Byron Bay Diary-10

My Byron Bay Diary

Ask anyone who went to Byron Bay 15 to 20 years ago, and they’ll all tell you how much Byron has changed in the intervening years. Byron Bay is the original Australian bohemian, spiritual beachside siren town that draws hippies, creative types and free-thinkers to its palm-tree lined streets, lush hinterland and white sandy beaches.

With that has come the backpackers and the tourists. But the authentic free spirit of Byron remains, and can still be tapped into and enjoyed today.

On my recent trip back to Byron Bay, I set out to re-discover exactly what made me fall in love with this sun-soaked haven all those years ago when I first visited. What I found was a   down-to-earth and forward thinking community of people who are passionate about food, fashion and a lifestyle that is unique to this part of the world. Here’s my diary of places I ate, drank, slept, lazed, unwound, shopped and discovered… Continue reading “My Byron Bay Diary” →

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Freedom Hunters Episode 4: Bola Marquis

Bola Marquis Freedom Hunters PodcastIn episode 4 of Freedom Hunters, I welcome Bola Marquis founder of Okun, an African inspired beachwear brand that is stocked in the likes of Browns, Matches and Mr. Porter.

Bola was born in Senegal, and grew up between Nigeria and the UK, before settling in London. He started out his career in IT programme management in industries such as oil and gas, travel and advertising. However, it was his creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit that led him to leave it behind (although not entirely), to start up his hugely successful beachwear brand, Okun. Continue reading “Freedom Hunters Episode 4: Bola Marquis” →

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Blazer 1

The Capsule Wardrobe

I recently wrote about about the small steps we can all take to make our fashion habits more ethical and sustainable. One of them was to develop a capsule wardrobe. I promised a more detailed post on that my very topic – and here it is.

There are a lot of different interpretations of what a capsule wardrobe is, so I’ve developed my own take on it: it’s purpose, the benefits, what it consists of and how to develop your own capsule wardrobe. Continue reading “The Capsule Wardrobe” →

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Dublin Weekend Guide 2

Dublin Weekend Guide

I lived in Dublin in the early noughties at the height of the “Celtic Tiger”. Real estate prices were through the roof, Sex and the City was a TV revelation and I was wearing the most hideous gold and brown pleather trousers with abandon. And while there were plenty of great restaurants and bars around at the time, many of which I frequented on a regular basis, they don’t compare to what Dublin has to offer nowadays. Yes, thanks to the invention of hipsters, Dublin is awash with artisanal cafes, vegan restaurants, beard grooming parlours and design store pop ups. And I for one am a fan of all of the above.

On a recent trip back to Dublin, I did a bit of research and exploring to come up with my guide for a weekend in Dublin. Continue reading “Dublin Weekend Guide” →

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Freedom Hunters Episode 3: Celeste Wong


Freedom Hunters Celeste Wong

In episode 3 of Freedom Hunters, I talk to the multi-talented multi-hyphen boss-babe, Celeste Wong. You might also know her by her brand, The Girl in the Cafe.

Celeste started out her career as an actress and barista. Since moving to London, she has been listed as one of London’s top five baristas in The Financial Times and has held top positions in artisan cafes.

In recent years, in pursuit of more fulfillment from her work, Celeste produced and presented her own web series based around Continue reading “Freedom Hunters Episode 3: Celeste Wong” →

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Freedom Hunters Episode 2: Chloe Roberts

Chloe Roberts Freedom Hunters

Episode 2 of Freedom Hunters is out! In this episode, I speak with one of the coolest people I know, Chloe Roberts.

Chloe is a music industry executive at First Access Entertainment, a company at the leading edge of music management and publishing, TV, film and tech development amongst other things. Her company has been behind the careers of huge names such as Jessie J, Zayn, Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora.

Not only is Chloe leading the way for women in music, she is also an inventor. A few years ago, whilst on maternity leave, Chloe developed and ultimately launched the hugely successful baby product, Lapbaby.

I talk to Chloe about how she got into the music industry, Continue reading “Freedom Hunters Episode 2: Chloe Roberts” →

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Freelance Christmas Party 9

Christmas Party

The weather has turned frosty. The Christmas decorations were up in the shops weeks ago. And there’s sequins everywhere. I can feel it already: the tidal wave of Christmas parties, get togethers and drinks, headed straight for us. I do love a good drinks reception followed by karaoke. But this year, my first as a freelancer, what happens to the work Christmas party? And more importantly, what am I going to wear? Continue reading “Christmas Party” →

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Winter Style 9

Winter Style Ideas

During the summer, I bemoaned the challenges I experience with my summer wardrobe. Now that the evenings arrive earlier, the nip in the air is no longer that of a playful puppy, but more like an angry Rottweiler. And the problem of dressing for hot weather seems like a walk in the park compared to the one I face now: how to dress for winter, but still maintain some semblance of not having given up on life.

It’s not easy to stay warm in the depths of winter and still look cute. Outfits tend to take on an overall potato-like shape. All those layers, all the logistics, all the extra Christmas pudding consumed. After learning the hard way during last year’s hideous arctic vortex that hit London for an extended period of sartorial pain, here’s my tips for staying stylish when the weather doesn’t want you to be. Continue reading “Winter Style Ideas” →

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Winter Wedding Guest 3

Winter Wedding Outfits

Winter weddings are so romantic – candle light, ice sculptures, white swans (natch) and fairy lights peaking out through the ivy. But winter wedding outfits are an altogether different challenge compared to your run-of-the-mill spring/summer wedding.

How much time are you going to spend outdoors? Are you going to be required to pose in family photos for prolonged periods of time? Do you anticipate rain or snow? Are there muddy paths to be navigated from the church to the charming local pub? What’s the likelihood of developing frostbite?

Stress not, I’m here to provide some useful pointers and suggestions this winter wedding season. Continue reading “Winter Wedding Outfits” →

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