YES to adventure

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Five Best: Father's Day gifts

We all know that making mum feel special is sometimes thought of more often than making dad feel the same...Maybe it's because dads are meant to be all macho and not into gifts, but that's where Father's Day comes in - time for dad to be spoilt! It's that one day when you can spend quality time with him, and make him smile with some thoughtful or fun gifts.

Here is my roundup of some gift ideas...

1. All dads need a little help in the style department, and I'm sure would love it even more if their kids picked out all their clothes! No matter what his age, this Musto Helm plain polo shirt will make him feel stylish and ready for a summer day out. Let's hope he doesn't smudge it at the next BBQ... £50

2. As mentioned in my Mother's Day gift guide, experience gifts are probably the best thing to buy as they let you both spend the day together and do something fun. Buyagift have an amazing selection of gifts like this, from a helicopter pilot experience day for £139 (per person), to beer tasting in London for £59 (per person) and a 2 for 1 indoor skydiving offer for £49

3. Every dad needs a hands-free kit, especially one that's high end and of exceptional quality like this Parrot MINIKIT Neo. It's a portable kit that enables the driver to accept and reject calls, as well as send and receive texts and emails vocally. It's a great size, and at just £69.99 easily affordable. It also has a dedicated app providing a range of services, such as vocal alerts to ensure recommended breaks during long journeys.

4. This super soft 100% Egyptian cotton Dunelm Mill bathrobe is perfect for dads who like to wind down after a long day. Exceptionally warm and comforting, it's a nice gift that he can use every day and comes in a variety of colours for just £34.99

5. If you and your siblings are in the mood to splurge (unless you have a massive family so it works out cheaper haha) this is a great and unique gift. At £1,000, you wouldn't expect any less than something bespoke and handmade, and that is exactly what this full size Trombone speaker dock is. Definitely for the dad who has it all, the stylish dock is unlike any I've seen before and fits perfectly into the decor of a home. I much prefer it to the modern docks.

Style: Lazy Oaf x Nasty Gal

Such a fun collaboration...LA based Nasty Gal has been one of my favourite online shops for a while, and Lazy Oaf has such fun quirky prints that everyone embracing their inner child would want to wear. It was really exciting to see that the two brands are collaborating together on the (now on sale) small collection. This is also the first time that Nasty Gal has an in-store presence.

Comprising of 20 pieces, the collection is inspired by candy packaging and sticker albums from the 90s with a combination of candy coloured 60s flower prints. They also re-invented their signature sell-out watermelon print which I adore! Check it out...

How cool is this bear? Haha

Funny cushions

Love the watermelon print!

Wearing

Maje heels

Twenty8Twelve jeans

Zara scarf

Vintage sequin top

Lookbook images from Lazy Oaf's website

London: Floating restaurants and bars

Anyone who knows London well will be a fan of the numerous canal-side pubs and opportunities to take long walks and rides on a barge (a long narrow boat). I still haven't had the chance to go on one but am really keen to check out some of these 'floating' restaurants and bars that are popping up this summer. Some travel down the canal all year round and some are pop ups, all really worth seeing if only for a bit of a change of atmosphere!

THE SANDWICH BARGE

Fridays to Sundays

Currently in Angel but you can get updates on their location here

Great for sandwiches (duh!), puddings, tea and salads. The menu is great and there is something for everyone, even vegans!

WU'S CRUISE
Fridays to Sundays
Keep up with them on Twitter

Dubbed the 'Mojito and good times boat' - this boat recently launched in East London and provides a cocktail menu fridays to sundays, as well as sharing platters and tacos.

BATTERSEA BARGE
Open all week, event updates here
Pimlico, off Nine Elms Lane

This is an all singing all dancing (literally...) barge that provides food, drinks, entertainment, comedy shows and even private hire. The prices are reasonable and it looks like a great place to have fun...I must check it out!

Images from Google as well as respectable websites

Style: Twenty8Twelve jeans

We all know how difficult it is to find that perfect pair of jeans. They're all either too saggy in the wrong places, don't fit right, have the wrong pockets, or are just in strange colours that don't compliment your wardrobe.

There are a few brands out there that do jeans well (J Brand, 7 For All Mankind, Levi's) but my go to brand in the past three years has been Twenty8Twelve. I have seven pairs!! They are absolutely amazing and worth every penny, even at £120.

Why are they so amazing?

- They never sag on the bum or knees no matter how many times you sit with your legs bent or how long you wear them

- They fit 99% of people like a glove

- They are so stretchy, thin and comfortable I've even seen pregnant women buying them

- They make your bum look great

- They just look so cool!

What are you waiting for?! Go get a pair in Westbourne Grove!!!

Signature pocket design...love it

My favourite pair, the high waisted Devotos that elongate my legs

My newest pair, funky multi coloured polka dots

Images from various sources on Google

Style: Dolci Follie

Whilst strolling around Westbourne Grove in London the other day, I discovered an interesting brand and shop on the corner of the main road, called Dolci Follie. I'm not sure but I think they might be a French brand.

"Dolci Follie is nothing short of a luxury lingerie lover's heaven. It's an elegant boutique decorated in the style of an opulent Venetian Palazzo."

As you walk up to the store you can see beautiful, luxury and almost circus like lingerie in the window which is what essentially attracted me to it. You then need to ring the bell to be let into the stunningly decorated boudoir-like room. Filled with vibrant colours and sexy black and whites, the boutique has designs I have never seen before. Lots of French lace, tassels and incredible detail...The staff were really friendly and make you instantly feel comfortable. They offer a private atmosphere where you get all the attention whilst you choose the next sexy design for you, and they event offer custom fittings.

Most of it comes at a hefty price as you'd expect, and you'd be one of the lucky ones to be able to afford it.