A day at Hogwarts...

A few weekends ago, myself and a few friends caught the train (after nearly suffering a heart attack running to get it) down to London, to finally get a taste of what life in Hogwarts is like... Since it's opening, the Harry Potter Studios has been so popular, and as a lover of the movies myself, I couldn't resist going 'behind the scenes' to see how the magic was truly created. I  can honestly say it was worth every penny!

If you've been before you'll definitely agree the five hour visit really gives you a picture of how everything from the 'Great Hall' to the terrifyingly huge Aragog spider is created...

  

The visit is split into several areas of interest... First, your guided to a cinema to hear from the actors themselves what life on set was like, following which you enter the Great Hall (in an unexpected fashion). From there you can explore the interior sets which are so famously remembered in the films, before heading outside to see the night bus, and the house where it all started! To finish, there's a graphics and construction exhibition, which was really interesting if you like to know how everything works, a trip down Diagon Alley, and a final view of the REAL Hogwarts!

Below area few photos of the day. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprises, but I was dying to show you just why the place is so great!

My favourite part of the trip, was naturally learning more about the behind the scene's make-up and costume secrets! There was literally a costume on hand for every moment of each film, and a wig for it too! I also loved the chance of flying my own broom in the interactive part of the studios - totally worth it, if you've every considered purchasing a broomstick ;) Sadly I wasn't allowed to take photos during the broomstick ride, but I can guarantee everyone who had a go loved it!

As it was a long day, I'd planed everything - which was a surprise considering my usual organisation skills.. For my outfit, I chose a simple white top and floral skirt combination, with thick leggings, cardigan and my scarf to keep me warm! I also wore a personal favourite riding waistcoat, as it always adds the finishing touches to an outfit!

And that was my day at Hogwarts. It was a great chance to catchup with my favourite girlie's, and an excuse to watch the whole Harry Potter box set non stop for the next week..
Let me know if you've been/plan on visiting soon!

Lots of Love,

Living like Royalty, Buckingham Palace...

Hello! So apart from being swallowed up by collage work in the last week, I took the chance to join a coach load of friends on an annual visit to London! 

For the trip, I wore my super comfy new boots from Clarks! It really pays of to have a great quality pair of shoes when your walking all day, and my boots didn't let me down! As we seem to have finally lost the summer sunshine, I opted for a denim jacket with my new tartan skirt to keep me warm and some thick socks too!

 I love London (but then again, who doesn't) and this time we planned a picnic in the park, to visit a few art gallery's for my art coursework and an all important trip to Buckingham palace. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to use my camera in the palace (boo) but it was definitely worth the visit, as the state rooms are truly beautiful! It's hard not to be drawn into the golden magnificence of the palace with the decorative crystal chandeliers hanging overhead and I have to admit the audio guide background music even had me waving like a queen...

The history of the British monarchy is fascinating, and this is clearly a strong influence in the rooms open for public viewing, and the family portraits on show tell the story of generations of royals. 

I'd also recommend checking out the gardens and the all important gift shop - though I wasn't keen on the £10 pens.. When you arrive at the palace, there's lots of air port style security before your handed an audio guide, which you use through most of the rooms, it's also handy to know that if you accidentally loose your place on the audio guide each room has numbers which you can type in to refresh your guide. We were also treated to a fab view of the 'changing of the guards' along with hundreds of others hoping to see the parade. It's fab to see the guards in there swanky red uniforms and made me quite envious of their epic sense of rhythm!

As you already know my love of history is touch obsession, so I also visited the Imperial War Museum which although under construction, was fab! I'd strongly recommend the Holocaust exhibition and the Horrible History Spies area looks great too. One thing I would recommend is bringing your own food as museum cafe's are never cheap and getting the tube rather than warning as it's situated quite a way from the buzz of Westminster.

As for the rest of the day we caught a quick tube ride to Oxford Street, as every London trip requires a small dosage of shopping! We found a gem of a place to eat called 'st. Christopher's place' which was a little area just off Oxford Street which had loads of little eateries and boutique shops. I'd definitely recommend visiting during a intense shopping trip as it's not far from Oxford Street. After a gentle stroke through the designer handbags in Selfridges, we were soon back in the bus wishing we could have stayed a bit longer!

What Were Wearing:

Charlotte (left): Skirt/Boots - Top Shop, Jumper - Miss Selfridge.Myself (left in right photo): Jacket/Satchel - OASAP, Boots - Clarks, Skirt - Primark.
Lydia (right, in second photo down): Jeans - Primark, Military Jacket - H&M.
Sarah (middle in above photo): Playsuit - New Look, Shoes - Dorothy Perkins.
 So that's how I've been spending the weekend. If only every weekend was exciting, as my usually Saturdays consist of piles of homework and plodding around the house in pyjamas! 

Anybody else do anything interesting with their weekend? 

Lots of Love,

I heard it from a Little Birdie: Review...

I really did 'hear it from a Little Birdie,' as today's post is a little review of a recently opened jewellery emporium Little Birdie London. I was so excited when I was kindly invited to review an item from the website - as I'd already fallen in love with a few special pieces!

Little Birdie was founded earlier this year, and sells jewellery pieces for every occasion. It offers unique items, that will add the finishing touches to any outfit and I've now added a few friendship bracelets (oh and the rings, earings and necklaces) to my wish list...

This bunting necklace was a clear winner, when selecting an item to review. Bright colours are lots of fun this Spring and the shape of the necklace looks great with high neck tops! The necklace was surprisingly heavy, which made it a great piece, as it helps to shape the necklace around the neck. The gold finish adds sophistication to an outfit, while still keeping it low key and fun!

I wore mine with a white collared shirt, and a very bold and striking flamingo jumper (oh yes, I went there). I thought the necklace complimented the jumper really well, and added a contemporary twist to the outfit. The necklace was also adjustable, which means you could re-size it to suit how you want to wear it!

 

Candy Bunting Necklace in Pink - Little Birdie London £9*

 If you fancy having a look at the Little Birdie London range, check out the website here, and let me know your favourite items from the website!

Lots of Love,

 

Say Hello, London Fashion Week 2013! #day1

London Fashion Week has officially started today - Hurrray! Although I'm currently bunged up with a cold, I've been so excited all day! (Sorry to my twitter followers!)

Follow @blondiegrace

For many high street shoppers, you see London Fashion Week as just another opportunity for designers to go crazy with ridiculous looking outfits and super skinny models. DO NOT BE FOOLED! You might be purchasing a copy of one of those very 'ridiculous' outfits, from your local high street shops! For this reason, I'm constantly inspired by Fashion Week and when it's my turn to take part, (fingers crossed for SS14) it will be like fulfilling a childhood dream!

So with Autumn/Winter 2013 Fashion Week underway, I'm going to be filling you in with each day's highlights as they come - selecting my favourites and telling you how these amazing designs could be some of your favourite pieces of Autumn 2013!

 One of my favourite designers from today's Fashion shows is Zoë Jordan! I loved the wide range of patterns and textures that graced their way down the catwalk! I found the whole of the show so wearable - especially the warm oranges and fur jackets (though maybe not together)! Zoe is definitely a designer to watch!  With such original designs, I'd definitely fill my winter wardrobe with Zoe's designs.

 Bora Aksu was another designer to watch today in London. I'm obsessed with the stunning patterns of this collection (especially the far right!). The start of the show focused on neutral colours - from the transition of Summer to Autumn and the later part was a pop of colour in the form of fuchsias and raspberry pinks. Like many of the Fashion Week collections, there was so many gorgeous textures in the range, and headpieces seem to a central way to accessorize for this Autumn.

 Textures went to a whole new level in the KTZ collection today. I hope you like a lot of leather! Everything leather,  from shoes, leggings to jackets - made the KTZ range so distinctive, yet linked beautifully. Oversized hat's looked great, and the vibrant colours in similar collections (Zoë Jordan) also appeared in KTZ collection, and look great in contrast to the dark tones!

So, that's my highlights from today's London Fashion Week, I'll be posting more over the next few days - so lookout.

Also, I'm currently preparing for my first Giveway - how exciting!

Lots of Love,

My Experience of Singing at The Royal Albert Hall - every dream come true X

Thank God it's the weekend!!!
As promised, I wanted to create a special post, all about my experience singing at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, as part of the Music For Youth Proms.
Along with lots of lovely photos stolen from my friends camera, I'm going to cram a whole day of excitement into one post (wish me luck!).

On Wednesday morning, 3 coaches full of students and parents, left our school for the lights of London.
I spent the majority of the journey down, filling my Facebook Wall with photos and status's expressing my excitement! Outside the building, and we were all finding it impossible to keep our cool, when we saw the size of the venue. There was nothing better than sharing an experience like this, with your best friends!

Teen Awards - 'Live While Were Young'!!!!

Just call me 'moody pants' today, as it wasn't easy waking me up this morning!

So I went to the teen awards yesterday at Wembly in London – and well It’s times like that when you love been a teenager – it makes me never want to grow up!
I was just in love with Taylor Swift – Okay, I just love Americans FULL STOP! And well, if you’re a one direction fan, you would have been in your element. 10,000 screaming teenagers all chanting for a 5 lad boy band! It was mental!
Well I’m off to catch up on class work/homework and all things boring! So here’s some lovely press photos ( as in my photos one direction look like a few dots on a very big stage!
Lots of Love

Blondie X

Singer of the Century - Adele X

THANK GOD ITS THE WEEKEND!

It's been one crazy week and I have tomorrow to complete my workload of homework, before I'm off to LONDON on Sunday! *YAY* If you didn't know Adele, is officially the latest singer to complete the Bond theme song 'Skyfall', for the latest movie - and well she never fails to impress! If you've got a few minutes to spare - have a listen!



She's been an inspiration for me over the last few years - long before she became such a national sensation! She really made the 'Little Black Dress' a Red Carpet sensation once more, and well she never stops! She's also happy with the way she is, and proud of being herself, no matter what other's may say. There's not many celebrity's that do that! So she has regrets - but she learnt from her mistakes and well, I think she's an inspiration both musically and on the Red Carpet too!

Never to old to be the New Face Louis Vuitton!

Posting from my death bed... 

well not literally! But feeling Ill as can be, I've bunked the evening off dance, and managed to find another exciting topic to rant on about, especially for you fashion lovers!(oh lucky you!)

Since my visit to London 2 weeks ago, (and with another trip due this Sunday) I've been struck by the Latest Louis Vuitton campaign, that was showcased throughout Selfidges! This re-occurring 'Spots' has taken the Worlds Fashion industry by surprise. So, I thought it would be my mission to find out what all fuss was about and who this 'wonder woman' was, starring in this World Wide Campaign. 

Well, after my tireless hours of endless research (more like a quick Google search), I have all the answers you've been looking for...and more! 

Some Mid Week London Fashion Week Highlights X

From my kitchen table, eating a spoonful of peas, watching Deal or No Deal, I thought I'd share my week's favourites from the London Fashion Week Highlights! So here you go, sit back (drop that extra homework, or over load from work) and enjoy!

Here's the J.W Anderson Women Spring/Summer collection. I actually love this! The ruffles look great, and it gives me hope through the cold winter months, that a gorgeous collection in spring is coming my way - YAY!

Girl Meets London X

Goooooood Afternoon :)

What a weekend it's been!

I haven't had a moment to get blogging all weekend - so sorry about that! But I've been touring the wonderful city of London! No, I didn't get those front row seats at London Fashion Week - But maybe next year, eyy? Although, I did have a brilliant time gliding down Regent Street gazing into the elegant shop windows, then catching the tube to Oxford street and buying the high-street 'Primarni' or Primark eddition for myself!

I also saw (as you know I'm obsessed with musicals) Ghost the musical! It was just amazing - if you haven't seen it yet, the show is due to close from West End, so make sure you see it! I was so impressed with the staging, and the special effects had me gasping (and crying I must say!). So yeah, definitely a 'top of Blondie's list' in terms of must see musicals!

For the girls who wish they could have been at New York Fashion Week X

#hey girlie's! It's the weekend - Yay!

I'm hoping I'm not the only person wishing she could have gone to New York Fashion Week - only dreaming of how amazing it would be! So if you've been like me and stalking press photos or the latest news; the catwalk has showcased some truly stunning pieces! And with London Fashion Week here (oh yes!) I thought I'd give you a few of the New York Highlights!

Oh, and while were at it, GUESS WHO'S GOING TO LONDON TOMORROW? ME!!!!! God i love that city! Though not for a front seat on the fashion catwalk - though it's killed me not being able to get tickets! :'*(

Still, while I'm on a hyper note about visiting my favourite city, I've stolen some Press shots from New York Fashion week, for all you fashionista's to ponder over (and hopefully help you burst with inspiration!). If I don't get chance to update over the weekend, I'll ensure I take lots of lovely 'tourist' shots of the big city!
Love Blondie X