Spice is Nice

Firstly i'd like to apologise for a lack of posts, I have been interning this week and shall be for the next three so best get used to a news/twitter feed that is not clogged up by my constant blog chat. Which I know you love... deep down.

Still I had to, just had to, post about the Olympics Closing Ceremony. Yup, i'm a tad behind, but i've just not had the time to post.

It was, to be frank, a bizarre evening. Only in Britain would you have Russell Brand masquerading as Willy Wonka, Jessie J murdering a Queen classic and Kate Moss looking so-hot-there-are-no-words in McQueen. Brits are the masters of the wonderfully weird, so I suppose the closing ceremony was simply true to form.

I actually kind of loved it, except for the NOTABLE BOWIE EXCEPTION. How, oh how, can you give me a little Bowie montage and then not deliver the marvellous man himself? Unforgivable... Well almost.

Then we got the Spice Girls and life was good again.

Aaah. The Spice Girls. It's easy to forget that we once lived in Spice World. One Direction mayhem is nothing compared to the Spice Girl hysteria! I don't see pre-teens playing with Liam and Harry Barbie dolls (and I hope to god I never do see such a thing) and I do not think we will be queuing up to see a One Direction movie any time soon (note: not a biopic, a PROPER GOOD FILM). Yes, the boys from 1D do have an army of squealing female fans, but that is simply because they are nice and handsome, girls loved the Spice Girls for an entirely different reason- girl power. 

Geri Halliwell is not exactly the next Germaine Greer and the diva-ish ways of Mel B don't make her the most worthy role model, but I truly miss how comparatively innocent they were. I know it wasn't all platforms and bunches, but the girls always looked like they were having a blast! Having a great time without gyrating about in lingerie singing about the exciting qualities of chains and whips...

On that note, I say bring back the Spices full time. 

Failing that, someone come see Viva Forever with me?... I promise I won't sing along... Much. 

So what were your thoughts on the ceremony?! Do let me know! 

GB Gold

Hey guys, did you hear that the Olympics were on?

Such a joker.

I don't know about you but i'm a little bit glued to my screen as these inspirational athletes take London by storm and, by jove, aren't us Brits doing well?!

It's no secret that we have some incredibly talented young athletes, but I never for one second expected Team GB to do quite so brilliantly. It's helping matters that Stella's kit is the best of them all- other nations are clearly well jeal.

As I have been flyering like a crazy woman trying to get some summer money (so I can keep up my expensive Zara habit) I have not managed to embrace the Olympic spirit as much as I would have liked. I'm actually so gutted that I haven't had time to attempt some Olympic inspired baking, or to sit in the sun in the Olympic towel my lucky parents bought after watching Jess Ennis get her gold (lucky devils). However, I have decided to paint my nails in a glistening gold that is podium-ready.

This manicure is even more British than THIS ONE. Team GB are all about the gold. I used a metallic base (two coats) by Nails Inc and topped off with one coat of Nails Inc gold glitter polish. That way my nails don't get totally destroyed by glitter polish and the finish is far softer and less garish. 

Definitely worth a try, and a great way to enhance a summer tan from this sudden burst of sun! 

The London Edit: Drinkies

London, meet the rest of the world.

In just a few days all eyes will be on the humble city of London. Part of me is relieved to be avoiding the Olympic chaos, but part of me is very sad indeed to be missing out on the most exciting few weeks the capital shall ever experience.

In saying that, i'm sure that many of you will be visiting London during the games so I thought i'd give you a little insight to the city I have come to love dearly, even though i've only been here a year!

What is so very magical about London is that every district is full of surprises, there are so many hidden treasures and I firmly believe that every day in London is an adventure (oooh cheesy!).

I am not for one second claiming to be a London-er, I still love irn bru as much as the next Scot (try a Malibru if you're feeling adventurous- Malibu and Irn Bru, so wrong, but so right!), but I do feel like a know of a few lovely places in London that I would certainly recommend to you lot.

The first instalment of The London Edit relates to my favourite hobby: cocktails! (Cocktails do count as a hobby. It's called Mixology. I am aware that this is only really the creation of the cocktails, but the drinking is an art form as well. Especially when wearing wedges.)

London is full of many a lovely cocktail bar and I thought i'd edit it down for ya. If anyone has any other suggestions for me to try just drop it in the comment box (i'm always looking for an excuse for a cheeky G&T) or tweet me @SWfashion_

Even in this Olympian chaos, an indulgent cocktail is a godsend. Here are my top picks, in no particular order, natch.

1. The Experimental Cocktail Club, China Town
This is a hidden gem if ever there was one! It looks like a seedy club from the outside, simply a plain black door with no sign and no fuss, but when you get inside (after making a reservation, ideally) it's a nonchalant but stylish cocktail club with a charming retro feel. Book a table in advance and come here on a weekend for a totally relaxed but fantastic night out with the best atmosphere in London. Not one ounce of pretention and some of the most delicious cocktails I have tasted to date. My pick is the St Germain based St-Germain-des-Prés which is a zingy creative mix of elderflower, Hendricks, frothy egg white, cucumber, lime and a slight heat of chilli. This is a gorgeous cocktail experience that I would highly recommend. 

2. Aqua Spirit, Regent Street
If you're looking for somewhere infinitely chic to look out over London and simply bask in your utter gorgeousness, then Aqua is probably the place for you. The Aqua building is just around the corner from Liberty making it the perfect central bar. I only went once for the Nelly shoes party but I loved the venue. It is spacious with a dance area and, the best part, a beautiful roof terrace looking out over London. They have some delectable cocktails as well, of course, including their collection of Champagne cocktails called the "Twisted Bubbles". My pick is the totally breathtaking Rose & Li which is Veuve, rose liqueur, syrupy lychee with beautiful floating rosebuds. So sweet and delicate- perhaps a little too drinkable I think!

3. Barrio Central, Poland Street Soho/ Barrio North, Angel
Sometimes all you need is some great music, great company and a couple of drinks to have a fantastic night, and that's what I love about Barrio. It's totally chilled with no posh Mayfair crowd and plenty of normal folk! It does get undeniably busy at the weekend, but it is a fun bar with such a friendly atmosphere. The cocktails are relatively cheap for London and split into different continents for a really fun menu that will have you totally spoilt for choice- also, very apt for the Olympics, I reckon! A lot are tequila based, but I would recommend the Sakura- cherry brandy and plum liqueur- mmm!

4. Shochu Lounge, Charlotte Street 
Part of me really wanted to put Nobu Berkeley here, but I thought i'd ring the changes and mention this sexy Charlotte Street lounge. Beneath my second favourite Japanese in the capital (Roka) lies the Shochu Lounge, and it really is a treat. Plush cushioned seats surround a central bar which is crazily buzzing at the weekend! Japanese influenced cocktails are always refreshing, and Shochu has some really gorgeous offerings for a bit of a change. If you're getting  bored of your faithful Mojito, then why not try the poetic Setting Sun, a soft marriage of Kumquat Shochu, elderflower syrup and champagne, served with a zingy grapefruit twist. 

5. Lounge Lover, Shoreditch
It's all about East London this summer, but Lounge Lover is my favourite Shoreditch haunt. With a cool, slick interior and spacious tables flickering with candles and dimly lit chandeliers, Lounge Lover is such a treat! It is a little bit out the way, but if you're spending a day trawling the vintage shops of Brick Lane, I would suggest you recharge your batteries here! Read more about Lounge Lover in my review here.

Good Sport

Sometimes I see something in a shop and I just feel like it was made for me. Something so on the money that I just want to grab it from the rail and run to the till before anyone else swipes it, so gorgeous that it's as if the design team had sat down and gone "Shona Wallace needs a new party dress and she's loving white, strapless and lace this season. LET'S DO THIS!"

This jumper, however is not one of those things. This cool sweater by Ashish at Topshop could not be less suited to me, and I think that is why I love it.

I have never been a sporty sort. Save a year of obsessively pounding the treadmill, I generally don't move much. At all.

I enjoy the gym or the odd swim and I love a bit of yoga but sport? Do jog on.

The two or three times that I actually partook in PE at school were truly awful. I remember one particular moment during a game of rounders where I had to scramble after a tennis ball, on my knees, as the rest of the class watched and laughed. You cruel, cruel people- i'm scarred.

I just feel that this jumper is charmingly ironic for me to wear with customary skinny Abercrombie jeans, ballet pumps or ankle boots and a lovely handbag.

It's available for £50 and is the perfect way to get into the Olympic spirit without having to endure central London.

What do you think of this jumper? I'm smitten!