dress; I was indeed nice and tanned. One of my favourite pairings is a white dress and tan accessory. I picked up this beautiful hand made bag whilst on a trip to Benidorm and I love the unique design of it and the fact that when ever I wear it; it'll always remind me of one of the best holidays I've ever had!

SHOP MY LOOK 

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post

Spotty Dotty

Wedding season is underway and I had the pleasure of attending one last weekend. My friend's Hev and Chris tied the knot in a lovely venue and it was so nice to meet up with some friends I've not seen in years!

Picking an outfit for an occasion like a wedding can sometimes be tricky because you have all these rules you're meant to follow and as we all know; rules are restrictive! One of the "rules" you should supposedly follow as a wedding guest is that you shouldn't wear black. Following rules is never fun so when I spotted this black mesh dress I knew I had to try it for this wedding.

I think the fact the dress is broken up with a white print and pleats and the fact I styled it with light accessories means that even though this was a summer wedding; the outfit doesn't look too dark and dreary.

SHOP MY FAVE 

MONOCHROME WEDDING LOOKS

What are your thoughts on wearing black to a wedding?

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post

White Blooms

Hello, my name is Danielle and I am one of the worlds messiest eaters. Everything I eat, no matter what it is ends up on my *ahem* shelf. This makes wearing white clothes a little tricky for me as I end up covered in stains. You would think that after 29 years on this planet, I would have mastered the art of eating like an adult; but I just can't do it. This is a shame as I love white clothes and white accessories...I'm not sure if I've mentioned my white shoe addiction before?

If you are like me and everything ends up down your front, may I recommend a white dress, covered in brightly coloured florals? If you spill stuff, no one will notice...it's a genius manoeuvre. Thank me later.

I picked this dress up in the ASOS sale, I sized up due to the fact it is a fitted style, with no stretch and as I mentioned in my previous post; I had to have it as it's made out of cotton so I knew it would keep me cool when I went out to party whilst on holiday.

A note about 'Chub Rub' - lots of people ask me about how I cope with the dreaded chub rub. It's a horrid thing that affects many of us ladies (big and small) and my all time fave method to stop any rubbing is to wear shorts. My fave shorts are from M&S and they are Light Control Invisible Shaping Thigh Slimmer's. They only go up to a UK 22 sadly but they are my favourites, I wear them all year round and they are so smooth you never see them underneath even the tightest outfits.

SHOP MY LOOK

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post

Fuss free

I don't know about you, but when I am holiday I just want to feel as cool and comfortable as possible. If it's too hot and I have a million layers on, and I'm wearing synthetic fabrics, such as polyester; I just get SO agitated and uncomfortable and you might as well not talk to me because I'll be in a foul mood and wishing I was sat in a cold, pitch black room on my own!

The thing I have come to realise is that I need to solely wear natural fabrics and simple cuts when I travel. Yes it makes shopping for holiday outfits slightly harder because you are cutting your choices down BUT if you're anything like me; you'll be happy for it when you're out and about and loving life on your holiday.

When it comes to cut and shape; you can't get any simpler than this maxi dress. A bargain dress, a cool print and as far as a maxi goes, it's a great length. I am 5 '3 and it doesn't swamp me so if you're a short babe; this dress should also work for you. It's made of cotton-rich jersey which kept me cool and I wore it for a meal out in the evening but also to the beach so it's really versatile.

SHOP MY OUTFIT

Be sure to follow me over on my:
Twitter / Blog Lovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr

View Post