Twice each year, London Fashion Week lands in the city. Fashion designers and all sorts of style-obsessed creatures come out of their closets (literally) to showcase their fashion-forward looks for seasons to come. Last weekend, the city was booming with fashionistas from all over the world, serving larger-than-life realness to the world. I’ve met so many interesting people in the streets and at various events throughout the weekend that whose images I can’t wait to share.
For my first day at LFW, I decided to pair a tartan biker jacket from Sixth June with a trouser/skirt combo from ASOS. I felt like going reverse highland dress for this occasion because it’s very unconventional – just like me! #MarcJacobsEffect
This blog post was done in collaboration with Mama Shelter London. However, all views expressed here are my own!
What happens in Mama, stays in Mama! <3
Let’s face it. Everyone loves a little stay-cation once in a while. Last week, I had the opportunity to stay at Mama Shelter’s brand new London location. Situated just a short walk from trendy Shoreditch, Mama Shelter is known for its homely setting and edgy designs. If you’re a 90s kid like me, you’ll be in for a treat. The hotel boasts with little throwback items scattered all over the place. Think Street Fighter, Looney Tunes and X-Men, just to name a few! *oh emmm geee*
When I arrived at Mama Shelter London, I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. It was definitely my kind of place to not only stay over for the night but also hang with friends in the back garden or grab dinner at the restaurant. *new hangout alert* But let’s talk about drinks and food a little bit later.
The thing I like about Mama Shelter London the most is the fact that their rooms start at a whopping £99! *wowsers* With nearby hotels offering less for more money, you’re definitely getting yourself a bargain here. Each suite has a large TV, sitting area and a well-lit bathroom (see a slightly frightening picture below, LOL).
Also, the hotel is just a stone throw away from 2 of my favourite gay venues – The Queen Adelaide pub and Metropolis Nightclub, which hosts some of the best weekly gay parties in London. Therefore, Mama Shelter London is a great starting point to your epic night out!
Let Mama feed you!
Ok, so let’s talk about food. Mama Shelter London is the first place I came across in the entire United Kingdom where there’s no V (vegetarian) or Ve (vegan) stated on the menu. Instead, there’s PB. At first, I was a little bit confused about what it meant but it all made sense in the end – it’s Plant-Based! It’s either you’re getting a plant-based dish or not. No grey areas, just real food!
I’ve been on a plant-based journey for 5 months now. I am sick and tired of all these potentially great vegan dishes being spoiled with dairy, which can easily be replaced with something fresh and tasty. *word*. Therefore, Mama Shelter is not about that life. They’re offering real and fresh plant-based dishes with exceptions. So, we’ve ordered Iced Seasonal Veg Crudites and Cumin Roasted Cauliflower from their Plant-Based Sharers menu. My guest and I thought that the Cumin Roasted Cauliflower was the highlight of this whole experience because of its rich flavour and combination. I also ordered a Parmigiana with cashew, rocket and sherry vinegar as a main, which literally melted in my mouth! *low key daydreams about it to this day*. Each meal on the menu is priced pretty reasonably – around £10-14. So, if you’re up for a little tasting adventure then look no further!
After dinner, we popped down to the garden to have some cocktails. Each drink on the menu is under £10, including classics and Mama’s Signature cocktails. As a huge fan of whiskey, I’ve been served a great quality Whiskey Sour (with vegan egg white) and Old Fashion. Espresso Martini also didn’t disappoint us. Ahhh, what a great night that was!
Verdict!
Mama Shelter London is not only a great hotel but also a lovely place to start your night in trendy East London. There’s a DJ to get your groove on, exceptional cocktails to excite your pallet, tasty Plant-Based dishes to feed your body and soul… And even a karaoke room – just in case you want to test your singing abilities. *sigh* Highly recommend! *thumbs up*
Getting a haircut is pretty much a life changing experience. A significant amount of weight drops off your shoulders and you start to look fabulous again… If it’s done right, of course. *giggles* Ever since I moved to London, I struggled to find the right barber who would really understand my grooming needs. *hashtag needy-queen* When it comes to hairstyles, I’m very precise. I like to keep things simple and a bit different at the same time. I believe that most barbers just go with what’s trending. So, I’m on a quest to find someone who thinks outside of the (hairy) box.
Back in June, I met Joe Easton from Man Made London. During London Fashion Week Men’s, Joe was working alongside Cornerstone to provide the best wet shaving experience to visitors of The Century Club. As someone who has no idea how to shave, this was the perfect opportunity to get some expert advice.
From the moment we met, Joe knew exactly what style works with my jaw line. He used hot towels infused with essential oils to open up the pores. Then, scrub and shave using Cornerstone’s signature razor blades. The whole experience was very relaxing and I (obviously) wouldn’t mind doing that everyday.
The Conscientious Gentleman.
Following our meeting at The Century Club, I reached out to Joe to enquire for the ultimate Man Made London experience. It was the early morning of Laura’s (@laura.works) big day – the wedding. Therefore, I was looking to go for a simple hairstyle and finally find out what sort of products work well with my hair. *feels lost* In the past couple of years, my hair got slightly thinner which is a dream come true to my mum who is a hairdresser. It’s about time I make most of what I have got left, literally!
During my appointment, Joe suggested that I should use Texture Salt Spray to add thickness and definition to my hair, then blow dry it to give that 2nd day feel. To finish off my look, Joe recommended Man Made’s own No. 4 Cream to give a light but long-lasting hold. The cream adds natural shine and control, and is completely paraban free! *swish swish*
Man Made London is a place that goes way beyond just a barber shop. It’s a professional environment that resembles a private members club. An institution where men of class and sass can enjoy a drink in a sophisticated setting. Also, there’s an in house Aesthetic Clinic for those who look to enhance their looks a little bit more. * wink wink* I’m currently looking to buy their bundle packages. For instance, you can get 6 haircuts for the price of 5! *happy dance* See the full price list here.
This blog post was done in collaboration with Gaston Luga and Sunglasses Shop. However, all views expressed here my own!
A Breath of Fresh Air!
The London Fashion Week SS20 season is officially over! *whew* I’m so so (one more) SOOO glad that everything is finally back to normal. *haha yaaas*. These past couple of seasons, I wasn’t too keen on LFW because it’s just not really my scene. However, things are a little different this time around…
Many British designers are currently making big efforts to be more sustainable by focusing on upcycling and zero-waste. So, this has made me EXTREMELY HAPPY! *insert happy emoji here*. I’m so happy to know that more and more industries are leaning towards a sustainable future. A huge step forward!
So, with that said… This year, I’ve decided to spend less on fast fashion and invest more in quality, long-lasting pieces. Recently, I picked a new backpack and wallet from Gaston Luga. They are a Swedish brand that produces ace quality PU-leather backpacks and accessories. I absolutely love my new Pråper backpack. It’s durable and has that extra-secure closure, which is extremely important when carrying expensive equipment with you, everywhere. *feels confident carrying his valuables around busy London*
Also, I snagged a new pair of Ray-Bans from my all-time favourite – the Sunglasses Shop. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you know how much I love Sunglasses Shop. They always have the best deals on my favourite brands, so it’s my go-to destination for eyewear and accessories. These new Ray-Ban Wings II shades make the ultimate statement when prancing down the streets of Central London and wanting to hide those sassy eyerolls. *lolwerk*
Oh, and BY THE WAY! Scroll down to the bottom of this blog post to discover my exclusive discount codes for both Gaston Luga and Sunglasses Shop. *yay* It’s such a perfect time to update your autumnal wardrobe with some quality bags and accessories. So, go on and treat-yo-self!
This blog post was sponsored by Canali. All views expressed here are my own.
London Fashion Week is just around the corner and I can’t help it but get myself in the full swing of all the latest SS19 collections. Recently, I’ve been glueing my eyes on Canali and their upcoming SS19 collection, called LUI (HE).
Pastel colours, earthy tones and contrasting patterns are leading their way throughout this entire collection… I mean, could this get any better?! *plans to spend every penny on his summer wardrobe* I’ve been a huge fan of Italian fashions since the dawn of time. Therefore, Canali has always been under my radar when it comes to sophisticated, good quality clothing.
Sartorial tradition used as an instrument to translate contemporary trends into garments and accessories that enclose the life of LUI, the modern Canali man. LUI (HE) is an eclectic- Intense and authentic with an open mind for trends, inspiration, and experimentation. Added to a great admiration for well-made curated pieces that are full of heritage.
– Canali, 2019
Mr. Salt and Pepper picks!
So, without further ado, here are my top pics from LUI (HE) collection. I’m not going to lie, it was quite a challenge narrowing it down to just a few looks. *scrolls down to feast his eyes on some looks*
This wool-silk-linen bomber really stands out in this collection because of its denim-like effect and solid shirt collar. Looks really nice when complimented with a cotton shirt, flat-front trousers and derby shoes. I’ve been a fan of technical fabric raincoat for quite some time. This one looks really good layered up with an earthy-toned blazer and a white t-shirt or a jumper. Formal trousers and sneakers are a plus! Pastel cotton crewneck sweater, wool flat-front formal trousers and cotton-linen-wool slip-on shoes – perfect for a day out in the summer! *yaaas* This single-breasted unlined blazer is one of my favourites this season because it can work really well on many occasions. Whether it’s paired with denim jeans or formal trousers, it would elevate the whole look regardless. So, great investment for seasons to come! Last but not least, a good quality wool-silk-linen suit with a hint of casual will go a long way. As someone who dresses for the weekend every day, wearing an earthy-toned suit with casual pieces like a white t-shirt and trainers, will make you feel trendy yet smart.
Be sure to check out the full Canali’s LUI (HE) collection here. Let me know your favourites in the comments section below!
![pov your artsy babe dragged you out of bed for a Sunday morning date with Banksy, Basquiat, and Kusama. ✨🎨 @mocomuseum ? An absolute blast! 🎟️ £19.90 for culture, chaos, and coffee after? ☕️ I’d say we should. 👌🏻 [comp]
#mocomuseum #thingstodoinlondon #londonexhibition](http://mrsaltandpepper.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)