Ealing Half Marathon

We had an early start this morning (for a Sunday anyway!) as we made our way down to Lammas Park in Ealing at 8am ready for the start of the Ealing Half Marathon at 9am.

I was there supporting the staff at Aston Rowe Estate Agency in Acton who were running to support and raise money for CAPE (Community Activities Projects Ealing). Along with their 13 strong runners there were 6,000 taking part from all over the world including participants from Brazil, Singapore, America, Hong Kong and even Australia! The half marathon is one of only 3 to close all the roads on the route making it a very family friendly event and a great place to start for beginners!

http://www.astonrowe.co.uk/
http://www.c-a-p-e.co.uk/

The 13 mile run has been completed in a record hour with the majority finishing around the 2 and a half hour mark. The course offers many viewing spots for supporters and spectators to wave and cheer on the runners. Check out the route map here

A great day out and great community spirit in Ealing! I must say from all the applauding, cheering and general supporting I am feeling quite exhausted now so I dread to think how the runners feel! That's a sign to get training for next year! I hope to see you there!

The team having all completed the run - help them reach their target for CAPE by making a donation https://www.justgiving.com/Aston-Rowe-Team/

Lexie

xxx

#OOTD 14th September

My outfit of the day today consists of a couple of new items I have bought as well as the everyday essentials.

Jacket: Topshop £58 - Buy here

Leather Trousers: Zara £35.99 - Buy here

Cami: Topshop £8

Necklace: Topshop £8

Shoes: Next 

This Topshop orange jacket really has served me well and is definitely my best summer purchase - check out my other summer essentials HERE

The leather trousers are a very new purchase, not traditionally my style as I normally go for a skinnier fit but these are very comfy! Perfect for a casual day out with neutral pumps and a jumper or for dressing up in the evening with some chunky heels, crop top and statement jewellery. They come in 3 colours, black, olive and wine, mine are the latter.

If you don't want to team them with something so bright, just a little black jacket would work well. The little cami I'm wearing I have in about 4 colours and I wear them so much that I've had to buy more than just one! So simply but effective, the neckline shows off the collar bones for a slimming effect too! 

What's your favourite outfit of the moment? 

Lexie 

xxx

London Hidden Villages Part 1 - Marylebone

Part 1 of my London Hidden Villages blogs. The capital of the UK is always basking in the limelight of its many tourist attractions - Big Ben, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus and the amazing shows of the West End. But there are many beautiful, hidden places tucked away from the central hustle and bustle that are also well worth a visit to see how the locals really live! Each location is broken up into 4 sections: where to shop, where to eat, property and transport.

First of all is Marylebone. Just 5 minutes North of Oxford Street and 5 minutes South of Regent's Park, this little village makes you feel you could be miles away! The main highstreet is full of great boutiques, restaurants and local produce shops including a butchers and fromargerie. 80% of property here is owned by the Howard De Walden Family Estate, including the local shops - so you know you have the best of the best as the estate decides which shops can and can't become part of Marylebone Village. 

Where to shop

There are many great shops on the highstreet including French brand Sandro, one of my favourites selling sophisticated and chic fashions.
Sandro, 6 Marylebone Highstreet http://us.sandro-paris.com/

Matches, 87 Marylebone Highstreet - where you have many designers under one roof. http://www.matchesfashion.com/

Moxon street just off the highstreet is home to many local produce shops including the Ginger Pig butchers at number 8-10 where you will always find a queue at lunchtime! http://www.thegingerpig.co.uk/

And of course Le Fromargerie at 2-6 Moxon Street selling the best cheeses! Moxon street is also where you will find the popular Sunday farmers markets. For groceries there is a Little Waitrose as well as a Tesco Express. http://www.lafromagerie.co.uk/

There are also many other great high street shops including The White Company, Zadig and Voltaire, The Kooples and LK Bennett.

Where to eat

There are plenty of great spots in Marylebone including celeb favourites: The Chiltern Firehouse at 1  Chiltern Street. Make sure you book early as there is currently about a 2 month waiting list! http://www.chilternfirehouse.com/

Relais De Venise L'Entrecôte, 120 Marylebone Lane -  A great steak restaurant, no need to book as they don't take reservations,  just turn up! http://www.relaisdevenise.com/marylebone/

Patty and Bun, 54 James Street - it's in the name! If you like burgers this is the place for you! http://pattyandbun.co.uk/

The Natural Kitchen, 77-78 Marylebone Highstreet - located on the northern end of the high street, this place is great for lunch and also organic shopping. It has a fantastic selections of salads and smoothies! http://www.thenaturalkitchen.com/

Other great restaurant options include Carluccios on Paddington Street and Aubaine on Moxon Street which is great for an evening meal or an afternoon selection of cakes!

Property

Marylebone is a very expensive area for property with the most popular market being for 1 and 2 bedroom properties. The majority of these will be in period conversions. There are also larger 3 and 4 bed properties but they aren't as popular as it isn't a massive family orientated area - perfect for single professionals and couples. Mews houses are also popular in the Marylebone area as there are a few cute mews streets around including Marylebone Mews, Weymouth Mews, Bridford Mews and Devonshire Mews to name just a few! For property enquiries head to Druce at 61 Weymouth Street - http://www.druce.com/lettings/?location=marylebone_mayfair

Transport

Just a 5/7 minute walk up to Baker Street or an equal amount of time down to Bond Street on the central and jubilee lines. 

Return of the Mac

Zara you've done it again! With their new season stock fresh in the stores, the first item I saw I needed to buy!

The garment I laid my eyes on was their gorgeous mac. Now I've never been a huge fan of macs, I think they are either too hot or cold for the weather but as we unfortunately slip into cooler times it seemed the perfect time for a purchase! 

I was drawn in by the gold detailing on the buckles and the zips, I wear a lot if gold accessories (belts, watches, bracelets) so the colour was a huge selling point!

I also think the slim fit is a flattering style to cover a dress or smart jeans. I like the sophisticated style too, it looks very expensive. 

The fact that it also fits well unbuttoned or fastened up is a huge plus too as I like a coat that can be styled differently to create different looks. 

All in all a very successful autumn purchase for just £99.99. 

Buy yours here: http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/outerwear/trench-coats/double-breasted-trench-coat-c499003p1983522.html

Lexie 

xxx

Don't forget to follow me on twitter and Instagram for more of my fashion looks. 

@lexiecarducci

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