MAN > SHF

A Culottes Jumpsuit and Embossed Watch

Let me just hold backspace for a bit.

I have a habit of leaving my emails for about three weeks, then replying en masse. It's not a technique I'd recommend. In fact, I'd actively dissuade you from adopting this method, as it's only going to make you stress and piss people off. Either way, when I got an email from the babes at Olivia Burton asking if I wanted to head to an event in Sheffield I was mid-way through typing a "cheers, but I live in Manchester" reply before deleting it all and saying "oh, go on then". 

Sheffield is one of those cities I've always loved. No beating around the bush, it's a solid 95% because of Arctic Monkeys, but it holds its own right too. I applied to university there way back when, and even though I didn't attend full time I did go a fair amount to visit my friend Selena. Last time I went was back in 2011 for an Arctic Monkeys gig (surprise surprise), and I've just never had a reason to go back.

Now I live up North, it's not hard to be a daytripper. Yes, trains are few and far between, but they're cheap as chips. That day I met up with Kavita to discuss what she'd been up to since we'd last seen each other. Sheffield weather was behaving, so we ate outside before heading into town for a quick walk around. I then headed to Meadowhall to visit boutique Goldsmiths. I was very lucky to be treated to my very own Olivia Burton watch, which has been personalised with my name: it doesn't just tell you the time, it also helps you out of tricky situations. You can get this done online, but it was super quick in-store.

Fast forward to the next weekend, and Laura and I were picking our brunch spot for the weekend. Not feeling a 45 minute (!!) wait for Alabamas, we just went round the corner to Allotment. One of those "should I eat where I drink?" establishments, but I am so glad we went in. Honestly, the eggs benedict comes highly recommended from me, and I've tried a fair few platefuls of it in my time.

Laura was kind enough to snap a few photos of my outfit before it proper peed it down. New fave combo of a culottes jumpsuit and anything chelsea boots that I picked up for a mere £7 in Zara. Of course, paired with my faithful leather jacket and a fedora hat.

What I Wore

Olivia Burton watch: c/o. Warehouse culottes jumpsuit. The Kooples leather jacket. Zara metallic chelsea boots: c/o Liverpool ONE. Topshop fedora hat. Urban Outfitters bag.

Where We Went

What's on Insta

Sunny skies in the steel city today 🔥🔥 #Sheffield #travel #summer

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Aug 7, 2016 at 9:11am PDT

Yesterday's kiwi special (apparently) mince on toast with @shewearsfashion #sheffield #acolorstory #green

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Aug 8, 2016 at 10:21am PDT

Get in me. 🍳 Brunch with @chambrayandcurls #eatmcr #brunch #manchester #food #breakfast #capturemcr

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Aug 20, 2016 at 4:15am PDT

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Cities of hope.

Still time time to win an iPhone SE here!

Spend your days in the sunshine.

You could wait a lifetime for the weather to behave in Manchester (what is it about this bloody city?), but I've worked out it takes an average of once every six weeks for it to be No Coat Weather in the North West. Thankfully, when Winnie came to visit, the morning's grey skies gave way to something hella hotter so we could give the umbrellas a rest at the bottom of our bag.

We started our day in Foundation Coffee, feat. its shoefie-ready floor quote "coffee is everything" 'cause these guys know. I'm successfully weaning myself onto coffee over tea but still opted for a latte with an orange and honeycomb brownie, which comes very highly recommended by yours truly. I may be losing my sweet tooth (who even am I?), but there's always time for brownies. Always. We popped next door to Fred Aldous because I've got a weird obsession with greetings cards so Winnie could indulge in a Yayoi Kusama notebook. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the Northern Quarter before weaving our way towards Manchester Art Gallery to check out the Vogue 100 exhibition (again, not complaining). Obviously starving, our last stop was Yard and Coop for as much chicken as possible. As sharing is caring, I'll pass on this little nugget for you (you'll see where the pun's coming in one min): the not chicken nuggets (there you go) are amazing, and are simply deep fried halloumi bites of goodness.

I know it's odd how the internet has worked its way into my daily life, but after having a chat about it yesterday with Jade it's easy to see how the world wide web has permeated most aspects of our/millenials' social activity: tinder, anyone? I'm still waiting to be catfished one day, but until then I'm totally cool with meeting up with strangers from the internet.

PS post title refers to all the #citiesofhope graffiti popping up round town, as photographed above. Still trying to find all the Cities of Hope range, but have seen a fair few around!

What I Wore.

And Other Stories black mesh tee: £17. H+M denim skirt: £15. Public Desire Lucy shoes. Urban Outfitters bag: £15. Urban Outfitters sunglasses: £10 (now £6).

Where We Went.

What's On Insta.

Sunny coffee with @diamondcanopy at @fdncoffee yesterday. Currently on my way to Sheffield, and didn't have time to stop for caffeine. Someone help/prop me up. #mcruk #eatmcr #foundation #coffee #latteart

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Aug 7, 2016 at 3:20am PDT

Hanging with @diamondcanopy in Manchester today #mcruk #vogue #vogue100

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Aug 6, 2016 at 10:51am PDT

Winner winner buttermilk chicken dinner at @yardandcoop 🍗🍗 #MotherClucker #mcruk #eatmcr #chicken

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Aug 6, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT

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White lace and disco shoes.

A long weekend in town, the Manchester fashion blogger way.

There's nothing like having someone come to visit, in order for you to realise all you do with your weekends is spend a weird amount of time eating and drinking. "You'd like to do something else, you say?", leading to a quick flick through your mental vaults of What To Do and thinking all your trying to be a Manchester fashion blogger location recces were a bit useless, and maybe Dusk 'Til Pawn at 2am probably isn't a good shout when your guest is your mum. I suggested she stay in ABode, as it's a good distance from Piccadilly and where I live, whilst also being juuust far enough away from bars. And the walls have books all over them. From there, we headed to old favourite Ezra and Gil for lunch, and then wandered round town. Because, of course, it was raining, so there wasn't all that much you could do.

The next day, we headed to Media City, and spent the morning checking out the Lowry gallery. My mum's a big fan of Lowry's work, and it was only ignorance that meant I wasn't too. There was a talk given by a guy who was weirdly like my dissertation tutor (horrific flashbacks to the week before hand-in), which gave a little insight into the artist's life. I'd definitely recommend if you're a fan, or, if you're entertaining, it's freeee. As we were that side of town, it was only polite to head to the Trafford Centre AKA the Vegas of shopping centres. That evening we enjoyed some prosecco in the hotel. Because if you've got the chance to drink some fizz, who would turn it down?

On the last day of my mum's visit, we went for breakfast at Koffee Pot (always. Hands down best breakfast in Manchester). The sun was starting to show itself finally so we snapped the above photos before heading to the Portico library and Manchester Art Gallery for the Vogue 100 exhibition. Definitely saw a few Manchester fashion bloggers shiftily making their way along the photos. I see ya.

So, while I add a few more places onto my Manchester roster, are there any places you'd recommend? Always happy to test in advance, particularly if there's a cafe.

What I Wore.

Amy Childs Collection dress: c/o. Public Desire Katie shoes. Urban Outfitters sunglasses: £10 (now £6).

Where We Went.

What's On Insta.

Because every wall needs a picture of flying books, surely? #Manchester #mcruk #abode #hotel #interiors #pictureoftheday

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jul 28, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

I'd heard the @evelynscafebar pancakes were the best, so... 😏😏😉 #Manchester #mcruk #earmcr #evelyns #breakfast #brunch #food #coffee #latteart

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jul 30, 2016 at 2:38am PDT

Be not afraid of greatness. #selfridges #Shakespeare #quote #shakespeare400

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jul 29, 2016 at 12:25pm PDT

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This French life.

Picnic perfection in an asos midi dress.

If the French are known for anything, it's their food. Of course, diets were abandoned on first mention of the word baguette, so a picnic in the grounds was one of the most anticipated parts of the entire trip. As it was bloody boiling a bit hot, I'd decided to go for an asos midi dress (meant to have a bardot neckline, but anyone else find them constantly slipping off their shoulders?) and some courts. I think I've reached that point in my sartorial life where shapeless dresses are King, and can 100% see me buying this in every colour, 'cause easy. But, as always, I'm getting a little carried away...

Our day started with a trip to the rooftop for a series of talks named "Life Lessons" with Stylist France Editor Audrey Diwan and blogger Freddie Harel. I, of course, knew Audrey's book "How to Be Parisian" from seeing it on every coffee table across the country, and I'd previously worked with Freddie on a work project, but it was amazing to see these two women so at ease at commanding a room.

We then sat in on the Stylist editorial meeting, where we had a group chat about what sort of things we'd like to see in the issue (that came out last week). As someone who's only really written for online titles before, it was interesting the see the differences between the two, and see the issue come to life via the flat layout on the easel in the corner. 

We then headed into the grounds to sample some more of that French life: cheese. Rather than the ol' buy something from M&S and then sit on the plastic bag trick I've perfected over the years, this picnic was definitely more refined. Tables guys, tables. We sat among the citronella candles accepting I was to be bitten within an inch of my life, but dampening the pain with the taste of brie. So much brie, so little time.

The afternoon was dedicated to exploring the castle and its grounds, where we headed off (covered in insect repellent) to find an old folly full of bats, before heading back to sit poolside and make the most of the sunshine. That evening we were welcomed into the chapel to watch a film, however Laura and I decided to chill on the roof terrace instead.

The next day we headed back to Nantes to catch our flight to London. Thankfully, the sun had travelled across the Channel with us, making the bump back to reality that little bit easier (to be honest, the gin and tonics probably helped with that too). Monday's inbox could wait until then, because I was too busy dreaming about the last week.

What I Wore.

Asos midi dress: £38. Public Desire Katie shoes. Urban Outfitters half moon bag: £15. Urban Outfitters sunglasses: £10 (now £6).

Where We Went.

What's On Insta.

Well, this beats my normal meal deal picnic. #thisfrenchlife #theeverydayproject #thehappynow #thisjoyfulmoment #publicdesire #pdbae

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:50am PDT

Now I've personalised my @chambordchannel, no one'll be stealing my drink 😉 #thisfrenchlife #chambord #france

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:14am PDT

Eating my feelings whilst checking BBC news. Making the most of this France malarkey while I can 🇫🇷 #thisfrenchlife #breakfast

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 23, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT

Back in England with a bit of an EU bump. I leave the country for two days... #thisfrenchlife #abmlifeiscolorful

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 24, 2016 at 7:34am PDT

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Chateau de Stylist.

Welcome to My Crib.

Well, grey-skied Manchester this ain't. A few weeks back, amongst the 20% off everything at PLT emails clogging up my inbox, I noticed something slightly more exciting. Booked holiday and a fair amount of repressed excitement later, I was headed off to City airport to catch a flight to Nantes along with Stylist magazine to Chateau de Stylist. Just to clarify, I wasn't invited as a blogger (lol, I barely even blog any more, no chance), I entered the competition they'd been pushing a little while and was lucky enough to be selected to head along too. As Facebook was telling me I'd spent this time last year slumming it in a tent at Glastonbury, I rocked up to a bloody chateau. I live a life of contrasts, it has to be said.

Before arrival, all we knew about Chateau de Stylist was that we'd be experiencing a taste of #ThisFrenchLife and the team would be creating an issue (out last Wednesday, pre-Bastille Day) on site. Little did I know about the five star treatment we'd be receiving. Our room suite wasn't one I was able to give up easily, and had the most amazing hamper of french pharmacie treats ever - with some Bioderma micellar water just in time to replace my kidnapped Garnier version from airport security. We were treated to Chambord cocktails on arrival, before heading upstairs to sample a little french sunset and head to dinner.

Of course, this trip was the perfect excuse to pick up another striped tee, this one courtesy of Topshop's Summer sale, and I paired it with my new love culottes and fit like a glove boots from Public Desire. Because, we were all about adding a little french je ne sais quoi to our time while we were there.

I've got another post on my second day there coming up next week, cos it was impossible to keep all that perfection to one blog post. Impossible.

What I Wore.

Topshop striped tee: £15. Alexa Chung x Marks and Spencer culottes: £39.50. Topshop fedora: £7. Public Desire Lia boots.

Where We Went.

What's On Insta.

Well, definitely didn't wake up here today 😭 #thisfrenchlife #france #chateau

A video posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 25, 2016 at 1:30am PDT

All packed for France with @stylistmagazine @chambordchannel tomorrow (a day early, despite watching the game last night. Somehow.) How's this for an invite? 🇫🇷 #thisfrenchlife #chambord #blue #theeverydayproject #thisjoyfulmoment #thehappynow

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 21, 2016 at 12:39am PDT

Actually can't deal with how perfect this is. Might need another @chambordchannel to make it seem real. #thisfrenchlife #france #chateaudestylist #chambord

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 22, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

Just chillin' at my chateau #cribs @stylistmagazine @chambordchannel #thisfrenchlife #ootd #topshop #marksandspencer #publicdesire #pdbae

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 22, 2016 at 11:33am PDT

Sorry I've been off my Instagram and blog game, I've been having a life (hard to believe, I know) #thisfrenchlife #france #🍴

A photo posted by Rebecca (@rebeccacohen_) on Jun 28, 2016 at 12:48pm PDT

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