Photos by the super awesome Carrie

So, we're half way through Fashion month, and I'm already looking forward to AW16.

I've spent the last day pouring over the shows from London (New York is already up here) and, I can't wait to see what Milan and Paris have in store. 

I always look forward to London Fashion Week for many reasons. One of the main ones being that a couple of my favourite brands show during the week. 

Here are my favourite shows from LFW. Go grab yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy!

Mulberry
More than two years have passed since Mulberry showed their collection on the catwalk. With Emma Hill's departure around the same time, the brand didn't fill the position for a while after. Enter Johnny Coca - previously the accessories designer at Céline. With the new collection having similar pieces to the what we're used to at Mulberry - think gorgeous outerwear with military style detailing. The accessories were different to what Mulberry usually design which I'm not saying is a bad thing - think a little edgier.
Pringle of Scotland
I have a huge love for knitwear. If I could I reckon I'd wear it all year round! Pringle of Scotland had me gasping with joy - the collection was gorgeous with various takes on knitwear - think topstitched bodice details in felted wool on dresses in which the flatness of that wool was contrasted with the texture of angora and mohair. High street brands take note...I want some of this for AW16!
Alexander McQueen
I'm sure there were a fair few others that squealed with delight when Alexander McQueen announced they were showing their AW16 collection in London. It was a homecoming in one way and, I hope it stays in the city where the label was born. The collection was stunning and full pieces that every girl wishes they could dress up in.
Whistles
The high street brand that is fast becoming my favourite - Whistles AW16 doesn't disappoint. Rich textures such as tweed, velvet, bouclé and mohair ran through the collection. Whistles had definitely thought about their existing customer when designing the pieces - clothes with a timeless appeal but with a light touch of current trends. I've already started a wish list...

When your favourite footwear and accessories brand invite you for breakfast, and a chance to get up close to the new season collections, you don't turn it down. Over smoothies and mini pastries I got to know the collection a little more personally and meet the bag that I have been lusting over since I saw it in the February issue of ELLE UK. Although I'm currently saving my pennies for New York, this limited edition Saffiano London Tote needs to accompany me across the pond to help with my adventures. 

The Kurt Geiger SS16 collection is now in stores and online

My mum is bloody, ruddy awesome. In fact, I'll go as far as saying she's a legend.

I mean, we've had some cracking arguments over the years but, I know I can always rely on her for pretty much anything.

Having been diagnosed with Cancer last September, she is currently undergoing treatment. It has been a very hard time for her, but she has stayed so positive throughout - even during some particularly dark times which, is such an inspiration and makes you realise how important life is.

I've put together a few Mother's Day gift ideas with my mum in mind. My brother and I don't live at home anymore but, that doesn't mean my mum doesn't need a day off. Like all mums she ran around after me and my brother for a very long time so, she deserves to be spoilt.

You may have guessed by the title but, a couple of weeks ago I spontaneously booked a trip to New York! 

My best friend is getting married over there, and initially I didn't think I'd be able to make it for various reasons. However after a bit of a pep talk from the boy I thought "F**k it, I'm going.

So I booked. 

I've been before but a long time ago. Back in the day when beauty wasn't really a big deal to me and I wasn't too fussed about where I ate.

However, things have changed. BIG time. 

This is where you lovely people come in.

After the wedding festivities, I'll have around 3 days to explore, shop and eat. ANY recommendations are most welcome - including any beauty products I should get - Sephora and a few drug stores are going to get a big visit for sure!

So comment below, tweet me or email me with recommendations! I'm heading off in three weeks, so I have a little time to plan.

And of course, I'll be documenting everywhere I go on here and Instagram.

In the same week I've talked about trends for SS16, I'm now talking to you about AW16.

Confusing? Maybe. Exciting? hell's yeah! We all know my favourite fashion season is Autumn/Winter - the cosy knits, the soft leather boots and layering always get me swooning more than Summer clothing. 

New York Fashion Week has packed up for another season, and what a week it was! I've kept an eye on what's been going on across the pond and, I have to say, AW16 is looking gorgeous. 

Here are my favourite shows from NYFW. There were quite a few, so grab yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable. 

Monique Lhuillier
A collection full of inventive pairings - A men's cashmere overcoat, thrown over a very feminine pink dress to embellished blouses paired with tweed pencil skirts. Not forgetting the beautiful dresses that would be perfect for awards season. 

Altuzarra
Tailoring was key - double breasted blazers in floral and paisley prints were paired with fluid, long skirts. Outerwear was strong, featuring all kinds from chunky, outsize shearlings (heavy but warm, especially layered over an exuberantly fringed cardigan) to a gorgeous navy dress coat with heavy embellishment. Printed handkerchief dresses featured, worn over long-sleeved tops for day and intricately embroidered and glistening - perfect for day-to-night wear.
Victoria Beckham
Hands down my favourite collection from NYFW. From gorgeous layering to low-key but chic pieces, this show was right up my street! VB even bought her original signature piece back - the corset. Cut in materials like the Prince of Wales check and thick houndstooth jacquards, with cutouts sliced below the bustline. The coats were a highlight for me - I'm hoping the British high street will do a version of the striped coat below.
J Crew
I love a bit of J Crew, and when they're collections are chock-full of both staple items and the brand’s signature style - what's not to love? For AW16, think pink - from cable knit jumpers, to pencil skirts and peacoats, J Crew worked various shades of the colour into the collection and it came out chic and not cheap.

One of my favourite things to do on a weekend (and if the weather is behaving itself) is to go for a long walk around Brighton. I was born here and have grown up here, so I've seen how much the city has changed over the years. However, even after 30 years of living in the city, I always seem to find something new on my adventures.

I met up with my lovely friend Carrie for a catch up over tea and pastries at one of my favourite places, Sugardough. After our fill of tea and sweet treats (hazelnut and chocolate croissant ftw), we set off for a wander around town, stopping for a few photos here and there. Brighton is so photogenic, it had to be done. 

Coat, Mac, Pinafore dress, Denim skirt, Belt bag, Midi-dress, Stripe bag, Bardot top, Sandals, 

Ankle boots, Mini skirt, Floral dress

For me, comfort is key when it comes to LFW. There can be a lot of running around between venues, and relying on public transport is not something I like to do so, I tend to try and wear comfortable footwear and tread the streets of London as much as I can. Obviously though, you can't go wrong with a pair of heels during LFW, and I love the heeled sandals above - wear them with some ankle socks or brave it and get the tootsies out. I'm sure I'll be doing both. 

I have compiled my favourite trends for Spring/Summer 2016. As I've said many a time before, I'm not one to follow trends, dabbling in a couple each season is as far as I go. But, that doesn't mean I can't share my favourite ones with my readers. Take a look below

Underwear as outerwear

A trend that is hardly new but one that is easy to covet, SS16 looks to be full of the slip dress. Slinkier than ever and featured at the likes of Burberry, Celine, Pucci and Saint Laurent this trend will be a sure hit when the weather gets warmer. Fancy trying it out now? Layer a slip dress over a knitted jumper. 

Check mate

Gingham is the pattern of the season. From gingham at Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham to English menswear tweedy checked suiting at Celine. This trend can be worn head-to-toe or with simple separates.

Colour pop

Designers definitely brought the rave to the runway for SS16 with neon flashes and acid brights. Colour clashes in single looks seemed to be the highlight at the likes of Christopher Kane and Gucci. 

Ruffled up

It's all in the detail for this trend - SS16's big romance played out at across many runways, as ruffles became a key detail trend. A well placed ruffle is very feminine. Designers such as Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Roberto Cavalli took this trend on, and I can't wait to see how the high street interpret it as, I am all over this trend.

So, there you have it, four of my favourite trends for SS16. What trends stood out for you and what are you looking forward to coveting for the new season?

Well, it's been a long time coming, but I'm finally getting back in to showing off my wares on this little space of the internet. For a fair few months, I really haven't felt myself and the thought of getting in front of the camera has not appealed. 

Layering is key in Winter, so teaming my Petit Bateau striped top with this dress is a match made in outfit heaven for me. I love a striped top and this one is so comfy and versatile.

When it comes to dresses, I have to admit that I haven't worn, or purchased one for ages...until I walked into Topshop a few weeks ago, and ended up buying three! This pinafore dress is so comfortable. Plus it has pockets which I'm sure all girls will know is an absolute godsend!

We all know that my love for Kurt Geiger is huge, and it gets bigger each season.

The Kurt Geiger SS16 collection is no exception - their shoe game is as strong as ever, and their bags? Have got a whole lot fiercer. 

Made for fashion on the go, think frilly flatforms, petit stilettos, metallics and clean, simple designs.

Have a peek below at some of the styles...

As for the bags well, they've got a little sassy...

The new ‘Annie’ belted bag works hard with multiple ways to wear it. Crafted in exotic ostrich embossed leather, liquid silver or classic woven textured leathers, ‘Annie’ is casual glamour and can be worn as a bum bag, shoulder bag or pouch.

A new soft, sporty hobo joins fresh iterations of the brand’s signature bags. In a mile-a-minute life, the ‘Penelope’ hobo bag can be customised with detachable tassels, statement chains and personalised with Perspex charms.

“Fashion sneakers and backpacks have become wardrobe staples, but this season breaks down boundaries between sport and fashion even further.  Strong, energetic and alive. The campaign is about fashion designed for real life”

- Creative Director, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley

The Modern Minimalist box, a collaboration between two of my favourite beauty brands, NARS and Space.NK has got me swooning all over it. Created by NARS Make-up Ambassador Andrew Gallimore, and modelled by my favourite beauty director, Sophie Beresiner (ELLE UK) the box contains all the essentials to create the perfect, minimalist SS16 make-up look.

I love a minimal day to day look so this 'look in a box' is a match made in beauty heaven for me.

The most exciting product has to be the new Velvet Matte Skin Tint (worth £30) which is also exclusive to Space NK, best part of all is that you can chose the shade before purchasing the box. 

Also inside the box you’ll find a whole load of mini products which, I have to admit were something I was very excited about. I am a massive sucker for mini versions of products - they are brilliant for popping in your bag when you're on the go, or if you travel a lot. Here's what you get;

You may have seen me mention Rock n Roll Bride on here and my Instagram feed several times! It's the one Bridal magazine that I have a subscription to, and just like the blog and magazine, their Instagram account is full of colour and so much inspiration. I'll totally put my hands up and say this is my favourite of them all, and is perfect for Brides out there that are planning a non-traditional wedding and looking for something a little different.

BHLDN Weddings

The photos on BHLDN Weddings feed are very dreamy. But, what do you expect from a brand that is part of Anthropologie? Whats more, you can shop their feed (link in their insta bio). Handy.