Carsten Höller: Decision, London

30 July 2015

If you're looking for something different to do over the Summer, I have just the thing.

Carsten Holler: Decision is THE most craziest and fun exhibition I've ever been to and, the best decision I've made for ages.

See what I did there?!

Situated at the Hayward Gallery in London, Holler has created an interactive exhibition exploring perception and decision making.

I don't want to give anything away so, here are some photos I captured whilst there last week. I'll leave it up to you to visit and see what it's all about.
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
Carsten Holler: Decision by What Laura did Next
The exhibition is on until Sunday 6th September 2015. Tickets can be booked here.

Kurt Geiger AW15 - Ad Campaign

28 July 2015

Evoking power and strength, the Kurt Geiger Autumn Winter 15 video brings the new collection to life featuring the face of the brand Lara Stone for a second season. 

‘It’s about strength and sensuality, and being comfortable in your own skin’ 
- Creative Director, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley 

The campaign itself is pure Kurt Geiger - bringing sexy, chic and powerful shoes and accessories to the KG girl. Shot by Erik Torstensson, the mood of the collection is interpreted to powerful effect, punctuated by strong use of Kurt Geiger signature red, featuring new iterations of the brand’s iconic styles as well as new hot heels and arm candy.
Kurt Geiger AW15 ad Campaign
Kurt Geiger AW15 ad Campaign
Kurt Geiger AW15 ad Campaign
Kurt Geiger AW15 ad Campaign
I don't know about you, but those lace-up knee highs NEED to be mine!
My wish list from their new collection seems to grow each week. The collection has already started to land in stores and online, so come pay day I know where I'll be heading first!

Kurt Geiger AW15 shoes and accessories including Kurt Geiger London, KG Kurt Geiger, Carvela and Miss KG has launched in stores and online at KURTGEIGER.COM now.

Aperol Spritz Summer Social #ItStartsNow

27 July 2015

Aperol Spritz Brighton
I have teamed up with the perfect Summer drink brand Aperol Spritz, to be their guest superstar DJ (*Ahem* I'm curating a playlist over on my Spotify account, but DJ sounds way cooler!) at their Summer social event this Friday at Jubilee Square in Brighton.

Aperol Spritz are hosting their Summer Socials over the next few weeks across some of the UK’s gorgeous cities, giving visitors an ideal meeting place to catch up with friends, and enjoy a glass of Aperol Spritz in the sun whilst listening to some perfect Summer tunes. 
If you're in Brighton this Friday 31st July, I will be down at Jubilee Square from 6pm having a few cheeky Aperol Spritz's, and listening to the playlist I will be curating this week over on Spotify - you gorgeous lot can get involved by tweeting me and Aperol Spritz's Twitter account, requesting your favourite Summer tunes, which will be added to the playlist.
Aperol Spritz Brighton
Come on down and have a couple of drinks with me and don't forget to make a Summer song request.

See you there! 

Turning 30

24 July 2015

Turning 30 by What Laura did Next
In my early 20's I always remember thinking how old and grown up being 30 sounded. Babies, marriage, mortgages - that's what I, and the majority of my friends associated with turning thirty. All a bit scary! 

A few years on I'd graduated, worked in various jobs and been in a couple of serious relationships. I was about 27/28, when something happened - I found myself looking forward to turning 30. All around me, my friends who are a couple of years older were starting to see in their 30th year. They were having great parties, some had recently got married, one had given birth to a gorgeous baby, and a few had even managed to become homeowners - real.grown.up.stuff! But what I found the most satisfying, and almost comforting is that they weren't freaking out about turning thirty - they were embracing it...with wide, open arms. 

As I was typing this up last week, I was asking my 29-year old self; when I was still in my teens and my 20s were a little while away, what do I wish I'd been prepared for better? Honestly I don't think anyone can prepare you for what you will experience in life in general, let alone your twenties. I did some great things, screwed a few things up but, I did have a lot of fun.

However, I won't miss them.

The fact that I've been around for three decades is quite crazy to grasp! Having been through a lot and somehow managed to remain as sane as possible, I have a lot to be thankful for. I read somewhere that your 20s are about self-discovery and, I can totally get with that. I discovered and achieved things that make me proud and, I experienced some things that I wish I hadn't. But, I'm hoping with the knowledge and experiences I've gained in the past decade, my 30s will be smooth sailing and fun.

For me, age is nothing but a number. So it is with confidence and wide, opened arms (and hopefully a lot of champagne!) that I too will join the 30-somethings tomorrow.

"You learn when you're in your twenties. You live when you're in your thirties. Life is short. So do whatever the hell you want."

Here's to now!

Sea Salt Chocolate Brownies

23 July 2015

Sea Salt Chocolate Brownies by What Laura did Next
Why is it that when I decide to start eating healthy, I want to bake really, naughty things? This is what happened the other week, when I found my stash of Lindt chocolate I'd thought had been eaten by him indoors and decided to bake some brownies.

Not just your normal chocolate brownie either. Salted chocolate brownies with a gooey middle.

I love baking brownies. They're simple to make, great if you want to experiment with flavours and, everyone seems to like them. I used the brownie recipe from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook - one I always use and, know off by heart.

You will need:
200g Lindt Sea Salt Chocolate
175g Unsalted butter
325g Caster sugar
130g Plain flour
3 Eggs

Preheat oven to 170 degrees

Melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Add sugar, stir well and then add the flour. Give it all a huge mix until everything is incorporated. Add eggs and mix until thick and smooth.

Spoon the mixture into a lined baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they're cooked through but still gooey.
Sea Salt Chocolate Brownies by What Laura did Next
I like them straight from the oven but, they're good even at a couple of days old. Just keep them in a sealed container.

Chrome by Morgan Taylor

20 July 2015

Chrome by Morgan Taylor by What Laura did Next
Morgan Taylor has launched their latest collection, and it's a little different to what we've seen before. Chrome Collection features a unique system that combines a chrome base coat and colour appliqués for a new, and striking look. 

The collection is made up of six vivid colours. What makes it even more different is that you can blend these shades to customise the colour on top of the chrome base, to give a marble effect and let your imagination run wild!
Chrome by Morgan Taylor by What Laura did Next
The Chrome collection will be available from Marks & Spencer in stores and online from this month. £10.99 per bottle. 

Burberry Kisses Lipsticks

17 July 2015

Burberry Kisses Lipstick by What Laura did Next
Burberry Kisses in Blush 77 & Pink Peony 37

They've been out a while so this may be a little old school of me! 

Over the last few months, I've been attempting to change my everyday make up look a little. From experimenting with a day-time smoky eye, to wearing bronzer (yes, I'm behind the times massively) I've been going a little out of my makeup depth to see if I suit anything different to my usual, run-of-the-mill concealer/blusher/mascara look.

I stumbled across Burberry Kisses lipsticks a while ago and, my love for lipstick was found. These oh-so-chic lipsticks are available in 28 shades from nude to bright. Described as a "customisable colour" and made up of a sheer, unique build-able formula, these can be layered up for a bolder finish - perfect for a day to night look. 

They are hydrating and don't slip off your lips. Plus, they stay put for hours and you'll only need to have a little touch up when you're eating and drinking. 

After purchasing one and trailing it for a week, I went straight back to the Harrods beauty department, and purchased another shade. They've instantly become a makeup bag staple, and I always carry one in my bag wherever I go. 

Burberry Kisses, £25.00. Available from Burberry, and Harrods (plus various other stores). 


Birthday wish list

15 July 2015

Birthday Wish List by What Laura did Next
It's that time of year again, and this one seems to have crept up on me like a birthday ninja! Although every birthday is special, this one is a little more so as it marks me finally leaving my twenties! 

eeeek! 

I'm using this as a chance to put together a wish list of what I want need! Most of it is a touch on the expensive side but, one can dream. I'm massively milking my birthday this year and, I've decided that it's a good enough excuse for a new outfit - I've got to look good as I go into my 30th year! I've got to put my hands up and admit something - I totally went off shopping for clothes for a while *gasps* but, I seem to have got my mojo back and, I can't go into Cos without coming out of one of their stores with a purchase - their collections are just so darn amazing! This Zara dress is on the list to wear for *ahem* one of my celebrations. I'm also a sucker for a slogan t shirt and, seeing as I already have a couple from Whistles, it would be rude not to feature their latest one on here, right!?

I never need an excuse for a new pair of shoes, so I'm featuring TWO! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know it was love at first sight when I laid my eyes on these Kurt Geiger heels at the AW15 press day back in May and, these new season Sophia Webster heels are at the top of my list - I mean, how amazing are they?!

I've had my eyes on a pink Sophie Hulme bag ever since saw this little number a couple of months ago. It's perfect for when I don't have to take the world with me. I also LOVE the little keychain characters SH does - how cute is little Betty?! 

I'm always looking at new cameras (even though mine is in good working order). I've noticed a few bloggers have recently mentioned the Canon G7X and this looks like the next camera I'll be investing in. I always carry my camera around and my current one is pretty darn heavy for such a compact camera! The Canon G7X seems lightweight and ticks all the boxes on what I look for in a camera.

Being the beauty fan that I now am, I have a list as long as my arm of products that I would love to try (coming soon to What Laura did Next), including this Bobbi Brown shimmer brick - just look at the pink shimmery-ness of it *swoons* 

I have been saving some pennies over the last few months, to buy myself something special so watch this space to see what I decide on. 

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

13 July 2015

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue by What Laura did Next
Today ladies, it's ALL about the base.

A few weeks ago, when I attended the bareMinerals masterclass event I was introduced to their latest product, Complexion Rescue. Described as a "tinted hydrating gel cream" I was a little bit curious at their description of the product - 'gel cream' just doesn't sound quite right but, I was all sorts of wrong.

I've been giving it a good old try over the last few weeks before writing something about it as I wanted to really see if it lives up to the hype. I even wore it whilst up in London on the hottest day of the year and, yes it can stand 36.8 degree heat and it didn't move at all. 

The one thing I will say about Complexion Rescue is that if you tend to go for a product that gives you a lot of coverage, then this won't be for you - it will give you enough coverage to perk up tired, dull looking skin and leave you with a fresh, glowing finish. But don't rely on it to cover up blemishes as you'll need something a bit heavier or, a dab of concealer.

What I love the most about it is the way it leaves you feeling very hydrated and fresh. I didn't use a primer or moisturiser before applying and, it felt amazing. It's easy to apply, blend and will not make your face feel 'heavy' (y'all know what I mean!). Plus, it has SPF30 in the formula, leaving your skin with a hint of a glow.

Seriously, it's ticking all the right boxes for me. A new addition to my everyday makeup has happened.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue is available from various outlets, including their own website, Debenhams and Selfridges


Posh Totty Designs, Brighton

6 July 2015

I'm an absolute magpie when it comes to pretty things - who isn't?! So, when Posh Totty got in touch inviting me to a little party they were having at their store in Brighton, I couldn't say no. 

Posh Totty is a Brighton based brand, with three little shops as well as selling on their website. Starting in 2004, they've come on in leaps and bounds producing and selling some absolutely gorgeous pieces and coveting various celebrities across the globe.

With cocktails in Mason jars and stripy straws, treats from The Real Patisserie and pretty shiny things everywhere I turned, I was in my element. 
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
Posh Totty's main forte is personalising their pretty designs - there’s no limit to what their clever team can engrave. Almost everything they sell can be personalised - the PT team were extremely generous and so thoughtful. I was given a necklace with a little 'L' stamped on to it and, I even had a go at personalising myself, taking away something for 'him indoors' as a little soppy gift (and so he can never forget our wedding date!). I left with a head full of ideas for Bridesmaids gifts as well. 
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
As well as their gorgeous jewellery, Posh Totty also stock homeware, stationery, candles and some cute little pieces for the kids. They have it covered. Plus, there is a lot more on their website to purchase.  
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
Posh Totty Brighton Party by What Laura did Next
If something catches your eye on the website then please use the special discount code WHATL15 to get yourself a 15% discount. The code is valid until 22.9.15 too. It's not just for the ladies either - there are some great gift ideas for the men too and, don't get me started on the homeware - The copper mirrors have gone straight on my birthday list!

Flag ship store
31 Sydney Street, Brighton

Boutique store
1 Bond Street Cottages, Brighton

Beach pop-up shop (summer months only)
235 Kings Road Arches, Brighton Beach


Bridal Lingerie

3 July 2015

M&S Bridal Lingerie by What Laura did Next
As you may know I’m getting married next year so, keeping up with my Wedding series, today I'm featuring bridal lingerie. I teamed up with M&S to show you some gorgeous pieces which they currently have in store and online.  

Quite a few of my friends who are married have already given me the tip of "Ensure you have your underwear sorted for the big day. It's nearly as important as your shoes - comfort is everything" To be honest, I thought I'd thought of everything that I intend on wearing to my wedding. Clearly I was wrong as I hadn't even thought about underwear! 

M&S kindly let me pick out a couple of pieces to show to my lovely readers. I decided to go for some pieces that I can wear whilst getting ready with my bridesmaids. This floral silk camisole and matching silk French knickers were love at first sight. Comfort is key for me, especially when I know it's going to be an intense few hours on the morning of the wedding day, so pairing this soft cotton robe over the top will be comfortable and cute to wear whilst getting my hair and makeup done. 
M&S Bridal Lingerie by What Laura did Next
M&S Bridal Lingerie by What Laura did Next
M&S have a great selection of Bridal lingerie. From pieces to wear underneath THE dress, to cute little sets for getting ready in. They have thought of everything. The Rosie for Autograph range has always been on my radar, and the current collection is all sorts of beautiful. Made from silk fabrics with lacy details and trims, the collection is perfect for any bride-to-be. 
M&S Bridal Lingerie by What Laura did Next
M&S Bridal Lingerie by What Laura did Next
M&S Bridal Lingerie by What Laura did Next