London Diary! ‘X Factor & Shopping’

18 November

Hi Everyone,

I hope you’re well? Today feels like Monday to me – so it’s all good!!

On Saturday morning I flew over to London to have a girls day and night.

We planned to do some shopping on Saturday afternoon but instead we had a long lunch with lots of food and a wine (or 2!)

We stayed in Piccadilly, which was a perfect location. That evening we went to Ham Yard hotel in Soho. It’s only open 4 months, we went in July when it had just opened and fell in love with it. They do the best cocktails there, on Saturday we tried the champagne pear 76. They were so gorgeous!

From there we went to dinner in a place called Madison, in St Paul’s. It was really cool here, it’s a rooftop restaurant with a really buzzy party atmosphere. They’d a great DJ with everyone up dancing. I had steak and chips, which was divine.

We had such a laugh… It’s hard not to with Brian, he’s the funniest wittiest person I know. We probably stayed at the dinner table for 3 hours just laughing and chatting.

My outfit was mainly from Zara that night.

Skort – old stock, Zara. (Similar here)

Top – old stock, Zara. (Similar here)

Sequins jacket – old stock, Zara. (Similar here)

Bag – Accessorize (Buy here)

Earrings – Topshop

Boots – Caris Closet (Buy here)

On Sunday morning my other Brian flew over. We went for a wander around Piccadilly Square and Regent Street. I decided to get my hair blow-dried, as I was just too lazy to do it myself, I found a great salon called Rush. It was beautiful inside and the lovely Darren who blow-dried my hair did a good job. Mind you it was £45! Not my best bargain ever!

That evening Brian and I made our way to Wembley to watch the X Factor. We’d to be at Fountains Studios by 7.30 pm. It took us over an hour in a taxi, the traffic was insane. Brian’s road rage came out a few times which I got great amusement from, he’s dreadful in traffic and worse as a passenger.

We eventually arrived and just in time, which was great really because there was no hanging around before the show started. It was really exciting being there and watching how it all worked. It’s actually quite a small studio and looks 10 times bigger on screen.

The atmosphere was brilliant. The production was so professional and slick.

I was most excited to see Cheryl in person – especially as she was only a few seats in front of me.

She was very beautiful in real life, with the most perfect hair I’ve ever seen! She’s like a little doll – teeny tiny in height.

We were there on a great night, Nicole and Olly preformed and they were brill. Especially Olly, he’s such an entertainer, love him.

After the show was over we went back stage, Louis kindly invited us, which was very cool. We had so much fun… Louis is a gent and always so much craic – he introduced us to literally everyone.

I didn’t get to meet Cheryl (boo!!!) she left straight away. Everybody else hung around though.

Simon was very charming, Sinitta was with him and she was such a character making jokes.

Everybody was really lovely actually.

It was a great night and a late one too! 😉

That night I wore…

Cape – Blush Boutique (sold out) very similar here.

Cream top – River Island (Buy here)

Necklace – Glitz n’Pieces (Buy here)

Trousers – Zara (Buy here)

Fur stole – old River Island (Similar here)

Lipstick- Loreal ‘exclusive Reds’ shade ‘Blake’

On Monday we weren’t flying home until that evening so it was lovely to have the day to ourselves. We went to Harrods and stayed there for most the day. I love Harrods; it’s such a beautiful store with so much character. I have such fond memories of my Mum bringing me here as a little girl- I remember thinking the toy department was the most magical place on earth. It’s still very special even as an adult.

We got Ollie a personalised Santa sack. I love how old fashioned it looks. I got him a little duck too; he’s just obsessed with ducks for some reason.

I bought a few Christmas gifts and got some Laduree macaroons to take home too-they’re so yum!

I made a few mental notes to tell Santa also; I hope he thinks I’ve been good 😉

We had the most gorgeous lunch at the steak house in Harrods. Well I actually got a little baby chicken and Brian had steak. Definitely one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Seriously pricey but we took advantage of being away on our own for the day and enjoyed the treat!

I love London this time of year, everything is Christmassy, the windows and lights everywhere are just stunning. It was really mild for the whole weekend too so we were really lucky. I even got to wear my spring coat again!

On Monday I wore…

Jeans – Vero Moda

Top- River Island (Buy here)

Chain- Blush Boutique

Coat – Oasis , they have a similar version in now (see here)

Boots- Amy Huberman, bourbon footwear (Buy here)

Bag- Dkny

Lippy- MAC Japanese Maple

Thanks for reading my little London diary, I hope you enjoyed it and got some tips if you’re looking for new places to go on your next visit.

Much love

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