style ideas

Favourite places to eat in Nottingham,UK

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First loves let’s talk about this bag, if you follow me on Instagram then babes I warn you, this is going to be all over the place. I adore it, like completely and utterly love it. I’ve wanted a black tote bag for ages and as I knew it needed to be an investment, I wanted it to be amazing, and this gorgeous Lille-tote bag from the brand Rox and Ann certainly is amazing. The quality of the suede and leather is just so beautiful. Also loves up the 11th of May you can use my code ‘gracesurguy’ for a 50% discount off the Lille-tote bag collection, what a flipping good discount.

I’ve also got so much love for a oversized linen blazer at the minute and this one from H&M is perfect. I also adore a pair of red flared trousers, and I’ve realised that these trousers are the most worn pair of trousers in my wardrobe, something I never expected when I bought them, but they really do go with everything.

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I live in Nottingham in the UK, and I just wanted to give you guys an overview of my favourite places to eat in the city. Whether you guys live here, study here, or are just visiting at some point.

  1. The Alchemist

This a very newbie restaurant/bar in Nottingham which I visited for the first time for brunch on a Saturday, and man was it good. My fiancé and I had the American style pancakes (yes that included bacon) and it was seriously amazing.

The restaurant/bar itself its really decadent, and this is certainly reflected in the cocktails. My fiancé (never one to shy away) ordered a bubbling gin cocktail that really was a work of art and tasted amazing. It’s the kind of cool place that you want to take your friends to for brunch at the weekend, but also drinks on a Saturday night.

What I also have to say about The Alchemist is the service was so good, the guys were really attentive (but not too attentive, you know what I mean) and made sure we had everything we needed.

Find the link to the website/directions here

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  1. Bar Iberico

This is my absolute favourite place in Nottingham for tapas, and if you go at lunch time they have the most amazing lunch time menu called the menu rapido, its under £10 for the most amazing quality food and you really are full afterwards.

It’s the perfect place to take your family or partner for a yummy lunch, and a glass of wine (obviously).

My fav things to get are the beetroot carpaccio, orange, goats cheese walnut and the crispy chicken and spicy Jerez Sauce, soooooo yummy!

Link to the website/direction here 

  1. Edin’s Kitchen

So I feel like this is my secret little gem of a restaurant hidden in Nottingham’s city centre. This little multi-cuisine restaurant is so reasonably priced it is almost unbelievable. All meals are freshly cooked and although the menu is not huge (which is why I guess the prices are so reasonable!) there is such a good choice for meat/fish/veggie/vegan or whatever your diet choice because you know these guys will cater for it.

Plus the atmosphere is so relaxed and chilled, it really does feel like its everyone’s best kept secret.

Edin’s do not currently have a website but find them here on Facebook

Grace

Xx

Black leather & suede tote bag – Rox and Ann

Linen oversized blazer – sold out similar – H&M

Red flare trousers – sold out similar – H&M

White platform trainers – Superga C/O Nobody;s Child

 

My top three designer fashion houses

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Ermmmm can we talk about this teddy coat of dreams please, this beaut is from Nasty Gal and it is genuinely the best thing I own at the minute. I actually chose this in a large which was such a good call, because I absolutely afore the way it looks oversized, plus babes its £50…and its crazy warm, honestly the best thing I own!! I am so happy that we are seeing checks move from winter into spring/summer this year. Although the winter style checks will change, we’ll be seeing loads more colour, which I am so excited about. These beaut trousers from Romwe are my transitional piece of choice, plus they are only £16, mad right? Then the ugly, ugly Dad trainers the Fila Disruptors, that I have not had off my feet since I bought them, they are so ugly but so amazing at the same time! I need them in all colours!! Coat & trousers are linked in the text above, and everything linked is also linked at the bottom of the post, for any of you gals who need to do a little shop :).

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So I wanted to talk to you guys about my favourite designer fashion houses, and explain to you why I love them so much, although I don’t buy too much clothing from high end designers (we all have to buy food and live right) I love to take inspiration from their work, in terms of styling and finding similar pieces on the high street;

  1. Celine

Celine, Celine, Celine always my number one, honestly if I had all the money in the world, this would be the one and only place I would shop. I adore the androgynous suits, the oversized midi dresses and the pastels we are seeing this season. Give me a white Celine oversized suit any day and I would be a very happy girl!

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  1. Isabel Marant

From the perfect leather skinnies to the most amazing double breasted checked blazer. Isabel Marant for me gives off a kind of carefree boho style, and don’t get me started on the knits. I find I spend a lot of my time looking for dupes on the high street. Apparently Isabel herself tries on her entire collection before it leaves the studio. I mean if it was your collection, and it was this good, you really would do the same.

  1. Jil Sander

Tailoring at its absolute best (and you guys know I love a good bit of tailoring) sleek, clean lines and mega figures flattering styles. I am in love with the camel trousers and the oversized white shirts. Plus you know that the fabric is so luxe, it will all feel so good on.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post babes and thank you for reading.

Grace

Xx

Oversized teddy coat – Nasty Gal (I have this in a large)

Checked trousers – Romwe

Black polo neck – ASOS

Trainers – Fila Disrupter – Size

Gold necklaces – ebay, here, here, and here

 

How blogging has improved my wardrobe

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First of all my loves can I say that I am honestly so sick of winter, I long for the weather to be just that little bit warmer, where we can wear jackets rather than coats, and don’t have to be completely bundled up with scarfs and gloves. Until that day we have roll necks, which are an absolute staple in my wardrobe at the minute. This nude roll neck jumper from Shein is honestly so perfect, you guys may have realised that I love a ribbed jumper, and what I love about this version is it is thicker than any of my other jumpers, but still has that fitted silhouette that I love, also babes its only £18!! Next this beaut of a checked coat from Missy Empire, not going to lie, I’m completely obsessed with it! I love how oversized it is and the checked print is just perfect. Then finally the most perfect wide leg jeans from H&M, that look great with pretty much everything I own!

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I guess I just wanted to talk to you babes about how blogging has improved my wardrobe, well thats a easy answer you say! You take more time to think about it?! And yes you are right, but its way more than that, for me being a blogger is a form of self expression, and something that gives me a platform to showcase my personal style and also my personality. As we all know bloggers today are their own brands, promoting their style and view on the world. I have spoken to you guys so many times about how I believe it is so important to have the most positive attitude to life, to your work and in terms of blogging to yourself and your body.

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The great thing about taking the time to blog, is the time you get to research, whether that is fashion on the catwalks, magazines or taking inspiration from other bloggers. The latter is my absolute fav, blogging means that anybody from anywhere in the world, with any job and any body type can put their personal style out there. Blogging makes fashion more real, more relatable for every body type. So how does being a blogger improve my wardrobe? From taking more time to research the current trends and styles, to taking the time to engage with gorgeous REAL bloggers I can relate to, and take style tips from. This means I make far more informed decisions when shopping, which I think means I am more stylish people because of that :).

Grace

Xx

Nude ribbed turtleneck – Shein

Checked coat – Missy Empire

Wide leg jeans – H&M

Boots – Topshop

Bag – Kozha Numbers

My take on the key trends for Spring

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First of all babes, let’s talk about my complete obsession with layering. I mean it’s a good job that I am obsessed because it is absolutely freezing in the UK at the minute, and probably the only way I am able to survive. Let’s also talk about this gorgeous bargain of a midi skirt from Shein, I love how tight the pleats are and how full the skirt is. Plus, it’s an absolute steal at only £18.00!! I think for me this navy long coat, this denim jacket and these black leather boots are going to be items that are in my closet for a long time, staples that I will never get tired of.

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Neutral suits

Double breasted in a beige/nude colour, slightly loose, man I want one so bad. This is the thing though, it’s the sort of thing that I dream of, but never find, unless its Celine, then I can’t afford it! One day I aim to have my own clothing line, and these wonderful design will no longer be a figment of my imagination!

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots you say?? Not on your nelly, but trust me babes, it’s not full on cowboy, it’s a hint towards this this full-on style, with the chunky almost Cuban heels, the square toe and the embroidery details. I have my eye on the most perfect white pair from Mango

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Belt bags

I have the most perfect version from COS, it’s a simple black leather version and it honestly does look so good over fitted blazers or coats. Or on the waist of your trousers with an oversized coat over the top. One tip I would say, I have seen so many garish versions out there, that it really is better to go for a simpler version that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe

Micro sunnies

I genuinely wasn’t sure about this trend when I saw it on the catwalk! Tiny sunglasses that barely cover your eyes, but now I love the cool 90’s vibe that it gives to any outfit. Also not going to lie they look cool perched on the end of your nose for a selfie (I know you’ve done it babes). There are also so many cool style around from the likes of Pretty Little Thing, ASOS and the star of the show Ebay.

Grace

Xx

Checked pleated midi skirt – Shein

Denim jacket – sold out – similar Topshop

Navy Blue long coat – sold out- similar H&M

Black leather boots – sold out – similar Topshop

Black leather ring handbag – Kozha Numbers

 

Where I get my fashion inspiration

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Right now I am so obsessed with nudes, whether that is in the form of a t-shirt/jumper or trousers, in fact if you guys follow me on Instagram you’ll see my perfect nude flared trousers from Mango. When I first saw this draped nude top from Romwe I loved it, and knew instantly that I wanted to pair it with a pair of trousers with a similar tone. It is also quite a dressy outfit, so I dressed everything down with pair good old Stan Smith trainers & a fluffy white jacket from Topshop.

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So I just wanted to let you know how and where I get my weekly (often daily) dose of fashion inspiration. Of course there is no surprise that my absolute favourite place to find inspo is Instagram. I have go to accounts that I will check usually on a daily basis such as @deborarosa who really is my number one style icon, @pepamack giving me all of the minimalist inspo I need & @wethepeoplestyle who is never predictable in her style and I absolutely adore that.

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I travel down to London on the train quite a bit for work, and I love to buy a Vogue magazine (and this is getting really old school now) and a pen and mark all of the bits in the magazine that really make me excited. What I love about this is it can be anything, hair styles, make-up, and when you really feel like you have no idea what to wear it’s great to revisit the magazines.

Grace

Xx

Nude wrap over blouse – Romwe

Nude wide leg trousers – in the sale – H&M

White trainers – Adidas Stan Smith

White shearling jacket – Topshop

 

Items I would never wear for my body type

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Ok so I know I am mad wearing all white, especially being the most clumsy person in the world (I managed to spill half a can of coke down my sleeve the other day, down my sleeve!!!) but I just love this combo so much & I think it’s so chic for winter. This white jumper from Romwe is so comfy and warm, it’s a really thick knit, which is so perfect for the cold winter we are having in the UK. And these white trousers from All Black Everything, which are honestly the most comfy flattering white trousers ever. I just want to share a secret with you babes, I always size up when it comes to coats. This coat from ASOS is a size 12 and a tall because I love the longer length and long sleeves.

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So babes I just wanted to talk to you guys about some items that for my body shape I just wouldn’t wear.  That’s not to say that for you they wouldn’t look amazing. Must first items is white skinny jeans, they honestly look so bad on me, I love a pair of thick mom style or wide leg jeans, but skinny jeans in white are a no no for me, I always find that these stye of jeans are always pretty see through too. Short body-con skirts, I have larger legs and calves and for me a short body-co skirt is really not flattering on my legs and makes them look so much bigger.

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Smock dresses, now I have dabbled in smock dresses before and sometimes it works, sometimes it really doesn’t. As I am an hourglasses shape it is way more flattering for me to wear something that really nips me in at the waist, instead of hangs over my body. Shoes with ankle straps, again this is something I very occasionally wear, and usually I do regret it when I do it, but as my legs are on the bigger side, and ankle straps are known to shorten the look of your legs.

Grace

Xx

White knitted jumper – Romwe

White trousers – All Black Everything

Cream maxi coat – ASOS

Black trainers – Vans

 

My four key trends for autumn/winter

Hi my loves, I wanted to do a post for a while now on the key trends (in my eyes) for autumn/winter. I am not ashamed to say that I flipping LOVE them. I know there will be lots of other trends that I have missed out, but these are the ones that have really pulled me in and made me want to shop (more than usual and that’s saying something!!).

The 70’s are back

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This was always going to be my first trend, because it’s my absolute favourite. I adore the 70’s style pieces that are everywhere on the high street at the minute. It’s all about corduroy, wide legged trousers, flares, platforms, pussy bow blouses. YES PLEASE!!! Above are the most beautiful wide leg corduroy trousers I have ever seen, for only £35! although unfortunately they have completely sold out, so I have my notifications on and I’m waiting for them to come back in, come onnnnn Uniqulo.

Cord cropped trousers – Zara

Velvet platform shoes – Zara

Suiting around

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I have wanted a checked suit for a while now, but honestly, I could wear any kind of suit in any colour, I am obsessed. I also have a red suit from H&M which you guys may have seen on my Instagram, although my fiancé says it makes me look like I work for Virgin airlines! Whatever suits are cool, whether you wear them with a white tee and a pair of trainers, or dress them up with a silk cami and a pair of heels.

Mustard velvet blazer – Topshop

Mustard velvet trousers – Topshop

Pink velvet blazer – Topshop

Pink velvet trousers – Topshop

Tough love

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Lace-up tough looking boots are everywhere at the minute and I adore them. I’ve always loved toughening up a floaty dress with a more substantial boot, and the lace-up versions everywhere on the high street at the minute are perfect. The above platform Dc Martens are my ultimate choice when it comes to the tough boot. Of course, where would we be without the leather biker jacket, however this season it’s about the more over-sized silhouette. This Zara version is amazing, although not real leather the fluffy yellow interior makes up for it.

Oversized faux fur lined biker jacket – Zara

Sparkles, sparkles & more sparkles

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I know every year as we get towards the festive period we see sequins & beading all over the high street. However, this year this trend has really got me excited with the addition of chainmail. I’ve seen it in the most gorgeous tops and most recently bags (which I 100% need to invest in!). I’ve also seen the most stunning leggings and fitted top from Gucci in a kind of rhinestone chainmail (so much nicer than it sounds I promise).

Chainmail top – Topshop

Chainmail bag – Topshop

I hope you enjoyed my round-up of the key trend for autumn winter, and thanks for reading.

Grace

Xx