Where to eat, sleep and explore in Vancouver, British Columbia | Travel Diary

A few weeks ago, I departed on the adventure of a lifetime. Having waited six months from booking the holiday of my dreams, my boyfriend and I excitedly drove to Heathrow Airport and embarked on our 10 hour flight to Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Alright, so it’s not exactly the destination that springs to mind when you think about booking your annual blowout vacation, but trust me, you need to add the province of BC to your travel bucket list.

I only looked into visiting Vancouver after a friend of mine moved there. Whilst we met at university in England, he’s Canadian and moved from Ontario to the West Coast a few years ago. I’ve always thought about visiting Toronto, which is where he’s originally from, but I’d never even looked into travelling to the west of Canada. Well, I’m so glad that I did. As soon as I started researching holidays in Vancouver, I was besotted with the location: just imagine a green city that’s surrounded by beautiful beaches and set against a backdrop of breathtakingly beautiful mountains. Staring at the landscape online was one thing, but nothing prepared me for how beautiful Vancouver is in person.

Words can’t describe how beautiful Vancouver is, but I hope some of the moments I captured for my Instagram travel diary will do the city justice.

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I mean, it’s just beautiful, isn’t it? Looking back at these photos geniunely makes me so happy; I used to think New York City was my favourite place on earth, but Canada has definitely stolen my heart. I’m not going to lie, it definitely helped that my boyfriend and I got upgraded to first class though, courtesy of his mum who works for British Airways! If you think you might be interested in visiting British Columbia, here’s my top tips for making the most out of your time there, including where to go in Vancouver, where to eat in Vancouver and where to sleep in Vancouver.

— WHERE TO SLEEP —

I was originally planning on staying in world-famous The Fairmont Hotel, but I ended up opting for the Hyatt Regency hotel on Burrard Street. The Fairmont is absolutely beautiful and it reminds me of the hotels that line New York’s Fifth Avenue (think Gucci and Tiffany stores in the lobby, but you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy your stay in Vancouver. Honestly, I am quite picky with the hotels I stay in, so despite being cheaper, the Hyatt Regency is rated more highly on TripAdvisor and is also classed as a 5-star location, so it really was a no-brainer.

The Hyatt Regency hotel is perfectly located on Burrard Street in Downtown Vancouver and it’s steps away from Canada Place. It’s right next to Robson Street and also Granville Street, both famed for their luxury shopping outlets (including the Pacific Centre Mall). I was definitely happy about this, especially as Canadian brand Aritzia has stores here (and I was dying to visit one).

The staff are so friendly, the hotel is elegant and well-maintained and the rooms are nothing short of luxury. The views are just incredible, too. I honestly can’t recommend this hotel enough.

— WHERE TO GO —

 OK, if you’re visiting Vancouver for a city break, you’re missing the point. Don’t get me wrong, this is an incredible city – it’s friendly, warm and green – but there’s so much more on offer here than coffee and clothes. You need to be able to hire a car, or have a friend that drives, or book an excursion through your hotel, as public transport doesn’t venture far enough in to BC to get you all the way to Whistler – and trust me, Whistler is a must-see. There’s Whistler Village and Whistler Blackcomb, which is the famed ski resort, and that’s where I was headed. Walking around the alpine resort and trying my first Dairy Queen ice cream was so magical, but it was walking down to The Lost Lake which totally threw me: I’ve never been somewhere so beautiful in my life. Ever.

 The Lost Lake is everything you imagine Canada to be, and more. A landscape so serene, peaceful and calm, I was absolutely mesmerised. Lined with tall, dense woodland trees and buzzing with the sound of nature, the only thing that could possibly interrupt you would be a Grizzly bear. And yes, we saw two of them…

No, we didn’t meet wild bears, although that would’ve been quite the story! We visited the amazing Grouse Mountain on the North Shore, which is accessible by bus (including Vancouver’s AquaBus, which takes you from Downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver), and saw the two bears that live atop the mountain. Travelling up the mountain in the Grouse Mountain Skyride was just bliss, but it didn’t quite beat the Sea-to-Sky Gondola we travelled up the mountains in Squamish in. Looking over The Chief Mountain was a view I could only have dreamed about seeing; I geniunely will never forget how incredible that sight was.

There’s endless potential for hikes, outdoor activities and general adventures in BC but the city offers some great must-visits too. Firstly, Stanley Park is the most beautiful park in the world, and the two-hour cycle around the perimeter is one to tick off the bucket list. For a totally different experience, visit Gastown, which is much like New York or London’s Soho, for gorgeous interiors shops, exquisite coffee and trendy boutiques. Granville Island Market is unlike anywhere I’ve been before, and you must stop here for antiques, fresh food and drink and gift ideas. The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the best in the world, and a trip to BC Place, the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, is worth a visit.

The University of British Columbia might sound like a weird holiday stop, but the grounds are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the campus is home to the beautiful Nitobe Japanese Memorial Garden, which is absolutely stunning. Kitsilano Beach is just breathtaking. In fact, how Vancouver manages to flaunt a beautiful city, a mountainous backdrop and a sprinkling of pretty beaches is just beyond me. It’s incredible

— WHERE TO EAT —

My boyfriend and I have a bit of a penchant for a good burger, and if you like them too, you have to stop at Joey Burrard and Vera’s. They’re wildly different: Vera’s is your prototypical North American diner, whereas Joey’s is quite an upmarket chain of restaurants in Canada. Their one similarity? Amazing food. Both chains offer my food obsession, Yam fries, which are basically sweet potato fries that taste so much better than those we have in Britain!

Poutine. Poutine is the Canadian equivalent of your 3am kebab. Instead of having streets lined with kebab shops on busy downtown spots, they have vendors which sell poutine – chips, gravy and curdled cheese that’s all mixed together. I know, it sounds horrendous, but it’s not actually that bad. And importantly, you can’t visit Canada without trying it. Another spot you can’t miss is Tim Horton’s, which is Canada’s answer to our Costa or America’s Starbucks. They’re famed for their coffee, but it’s the pretzel bagels that got me. Yum.

My absolute number one dining spot to visit, though, is Trees Organic Coffee and Roasting House. Home to the world’s greatest cheesecake – no, really – this café is not to be missed.

 — WHERE TO BOOK —

We booked our trip to Vancouver through British Airways. Flights and a five-star hotel for 9 nights in April is doable on around £1000. Prices increase a lot throughout the summer months (May-September), so try the shoulder season if you want a good deal – we had beautiful sunshine throughout our whole trip.

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So there you have it. Vancouver is a (very small) nutshell. I hope you liked learning a little more about this wonderful city and I hope you liked my photos. Leave a comment if you have any questions and definitely look into visiting this city one day. I’m always looking for more travel insipiration, so if there’s somewhere you couldn’t recommend enough, please let me know in the comments below!

Step into Spring in New Season Shoes | Fashion & Style

As a self-confessed shoe obsessive, I’ll admit that one of my favourite things about the transition between seasons is an excuse to buy new shoes; be it ‘barely there’ heels or a pair of pointed flats for the office, I love to regularly update my collection with new staple styles. Choosing the best additions for your wardrobe can be tricky though, especially if you’re working with a budget that’s more Zara than (Giuseppe) Zanotti — I know I am.

Just to make it more difficult, SS16 is bringing more variety to the high street than ever, with updated classics in spring-time shades and new styles that scream ‘straight off the catwalk’ — all in pretty palette of luxurious neutrals, classic monochromatic tones and even electric brights. From chunky mid-heel sling-backs to retro suede moccasins and super-strappy, detailed sandals, spring’s selection of footwear boasts choice, and offers up something for even the fussiest footwear fanatic.

If you’re more than a little overwhelmed by the summery selection of shoes, here’s my curated collection of the best new shoes you can buy right now (and there’s a selection in every shade).

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Topshop DELILAH Tie-up Sandals, £29

River Island Lace-Up Ghillie Heels, £45

Miss Selfridge SLOANE Multi Strap Sandal, £65

New Look White Woven Strap Midi Heels, £22.99

River Island White Strappy Open-Toe Shoes, £35

Topshop NICHE Two-Part Sandals, £48

River Island Soft-Tie Sandals, £40

Topshop HICCUP Weave Sandal, £26

Topshop RARA Braided Sandals, £56

Topshop RAM Striped Sandals, £59

Aldo OLANI Metallic Mules, £70

Topshop NINO Suede Mules, £59

Dune GLOWE Espadrilles, £70

River Island Denim Studded Sandals, £50

Warehouse Tie-Up Flat Mule, £39

River Island Chiffon Tie Sandals, £65

River Island Espadrilles, £24

New Look Leather Beaded Sandals, £24.99

Dune LAUNCH Platform Sandals, £45

River Island Platform Heels, £50

Aldo Premezzo Heels, £60

H&M Coral Fringed Heels, £29.99

River Island Lace-Up Block Heels, £30

Topshop DELILAH Tie Sandals, £29

River Island Caged Sandals, £48

Topshop GIDDY Curve Court Shoes, £59

Topshop Kave Loafers, £56

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If spring/summer’s new styles tell us anything, it’s that straps, laces and intricate tie-up details are here to stay. Adorning the likes of sandals, heels and flats, there’s a strappy shoe for everybody. I personally love the sexy, feminine edge that the subtle details add to your overall look, and I think high street shoes are really starting to compete with their catwalk competition.

I’ve curated this collection of footwear for you in every colour, to prove that there’s a pretty pair of new shoes for you in whichever shade you need. I’m always a fan of black but I’m planning on adding a few additions to my wardrobe, in the form of some red ghillie heels and a pastel-toned flats — a few pairs of neutral-toned gladiator sandals wouldn’t go a miss, either.

What do you think of the shoes I’ve chosen and which shades are your favourite for the transitional spring-to-summer season? Have you found a prettier pair? Let me know in the comments below.

A Little Kate Spade New York Accessories Haul | Fashion & Style

Ever since I discovered Kate Spade New York a few years ago, I’ve been a little bit besotted with the brand’s colourful handbags and playful purses. From the trend-led capsule collections to transcendental staple, signature styles, there’s more than a few accessories topping my lust list. I was only introduced to the designer when bloggers such as Fleur De Force and Tanya Burr brought in to the brand, showcasing their new handbag or purse, and I knew that I had to invest in a couple of pieces for myself.

Lucky enough to visit New York City twice in the last two years, I might’ve indulged in a little bit of retail therapy whilst across the pond. When I first visited the big apple in 2014, I spent too much time in Sephora to think handbags, however my boyfriend brought me back a Kate Spade tech wallet for that year’s Christmas present after a work trip. (Needless to say, I was more than a little excited. Over-the-moon doesn’t quite cut it.) Last year, I visited New York again for Thanksgiving, and I happily dragged my boyfriend to Macy’s that evening for the Black Friday sale. Whilst he wasn’t too impressed, I queued for hours to purchase the most beautiful wallet I’ve ever come across — my brand new Kate Spade. And just because I’m one for over-indulging, I went to Bloomingdale’s the next day and treated myself to a pair of earrings.

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I like to think that I’m a bit of a bargain-hunter and I managed to pick up the Kate Spade Britton Place Lacey Wallet in the sale for just $120 from $175. This worked out as £82 and I paid using my British debit card at around 0.66 GBP/$, which I thought was reasonable for a designer purse. Of course, I had saved up all year to go shopping in New York before Christmas, so I allowed myself the treat. I paid full price for the Kate Spade Rise and Shine Stud Earrings and at $38, they worked out at around £25, which I think is incredible value. Unfortunately, the wallet is no longer available, but you can still shop the earrings at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom (and likely other stores).

I just love Kate Spade and I hope you like what I bought as much as I do. Do you like the wallet or are the stripes a little too much for you? Do you own anything from Kate Spade, or is there another designer you think I should look at? Let me know in the comments below!

Bumble and Bumble ‘The Gift of Great (Big) Hair’ Blow Dry Set | Hair & Beauty

I’m not sure there’s anything better in life than a big, bouncy blow dry from your favourite salon. As I’m sure you’ve all experienced, the feeling of walking out of an appointment with your hairdresser in freshly-styled locks is second-to-none. As with all of life’s mysteries, I really don’t know how they do it. I certainly haven’t mastered the art of mixing voluminous waves with that iconic sleek and shiny appearance yet. Now, my everyday ‘go-to’ hair style is usually just freshly-washed, straightened hair in a medium length (much to my dismay). I know, I know, I shouldn’t be using straighteners every day but unfortunately, my natural hair is quite frizzy and unmanageable before it’s been heat styled. Although straighteners help to achieve a smooth, sleek style, they can lead to hair appearing flat and lacklustre.

Constantly on the prowl for hair care products that will lift at the roots and add volume, you can imagine how happy I was to find this Bumble and Bumble ‘The Gift of Great (Big) Hair’ Blow Dry Set in Boots for an incredible £8 the other day. I’ve noticed Bumble and Bumble sneaking in to Boots store nationwide over the past year or two, but their high price tags have always put me off. I’m more of an Aussie girl. Nonetheless, £8 for a set that currently retails online for £49 is quite a steal. What I want to know is, will this kit be worth the cash? And would I pay full price for a second box? Read on to find out…

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What I first noticed about this set was how lovely the packaging is. As I picked up an £8 box in the clearance, the edges were a little tatty, however I can imagine that when impeccably boxed and given as a gift, this set would look very alluring to the lucky recipient. Not only that, but the included products are good sizes and look set to last a while. Here’s a round-up of what’s inside:

• Bumble and Bumble Does It All Styling Spray – 125ml
• Bumble and Bumble All Style Blow Dry – 150ml
• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil heat/UV Protective Primer – 60ml
• Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder – 14g

All of the included products can be bought separately at Boots. The Styling Spray retails at £19 for 300ml which is double the size of what’s included in the box, whilst the All-Style Blow Dry cream costs £23 for 150ml – the same size as that which is included in the box. The Invisible Oil Primer will set you back £20.50 for a 250ml bottle and lastly, a tub of the Pret-a-Powder will set you back £22 for 56g (and that’s quite a lot bigger than the sample size we’ve got in the box). In total, buying these four products separately (where three are considerably bigger than those in the box) is going to cost you £84.50. With this in mind, the only real benefit of buying the box – in terms of cost alone – is getting deluxe sample sizes that you can try for just over half the price.

Cost aside, the actual products are very good. The Bumble and Bumble (BB) Does It All Styling Spray feels light and airy when fixing a style, and the formulation doesn’t leave your hair feeling particularly sticky or coarse. I love the smell of all of these products and the overall vibe is very boho, emanating the Bumble and Bumble vision. The BB All Style Blow Dry is a lovely product that’s a little like whipped cream for your hair. The whole formula from scent to feel and finish is distinctively Bumble and Bumble and it leaves your hair feeling plump and soft. I find products like this really help me to achieve a better blow dry style, and this paired with the Invisible Oil Primer make for my two favourites. Whilst I can’t rate a primer on whether it’s protecting my hair from damage until I’ve truly waited months, I really love the way it feels in my hair – or more that I can’t feel it at all. The most unique product from the set, though, is the BB Pret-a-Powder. Dubbed a miracle hair-care product, this little powder is much like banana powder for the face. It conceals what you don’t want to show and highlights what you do, adding radiance and shine to your locks. I’m not sure this is a ‘must have’ product, but I think it’s definitely a ‘must try’.

All in all, the whole set feels deliciously premium and gives you a real taste for the brand. Bumble and Bumble is relatively expensive but I guess it’s opening the doors for premium hair care. After all, I don’t think twice about buying luxury cosmetics and skincare items, but it’s probably my hair that I’m the most fussy about. In reality though, I just can’t see myself spending £49 on a set like this, although I do think this bundle will last me a while. I definitely think that this set would make for a wonderful gift, and if you’re buying for a daughter who loves looking after their hair, or your mother who you’d like to treat with something a bit different, this is a wonderful idea. If not for gifting though, I can’t really justify the splurge. That being said, there’s one or two alternatives that make a lot more financial sense to me – particularly, the Bumble and Bumble The Thickening Hair Set Full of Cheer. At £22 and containing three similarly-sized products, this set is well worth opting for. I think I might have to try this one myself…

Valentine’s Day 2016 Outfit Inspiration | Fashion & Style

As it’s almost Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share some outfit inspiration based on some of the prettiest pieces to hit the high street this month. With the power to split people into two camps, Valentine’s Day is notorious for being both eagerly awaited and, conversely, dreaded. Whether you’re spending the occasion with a loved one, or you’re off on a night out with the girls, there’s something here for everyone. (And if you just fancy Netflix and chill, that’s OK. Head straight to M&S for the greatest selection of heart-shaped chocolates I’ve ever seen.)

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Topshop Strappy Bonded Mini, £58

Warehouse Crepe Long Sleeve Wrap Top, £29

River Island Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £55

River Island Red Frilly Bardot Peplum Top, £28

Warehouse Grid Lace Skirt, £80

Topshop Zip Detail Clutch, £25

Miss Selfridge Grey Wrap Jumpsuit, £49

Oasis Compact Cotton Trouser, £35

Topshop GRETTEL Ghillie Court Shoes, £58

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As it’s Valentine’s Day, my edit combines classic black staples with seductive burgundy and wine tones and a hint of feminine neutrals. I’ve noticed that lots of Valentine’s-inspired pieces are adorned with frills, laser-cut detail and straps, not to mention that the ‘wrap’ style is very on trend right now. All of the aforementioned are perfect for adding and flirtatious, feminine edge to your outfit, helping you to feel your best if you’re on a date or out with the girls.

I had to include the gorgeous Ghillie heels from Topshop – from the elongating pointed toe to the slim, strappy detail and gorgeous pink-toned red colour, they’re just the perfect heel for Valentine’s. I’m in love with Ghillie-style shoes, and I think the flats are equally as gorgeous.

I hope you like what I’ve chosen. It’s a small edit but I know everybody liked last year’s post so I thought I’d go for something similar. What are you up to on Valentine’s Day? If you’re going out, what do you think you’ll wear? I’m going out for dinner and I think I’ll wear a slim-fit black crew (it’s chilly, after all), tucked in to luxe joggers with strappy sandals. I look forward to reading your outfit inspo too. Let me know in the comments below!