Note To Self

image source: Pinterest

Autumn Leaves

While casually strolling through St James' Park over the weekend it hit me that autumn was nearly done and dusted. It wasn't just the sudden drop in temperature. It was the very fact that there were visibly less leaves on the trees. Sigh. Winter certainly is coming. 

Photographer: EllynSheyr

Location: London, UK

The Monument

I realised I hadn't done a post on this spontaneous tourist activity... The Monument. It was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. It stands 61m (202 feet) and has a total of 311 steps. Don't let the steps deter you from going up as the 360 degree view of London is well worth it. You can see all of the other city icons quite easily: St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Shard, The Gherkin, & London Bridge (just to name a view). By tube you just hope off at The Monument station, too easy. And entrance is a bargain at 3 quid.

My friend Ellena and I (yes the Elle's) decided to climb this tower after work one day as it was a hop and a skip away from both of our offices. That is the wonder of living in London, there are so many historical sights to see that is quite easy to get to. No effort needed. Just the decision to lock it in is the most difficult part. Though I do admit I'm beginning to feel more like a local rather than a tourist, which I find myself favouring weekend social outings over sightseeing. But then again trying new restaurants/cafes/bars like a local is a tourist activity isn't it? Heck it's a win win situation. 

*Ellena has now moved back to London since posting this. Miss you girl! 

Photographer: EllynSheyr

Location: The Monument, London UK

Launch...Isabel Marant for H&M

Yet another impressive fashion collaboration from the house of H&M. This time round they've lured french designer Isabel Marant. Click here for the full collection {which will be available to the masses on November 14, 2013}. 

It's a venture pieced together brilliantly; staying true to the spirit and flare of both heavy weights: french chic mixed with swedish minimalism and practicality. A classic combination that never seems to bore consumer markets and fashionistas alike. A collection that will endure the test of time against the ever changing fashion trends, and OMG there are so many out there right now I can't keep up. 

Don't get me wrong there are a few out-there pieces in the form of fringe-tassle features, foil-look textures, aztec inspired prints to appeal to any daring individual. But I for one, as of late, has had to face the reality that rebuilding her wardrobe with the certainty of moving once again to live out my wanderlust lifestyle has had to limit herself to behaving in a manner of shopping smarter and wiser (in style and dollar value). Isabel Marant's H&M collection ticks all the boxes: truly versatile piece(s) to invest in. Yes they are investment pieces in my eyes. I am succumbing myself to a trend: the priceless trend; the basic trend.

image source: H&M Isabel Marant