Chic Paris #1: Holybelly

Photo by Nico Alary

My first tip for anyone visiting Paris is to ignore the obvious tourist traps. Sure, it's nice to pop into Colette, but when it's packed to the brim with camera-wielding voyeurs, it feels less like fashion's favourite concept boutique, more like an Apple store. Of course, I understand the allure of stopping by the plucked-from-a-postcard landmarks, but I promise Paris has a whole lot more to offer.

Much like London and New York, Paris is a hub of creativity, with sparks flying in design, music, and everything in between. Le Marais is the undisputed capital of cool, punctuated with niche bookshops, organic foodie spots and, naturally, great coffee/brunch joints. It's a great place for style-conscious first-time visitors on a budget. It's also got hipster/basic bitch written all over it, but don't let that put you off.

Guilt Free Feasting: Ethos Review

I love nothing more than a good veggie restaurant- I would happily go meat free Monday to Sunday if I could afford to eat out every night. Experimental, exciting and packed full of flavour; today's veggie options are a million miles from plates of insipid steamed carrots and gelatinous tofu.

London has always been abundant in vegetarian restaurants, but the veggie food boom is arguably the best bi-product of the capital's wellness wave. Now, even the most ferocious of meat eaters could be tempted to veg out.

Of all the new openings worth raving about, my favourite is Ethos. On paper, it sounds hellish- it’s just by Oxford Circus, it has curry and arancini on the same menu and it is self-service- but in reality, Ethos is heaven.

Morning Sunshine

Photo from Bumpkin

I have no shame in admitting that I am a serial bruncher. Sure, you can laugh at my 'basic'-ness, but I love nothing more than a weekend brunch date, and living in London I am spoilt for choice. While it takes a lot for me to stray from my one and only avocado on toast, I have found a new favourite breakfast dish on the menu at Bumpkin, and I just know you will love it too.

We all know that protein is essential at breakfast, and nutritional therapists often advise women to eat two whole eggs or three egg whites each day. Sure you can whip up an omelette, or pop a poached 'un on top of your avocado, but for something a little special, why not try a healthy spin on Eggs Florentine?

Devised by health guru Julie Montagu, this delicious brunch option is a popular choice on the menu at Bumpkin, and is packed full of healthy nutrients and minerals. It is a balanced option that will leave you feeling satisfied - without all the creamy buttery sauce that usually accompanies the classic French dish. Wash yours down with an iced  green juice if you're feeling virtuous, or a red hot Bloody Mary if you're feeling frisky.