London Haul- Primark, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret and Disney Store

What's a trip to London, without a little bit of shopping? 

When myself and Meg were in London we took it upon ourselves to buy so much stuff that we defiantly didn't, did need. 

Let's start with Primark. The Oxford Street Primark is both the most wonderful place, and the worst place. Wonderful, because of how much stuff they have there, and compared to my local Primark they have a hell of a lot of stuff. But its also the worst place, because of how busy it gets, and how cramped it gets, and how many clothes are thrown all over the floor. But me and Meg managed to look past all that and got some really cute bits. 

Starting with this pale green Summer dress. It has mesh parts on the straps, waist and hem of the dress. The back is also really pretty because part of it is cut out, but not the annoying kind of cut out where you can see half your bra. So I'm looking forward to wearing this in the Summer months.  

Pale green mesh dress- £13

For someone who hates birds (and believe me I do), I just couldn't help myself. It's so cute and for £3 it was a massive bargain! 

Flamingo canvas- £3

Primark's selection of plasic cups/ thermal cups is wonderful. I'd have them all if my Mum would let me. This cup will be perfect for me when I want to transport drinks during the Summer in my car. Plus its Frozen, so its super cute. 

Frozen cup- £2.50

Frilly socks are my weakness. I have a whole draw full of them, but whenever I see a pair its like; 'Well I haven't got this shade of purple'. But the ones with the sheep on are flipping adorable. 

Stripe frill socks- 75p
Sheer sheep socks- £1.50 

I'm someone who hates to have bare feet, so in the Summer pop socks become my best friend, because if you can't rock your cute ankle socks with your pair of shoes, then pop socks are my second choice. So when I saw these Lady and the Tramp ones I had to have them. 

Lady and the Tramp shoe liners- £2.50

Bit more Disney, because this is primarily a Disney blog after all. Plus I've been searching for these for ages. I love this style of Primark pyjama bottoms, because they are super comfy and cosy, and they have fitted ankles.  

Frozen pyjama bottoms- £7

Keeping with the pyjama theme, I picked up this pair of floral print shorts for the warmer weather, plus they were only £1. Bargain. 

Floral print pyjama shorts- £1 

They had a wide selection of shopper bags when I was there, they had a few Disney ones as well. But this one made me chuckle, and I thought it would make a good beach tote bag for when I go to Spain. 

Mermaid shopper bag- £1.50

Moving onto Forever 21. 

They had some lovely clothes, but nothing that I really looked at and thought 'I need that now', so I only picked up two jewellery items. One being this adorable little gold bunny necklace. Its really delicate and the rabbit reminded me of Peter Rabbit, so it was too cute not to buy.  

Rabbit necklace- £6

Then the second thing I brought was this princess crown ring, it is so damn pretty and looks like it should cost a lot more than it did. So Meg and I both got one. 

Meg's nails looking far more magical than mine

We then went to Victoria's Secret and they had a special offer on their fragrance mists, usually they are £13 each, but they were three for £24, so I got two and Meg got the free one. 

I spent forever trying to find the perfect scents, and these two were my favourite by far. Coconut Passion, smells how its sounds; of coconut. Then Pure Seduction is a mixture of red plum and freesia, and it smells SO GOOD. 

Victoria's Secret fragrance mists- £13 each, but discount meant
they were £8 each 

I've saved the most Disney for last. No London shopping trip would be complete without going to the Disney Store. We went to the Oxford Street one, and I show the store in a little more depth here. 

My birthday is coming up, so Meg was kind enough to get me one of my presents early, and that was the Alice in Wonderland soft toy doll. She brought me the Cheshire Cat for Christmas, and now I have an Alice to go with it. 

Alice soft doll- £16

When I went to Disneyland Paris in 2013 I brought a Lady soft toy, so I only felt it was right to buy a Tramp to go with her. 

My room is slowly turning into a five year old's room. 

Tramp plush- £18.95

That was everything that I brought from London, I am now saving the pennies for Summer.

Well attempting too. We will see how long it lasts. 

Cheerio!

Hannah

Small hotel rooms and S Club 7

I am a massive S Club 7 fan. When I was younger I wanted to be Hannah Spearritt, so when it was announced they were getting back for a reunion tour, I had to go. Especially since I never got to see them first time round when I was younger. So I felt like I would be fulfilling a childhood dream. 

I went with my best friend Megan, who I also went to Disneyland Paris with last year. (Posts about Disneyland can be found here). 

She lives in Devon so we don't get to see each other an awful lot, so when we do get together we make it count. 

On the Saturday I met her up in London after she got off her coach, we were both starving so went in search for a place to eat. We ended up eating at Ed's diner, and American styled diners are my favourite.   

I had a banana milkshake with an American styled hotdog, Meg had chicken dippers, and we shared chips. 

Then we went to go and find our hotel. We stayed at the Kensington Court Hotel in Notting Hill. 

Let me just set the scene, Meg and I turn up both with fairly heavy suitcases, the lady on the desk gives us our key, and two wifi codes (which I thought was very good), she says we're in room 16. Ok, sure, fine. 

No. 

Defiantly not ok, little did we know that room 16 was at the top of the building, so we heaved our suitcases up the stairs (there was no lift), and when we reach our room we open the door, we look at one side of the room with the bed, 'ah lovely, comfy looking bed'. We continue to pan across the rest of the room,.. oh wait. Where is the rest of the room? The room was tiny. Then it hits us. Where is the bathroom? 

We fall down in fits of laugher, both because it was hilariously funny because the room was so tiny and didn't have any sign of a bathroom, but also because we'd just walked up God knows how many stairs to find a box room with no shower or toilet. 

Turns out I'd booked us a room with a 'shared toilet and shower', that were on the floor below us. So all we had was a sink. After we'd composed ourselves we headed to a local corner shop to get some drinks, then we started to get ready for S Club! 

This was what I wore- 

Glittery jumpsuit- Topshop
Bag- Topshop
Kitten heels- Dorothy Perkins 

We attempted to wear heels, but after we got halfway down the road we changed into our flats. 

Classy. Real classy. 

We arrived at the O2 in really good time. So I obviously got a program

And how can you go to a concert and not get a T-shirt? 

I do apologise for all the creases, it had just come straight out of the wash. 

We took our seats, popcorn in tow and waited for the show to begin. 

S Club's support act was a guy named AJ Lehrman, and he was a unpretentious version of Justin Bieber, (sorry Beliebers). He was really sweet, and had that boy next door essence about him. 

Then it was the moment we'd all been waiting for. S Club 7. 

They open the concert with 'Bring the house down'. 

And boy did they bring the house down, they were fantastic, all of them were on point. I especially liked how everyone got their little individual moment, like Rachel got to sing some of her solo songs from her album which was nice, and nostalgic, because I remember having her songs on CD too. 

They sang all the classics like, Reach, Natural, Never Had a Dream Come True, and Have You Ever. 

But a massive highlight for me was when they sang 'Uptown Funk'. 

I had the best time, and would relive it everyday if I could, but I'm just incredibly happy I finally got the see them live. 

After the show finished in an effort to avoid getting on a super crowded tube train, Meg and I decided to have a drink at one of the bars at the O2. While we were sitting there having a drink suddenly security guards turned up and started manning the stairs leading to the second floor of the bar. Next thing we knew the whole band one by one started turning up and going to the after party upstairs. Rachel even made direct eye contact with us and smiled. Best moment ever. 

After being starstruck we made our way back to our hotel (box) room. 

It wasn't that bad really. As we were getting ready for bed Meg decided she wanted to wash her hair, and understandably she didn't want to go down to the next level at 1 o'clock in the morning. So we washed it in the sink. Not one of our best ideas I must say. But we powered through. 

The next day we had planned a whole shopping day, and dessert at Ed's diner. 

We went down for breakfast and were greatly surprised with the turn out. There were even pain au chocolat. If that doesn't say posh I don't know what does. 

After we'd filed up on croissants we headed over to Oxford Street. Not before taking some Instagram worthy pictures. 

The whole outfit I wore was from Primark, apart from the bag, which was from Topshop. 

Ooooo London sign, so arttyyyy. 

After spending too much money in Primark, we then spend a lifetime in the Disney Store. It just had to be done. 

Obviously because of the new Cinderella film the whole store was decorated accordingly.  

Of course we had a picture in the carriage. 

Sadly there wasn't one in my size. 

Cute classic Disney 

 After braving both Primark and the Disney Store we were pretty hungry, so we had lunch at this cute English pub just off Oxford Street. Can't beat a bit of pub grub. 

Then we carried on shopping, and I'll be uploading a separate post of everything I brought in London, so keep your eyes peeled for that. 

We then felt like it was time to go to Ed;s Diner again. I mean it had been over 24 hours since our last visit.  

We both went for pancakes with maple syrup and ice cream. They were honestly the best pancakes I have ever had. 

It was then time to bid farewell to Meg, saying goodbye is never fun, but I just can't wait for the next fun thing we get to do together. 

I had such a brilliant weekend, and can't wait to be reunited with Meg again. 

Good friends are like stars. 

You don't always see them, but you know they are always  there.

Cheerio! 

Hannah  

The Disney Tag

So I'm back with another Disney themed post, surprise surprise. This is the Disney Tag, and I saw this on Ellie Steadman's You Tube channel . I thought I'd give it a whirl because who doesn't love a good chit chat about Disney related things?

1. What Disney scene do you wish you could experience?

Defiantly the boat scene/ I See the Light, between Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder in Tangled. Its such a beautiful scene, and is one of my all time favourite Disney songs. Plus how amazing would all those floating lights look?  

2. The first time that you went to Disney? 

The first Disney Park that I went to was Disneyland in California, which was the original Disney park, it was in 2002, and I was 6 and a half.

Little me with Alice

3. Your best memory from a Disney Park?

I've been lucky enough to go to three different Disney Parks, multiple times, so it is so hard to pick just one memory, because each park is so different. But I'd have to say probably the first time I watched the Disney Dreams lights show the first time I went to Disneyland Paris in 2013. I basically cried the whole way through, but mostly at the part where Quasimodo climbed up the castle and sang part of the song 'Out There' in French. I wept.

'Out there, strolling by the Seine, taste a morning out there' 

But another magical moment was when I was little and I was at the California Disneyland, and I was brought a Princess Jasmine costume, I remember being so excited to wear it, and literally putting it on straight away in the park.

So sassy 

4. A song that reminds you of being at Disney 

Apart from the parade songs like 'Magic everywhere' from Paris, probably 'A Friend Like Me' from Aladdin, because it always makes me think of that part in the Disney Dreams light show where all the turrets are moving and fire sparks up from the castle. 

5. A Disney character that you would want to be your best friend?

So many to choose from? I mean do I go for an animal best friend, or princess best friend? Part of me really wants to say Hamm from Toy Story, because I find him hilarious plus he could keep your money safe? But leading lady wise, I think I'd want to be best friends with Esmeralda, from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She is kind, strong and sassy, so you know she'd always have your back. Plus her side kick, Jolly, is awesome. 

'I'm Phoebus, it means Sun God' 

6. What is the first Disney film that you remember watching?

I watched Disney from a very young age, but I remember watching Lady and the Tramp, because I never used to understand the whole 'Jim dear' and 'Darling' thing, I do now though. 

There's little me, loving life with all my dogs, and Lady and the Tramp
on in the background

I also remember I had a video with Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast taped from the telly on it, because in between the adverts of Sleeping Beauty there was a Tetley Tea advert and its always stuck in my mind. 

7. Favourite Disney Princess?

Ever since I can remember Aurora from Sleeping Beauty has always been my favourite princess. I have no idea why, because I was never really into the film when I was little, maybe I just loved the fact she had two princess dresses. Who knows? 

'Make it pink' 

8. A scene in a Disney film that makes you cry

There are several Disney moments that make me cry, but one of the worst is the scene in Pocahontas where John Smith is tied up in the tent because he's going to be killed, and Pocahontas says that she wished he'd never met her and he says the line; 'I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you'. It makes me weep every time.

9. What is a Disney film that will make you feel better no matter what?

The Emperors New Groove. Hands down. The whole film is just hilarious, and I can basically recite it word for word. I think that Emperor Kuzco is one of my favourite Disney characters. 

10. What is your favourite Disney film?

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, without a doubt. This has been my favourite since I was 3, my mum says that I would watch it and then as soon as it was finished I'd ask to watch it again. It's rather strange that a 3 year old would love this film so much, because compared to the other Disney films its actually really dark and some of the lyrics are so deep; 'Why invite their calumny and consternation, stay in here'. I mean what 3 year old would even know what any of that meant? 

11. Favourite Disney song?

How can you pick?! I mean it depends what mood you're in, if you're feeling up beat and jazzy then 'Zero to Hero' from Hercules is fab, or 'I'll Make a Man Out of You' (Mulan). But if you're feeling slightly more chilled then maybe something like 'Beauty and the Beast'. Then what about solo songs?! Like 'Just Around the River Bend' (Pocahontas) , or 'Strangers Like Me' (Tarzan), or 'Why Should I Worry' (Oliver and Company). There is just such variety. 

But for my favourite song I shall pick 'Out There' from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the whole song is just amazing, the score is beautiful and the lyrics are wonderful. Claps go to Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, bravo gents.  

So they are my answers for the Disney Tag. Leave me a comment saying your favourite Disney film, or tell me your answers to the tag. I just love knowing peoples favourite things about Disney. 

Cheerio! 

Hannah

'Have courage and be kind'- Cinderella Swarovski Exhibition

What better way to get myself back into the blogosphere than a good old Disney post? 

Now, unless you've been living on a Disney-less planet the past few months you'll have no idea about the new live action Cinderella film, and this whole post will be wasted on you. But for those who HAVE seen the film, well then you can swoon over Cinders spectacular blue dress with me (and boy did I swoon). 

When I watched the film in the Cinema first time round with my sister and nieces, one; I thought the film was fab, and Lily James played Cinderella, or 'Ella', sooo well, two Helena Bonham Carter was fabulous, as always, and three Cate Blanchett was so wickedly evil as Lady Tremaine. 

But what stole the film for me were the costumes. All of the costumes were incredible, but of course Cinderella's blue ball gown stole the show, and I found myself literally mesmerised during the ball scene where she dances with the prince. The way the material flowed and moved captivated me, it was the epitome of the perfect princess dress. 

So of course when I see that Swarovski are putting on an exhibition in London showcasing the costumes and the set designs from the new film I knew I HAD to go. 

And of course Mumma Drake came too. 

The outside of the exhibition

The exhibition was from the 21st of March till the 10th of April 2015 in the Leicester Square Gardens, and there were 22 amazing costumes and 100's of original props from the film. 

The Heritage Gallery:

This was the first room of the exhibition and this was where they showcased Disney's animated version of Cinderella, and they had loads of original never before seen artwork and archive artefacts from the Disney Vault. 

Cinderella's Home:

This was the second room, and this was where you saw the costumes that Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drisella arrived at Cinderella's home in, as well as her father's study, original props from when she is a little girl at the beginning of the film, and family portraits. 

I love that throughout the film each stepsister has a signature colour for each of their costumes, pink/peach for Anastasia and yellow for Drisella. 

What I particularly love about these dresses is that each flower was hand painted on. So it shows how much time an effort went into each costume. 

Lady Tremaine's costumes are brilliant, because they are dramatic to bring out the evil stepmother character, but they are also elegant, so it doesn't make her seem pantomime-like. 

Interesting fact about Lady Tremaine's costumes are that the colour green was a key theme in most of her dresses to highlight the envy and jealousy she feels towards Cinderella. 

Cinderella's Father's Study

Cinderella's childhood toys

The Cellar:

This was where you saw Cinderella's first costume, her blue rags dress. Which I actually really like. I love the simplicity of the dress, and the detail at the bottom is a lovely touch, because it contrasts nicely with the stepsisters extravagant brightly coloured dresses. 

Actual bells from the film

Cinderella's mice friends. 

The Garden:

This was where the magic starts to kick in, first you see Cinderella's torn pink dress, along with the un-transformed Fairy Godmother cloak. 

Then as you turn you see the Fairy Godmothers sparkling glittery white dress. The hair, dress and make-up shimmer with more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals! I wish it was social acceptable for me to wear sparkly crystals in my hair everyday. I somehow think certain people may not be so accepting of that desire. 

The Palace Forecourt 

So magical 

As you came out the other side of the carriage you entered the ball, and midnight changes everything. 

The Royal Ball:

Now here's the moment we've all been waiting for... 

Cinderella's breath taking blue ball gown. 

It's created from 24 layers of tulle, has a circumference of 11.6 metres and is embellished with over 10,000 iridescent Aurora Borealis Swarovski crystals. 

I bet Lily James felt like a giant disco ball wearing that dress! But who wouldn't want to sparkle all night long. 

Who knew someone could fan-girl so much over a dress? 

As I said earlier, the colours of the stepsisters ball gowns match the dresses they wear earlier in the film. Which to me symbolises how their characters do not change or grow. Where as Cinderella's change from the plain rags dress, into the beautiful ball gown shows how her dress now matches her inner beauty and kindness. (That is literally just my opinion, it is probably completely wrong, ha!). 

Stepsisters ball gowns. 

Lady Tremaine's ball gown

Then came one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. Coming from a girl who loves shoes and all things sparkly, these really were a treat for the eyes. 

Considering they are one of the key elements of the Cinderella story I think that they are incredible, and having them made from solid Swarovski crystal really gave them the wow factor.  

Sandy Powell designed the shoes and the costumes, and Swarovski created the slippers. They took 150 hours of design time and six versions were created before they got the perfect shoe. They are based on a shoe design from the 1890's. They're not an actual size, e.g. like a size 4 or 5, because they are apparently sculpted to Lily James' feet. 

Once I'd managed to gather myself and drag myself away from all the sparkly dresses, we moved into the final room of the exhibition which was where they had some more information on the costumes, with pictures of the dresses in the film, with their design sketches next to them. 

I love comparing design sketches to the final outcome. I find it so amazing how something on paper can be brought to life and look so beautiful. 

I clearly did not want to leave. 

There was a gift shop, so obviously I had to buy something, mainly because I have no self control, but still. They had loads of beautiful Cinderella dresses, but sadly they didn't have any sizes to cater to a 19 year old, funny that. So I settled on this gorgeous statement necklace instead. It was £30, which was quite pricey, but my reasoning was that; statement necklaces are on trend, so I can be stylish and still feel like a princess. Win, win. 

Plus you can literally pay like £20 for some on the high street anyway. 

Princess necklace

So that was the Cinderella exhibition, I'm so happy I went and I cannot get over how incredible all the costumes are. Round of applause for Sandy Powell please, what a talented woman. 

That's all for now! 

But remember; 

'Have courage and be kind. For where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness there is magic'

Cheerio! 

Hannah