Warsaw

I spent August bank holiday weekend in Warsaw along with my boyfriend and one of my best friends and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend's mum is half-Polish and they own a flat in the city so we took well advantage of that for a cheap weekend away.

After getting in at 6.15am - no idea who's bright idea that was - on the first night we spent the rest of the time trying to recover but that didn't stop us taking advantage of what Warsaw had to offer. We had a perfect tour guide who spoke fluent polish which made our trip a lot easier especially as we got on the wrong bus when we arrived at the airport! We managed to squeeze in a trip to the zoo, a visit to the war musuem, a trek up to the viewing tower to be rewarded with amazing views, numerous meat and cabbage dumplings and lots of delicious ice cream.

Warsaw isn't a huge city so there isn't really much to do but it's brimming with history. The old town is gorgeous and it's amazing to think it was completely rebuilt after the Second World War. It's very picturesque to eat your dinner in an open square watching the world go by. The city is full of lots of pretty parks and on a nice day there's nothing better than a wander. I'd love to visit again in the snow! I had a lovely few days away and was a little bit upset to be heading home to face reality. Luckily I have Ireland to look forward to next month.

Have you ever been to Warsaw?

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Bonedaddies

When my oldest friend decided to go back to Leeds - it's been lovely having you in London for the summer Grace! - I decided to suggest a last supper at Bonedaddies after overdosing on burgers. Bonedaddies had been on my list for ages and i'd been meaning to pay it a visit ever since Michelle reviewed it for Aesthetic. We managed to get to the restaurant around half 6 so only queued for about 10 minutes before we could managed to grab a table. By the time we left around half 7 the queue was snaking around the block so do try and get there as early as possible to beat the rush!

Billed as a 'Rock N Roll' Ramen bar, Bonedaddies is slap bang in the middle of Soho just off Wardour Street. Beware it's a communal eating place so you won't get a table to yourself - it's all about sharing guys! I personally think this all adds to the atmosphere. Upon Michelle's suggestion I bullied Grace into sharing some fried chicken. Good choice! It was deliciously light without an hint of sticky grease. It had the right amount of crunch and was incredibly moorish. To be fair I could easily have eaten the whole pot to myself.

For my main I opted for the Tonkotsu Ramen featuring a boiled egg - which was one of my favourite parts - , spring onions, noodles and pork. I would like to have had more pork to munch on but that's my only gripe. I'm no expert having only eaten a Wagamama ramen but it ticked all my boxes with the broth having a lovely flavour. The flat noodles were cooked to perfection and provided lots of oooohing and ahhhing. A word of warning those cloves of garlic may look fun to crush but they make you stink to high heaven. I feel sorry for the people seated next to me on the tube home as I was seriously humming. My friend decided to plump for the Kimchu Ramen which would be perfect for a seafood lover like myself!

Have you ever sampled the delights of Bonedaddies?

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You could get lost in this concrete jungle

Outfit:
Black sheer vest - Topshop (similar)
Green plaid cigarette trousers - Primark (similar)
Flat pointed patent pumps - Zara (similar)

After avoiding Primark like the plague for the past few months, I ventured in there last week to pick up some new pjs and somehow walked out with these. I'd spied a similar pair in Zara a while ago but fortunately my bank account wasn't playing ball and I couldn't afford to splash out. These were a much purse-friendly price at only £12. I'm more than willing to jump on board with tartan this autumn so keep your eye out for many more checks entering my wardrobe.

I wore this to venture to Bounce for a birthday gathering for the lovely Lily and got to have a natter with Aisling too. If you've never heard of Bounce, it's the place where table tennis was said to be invented and is a huge basement offering delicious pizzas and hours of fun on the ping pong tables. Well worth venturing down to one day!

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I’m living in a lost generation

Outfit:
Sheer black vest - Topshop (similar)
Green floral double spilt midi skirt - Topshop
Ankle strap stilettos - Primark (similar)
Pink lipstick - Topshop All About Me 

It's this skirt again. Sorry about that but this is a personal style blog and this is exactly what I'm wearing out for dinner tonight. Once I find something I like it tends to be repeated over and over again.  Anyone else guilty of this?! These shoes were an impulse buy from Primark quite a few months ago - I blame my mother for her encouragement. What a good impulse buy they turned out to be! They get full marks for being comfortable even with the thin heel and they feel secure on my feet. A little bondage-style ankle strap gets a thumbs up from me. My uncle put a French plait in my hair when I had my fringe cut this afternoon - i'm absolutely loving the lion mane look!

Like I said I'm off out for dinner tonight to a local Mexican restaurant for a friends birthday. It'll be nice to have a relatively quite Saturday night with a good meal rounded off by a trip to the pub. After Warsaw I'm looking to steer well clear of the dreaded booze - too much vodka was consumed on that trip! It'll be diet cokes all round for me tonight.

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Asos a/w collection

I spend too much of my hard earned wages on ASOS so when the opportunity came up to preview their a/w collection with the dream team member Sarah  I was there faster than Usain Bolt. It didn't hurt I also got to spend some quality time with Sarah and Hannah too - what a lovely little reunion it made.

Anyway onto the clothes. It seems like textures will be a big selling point at ASOS this year. Lots of fur, tartan, velvet and ponyhair. Well there goes my wage packet... The gorgeous leopard print pencil skirt is already on the site and it's currently saved in my favourites. I've resisted so far but I'm not sure how much longer i'll be able to hold out. Statement jewels show no sign of fading out and cocoon oversized coats seems to be flavour of the mouth. I'm still trying to work out if they're going to make me look 50 stone heavier. Once again ASOS has pulled out all the trumps - can they ever do any wrong?!

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What's in my make-up bag - The holiday edition

By the time you read this I'll be enjoying myself on holiday in Warsaw hopefully eating and drinking far too much while soaking up the sights. I thought i'd give you a little sneak peak about what make up I take away on holiday for a city break.

This gorgeous Ted Bake floral make up bag was gifted to me from Surfdome. Surfdome stock such a lovely collection of Ted Baker bags so it's worth a look! It's just the right size to carry all your essentials plus some more!

Lips:
Chanel Rouge Allure 99 Pirate
F&F Lips Mistress c/o
Topshop All About Me
Revlon Crème Brulee Lip Butter
Carmex Strawberry Tube
Gosh Velvet Touch Lip Pencil in 003 Cardinal Red c/o

This year I've gotten into lipstick in a huge way especially a red lip. It's something I've always admired from afar but only just gotten the confidence to be able to wear it out. It's my favourite colour for when I go out for drinks or dinner. I've chosen to take a few different reds - terrified to smash the Chanel whilst under the influence! - and a vibrant pink for something a little different. The Revlon Lip Butter is the perfect shade for the day.

Cheeks:
Topshop Neon Rose Crème Blush
He-Shi Fusion Multi Bronze c/o
Bourjois Delice De Poudre Bronzer

I'm a bronzer girl through and through and very rarely venture into Blush. The Bourjois bronzer is perfect for everyday use as it's very matte whereas the He-Shi bronzer is my favourite for night time. It produces such a gorgeous colour and has just the right amout of shimmer.

Eyes:
Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Emerveille 82
Avon 8-in-1 Eye Palette The Nudes c/o
Bourjois Khol and Contour Ultra Black
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
George Lash Trend in Black c/o

This Chanel cream eyeshadow is such a beauty. Subtle yet it still packs a punch. It's the perfect eyeshadow to go from day to night and can be jazzed up with a touch of khol. The Avon Palette had my name written all over it - neutrals are the way forward! Concealer is a must when you're out all night partying yet have to be up at the crack of dawn seeing the sights!

Nails:
OPI The Spy Who Loved Me
Seche Vite top coat

Finally you can't go wrong with red nails eh? OPI is my favourite brand and I couldn't resist picking up the James Bond collection from TK Maxx. It had a slight gold shimmer in it that looks stunning when it catches the light.

Is there anything i've missed out in my make-up collection? What do you take on a city break?

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This week i'm loving - Bumble and Bumble thickening range

 

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse and Bumble and Bumble Thickening Crème Contour c/o

I personally find the crème contour works best on my hair after I've used the surf spray. They make such a great combination. I spray on a liberal amount of surf spray on before using the crème to help define the waves. The saying less is more really does apply here. It's quite sticky and can get gloopy so you only need a tiny amount. I simply put it on the tips of my fingers and tap my hands together to even it out before scrunching my hair.

The picture above is my hair after I'd used the mousse. Admittedly the volume isn't huge but I don't have thin hair anyway so it was never going to make a lot of difference. But saying that I can feel a difference in my hair after I've used it. It really helps my roots and gives them a bit of a lift - my hair can feel very flat and limp on top. I think I have too much hair weighing my head down! I use just under a golf ball amount of the product and run it through my hair from the roots to the end. It takes a while to figure out the right amount you need as too much can make it feel too 'product-y' if that's a word! I then dry my hair upside down before drying and straightening my fringe.

Overall they're both products that have been welcomed into my haircare selection and I'd buy them again as soon as I run out.

Have you tried anything from the thickening range before?

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Run like the wind

Outfit:
Pink t-shirt - Nike
Cropped training leggings - Nike (similar)
Nike purple free runs 5.0 - c/o SportsShoes

This is my running outfit. Yes, I Sophie Warner, has decided to take up running. After spending years avoiding exercise like the plague, I was known to write my own letters to get out of PE - sorry mum - I decided it was about time to finally do some exercising. My best friend very impressively ran the marathon this year and I decided to follow in her footsteps and put my running shoes on. This is where these rather snazzy looking Nike Free runs come into play. I never thought i'd see the day that I would get excited about receiving a pair of trainers in the post!

Personally I exercise better - like any aspect in my life - if I feel I look nice. It helps me have an extra spring in my step because after all, you don't really know who you're going to bump into when your jogging down the cycle paths. I don't need someone I've not seen in 10 years bumping into me looking like a raggamuffin. Bright colours get the thumbs up from me as if you don't want to blend in during your day-to-day life than why would you when running? A little slick of basic make up doesn't go amiss either - bronzer, concealer and mascara means i'm ready to take on the world.

Now onto the trainers. I opted for the Nike Lady Free 5.0 in a gorgeous purple colour. I had very high hopes and by god did they deliver. If I'm honest I didn't really expect them to make that much of a difference. But I was pleasantly surprised. The trainers made me feel like I was walking on air and the flexible sole made running so much easier helping me keep a good pace. They fit my feet like a glove and felt so comfortable - my previous trainers made the sides of my feet ache. No aching feet in these. I really couldn't recommend them enough.

Do you like to make a bit of an effort when you exercise?

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If money was no object

I am constantly dreaming of being somewhere with a sunnier climate. It seemed too good to be true for the hot weather to last here in England right? I'm still bringing out the bare legs in spite of the rain. When I'm daydreaming of a hot country - usually when I'm squeezed in a tube carriage on my way home - I like to think about my ideal beach appropriate outfit. If I had endless pots of cash i'd opt for a beach outfit from Heidi Klein. I much prefer a bandeau style bikini top when I'm sunning myself and there's nothing worse than two glaring white strap marks ruining an evening outfit. I much prefer my tan lines hidden thank you very much. This straw bag is the perfect size for lugging around holiday essentials which always include a good book - the trashier the better - and an endless supply of sun cream. Wrinkles are not my friend. Finally a pretty cover up is vital for when you finally move from your sun lounger in search of some food. The waiters in the restaurant do not want to see me in my bikini!

Oh how I wish I was going away on another beach holiday! But i've heard it's 28 degrees in Warsaw so the bank holiday weekend will not be too shabby.

Have you had your summer holiday yet? If not, where are you off too?

This post was written in collaboration with Avenue 32.

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Aesthetic - The Golden Hour

Edited by the amazing Michelle, independent magazine Aesthetic is the city girl's ideal guide to getting the most out of life. Produced quarterly, it's the perfect publication for an ambitious and conscientious twenty-something girl. This issue is full to the brim of amazing lifestyle, interiors, career advice, style and recipe articles. With illustrations by the talented Ella Masters, Yasmin Mason and Carly Watts, you won't be able to stop flicking through the 92-page issue. The fourth edition is sure to be well worth a purchase. You can order your copy here - make sure you hurry though because as I said it's promising to be an absolutely corker!

Make sure you give our facebook page a cheeky like and keep an eye on our online version which is updated daily. In case you didn't know I'm the Heath and Lifetsyle Editor of Aesthetic Online. We're also on twitter if you fancy having a little chat!

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Maybe next year I'll have no time

Outfit:
Black t-shirt crop top - Topshop
Green floral spilt midi skirt - Topshop
Gold heeled high sandals - c/o Boohoo

I saw this skirt on Robyn and decided I just had to have it. After I found out it had a matching crop top - hurry up payday! - I completely lost myself. I'm a complete sucker for matchy matchy! I quite fancy treating myself to this too to go with the skirt. Crop tops seem to be my new favourite thing at the minute. I'm not entirely sure why i've been converted as I don't really like showing my flesh. But I love the way they look with midi and high waisted skirts. As this is what the majority of my wardrobe is made up off I thought i'd better jump on the bandwagon! I went a bit overboard on the Topshop website with this months wages. I do have slight buyers remorse as I'm now skint but not enough to take it back! Next month it's back to being good as i've got New York to book in October and need all the money I can get. Exciting!

I'm wearing this outfit for a trip up to Lincoln to visit some family on Saturday. We're going out for lunch there and then onto a family party in the evening so I wanted something that I could dress down and up. I'm going to wear my Zara pointed flats during the day. They don't seem to be off my feet lately!

What do you have planned for the upcoming weekend?

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Run Forest Run

I've got an confession to make. These last few god knows how many months - if I'm being really honest since late last year - i've been extremely slack with Weightwatchers. I haven't lost any weight but I haven't really gained anything either. I'm losing two pounds and gaining two pounds week in week out. I seem to be extremely good eating wise during the week and then throw caution to the wind at the weekend. Enough is enough. I've got far too many pretty clothes in my wardrobe taunting me that I can't fit into - still with the tags on sob - and I need to take action. I've decided exercise is key. That way it won't matter if I have the odd burger slip up - life is too short - as hopefully i'll be counteracting it with getting sweaty and toned whilst running a few times a week. I've set myself a target of running a 5k by November eeeek! So when I was offered the chance to review a Panache sports bra, it came at just the right time.

I must admit I had my doubts when it arrived as it looked huge - I'm not very well blessed in that department. But as soon as I put it on, it fitted like a glove and I felt very secure with the three hooks at the back. There's no danger of me knocking myself out but there is a chance of me feeling very uncomfortable in a normal bra. This hardly felt like it was on my body and I didn't get a sore chest like I usually do when I try any form of exercise. I found the bra straps very comfortable with the padding and had no dreaded digging in.

The bra goes all the way up to a H in a wide range of colours including black, cranberry and grey. The cranberry one is such a gorgeous colour. Who says something can't be practical and stylish?

The lovely people at Brit Bloggers were also kind enough to send me a little running pack to help me conquer the paths. The pedometer is such a great little tool and it helps to spur me on as I think just 100 more steps... The clip on mp3 player came in very handy and helps to motivate me along the way. It's a lot easier to forget the pain I'm in when the Backstreet Boys are blasting in my ear!

Have you ever tried a Panache Sports Bra before?

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When there's no-one left to fight boys like him don't shine so bright

Outfit:

Quilted faux leather jacket - Zara (similar)
Striped cotton midi dress - Asos via Petticoat Lane Market (similar style)
Patent pointed flats - Zara (similar)

This was the other gem I picked up from Petticoat Lane market. It all happened in a blink of an eye and I'm still not quite sure how it came into my hands. I'm very glad it did though! It's the same shape as this dress I have and it fits perfectly. It's my perfect length and sucks me in at the waist giving the impression I'm skinner than what I look. Please do this dress in more colourways Asos!

I wore this out today to meet up with an old friend for some Nandos and a very much overdue catch up. It's amazing where times goes! Then this evening will be spent snuggling in bed watching the rest of the second series of Homeland ready for the upcoming third series. I LOVE YOU BRODY! The DVD of the first series was hands down the best thing I ever brought my boyfriend. Evenings spent admiring Damien Lewis' *ahem* acting talents are my favourite kind of evenings.

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The Vintage Emporium

I'm going to hold my hands up and admit i'm a tearoom geek. Give me a slice of cake and i'm yours. So it's no wonder The Vintage Emporuim had been bon my list of places to visit for a long time. When I dragged my friend to Petticoat Lane a few weeks ago I made sure we made a detour to refuel.

I'm an absolute sucker for mixmatched furtiture and crockery and should I ever realise my dream, it's exactly how I would have my very own tearoom. I love the odd tables and chairs and the random nick knacks hanging on the walls. After a long hard look at the menu on the wall I decided on a tomato, mozzarella and pesto granery bread sandwich. It was a bit of a shock when it arrived as you had to put it together yourself! I was a bit wary at first as there didn't seem enough ingredients to make a substanial enough sandwich but I didn't need to have worried. There was plenty and it filled a big lunchtime hole. The sandwich tasted lovely and fresh and arrived very quickly after we ordered. No brown tomatoes or wilted lettace in this sandwich. My only downside was the fact I was too full to try one of the cakes on offer!

If you're ever in Brick Lane and fancy a bit to eat at lunch I fully reconmend it. It's just past Cheshire Street so it's the perfect place to recharge your batteries after you have a good rummage in the massive Beyond Retro warehouse!

There is even a shop below for you to have a mooch around in!

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July empties

This month I seemed to have gotten through more make up than usual which was very well needed. My make up drawer is overflowing and slightly embarrassing to look at!

001. Etat Pur Biomimetique Micellar Cleaning Water
I received this in my goodie bag at the AX Paris event a few months ago and it helped me dip my foot into the cleansing water trend. It makes taking off make up 110% more easier - I'm a major fan. This didn't irritate my eyes and worked wonders getting rid of stubborn mascara. When I used to take off my make up I'd still look like a panda when I woke up the next day!

002. Schwarzkopf Silhouette Color Brilliance Hairspray
This was given to me by the wonderful Sarah and i've had to fight my mum for it all month. The scent is so nice and makes such a welcomed change from the usual hairspray cough-inducing scent. It held every strand in place without a sticky feeling and a little went a long way. I'm not actually sure if it enhanced my colour to be fair but it's on my list to buy again!

003. Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner

004. Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara
This mascara was recommended to me on twitter after I asked for some drugstore mascaras who lived up to their claims. I loved the big bushy brush and the product glided on without any clumps. It really did do what it said on the pot - with a little helping hand from eyelash curlers but I use them anyway for some extra oomph. It dries very quickly and doesn't smudge. If I didn't have so many other mascaras to work my way through I'd run out and replace this straight away.

005. Caudalie Lip conditioner
This is one of the best lip blams I've tried. It's the perfect remedy to smooth on before you go to bed if you want your lips to be lovely and soft for when you wake up. I think it's the ideal lipstick prep and can be a winner for when I want to wear a red lip. This is a product I can see myself buying time and time again.

006. Superdry Neon Pink Female Fragrance
This was given to me at work and it's brilliant for an everyday perfume. With hints of vanilla, rose and pineapple it feels like a great summer scent. I wasn't too impressed by the hint of musk but that's just personal opinion. It isn't the longest lasting but then it's not going to be for the price.

007. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium
I still can't get over the fact this product is under a fiver. It offers very heavy coverage - my favourite kind - and hides a multiple of sins. In fact, my dad tells me I look rough when I don't apply it. Charming! This shade matches my skin perfectly and a little goes a long way. I get a good 6 weeks usage out of this tube.

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Ill be waiting in the photo booth at the underground station

Outfit:
Light denim jacket - Primark
White long line cotton cami - Asos
Blue floral silky trousers - Asos via Petticoat Lane Market
Silver bow sandals - hometown boutique

I was forced into buying these trousers during my trip to Petticoat Lane a few weeks ago. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. They're made of such soft material and anything that feels like I'm wearing pjs outside the house gets a thumbs up from me. Sometimes getting dressed is such effort don't you think? I hope I'm not the only lazybones! RIP to these sandals. I've hardly had had them off my feet this summer and they finally gave up on the way to Covent Garden in my lunch break. I had to do a mad dash to Zara barefoot to try and pick up some replacements. I must admit it wasn't my finest hour hobbling in front of tourists wondering why I decided to leave my house with only one shoe on.  I spent £20 that I didn't really have. Isn't that always the way?

This week will hopefully be a quiet one.  I'm looking forward to hiding indoors and getting into bed for 9pm after going for a few runs. Eeeeek! I don't know what's come over me if I'm honest. My room is at bursting point so I'm going to undertake the mammoth task of gaining some order. I don't really think it's necessary to hold onto Heat magazines circa 2010... I have however got something exciting happening this week as I'm off to the launch of Jurlique at Marks and Spencer on Thursday. Will I see any of you there?

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Festival shopping with Joules

Thanks to the unpredictable weather, dressing for a festival can be hard work. You never know if it's going to pouring rain or blazing sunshine. That's why it's essential you pack sensibly for all occasions - you don't want to carry your whole wardrobe on your back. Trust me, I've tried it at Reading. I got as far as the train platform where I live and collapsed on the bench. NEVER AGAIN!

Luckily, the classic clothing company Joules has came up trumps with some cracking pieces. The festival clothing range from Joules is right up my street!  Wellies are an absolute must - don't even think about leaving home without them. These gorgeous navy bow wellies are practical yet still pretty, proving you don't have to scrimp on style. An umbrella can help keep you dry as well as shade you from the sun. I'm sensing a bit of a navy theme with this spotty umbrella! Finally, layers are key as when the sun hopefully comes back out you want to strip off and keep cool. I love the cute partridge jumper and the floral polo shirt will look brilliant with a pair of cut off shorts. A quilted jacket with a handy hood finishes off any outfit perfectly.

How would you pack for a festival? Any tips you want to share?

This post is a collaboration with Joules.

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