How to bring some Parisian style into your Wardrobe

I think that it is impossible to deny that when it comes to fashion the French get it right. With their effortless style that while remains fairly casual is also very chic and the classic Parisian look never seems dated or out of touch. If your heading to the continent this year and what to capture that European look or perhaps your just embracing all that the UK has to offer but feel your wardrobe needs a bit of a refresh or update than I have put a few key points and tips together on how to bring a little bit of Paris into your home and wardrobe 1. The Essential Breton The Breton top has been a staple since Coco Chanel introduced it into her nautical collection in 1917 and it needs to be in every wardrobe and has been worn by many a fashion icon over the years. It simply oozes French style while still being practical and is great paired up with some jeans or high waisted trousers. 2. Back to Black In my book black and monochrome is always a good idea and it reall......

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Parisian interiors and our little adventure

I love the large windows and all the natural light (i mage ) I have to say I have always been attracted to city living, especially on old apartments that have been styled in a chic and creative way. I have been lucky enough to live in the centre of Cape Town, Edinburgh and Amsterdam, all in traditional flats and there is something comforting about not having a lot of space but using it to the full making the most of it and I think the french have it down to a tee. High ceilings, large windows, lots of light and beautiful furniture - I always feel inspired. When we recently stayed in the city of lights we opted for an Airbnb apartment - the one we initial picked was very stylish and beautifully designed but unfortunately it was not available - our second choice was more practical but perfectly located and was very clean and had everything we needed including a great host who showed us around the flat, gave us the keys and said if we needed anything to give him a call, coul......

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A Parisian Adventure

Well where to start? We managed to fit quite a lot into our 3 days in Paris before heading down to the South of France. I thought I would do an overview post of what we got up to with smaller more in-depth posts on our favourite things we did, including an amazing lunch on the left bank as an early 30th birthday present from John. As soon as we stepped off the Eurostar into the city of lights and found our lovely little Airbnb apartment, which was conveniently located near the Seine river, we were out the door walking along the riverside on our way to the Notre Dame and the love lock bridge. It was a lovely warm evening and Mr A loved running past all the boats and taking in the inspiring scenery. We had heard of a good Falafel place near the Notre Dame but after wondering the little streets we settled for some fresh hand stretched pizza, a big chunky vegetable one, which was light and super tasty, I know it's not really typical French food but it was getting late so we went ......

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Interior inspiration Day with HomeSense

Me enjoying a picnic at HomeSense Last week was very exciting indeed as I was invited to take part in an Inspiration day at the Cardiff HomeSense . A lovely table with all sorts of yummy goodies including cupcakes and bubbly was set up and I was ready to help any readers and shoppers with any interior challenges they had. Before I settled down to have a chat with shoppers I spent the first hour walking around the store and picking out 10 must have items for the next season and with so many wonderful products I was really spoilt for choice. Here are my 10 blogger picks 1. I came across these beautiful ceramic bowls with a retro design and they would bring a lovely fresh look to any kitchen cupboard. 2. Rules are meant to be broken and you really don't need to have “sets” of things, so why not go for an eclectic mix of coffee mugs for a little quirky style 3. Following on from the retro look is this wonderful vintage inspired childs ride on sc......

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London Love and Travel Giveaway

This is the second instalment to our little weekend jaunt to the big smoke for John's birthday, we had an action packed first day and after a restful nights sleep in the hotel we went in search of coffee and something tasty to start the day. Luckily being situated in Soho we were spoilt for choice and we pretty much stumbled soon across Cafe Boheme instantly, a beautiful Parisian inspired cafe with an inviting interior and fairly simple breakfast menu (I hate vast menus). We literally had the most amazing coffee - strong and creamy and I opted for some lovely blueberry crepes. Very yummy crepes and amazing coffee After breakfast we headed over to Covent Garden to have a look through the market, I was on the lookout for a vintage pair of shades but unfortunately didn't find any that fit although we did pop into Fred Perry, where I managed to pick up a really cute dungaree skirt, perfect for summer, we also picked up a little London Taxi from the Transport Mus......

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Slient Sunday dreams.....

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Ohh la la La Creperie

So we have been meaning to try out La Creperie De Sophie since it opened in the High Street Arcade. I love all things french and have fond memories of the crepes I use to eat on my day off when I lived in the South of France so when living social (similar to groupon) was running an amazing deal a few weeks back I jumped at it, I mean I didn't need and excuse to being with but getting such a good deal we had to try it out. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and I am a true believer that good customer service goes a long way. The inside is light, bright, and french cute and has a really lovely vibe and invites you to take your time, chill out and relax, which is what we did, in the cute little bare brick basement downstairs. We both went for savoury options, mine was a vegetarian combination of red onions, mushrooms, herbs, cheese and salad leaves and Johns was a chicken delight. The crepes felt really authentic and well worth the wait, with all the ingredients being fresh ......

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Meeting Rachel Khoo...a journey of food and fashion

So I was lucky enough to have my copy of Little Paris Kitchen signed by Rachel Khoo herself at the Big Welsh Bite, she even gave Arthur her beautifully decorated cupcake which was covered in plump blueberries which he gobbled up in no time. For those who don't know Rachel Khoo she is a former fashion PR girl and St Martins graduate turned French inspired chef and parisian resident who has a wardrobe, flat and bohemian lifestyle we all wish we had. Before turing to food she worked in Fashion,  which can clearly be seen in her collection of beautiful, chic and vintage pieces, she then on a whim packed up and moved form London to Paris where she Au-paired and completed a 3 month Patisserie course at the famed Cordon Blu cooking school and well the rest is history. Inspired by some of her recipes I attempted my own versions of the fresh carrot salad and Pears with a rich chocolate sauce - with everything time is of the essence when you have a toddler running around so I didn'......

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