The Leeds Lifestyle

The best thing about Leeds is that there is always something happening here, meaning it’s pretty much impossible to get bored of the place. Through living here I have come to know the best places to go, the cheapest cocktail joints and the perfect places to shop, it would be rude not to share them with you.

I have lived in Leeds for almost 3 years and I have developed a huge love for the city. I have had time to explore this vibrant stomping ground and try out every happy hour on Park Row, but I finally feel that it’s about time I share my loves in a hopeful bid to make them your loves too. I hope you can find it in your heart to cherish the following places and live my ‘Leeds Lifestyle’, even if it is just for the day.

SHOPPING

Trinity - Trinity Leeds is a brand new shopping centre right in the heart of Leeds city centre. It opened in March of this year with a huge opening ceremony attended by thousands. Trinity has a fantastic diverse range of shops from Hollister and Mango to Urban Outfitters and the highly anticipated Victoria’s Secrets. It has all of the favorite high street names along with a few unique brands, there is something for all ages and styles, so no one will be disappointed.

Victoria Quarter- The Victoria Quarter (VQ) is known as Leeds most prestigious and exclusive shopping arcade. It is in the heart of the City just off the main shopping street and features an array of designer shops and expensive brands. VQ is home to Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Paul Smith amongst many other high end brands. This is definitely the place if you want something very special and are prepared to spend that little bit more.

Blue Rinse – Blue Rinse is a very unique shop that is situated next to the corn exchange in the city centre. They sell one of kind vintage/ retro pieces that have been salvaged, cleaned and adapted to make beautiful garments. If you have an eye for kitsch old school pieces then blue rinse is perfect for a one off, individual item.

EATING OUT

Reds BBQ – Reds is known by everyone in Leeds as the best place to go for amazing American food.  It has the best ribs, available with any side you can think off, but you have to try the famous, ‘Donut Burger’, which consists of 2 beef burgers with layers of cheese and relish in between 2 sugary glazed donuts, it doesn't sound like it would work but it really really does!

Neon Cactus – The perfect place to go if you’re just feeling a little peckish. Neon Cactus is a Mexican restaurant which a twist, instead of your standard Mexican mains they do Mexican tapas. At 3 tapas dishes for £8 this place is great value for money and has a great lively atmosphere along with the best Mojito’s in town.

Angelica -  This brand new up market restaurant is new to the Leeds dining scene. It opened in March on Level 6 of Trinity Leeds meaning it boasts amazing panoramic views of the city. The food is a little pricey but well worth it, especially the lobster macaroni! This is the perfect place to go for a special occasion or if you just fancy a special treat.

Nightlife

Mooks – This is the one bar in Leeds that I go to at least once a week, its upbeat , fun and full of students, but the best thing about it is that all cocktails are 2-4-1 on weekdays meaning it is the cheapest cocktail joint in the city! I usually visit Mooks as the first stop on a night out but it is also nice during the evening for a few drinks and won’t break the bank.

The Alchemist - This bar is on another level! The recently opened Alchemist in another amazing place at the brand new trinity Leeds. It sells the most imaginative and tantalising cocktails I have ever seen. There’s everything smoking glass teapots to seemingly never ending jugs. Everything about this place is amazing, the only down point is that the queue is usually huge in the evening , so go in the afternoon to avoid waiting forever to get in.

Mint – Mint had just celebrated its 20^th Birthday and is still as popular now as it was back then. Mint primarily plays house music and often has events in which the best house DJ’s from all over Europe come and play at the venue, which is famous within the house music scene. Mint is quite a small venue so it is best to buy tickets as soon as possible for events and nights out.

Pink Hue

It’s obvious to see that pink is the colour of choice in the fashion world at the moment. Pink is everywhere engulfing us on the high street and taking over on the catwalk. Pastel pink is the ‘IT’ colour for spring and is very hard to shy away from it.

I've always thought that my blonde hair combined with any shade of pink makes me look Barbie like and far to girly, but I must say I am starting to shed these thoughts and embrace this pink fashion fad. It is defiantly an appropriate colour for spring and can look extremely sweet teamed with other pastel hues.

I have a feeling that this spring I may look a little like a walking sweet shop or some sort of lollipop from the set of a Katy Perry tour but I will deal with the consequences purely because I'm a pastel pink super fan.

Here are a few high street pastel pink faves ...

New look Checked skirt: Checked and pink, ticking off two trends at once
Kurt Geiger Courts: These shoes are the epitome of spring fashion
Kurt Geiger Clutch: Simple, Classic and the perfect size
Topshop Jumper: As cuddly as it is cute
Topshop Scrunchie: A pretty take on 90's grunge
River Island Boyfriend Coat: The perfect coat for spring

Mulberry S/S 14

                 

Oh My Gosh!

Cara+ Tea Party + Animals, isn’t that just genius?

Mulberry have done it again! They have come up with a summer/ spring 2014 campaign that is pretty much perfection. Not only do we all have a major girl crush on Cara Delavigne, we adore animals and could demolish a tea party in seconds. They have done all this whilst being true to their roots and conveying a real British element, nothing is more British than a tea party.

Tim Walker really has excelled himself in this shoot, so has Cara. Together they have created a truly magical campaign which I’m sure will capture the hearts of the nation.This is definitely one of my favourite campaigns by a fashion house; to be honest I think it might actually be my favourite.

Mulberry, you never cease to amaze me. 

Lust List #01

So the January blues are truly setting in, Christmas and new year are long gone and Easter seems so far away in the future that it’s not even worth day dreaming about. Back to the hard slog we all go, in my case its final semester of third year which is proving to be the hardest most stressful time of my educational life to date, but what else did I expect really?

The only good point at the moment seems to be the fact that I have had a big wad of money transferred into my account in the form of student finance. To give me a well earned break from grafting on my dissertation I tend to daydream about how I am going to spend this loan of mine. The sensible options would be to fill my empty cupboards with food, or pay a smidgen of my student overdraft off but in all honesty I’m not going to be sensible with it, what student is?

Dissertation writing  is giving way to procrastination today and by this I mean procrastination of what beautiful items I am going to buy with my oh so wonderful loan . So following are the items that I am lusting after this week. 

Topshop Pale Pink Coat: The perfect coat for spring 

Zara Black Studded Sandals: I love sandals and I love studs, they could not be more perfect 

Zara Flower Necklace: Lusting after this for months, I need it in my life

Mulberry Envolope Clutch: A girl can Dream ...

Topshop MOTO Denim Dress: Huge fan of denim any time of the year 

Topshop Pyjama Shirt: Adore this to wear in the daytime, it's fair to precious to wear to bed

Lipstick Loves

Like many girls I am a lipstick hoarder, I have hundreds of lipsticks all similar shades of pink or red but all this hoarding has paid off. So after spending what will probably have been a ridiculous amount of money on lipsticks that I don’t like, haven’t suited me or have made my lips dryer than the Nevada desert, I have finally found a diminutive array of colours that I adore and wear every day. These have been my go to shades for the winter so far and I’m sure they I will continue to favour them well into spring.

1    MAC – Costa Chic -£15.00

MAC’s Costa Chic lipstick is such an easy colour to wear every day, it keeps the lips moist whilst brightening the face with a warm coral colour. This shade is perfect for daytime wear and goes with pretty much every outfit, it’s just the right amount of subtle shimmer.

2     MAC – RiRi Hearts Pleasure Bomb - $16.50

This is a shade that is currently only available in the US, I begged my dad to get hold of it for me on a recent visit to the states as I had heard good things about it. I was proved right when he brought it back for. The only problem now is I can’t get hold of it again. This is the perfect shade to wear on a night out as it lasts forever and is so bold it makes your lips glow.

3     Topshop – Brighton Rock - £8

After constantly using my housemates I decided that it was about time I brought Brighton Rock for myself.  This is by far my favourite Topshop lipstick and I am finding I wear it far too often now I have one of my own. I love how bright it is, how long it lasts for and it goes on like a dream.

4   Rimmel – Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss shade 110 - £5.49

I am a huge fan of the Kate Moss for Rimmel range; I think they are such good value for money and really good quality. This shade is my favourite shade of red, it’s quite pale for a red yet I feel it is easier to wear than the average bold red shade which I find harsh against my skin tone.

5     Rimmel -Lasting Finish by Kate Moss shade 116 - £5.49

Another shade from Kate Moss’s Rimmel range. This is such a nice pinky coral colour that is perfect for everyday wear, it’s a very subtle colour and manages to give your lips just the right amount of colour without looking to made up.

Leeds City Guide 2013

The best thing about Leeds is that there is always something happening here meaning it’s pretty much impossible to get bored of the place. Through living here I have come to know the best places to go, the cheapest cocktail joints and the perfect places to shop.

I have lived in Leeds for almost 2 years and I have developed a huge love for the city. I have had time to explore this vibrant city and try out every happy hour on Park Row but I finally feel that it’s about time I share my loves in a hopeful bid to make them your loves too. I hope you can find it in your heart to cherish the following places and live my ‘Leeds Lifestyle’ , even if  it is just for the day.

SHOPPING

Trinity -  Trinity Leeds is a brand new shopping centre right in the heart of Leeds city centre. It opened in March of this year with a huge opening ceremony attended by thousands. Trinity has a fantastic diverse range of shops from Hollister and Mango to Urban Outfitters and the highly anticipated Victoria’s Secrets. It has all of the favourite high street names along with a few unique brands, there is something for all ages and styles, so no one will be disappointed.

Victoria Quarter- The Victoria Quarter (VQ) is known as Leeds most prestigious and exclusive shopping arcade. It is in the heart of the City just off the main shopping street and features an array of designer shops and expensive brands. VQ is home to Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Paul Smith amongst many other high end brands. This is definitely the place if you want something very special and are prepared to spend that little bit more.

Blue Rinse – Blue Rinse is a very unique shop that is situated next to the corn exchange in the city centre. They sell one of kind vintage/ retro pieces that have been salvaged, cleaned and adapted to make beautiful garments. If you have an eye for kitsch old school pieces then blue rinse is perfect for a one off, individual item.

EATING OUT

Reds BBQ – Reds is known by everyone in Leeds as the best place to go for amazing American food.  It has the best ribs, available with any side you can think off, but you have to try the famous, ‘Donut Burger’, which consists of 2 beef burgers with layers of cheese and relish in between 2 sugary glazed donuts, it doesn't sound like it would work but it really really does!

Neon Cactus – The perfect place to go if you’re just feeling a little peckish. Neon Cactus is a Mexican restaurant which a twist, instead of your standard Mexican mains they do Mexican tapas. At 3 tapas dishes for £8 this place is great value for money and has a great lively atmosphere along with the best Mojito’s in town.

Angelica -  This brand new up market restaurant is new to the Leeds dining scene. It opened in March on Level 6 of Trinity Leeds meaning it boasts amazing panoramic views of the city. The food is a little pricey but well worth it, especially the lobster macaroni! This is the perfect place to go for a special occasion or if you just fancy a special treat.

COCKTAIL BARS

Trio – Trio is an Italian based bar and restaurant in Headingly. Trio’s bar is on the second floor and does to-die-for cocktails. The bar itself has a nice relaxed ambience and very friendly bar tenders who can conjure up cocktails in seconds. The Raspberry Daiquiri and the Breakfast Martini are my personal favourites.

Mooks – This is the one bar in Leeds that I go to at least once a week, its upbeat , fun and full of students, but the best thing about it is that all cocktails are 2-4-1 on weekdays meaning it is the cheapest cocktail joint in the city! I usually visit Mooks as the first stop on a night out but it is also nice during the evening for a few drinks and won’t break the bank.

The Alchemist - This bar is on another level! The recently opened Alchemist in another amazing place at the brand new trinity Leeds. It sells the most imaginative and tantalising cocktails I have ever seen. There’s everything smoking glass teapots to seemingly never ending jugs. Everything about this place is amazing, the only down point is that the queue is usually huge in the evening , so go in the afternoon to avoid waiting forever to get in.

NIGHT LIFE

Mission – This club has appealing values to all types of people, it is famous for its gay nights as well as for its diverse playlists. They play everything from R n B to deep house so whatever floats your boat Mission will do it, I guarantee. The best nights to go are on Thursdays and Saturdays, so make it your mission to give it a visit!

Mint – Mint had just celebrated its 20^th Birthday and is still as popular now as it was back then. Mint primarily plays house music and often has events in which the best house DJ’s from all over Europe come and play at the venue, which is famous within the house music scene. Mint is quite a small venue so it is best to buy tickets as soon as possible for events and nights out.

Halo  -  This club is like nothing you've ever seen before. Halo is a church that has been converted into a club and it really is an experience seeing as the interior is so incredible. They play chart music and often do cheap nights with cheap drinks which Is great for students, or anyone on a budget!

"When you travel you see the world in a new light..."

So, i have spent 20 wonderful years of my life living in England , and i love the UK, but i have recently realised that there is so much more of the world to experience. Last year i took a step back and thought about what i really wanted to get out of life? 

I concluded that my two biggest ambitions were to get a degree and see the world. 

I'm in my third year at University so im halfway there with the whole degree thing, it was just the seeing the world thing that needed to be put into motion, so the next day i began saving all my spare pennies so that i could book myself a little adventure. 

I may have only been on this planet for almost 21 years but i am lucky enough to say i have seen a fair share of beautiful places in my time. Everywhere is different. Everywhere is unique. Everywhere shows you something new. Everywhere leads you to new people, people with exciting stories to tell, people with inspiring aspirations. I may have seen many places but there are still thousands that i haven't .

I want to surf in Hawaii. I want to ride an elephant in Sri Lanka. I want to visit family in New Zealand. I want to ski inthe the Rockies. I want to walk the Sydney harbour bridge. I want to gamble in Vegas. I want to go to the full moon party. I want to party in Ayai Napa. I want to see a broadway show in New York. I want to go on safari in Kenya. I want to watch the sunset in Fiji.

So after saving  all my wages and spare cash for a few months i decided that the time had come to book my first ticket out of here. So in April I very excitedly booked a flight to Bangkok, which turned out to be the best decsion of my life to date!

C x