A GIRL PLAYING DRESS UP

Happy Pancake Day!

2015-02-17T12:48:00.000+00:00

When I realised Pancake Day was approaching I had the perfect excuse to make my flour-less, gluten free pancake recipe again. I only attempted them for the first time a few days ago and was genuinely surprised at how easy they were to make. This time I decided to tweek the recipe slightly and add some protein powder. Here's the end result.

Recipe:

1 very ripe banana (Do you be scared to use the ones that go black, these are the best ones! Use them in pancakes, smoothies or make your own ice cream)

2 eggs

1 tbsp of Raw Hemp Protein Powder (Mine is unflavoured)

I topped mine with blueberries, cinnamon and a tiny bit of honey.

London Fashion Week: According to Instagram

2014-09-23T12:00:00.000+01:00

Over the years I've heard numerous complaints and debates about the affects of social media, and blogging, on Fashion Week. And although both express valid points, I can't help but find Instagram one of the best ways to keep up to date on the entire event.

Instagram gives you that bit extra. It personalises the whole fashion week experience, and helps fellow bloggers interact. Most importantly, it makes it accessible to those who aren't lucky enough to get a ticket.

So, instead of the usual perfectly-polished snaps you're used to seeing, here are some of my favourite off-guard Instagram moments.

Picture credits

@asiawerbel

@leandrojusten

@nicolekae_hairstylist

@peafierce

@tth_78x

@hissuitbespoke

@gather_ly

@dawnwienerrules

@anniee_may

@parrottspeacocks

@asiawerbel

@hellostreetstyle

Mental Health Awareness Week

2014-05-15T11:52:00.001+01:00

Be kind to people, you don't know what battles they are facing.

Can't Cook. Will Cook.

2014-04-26T11:09:00.000+01:00

Cooking isn't my strong point, but when you make the decision to change your lifestyle for the better, you also make the decision to learn.

For most people the word "healthy" usually conjures up thoughts of tasteless ingredients and minimal portion sizes, but this could not be further from the truth. Healthy food does not have to be boring, and over the past week I have been in the kitchen, experimenting and testing my cooking skills.

Here are some of my guilt-free, healthy, nutritious and easy to make dinner recipes.

Tofu Stir Fry

Ingredients: Tofu, broccoli (part cooked), red pepper, cherry tomatoes, coconut oil, light soy sauce, ginger.

Falafel Wraps

Ingredients: whole meal wraps, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, soya yogurt, fresh lime juice.

Courgette Noodles (Using a mandoline peeler)

Ingredients: 2 x courgettes, chick peas, king prawns, cherry tomatoes, green pesto.

Egg Muffins x 4

Ingredients: 2 x eggs, spinach (chopped), mushrooms, almond milk.

Baked Sweet Potato with Parsnip and Carrot Chips

Ingredients: sweet potato, 1 x parsnip, half a carrot, asparagus, red onion, kale, coconut oil, black pepper.

Alexander Wang x H&M

2014-04-13T10:03:00.000+01:00

It's official! It's happening! My excitement levels are at an all time high. Pictures! We need pictures!?

Release date November 6th. Start saving!

Home Sweet Home

2014-04-08T17:32:00.000+01:00

A few months ago I moved into my first flat. Initially I was very excited by the idea of having my own place, but one I thing I didn't count on was how much work it would take to achieve my desired, dream apartment.

It's not that I'm fussy, it's just that I have a unique vision which stops me happily walking into a furniture store and buying the same thing as everyone else. I suppose some would say its a hindrance of having such a creative mind, I however, find it nothing but a positive.

My creativity allows me to think (excuse the clique) "out of the box", and therefore the extra time I spend sourcing unique pieces is, for me, nothing but exciting - I'm able to imagine a 'piece of old junk' as an upcycled thing of beauty, and for this I am very thankful.

Here are some of my interior inspirations.

Pink Bedroom by designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz

When it comes to decorating I like to stick to a very neutral palette; and by this I mean white and grey. However, I'm not someone who can live in a completely stark, minimalist environment and so I add colour with bold accessories.

Magazine rack by Frederik Roije

Kiss Her by Bianca Hall wall art. My latest purchase.

I will be posting the pictures of my own apartment very soon.

Living the Good Life

2014-03-25T19:39:00.000+00:00

Back in January I wrote a post about how I was planning on living a healthier 2014. Well, it's now 2 months on and I can happily say it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I reached my goal of losing 23lbs and dropping 2 dress sizes in February, and once my diet had ended I was able to maintain my new healthy lifestyle. I cook every meal I eat, I've been learning to bake and I'm excited about my increasing strength and fitness levels in the gym.

I now want to share what I have learnt. Here's my advice to anyone considering a healthy lifestyle change.

1. Drink 2litres of water a day.

2. Never mistake hunger for thirst, if you're not drinking enough water you will think you're hungry.

3. Do not cut everything out straight away, do it gradually. If you are looking to lose weight you can start by cutting down your portion sizes and stopping when you are full.

4. Don't drink your calories. I heard about one lady drinking almost 2500 calories in one Saturday night of binge drinking! That's the equivalent of a grown mans daily food intake.

5. Do your research and be aware that during the first week of any new diet you are more than likely to experience headaches and insomnia. (I had both of these)

6. Drinking water infused with lemon will help protect your immune system, detoxify your body and burn fat. You can also add things like, lime, mint, cucumber and various fruits/frozen fruits.

7. It won't happen overnight.

8. You can't out exercise a bad diet.

9. Do not weigh yourself everyday. And remember, muscle weighs more than fat.

10. It is a lifestyle choice, not a quick fix. If you're serious about what you want to achieve you will have to change your habits long term.

11. Do not attempt to exercise without the correct footwear. You may think it's ok to begin with but running in the wrong trainers could cause you a whole bunch of long term knee and back problems. Trust me, I've seen it happen.

12. If you hate exercise don't panic, it only takes 21 days to become addicted. (Proven fact)

13. Make sure you are eating at least 3 meals a day (I eat 6!) Do not on any circumstances attempt to starve yourself or deprive yourself of food.

14. Always eat breakfast!

15. Exercise will make you happy and more energetic. (yet again, another proven fact)

16. Know that there is an end in sight, and usually one containing a brighter, fitter, healthier and stronger version of yourself who is in need of an entire new wardrobe.

A New Direction

2014-03-24T19:23:00.000+00:00

My blog posts have been few and far between of late, and for this I apologise. Since I decided to revamp, A Girl Playing Dress Up, last year, I have found myself at a bit of a loss as to which direction to take my blog; now that I'm 28, and my interests and life since I began blogging have somewhat changed.

I first started this blog in January 2010 as a party loving, single, first year fashion student. I now live a completely tee-total life by the seaside and spend my Saturday nights in front of the TV with my boyfriend, drinking tea and riffling through interior design magazines.

You see, as I've grown older I've learnt what really makes me tick and how I want to live my life - and I want to share this with you in the most honest way possible, but I can only do this by being true to myself and the person I am today. So as of right now, A Girl Playing Dress Up, will no longer just be a fashion blog, it will be a lifestyle blog and feature everything I am passionate about; from interiors, to fitness, to beauty, and yes, my wonderful boyfriend.

To get started here are a few of my most recent Instagram snaps.

New make up haul. My favourite pieces from the high street. I'd been trying to get my hands on the MUA 'Reckless' lip stain for a while and finally found it last week. I will be reviewing these on the blog soon.

A superfoods delivery from Holland & Barrett. I've learnt a lot about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle these past few months and cannot wait to try these.

In February I was in and out of hospital with viral meningitis. I spent a total of 16 days flat in a bed wishing I was outside enjoying the sun. I now know how important it is to appreciate the little things.

I discovered a health food shop in my local town called, Grape Vine, a few days ago and was over the moon to find this Raw Virgin Coconut Oil at an affordable price. It usually retails at £17 but I got it on offer for £8. It's multi purpose, for hair, face, body and cooking. I will be sharing my verdict on the blog soon.

One of my simple healthy dinners. This was all pre prepared as I am still recovering and dealing with extreme tiredness. I want to remain healthy so I am making sure I feed myself all the things I need.

This gift from my boyfriend arrived this morning. I return to the gym next week after what will be 6 weeks out. I'm looking forward to getting my fitness back on track with these perfect pink Nikes.

New York Fashion Week: Rebecca Minkoff

2014-02-07T22:26:00.000+00:00

I usually wait until the end of Fashion Week to bring you my round up of all the best shows. But as I sit here alone in my bedroom scrolling through the many instagram updates of Autumn/Winter 2014, I can't but help find myself engrossed in all the beautiful clothes warming up an ice cold, New York City.

Here's the latest from Rebecca Minkoff.

See more here.

My Beauty Secrets: Lasting Perfection Concealer

2014-01-31T13:30:00.000+00:00

Back in November I decided it was time to overhaul my make up bag and thought the best way to do this was to research all the best products on the market, used by beauty bloggers. I could've easily just walked into MAC and purchased everything I needed, but I wanted to find out what really works.

The first product I discovered was this Lasting Perfection concealer from Collection.

Initially I was hesitant to believe a product costing just £4.19 would fix the under eye bag issue I inherited from my parents, however, after running out of my usual concealer I thought I'd give it ago. The results were fantastic! It really works, and I urge anyone to give it a try.

Get yours here.

A Healthy 2014

2014-01-30T15:17:00.002+00:00

During my final year of uni I gained a lot of weight, and although I wasn't necessarily big for my height (I'm 5'10) I was very unhealthy, and the majority of the time living on processed foods, leaving me, tired, weak and bloated.

Over the past few weeks I have been frequently questioned about how I achieved my 20lb weight loss as if I took some sort of wonder drug - I wish. The truth is there is no easy solution and, extreme fad diets never work. You simply have to eat right, exercise and drink a lot of water.

I lost weight by shire determination and a complete overhauled diet. I won't lie to you, at times it has been physically and mentally draining but if you want it enough it is 100% possible.

Below are some healthy, unscary, diet friendly meal options.

Fig & banana breakfast bowl

Green Burgers

Sweet Potato Wedges

Mushroom soup

To find out more about these recipes and more healthy food options check out my Pinterest here.

WINK!

2013-11-26T15:57:00.000+00:00

V Jewellery

2013-10-03T16:55:00.000+01:00

I don't do glamour very well, I find it all a bit too much of an effort. Spending hours in the mirror, all that make up, high heels and fancy clothing; it's not really my thing. However, this doesn't mean to say I don't enjoy the finer things in life, and when it comes to jewellery I'm like a magpie with 20/20 vision.

Launched earlier this year V Jewellery make the most beautiful vintage inspired pieces without the extortionate price tag. Creative Director Laura Vann says; "I often saw friends wearing incredible pieces that were either one-offs found on the Portobello Road, or designer pieces with a price tag to match. I saw no brands in the jewellery market that were accessible in terms of availability or price to young women like myself".

Here are some of my favourite pieces.

Take a look http://www.vjewellery.co.uk

Fashion Week Round Up SS14

2013-10-01T19:16:00.000+01:00

Here's my picks of the best Fashion Week shows from the past month.

Balmain

Victoria Beckham

David Koma

DKNY

Erdem

John Rocha

KTZ

Sally LaPointe

Mary Katrantzou

Preen

Alexander Wang

Wes Gordon

Saint Laurent

Bestival 2013

2013-09-19T14:09:00.007+01:00

Kick Off Your Heels

2013-08-15T12:19:00.000+01:00

I cannot even begin to express to you how happy I am that the key trend for this coming season is trainers - flat comfortable fabulous trainers. Trainers with skirts, with suits, day or night. This trend is going to have feet across the globe singing in pure unadulterated happiness. However, if you're not quite convinced, here are some of my favourite street style kick combos.

Terry Does Miley

2013-08-15T01:23:00.000+01:00

Miley Cyrus is everywhere, and whether you like her or not this doesn't look set to be changing anytime soon.

For her latest venture Miss Cyrus has teamed up with renowned photographer, Terry Richardson, to once again grace us with that infamous uncontrollable tongue of hers. I wonder if it has its own twitter page yet?

Adidas Originals x RUN DMC

2013-08-06T12:35:00.001+01:00

Industry Advice

2013-08-05T12:46:00.000+01:00

Since starting this blog I've received quite a few messages asking for my advice on how to get started in the industry. The best and most simple advice I can give you is, get an internship and work your ass off!

Not only will an internship give you a preview of what to expect when you graduate (and trust me, it is nowhere near the glamour they make it out to be) it will also test you and give you the opportunity to decide if this is really where you want to take your career.

I've been in the industry for about 8 years now, but before I discovered I wanted to study Journalism I was a Fashion Design Undergrad for 2 years. Deciding to drop out of my degree was a very hard decision, but possibly the best decision I ever made. I've made it a rule of mine to always trust my instinct, never be too shy to ask for help and remember, you can only do your best.

Good Luck to all of you!

Birthday Girl

2013-06-08T19:00:00.000+01:00

It was my birthday yesterday and I just wanted to write a small post to say a big thank you to my gorgeous boyfriend, friends and family for making my day so special.

Festival Chic

2013-05-27T14:36:00.000+01:00

It's festival season and for the first time ever I'm joining in. This September I'm going to Bestival and although I'm getting more, and more excited with each passing month, I'm also slightly terrified.

You see, I've never been to a festival - I've never even been camping, or slept in a tent, so you can imagine my apprehension. However, one thing I am looking forward to is my new festival wardrobe.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from this seasons spring/summer high street collections.

Inspired

2013-05-25T14:04:00.000+01:00

I love fashion, but this passion doesn't come from seeing my first Haute Couture runway show or even buying first copy of Vogue. It comes from those around me.

My mum and her 34 year old sewing machine, my family of London eccentrics, those completely outrageous individuals who can walk into a pound shop and create an outfit out of a pillow case. These are the people who inspire me on a daily basis; they are the ones who truly make fashion great.

The All New Girl Playing Dress Up

2013-05-23T15:06:00.000+01:00

For those of you who have been loyal followers of this blog since day one (approximately 4 years ago) you are probably wondering what the hell is going on. Well, let me explain.

Late last year I decided to take, A Girl Playing Dress Up, off line after realising I had completely grown out of it. You see, I started this blog at the ripe old age of 23 and with my 28th birthday fast approaching I felt it was time for a change.

So, here it is, the all new and improved (slightly older) version of, A Girl Playing Dress Up. Enjoy!