Get outta town.

Houses in Didsbury, Manchester

When you're done spritzing that anti-pollution toner all over your face (guilty), it's an idea to jump on a tram and head out of town, even if just for a day. And that's exactly what Tori and I did. We explored Burton Road and Didsbury in South Manchester for an entire Saturday, and walked a very long way in the process! I could wax lyrical about how much I like the area, but I'll let the 'grams do the talking, and ice cream recommending. 👇 Of course I shoved my camera into Tori's hands to take some photos in front of the beautiful houses in Didsbury, so apologies for publishing more photos of my ugly mug. Feel free to scroll on by. If you know of any more Manchester districts I need to see, then definitely comment below as I'm always on the lookout for more recommendations.

In what would appear to be my monthly "how stressed is Rebecca Cohen this time?" update, this week's not been totally great on the chill factor, but I'm feeling rather positive about the week coming up. I'm heading down to London for a shoot tonight, then hopefully will have a full week in Manchester rather than heading halfway across the country multiple times. Since my last blog post, I've done rather a lot: from heading to London and back in an evening for an awards event, to shooting with Olivia Buckland and Megan McKenna, to We Are FSTVL, to going to Dublin, it's been more than a little non-stop and the bags under my eyes are very evident to prove it. I'm looking forward to chilling with Clare, Laura and Kate over a gin this afternoon, and I hope your Sunday is just as peaceful.

Of course, as someone who's made Manchester my home over the last 17 months, the last few weeks have been very testing. Everyone grieves differently, and as someone who chose Manchester as my home and has only been welcomed, I can only say that the love shown to me has been manifest throughout the city. I've never seen community spirit like it in the face of extreme tragedy, but the city's still a hive of activity and creativity. And the bees still buzz.

What I Wore

The Kooples leather jacket. New Look bee embroidered shirt. And Other Stories jeans (similar). Collective tee. Primark fishnet socks. Adidas Superstars.

What's on Insta

Just because I haven't used it, doesn't mean I'm not v v aware of #wisteriahysteria and check it a bit too frequently to be normal 💜🏡 #manchester #wisteria #doorsofinstagram #green #didsbury #purple #england

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on May 8, 2017 at 12:19pm PDT

When you realise you haven't Instagrammed food for a few days so it's time to whip out your pub lunch from last weekend, yeah buddy. Fish and chips with @unfoldtheday! 🍟 #didsbury #Manchester #mcruk #eatmcr #fishandchips #weekend #food

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on May 7, 2017 at 1:08pm PDT

Exploring more of south west #Manchester with @unfoldtheday today 💙 #fwis #mcr #andotherstories #newlook #ihavethisthingwithtiles #adidas

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 29, 2017 at 3:34am PDT

Because bank holidays are for eating, amirite? 🍦 #manchester #mcruk #icecream #weekend #didsbury

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 29, 2017 at 10:42am PDT

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She was a day tripper.

Pretending to be a Liverpool fashion blogger again.

Photos by Laura.

Blue skies = boozy opportunities. As soon as the clouds cleared, Laura and I headed to Liverpool as she'd never been and I didn't need an excuse. Seemingly on a tour of its most instagrammable spots, we headed straight to Oh Me Oh My's roof garden for a gin in the sun, and one hell of a view (see the insta shot below). This place had been on my to-visit list for a bloody long time, so we took the sunny opportunity with both iphone-holding hands and got the shot in no time at all.

On the hunt for food, we next headed to instagram-famous Love Thy Neighbour on Bold Street. I headed here with Jade the last time I was in Liverpool, but knew it'd be up Laura's street because what's not to love about a living ceiling and great branding? As always, service was shocking, but at least we had something pretty to look at while we were waiting. After wandering up to the Georgian quarter (always ma fave, luv u the Quarter) and taking these photos, we headed back central and ended up at the Clubhouse for a glass of wine before catching a train back to Manchester. Not bad for a 'we'll see where this takes us' day, eh?

I definitely need to make an effort to visit more northern cities, but I just can't help heading back to Liverpool again and again. Any recommendations on where to head next? I keep fancying Leeds and York, but just got to get my act together!

What I wore.

New Look embroidered bomber jacket: £45 (similar). Asos smock dress: £36. Topshop bug embroidered boots: £30. Urban Outfitters bag: £15. Sainsbury's polo neck: c/o. Lord and Berry purple lip crayon in 'la fiesta': c/o.

What's on Insta.

'When I feel that somethin', I want to hold your hand' #liverpool #itsliverpool #pink #weekend

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 28, 2017 at 12:42pm PDT

Trying out purple lips yesterday with a crayon from @lordandberry 💜😈 (god knows what I'm meant to hashtag, but the girls at @sparklepruk sent it to me) #lordandberry #makeup #fotd

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 23, 2017 at 3:15am PDT

Forgot to take any photos today cos I was too busy catching up with @jade_fung/eating, so here's a photo from last week's trip to the 'pool #liverpool #itsliverpool #weekend #blue

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 30, 2017 at 10:15am PDT

Back with bae 💕 #liverpool #itsliverpool

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 22, 2017 at 10:21am PDT

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Old Wellington.

Cherry Blossom in Manchester.

If there's one thing that the North does well, it's a roast. So when Clare got in touch to mention that the folks at Nicholson's were asking her to review the Old Wellington, Laura, Kate and I were on it before you could say roast potato. 

I've been past the Old Wellington countless times as it was on my walk to work on my old commute (more on that later), but had never stopped off to try it out. Let's be honest here, the beer gardens outside have a bit of a rep, particularly on match day, but once you step inside it's a beautiful old british pub and the food menu matches your expectations. It may have been the hottest day of the year so far, but that didn't stop me going for the yorkshires. Despite it not being wholly weather appropriate, it was still bloody fantastic and I'd be more than happy to head back when the temperatures drop back down again.

Located right next to the Cathedral, we took the opportunity to be as cliché as possible and take a few photos before the cherry blossom ended up completely on the floor. Who could resist, eh?

As you know, cherry blossom season is pretty much behind us, giving way to wisteria hysteria (because, you know, why shouldn't it have its own hashtag?). There's no point even apologising for the infrequent posting any more as apparently this is becoming more of a monthly thing, rather than weekly. I started a new job just after my last blog post, and things have stepped up a bit. The hours are longer and there's more out of hours work. That combined with my hospital treatment means that this hobby's taking much more of a backseat so I can concentrate on my career and making sure that I'm having a little screen-free time too. But after a lovely weekend, I thought it was about time to settle down with a cuppa and Miss Congeniality 2, and finally get round to editing the photos from a few weeks back. After all, better late than never.

What I Wore.

Vintage Levi's jacket: gift, but similar. Brandy Melville tee: £17. Vintage suede skirt: £7, Oxfam. Public Desire shoes: sold out :( M&S bag.

What's On Insta.

Sunny Sunday roasts 🐽 Head to @nicholsonspubs' insta stories to see @iliketweet's takeover too! #manchester #eatmcr #manchestergram #sundayroast

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Apr 9, 2017 at 12:52pm PDT

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With bubbles.

Brunching at Cote Brasserie.

Last minute Mother's Day plans need to be made stat? Get some bubbles involved.

Last weekend, we were invited to try the Côte Brasserie brunch menu, and it'd make for the perfect morning indulgence for you and your mum tomorrow. I headed along with Laura, and met Stacey and Meg at the Côte Brasserie just off Deansgate, meaning it's super central and the perfect location just a little away from the shops. I tried the "french breakfast" rather than a classic full english, which swapped toast for brioche and black pudding for boudin noir which tastes a bit lighter and is going some way to getting me on the black pudding wagon. At under a tenner, there's definitely a little room to splash out on something sparkling, and we were lucky enough to receive a glass of champagne too - well, it's 5pm somewhere, right? The lovely ladies at the Manchester Florist also treated us to a little bouquet of carnations and tulips, who are now sitting pretty in my living room.

For Mother's Day IRL, I'm heading home for a long weekend. After writing this post, I'll be going straight to Piccadilly and spending the evening with Jazmine, before battling rail replacement buses (woe is me) to get home to Essex. I haven't made any specific plans as of yet, but a slow weekend is definitely on the cards! Yesterday was my last day working at Public Desire, so a little rest and relaxation is my plan of (in)action before starting my new job next week. It's all a bit of a change and I'm definitely nervous, but I've missed chatting about clothes every day, (and I still get to talk shoes too). Wish me luck!

What I Wore.

Uniqlo coat. Aubin and Wills striped top. Missy Empire jeans (fit big, size down). Adidas Superstars.

What's On Insta.

Starting my day the French way 🇫🇷 Brunchin' at @cote_brasserie #cotebrasserie #manchester #eatmcr #brunch

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Mar 19, 2017 at 3:48am PDT

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A day off.

This post contains sponsored content from LionsHome.

Taking Time Out.

I am notoriously bad at doing nothing. I'm in the 1% of people who hasn't bothered getting a Netflix subscription 'cause this gal ain't got time for that. Instead, I tend to head out and do something (anything) to make sure that it's not a day "wasted". Whether it's heading to the gym or going out to a coffee shop to catch up reading the Times over something with a fair few ounces of caffeine in it, it's rare you'll find me at home. However, a couple of weeks back I took the day off work to do just that.

Waking late, I took the opportunity to start slow and poach some eggs while the kettle boiled. The daffodils bought a week previously had started to bloom, and served myself brunch (because you definitely can't call a 11.30 meal breakfast) while things outside were weirdly quiet. It's amazing what smokey eyes you can create when you're not against the clock, so make up did I headed out into town for a mooch and then sit down in Foundation with a coffee for an hour or so, before making the trip back home and cooking chicken pie for dinner. That evening involved watching Easy A, hot chocolate and candles, to fully live out the basic bitch life I'd always dreamed of. And you know what? It was great.

Who knew doing nothing could take up so much time?

If you're into your doing nowt, then definitely let me know your favourite ways to pass the time. Because, until next time, here I'll be constantly doing stuff. brb, going out.

What I Wore.

Uniqlo coat. And Other Stories tee. And Other Stories kick flare jeans (new season version). Urban Outfitters bag. Tatty Devine necklace. Zara faux fur loafers (similar).

What's On Insta.

Nope, no angle will make these shoes look pretty, but beyond caring #Zara #ootd #outfit

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Feb 23, 2017 at 12:05am PST

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A really, really good food day.

Alabama's Brunch and Menagerie Afternoon Tea

I'm normally really organised when it comes to sorting out my social life. I like having everything in my calendar, because otherwise there's literally zero chance of me turning up (thanks to the constant chaos happening inside my head). According to aforementioned calendar, this post should be called "a really, really good food weekend" but, you guessed it, I clearly cocked up and ended up ubering from one side of Manchester to the other, but... that's another story.

I met up with Tori from @unfoldtheday for brunch at Alabama's in the Nothern Quarter early on Saturday. We'd arranged to go there as somewhere neither of us had visited before, and we managed to be one of the few people who nabbed a table immediately (hint: go pre-10am). I went for bannoffee french toast (yep) and Tori opted for eggs benedict. Even though I went for the "small" size of three slices, don't think you're getting a health meal as I was full to the brim and could quite happily have napped it away on the leather sofas. However, instead we headed to the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art and mooched for a while out of the rain.

Next I met my uni pal Georgia for lunch at El Capo. No photos. El Capo and I are a friendship based on margaritas (this trip was no different), and we were halfway through a bottle of wine when I got a text from Clare saying they'd just been seated in Menagerie, so to just call when I was there. Apparently, Sunday was actually Saturday, so I headed off in search of something bubbly.

Afternoon tea at Menagerie is an event. A very long, very good event. Laura, Clare and I started with champagne (as all good stories start), and went through the courses of sandwiches, cakes and then scones, as well as them letting us try some sushi, which is always a welcome addition. I'd seen it on everyone's instagram prior to entering so I knew exactly what to expect from the venue, but it's true that Menagerie is beautiful, and you need to go if you're a fan of opulent interiors that give Manchester a good name.

We then went to Gaslight, but probably the less said about that the better.

For this odd but beautiful mix, I wore an outfit of ol' faithfuls. These & Other Stories kick flares have definitely earned their place in my wardrobe, and thankfully the guys over at Rooi had popped a Kate Spade umbrella in the post so I wasn't too soggy by the end of the day.

If you've got any more Manchester food recommendations, I'm more than happy to do a service to all and go try it out. Challenge, accepted.

What I Wore

Kate Spade umbrella: c/o Rooi. Laura Ashley trench coat. Oasis turtleneck top. And Other Stories jeans. Zara silver boots. Urban Outfitters bag.

Photos by Tori.

What's on Insta

Brunchin' with @unfoldtheday at @alabamas_mcr (and complaining about the lighting) 🍴 #manchester #mcruk #eatmcr #brunch

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Feb 18, 2017 at 3:27am PST

Yep, definitely need avocado wall art of some kind now 🥑🥑🥑🥑🥑 #Manchester #mcruk #avocado

A post shared by Rebecca 😈 (@rebeccacohen_) on Feb 20, 2017 at 12:56pm PST

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Life Lately: Turning 25, Turning 2017 and Turning a New Leaf.

Quarter of a Century

Well, somehow I've made it 25 years without ending things a bit prematurely despite a couple of tequila-related close calls, so I guess some congratulations are in order. Late last year I hit the big two-five. No massive fireworks, no attention seeking spectacle (I hope), but a nice embarrassing round of happy birthdays from the guys at work, a card and present and a few cards in the post.

Our pal earth also had a birthday - tenuous link alert - and we hit 2017. Other than starting it with a stinking cold, the new year's got off to a pretty productive start and it looks like things are gonna be on the up with a couple of trips planned in and some preeeetty big life moments about to happen. 17's always been a favourite of mine, so I've got a good feeling about this one.

And while this has all been happening, I've neglected this little blog. Since starting it way back when in 2010, this online journal of sorts has covered my knobby phase, my I-listen-to-the-Smiths phase, my fuck-it-let's-move-abroad phase and my everything's-just-getting-too-much phase (or phases, let's be honest). But it looks like in my things-are-going-to-be-just-fine phase this blog didn't really have a place.

See, I guess I've never really done blogging the "right" way. I started it pre-surge, never really wanted it to be a career path, didn't network intensively and didn't hire a photographer to shoot multiple outfits in one go. As I got older, although this blog obviously does still centre around me, I've found it more and more of an uncomfortable subject, and don't get me started on the being in photos part. I've doing a lot of thinking, which I know can be a dangerous pastime, and I'm starting to reconsider what I think are the important parts of blogging part time. Instead of making sure there's fresh new content weekly, it's about time I let myself slip a little and think it's ok to let things lie low once in a while. Additionally, until I feel ok with having photos of myself on here again, it's time to dust off the camera and start being behind the lens properly.

If 2017's set to be a good one, then I full on plan to take it by the balls and prioritise the important stuff, meaning that there might not be hundreds of new posts but there will be little updates popping up here and there. Soz if you were after a post about how to wear blogger trends or fashion blogger hacks, but I guess that's just another example of crap blogging and feel free to keep reading for some more. Who knows, you might not get learn the angles to take a fire selfie, but you might have a laugh and we both know which is more fun.

What I wore.

Oasis Jumper. Warehouse Skirt. Public Desire Shoes. Beauty Bakerie Lipstick.
Photos by Clare. 

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