A Cuppa + Cake

The Vintage Emporium

I’m working on a rather exciting, self-initiated project that involves meeting up with lots of talented ladies – and last week my venue of choice for these meetings was The Vintage Emporium, just off Brick Lane. Who said work wasn’t fun?! It’s very quickly making it’s way to the top of my list for a cake and a cuppa in London. Now, I won’t say who I met up with as I don’t want to give away too much…all will be revealed very soon! But I can share what I chose to indulge in whilst I was there – a slice of Victoria sponge and a big old mug of tea (four sugars, please!).

Whilst the cake wasn’t the best that I’d had, it was more than made up for by the cosy surroundings. I parked up on an armchair, with that hairy little fella above as my neighbour, surrounded by dried flowers and old suitcases – we must have been there for hours!

In other news, it’s bare leg weather once again!! Hooray! My rather pale-looking pins are on show, and I don’t plan on putting them away until at least October. I’ve been waiting to wear this spring-time ensemble for a while – the colour combo reminds me of something that one of my fave bloggers Ashley of Fancy Fine might put together. I’ll be re-wearing this many a time over the next few months, I’m sure of it! x

If you’re visiting London and like the look of the Vintage Emporium, you can find it at 14 Bacon St, Brick Lane.


Cardigan - Licia Florio | Dress - YesStyle.co.uk
Bag - MySuelly via Monnier Freres | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu

Burgundy

Matchy Matchy

Some of my favourite ever dresses have been the ones found on eBay or Etsy for about £3, and this is one of them. Shortened from almost-ankle-length, this button-up corduroy dress is extremely casual, the kind of thing you can lounge about the house in..and as my housemates will confess, that is one of my favourite activities!

A new go-to for when I don’t know what to wear to uni in the morning. Not bad for under a fiver, eh?! In typical Carrie fashion, I paired it up with everything I could find in my house that was the same colour, from my shiny patent flats, a pair of burgundy faux-glasses, and a leather bow. I clearly have no problem with looking a little ‘matchy matchy’

There was no special occasion, I had a few errands to run and found myself in East London with Miguel, who was photographing the beautiful old buildings that surround Brick Lane as textures for a film he is making set in the second world war. I don’t even pretend to understand the complexities of turning modern day London in to a bombed-out 1940′s version, but his coming to bed at 4am most nights proves that it’s rather hard work indeed. I’ll keep you updated ; )

I’ve hardly left my computer either – it’s dissertation time at the moment, so time to pop on that burgundy dress and get writing! x

And the winner is…

Before I go..the winner of the Audrey Grace $100 gift card is Emma from Somewhere Else is Better. Congratulations, I’ll be getting in touch!


Dress - eBay | Bag - French & English Confectioners
Tights & Bow - American Apparel | Shoes c/o Le Bunny Bleu
Glasses - Bonlook

Swan Lake

Audrey Grace

Months and months ago now, I was interviewed by the lovely Jaclyn for the online manifestation of her shop, Audrey Grace Boutique. I’m sure you’ll all heard about Audrey Grace by now – Jaclyn has teamed up with some of my favourite bloggers, designers, photographers and illustrators to create what can only be described as a dream world. Unfortunately, the majority of us won’t be able to visit the physical store, currently located in Jackson, Mississippi, but it is popping up in New York next week too for those of you living in the Big Apple. ; )

For those of us not lucky enough to finger through the rails full of Vivetta, TBA, Alexandra Grecco, Dear Creatures and more..we’ll live vicariously through her collaborations, one of which I was lucky enough to be a part of!

Jaclyn sent me this beautiful TBA dress to style and photograph. I was initially worried about it’s sleevelessness, given both the cold and my dislike for showing my arms (irrational, I know!), but that was soon remedied by my BOTM (blouse of the moment..of course). It’s charming print is what makes it so special – adorned with ballerinas and swans. It brought me back to my ballet days, which I unfortunately quit after grade 6, but remember it with fondness. I would turn up with a mess of black eyeliner and a band t-shirt over my leotard , not the typical ballerina, I know. When giving the old pointe shoes a try taking these pictures I realised what hard work it was and how out of shape I’ve become..there is still a bit of grace left in me though, I’d like to think!

Giveaway: $100 voucher to spend at Audrey Grace

Even if you can’t pop by for a visit, Jaclyn wanted to offer one lucky commenter the chance to put $100 towards their favourite dreamy dress – all you have to do is let me know your favourite Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly film in your comment. The winner will be contacted by Jaclyn, who will let you know which of your favourite brands she’s currently got in stock, and send you out your favourite piece. Easy peasy! The giveaway is open internationally and I’ll announce the winner on Saturday 17th. Good luck! x

 

BRB, Berlin.

Wandering

These pictures sum up my second and final day in Berlin! I could probably do it in a few phrases too: big yummy breakfast, bubbles and more bubbles, new nail varnish, kebab, and exploring a city in heels…

Less than 48 hours in a city doesn’t really give you a proper feel for it, but I experienced a taste. As Shini and I burned off the calories consumed at our extravagant German breakfast put on by Zalando, we came across endless beautiful design shops and cafes, dotted about the place. Berlin has a very artistic feel to it, perhaps contributed in some part to the graffiti daubed on most surfaces, which certainly gives it identity. It’s almost East London, complete with kebabs, which I couldn’t help but try (unfortunately for my waistline, kebab is my favourite takeaway!). But I did branch out from my favourites a bit – I “drank” my first Bubble Tea, not something I’ll be trying again in a hurry, I can assure you!

We tried to fit in as much as possible, making our way to the Brandenburg Gate and back, popping in to far too many expensive boutiques on the way. That might be why the only purchases were made in American Apparel of all places!

I’d love to return for a more relaxing stay and check out a few of the many museums and galleries we passed, the place is full of history and I’m sure there is much more to it than street art and kebabs! See you again, Berlin!

And a huge thanks to Zalando for having me x

Dress - A.P.C | Blouse - New Look | Shoes - Urban Outfitters
Tights - Topshop | Bag - YesStyle UK