Tommy Jeans

4th January 2017

… Otherwise known as, an ode to everyone who's going mad about a chunky denim jacket by Tommy Hilfiger.

Several weeks ago, I was browsing through my favourite online retailer in the whole world – ASOS – and stumbled upon this quirky denim jacket from Tommy Hilfiger (see above)

At first, I wasn't so keen on Tommy as he's a little bit too preppy for my liking. HOWEVER, his denim collection (a.k.a. Tommy Jeans) has been slaying hard these past few years, so I've decided to give this one a go. Never mind the price tag (caught caught). *maxes out the credit card limit*

The jacket features classic borg collar and linen which add extra cosiness to the overall look, whilst embroidered "Tommy Jeans" logo on the back makes a strong fashion statement. You can really make this mixture of comfort and style work – if you know how to wear it well, ofc.

The cast of "Made in Chelsea" have been dying to get their hands on this trucker for weeks… But, sadly, no luck there, not even on eBay! All they can hope for is something cool for the summer.

SHOP: Tommy Jeans Borg Lined Denim Trucker by Tommy Hilfiger [Sold Out] – Chin up and check out their new arrivals here | Tapered Cropped Smart Trousers in Blue Herringbone by ASOS

Life

16 Things I’ve Learned in 2016

31st December 2016

Another year has gone by and 2017 is looking rather amazing!

2016 has been the most life-changing year to date: I’ve travelled the world, embraced new experiences and moved to a new place for the first time in 4 years. My life is starting to look a lot like what I was dreaming about, 7 years ago.

In the great tradition of New Year’s resolutions, I’ve decided to share 16 things that I’ve learned in 2016 and would recommend doing in 2017. So, let’s get started…

Accept the things you cannot change… AND always try to do your best.
Stand up for what you believe in and never let anyone feed you with negative thoughts or doubt.
Spend your hard-earned money on experiences. Travel the world, go to gigs, party hard and learn something new. Material things can get lost or destroyed, but your memories will last for decades if not a lifetime.
Wake up early each morning and do something you really enjoy. Go to the gym, visit your favourite coffee shop, read a funny story on Buzzfeed… Just do something that will start your busy day on a positive note.
Stop trying hard to please people and do what’s best for you.
Drink loads of water every day. I personally like to infuse water with fresh cucumber and lemon because it’s the ultimate detox drink. Cucumbers and lemon juice flush your system and help you feel better. It’s also good for weight loss, so it’s a win-win situation.
Treat yourself to a really nice meal each month. Gather your mates and check out the latest foodie trends in your city. Explore, try something new and order that extra side to go with your meal.
Taste everything at least once! You may not like lamb testicles but there’s nothing worse than having regrets in life.
Try on a stylish new accessory this year. Whether it’s a shiny new bangle or a dapper-looking snap back, accessories are the easiest way to experiment with your style and get out of your comfort zone.
Make sure you have the following 5 wardrobe essentials: white trainers, plain white t-shirt, skinny denim jeans, slim-fit chinos (in khaki) and brown classic shoes.
Learn how to sew… or at least learn how to patch things up!
Cleanse your facial skin at least once a week. I’d recommend using clay masks or mud masks to make your skin extra smooth and fresh. Also, invest some money in a good facial scrub to exfoliate your skin daily.
Invest in a new beauty product every 3-4 months. Recently, I’ve discovered a Vitamin C serum and it’s doing wonders to my face. I use it daily and my face looks (and feels) much firmer and younger.
The secret to a photo-ready face is a mattifying powder. #SelfieGameStrong
Get lost in a foreign place… and no cheating! *Leaves the phone at home* Words cannot explain how exciting it is to meet new people and be present in the moment.
Spend one weekend a year on your own. Go abroad, rent a car or visit a place you’ve never been before. Disconnect and give yourself some “me time” for 72 hours. This can really help you to reevaluate your current situation in life and play a key role in your further success. I always get really inspired when I’m on my own, walking for hours and thinking about the future.

Have a great New Year’s eve celebration and I see you all in 2017!

VISIT: The Hoxton Hotel in Holborn for some quality food and coffee. The lounge area is perfect for working-from-home.

Pride / Travel

Magical Pride

28th December 2016

I teamed up with Outsavvy to experience the 2nd annual Magical Pride weekend at Disneyland® Paris. Magical Pride is run by the tour operator Greatdays and Manchester Pride.

On a chilly Thursday morning, I’ve met up with Outsavvy at Searcy’s in St. Pancras International station to plan our Magical Pride weekend. It was the end of my 7-week post-Manchester-Pride-Weekend detox, so early drinks were in order.

For those who are not familiar with Outsavvy – it’s an LGBT ticketing app, offering tickets to theatre shows, art exhibitions, nightclubs and networking events. I’ve been working with Outsavvy for almost 2 years now and have lots planned for 2017, so… #WatchThisSpace

We took the Eurostar train to Disneyland® Paris, then a shuttle bus to Hotel New York. Luckily, the hotel was moments away from Disney® Village. Welcome drinks and dinner took place at Planet Hollywood, where we feasted on a 3-course dinner and drinks.

According to Manchester Pride, this year’s event brought together twice as many people than last year. It was lovely to see LGBT+ communities from all over the country getting together to celebrate love and tolerance.
Disney-themed quiz and more drinks were on the cards after dinner. As someone who was on a reasonably lengthy detox, I was smashed after only 2 glasses of Chardonnay.

The following day, I was powering through my godawful hangover with copious amounts of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Hotel New York is definitely taking the whole New York theme very seriously and it made me feel very nostalgic for “the Big Apple”.

After our super filling breakfast, we shimmied our way to Disneyland® Paris theme park. With the 2-hour VIP pass, it was surprisingly easy to get on most rides. We were done in 3-4 hours. Exciting times!

On day 3, we toured around Disney® Studios with guys from Magical Pride. I screamed my lungs out as I plunged 13-floors up and down in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ ride! #MrSPrecommends

Disney-themed karaoke night at Planet Hollywood kept everyone entertained until late hours on Saturday. That was the perfect ending to a truly magical weekend.

Next year’s Magical Pride is taking place between Thursday 12th and Sunday 15th of October 2017.

Click here for ticket information and package deals.

Food & Drink

Nutella bar at Harvey Nichols

26th December 2016

Nutella opens its first ever pop-up bar at Harvey Nichols.

The Fifth Floor Terrace at Harvey Nichols has been transformed into an Alpine winter lodge, offering an extensive selection of wintery breakfasts and traditional Britalian dishes.

Last week, my friend and I went to Knightsbridge to shop for Christmas and have something to eat. We started our Sunday brunch at Harvey Nichols with a full-English breakfast and Eggs Royale. It was sooo yummy!

Also, the reason why we were there was to experience the first ever Nutella pop-up bar. Following trendy places like Cereal Killer Cafe in Shoreditch and Bad Egg in Barbican, the Nutella pop-up offers classic Britalian meals with a signature twist.

As an occasional risk-taker, I’ve decided to indulge myself in traditional crepes filled with bananas, strawberries and, of course, the infamous hazelnut spread. Other dishes on offer include the yoghurt parfait and Poridgella – porridge served with banana and… *drum roll* the Nutella spread!

The Nutella pop-up runs until January 8th, so there’s still some time left to work your way through the menu. They also sell personalised Nutella jars for under £10. Sadly, my name wasn’t on the system… *cry face* There’s hope for the next year.

Style

Home for Christmas

24th December 2016

Here we go again. It’s Christmas Eve and I see myself wandering around this manic city called London. The temperature has dropped below 10ºC and all I can think of is… layers, layers and more layers!

This year, I chose to make my own traditions and celebrate this festive season at my new home in Fitzrovia. I’ve reached that point in my life when I want to do things my own way and share the joy with people that make the biggest impact in my life.

Christmas Day in London is the quietest day of the year: there are not that many people around and TfL are taking their only day off. This might be my only opportunity to grab a Santander bike and explore the empty streets of London.

For this holiday season, I’ve decided to go for a very classic look: smart overcoat, complemented with a chunky knit jumper, super skinny jeans and brown leather boots. This, by no means, is a must-have set of clothing for anyone’s wardrobe.

Just imagine yourself wearing this ensemble and have your mother say “Well done mate, you sleigh this Christmas“. You never know, she may let you come home more often. Happy days!

So there you go, the first ever post on Mr Salt and Pepper, I hope you like it 🙂

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

-Christmas Rules-
Eat, drink, eat more
BE MERRY
Sing Christmas songs (but less of Mariah Carey)
Be nice and a little bit naughty
Spend time with family and friends
NO PEEKING!
Do not open presents before the 25th

Coat from Topman | Scarf and jumper from River Island | Super-skinny jeans from H&M | Leather boots from Geox

Mr. Salt and Pepper

skirmy

Tommy Jeans﻿