OOTD

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How to spend a day in the Cotswolds ?

Looking to spend a day in the Cotswolds? We visited places in our home county Oxfordshire before heading onto some of the best Cotswolds towns and villages in Gloucestershire with our seven-month-old son, Theo, in tow.

Wrapped up snug on a chilly November day, here’s where we visited on our day out in the Cotswolds:

St Oswald’s Church, Widford

Our first stop was St Oswald’s Church. Slightly off the beaten track, St Oswald’s Church is a beautiful minuscule English Gothic church nestled amongst lush countryside in the Windrush Valley.

The church’s main construction is said to be from the 13th century but it also has 11th-century remnants. To our surprise, the church was open and you can wander inside and see its wonderful interior.

Nearby, you can find the outlined remains of the deserted medieval village of Widford in crop marks.

Burford, West Oxfordshire

Next, we visited the town of Burford, often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds.’ It’s a charming place with a rich history of wool production.

Visitors can see its beautiful church, medieval bridge, the Tolsey Museum, and thriving town centre.

Church of St John the Baptist, Burford

The impressive St John the Baptist Church was the first thing to catch our eye as we arrived in Burford. This Grade I listed church has gone through many restorations, with building starting in the 12th century.

Inside, you can view memorials of Burford’s great families, a 100AD carving said to depict the Celtic goddess, Epona, the tomb of Sir Lawrence and Lady Tanfield, and a memorial tablet of Burford mason, Christopher Kempster.

Burford town centre

Along a hill sloping toward the River Windrush, Burford’s High Street is booming with quaint old stone cottages, independent clothing, gift, and antique shops, as well as numerous old pubs and places to eat.

Bibury, Gloucestershire

Our next stop, the picturesque village of Bibury. Famed for its quaint Cotswold stone houses, Arlington Row, Rack Isle, The Church of St Mary’s, Bibury Trout Farm, and Arlington Mill.

Arlington Row

Arlington Row is a beautiful row of weavers’ cottages of honey-coloured Cotswold stone on one side of the River Coln. It is one of the Cotswolds and England’s most photographed sights.

You may have even seen Arlington Row featured in films such as Stardust and Bridget Jones’s Diary!

Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

On to, Bourton-on-the-Water, dubbed ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds.’ Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming village, centered around the tranquil River Windrush, crossable by five stone arch bridges.

Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wealth of things to do. From tea rooms, shops, and restaurants, to attractions such as The Model Village, Birdland, Dragonfly Maze, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum.

The Model Village

The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a must-see. It’s the only Grade II listed model village in the country.

It offers A one-ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water in intricate Cotswold-stone, allowing you to navigate it in its entirety.

There’s a lot of fun to be had pointing out the storefronts and buildings you may have seen earlier in the day, as well as wandering the city like a giant. Interestingly, there’s even a model village within the model!

Entry to The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is £4.50 for an adult ticket.

Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Our next stop, Lower Slaughter. Lower Slaughter is a peaceful place, built upon both banks of the River Eye.

There are a few places to visit, including The Old Mill Museum and the Grade II listed 13th Century Church of St. Mary the Virgin.

The Old Mill

The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter offers a museum, gift shop, riverside tea room, and riverside cafe terrace.

Visitors can learn about the history of the mill and bread making and see the inner workings of its machinery.

Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire

Finally, Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling and charming market town. It offers a lively Market Square, brimming with independent shops, delicious tea rooms, and fine British pubs, alongside a beautiful church.

As it was getting late in the day, we grabbed some pastries to go from Huffkins before heading to St Edward’s Church.

St Edward’s Church

St Edward’s Church is famed for its mythical tree-framed doorway, dominated by two ancient yew trees.

The door is said by locals to be the inspiration for Tolkein’s Doors of Durin, who was supposedly inspired during his many visits to the Cotswolds.

What’s your favourite place in the Cotswolds?

Stephanie xox

Discover more things to do in the UK

OOTD: Feeling oh so tropical with Femme Luxe ?

FEMME LUXE Cynthia multicolour striped floral wide leg trousers close up | The LDN Gal

FEMME LUXE Cynthia multicolour striped floral wide leg trousers

OOTD: Tropical stripes and flowers with Femme Luxe

With the cold weather well and truly creeping its way in and nights darker each day, an injection of colour into your wardrobe is really needed to brighten the mood sometimes.

When it comes to colour, Femme Luxe has you well and truly covered with vibrant shades, bold prints and trans-seasonal items aplenty.

I have to say, I fell head-over-heels when I spotted the Femme Luxe Cynthia multicolour striped floral wide leg trousers.

With a night on the town planned, I knew I had the perfect outfit to match, slipping into these gorgeous high waisted trousers, embellished with a slinky matching waist tie sash and wide eat-your-heart-out-ABBA legs.

FEMME LUXE Cynthia multicolour striped floral wide leg trousers review - The LDN Gal

So, what did I think of the multicolour striped floral wide leg trousers?

Teamed with an off shoulder frill bodysuit, I was ready to hit the town and pay the newest cocktail bar in the area a visit.

Not only do these slinky trousers standout – and I mean, they really standout – they are super flattering and comfortable with an elasticated waistband.

It is say to say, I felt fabulous. Want to know the best thing these trousers? They offer a sixties vibes with a bold twist.

What do you think of these tropical trousers? What is your favourite item on the Femme Luxe website at the moment?

 Stephanie xox

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This post is in collaboration with Femme Luxe

OOTD: Stepping out in style in Manchester with 10STORE ?

OOTD floral and frill long sleeve 10STORE cocktail dress review, Sunset by Australasia, Manchester | The LDN Gal

10STORE Floral and Frill Long Sleeve Dress

OOTD: FloRAL fRILLS with 10STORE

Spending a weekend in Manchester, I knew I would get the opportunity to take a new outfit or two for a spin. I had a 10STORE dress just dying to be worn – and I myself, desperate for some fancy cocktails. 

Sunset by Australasia would be the perfect place. So, I slipped into the floral and frill long sleeve dress and sought out some frozen Prosecco sorbet blends.

This A-line mini cocktail dress is fabulous, with a bold green colour and multi floral print, embellished with pink and white flowers throughout.

OOTD floral and frill long sleeve 10STORE cocktail dress review, Sunset by Australasia interior, Manchester | The LDN Gal

So, what did I think of the floral and frill long sleeve dress?

It’s all in the details in this pretty long sleeve dress, which features a round neckline, back button fastening alongside a keyhole cut-out and button embellished cuffs.

The best part? Its V-panel frill front and hem, alongside its tie wraparound waist. What I love, is the frill detail is rather subtle, yet manages to really bring the dress to life.

10STORE offers branded clothing at £10 or less, they sell high street brands (undisclosed) and offer quality clothing at super affordable prices.

What do you think of the floral and frill dress from 10STORE? What is your go to cocktail dress? 

Stephanie xox

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This post is in collaboration with 10STORE 

OOTD: Topshop blue tartan check trousers ?

Blue tartan check trousers Topshop | The LDN Gal

Boohoo Oversized Shirt – Topshop Trousers – Zara Heeled Boots

OOTD: Blue Tartan Check Trousers with Topshop

I have to admit, this weekend gone was fabulous minus the little bit of drizzle. Me and the better half finally got some quality time together and decided to go exploring in Oxford for the Oxford Open Doors event.

Oxford Open Doors is an annual event that allows people access to many an Oxford University treasure across the city, with free entry to its many beautiful buildings.

We decided to take a stroll through Christ Church, enjoying the cathedral, Tom Quad and great hall – with many a lovely photo opportunity. 

So, what did I think of the blue tartan check trousers?

This weekend also allowed me the perfect opportunity to embrace my Summer-meets-Autumn wardrobe with these oh so gorgeous Topshop blue tartan check trousers.

I love these trousers for three main reasons – any many more, let’s be honest. One, they are vibrant as, the blue stands out beautifully against the contrasting red and yellow. Two, they are high waisted and thus super cosy and a flattering fit. Three, tartan – it’s Autumn, so tartan! 

Teamed with a Boohoo oversized shirt and Zara heeled boots, this OOTD defines bright and bold meets smart-casusal. It is perfect dressed down in the day or up at night. These blue tartan check trousers are an all-day transitional dream.

What do you think of these blue tartan check trousers from Topshop? What’s in your autumn wardrobe? 

Stephanie xox

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OOTD: Studded Boots with Ego Shoes ?

Ego Shoes Studded Boots in Oxford - River Thames - The LDN Gal

Boohoo Jumper  – Topshop Jeans – Ego Shoes Boots

OOTD: Studded Boots with Ego Shoes

Me and Ego Shoes have a little bit of a love affair. Pretty new on the scene, they offer an incredible selection of affordable, stylish and quirky shoes.

Whether you are looking for pretty flats, enviable boots or sky high heels, Ego Shoes certainly have it and they have it in an array of styles and a variety of designs.

When I first saw the Jack Gold Studded Detail Biker Boot In Black Faux Leather, I instantly fell in love. I have to admit, they are pretty edgy but so much fun to dress up and down.

Ego Shoes Studded Boots - The LDN Gal

sO WHAT DID i THINK OF THESE STUDDED BOOTS?

These gorgeous biker boots feature allover stud detail, faux leather outer, thick soles and an easy slip on fit. The embellishment features a variety of different shaped studs, making for an interesting look.

They are literally so much fun to dress up and down – fabulous in the day with jeans and a cosy knitted jumper or great with a little black dress to evening drinks. Whether for a walk by the river or cocktails into the early hours, these boots have you set.

If you are looking some something a little more subtle, Ego Shoes have an incredible selection of studded boots.

What do you think of these studded boots? Do you like the studded style? 

Stephanie xox

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These Ego Shoes boots were exchanged for an honest review

OOTD: Boob Crop T-Shirt and a JEMIMASARA interview ?‍♀️

OOTD: Boob crop t-shirt by JEMIMASARA

When I discovered JEMIMASARA, I fell a little bit in love. An online store brimming with fantastic feminist and iconic clothing, tote bags, jewellery, prints and accessories, adorned with wonderful illustrations throughout.

Their unisex collection includes a selection of illustrations inspired by the ‘martini ladies’, and generally they are pretty quirky. The boob crop t-shirt is certainly a fun addition to any wardrobe, with a fantastic feminine print and rough cut finish.

I was very lucky that the wonderfully talented owner of JEMIMASARA, Jemima agreed to answering a few questions about her brand:

A JEMIMASARA interview

How did you go about establishing the brand?

2016 seemed a bad year for us all and for me it was a time when I personally hit rock bottom. I had forgotten all sense of self-love and confidence, due to a number of negative situations happening at the same time, and I had no idea how to bring these key elements back into my life. That’s when I realised I was drawing these naked ladies who “had martinis and loved themselves”. Overtime, I started becoming one of these carefree ladies, thus my alter ego was born. The illustrations helped me find my own confidence and self-love, so I wanted to share this. I want to share this path of recovery for others to use. In the future, I want to break into fashion, testing its conventions by not conforming, just as a ‘Martini Lady’ would do.

Have you always had an interest in illustration and fashion?

The word ‘fashion’ always scared me a little, I think of the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with the main character being this scary lady and a non-accepting environment. So no, I guess I didn’t, but now that I am creating fashion designs and illustrations and selling ready to wear collections; fashion and illustration has changed in my mind. Fashion and illustration is a way of expressing your thoughts, fears and passions for people to wear and have. They can express it in their own unique way too and this is something I have always wanted to do. I have always wanted to influence people and their life – to make them live a happier one and inspire them.

Your tops are fun and some even a little risque – what is your inspiration behind them?

The brand celebrates the female form through the creation of the “Martini Ladies” illustrations. These are positive, fun loving and risqué ladies with few boundaries, ladies who love themselves just the way they are. My clothing and designs is based on these women, just owning their life and doing what they want. My work seeks to find realism within the female form. I take influences from the Renaissance divine, Henri Matisse and the pin-up ladies of the 1920s. These influences have created my vision for ‘The Martini Lifestyle’.

What are ‘martini ladies’, did you coin the phrase? 

The brand celebrates the female form through the creation of the “Martini Ladies” illustrations. These women boast of their uninhibited self-worth for others to take inspiration from. The humorous illustrations I create are of positive, fun loving and risqué ladies with few boundaries, ladies who love themselves just the way they are!

The message of the ‘martini ladies’ is that I want everyone to feel beautiful, elegant and confident in his or her own right and I want to support and celebrate women around the world. So yes, I created the phase of ‘martini ladies’ or ‘the martini lifestyle’ so express this.

You promote self-love and confidence – what makes you feel confident? 

For me, self-love is about acceptance. Acceptance of your beautiful, individual imperfections. The things that make us who we are. That could be a scar, freckle, your little toe, bad habit or a hobby. These individual imperfections are always something we as humans find hard to accept, especially in our day and age where social media plays such a massive role in our life. For me, the most important daily aspect of self-love and confidence, is not to see yourself as a whole but to look at the things you enjoy about yourself and your strengths. It might be your eyes, your elbow or your goofy laugh, I don’t know, but to look at that ‘thing’, whatever it may be, and see it as a unique entity.

As I said before, self-love is about acceptance and for me that’s accepting something I like about myself every day. I usually do this in small ways as the main thing for me is accepting I am an artist and that others may appreciate my works. My designs/illustrations themselves were a road of recovery for me; they are my way of learning more about a different side to me which I am wanting to share and others to be influenced by. When I write the words in those speech bubbles, I feel empowered and actually it’s my way of accepting myself every day, making me feel more confident in my everyday life.

What is the future for JEMIMASARA?

I want JEMIMASARA to break into fashion and lifestyle and I want to break fashion conventions and traditions. JEMIMASARA is all about campaigning to empower women and men too – freeing themselves of boundaries imposed by modern life through illustrations and designs.

Do you have a message for the girls reading this? 

To any girl out there, just know that everyone struggles with themselves, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t. We all grow at different rates; we are all beautiful unique individuals. Don’t worry if you find it hard to get up in the morning, its normal. I find it hard every day and I preach self-love and confidence. Just know that acceptance is important. Accepting yourself and what you do.

Understanding that you, your hobbies and habits are beautiful and you are constantly moving forward and reaching for the stars.

What do you think of the JEMIMASARA boob crop t-shirt? What questions would you put to JEMIMASARA? 

Stephanie xox

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This boob crop t-shirt was exchanged for an honest review