Tag Archives: Summer

Lust-have Accessories

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Welcome to #SaturdayShopping!! Today’s #5aday theme is must-have accessories to lust after (lust-haves!) this summer…

Whether you’re wearing all-white, a bit of monochrome, or a colourful ensemble, don’t forget to accessorise & add the cherry on top!!

  1. Oliver Bonas Spring Creek Neon Belt - Inject a pop of orange neon to a black & white outfit this summer @ £12. Screen shot 2013-05-11 at 09.48.22
  2. Tatty Devine Flower Garden Necklace - Team with a simple white silk vest top & bright skinny jeans @ £50. Screen shot 2013-05-11 at 09.48.33
  3. Orange Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer from The Sunglass Shop - For a sunny look, style yourself in these sunnies @ £117. Screen shot 2013-05-11 at 15.24.10
  4. Russell & Bromley Vixen Point Toe Stud Court - Be pretty in pink with these stunning studded shoes @ £225. Screen shot 2013-05-11 at 15.20.37
  5. Aspinal of London Victoria Shoulder Bag - Splash the cash with splash of this season’s hot coral colour @ £450. Screen shot 2013-05-11 at 09.48.54

5 gorgeous accessories to lust after but which are the ultimate cherry on top this summer, in today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot?

Today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #4 Russell & Bromley Vixen Point Toe Stud Court - I’ve got my eye on these beauties! G x

Screen shot 2013-05-11 at 15.20.37

Green with Envy

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Hello & welcome to #SaturdayShopping! Today’s #5aday will have your friends green with envy… I love all the bright colours on the high street this spring & one of my favourites is green, be it mint or emerald.

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So, today’s #5aday is a vibrant selection of beautiful green threads & heels to be seen in this spring/summer.

  1. ASOS Ridley Supersoft High Waisted Ultra Skinny Jeans - Green is for go! Give them the green light @ £28.
  2. GAP Striped 4-in-1 Green Dress - Look effortlessly sexy sitting on the green this summer @ £39.95.
  3. Zara Jacquard Blazer - Green is the new black when it comes to blazers this summer. Go green @ £69.99.
  4. Mango Green Cotton Guipure Dress – Choose racing green for a day at the races in this chic dress @ £69.99.
  5. Reiss Lelia Pyramid Stud Platform Sandals – Green toes are the new green fingers with these sandals @ £169.

5 gorgeous green outfits but which will bring out the green-eyed monster in the others by being today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot?

Today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #2 GAP Striped 4-in-1 Green Dress - Versatile, sexy & great value too!

G x

Drinking in the View

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Welcome to #ThursdayFriday! We’ve been enjoying some glorious summery weather over the last few days… though sadly it’s not here to stay.

On Tuesday, Luci & I went to see A Chorus Line at the Palladium, & met pre-theatre opposite for drinks & tapas on the terrace of Aqua.

Screen shot 2013-04-25 at 12.07.33

Today’s #5aday is London rooftop/terrace bars with a view. With summer around the corner, get dreaming of where to sip those sundowners.

  1. Aqua Nueva or Kyoto on the 5th Floor, for cocktails or saké & incredible views towards Marble Arch - entrance from Argyll Street. 
  2. Madison Restaurant, Tapas & Cocktail Bar, at the top of One New Change for cocktails & a sensational view overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral.
  3. Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden (designed by the Eden Project) on the Southbank for Pimms & stunning riverside views.
  4. SUSHISAMBA on the 38th & 39th floors of the Heron Tower, Bishopsgate for champers or saké & breathtaking views of London.
  5. Tom’s Terrace at Somerset House for cocktails, nibbles & magnificent views of the Thames.

5 fabulous places to enjoy drinks & a view this coming summer… but which stands head & shoulders above the rest in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #4 SUSHISAMBA on the 38th & 39th floors of the Heron Tower - an exotic location for a special evening & view. (And venue for my leaving drinks tonight, I’ve just discovered!) G x

SUSHISAMBA

Snow White

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Welcome to #SaturdayShopping! Until today, this week has been cold, windy & snowy! Which doesn’t inspire shopping for spring/summer…

Snow white

Or does it? Today’s #5aday is inspired by this week’s snow & one of summer’s key trends – the colour white! Prepare for a white-out! 

  1. Mango White Elecktra Super Slim Jeans - I am a real fan of the elecktra jeans. Great style & value @ £39.99.
  2. Comptoir des Cotonniers White Cotton Dress - A beautifully simple cotton dress oozing sophistication @ £110.
  3. Reiss White Liliana Stiletto Court Shoes - Be en pointe this summer in these sexy pointed stilettos @ £139.
  4. Pied a Terre White Cotton Biker Jacket - The perfect must-have biker jacket, wearable day & night @ £169.
  5. BIBA White Blair Bowling Bag from House of Fraser - An elegant piece of arm candy in on-trend white @ £239.20.

5 essentials in white for this spring/summer but which is the ultimate in white stuff in today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot?

Today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #4 Pied a Terre White Cotton Biker Jacket - White Hot Stuff! G x

Pied a Terre White Bomber

Go West!

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Welcome to #ThursdayFriday! On Sunday I featured some top eateries to visit in South West London on the Thames between Putney & Barnes.

Today I’m heading further west along the Thames to my current stomping ground & featuring 5 more must-visit places this coming summer…

Gaucho Richmond

  1. Kew – Rock and Rose – one of my favourite haunts & The Glasshouse – for something more special (one Michelin star).
  2. Richmond-upon-Thames – Gaucho & The Bingham - if you’re wanting to go all out at these fab river-side locations this summer.
  3. St Margarets – Brocca Antica – my fave Italian & Brula – for some very traditional French cuisine.
  4. Petersham – The Dysart Arms – lovely on a summer’s day & Petersham Nurseries - for an experience & one Michelin star!
  5. Kingston-upon-Thames – Jamie’s Italian – top atmosphere & Italian food & Las Iguanas Mexican - buzzing atmosphere & yummy Mexican.

5 great places out west… you must visit them all but which area receives today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot star?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #2 Richmond-upon-Thames - Gaucho & The Bingham - If you’re coming upstream, push the boat out! G x

The Bingham

Spring Time Treats

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Welcome to #TuesdayTreats. It’s April, it’s officially spring & we’ve just had payday… so today’s #5aday theme is spring time treats!

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One of the key trends this spring/summer is print & today’s theme is inspired by spring blossom & pretty florals on the highstreet.

  1. Zara Oriental Print Shirt - Opt for an elegant look this spring in this oriental print @ £29.99.
  2. Topshop Ditsy Floral Jacquard Trousers - Shine bright this spring in these red & gold floral trousers @ £45.
  3. Oliver Bonas Reed Dress by Poem - Go for a flirty look this spring in this colourful dress with pink belt @ £59.
  4. Mango Floral Print Gown - Be sophisticated this spring in this long dress with bright blue waist band @ £79.99.
  5. Ted Baker Summer bloom printed short - For a cute look this spring in these floral printed shorts @ £89.

5 pretty florals which will send temperatures soaring when spring finally arrives but which is the hottest in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #TuesdayTreats #GTopSpot goes to #3 Oliver Bonas Reed Dress by Poem - Look effortlessly sexy this spring! G x

Oliver Bonas Dress

Shoes Glorious Shoes!

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Welcome to #SaturdayShopping! Today’s post happens to be my 200th & to celebrate, I’m dedicating today’s #5aday to my favourite subject…

Shoes Glorious Shoes

Today’s #5aday is dedicated to SHOES, GLORIOUS SHOES! S/S collections are full of beautiful bright colours & here’s my pick of some of the best.

  1. Kurt Geiger Fontanne By B Brian Atwood in Pink/Orange - Step into spring in these gorgeous bright colours @ £195.
  2. Lucy Choi Jasmine Coral Suede - Put a spring into your step in these stunning studded coral sandals @ £195.
  3. LK Bennett Parrot Embroidered Cotton Courts by Caroline Issa - Spring to life in these pretty heels @ £250.
  4. Rupert Sanderson Kibo 100 High Wedge Peep Toes - Spring into action in these bright orange statement wedges @ £495.
  5. Valentino So Noir Leather Sandals - Spring to everyone’s attention in these fabulous pink sandals @ £600.

5 bold, bright & beautiful shoes for spring/summer but which will be springing into today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot?

Today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #1 Kurt Geiger Fontanne By B Brian Atwood in Pink/Orange - Simple yet stunning. G x

Kurt Geiger

Yogi Guru

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Afternoon! Welcome to the new look #TheFridayInterview also now known as #TheChainofInspiration… Friday is the perfect day to enjoy an inspirational interview, at the earlier time of 4pm, with that last cup of tea before the weekend!

Back in January, Fit Chick Tori agreed to kick-off a new chain of inspirational interviews - #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted this afternoon to welcome Tori’s chosen interviewee, Noura El-Imam, founder of Yogalates Bliss in Dubai. Over to you Tori!

Noura El-Iman

“Noura has a contagious energy, a can-do vibe & inspirational entrepreneurial vision for her wonderful company Yogalates Bliss. Noura’s company organises divine yoga retreats, comprehensive yoga training and cool little classes for kids.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Wow! Reflecting back, I have always loved adventure. Funnily enough I wanted to get involved with the CIA/FBI. I loved detective movies!
  2. Tell us about your 2013 hopes & dreams? To enable passionate yogis to become certified, to travel to far-flung corners and to dive deeper into Spanish lessons! 
  3. What advice do you have for any would-be yoga teachers? Keep learning new sequences, take up new yoga courses to keep your passion alive & your skills sharp. Stay authentic in your teaching.
  4. What do you think are the key benefits of yoga? Yoga is wonderful for alleviating stress & allowing you to release muscular tension from the body after running errands the whole day. 
  5. What’s your favourite Yoga position and why? Downward Facing Puppy – decompresses the spine, melts tension round neck & shoulders & is great for super tight hips/overworked muscles.
  6. Who and what has inspired you the most? My 2011 Yoga & Surf retreat to Bali also inspired me to start my passion of Yogalates Bliss.
  7. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up a business doing what they love? Do it! Don’t give up when things get tough. Obstacles will definitely make you a hell of a lot stronger & when your passion & confidence is there, you’ll succeed.
  8. What other passions take up your time? Travelling to Muscat for outdoor adventure fun, rock climbing, body pump, swimming, cooking, and photography.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Lana Del Ray. Timothy Ferris. Andy Warhol. Sadie Nardini. Marco Pierre White. 
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? My Canon Powershot G12 (charged for life!), unlimited dark chocolate (I can only wish), coffee, my mp3 player & juicy cold fruits.

If you’ve ever fancied training to be a yoga teacher or doing a course to deepen your own practice, visit www.yogalatesblissindubai.com.

Check out her v cool retreats in Spain and the Alps this summer. Practice yoga with inspirational people & eat wonderful food.”

Thanks Tori and Noura! Now that I’ve been introduced to Yoga (Bikram), I’m very tempted by one of your retreats later this year Noura!

Noura now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 22 February.

Have a great weekend!

G x

Spring’s ‘M’ Trends

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Welcome to #SaturdayShopping! With February comes thoughts of Spring & new clothes. ‘M’ is the letter of this S/S season’s trends…

Today’s #5aday features some of the Spring/Summer ’13 trends to look out for – Monochrome, Minimalist, Metallics, Mod and Mix & Match.

Rupert Sanderson Wedges   Malene Birger Clutch

Each X Other Metallic Jumper   Ted Baker Stripe Dress   Each X Other Metallic Jeans

  1. Monochrome: Malene Birgers Zebra Clutch - Love this black & white striped clutch with splash of pink @ £109.
  2. Mod: Ted Baker Parri Stripe Dress - Give a nod to the Mod & Minimalist looks in this simple, pink mini @ £129.
  3. Minimalist: Selfridges Each X Other Open-Knit Jumper - Look bright in white in this casual knitwear @ £210.
  4. Metallics: Selfridges Each X Other Metallic Jeans - Match the Minimalist look with these Metallic jeans @ £225.
  5. Mix & Match: Rupert Sanderson Wedge Peep Toes - Mix up prints & colours in these bold yellow/pink wedges @ £525.

5 simple & stunning S/S looks which can be Mixed & Matched together but which ‘M’ will Move into tonight’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot?

Tonight’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #1 Monochrome: Malene Birgers Zebra Clutch - A touch of all the Ms! G x

Malene Birger Clutch

O Flower of Scotland

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Evening & welcome to #SundayTimes.

On Friday, it was Burns Day, where Scots around the world celebrated Robert Burns’ birthday by toasting the haggis. And on Friday, appropriately Andy Murray beat Roger Federer to progress to the Australian Open final. After an incredible first set this morning, unfortunately Murray was beaten by Djovokic. But there’s definitely so much more to come from Andy in 2013 and so much to be proud of.

Yellowcraig Beach

It’s times like this, that remind me why I’m so proud of my Scottish roots, so tonight’s #SundayTimes #5aday is 5 stunning Scottish places to visit, that hold significant memories for me from growing up.

  1. East Lothian – Where I grew up in a small village called Pencaitland. Lots of stunning beach walks (Yellowcraig pictured above) & pretty villages & towns.
  2. Edinburgh – The place of my education – both at school & in life. Read my previous #GTime about Edinburgh here.
  3. Campbeltown – Where we spent our summers visiting grandparents & now where my parents live. Read my previous #GTime about Campbeltown here.
  4. Glasgow – I enjoyed many nights out here in my younger days & one particularly memorable one with Fit Chick Tori involving the fire brigade!
  5. St Andrews – Memories from school lacrosse matches against St Leonards, visiting uni friends & working at the 2000 British Open & the 2004 Dunhill Links Championship.

5 stunning Scottish settings and reasons to visit Scotland this year. Also 2013, is the Year of Natural Scotland. Find out more from Visit Scotland’s website here.

Next weekend is the start of the 6 Nations Rugby and the Calcutta Cup will be taking place around the corner from me in Twickenham. So, good luck Scotland you brave hearts! G x

O flower of Scotland

When will we see your like again

That fought and died for

Your wee bit hill and glen

And stood against him

Proud Edward’s army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

The hills are bare now

And autumn leaves lie thick and still

O’er land that is lost now

Which those so dearly held

And stood against him

Proud Edward’s army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

Those days are passed now

And in the past they must remain

But we can still rise now

And be the nation again

That stood against him

Proud Edward’s army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

The Flower of Scotland, written by Roy Williamson of The Corries