Winter, it's a love hate thing...

Image fom Pexels

It's that time of the year again. Leaves are falling off trees, you're trying to find the perfect winter coat and everybody is suddenly talking about Christmas!

Personally, I have a massive love/hate relationship with winter. Hopefully, you'll be able to see why I have such a dilemma...

LOVE

1. Cosy winter nights

The most appealing thing about winter is curling up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate. There's something appealing about the idea of staying in, lighting lots of candles and watching a classic Christmas film.

2. Christmas adverts

I absolutely love watching Christmas adverts and I think they get better every year. The biggest high-street stores competing for the best storyline and song makes the build-up to Christmas just that little bit more exciting. And FYI, my faves this year have to be Marks and Spencer, Heathrow and Sainsbury's.

3. Festive spirit

The build-up to Christmas may outweigh all of my winter 'hates', as nothing makes me happier than walking down the high-street and seeing all of the Christmas lights. Christmas is such a brilliant excuse for a night out, shopping dates and a trip to the races.

4. Christmas music

I'm not talking about the latest cheesy pop song that arrives every December. I mean traditional Christmas songs; The Pogues, Wham! and Mariah... just to name a few. If they don't get you in the Christmas spirit, then I don't know what will.

5. Food

Winter is the best time to indulge in all your favourite food, especially when pigs in blankets are on offer. A Sunday in winter is not complete without sleeping until you're hungry, and then eating until you're sleepy.

  HATE

1. It's freezing

I am the worst when it comes to feeling the cold; my dressing gown is my best friend. The idea of going out and having fun is brilliant and, don't get me wrong, I love Christmas dinners and late-night shopping, but I can never, ever, no matter how many layers I put on, keep warm.

2. And not just that...

THE RAIN. I'm writing this during a washout, one that has lasted around 4 days. It makes my bed seem more appealing than ever and the idea of walking into town or going on a night out in a dress seem awful.

3. Layers

I love buying a winter coat every year and always spend quite a lot on the right one. For one reason only; it's all you ever see. The 4 layers I have on underneath, however nice they may be, will never appear in daylight. Layering is such a waste of clothes!

5. Mince pies

Ewwwwwww. Stollen, mince pies and Christmas pudding. Probably my three least favourite puddings ever all come at once! Just pass me some chocolate and I'll be on my way...

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.

How to wear white in Winter

There is nothing more summery than a lovely white, button-up, denim skirt. The colour shows off that golden holiday glow, is light and cool to wear and most importantly, goes with everything.

So, what exactly do we do when winter comes?! Instead of banishing those white statement pieces and hiding your style in black and navy jumpers, here's 5 ways you can bring back your white wardrobe in winter:

1. Oversized jumpers

Jumpers are a huge fashion statement around winter time. Whether it's a fluffy sweater or a turtle neck jumper, an oversized white knit will always be the perfect partner for a pair of black skinny jeans.

2. Layer it up!

You can get away with anything in winter. What's an extra 3 or 4 layers to anyone when it's this cold? White jeans can still make a comeback throughout winter, just pop a pair of knee length boots over the top and team with warm shades and a statement tote!

3. On-trend with faux fur

This season, just like every year, faux-fur is massive. For me, teddy-bear coats are the perfect way to stay warm but look great.

4. Accessorise 

For a subtle way to add pops of white to your outfit, try a furry snood or knitted scarf. My favourite accessories of the moment are pom-poms; on shoes, bags, gloves and scarfs!

5. Feet first

There's nothing I enjoy more than a gorgeous pair of shoes. My favourite white pairs to wear in winter would be Adidas superstars and Nike thea's, or just a classic pair of Converse.

Jumper - Zara
Headband - M&S
Watch - Marc Jacobs
Purse - Ted Baker

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

Autumn days

It's begun. The cold, dark nights are officially upon us and the winter coats are coming back out! 

I know that the winter isn't for everyone and it never really appealed to me, the bitter-cold winds and having cold toes in bed is not particularly enticing to anyone, until I thought a little bit more about it.

The autumn is probably one of the best times of the year. However cold and dark it may be, it's cosy. Blankets out and fires lit, all wrapped up on a Sunday night, it really does make everything a lot better. 

It reminds us of our childhood. The assemblies, harvest festival and playing in the snow.

Not even to mention what autumn eventually brings. The laughter of Halloween, the awe of bonfire night and finally, Christmas. The best time of year.

All the events over the autumn and winter months makes it go so quickly, which I love.

I've not been up to much since my last post. Trying to find some decent running trainers is my main struggle at the moment - never mind the constant pile of uni work and finding some time to be remotely sociable, even for just a couple of hours.

Izzy came down from Manchester to see myself and Soph and we went out for the afternoon. It was lovely having a catch up and talking about everything that we've been up to and even better that we could all see each other before Christmas!

Exercise inspiration

At the moment, all I want to do is get up and start running. Go to the gym, cycle or swim but unfortunately, I've damaged my knee and can't.

While I'm resting and waiting for my knee to get better, I've had a little look at the latest sportswear that's available. There's nothing that will motivate you more to do exercise than lovely sportswear. For me, blacks and greys are the best option, minimalist effort but still looking great all year round.

There are so many options out there right now. From the original Nike, Adidas and Reebok brands to the new high street looks, with New Look, Boohoo and H&M bringing out sportswear lines, for a cut of the price.

My personal favourite will always be Nike. The patterns and quality will always be the best and you'll always look great, even after a 5 mile run!

Exercise inspiration for me comes from celebrities and celebrity personal trainers. There is nothing more encouraging than logging into Instagram or Twitter to see the likes of Millie Mackintosh, Ellie Goulding or Rosie Fortescue training or at the gym. Their exercise tips and videos are so driving, you can see that they put so much effort into doing it for themselves and creating a healthier lifestyle for the better.

I can't wait to get back up and exercising through the winter!

Trainers - Nike

Sports bra - Lulu Lemon

Sweater - Boohoo

My autumn wardrobe

As much as summer is probably the best time of the year for wearing your favourite new trends, swimwear shopping and feeling better in whatever you have on (I mean, everything looks better with a tan!), Autumn is my favourite time to really look at what's in the shops and try out the new styles that are making their way into the shops.

Layering is essential with autumn clothes; the summer-y days that haven't quite yet faded turn into cold, damp evening's. Skirts and dresses are still my favourite pieces to layer; a warm coat, tights or a pair of boots instead of a cami top and sandals make the same summer piece a winter trend.

Thick knits, faux fur and knee high boots always gives an outfit that expensive look, and are probably my favourite autumn/winter pieces. For effortless style, stick with neutral shades, faux suede and accessorise to the max.
Gloves, scarves and statement necklaces make neutral layers look even better, so use this to your advantage. Spend that little bit more on a fab jacket or coat, accessories and shoes, these are the pieces that you'll get the most wear out of and that people will see more. For basic t-shirts and knits, you don't have to get the most expensive items for them to keep you warm and still look good.

So, happy shopping! Here's my picture pieces, all picked from hugh street stores:

Cardigan⎜Oasis
Skirt⎜Asos
Coat⎜Topshop
Boots⎜Kurt Geiger
Fur collar coat⎜River Island
Jumper⎜Topshop