LFW: My highlights, top trends and model of the moment

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Top 5 Shows

Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster's show is a must-watch for me every year. Her statement butterfly winged heels and beautiful colours always take centre stage - and this year was no exception. The brave over-the-knee ice cold boots won the audience over and for me, those princess heels are just utterly gorgeous.

Burberry

Burberry pulled off a spectacular show again this year, in front of the most star-studded audience of LFW. I always spot massive trends at Burberry's show and this year saw asymmetric dresses, stunning beading and a whole load of capelets. Neutral colours and beautiful fabrics owned every piece, making the show gracious and elegant, with just a hint of fierceness.

Mary Katrantzou

Inspired by Disney's Fantasia, Mary Katrantzou's collection shone with glitter and sequins, and I loved it. I couldn't help but gawp at the beautiful colours and patterns of this year's show and prints are something that definitely weren't held back. Florals, surprising comic prints, textures and embellishments were all out in force.

Topshop Unique

Never one to disappoint, Topshop Unique's show was full of floral dresses, statement colours and oversized pieces, all finished with a spash of 80's. However, the audience won it over for me this year. Sofia Richie wore a beautiful sheer top, definitely a trend that was highlighted at Topshop's show, and Lydia Millen looked stunning in statement sleeves and Gucci loafers.

Halpern

Michael Halpern has won me over. The New York designer has officially vamped up the runway with non other than disco. We're talking a lot of sequins, bright colours and clashing textures and I absolutely love this look. Personally, a statement sequinned mini is more my thing, but I am in awe over the bold flared leg jumpsuits.

Trends I Love

Pink

My forever favourite rocked the runways this year. Different shades of pink with a mix of textures are an easy to wear statement that we'll see all over both designer and high street pieces. A gorgeous transition from spring to summer to autumn!

Volume

This trend is definitely one for the more confident but pulled off correctly and it can look beautiful. Volume skirts and dresses carried the runway, however, for a more subtle look, hunt the high street for a volume sleeve to transform your style.

Beading

Beading is probably my favourite trend at this year's London Fashion Week. It's elegant and classy but super wearable - go for a beaded jumper in the daytime and a beaded mini at night. My favourite piece has to be this sweatshirt from the Burberry collection.

Red

Extremely eye-catching but I'm sure everyone has at least one red item in their wardrobe! Dress it up with different textures and statement jewellery or keep it understated with clean cuts and simple colour combinations.

Sheer

I absolutely love sheer textures at the moment and LFW hit all the right notes with their take on the trend. From dresses to rain coats, embellishment to t-shirts, there's no covering-up from your favourite pieces this year.

Model of the Moment

Come on, it's got to be hasn't it?! Over the last couple of years, Gigi Hadid has completely changed the game with modelling. You can tell that she's a down-to-earth family girl who is living her dream and right from the get go, well, her Victoria Secret Fashion Show debut in 2015, she has been the one to look out for. And now with her new TOMMY X GIGI HADID collection rocking the runway, there's no stopping the 21 year old...

10 places I want to visit before I'm 30

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I love travelling. Career and education options have meant that I don't have a free 6 months to actually leave the UK and explore the world but that doesn't stop me from visiting as many different countries as possible, immersing myself into different cultures and dreaming of a couple of weeks away. Travelling is my main motivation. When I had a part-time job, any extra shifts I saw as an addition to my holiday fund or spending money for an upcoming holiday. Now, I save as much money as possible and think ahead... places I want to visit in the near future and which destinations will be best for me once I start teaching!

I love looking ahead and setting a holiday as my ambition, whether it be saving for a couple of years for a long-haul dream holiday or looking forward to a well needed European break. Turning 30 seems a million miles away right now, but it's only 9 years and will probably fly by. So, here's my 10 (maybe a bit too optimistic) destinations I would love to travel to before I turn 30:

1. Rome

I always wanted to travel through Italy but I don't think that will be possible for now. I'd love to still travel to Italy and have a lot of Italian destinations on my 'to do' list, with Rome being the first one. Starting in the Capital seems like a good idea and there's plenty to see and do; architecture, shopping, culture and food, not to forget a trip to watch Roma (with strict instructions: 'we HAVE to go before Totti retires'). Better get booking up then!

2. Cambodia

Cambodia looks absolutely incredible. Ideally, I'd love to do a multi-centre trip, stopping in either Vietnam or Thailand too, as it works out much cheaper than visiting the countries at different times. However, Cambodia is probably number 1 on the list, specifically, Angkor Wat. Just looking at images and other posts about this amazing temple complex is enough to want to visit.

3. Morocco

Marrakech is a destination that I seem to always be on the lookout for. You can grab some bargains at secluded Riads which lie down maze-like side streets, close to the hustle and bustle of the centre. I'd love to explore the incredible mosques, palaces and gardens that this city has to offer, not to mention the traditional marketplaces where you can find brilliant hidden gems.

4. Madrid

Madrid is another city that I've always wanted to travel to, especially since my uncle moved out there. There's plenty to see and do, from tasty restaurants to traditional markets and I can easily do this city on a budget from all the suggestions and tips I've received from my family!

5. Odessa

This one may seem a little unusual, but I seem to have fallen for this city since reading about what it has to offer. The Southern Ukrainian city has some of the most beautiful beaches and the grand Primorsky Boulevard, which lies parallel to the ocean, is lined with impressive mansions and monuments. Seriously picturesque, and the weather's not bad in the summer too.

6. Mauritius

Another holiday destination that we nearly booked up for this year, but decided against, is Mauritius. However, it's still somewhere I would absolutely love to visit for many reasons; the culture, food, beaches and beautiful scenery. One of those 'once in a lifetime' holidays full of luxurious beaches, exquisite food and pinch-yourself moments.

7. Dublin

Staying a little closer to home for this one! Dublin has always been somewhere I'd like to give a go for a long weekend away. My best friend visited last year and family have also told me about their drunken Dublin adventures, and it seems like the perfect place to escape to. There's plenty to do; shopping, sights, pubs and restaurants, the ideal weekend getaway.

8. Florence

My second Italian escape on the list is Florence. I recently watched a television programme on the Tuscan city and it just made my decision even clearer. It's full to the brim with culture, art and architecture and looks insanely beautiful from every angle. Perhaps a little quieter than Rome, but that doesn't stop it from being just as cultural and ideal for a couple's holiday.

9. Jamaica

My Mum often speaks of her holiday's to Jamaica and it gives me serious holiday envy. From the famous Dunns River Falls to Kingston Town, Seven Mile beach to the secluded Miracle Spring, the picturesque island seems so inclusive and I'd love to explore the wonders it has to offer.

10. Moscow

I never thought I loved cities as much as beach holidays... until I wrote this list. There's a definite theme developing! Moscow is another wonderfully pretty city that I want to visit, for many reasons. The city seems to wow visitors with its majesty and history, not to mention it's wonderful landmarks and impressive skyline.

Top 5 things to do in NYC

It's been a busy week this week; back to uni, more hours at work, non-stop assignments and meeting up with friends. Although, I just can't stop thinking I wish I was back in New York.

We were there for 4 great days and it felt like time had stopped while we were there, but in reality, it flew by and there is so much more I'd have loved to see and do! 

What we did do though was amazing and so I've put together a short list of my top 5 things to do when in New York:

1. Horse and Carriage ride

As cheesy as it sounds, the Central Park horse and carriage ride was definitely one of my highlights from the trip.

The 30 minute ride took us around the lower part of Central Park between 5th and 6th avenues and there were so many iconic locations that the driver pointed out to us. It was so relaxing just to take in the business of the city while riding peacefully through the park and the Christmas spirit seemed to capture the beauty of the holiday in just one ride.

2. Top of the Rock

Heading up to the top of the Rockefeller Centre on a sunny winter's day, I'm not too sure what I was expecting. But as soon as you walk out onto the 67th floor, the views hit you and they really are breathtaking. We could see absolutely everything from up there, from the Chrysler Building to the Statue of Liberty, and it was the moment for me that I realised exactly where I was.

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating at Wollman Rink was such a funny experience. I'd never actually been ice skating before and was pretty nervous as I'm so clumsy but it was definitely better than I thought. I sort of hated it but loved it at the same time and by the end, seemed to be getting a lot better, but I really did just want to come off the ice and look at the beautiful views which surround the rink and Central Park.

4. Shopping

There is honestly no point in going to New York if you dislike shopping, but fortunately, we were in our element.

The shops are absolutely huge and it's quite overwhelming (especially at Christmas when you're trying to find a gift) but once you get stuck in, you really can't stop. I was so surprised by the sales in the shops: 40% off everything, half-price sale items, even 90% off in one of the shops! We both bought so much stuff and even now, wish we'd have picked up a few more gifts and treats while we were there.

5. Central Park

I absolutely loved Central Park and it's ability to make you think you're in a completely different place.

It was especially lovely going just before Christmas with orange leaves fallen and the skyline evident through the bare trees. We saw so many iconic spots including the lake and boathouse, the Alice in Wonderland statue and the zoo. 

I'd love to go back in the summer time and cycle around Central Park, making our way further up to explore Strawberry Fields and much more of the park.

18th Birthday Celebrations

Unfortunately, holiday preparations seem to have taken over the last week so I'm a bit behind on blogging, but the good news is... LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO!!!

I had an extremely busy week anyway, holiday prep or not, celebrating this one's 18th!

Charlotte's BIG birthday has been so fun, starting with a family party that we had last weekend. Cake, balloons, loads of food and a bit too much alcohol made for a brilliant night and definitely made a good start to Char's birthday.
She received so many cards, messages and gifts and they were all so lovely, I love watching someone else's reaction to the gift you've spent so long deliberating over.

Her big day on Friday meant not only a nice day off uni for me, but a lovely, girly lunch out with a few cheeky cocktails. We shopped for the rest of the afternoon and then headed back home for a chilled evening, which me and Ollie spent late night shopping in Broadway. 

A perfect winters' night out!

Char went to Birmingham for her birthday night out on Friday and didn't make it back to the hotel until 4.30am (what are birthday's for, eh?!) so Saturday was a bit of a write off!!

For the final birthday celebrations, we all headed to Cheltenham for bowling and pool which was a lot of fun - although I managed to be the ONLY ONE not to get a strike! The evening was spent, again, eating. A lovely day to end the perfect 18th birthday!

Next: winter wish list

There's nothing better than Christmas shopping; the excitement in the air, Christmas songs playing and the warm feeling of buying other people gifts that they'll love.

This year, Christmas shopping has suddenly become a lot easier. Next's 'order by midnight' service means that you can now take advantage of those late night shopping sprees, and know that they'll be in store the next day! Christmas shopping for other's (and yourself!) has never been easier.

From faux-fur fashion to on-trend accessories, home furnishings to winter essentials, Next has it all!

I decided to take a little look for myself and put together a 12-piece winter wish list:

1. Boucle Coat £75

2. Sophia Heart mirror £18

3. Warehouse black tinsel sequin dress £52

4.  Ecru fisherman pom pom scarf £18

5. Letter filled scented candle £4

6. Rib roll neck £16

7. Structured tote bag £34-£35

8. Anita & Green denim A-line skirt £17

9. Silver tassel necklace £12.50

10. Leather casual Chelsea boots £55-£58

11. Alphabet A-Z cushion £10

12. Abercrombie & Fitch fringe tote bag £60