Monday, December 28, 2020

Recent fashion trends have seen everybody wearing huge statement earrings full of texture and bold colours. But dainty and delicate will always have our hearts.


From tassels to feathers, beads to chandelier chains, we’ve seen it all. But as trends come and go, the love for simple silver and gold stacked metals has remained. Whether it’s hoops or studs, even small, delicate pendant earrings, they have never left the fashion market. They look both classy and elegant, casual and formal, but the styling can be altered to fit any style. There are an abundance of ways to style your ear jewellery. Silver, gold; hoops or studs – perhaps even a mixture of them all, what you wear can completely change an outfit. 

One of the best ways to find inspiration is to look at what the celebrities in the spotlight are wearing. Designer, Maria Tash has become a favourite of the stars’ and Claire Foy even wore the 6.5 Triple Cuff Eternity on her Vogue Cover. Maria Tash’s celebrity clientele include Rihanna, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus and Blake Lively. Her range included both hoops and studs, but all hoops come in a range of sizes to accommodate every preference. Add some shine to your look with a Pear Diamond Threaded Stud, or keep it smooth and sleek with their range of Single Spike Rings

To make life easier, rising jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu have launched their new stacks, which consist of three to five earrings in each. They currently offer five different stacks in collaboration with online influencer Lydia Millen, including The Karma Stack and The Dreamer Stack, all of which have a mixture of hoops and studs. This is the perfect way to start experimenting with your jewellery if you are unsure of where to start. They also offer a number of ear cuffs if you don’t have multiple piercings to play with. Keep it simple with their Wishbone Ear Cuff or you can make a statement with their Mystic Cross Ear Cuff. All are available in silver, gold or rose gold, and a select few in black and gunmetal.

Monday, November 23, 2020

Possibly the most wearable shoe on the market, Dr Martens are a classic no matter what your style. But how much do your know about how the brand began? Here's a little style history to keep you in the know.


The 1970s were the era of punk rock and rebellion. The uprising of punk culture meant people revelled in the idea of self-expression and anarchy of the status quo. Spurred by the emergence of bands such as Sex Pistols and Ramones, the London punk scene thrived. From red tipped mohicans to double denim and oversized leather, the fashion game was tipped on its head. But one of the most iconic pieces of the new age fashion was created by the humble Dr. Martens. A chunky laced boot with thick soles and an almost platform appearance created the perfect image of punk rebellion. But this wasn’t always the case. The truth is, the classic Dr. Martens boot that we all know and love today was not the shoe that started the brand. In fact, they were the go to brand for work boots and gardening footwear.

So let’s take it back to 1901. The British born brand was created by the Griggs family in a small Northamptonshire town. But the brand was far from edgy in the early days. It was known as the place to buy “sturdy, durable work boots”. So, how did they go from practical to punk couture? The soles of DMs were made from tough leather, which is what made them so perfect for manual labour. The only problem was that the solid sole made them less than the comfiest shoe in the world. And it wasn’t until 1960 that the Griggs family finally picked up on shoes’ flaws. 

1960 was a monumental year for the brand, for this very reason. According to the official DM website, the inspiration was found by one of the brothers, Bill, “whilst scanning the pages of a shoe trade magazine”. It was an advert for a German brand, advertising a shoe with an “innovative air- cushioned sole”. The Griggs’ put their own spin on the design and the much popular Airwair line was released. It was also at this time that the yellow contrast stitching was introduced to their shoes, something that quickly became a huge part of the brand’s identity.

Fast forward fifty-something years and the Airwairs have barely changed, only minor tweaks to maintain comfort and the continued classic style. The brand has certainly been on a journey through the decades, from practical, to rebellious, to a boot incorporated into every style on and off the high street. The brand’s success has led to collaborations with the likes of Marc Jacobs and Neighbourhood. But potentially one of the most anticipated and paying the ultimate homage to their own brands history, DM teamed up with punk legends Sex Pistols to create a range of nine products, all of which put a modern twist on the iconic old-school rebellious fashion. And nothing quite says rebellion like ditching the classic yellow stitching for a blood red thread instead.



Monday, November 16, 2020

The capital of Spain, the city of football, and home to one of the biggest Primark stores in the world. But aside from that, there is so much culture to absorb and sites to see, making Madrid a great getaway for a short city break. 


If you are planning trip to Madrid, there are a few places you simply cannot leave without visiting. When I visited, I went there blind and had to figure out my way around the city with google maps and recommendations from friends. To avoid getting yourself in the same muddle I did, here is my guide to seeing the best of Madrid.

El Retiro Park
Possibly my favourite part of Madrid, El Retiro park was absolutely gorgeous. One of the city's largest parks, you will find a gorgeous lake, fountains, greenery and even Palacio de Cristal, a stunning glass structure. It's worth giving yourself a few hours to see the park, not just because of it's size, but you might also want to try some of the activities available, like taking a rowing boat for a spin on the water. Top tip, be prepared to take a few Instagram photos here, the scenery is incredible. 



Royal Palace of Madrid
Time for a bit of culture. Madrid is home to the Spanish royalty's official residence. As they don't actually live there full time, rather they use it for events and special gatherings, you can buy tickets to see inside the royal building. The huge white palace is surrounded by extravagant black and gold gates, which alone make the landmark worth visiting, even if you don't go inside. 

The Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is essentially the main square in Madrid. If you go at the right time, it will be filled with market stalls and authentic Spanish cuisine to get the full Madrid experience. The square is surrounded by one very large residential structure, which is also home to many cafe's and restaurants on the ground floor. This is a great place to go for lunch, and is walking distance from Madrid's centre. There is also a statue of King Phillip III here, gifted by the Duke of Florence, which is one of the many tourist favourites in the city. If you are visiting at Christmas time, they have incredible Christmas markets to find some unique gifts for your loved ones.

Real Jardín Botánico
Like many cities, Madrid has its own botanical gardens. More of a must visit place for those travelling to Madrid in the summer season, Real Jardín Botánico is filled with a variety of flowers, plants and vegetation boasting bright colours and a gorgeous backdrop. There is a small fee to enter the gardens, but all money goes towards the upkeep and maintenance of the gardens. You can still visit them all year round, but summer is the time to see it when it's flourishing. 

Calle Gran Vía
You can't go to Madrid without squeezing in some shopping time. The main high street in Madrid has every shop you can dream of, from Primark and Zara, to Stradivarius and Topshop. Even better, Calle Gran Via is like a high street on steroids; every shop is ginormous. You are sure to find some amazing outfits and accessories here, so leave space in your suitcase for all your new fashion finds. 

Of course there is a lot more to do in the city of Madrid, but these are just a few of my favourites I had chance to experience. To sum it up, indulge in the Spanish cuisine, absorb the culture, and shop until you can't shop any more. And most importantly, have fun. You're on holiday after all. 

Saturday, April 4, 2020

The trench coat has been a staple through the many hundreds of trends that flit in and out of fashion. The neutral tones, the long length and its practical qualities make it a must have in any wardrobe. But one brand that has made their trench coat iconic is Burberry. Most high street versions are dupes of this designer classic, but what makes it so special?



Let's start from the beginning. It all began during the First World War, when Thomas Burberry decided to create an improved and more stylish version of the soldiers' greatcoats. They were heavy and dull and not particularly practical for anyone. Though it is up for debate who originally created the concept of the trench coat, it was Mr Burberry who invented the gabardine fabric that they are synonymous with in 1879. After sharing his design ideas with the UK war office in 1901, his creation was implemented into the British Soldiers' uniform. But not everyone was allowed to wear them, rather only the higher ranks had the privilege.

Some of the key details on the trench coat will give away its war time history. From the large pockets and D rings, to its earthy tones of brown, beige and khaki, they are all key components that cater to a soldiers needs. By the Second World War, soldiers were wearing the garment for protection from wind and rain, but not so much snow and cold conditions due to its lack of insulating properties.

Fast forward to today, the Burberry Trench has been updated and made more fashionable, but it is still the classic coat from decades passed. 2001 saw a new creative director take the reins. Christopher Bailey reclaimed Burberry's sense of luxury that was tarnished by cheap dupes and budget recreations. The resurgence of the Burberry Trench has lead to the likes of Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell donning the piece, giving the impression it is the perfect coat for the modern day supermodel.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Feature written for a Benefit Cosmetics contract magazine 'Benezine'

It’s that time of the year when we start to ask ourselves where should I travel to this summer? For some it might be a lazy beach escape, a snowboarding adventure or a relaxing spa retreat. But 2020 is the start of a whole new decade, so what better way to start the next ten years of your life than a trip to Tokyo? 




It’s the city of anime, arcade games and let’s not forget the host of the 2020 Olympic games, so there really is no better time to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions that make Tokyo so special. According to EFE, 2019 saw the highest volume of visitors in Japan ever, with over 16 million tourists visiting between January and June. Whether you’re a foody or a sightseeing fanatic, we have put together the ultimate guide to travelling Tokyo the Benefit way. 

What to eat?


The ultimate sushi experience
You can’t visit Tokyo and not try the local cuisine. There are so many restaurants to buy sushi, but Sushi Dai is the best place to get handmade, fresh sushi. The seafood is caught locally, and is proper ocean to plate kind of food. Located in Koto, Sushi Dai is a quaint but highly rated restaurant, and is even a local favourite. Make sure you book in advance to guarantee a place at their table.

Pimp your plate
For those among us who are not a fan of seafood, most Japanese restaurants will serve a range of options. Asakusa based restaurant, Kikkō serves every type of Japanese cuisine you could imagine, from soba and yakitori to bento boxes and fried chicken dishes. Again, you will definitely need to make a reservation as it can get rather busy, particularly in the evenings. Don’t be afraid to try new things, after all, there is no better place than Tokyo to get a real taste for the local dishes. 

Street food
For those who prefer to eat on the go, you can grab street food pretty much anywhere in Tokyo. There are typically more options in the busy shopping areas, such and Takeshita Street and Harajuku, but they really aren’t limited to these areas. The best street food on the menus include croquettes (both meat and vegetarian), taiyaki and onigiri. Most places will offer a platter of different foods, so you can really challenge your taste buds with a range of flavours. Get out of your comfort zone, it’s not often you find yourself in the heart of Tokyo.


What to do?


Go-Kart Tokyo
There is so much to do and see in the Japanese capital city, so why not take yourself on a tour of all the places you have been dying to visit. Go-Kart Tokyo is the perfect way to whiz around Japan taking in all the local sights. Jump in a kart, dress up as your favourite Mario Kart character (don’t worry, it’s only a onesie, not a full costume) and take in all that Tokyo has to offer. There are four different courses to choose from, depending on which part of the city you want to see. From tours of the old town, ancient Buddhist temples and picturesque gardens to the electric town, iconic billboards and local cuisine, we promise boredom will be a thing of the past.

Takeshita Street
It might seem strange, us telling you to visit a street. But Takeshita Street is no ordinary street (I’m sorry, I will stop saying street now), but an area bustling with people and filled with stores, food and experiences in every nook and cranny. Located in Harajuku, it’s the place to be for shopping and niche boutiques. From fashion to toys, arcades to photobooths, it might be worth dedicating a whole day to explore the entire street. The photobooths are almost futuristic (and borderline scary) and a quirky memorabilia to remember your trip by. And a top tip from us, find the rainbow candy floss, it’s a total winner in our eyes. 

teamLab Planets
Top of any travel itinerary is a visit to the local museums and art galleries. But in Tokyo, it’s a whole new experience. It’s time to take of your shoes and become completely immersed in teamLab Planets museum. As you are guided through the museum, your feet are submerged in water (hence the shoeless comment) and your mind transfixed on the visions surrounding you. The idea is that you become part of the art, completely immersed. We won’t give away what you actually see inside, other than that there are four different spaces containing seven different art pieces, as that would totally spoil the experience, but we advise you make time to visit teamLab planets. 


What to see?


Shibuya crossing
If you thought visiting a street was strange, you must be really confused by us recommending a road crossing. But stick with it. The Shibuya crossing is over 100 years old, and is one of the largest crossings in the world and has many service lines attached to it, including the main line in Tokyo. The most remarkable thing is that the crossings all operate at the same time, so the entire square comes to a standstill so every pedestrian can cross. It’s also a great place to get a great Instagram, if you can time it right that is. 

Cherry Blossom gardens
If you travel to Japan and don’t visit the world renowned cherry blossom gardens, you’re doing it all wrong. A huge part of the country’s identity, the cherry blossoms are a tourist favourite, with an array of gardens to choose from. The best time to see the gardens is late March to early April, so if you can get there in the Spring (Sakura season as they call it), you will see the blossom at its prime. The Koishikawa Korakuen is the most popular and well known, but Ueno Park and Chidori-ga-fuchi are just as beautiful, and usually less crowded. There is a fee to enter the gardens, but we assure you it’s definitely worth it.

The Sensō-ji Temple
In the heart of Asakusa stands Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple, and the oldest in Tokyo. Visiting Tokyo is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history, and really educate yourself on the things that make Tokyo the city it is. Dating as far back as 645 AD, the temple is rich in history and is a great place to educate yourself on the Buddhist religion and its teachings. The temple is a popular hot-spot, so there are plenty of restaurants, food stalls and shopping areas surrounding it. Remember, temples are a sanctuary of worship and peace, so be super respectful during your visit.

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