The Botanist

Botanist - a biologist specialising in the study of plants

The botanist is a shabby chic, unique pub/bar located just on the outside of the new centre Trinity that opened on March 21st 2013 in Leeds. Operated by the New World Pub Company which funnily enough is exactly how I'd describe it, a different type of 'pub' with a classy and rustic edge. The Botanist has a varied selection of drinks with over 40 bottled ciders and beers from around the world, cask conditioned-ales and a selection of the finest champagnes also, so there really is something for everybody on the drinks front.

 This is replicated with their food as there's a large choice of deli-style cuisine with a rotisserie and barbecue, unfortunately if you're a vegetarian like I am there aren't many choices for you (Technically I'm a pescatarian so I could choose from the fish dishes also, however they were limited too with just fish and chips on the menu) !! I chose a Halloumi & vegetables kebab with cous cous which was delicious and very filling.

As a Botany is plant related, there's a very earthy feel to the place, and a noticeable leafy/floral theme with wrought iron leaves and floral decorations suspended over the outdoor seating area, vines and flowers pretty much everywhere you look inside and even floral decorations on the plates. I think these are great touches assisting it in living up to it's name as I always find it annoying when a restaurant has a specialised name which has no relevance to the place whatsoever.  

The botanist is such a lovely pub/bar with a calm, relaxing surroundings, the staff wear quite old fashioned grocer-like uniforms with braces and everything so it really adds to the atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend it for a nice meal or drinks with friends, family or your partner...

... and an added bonus, if you fill out the comment card after your meal, 

you get a free bottle of wine on your birthday,

 not bad ey just for that i'd call this place a winner !!! 

Afternoon Tea - Cosmopolitan Hotel

Yesterday I went to the Cosmopolitan Hotel In Leeds, for afternoon tea with my mum after a lovely day shopping. The staff were extremely welcoming and helpful and the atmosphere was perfect with quiet relaxing music giving us the chance to chat and enjoy all of the  

sweet and savory goodies placed in front of us. 

(We definitely gave it a go but we couldn't finish all of the yummy cakes, :( booo).  

  I would certainly recommend afternoon tea at the modern, newly refurbished hotel, 

bar and restaurant to have a catch up with friends or after a girls day shopping.

 Mini sandwiches, tea or coffee, scones, cakes and champagne, I can't think of a better way to wind down especially if your shopping trips are anything like mine usually very long and pretty hectic.

OOTD - Night owl

Dress - ASOS (sold out - similar)// Heels - Christian Louboutin Highness Arabesque

I thought I'd share the outfit I'm planning to wear on Saturday for my friends birthday night out with you. The bodycon bandeau  dress was from the premium range at ASOS (I've only just discovered ASOS premium, they have some gorgeous dresses definitely check it out). The heels are my super high, Highness Arabesque Loubies (Christian Louboutins). They are my highest pair of shoes and I've had to take time out to practice walking in them mainly because I managed to fall over in the Louboutin shop when trying them on and got laughed at by the security man, so I definitely don't want a repeat of that in a crowded place.

Whilst on the topic of designer shoes just a reminder about Protect your pumps which is a non slip transparent adhesive, to protect your soles, they aren't very pricey and are definitely worth buying as there's no point paying so much money for shoes to then let them get badly scratched and dirty. 

The lip stain i'm wearing looks slightly brighter in real life, I got it in a glossybox and I love it. The stain is by Jelly Pong Pong, it's very moisturising and the colour (Cranberry) lasts the whole day. It looks like a crayon (similar to Revlon Just Bitten) which I prefer to the liquid stains as the colour doesn't last or show up as well. I'd certainly recommend it, they come in marshmallow pink as well, a lovely colour which is described as soft petal pink on the website, undoubtedly my next beauty purchase :) . 

OOTD - Kiss From A Rose

Shirt - MinkPink (sold out) - (similar 1,2)// Top - H&M ( still available in store, but similar here)// Heels - Asos// Leggings - Primark 

Today was ridiculously windy but quite warm, the perfect weather to wear a shirt like a jacket so you don't catch the chills but you're also not boiling hot in a big coat. I adore this shirt it's so bright and vibrant, I even love looking at it when its hung up in my room as it livens the place up; very multipurpose doubling as room decor :p. When I bough this shirt by MinkPink on Asos there were some matching trousers, however I don't think I would ever wear them as a pair, i'm sure someone could pull them off but certainly not for me. I believe that bright pieces work best with neutrals so you don't look too OTT or clown like (there's nothing worse than people thinking you've just escaped from the circus). 

The heels are also from Asos they were on sale for £12.50 which is insanely cheap for some nice peep toe shoes so I couldn't resist. They are very comfortable, strangely enough I can walk around for a longer time in these than in my Chelsea boots. The plain blouse is from H&M it's a lovely chiffon type material that reminds me of zara blouses where the quality can definitely be seen and felt. The long black vest top underneath is the 'I hate my thighs' top once again as explained in the previous post.

OOTD - Red Soles

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Gold spiked peplum top - Daisystreet// Basic skirt - H&M// Highness Arabesque Heels - Christian Louboutin 

This outfit would be perfect for dinner in a nice restaurant, I love how easy it is to put together and inexpensive (apart from the heels of course). You can get a basic black skirts from many places for under £5 mine is from H&M but i'm sure they sell them at Primark, Topshop and river island. For a dinner its always nice to pair the skirt with a simple black top with a few statement features like the gold spikes and the asymmetric back, or a statement necklace if the top is plain. 

Designer heels (Louboutins in particular) have the ability to make most outfits look smart, classy and fashionable. I definitely recommend saving for some designer shoes the quality is instantly noticeable and the guarantee that they will remain intact for a life time makes them worth the price. Just make sure you try them on in store and walk around in them on carpet and a hard surface as I discovered mine were a little tight when I got them home, so I had to have them stretched :(.

 To protect your red soles from scratching I recommend Protect your pumps which is a non slip transparent adhesive, these are amazing the soles on mine still look brand new even though they've been worn numerous times. 

OOTD - Tailored

Trousers - Zara (similar 1,2,3 and 4)// Heels - Asos (suede version here)// T shirt - H&M// scarf - Vintage shop - (many similar here)// bag -River Island (similar 1,2,3)  

I usually wear leggings most of the time, but when I saw these trousers on the Zara I fell in love with them. They are so different in that they look like tracksuit bottoms and tailored trousers at the same time like a classy take on a casual item, the faux leather pockets are a gorgeous addition also. These trousers are sold out not i think they only lasted on the website about 1 week (understandably) but I have found many similar pairs at Zara (as outlined above). 

I have paired these trousers with a basic white v neck T-shirt from H&M which is tucked in to cinch in the waist and showcase the high waist of the trousers, a bright vintage scarf to liven up the outfit and some small heels which help to give the trousers a tailored smart look. This can also be reversed to make the trousers look casual and dressed down with a plain top that isn't tucked in and a pair of converse or plain pumps from Topshop.  

Day at the park...

Today my boyfriend and I went to Tropical world and Roundhay park in Leeds. Here are a few pictures from the day -

Roundhay Park Mansion 

Tropical world is a gorgeous indoor tropical garden, they have a large collection of exotic plants and  animals (shown in the pictures) such as Meerkats,bats and snakes etc. This is such a lovely attraction for anybody, a huge plus point is that it's boiling inside and at times you feel as though you've been transported to the Caribbean. Living in the countryside I see farm animals constantly but the animals in Tropical world are so unusual and fascinating, I have been here 2 times this month and it never gets boring. The price of admission is extremely reasonable also at just £3.40 for adults and £2.30 for kids which is far from the prices at many zoos where you have to walk around outside freezing all day (British weather Yuk) .

Roundhay Park (situated across the road from Tropical world), is a beautiful public park covering over 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland. I generally tend to just walk anywhere as I've been going to the park since I was young, however there are several marked paths and trails to follow which make for a lovely walk on a sunny day (always better with a dog). Roundhay park are the grounds of The Mansion which is a listed classical building that is currently used as a venue for weddings and other events. Additionally there is a restaurant/cafe called The Garden Room, I haven't eaten there in the evening but iv'e been there in the day many times and it is such a nice, picturesque place to get tea and scones after a walk in the park.