STYLE CHALLENGE: FESTIVE FEELS AT BUCHANAN GALLERIES

It feels like it's been a while since I wrote a straight up fashion post so I'm super excited to be sharing today's style challenge with you all.

A few week's back, the lovely lot at Buchanan Galleries challenged me to find an outfit that would take me from day to night. It's December. fairy lights are almost always in sight and the social calendar is packed full of fun activities. I have no doubt that at some point this month, you'll be dashing from the office to the bar with your favourites or getting in some last minute shopping before heading to the panto. Whatever the occasion, picking an outfit that will work for both with minimal changes and (most importantly) little to no bags required, can be a challenge. So, here I give you a little inspo of how you can easily switch up your outfit from day to night. 

DAY TO NIGHT 

By simply switching out casual day boots for heeled sock boots. Taking off my cosy cardi and replacing it with a fur shawl. And ditching my day-time hat for a red lip, I think I've achieved two very different looks that are both comfy, cosy and chic! 

Teddy coat - Mango 

Skirt - River Island 

Cami - River Island 

Cardi - Next 

All available at Buchanan Galleries

I absolutely love how these looks turned out and can definitely see myself switching out the pieces to create even more looks that will see me through the festive season. Using the skirt as the basis of an outfit with some black tights, black boots and a black polo neck would be perfect for a lunch date. Or even closing the cardi as a top, wrapped with a statement belt and mini skirt would work well for an effortless evening look for winter. 

SHOPPING DESTINATION 

Shopping for this look in the centre was so enjoyable and it made me remember just how stress-free shopping can be when you stick to the one location. I think we're all guilty of running the length and breadth of Glasgow to find just what we want but there's real merit in sticking to the one spot. 

Buchanan Galleries has some great shops right now too .... including an unexpected jewellery shop that screams Christmas and NYE accessories like nowhere else I've seen on the high street. It's called Lovisa in case you're interested!

Thanks again to Buchanan Galleries for the fun challenge! 

Until next time. 

xoxo

MOXY MERCHANT CITY: A PURSE-FRIENDLY HOTEL THAT'S PERFECT FOR A GIRL'S WEEKEND

Glasgow, in my eyes, is a bloody brilliant city. We have fantastic shopping, a competitive food scene, a diverse range of bars and a solid cultural calendar. So, it comes as no surprise to me that tourism has kicked it up a notch, with new hotels popping up across the city throughout the last year. Last week I had the pleasure of test running one of our newest additions – the swanky new Moxy hotel, located just off High Street.

STYLISH INTERIORS

Part of the Marriot family, Moxy is a laid-back, fun, and quirky hotel that’s the ideal option for those who are after modern bedroom interiors mixed with and a vibrant bar area. On arrival, you’ll find a large lounge area that includes everything from a pool table to a glass fireplace and a large screen – perfect for movie nights. After checking-in at the bar, you’ll be directed to your room where everything feels a lot calmer and sleek, with a comfy bed, TV screen and modern bathroom with shower.

PILLOW FIGHTS 

To mark the opening of the funky new hotel, myself and a few other Glasgow gals were treated to the ultimate girls night in, complete with scavenger hunt, cocktails, pizza, Magic Mike and the best part of all – a pillow fight room covered in feathers and the biggest teddy bear I’ve ever laid eyes on.

PURSE FRIENDLY

Music to my ears, the hotel is also extremely affordable with a double room with breakfast available from around £60 - bargain! So, if you’re visiting Glasgow for an upcoming Christmas shopping trip or simply want to be staying central for your next night out, Moxy is a great option!

Thanks so much to the team at Moxy for a great night.

XoXo  

Cosy couples getaway

Every once and a while, city life can get a bit much and if, you're anything like me, you’ll crave some fresh, countryside air. Living in Glasgow, it’s easy to forget just how fortunate we are in terms of geography (yes, geography). The capital and one of the best cities in the world is just 50 miles away.  One of the most romantic places in the UK, the Lake District, can be reached in under two hours.  And one of the world’s most beautiful Loch’s (and my happy place) can be discovered in just an hour’s drive. It’s time to make the most of having access to so many fabulous destinations so to kick it off, last month, Liam and I took up the offer to visit a quaint hotel perched on the edge of Loch Lomond, in the charming little town of St Fillan’s.

A BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN DAY

On route to St Fillan’s it was clear we’d struck the weather jackpot. The sun was splitting in the sky and the temperatures had reached above 15 degrees – it was perfect. On arrival to The Four Seasons, we were greeted with a warm welcome, but what I was most impressed with was just how welcome our little pug, Indie. We’ve taken Indie to a few hotels in the past but I can say without doubt that the staff at The Four Seasons took doggy welcomes to the next level. We were informed that our little baby could even join us for dinner AND breakfast. If you’ve got a dog of your own, you’ll appreciate how rare this is!

A PERFECT SUNSET

All checked in, we decided to head straight out and explore St Fillan’s while the sun was still shining bright.  We never actually made it into the little town but instead stuck to the loch edge, exploring forest walks, stumbling across tree swings and stopping to take pictures. Lots of pictures!

With the sun beginning to dip, we headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner. Putting my makeup on in front of our HUGE window that looked directly onto the loch, I noticed the sun setting behind the hills quicker than I expected. I grabbed Liam, Indie and the camera and we headed down to the little dock and captured some of my favourite pictures of recent. You honestly can’t beat a sunset picture!

TASTING THE GRUB

Dinner time now and we were suitably starving and ready to stuff our faces! We’d read a little about the Tarken Bar & Bistro on Tripadvisor before we headed up so knew were in for some good food. For starters, we shared the Chicken and Haggis Croquettes. I’m not one to choose haggis but these were actually super tast. For mains, we chowed down the Traditional Burger in a Brioche Bun with double (or was it triple) cooked chips. TAST-Y. With little room left to spare but just enough, we ordered some desert and by desert, I mean cheese and crackers for me (LOL) and cheesecake for Liam. Full to the brim and a little tipsy from prosecco, we called it a night and headed back to our room.

Unfortunately, we had plans the next afternoon so couldn’t stay around to enjoy more of the area but we did have time to enjoy breakfast (yes, more food) before we departed and a brisk walk in the foggy weather. Again, breakfast was super tasty and set us up for the day ahead.

One thing I truly loved about St Fillan’s was how laid back the community was. Walking Indie down the road at 9am felt more like 6am with not a soul in sight and just the occasional car passing by. The Four Seasons echoes just that feeling with cosy fireplaces and the cutest library nook that would be the ideal spot to get lost in a book.

If you’re looking for a cosy, welcoming and homely place to stay with unbeatable views of Loch Lomond, The Four Seasons is just the place. I could only imagine how beautiful this place would be in the winter and would make a great Christmas getaway.

Thanks again to the staff at The Four Seasons for inviting us to stay and experience the beautiful St Fillan’s. We hope to be back one day soon.

xoxo