Warehouse Revival

Jumper - Warehouse (out of stock but more here)

You know what, I've never been one for Warehouse. It was always a shop I kind of didn't think was "my style" despite not ever really knowing what "my style" was. 

I just felt it never had any place in my dysfunctional little wardrobe - it was too... neat. Too mumsy. But recently something shifted. The brand was popping up more and more in my Instagram feed looking resolutely cooler. And it wasn't just the way the girls had style the pieces, the garms looked fresher, *shudders* ...trendier. I had to check it out for myself. 

So I jaunted into the little Warehouse off of Oxford Street (it's much quieter than the one between John Lewis and H&M FYI) and everything felt different. The window, the selects in store, even the music booming through the stereo - the shop has had a total rebrand. I looked it up and recently there has been major changes behind the scenes with Emma Cook taking the reigns as the brand's new design director and so it all makes sense. From what I've seen, some pieces have kept their functional neatness, but now there are more daring prints and unexpected detail - more Londoner, ed. I've particularly taken to their knitwear and people are shocked when I say a jumper is from Warehouse, much like I used to be. Now it's one of my first stops when I'm on the hunt for something, not somewhere I whizz past. 

Keeks Visits - Vegas

72 hours in Vegas sounds like the title of a bad comedy film but that's exactly how I spent 3 days last week to ring in my oldest sister's 40th birthday! I didn't take many pics (for me, anyway) but here is a snippet of the best bits. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

Super classy, I know but these wings are so so delicious that I had to include this picture as a memento. The one in Vegas is on the outside of Miracle Mile Mall.

TAO Beach Club

My favourite thing about my trip without doubt. It was free to get in via the guestlist (I think this might just be for the ladies, but don't quote me) and with your wristband you get free drinks between 1pm and 2pm. We went on a Friday and it was heaving with beautiful people too which was nice. ALso the food is amazing (if expensive) to wash everything down with. 

Pics with the madre <3

Sephora haulin' 1 of 3 (no joke, I went there everyday).

We took a road to Hollywood and stopped at the gnarliest gas stations in the middle of nowhere to refuel. I remarked to my sister "This place looks like the set of The Hills Have Eyes" and the bus driver goes "that film wasn't filmed too far from here" and all the colour drained from my face.

If you have the opp to take a picture of a road referenced in a Kanye song, you do. 

Nothing beats sipping a frappe latte on Hollywood Boulevard.

Pit stop in Santa Monica meant rollercoastering with my sisters and aunt was an essential.

Marbella

Top - ASOS // Shorts - Levi's via Urban Outfitters // Belt - ASOS // Sliders - Adidas

Hiya! This blogpost is coming at ya live from cloudy LDN - but a week ago I was in beautiful Marbella.

I've been to Spain a few times but never to Marbella - the Costa del Sol, and in all honesty I've never wanted to go. The impression I had of it (rammed with all the TOWIE cast and every other Brit Abroad) was not something that made me want to visit. However, after relinquishing control for the family holiday planning to my brother in law (too many cooks in a Whatsapp group is never a good idea), Marbs is exactly where we ended up. We stayed in the quiet Las Chapas area, so well away from Party Party Puerto Banus and an actual stone through away from the beach and I loved it. This was pretty much my uniform the entire trip and I'm obsessed with these shorts from UO. I find high-waisted shirts so hard to buy because my waist is smaller than my behind but these are pretty perfect and are a good length to avoid bum-munching (a real issue). 

Also a lil braid update - they are still going strong. They've been in for about three weeks now and they itched like a muthamutha at first but I'm coping now. I have a video on braid maintenance coming soon so keep in eye out. Whoop! 

x

Keeks Visits - Edinburgh

I wouldn't say that I'm a huge traveller, sure I love to go on holiday, but a wanderer I am not. But as I've gotten older my need to explore has increased tenfold, it's like an itch that is begging to be scratched. As a child I was pretty content to sit on the beach with my bucket and spade but now to lay in the sun for 7 days sounds like an incredibly waste of time. I want to go places, do things, look, climb and delve into new interesting cities, which is why me and my travel buddy Nads decided to hop to Edinburgh for the weekend. 

For me Nads is a perfect travel partner, we both want to explore but also both know that Netflix and Deliveroo is by far the the best option when you're all explored out. We flew to Edinburgh on Friday evening and stayed in a lovely air b'n'b on William Street in the beautiful West End of the city. The buildings make you feel like you're stepping into a Charles Dickens novel, the streets were the right amount of both quiet and bustling enough and the air was fresh like actual fresh air. I loved the way that the town is so modern in so many ways but as you walk out of Urban Outfitters and look up you literally see Edinburgh castle in all of it's ye old glory. 

My favourite part about Edinburgh apart from the people who are so chirpy (and the nicest Uber drivers ever) was the food. Me and Nads love to eat and it's one of our personal quests to eat at as many different restaurants as possible across the Globe so we were going to relish the opportunity to taste as much as Edinburgh had to offer. I'm not gonna lie, most of our conquests came from my friend Liv's extremely handy guide so I would suggest you take a look at it immediately for a more in depth look at some seriously cool haunts. -> whatoliviadid.com

In the meantime here is the list of places we visits and LOVED 

Eating + Drinking

Milk

Good, fresh food with an instagrammable gluten-free cake display.

Urban Angels 

The best eggs benedict I'd had in a long time. Also Nads said it was the best granola she's ever had with "the perfect amount of yogurt and fruit" for you health nuts.

Panda and Sons

Unfortunately they didn't play Panda the whole time I was in there but the cocktails were on point and they bring you free popcorn to your table until you leave. 

Mary's Milk Bar

The ice cream here is beyooond. When we went there was a pop up free circus in the green across the road so we were spolit really.

Civerinos

Liv forced us to go here and eat the nutella calzone, FORCED us. Kidding, but she did tell us it was delicious and we believed her and she was completely right. 

Brew Lab

Yo, the coffee here is insane. I said to Nads it kind of felt like it made me a little euphoric, I'm not gonna lie. The cinnamon buns were also pure gold.

Bar Soba

Ok, so I have not a clue what the inside of one of these restaurants looks like because we totally Deliverooed this.'Twas a real treat though, I got the pad thai and am dribbling a little just thinking about it now. 

Touristing 

Life Story

...for the one off instaglam pieces.

Coco Chocolatier

... for the insanely good Scottish choc

Edinburgh Castle 

... for a non-shit history lesson

The Real Mary King's Close

... for underground roaming

I'll definitely be going back soon.

4 Ways to Avoid awkward situations

Are you an awkward person? Because I am. I'm a totally super mega awkward person. Give me a social situation that normal people would be completely fine with and I will screw up in some way. However, I feel like as I age and mature (lol) I've learnt a few ways to pull yourself out of the pit of embarrassment or how to avoid it altogether without becoming a recluse.

I'm still finding new and interesting ways to awk out all the time, believe me, but these are the ones I've had enough practice with to provide a little wisdom on...

People traffic

You know that moment when you're walking towards someone and you do that little dancey dance about which way you both are going to go? I bloody hate that. But a while ago I read a bit of advice that said when you can see this happening, instead of looking down or at the person, look at the direction you're going to walk in and stick to it. The other person will be so shocked by the certainty (it's so not British) that they'll fall in line and the whole sitch will be avoided. 

Name forgetting

This literally seems so rude, especially when it happens to you, but more often than not its not that the person is a huge twat it's usually just a slip of the brain (is that a saying?) Having been on both ends of it, the worst thing you could do is guess. I know you're 93% sure her name is Suzy, but if it's not you're going to feel even worst, as is Suzy, who's actual name is Sharon. Just be honest and self-deprecating, like "god, you're going to kill me, your name has completely slipped my mind" *awkward laugh* *hits self on forehead*

You've fallen over

Mate, I can't tell you how many times I've stacked it. Once I was in a club when I was 21 in my nice (OK, short) dress and heels and I stacked it on the lit up dance floor and grabbed a random guy on the way down only to profusely blame him for the fall. On this very same night the front of one of my open toed shoes tore so my toes literally broke free, I was a hobbling mess by the end of the night. Luckily my friend Tee came home slightly early with me. Anyway, I digress, if you stack it in public the best way to avoid embarrassment is to coat the whole thing in humour. If you're with someone when they ask if you're ok just laugh it off, because they probably want to laugh anyway so it makes it less awkward for everyone. If you're alone, while you're on the floor catch the eye of a passerby and do the same thing. I swear it works, unless you're actually truly injured in which case, flag down some help?

The awkward greeting

One kiss? Or two? Or a hug? Or a handshake? Or all of the above in a unknown greeting ritual? I hate the uncertainty I feel when greeting acquaintances! The worst is when you felt like one kiss is enough but they go for two and are hanging there. Or when you both go for the same side and end up almost planting on one their lips... ahhhh I hate it. To avoid this sitch I go for a hug as often as possible. Now some etiquette books will say this is too much contact but how is it more intimate than kissing someone... Twice? you want to go in and stick to it. Trust me this actually works. 

ASOS Pink Bomber

One of the perks of working on a magazine is that you get to see what's coming to stores before it hits the rack but it's also, for this reason, a massive negative too. You see I saw this bomber in the ASOS spring/summer lookbook before christmas and was eagerly waiting for it to hit the new in section for weeks and then it did and was almost an instant sell out. Luckily I nabbed the last size 18 - bear with me - despite being three sizes too big, I really wanted a loose fit so I risked it and snapped it up before it went. I'm so glad I did, it's my new fave. Expect to see it loads in the upcoming months!

Pink Bomber - ASOS // Top and Jeans - Topshop // Trainers - Nike

Video - NYC Haul!

Newfound Obsession With Jumpsuits...

Jumpsuit - New Look // Sandals - ASOS // Hat - Accessorize // Bag - Mulberry

For me, the jumpsuit is the dresses' lazier cousin for the summer. They're literally the easiest thing to pull on if you want to look like you've thought about your outfit but you actually CBB and there isn't the whole 'legs out' annoyance... ok I'm just gonna say it - it's like being a toddler and I friggin' love it. 

Ok the whole toilet sitch is jarring and unavoidable (unless you just don't drink all day but I wouldn't recommend that in the sunshine, kids) but I'm willing to get past that.

This gem is from New Look and was a steal at just over £20. Just think, that's basically a whole outfit (minus shoes) for £20. Crazy. Pop on a hat and sandals and you have the whole 'oh I just threw this together' look, 'cos lets face it no one really wants to look like they've tried too hard. 

You Can't Touch This

Dress - Topshop // Earrings - Accessorize // Watch - Michael Kors

I'm so not a t-shirt dress kinda gal. While I've always wanted to be able to pull one off, I feel like they are for the svelte, gazelles of the world not big booty bitches like myself - they are rather shapeless. But when I saw this one in the Topshop sale, I could not resist - especially as it has one of my all time favourite song titles on the derriere. 

I figured as this was in the sale I can totally rock it in the comfort of my own home/to casual occasions until I'm ready to take it to the streets without feeling total buyers guilt. 

You'll Never Guess How Much My New Favourite Shoes Cost...

I’ve been trying this thing this year where I don’t waste money on crappy-quality clothes and accessories but save money up and buy timeless more well-made pieces (the exception being loungewear and workout clothes because nothing justifies spending like £50 on leggings).

So I've had my eye on a pair of mid-heel strappies for sometime now, I've seen them in Office, Topshop and Kurt Geiger, all of the usual suspects, and was planning on picking some up (Office have a swoon-worthy rose gold offering) when I stumbled into Primark to get some socks and workout leggings and somehow managed to find my way to into the shoe section.

They were sitting there waiting for me the only pair in in black a size 7... it was meant to be. I of course knew that as it was Primark they weren't going to be expensive but as I turned over the price, I wasn't prepared for what a bargain they were.

£14. Can you believe it?! And they are almost exactly the same as this Topshop pair. They are comfortable and that kind of faux leather that isn't too fake looking and shiny. Whether they break quickly or not is yet to be seen, but at £14, if it gets past four wears then that works out as £3.50 a wear and thats pretty great in my eyes so...

#win.

What's in my handbag?

If you're nosey like me, this video will be right up your street. Having a little rifle through all the junk I carry around on a day to day basis.

Who knew one could hoard so many travelcards and receipts...?

Denim x Tartan x Denim

Jacket - Topshop // Shirt - Topshop // Pinafore - Primark

Sunnies - Topshop // Boots - Office

Bag - Mulberry

Double denim. Personally this trend has never offended me but I know a lot of people detest it. I get that it can look like a throwback to the 90s if done incorrectly, but I think as long as it’s worn with conviction, you’re fine. By this I mean if you look like you’re unsure of what you’re wearing others will be too.

I’m not sure of the official double denim dos and don’ts but my theory is that it’ll always be likely to work more when you’re wearing two different colour washes – only the brave should try matchy-matchy double denim in my opinion.

Also these are my favourite sunglasses ever, I think. I literally feel so retro wearing them... and they’re rose gold – swoon.

Love Keeks xo

Backstage at London Fashion Week AW15

I was lucky enough to be invited backstage with Cloud Nine at the Emilio de la Morena’s AW15 catwalk show on Tuesday and I made this little video for the magazines. Despite the hectic hustle and bustle of backstage the Hair Creative Director of the show, Leigh Keates, took time to demo the look for us so I made the below little video showcasing the look!

Love Keeks xo

Haul #1 - Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Primark...

Happy Sunday! 

A haul video for your viewing pleasure.

Love Keeks xo 

Transitioning the jumpsuit.

Jumpsuit - River Island // Top - H&M

Jacket - Topshop // Trainers - Converse

We're in that annoying stage of the year when we're so over winter and all the coldness that comes with it,  but warmer climes are so far away. And while we wish we could launch into new season dressing, we're wrapped firmly in our coats and layers for the love of our health. 

The thought of wearing this jumpsuit with no layer underneath in this weather... *shudders* I literally couldn't think of anything worse, so I teamed it up with my favourite lil' stripy crop top. Et voila, a perfectly wearable transitional outfit. 

Love Keeks xo 

Say it with your chest...

Slogan sweaters and t-shirts are my favourite way to make a fashion statement. My absolute favourites are my Biggie tee from F21, and my Celfie top that every girl and her mum has. My Biggie tee has since gone AWOL (major sob) and I'm currently hankering for a new sweater/t-shirt to be obsessed with. Faux Sake is all kinds of awesome. Want. 

Love Keeks xo

The pink coat with the fur, the (faux) fur

A pink coat. When this trend came about last autumn/winter I was so not about it, sticking steadfast to my parka for casual and my monochrome for slightly more presentable times. But then I saw this beauty in the Zara sale online this January and with a sweet £50 off I ordered it ASAP. I was finally in possession of a pink coat - just a year behind the trend. I love the versatility of this one; it dresses up a super-casj outfit and finished off a sweet/chic look. Here's how I'll wear it day and night.

DAY

Coat - Zara // T-Shirt - River Island // Jeans - Topshop

Hat - ASOS // Boots - New Look // Necklace - Gift 

NIGHT

Top - H&M // Jeans - Topshop // Shoes - ASOS

Bag - Chanel

*Thanks to my beaut Zoe for taking the snaps :)

Love Keeks xo

Caped Crusader

Cape – Next // Jumper – Topshop

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t sure about the whole cape thing. Call me crazy but the idea of wearing something favoured by superheroes and the like wasn’t my cup of tea... that was until I received this beauty for Christmas. I love how huge the turtleneck is and the shoulders give it a lil’ something extra.

It’s still a bit chilly over here, but it’s the perfect layering piece for this time of year – I teamed it with a fine knit jumper.

Cape convert here, people. 

Love Keeks xo