FSL Clothing: Slumming it on the Kings Road

Monday 31 March 2014

24 comments
A few weeks ago I was introduced to FSL (Filthy Sexy London) Clothing, a new British luxury loungewear brand who specialise in London-inspired slogan tees and luxury jumpers. I can't resist a good graphic tee/sweater so when I spotted this 'Slumming it on the Kings Road' jumper, I immediately wanted it on me!

FSL Clothing
Slumming it on the Kinds Road Sweater
Filthy Sexy London
Black Studded Dr. Martens
Jumper: c/o FSL Clothing - Jeans: River Island - Hat: Accessorize - Boots: Dr. Martens

For those who aren't familiar with the King's Road, it's a long and popular street in Chelsea well known for its fashionable shops... Oh the irony! My jumper was made in Portugal and then hand finished in London, I'm wearing a size 8 but I'd probably suggest sizing up if you like a looser look as it's very slim fitting. The prices are about the same as LA-based Wildfox but in my opinion, FSL's garments are better quality. This one feels sooo soft.

This particular style has been worn by Ashley James of Made in Chelsea, and my model crush Jade Thompson has another of their sweaters. Even some of the TOWIE cast have been spotted in FSL tees. They're a new brand but I can't wait for them to build on their current collection, who knows, they could be the British version of Wildfox!

As for the rest of my outfit, I can't stop wearing these ripped jeans but oh how I need a new pair that fit properly. I wish River Island would bring them back! I always get a thigh/leg work out when I wear my black studded docs because they are so darn heavy. I've been trying to break them in for the longest time, I can't wait for them to become soft and comfortable but I do love how badass they look. 

Have you heard of FSL clothing? Are you a fan of Doc Martins?

T - Slumming it.
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Bye Bye Blemishes! Rawrgirls Review . . . Melvita Nectar Pur Purifying Roll On SOS Blemish Care!

Sunday 30 March 2014

9 comments
I have a new love in my life, he's so good he makes my skin glow. Okay okay, so it's a skin product but I still want to shout our love from the rooftops so here goes!

I've enjoyed a few Melvita products in the last year, when you find a brand that suits your skin you just want to keep it coming you know?! Anyhoo, my latest love affair is with the Melvita Nectar Pur Purifying Roll On SOS Blemish Care (£12), a teeny little bottle of spot busting goodness!

It contains lavender, tea tree, cistus, sage, coriander and lemon combined with tepescohuite bark and propolis to purify and repair, all directed to the blemish by the cool roller ball tip.

I'm always sceptical with these things, there's tons of spot dryer uppers out there but as T and I have discovered, they rarely work, or they work for about a week and give up, but this bad boy is a machine! I've been rolling this on red ragers for about 2 weeks now and they are GONE literally overnight, like full on zapped the living daylights out of them GONE. I mean, I don't think you're supposed to roll it all over your face but I'm tempted ;)

If you're having blemish issues I can't recommend this enough, two thumbs up, fine holiday fun!

J - Zapped.
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Nail Of The Day - Jacava Strawberry Miroir!

Saturday 29 March 2014

11 comments
I am loving Jacava's Strawberry Miroir nail polish so much that I just had to do a show and tell for you guys. Strawberry Miroir is a semi-translucent red jelly effect polish and just so deliciously juicy! 

As with all Jacava polish, it applies like a dream, but it looks so fresh and youthful! One coat gives a perfectly acceptable translucent red finish, but two coats give this fabulous super glossy semi-translucent jelly look - YUM!

jacava nail polish review
jacava nail polish review
Polish c/o Jacava

It's like a Lancome Juicy Tube for nails! The colour and finish reminds me of watermelon, and is their anything fruitier with a summer appeal than that?! This is without a top coat and it's just ridiculously glossy - mouthwatering! It would look SO good with a green tip and black seed dots! 

Sooooo, overall thoughts . . .

- Fun, easy to wear colour that looks good on short or long nails.
- Applies beautifully and doesn't streak.
- Dries fairly quickly making application quicker.
- Long lasting and chip resistant (I usually get a good 5 days from 2 coats and I have a typing heavy job).
- Wonderful long handled brush.
- Chemical free (8-Free) and not tested on animals!

Jacava polish retails at £14.50, and as a regular buyer of premium polish I can 100% recommend this brand if you're into paying that little bit more. 

J - Whatta melon.
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Next's Summer '14 Collection! #NextNewIn

Friday 28 March 2014

19 comments
On Wednesday I headed to The Soho Hotel in London for an exclusive preview of Next's new Summer collection, coming this May! Before making my way to the event I met up with two of my favourite blogger pals, Kylie of Memoir Mode and Stephanie of FAIIINT. I was excited to see the new ins, grab some afternoon tea and get pampered!

Obligatory blogger bath tub pose.

Summer 2014 at Next Fashion
Summer Lace Crochet Pastels

When we walked in I was instantly drawn to the pretty pastel pieces, I love the fluffy knits and all the lace/crochet! There were some beautiful lace dresses and a cute Summer sequin dress, perfect for wearing on an evening... Sequins are for life, not just for Christmas! I did get teased a bit for looking like I belonged in the first rail of clothes but I didn't mind. I'm now officially a pale pink convert.

Next Summer Bold Statement Prints
Next SS14 Accessories

There were also lots of bold statement prints and some adorable satchels on display. How sweet is this mini brown bag!? I noticed several pairs of espadrilles, including a super cool metallic pair which I need to take on holiday. While we browsed the Summer range, we were treated to some tasty treats and drinks.

Afternoon Tea at Soho Hotel
Cocktails at The Soho Hotel

I almost went into a food coma after *accidentally* eating 4 cakes...Whoops! London-based Blow Ltd were offering complimentary 'blows' so the Kylie, Stephanie and I decided to get braids. I opted for the Blow n' Braid, I've always wanted to try a halo braid and stylist Tanya is an absolute gem. Not only is she a hair genius, she's bubbly and really nice too! 

Blow Ltd Blow n' Braid
Photo taken by Stephanie of FAIIINT.
Finished Halo Braid
Blow London Halo Braid

This would normally cost £25 and it's something I'm definitely going to get done again in their salon. It took less than 30 minutes (probably more like 20) and I was over the moon with the results. Blow Ltd asked if they could take a photo at each different stage of the braid for their Instagram page so if you're curious, it's here. There is a tutorial video on their website but I just don't have the skills needed to do it myself. 

Bianca's Nail Secret's London
Photo credit: Stephanie of FAIIINT.

I also had my nails painted by Bianca's Nail Secrets which I adore! I chose 'Mermaid Tears' by OPI with lilac/white flowers, to match Next's floral Summer pieces. I always spend forever painting my nails but the girls were such professionals and I was all done in under 10 minutes. Amazing! Here is a better Instagram snap of my finished nails.

Next Summer 2014 Blogger Event
Kylie, me and Stephanie.

Next throw the best blog events and I always have a blast when I get together with Kylie and Stephanie! How gorgeous are their braids? Eat your heart out Daenerys. It was also nice to meet some new faces and bump into a few familiar ones. Huge thanks to the awesome Next team for such a fun filled afternoon, I can't wait for the new Summer collection to drop in store and online in May!

What are you looking forward to wearing this Summer? Are you a fan of hair braids?

T - Yearning for warmer weather.
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SS14 Fashion Show at Harvey Nichols Bristol

Thursday 27 March 2014

14 comments
On Tuesday night I attended the SS14 Harvey Nichols Bristol Fashion Show held at Cutlers Hall. I always enjoy attending the Harvey Nichols shows because they're full of style inspiration and it's fun to see the new collections in action.

The weather has been horrible over the past few days so I decided to dress warm. Although I didn't get a snap of what I was wearing, I wore this outfit from last month. I met with my partner-in-crime Kelly of Soul Sparkler before it started and we headed to Quakers Friars. We were greeted with champagne and took our seats in the FROW. After a quick natter and flick through the programme, the show began. There were over 40 different outfits but here are some of my favourite looks from the night:

Bristol Harvey Nichols Fashion Show
Mary Katrantzou Harvey Nichols Fashion Show

The first trend was centred around florals and colourful prints. I'm a huge fan of clashing florals and it's something I want to try this season! My favourite outfit was the Mary Katrantzou Caspian Printed Silk Dress worn with a pair of blue pumps. Although it's a little out of my price range there's no denying how beautiful it is. SWOON.


Jimmy Choo Neon Orange Rebel Bag

I'm not usually big on Sports Luxe but the next set of outfits were well styled and I liked Jade's MGSM pants and her awesome neon Jimmy Choo Rebel bag! Then came sheer fabrics and pleats and I was introduced to the Roksanda Ilincic maxi skirt of my dreams (note the price tag). Thankfully I own a much more affordable, sheer and pleated maxi skirt which I plan to style shortly. Harvey Nichols paired this skirt with an off white, silk Joie tank and it worked perfectly so I think I'll follow suit!

Christopher Kane Anatomical Print Skirt
Mary Katrantzou Yellow Printed Shirt Dress
Jonathan Saunders Tulip Print Skirt

Although I don't currently own any yellow in my wardrobe, I loved some of the mellow yellow dresses and skirts. I think most people will agree this Christopher Kane Anatomical Print Skirt is very quirky and fun, it's certainly something I can see myself wearing! I adore Mary Katrantzou and this bright printed shirt dress is right up my street, I don't think digital prints will ever go out of fashion so I'd like to invest in one of her pieces (I better start saving). The floral Jonathan Saunders combo is pretty casual and I like the tee tucked into the Sylvia tulip skirt. Talk about double floral goodness.

Bright colours seemed to feature heavily throughout the show, I definitely need to get my paws on some bolder pieces such as this incredible Orchid Dress from Peter Pilotto:

Peter Pilotto Orchid Pink Dress
SS14 Mens Alexander McQueen Suit

 Mary Katrantzou
 Mary Katrantzou
There was also a lot of stylish menswear on display so I couldn't resist taking a snap of this handsome man! Y'all can thank me later (or below). I love his Alexander McQueen suit. It's worth mentioning they always play the best music while the models strut down the catwalk, I found it hard not to dance in my seat! The whole show felt very young and fresh. Afterwards there were more refreshments in store and we had the opportunity to shop the looks we'd just seen. 

Unfortunately it was a little cramped this time round and the lighting was different which made taking nice photographs difficult #bloggerproblems. Even so, I still really enjoyed myself!

Have you attended any fashion shows recently? Which look is your favourite?

T - Feeling inspired.
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Rare London Floral Maxi Dress

Wednesday 26 March 2014

25 comments
Rare Floral Bustier Maxi DressRare London SS14
Floral Maxi Dress
Dress: c/o Rare London - Hat: H&M - Espadrilles: Dune - Tokyo Jane Bangles: c/o The Dressing Room

As soon as this Rare dress arrived, I was swanning around the house in it for a good 20 minutes. It's definitely one of those 'feel good' items of clothing! The skirt has a lot of material and the print is just perfect for Spring/Summer. I've always been a sucker for a maxi so this floral bustier dress is a welcome addition to my collection. I originally had a size 8 but because I'm very small on top, it fell down. Wah! Cue me exchanging it for a size 6 and it fitting like a dream. I can definitely see myself wearing this on holiday or to a BBQ and it would also be a good dress to wear to a wedding. I'm 5'7 and still need a pair of heels with it so you might need to get it taken up if you're petite.

It was sunny when I set out in this but on my way home there was a rainstorm and I got pretty wet. I found the whole situation pretty hilarious but I think the public thought I was loco! The British weather is all over the place right now and all I want to do is dress like it's really warm. Ugh.

Are a fellow maxi dress lover? Do you own anything from Rare London?

T - Team florals.
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George, Gina and Lucy!

Tuesday 25 March 2014

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I figured I'd take a day off from shooting at my favourite train tracks to work on some Bristol street style snaps. I really don't mind posing in front of a crowd but taking photos in a middle of the shopping centre does attract the off dodgy look or two. In this look I'm sporting my new acrylic necklace from Sugar and Vice's new gemstone collection!

Sugar and Vice Gemstone Collection
George, Gina and Lucy Handbags
Bristol Street Style UK
Jacket: Warehouse - Blouse: River Island - Jeans: c/o Twist & Tango (old) - Necklace: c/o Sugar & Vice - Bag: c/o George, Gina & Lucy - Ring: Lovisa - Fedora: Accessorize - Brogues - ASOS 

I must admit I do love a good bit of acrylic bling and this laser cut diamond is certainly a statement piece. This casual outfit is how I roll when I hit the shops due to the fact I like to be comfortable while I get my shop on. I got these Twist & Tango Tina trousers last year and I still really like the unusual print on them, I'd quite like them in another colour and a little tighter because I love my jeans to look like spray ons! My jacket is a Warehouse sale bargain from a few months ago and if you're a regular reader, you've seen this wrap blouse from River Island a million times before. 

My bag is from an awesome German brand called George, Gina & Lucy! I was lucky enough to be given this serpentikha satchel when I visited Pure London last month and I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it. It's such a beautiful bag, the leather is really soft and it has an unusual cracked look and bold snake print. Inside it's lined, has several handy pockets/compartments and comes with a detachable shoulder strap. The brand is so fun and quirky, I hadn't heard of them before Pure but their website is full of stylish accessories and handbags. It's all very 'European' if that makes sense? They also have lots of cute nylon bags! The metal hang tag on the front reads: 

Fashion can't buy you love, hold on to the moments that make your heart smile. We all deserve happiness. So keep going baby.

How cute!? I'm a sucker for the little details. Are you a fan of acrylic jewellery? Have you heard of GGL?

T - Such an attention seeker.
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Sugarhill Boutique SS14 Duckie Dress

Monday 24 March 2014

35 comments

Sugarhill Boutique SS14
Sugarhill Boutique Duckie Dress
Animal Print Dress
Duckie dress: c/o Sugarhill Boutique - Hat: H&M - Tokyo Jane bracelets: c/o The Dressing Room - Boots: c/o BANK (old)

Don't these snaps look lovely and Spring-like? You probably can't tell, but I was getting rained on while posing for these! This adorable Duckie dress is from the new SS14 collection at Sugarhill Boutique, a British brand which I've been a fan of for years. I always visit their stand at Pure London and swoon all over the beautiful hand-drawn prints, so I was really excited when this arrived in the post! This is an XS or UK size 8 and I'd say it runs pretty true to size. It has a lovely, flattering tulip shape skirt and sweet lace panels on the waist. Due to the cut and length, it's perfect for the office, but I like wearing it casually with some cut out boots.

If you don't own any Sugarhill, I definitely recommend giving their online store a browse. They have numerous swoon-worthy dresses and I really want their striped bicycle frock next!

Are you a fan of animal print clothing? Have you heard of Sugarhill Boutique?

T - Thanks to my awesome mum for enduring the rain while taking these photos! We're so hardcore.
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Competition! Win 1 of 2 Sticky9 Instagram Magnet sets!

Sunday 23 March 2014

53 comments
Now we like a bit of Instagram, but some people have a knack for making those tiny little square pics into something really special, and my man is one of those peeps. Yep, @Timbeseen enjoys toy photography and shares his work on Instagram, and I have to admit he's pretty darn amazing at it, so when Sticky9 asked if we wanted to review a pack of their Instagram Magnets (usually £9.99) and give a couple of packs away in a competition, I knew what I had to do . . . 

It's so easy to create your set, just sign into your Instagram account so all your pics pull through to the Sticky9 webby, choose your 9 favourites and checkout! It's literally that simple. Standard international shipping is free, and the finished result is really good! Now I can display his work on the fridge like all the best works of art :)


Magnets c/o Sticky9. 
Images c/o @Timbeseen on Instagram - feel free to give him a follow! Tim gives life to action figures and toys with clever set ups, creative scenes and top notch backdrops.




We have 2 sets of Sticky9 magnets to give away to 2 lucky Instagram users! Just help yourself to the Rafflecopter entry form below - GO! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sticky9 have a 3 for 2 offer on the Magnet sets until the end of March, so if you like the look of our set and just fancy nabbing some while you wait for us to draw the winners, now is the time to do it! These guys also do phone and tablet cases which look amazing, so there's lots to get your insta-teeth into! Have fun and don't forget to share your finished fridge looks with Sticky9 on Instagram! 

Good luck Instagrammers!

xoxo

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com
Loquax.co.uk
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Celeb Style Crush: Vanessa Hudgens

Saturday 22 March 2014

10 comments
It's no secret that I have a HUGE girl crush on uber babe Vanessa Hudgens. She's the ultimate boho princess and I just love her everyday style! As I'm obsessed with Pinterest (it's great for getting fashion inspo), I created a board dedication to my style icon.




I can't wait to see what she wears to Coachella this year because in my opinion, she's always the best dressed festival-goer. She's a massive fan of Free People and loves tons of cool brands such as Jen's Pirate Booty, MINKPINK and One Teaspoon! I'm not sure which music festivals I'll be attending this year but I always look to the girls of Coachella for festival style inspiration. This Spring/Summer I plan on wearing more kimonos and maxi dresses than ever before. I also want a lot more quartz/boho jewellery so I can channel my inner boho babe. Sometimes I feel I should've been born in California... *SIGH*.

Who is your celebrity style crush? Are you a fellow pinaholic?

T - Crushin'.
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ASOS Oversized Pink Coat + Black Ripped Jeans

Friday 21 March 2014

26 comments
Oversized Pink CoatFluffy cocoon coat: c/o ASOS - Wrap blouse + ripped jeans: River Island - Necklaces: Regal Rose + Blue Bayer NYC - Shoes: Next

If this outfit looks familiar, you may have spotted in January's ASOS Fashion Finder feature on restyling your classics. I've never really been a huge fan of pink but this coat definitely changed my mind and I'm now pro-pink and proud! Although these two blush shades seem to be blending into one, underneath my cocoon coat is a nude River Island wrap blouse. If you follow me on Twitter, you're probably aware of my (pale blue leather jacket) RI customer service drama. It's definitely changed the way I feel about the company and I won't be ordering online again.

My leather fisherman boots were a bargain from the Next sale in January and I just ordered a new pair of leather gladiators from their pre-sale! They're only having a smaller, mid-season sale (starting tomorrow) but they still have lots of gems on offer.

In other news, I've been working on a little project for the Oasis fashion blog with some tips on things to do in Bristol as well as styling some of their new SS14 pieces. I can't wait to share the snaps with you so stay tuned for that!

Are you a fan of pastel pink? 

T - Feeling as cute as a button.
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Bonnie Bling - Highland Fling Collection!

Thursday 20 March 2014

45 comments
Rock and Rags by Firetrap
Full Length Maxi Kimono
Bristol Fashion Blog
Luckenbooth Necklace by Bonnie BlingKimono: c/o Pretty Little Thing - Dress: c/o USC - Hat: H&M - Boots: c/o BANK (old) - Necklace: c/o Bonnie Bling

This super cute Luckenbooth necklace by Bonnie Bling is from their new Highland Fling collection and reminds me of Snow White - my favourite Disney Princess! The Luckenbooth brooch was a traditional Scottish love token said to ward evil spirits away and to grant luck to those who wore them. I guess I see myself as quite a lucky person, but I could always do with a bit more luck and this necklace is certainly fit for a Rawr Girl princess... Wouldn't you agree? ;)

My kimono from Pretty Little Thing seems to be a bit of a blog favourite and I've featured it a few times before. I love when it catches in the wind, it's almost like I have my very own superhero cape! I paired it with a black fedora, some ankle boots and this tee dress from Rock & Rags by Firetrap which is a pretty cool brand stocked at USC. 

Are you a fan of acrylic jewellery? Do you own any kimonos?

T - aka Snow.
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Rawr Girls Restaurant Review . . . Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool!

Wednesday 19 March 2014

13 comments
Last weekend Tim and I headed out on our usual Saturday trip to Liverpool for a bit of shopping, but this time we were pretty excited because we had been invited to dine at Liverpool's newest Brooklyn-style bar and eatery, Frederiks, on Hope Street in the eclectic and vibrant Georgian quarter! Trust me, the discreet exterior betrays the treat that awaits inside!
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool restaurant review
The welcome was really friendly and I was immediately taken with how spacious and light the place was. The bar was a beauty so it would've been rude not to try one of their amazing cocktails while we waited for our food!
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review
I ventured outside my comfort zone and ordered a ConeyIsland Lemonade (£6.50) - a tall combination of whiskey, toffee-apple, lemon and popcorn. Yep, popcorn! I now consider myself a whiskey drinker. Grandad will be proud ;)
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review cocktailsThe lovely girls explained how the menu worked. The 'Plates' are larger main meals and the other dishes are small plates designed for sharing. I was really surprised at how reasonable everything was, for some reason you expect these cool places with exciting menus like this to have inflated prices! We considered trying the famous signature dish, Oysters Rockefeller, but chickened out because neither of us had sampled oysters before!
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review menu
See anything you fancy? They recommended ordering 4-6 dishes between us, so we went with :

Pulled Pork Waffle Stack and Maple Bourbon Syrup £7
Pretzel Crusted Spiced Chicken £5.50
Salt n' Pepper King Prawns £7
Sweet Potato Fries £3
Zucchini, Rocket & Parmesan Salad £5

Choosing from the menu :)

While we waited for our food I took the opportunity to have a nose round. It was around 3pm and the atmosphere was really relaxed with just a handful of couples like us, small groups of twenty somethings, a family of four and a few guys enjoying a drink at the bar before the locals, theatregoers and students hit it for the night. I've heard it's super popular after dark too and I can totally see why. Designed by the team behind Camp and Furnace, the interior of Frederiks is contemporary with it's original yellow brick Victorian wall, slick teak panelling and concrete plinth, but manages to stay warm and inviting with a cosy sofa area complete with fireplace.
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review
A piece of art donated by North West artist Tony Bishop.
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review
Then the food came and errr, WOW. Where to start?! Absolutely delicious! The Pretzel Crusted Spiced Chicken just fell off the bone and the crust had just the right amount of kick. The Salt n' Pepper King Prawns were HUGE. I generally recoil from de-shelling my own seafood but they were totally worth wrestling with. The Zucchini, Rocket & Parmesan Salad (which was recommended by our server based on our other chosen meat based plates) and the Sweet Potato Fries were the perfect accompaniments to everything. However, we both agreed that the Pulled Pork Waffle Stack and Maple Bourbon Syrup was the best thing either of us had tasted in ages, so we totally plan to order one each next time we go because that thing is too good to share!
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review
 After the main meal was so good I just had to try dessert, so we ordered the New York Baked Cheesecake (£3). Now I'm not normally a big fan of what I call 'plain cheesecake' but this was far from plain! There was a touch of lemon to it and I'm sure I spotted a pistachio in there. The base was buttery and crusty, total homemade goodness. Again, there will be no sharing on our next visit!
Frederiks Hope Street Liverpool review
So that's about £30 for a meal for two (excluding my extravagant cocktail!), which I think is good value to be honest, but the whole experience was just that little bit more special. The totally chilled out atmosphere meant the food and company could just be enjoyed without any distractions. Frederiks serves up the perfect combination of a speakeasy bar with plates of transatlantic food served up to 10pm, I can't think of a better way to start a night in Liverpool than with a tall cocktail or two over a shared mac n' cheese!

In addition to the restaurant/bar area, Frederiks houses the Pillbox, a soundproof events, performance and party space to the rear. It was being prepped for a 30th on Saturday (I spied the balloons!) so I didn't get a chance to check it out but I imagine it's hella popular. I know I was wondering if I have a future reason to party coming up . . . 

For more info or bookings go to www.frederikshopestreet.com, email info@frederikshopest.com or call 0151 708 9574, or pop in at 32 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX :) 

P.S.  I took a snap of my outfit on the way back into town, OBVIO! You didn't think I'd document the day without finding a suitable location and getting my pose on did you?! ;)

Outfit: Jacket c/o Uniqlo, Tshirts - Wildfox and F21, Scarf - Becksondergaard, Jeans - Bank, Boots - Steve Madden, Bag - Grafea, Wrist scarf - Vivienne Westwood.
grafea uniqlo Ines ripped jeans Liverpool fashion blogger outfit post

Can you tell I was sat-is-fied? Look at that happy kitty look on my face! 

Huge thanks to Frederiks, I'll be back for more!

J - GIMME DAT PULLED PORK NOW!
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