Day Five and Six of NYFW

New York Fashion Week is coming to a close (boo!) but day five and six were jam-packed full of statement pieces, weird beauty and fab street style. Let's take a look back at the last 48 hours in the Big Apple...

Day five's nautical Tommy Hilfiger collection swept us off to warmer climates as the ship-shaped catwalk gave way to anchor embellishments and maritime motifs, with the likes of Hailey Baldwin and Gigi Hadid walking for the American designer. Rodarte's show was an utter dream, showcasing gothic beauty in the backdrop of effortless flora as the collection saw ethereal puffed sleeves and an abundance of lace sit alongside hardwaring leather and a dramatic black lip. Today's bizarre beauty came in the form of Thom Browne's blue-eyed girls, accessorising with striped material hats. Similarly Hood By Air models wore baggage tickets around their neck with kohled eyebrows breaking in the corners as a nod to a shaving trend long since gone. Blogger Chiara Ferragni stole the show with her flawless layered street style while Coach proved the endless charm of a varsity jacket. An orange-haired Lady Gaga turned out to support stylist-turned-designer Brandon Maxwell as Kendall Jenner walked in a stunning high shine metallic piece for Michael Kors, with Blake Lively in attendance.

Day Three and Four of NYFW

With NYFW well underway, day three and four was all about Rihanna's debut collection and covetable street style.

Debuting a sports luxe-inspired collection, Rihanna took to the catwalk on day three to showcase her Fenty collection with Puma. Models donned gothic-esque leisure pieces with sleeked back hair and statement black lipstick. Alexander Wang revealed street-ready pieces with Crystal Castles' Alice Glass walking the runway while Beth Ditto sat on the FROW with Kylie Jenner and Tyga. Jason Wu's beauty saw barely-there complexions compliment statement mascara while Kate Spade's adorable accessories consisted of handbags shaped like boom boxes. Day four saw high-impact colour from Diane Von Furstenberg, featuring models Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss. Victoria Beckham's new season wears consisted of statement stripes and rich tartan while on the streets, city style saw high shine metallics.

Day One and Two of NYFW

Fashion month is finally here and it kicked off on Thursday in New York city. The fashion crowd were out in full force and with Yeezy Season 3 and shows like Jason Wu and Adam Selman taking place, the first couple of days set the bar for a captivating week. Here are some of the highlights:

Thursday saw the bizarre presentation of Yeezy's third season at Madison Square Gardens, the city's largest stage. Displaying his latest collections, he also used the event as an opportunity to give the audience a first listen to his album 'Life of Pablo'. Elsewhere, up-and-coming model Ruth Bell walked for Jason Wu. Showing that co-coordinating your accessories with your separates were Tanya Taylor with her retro floral gloves and Jason Wu's check bags. Experimenting with bold kohls, Adam Selman's models showed imperfect eyeliner is the way to go this season as Zimmermann's heavy lace and embellishments had aura of the romantic.

Yeezy Season Approaches: Rapper's NYFW Preview

Kanye West egocentric personality aside, I'm a big fan of the Yeezy seasons- the looks are simple, effortless and show the power of layering. They display the luxe quality of sportswear and even if you can't afford his label, a touch of tonal dressing and you've achieved the look.

He's had a questionable presence on social media this week but one good thing to come from it is his fittings leaks ahead of New York Fashion Week, displaying a more colourful and richly embellished season three.

What did his Twitter leaks reveal about the new season? The boots we saw in season two are making a comeback, complete with serrated soles and contrast paneling.

Captioned 'wifey look' this richly encrusted piece with holed sweater could be dedicated to his wife Kim Kardashian. Here's to hoping the star will wear the urban/eveningwear fusion for his show tomorrow afternoon.

Rapper A$AP Rocky was tagged in a number of the shows revealing her may be involved- he was the one who took the below Polaroid of a pair of crisp white Yeezy BOOSTs- I.Need. Despite the move away from his conventional shades, the designer stays focused on a palette with a lookbook image of a model in a khaki crop and coat with maroon trousers.

Yeezy season three will be held tomorrow at 4pm ET in Madison Square Gardens, and is said to coincide with the launch of his highly anticipated new album.

Puffed Shoulders and a Prize Pooch: Chanel at Paris Fashion Week

A celebration of all things tailored, Karl Lagerfeld chose a fitting backdrop to showcase his sleek new collection- a giant modernist wooden house housed static models who looked across a verdant, manicured lawn finished with an enchanting lily pond. The message in the fashion was clear- just as energy effiency breathes longer life into our earth, the clothing is designed for a lifetime.

Lightweight off-whites and beiges dominated the collection as fitted jackets and paired skirts intimated their make-up to be of a hessian material. Feathered pleats complimented classic tweed while soft satin juxtaposed wood-shaded gilets.  Even the jewellery contained natural inspirations- golden insects perched on ears and bees sat as brooches as polished, turned over hair resembled the French patisserie favourite- the croissant.

Eveningwear took style cues from classic dusky gold hues, the precious shade offset by sheared fabric, shoulder cut-outs and 3D embellishments as the wedding dress enjoyed a modernisation-an accompanying hoodie.

The style set took to the frow as Diane Kruger, Gwenyth Paltrow and Cara Delevingne (with pooch) all sat to watch the sartorial spectacle.

Film Friday: Joy

It was hard to not expect a regurgitation of Silver Linings when I discovered Joy consisted of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence starring alongside each other, but boy was I wrong. Set in 1989, the movie tells the story of Lawrence's Joy, a woman with a conventional job (an airport clerk) wishing to make more of herself.

Held back by her misogynistic father, her hypochondriac bed-ridden mother and the ex-husband who lives in her basement, Joy overcomes her hurdles in order to sit down and sketch out an invention- a self-wringing mop.

With strong feminist connotations, the picture focuses on three generations- Joy, her daughter and her ailing grandmother who inspired her to strive. The movie covers the difficulty of business, the woes of crooked persons in the business industry and gives an insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of a shopping channel.

Although at times I found Lawrence's acting rather stilted, her character of Joy is a powerful presence and sends a message of hope to many who have thought their ideas weren't good enough.

I give it: ☂☂☂

Inspo: Panatone's Official Colours of 2016

A true authority in colour, US based Pantone are a commanding force for the shades of the year to come with 2016 taking an altogether softer approach. With a baby blue Serenity and a powder pink Rose Quartz predicted as the hues of the year, draw inspiration from the most dominant pastels in fashion. Crisp spring days lend themselves to bubblegum pink duster coats, faux fur linings and powder blue tights while the warmer whether calls for pastel chiffon dresses. Accessorise blush tones with periwinkle and bring the colours into the home with decadent chandeliers and quirky prints.

Film Friday: Star Wars :The Force Awakens

It's here, it's really here! JJ Abrams we bow down to you; for creating an epic, visually awe-inspiring world which seamlessly connected itself to Return of the Jedi in 1983. It's rare for me to not feel the time pass in a film, but the force must have been strong with this one as I spent the whole two hours 16 minutes glued to the screen.  Re-awakening everyone's childhood, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill reprise their roles in a reminiscent rollercoaster of action-packed proportions.

 A slice of raw new talent came in the form of Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, the former playing Rey a tough scavenger on the planet Jakku- not dissimilar to the desolate environment of Tattoine on the galaxy's Outer Rim. Boyega takes on the role of Finn, a former storm trooper who befriends Rey and embarks on an adventure with her, Han Solo and our favourite furry mammal Chewbacca. Peppered with references to the previous installments will keep die hard fans keen while new adventures and characters seem just as charming- from the cutesy BB8 droid to the unpredictable villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), this movie seemed just a taster for adventure is to come.

JJ Abrams refreshing take took the franchise into a modern realm of (dare I say it) feminist proportions. Daisy Ridley had previously said she hopes her character Rey will inspire strength in younger girls and I think she achieved that. Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) exuded equality in a gender-neutral suit while Leia dropped her princess status in favour of becoming a General.

I give the movie: ☂☂☂☂☂

Until the next installment comes around, I was left with a number of questions:
Who are Rey's family? (I love her) Will there be a romance between her and Fin? (I hope so) and who is the evil hologram? (omg E.T is that you)

My Christmas Wishlist

It's that time of year again! Letters to Santa are well under way and I thought I would share my wishlist with you.

Eyelet Jumper: Topshop// Rose Gold Disney Watch: ASOS// I Can and I Will Tee: Valfre// Patent Pointed Boots: New Look// Glass Terrarium: Etsy// Winter Scene Skirt: Topshop// Diamante Eye Pom Pom: New Look// Liquid Sarcasm Bag: Skinny Dip London//


This year I'm really digging a cosy knit, and when I saw this grunge-studded jumper in Topshop I fell in love. I'm not usually a fan of the store, but their stock has been particularly impressive lately, it's just a shame about their prices (wah). I'm being biased here but New Look's pieces are amazinggg at the moment and their pointed patent boots are bang on trend, not to mention their cute accessories- i'm loving their pom pom keyrings. For those sassy gifts, I included Valfre, a store that's always creating originally illustrated clothing and prints that exude feminism. Skinny Dip London also have cool and innovative designs, I'm definitely a fan of their 'liquid sarcasm' cross body bag. Disney's rose gold watch appeals to the inner child in me and i've always loved cacti and succulents so a cute place to keep them in would be awesome.

A Guide to Disneyland Paris: How to Make the Most of Your Visit

So you're thinking about booking that magical trip to Disneyland Paris, but need some advice on travel, rides, where to stay and what to eat? Then look no further! 

Disneyland 101

In a nutshell, Disneyland Paris is comprised of two parks (Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios) along with the Disney Village, a place to shop, drink and grab a bite to eat and with a number of Disney themed hotels that surround the area. If you are looking to be in the centre of the action (and money is no limit) The Disney Hotel is ideal, situated within Disneyland itself. A lake just outside the Disney Village is home to Hotel New York, Newport Bay Club and Sequoia Lodge (less than 10 minute walk to the gate) with Hotel Cheyenne, Hotel Sante Fe and the Davy Crochett Ranch located behind them. 

Before You Book 

Times of the Year to Go

It's simple. If you want to go at a time that's relatively quiet, avoid any holidays. Christmas (which is celebrated from November until February each year) is particularly busy, as well as Halloween (October 1st-November 1st). From past experience, good times to go are March, May and September. 

Consider Booking Everything Separately

Although the Disneyland Paris website often has offers for package deals, large companies like First Choice, Last Minute and Expedia do offer various options. Park ticket deals vary for different events/attractions, and if you have children, consider buying a hopper ticket (just in case you want to  change parks)

Transport 

For those of you with children, the best and most direct route is via Eurostar train, which runs direct from Ashford and London to the parks. If you are flying from Charles De Gaulle, you can catch the VEA Navette (a shuttle bus service that leaves every 15 mins), or an RER train, a faster route to the parks that takes you to Marne la Vallee/Chessy station, just 100 yards from the entrance of Disneyland. Driving is fairly straight forward too, with Eurotunnel and ferry options to Calais, with a large shopping centre in the Frencch town, the perfect place to stop if you've forgotten any provisionals! If you have children and are travelling by car or train, bear in mind bringing extra snacks for the days ahead- food in the parks can be expensive and packed lunches are always exciting!

On a Budget? 

Val d'Europe, a town just outside where the park is situated (a 10 minute train ride) might be a good option for those looking to save on accommodation. It's also recommended for those looking to spend a little time in the city too!

Thinking Ahead

Go Half Board 

Half board/full board/meal plans are the best way of saving money when it comes to saving time and money in and outside the parks. Half board is particularly good, as from just £22 per person (based on 3 days 2 nights) you can enjoy from 7 restaurants (standard package) to 24 restaurants (premium package) which includes buffets, dinner shows, drinks and character dining, with tea time treats (a drink and a biscuit) all free. 

Book Dinner

Whether  you decide to invest in a meal plan or not, booking dinner is pretty much essential if you want to eat in one of the park's many restaurants. Choose which restaurant you like the sound of first, and pop in late morning/early afternoon to make your reservation (people often book days in advance!) Within Disneyland, the best places to eat are the Blue Lagoon (within Pirates of the Caribbean) and Silver Spur Steakhouse (in Frontierland) with Casey's Corner the best place to grab an American style hotdog, and a hot chocolate to warm your cockles in the winter! 

Plan the Rides You Want to Go On

I know this sounds boring, and like it might take the spontaneity out of the day, but planning the rides you want to go on can really make a difference to how much you see and do- plus it's exciting to talk about! If you are in a big group, decide who you want to go with on a certain ride, or if you are keen on a busier ride, make plans to visit it first/last. 

Buy Those Costumes Early

When it comes to adding the finishing touches to your day of Disney magic, you may feel left out when you see everyone else walking around with those signature mouse ears. With a rack filled with Elsa dresses on every corner, your child may also feel left out, resulting in an over-priced costume being purchased. Think ahead and buy your costumes in advance- they are far more reasonable online- purchasing custom mouse ears are also a new trend, especially on Instagram. 

Want to Meet the Characters?

Historically the best way to come face to face with Mickey himself isn't during a visit to Disneyland. Character appearances are often a queue-worthy event and attract hoards of people. To avoid disappointment, book a character breakfast at Cafe Mickey (in the Disney Village) or print out a meeting locations and times sheet- you can find one here>

During Your Visit 

Take Your Breakfast With You

This may sounds rather strange, but with a buffet of food to come down to in the morning (if you are staying in one of the Disney hotels) it's definitely worth wrapping a few croissants or pieces of fruit into napkins. Especially for those on a budget (or prone to chronic hunger *ahem*ME) bringing a snack or even a picnic is a good idea to avoid the steep snack costs. 

Ride Waiting Times

As you stroll down Mainstreet USA and take in the sights of Sleeping Beauty's spectacular castle, you will see a waiting times board on your right. This is the key to having an amazing day at Disneyland! Here's where your previous ride planning comes in handy- choose the rides with the least waiting times and head there first, getting a fast pass for the rides that have a harsher wait time. Most popular rides in Disneyland are typically: 

Peter Pan's Flight (Fantasyland) 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (Fantasyland)

Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (Tommorrowland)

Big Thunder Mountain (Frontierland)

Recommended Rides to Visit First: 

Star Tours (Tomorrowland)

Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland)

Space Mountain (Tomorrowland)

Phantom Manor (Frontierland)

It's a Small World (Fantasyland)

Use Your Fast Pass

A 'fast pass' ability is built into your park ticket and is pretty much essential if you are visiting at a particularly busy time. How it works: Next to the entrance of each ride (that is deemed eligable for fast pass) there will be a number of machines. Insert your park ticket (or scan the barcode on your paper ticket) and the machine will print you a fast pass ticket. On it will reveal a time slot for you to return to the ride where you can enter a separate queue. The fast pass is ideal as the time slots are usually an hour after printing, giving you time to fit in another ride! Remember: You can only print out one fast pass at a time, so if you get a pass for Space Mountain at 12:00-12:30, you can only get your next fast pass after 12:30- you must simply wait for your previous fast pass to expire. 

Go on the Rides During the Parades

You may love Disney parades, but chances are you will catch more than 2/3 of the same show each day! If you are indifferent to them, they can be the best opportunity to go on rides- as people congregate near Main Street USA, the wait time for rides go down.