The Beginner's Guide of Where to Shop in London's West End

I know the streets of the West End pretty well after almost seven years of living in London; so it is super rare that I actually spend a day in the area, rather than powering through it with my earphones in whilst I snarl at tourists. But as I've said so many times before, you don't have to go off the beaten track to have a great travel experience, so I set out to explore my own city, embracing the West End's 'London is Open' message, and had a full day of hitting actual shops rather than just adding to my never-ending ASOS order. 

If it's your first time to this area, here's where you should head to:

The Four Biggest and Best Thrill Seeking Rides at Disneyland Paris

My main priority when visiting Disneyland Paris was to wear Minnie Mouse ears, spot some princesses and see Sleeping Beauty's castle. It has a reputation of being an attraction for children, but the park has some huge thrill rides for adults to go wild on. It's been years since I've been on a proper rollercoaster so I was giddy with excitement as we made our way around to each one. If adrenaline is your sort of thing, here's the rides you absolutely must try.

Staying in Beautiful Montmartre, Paris

On my first trip to Paris, I stayed in Montmartre. Accommodation was organised by my friend who has been there before, I just kind of tagged along for the ride, put the address into Citymapper and navigated the Metro to get there. Returning to Paris in May, this time with my boyfriend who had never been to France before, I wanted to show him the sides of the city that really showed the character of the country, and for me, Montmartre is the perfect area for that.

How it Feels to Visit Disneyland For The First Time - by Charlie Elliott, Age 28 and 3/4

I've seen the Terracotta Warriors and Sydney Opera House. I once met Benedict Cumberbatch. My favourite book has been made into a TV series and is to be screened on Channel 4 THIS WEEK. But I have never, ever been as excited as I was to go to Disneyland, Paris.

The Things I Don't Write About

I recently had a conversation with a friend about whether you can be a blogger and maintain your privacy. She asked me if there's anything I wouldn't write about and I answered an unequivocal 'yes' because as much as I publish here and lord knows I love me a good old gossip, I'm actually a pretty private person. What you see on these pages is a curated insight into my life, but personally, I choose to have a distinction between what I share and I what is kept offline.

I'm Going to Disneyland and I Need Themed Outfits

Mickey Mouse Jumper / Sequin Mouse Ears / International Mickey Tee
Aristocats Backpack / Minnie Mouse T-Shirt / Snow White Clutch
Minnie Mouse Graphic Tee / Ursula Crossbody Bag / Pizza Disney Naps T-Shirt

Finding Inspiration in the Little Things

I've got that feeling again where I need things to be shaken up. I fancy change, but not of the big life-changing, quit-my-job-to-travel sort like I did last year (although that is always tempting); more of the small tweaks and updates to my life to inject some newness into everyday mundanity.

What to Pack For a Hand Luggage Only City Break

Eye mask - Liberty / Sunglasses - Topshop / Neck pillow - Muji
Backpack - Radley / Setting spray - Urban Decay / Transparent pouch - Wolf & Badger / Jewellery storage - Oliver Bonas
Korres gift set - Feel Unique / Travel wallet - Aspinal of London
Travel bags - Kate Spade @ Amara* / Fan - Accessorize / Luggage tag - John Lewis

Going 'Out' Out

I'm wearing: Top - Matalan / Jeans - River Island / Rings - ASOS / Trainers - Superga

Readers, I'm struggling. My skin has broken out, I can't seem to grab enough sleep and my insides feel like they haven't seen a piece of fruit in a month (potentially because they probably haven't). You see, I'm a very sociable person, despite me being a miserable cow on the surface. This blog is all about how I love to go out and discover and explore, but it is rare that I go 'out' out. Yet the last two weekends have seen exactly that.

Getting Used to Not Travelling Alone

I'm wearing: Cardigan - vintage / Dress - Debenhams / Leggings - Uniqlo / Boots - Ugg at All Sole* (similar here)

When somebody travels alone it conjures certain thoughts and assumptions from other people: independent, brave, organised. It's always seen as a positive thing, and don't get me wrong, it absolutely is a great experience, every.single.time. But after going on my first group holiday since I was about 21 recently (and with more in the pipeline), I've realised that I definitely travel in a certain (i.e. selfish) way, totally based on my lone adventures.

I'm Just Going to Sleeve This Here...

New Look cropped shirt / Warehouse gingham top / Yoox ruffle sleeve t-shirt / Mango flared sleeve blouse

Moda Operandi sweatshirt / SemSem slit sleeves* / Chicwish cable knit / MSGM bow embellished sleeves

Mango poplin sleeves / Topshop long sleeve / Chicwish bell sleeves / Boohoo ruffle tiered shirt

The Happiness Triangle

OK, stick with me here because this sounds like some weird idea I've picked up from an old issue of Cosmo or after watching Eat Pray Love, but I have this theory, and I've had it for a while.

Little Acts of Kindness

I'm wearing:
Coat: Warehouse
Hat: Primark
Scarf: ASOS
Jumper: ASOS
Jeans: Topshop
Necklace: Etsy
Trainers: Nike

On the surface, this looks like an outfit post, but there is a background to these photos that tell lots of little individual stories.

I am a huge believer in little acts of kindness; the sorts of seemingly insignificant gestures from others that they do without thinking, but show a beautiful level of caring, empathy and love.

Creating Something

I'm wearing:
Baseball jacket - ASOS
Denim tee - New Look
Necklace - vintage
Leather look jeans - New Look
Trainers - Superga

I mentioned a few weeks ago that one of the things I learnt last year was that this blog actually means something to me. Whether it's scribbling away post ideas in my battered notebook whilst waiting for a plane or editing photos whilst sat on my sofa and watching Parks and Rec on repeat, my brain is always buzzing about what I can do next and how I can improve what I put out here.

A Denim Coat for Winter

I'm wearing:
Denim coat - Zara
Jumper - New Look
Jeans - ASOS
Socks - Topshop
Shoes - Primark
Ring (seen later) - Weekday

What I Wore to the Bloggers Blog Awards

I'm wearing:
Jumpsuit - Louche by Joy*
Heels - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa
Bag - H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams

I don't have all that many opportunities to dress up particularly fancy, but being nominated for Best Travel Blog at the Bloggers Blog Awards seemed like just the time to crack out some heels and make a bit of an effort.

How to Wear a Denim Pinafore Dress

I'm wearing:
Pinafore dress - Dorothy Perkins
Tee - H&M
Sandals - Kinki Gerlinki, Melbourne
Bag - Mong Kok Ladies Market, Hong Kong

There's going to be a million things online this week reporting back on the hottest new trends from London Fashion Week. As much as I love reading through all these and pinning every look I love, I don't base my purchases on what is 'in season' and as a result I often end up embracing a trend far too late. Enter: the denim pinafore dress.

Autumn/Winter Coats Wish List (because summer is over already)

Top L - R: Phase Eight Puffer Coat, McQ Alexander McQueen Pink Crepe Coat, Warehouse Asymmetric Belted Coat
Bottom L - R: Therapy Suede Trench Coat, Creenstone Wool Overcoat, River Island Faux Suede Panel Coat

The Palm Print Maxi Dress

I'm wearing:
Maxi dress - H&M
Sandals - ASOS
Sunglasses - Topshop

It's summer! Or is it? It is, technically, but oh my, we're being kept on our toes aren't we? I've complained so much about not having any sunshine but when it appeared, I had no idea what to wear.

Tatty Devine AW16 Wish List

I am no stranger to the weird and wonderful world of Tatty Devine. My love for the brand is so well known that I that I receive pieces for birthdays and Christmas every year, I queue up for the incredible sample sale every May bank holiday, and have a dedicated drawer to safely store all the bits I own.