28 February 2016

Must Have. 7 Things Every Londoner Needs In Their Wardrobe

Being a Londoner means being prepared for anything. A business meeting across town. A torrential downpour. A last minute Friday-night date. A pack-up and go, jet-set weekend.

The eventualities in this city are endless. Living here I've learnt that you never know what a day may hold. That's why it's so important to have these 7 little items in your wardrobe...


The Knit | Chunky but still sophisticated, it needs to be warm AND stylish. Ready for work to weekends.

The Bag | You're not a true Londoner without some form of designer handbag. Right now the Chloe Drew is the item of choice.

The Dress | Forget black for now, in a city with this many grey skies you need some colour for a special occasion.

The Trench | It has to be Burberry. What else even comes close?

The Boots | Over the knee is the way to wear them. Pair with chic minis or skinny denim.

The Jeans | Skinny and dark-washed is the way to do it. Ready for date night drinks or Sunday shopping.

The Umbrella | Obviously an essential in a drizzly city. A hint of designer charm never goes astray.

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Photo by Krissie via retailers.

25 February 2016

Style It. Cream In Kensington

My grandmother was from Kensington so I grew up with this idyllic view of the place. She told stories of a beautiful home, lovely English neighbours and a classic atmosphere.

When I moved to London and saw it for myself, it didn't disappoint. This is the neighbourhood where I feel most at home. Creamy houses with neat fences, bright doors and manicured gardens.

fashion, style, photoshoot, london photoshoot, kensington photoshoot
Knit  / Jeans / Boots / Hat

If ever I have a day spare for a stroll, this is where you'll always find me. Walking these streets or sitting in a cafe watching the world go by. The day we did this shoot I met a lovely old man who complimented my hat as he shuffled by with his walker. We got to talking over a cuppa and I was engrossed for an hour listening to all his stories about the area; he'd lived here all his life.

After all, it is a dream-like place. I know you'll love it...

fashion, style, photoshoot, london photoshoot, kensington photoshoot

fashion, style, photoshoot, london photoshoot, kensington photoshoot

fashion, style, photoshoot, london photoshoot, kensington photoshoot

fashion, style, photoshoot, london photoshoot, kensington photoshoot, krissie rogers

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Photos by Jessica Marano. See her Instagram here.

22 February 2016

Eat Me. No. 11 Pimlico Road, Chelsea

I love London on a Sunday morning. It's always so quiet, so calm. Such a pleasant change from the mad hub-bub that can overrun this city at times. Despite the fast-paced Monday - Friday bustle, it seems London's residents still respect the times of old where Sunday was a day of rest, either that or they'll all tucked up in bed nursing a hangover from the night before. Either way I'm more than happy to take advantage of the neighbourhood stillness with a lovely Sunday brunch...

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast

We trundled off down the road towards Chelsea. No. 11 Pimlico Road was our destination. With the promise of brunch, cocktails and friends, I certainly needed no convincing.

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast

Would you believe it actually got to 12 degrees [in February!] so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to shun my jeans (which you'll find me in every. day.) for this new suede skirt. Paired with my ultimate favourite OTK boots of course.

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast
Roll Neck / Coat - sold out (similar here and here) / Bag (similar)

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast
Skirt which is a serious steal on ASOS / Boots (I'm completely in love!)

Bellinis were on the menu so of course we had to say yes! 

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast

Then we tucked into the food. First a breakfast bruschetta which had a great flavour combo but was quite tricky to eat...

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast

Then ricotta pancakes with poached pear. Yum! A nice sweet treat that's not too sweet. No guilty feelings here!

sunday brunch, london brunch, 11 pimlico road menu, breakfast

If you're in the neighbourhood with a rumbling tummy then definitely stop by for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Where: 11 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NA
Phone: 020 7730 6784
Bookings: Optional

No.11 Pimlico Road Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Photos by Krissie.

18 February 2016

Style It. Magical Mews Of London

It’s stumbling across beautiful places like this in my London wanderings that make me fall in love with this city even more.

fashion, style, london photoshoot, london mews, coast skirt, kensington photoshoot

Who would have thought all those years ago that London’s humble mews of stables and carriage homes would become some of the city’s most sought after real estate. I much prefer these quaint cottage-y homes with their cobblestoned lanes to some of the grander mansions. I think they have much more character.

I was thrilled to have the chance to work with photographer Jessica Marano again last week. So not too many words today, it’s all about the photos…

fashion, style, london photoshoot, london mews, coast skirt, kensington photoshoot
These guys make the most lust-worthy skirts - plenty of feminine swish!

fashion, style, london photoshoot, london mews, coast skirt, kensington photoshoot

fashion, style, london photoshoot, london mews, coast skirt, kensington photoshoot
Knit / Ring / Choker

fashion, style, london photoshoot, london mews, coast skirt, kensington photoshoot

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Photos by Jessica Marano. Check out her Instagram here

14 February 2016

Must Have. ASOS Occasionwear SS16

What do you get when you combine rails of dresses, bottomless margaritas, a DJ and a terrace house in an exclusive London neighbourhood?

A rip-roaring ASOS party of course.



To celebrate the release of their upcoming occasionwear collection, I was one of the lucky bloggers invited to take a sneak peek at the collection.


It’s obvious for the upcoming event season it’s all about colour, lace, embellished details and tuelle finishes… Essentially every girl’s dream closet.



There was a shoe room that even Cinderella would admire, complete with sparkly bags and fluffy trims…


And rails of luxurious lace lingerie…


Keep your eyes peeled for when the designs land online in March. You’ll be set for weddings, birthdays, picnics and rooftop parties. I promise.

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Photos by Krissie.

11 February 2016

Eat Me. Duck & Waffle, London

Sunday morning and we were headed for brunch. But not just any brunch, mind you. A sky-high brunch at Duck & Waffle.

duck and waffle, bishopsgate, london, brunch

I’ve been meaning to visit this well-known establishment since I moved to London 19-months ago. Talk about a long time coming, and now that I’ve had my first taste, I can’t believe it took so long because I tell you, it’s damn good.

Tucked away up on the 40th floor of Bishopsgate, Duck & Waffle gives you a true glimpse of London’s sprawl. It’s rare that I’m up this high so it’s an incredible reminder of just how large this city is.

duck and waffle, bishopsgate, london, brunch

We pulled up our chairs by the window and ordered a round of mimosas – a Sunday brunch essential, obviously. Then set about deciding on the menu…

duck and waffle, bishopsgate, london, brunch, cocktail, mimosa

duck and waffle, bishopsgate, london, brunch, duck and waffle menu, menu

Since I hadn’t been before I, of course, had to order the signature dish, or as my waiter called it “their baby” – the duck and waffle.

Not usually one to mix sweet with savoury I was a little apprehensive but I needn’t have been. The dish comes with a waffle, an egg, a delightfully crispy roasted piece of duck and a mustard-inflused pot of maple syrup. Mix it altogether and… yum! It’s honestly so good.

duck and waffle, bishopsgate, london, brunch

Of course we had to go back for dessert so we polished off their banana waffles. Also, SO GOOD. The bananas have a crispy sugar coating, there’s vanilla ice-cream and even some homemade nutella hiding underneath.

duck and waffle, bishopsgate, london, brunch

Honestly, if you haven’t paid a visit already, make sure you do. It’s open 24hrs so you’ve got no excuse. Book here.

Where: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Phone: 020 3640 7310
Bookings: Essential and well in advance

Duck & Waffle Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Photos by Krissie.

7 February 2016

Suitcase. Copenhagen, Denmark - Travel Guide

My trip to Copenhagen was quite a last minute little jaunt for me. You all know my motto of visiting a new place every month, so when January rolled around and I didn’t have anything planned, I went for a quick and easy option; Denmark’s capital. Arriving in the dead of winter I wasn’t entirely sure if I’d made the right decision, not only was it cold (the kind of chill that freezes your face and you actually have difficulty forming words) but it was also rainy, grey and super expensive. But there I was with 48hrs to explore, which turned out to be the perfect length of time.





My base for the weekend was The Square Copenhagen. The location is perfectly central and my tip is to pay a tad more and book an executive room which gives you free access to the 6th floor lounge including free snacks, drinks and alcoholic beverages. Win-win.




Sights
Whenever I had thought of Copenhagen I’d always imagined those gorgeous little coloured homes on every street and every corner. I was mildly disappointed to find this is not quite the case, they’re contained to particular areas of the city including the lovely Nyhaven harbour. Nevertheless I snapped plenty of pictures when I did find them.




If you’re an Aussie, of course you can’t miss visiting Australia’s favourite royal, i.e., the fairytale romance that turned Mary from Tasmania into the Princess of Denmark. Not sure if she was home at Amalienborg Palace but I waved at the windows all the same.


The Botanisk Gardens are lovely for a stroll and home to a beautiful greenhouse. If you’re visiting in winter, the plants let off such steam that you’ll find the humidity a cosy delight compared to the brisk wind outside. Be sure to climb up the winding staircase and take it all in from above.






While you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by Rosenburg Castle and admire its Danish design. It dates back to the 1600s.


Your final stop is an intriguing one and due to the photography ban I have no images to show you, but let’s just say it’s an experience. Freetown Christiania is a commune within Copenhagen that has rules and laws unto itself. 850 people reside here and to put it nicely it’s a fascinating area of squalor – things are a mess, there are no systems to speak of and cannabis is sold out of makeshift army tents guarded by sinister-looking, balaclava-wearing men. It’s a tourist hotspot because it truly needs to be seen to be believed so definitely take a quick wander through however make it just that, a quick wander.

Transport
Bicycles are the way in Copenhagen – they are EVERYWHERE. I watched in awe as locals rode against the blustery -5 degrees winds with no gloves on their hands; they must have some serious acclimatisation skills. The city has a hire bike system like most European capitals but if riding’s not for you then Copenhagen is a great city to cover on foot too.


Food
Known as quite the foodie hotspot in Scandinavia, Copenhagen has restaurants and cafés a-plenty to choose from. Local bakery Lagkagehuset will go down in history as the best pastry I’ve ever eaten.


Open sandwiches (known as smørrebrød)are also all the rage. Try the delightful Royal Smushi Café for a true work of art.


If you’re on the go and fancy a bite then Torvehallerne Market has an array of food options to choose from. Wander the aisles and take in the fresh produce including fruit, veg and locally brewed spirits. I had my eye on their smørrebrød too and also a gorgeous little Spanish tapas assortment. It’s obviously the go-to place for fresh food because I certainly noticed the fish and bread stalls are very popular with the locals.





For dinner I totally recommend KoD if you fancy a great steak. Suitably located in Copenhagen’s own version of New York’s Meatpacking District, this down-to-earth restaurant has a great vibe and even better food. We ordered the salmon carpaccio and the tenderloin steak with sides.



Be warned, the meals here are very large so unless you have the appetite of an ogre, I’d opt to share an entrée and a main between two people.

And so came the end of my 48hrs in Copenhagen. A great spot for a weekend away although I will say when I returned to 8 degrees in London it felt like a very welcome heat wave.


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Photos by Krissie & @curioussophia.