4 simple, reasonable must haves for seeing the summer off

I have recently purchased a few items that I think will see me through the rest of the summer and that haven't seemed to have damaged my purse too much either! Especially as next week the good weather is rumoured to return I got inspired to finish off my summer wardrobe! Here are 4 of my top picks...

1. 2 pieces - Miss Pap

I love the 2 piece look whether it be a crop top with a skirt or a more boxy t shirt and shorts. I purchased this Tshirt and shorts combo from Miss Pap. I like to call the pattern 'paradise' as the colours remind me a rich green grass and waterfalls! I'm always browsing online and must say I haven't come across a better selection of 2 pieces than those on Miss Pap. 

My exact 2 piece

Top (now £8): http://www.misspap.co.uk/leighton-green-tropical-two-piece-top.aspx

Shorts (now £9): http://www.misspap.co.uk/leighton-green-tropical-two-piece-shorts.aspx

Check out the rest of their 2 pieces: http://www.misspap.co.uk/two-piece-sets/

2. White thick sole wedges - River Island

Another popular trend, this one which actually took me a while to get my head around. I normally wear quite dainty shoes as I have quite small ankles and any shoes that are heavy can often make me look clumpy and clumsy. So it took me a while to find a pair that were feminine enough for my feet! These River Island pair were the perfect combination of thickness and fashion, their snake skin effect straps are easy to clean too! Perfect for removing festival mud! 

Shoes - River Island £40: http://www.riverisland.com/women/shoes--boots/sandals/White-cross-strap-cleated-sole-sandals-652513

3. Burnt Orange Jacket - Topshop

Trusty topshop! I was instantly drawn to this colour from across the shop floor, I hadn't even planned to buy anything when I entered the store and before I knew it I was leaving with this baby! Perfect for moving into Autumn this textured jacket will brighten up a little black dress or a simple skinny jeans and tank top combo on a night out. Teamed with chunky black heels and you're good to go!

Jacket, Topshop £58: http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jackets-coats-2390889/blazers-572/textured-crop-jacket-3093568?bi=1&ps=20

4. Kimono - Topshop

Another 'paradise' kind of print, this topshop kimono looks great with many different colours, blue jeans, black jeans, denim shorts, plain white dresses and of course for throwing over a bikini. The length is also very flattering, especially when teamed with little heels. 

Kimono - Topshop £38: http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/tops-443/kimonos-1851865/fantasy-print-longline-kimono-3214646?bi=1&ps=20

Enjoy your shopping! Let me know what summer sizzles and autumnal accessories you find!  

Lexie

xxx

Chesterfield Mayfair for the Bee Tea

My friend Emily and I have been talking about going out for a special afternoon tea on a Saturday for about 6 months now and finally we got round to booking it. We actually discovered the Bee Tea at the Chesterfield when looking online for the most interesting afternoon teas in London. The name 'Afternoon Bee' not only came from the idea that the honeybees are often a sign of summer months but also due to the fact that 60,000 of these bees have a home on the roof of The Chesterfield!

Set in the heart of Mayfair just a few minutes walk from Green Park station (you can also walk down through the streets of Mayfair from Bond Street or Marble Arch station too). The Chesterfield is a gorgeous, quaint little hotel that has kept it's original charm, faultless service and attention to detail.

We were greeted on arrival and escorted to the tea rooms where we had a lovely table waiting for us. There was a beautiful accompaniment from a pianist who played a selection of songs from musicals, old classics and even a few instrumentals of modern numbers. 

We chose to have the Traditional Afternoon Tea with a twist - a selection of gorgeous homemade sandwiches including chicken and almonds, ham and tomato chutney, salmon and cream cheese, egg and cucumber. All cut into perfectly sized rectangles. The next layer on the tea tray was traditional scones with jam and cream, again they were a great size so as to be not too filling! 

Finally, literally the cherry on top of the cake, was a selection of little treats which were in keeping to the 'bee' theme. There was a yellow macaroon filled with chocolate, a vanilla cheesecake, a rich chocolate nougat filled with crunchy honeycomb, a carrot cup cake topped with a delightful creamy icing and finally a delicious mouth watering chocolate pot served in a mini plant pit with a little edible icing bee placed on the top. 

The selection of teas were also fantastic, I just had the Chesterfield Afternoon blend and Emily had the Canton Karma - a blend of ginger, rosebuds and vanilla, it's also caffeine free! The Chesterfield also offers a vegetarian afternoon tea option as well as a champagne option for £41. 

There is a lot of food, so even if you don't finish everything, the staff can package up your leftovers to take home! 

The afternoon Bee Tea is available at The Chesterfield for £34.50 per person and is running until 28th September so get booking!

http://www.chesterfieldmayfair.com/bar-and-dining/afternoon-tea/afternoon-bee

We will certainly be back soon as at the end of your dining you have a dip into the honey pot to select a golden envelope prize. However, the prize is only valid if the envelope is presented unopened on your next visit for Afternoon Tea. So see you soon Chesterfield! 

Red Bull Air Race - Ascot

Another Sunday adventure and off to Ascot we go. Perfect event times for the show 1pm - 6pm meaning no ridiculous early start on a Sunday nor a painfully late night to start the week!

Luckily the weather held out and despite having to collect our tickets from car park 5 there was minimal stress and queuing to enter. Held at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse this year's final was going to be intense! 

The day isn't just about the race though, there are many spectacular acts that take to the air each one as mind blowing as the next. Not to mention the event was packed with many other fun filled activities to watch and participate in including stunt shows by free runners and motorcyclists as well as the amazing red bull simulator which takes you on an real life experience of flying through the Ascot race course all by taking a seat in a well constructed cockpit and placing on a helmet!

The side acts began with a flyover from the Red Arrows, trailing their traditional red, white and blue patriotic smoke. A quick but none the less amazing experience, in fact it left me wanting more but luckily they will be in my home town next Wednesday 27th for the Torbay Regatta! 

Next we saw some breath taking stunts from a Chinook helicopter, literally flying vertically nose down then switching suddenly like a roller coaster so the nose was in the air. It is so surprising at how quick this hefty machine can move! Seriously you have to see it to believe it so take a look at the videos below: 

Following the Chinook was a well admired spitfire. Gliding through the sky like a bird and leaving its haunting motor sound hovering above. Of course the pilot showed off a few loop de loops and stunts before whizzing off into the distance. My Grandy has always admired the spitfires so this one's for you Grandy!

Lastly to build the tension before the grand finals we had a terrifying stunt from the Breitling Wing walkers. Stood on the top of the wings of 2 planes were some seriously brave people! Whilst the planes performed death-defying acrobatic routines the wing walkers stayed in one place and more importantly in one piece! 

After being left on the edge of our seats by the wing walkers it was time for the finals! A battle between 4 fantastic flyers: which saw 2 Brits (Nigel Lamb and Paul Bonhomme) face French Nicolas Ivanoff and Germany's Matthias Dolderer but it was the 2 Brits who took home the top spots on home turf with less than a second between them, what a win for Paul and a fantastic 2nd place to top off Nigel's Birthday! 

A huge well done to all that took part, what a fantastic day, great weather, amazing venue and super talented pilots!

Thank You!

See you next year Red Bull and see you in 10 days Red Arrows!

Lexie

xxx

Le QuecumBar Battersea Square - Fiddlebop gig

Tucked away in the quiet village like streets of Battersea Square sits a quaint jazz club and restaurant - Le QuecumBar 44 Battersea High Street.

The interior has been designed to reflect that of a French pre - war bar and brasserie, including items of 1930s Parisien vintage decor such as venetian masks, feather lamps, silver cocktail shakers and even a  rotary dial phone. There are also many green plants dotted around the restaurant giving it a homely and comfy feel, that's even before you find the tropical secret garden! The setting is perfect for creating a time warp that instantly takes you back to the dazzle and sophistication of the 1930s -  a mix between the rawness of the southern American jazz bars and fun sparkle of the saucy Parisien cabarets.

Famous for bringing the best of Gypsy Jazz to the UK to celebrate the talent of Django Reinhardt. Even all these years after his death this musical style has had a boost of popularity in recent years due to many screenplays featuring the catchy swing sound, which is why Le Quecumbar sees performances from worldwide musical talent and attracts customers from around the globe too. Hosting many free live music events as well as ticketed gigs usually for £8 in advance and £10 on the door so a fantastic price for an intimate venue so close to the City center. What makes the spirit of this secret gem even more enjoyable is that all ticket sales go straight to the musicians and not the venue!

Serving up a fantastic menu choice also which always varies day to day but usually includes some traditional french dishes such as beef bourguignon and coq au vin both of which I can highly recommend!

Set in the corner of the main dining area is a small stage which has seen many fantastic jazz acts grace it with their presence. Tonight we had the pleasure of being entertained by Fiddlebop - a four piece jazz band with a gypsy swing. Playing a selection of well known jazz classics with a hint of original numbers thrown in to mix it up a bit. The beautiful blended sound of violin, guitars, vocals and double bass made for a calm dining listening and for desert these guys made sure to bring some swing which had many customers dancing off their dinner! Not only were the band musically talented but had a sense of humour and charm too, each song was introduced with a little anecdote of fact and fun!

http://www.fiddlebop.org/

For event and gig listings at Le Quecumbar please visit:

http://quecumbar.co.uk/

The unique atmosphere, talented jazz performers and feel of community means that once you have found this beautiful brasserie, it will keep you coming back again and again!

Lexie
xxx