What I’m Wearing:

T-Shirt – H&M

Galaxy Print Skirt – ASOS

Shoes – Michael Antonio

Sunglasses – Topshop

Clutch – Forever 21

Jewelry – Swarovski, Alex & Ani

This was more than just a honeymoon. For as long as I can remember, I have been a massive Anglophile. I can’t pinpoint why or when my fascination for England started, but this was a place I had been trying to get to for years. Last month, the time finally came for me to step on English soil. Here is the first part of my London recap.

It started with a four-hour bus trip from Boston to NYC, then a five-hour flight from NYC to Iceland, and another three-hour flight from Iceland to London. With the time difference, it felt like I had been traveling for two days straight. But physical exhaustion was not enough to put me to sleep on the flights. While everyone snoozed, I was busy keeping myself occupied with re-run episodes of Friends, and an epic sunrise over Greenland. After a quick layover in Iceland, morning had dawned over western Europe. My eyes were glued to the map on the in-flight TV. Three hours felt like a lifetime.

As we began our decent into London, the clouds began to clear, and it was then I had my first look at England. Although London is the most recognizable destination, we passed over Northern England where I spotted some familiar sights, like Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. We landed at Heathrow, and after spending about an hour in line at customs, we finally met up with our driver. Heading into the city, I was exhausted, but my eyes were glued out the window. We had arrived in London.

The driver graciously took us through different parts of the city en route to the hotel. It was here I had my first looks at Kensington, Harrods, Buckingham Palace and Westminster. For years people questioned my love for England, because I had never been. Some even joked that ‘it would be funny’ if I finally went there and ‘hated it.’ But there was no hate to be felt. Just like I knew I would, I fell in love even more.

We checked into the Grange at Tower Bridge, and were welcomed by exceptional views and the most amazing hotel room I have ever stayed in. The bathroom was small, but filled with marble and mirrors, with a jacuzzi tub, vessel sink, and a shower packed with multiple heads like you see in those swanky Kohler commercials. The rest of the room boasted modern interior finishes, and floor to ceiling windows. I didn’t waste any time. Immediately after getting to the room, I showered up, and got ready to head out. Ironically, my boss (who is British), was in London at the same time visiting family, and insisted on meeting us for dinner and shopping. We mapped out our route on the Tube and set out the city. First stop: Oxford Circus.

To be continued….

Ashley

Despite my wish for Fall, I embraced the Summer spirit today with vibrant colors.

What I’m Wearing:

Blouse, Shorts, & Clutch – Forever 21

Shoes – New Look

Sunglasses – Jeepers Peepers

Ashley

Today was all about the romper/playsuit. This beauty is from one of my favorite Australian fashion labels.

What I’m Wearing:

Floral Playsuit – Teal & Tala

Shoes – New Look

Sunglasses – Jeepers Peepers

Clutch – Mango

Ashley

Summer…it’s everyone’s favorite season. The warm weather, BBQs, and beach days; what’s not to love? Well, I’m over it. Shorts weather is great at the start, but come July and August, I am sick of the heat and humidity. I’m sick of that constant ‘sticky’ feeling. I can’t even fathom turning on my hair straightener at 7am because of sweating profusely before even walking out of my house. Don’t hate me for saying this friends; I am not asking for a blizzard. For fashion’s sake, this Buffalo-born woman would like some cooler temps.

Here are three reasons why I am looking forward to fall:

1.) Faux Fur

I will admit, my summer fashion is not as exciting as my winter wardrobe. I have a few cute skirts, dresses and shorts, but once it surpasses 80 degrees, I get ‘too cranky’ and throw on whatever is least likely to give me heat exhaustion. One fashion trend I am obsessed with, is faux fur coats and vests. I say faux fur because I love animals, and my bank account loves faux prices. There are so many ways to style these beauties, and they fit perfectly into that ‘rock chic’ style I love. I recently purchased a faux fur leopard jacket by Nicole Miller, and I CANNOT wait to style it this fall.

2.) Leather Look

I am a huge fan of the leather look. Most pieces I own, again, are faux, but I am still in love with the sleek look. I own two little moto jackets, a pair of waxed pants, and leather look leggings. It’s a fashion trend that is so sexy, that it will never fade away. My little jackets taunt me every time I open my closet between June-September. Hurry up and get chilly already!

3.) Boots

Ankle boots, riding boots, thigh-high boots; you name it, I probably own it. I realize that you can still wear small booties in the summer time, but personally, I just can’t comprehend smothering my feet on a hot and muggy day. Riding boots, for example, are so universal, and easily paired with anything from leggings to professional attire. Flip flops are colossal, but not as chic as my boots!

So there you have it, a few fashion based reasons I am ready for fall/winter.

No hard feelings summer, I still appreciate your presence for beach and romper season!

Ashley