Guest Post: Travel Trends 2017

New travel trends are forming all the time. International travel to South Asian countries is particularly popular these days. Many westerners on tight budgets are looking for the best deals they can when travelling. These Asian countries are aware of this and so they advertise their hotels, restaurants, and airlines to these westerners looking for a good deals. Besides, the value of western money like the dollar goes a lot further in a country like Thailand than a country like England. In fact, many people who stay in Thailand for an extended period of time claim they can survive in the country for $700 per month. This includes apartment rent, food, public transportation, and utilities. This is why more people are travelling to Thailand than ever before.


thailand


Lee Stafford uBunTu oils hair straighteners review

To make your Monday that little bit brighter, I have an exciting review and my first ever GIVEAWAY to share with you! I was recently sent these Lee Stafford uBunTu straighteners in a fabulous girly, pink colour and I couldn't wait to try them having been without any straighteners for a while. The major selling point of these hair straighteners is that the plates are infused with uBunTu OiLs, leaving your hair feeling extra glossy and hopefully a lot healthier!

If you haven't heard of Lee Stafford before he is an award-winning celebrity hairdresser who not only sells a whole host of electrical hair products but has his own hair care range (this is pink too) which you can mainly find in your local Boots. I have always used his hair products but had never came across the electricals before.



Hotel De Hallen Amsterdam Review

 Not only were the streets of Amsterdam very photogenic but my hotel was too, so I thought I would share it with you; introducing the quirky but fabulous Hotel De Hallen.

This trip to Amsterdam was a surprise for the boyfriends birthday so when booking a hotel I wanted it to be really special (and it was!). Located in West Amsterdam, it was a little bit further out but still close to the tourist spots, the nearest tram was Ten Katestraat and as I had done my research we found it very easily. The hotel is part of a group called Vondel and they have several restaurants in their portfolio too.

As soon as you enter the hotel it makes an impression with a huge greenhouse on the front with a Moroccan vibe and lots of beautiful, aromatic plants.

Hotel De Hallen

Fashion Trends to Watch: Metallic and Velvet

It's been a couple of weeks since my last outfit post so I thought I would share more of a "going out" look as I do love getting dressed up to go out, I sometimes even plan two weeks ahead because I get so excited and always end up buying something NEW. This outfit is a little bit darker than I would usually wear. I often opt for a bit more colour but on this occasion I have combined grey and black in the form of a velvet top and metallic skirt which is rather sparkly. You may think a bit of sparkle should only be worn certain times of the year but I think you should be able to shine all year round! A trend I have seen recently includes metallic cami dresses draped over t-shirts for a daring daytime look. 

When I originally purchased the skirt I did think it wouldn't suit my petite frame but I changed my mind as soon as I put my high heeled boots on and the velvet top just casually flows over the skirt. Velvet is a trend you will have seen on me quite a bit since Christmas I just think it's so sophisticated and can be dressed up or down. This open cross design from Missguided is very popular at the moment and adds an extra bit of detail that a necklace usually would.

My Outfit 

Missguided Velvet Top £15 (Similar here)
H&M Metallic Skirt £6.49 (Buy here)
New Look Boots (Similar here)

London Hotels for your budget

London attracts over 31.4 million tourists every year, according to the Office for National Statistics so because of this some London hotels can be extortionate unless you book well in advance, don't visit on the weekend or stay far away from the city centre. My favourite hotel website to book with is booking.com because you can reserve a room but pay later, if you haven't got the money at the time. As I have booked with them on lots of occasions, I am now a genius member, this means I get an extra discount which is always a bonus.

I have only stayed in London a couple of times, both of which were for theatre shows, due to the fact that the journey takes over two hours from Stratford Upon Avon on the train which can feel like a very long journey, but one of my best friends is moving there soon which I am very excited about! Each time I stay in London I make sure I read the hotel visitor reviews as website pictures can often show a very different place to what you'll actually experience when you arrive, and no-one likes those kind of surprises! Even if you are out and about enjoying everything London has to offer it's nice to come back to a lovely hotel room. So to help you with where to stay, I have put together a list of hotels depending on your budget, which can all be booked through booking.com.

Cost Conscious Chic Hotels

The Kings Head Hotel Price range: £79 - £186 

A boutique hotel which looks quite impressive from the outside and just as lovely on the inside. With a restaurant and a rooftop bar, they offer double and triple rooms all decorated in a modern style. It is not the situated right in the centre of London, being that 
the closest tube is Acton town but its super cheap.




February Fashion Haul

Can you believe were now in March already? 2017 you need to slow down! But at least February was a great month for shopping and more bargains! I even managed to save some money too which never happens. If you follow me on Instagram I regularly post the bargains I've bought that week, so give me a follow to keep up to date.

Primark

I think Primark is included in all my monthly photos because if you're looking for a fashionable bargain they are your go to shop. I normally go to the store in Banbury but this time it was Oxford, The store is really small at the moment as they are refurbishing the centre but as the saying goes good things come in small packages. This blue shirt (£10) immediately made me take notice as the frill, the collar and everything about it shouts Spring!


primark blouse