the Elle next door: FLORAL STREET

There are so many things that I consider when thinking of working with a brand, however the main one will always be "Do I actually love the brand?" But sometimes, just sometimes, the stars align - LOL, let's all take a moment to internally call me a ~~knob~~ tit for using that phrase - and many reasons combine into one making for the perfect collaboration.

Today's post was going to be all about my new Radley Floral street bag - which is pretty blimmin epic in itself - and then myself and four other gorgeous blogger babes (another vom -inducing phrase, I'm on form today guys) were invited on a day out to the National Portrait Gallery for the 100 years of Vogue exhibition, followed by the most divine lunch at the Ivy Market and grill in Covent Garden, and I couldn't help but take a few snaps along the way and include them in this post. Because as much as I think the bag is as babe'in as babe'in can get. I also had the loveliest day with these ladies and felt the need to bore you all to death about it.

Sound like the best plan you've ever heard of? Oh you love being bored to death you say? Well that's fab, let's get started...

So the bag in question today is the Radley Floral street bag. A stunning, ridiculously versatile choice as it can be used as a crossbody, clutch and bumbag (yes you read that right, a bumbag, how bloody brilliant and 90's is that?).

I actually went for the navy option - as so awkwardly modelled by myself above, because no matter how many years I've blogged for I am still an awkward turtle in front of a camera - which I adore. I am having the biggest moment with navy at the moment and just think that it looks so chic, classic, simple and sophisticated, without being the standard black. It's also the perfect "going out out" bag as it fits your iphone, cards and a lippy - i.e the absolute essentials in life bar a family size bar of chocolate - as well as just being great for on the go days. An absolute fave of mine right now!

The Floral street comes in a number of colours, but brand new in March - I'm pretty sure it's March but will correct myself if I'm wrong - see's the introduction of the most gorgeous summer colours, Turquoise, Mustard and Coral (I mean, I've most likely got the colour names wrong but you can see for yourself further down.) Either way, this gorgeous bright blue/green shade is officially on my Spring wishlist and it hurt a lot to hand it back over at the end of our preview!

Prior to Prosecco guzzling and handbag fangirling we were lucky enough to visit the NCP for Vogue's 100 years old exhibition and as keen fashion bloggers I think it's safe to say that we all loved it. From ~~perving on~~ getting so much inspo from Kate Moss, to seeing the very first issue of Vogue, it was such a fab experience and one that I am so happy I got to see.

Once I'd done being a cultured human being, we headed down to The Ivy Market Grill which is Oh em gee stunning and spent far too long discussing the menu and all possible options.

What I absolutely loved about the Ivy Market on a personal level was that it had so many gluten free options and they really went out of their way to make dishes gluten free with simple switches. In the end I went for the Lamb shoulder (oh Helloooooo [insert hands up/heart eye'd emoji's here] and parmesan polenta, with chips featuring heavily as my side of choice - followed by the flourless chocolate cake which was incredible! All of this, plus a side order of shepherd's pie, fish cake and chocolate bomb perving, girly gossips, handbag chats and general amazing girl time with my blogger pals and the amazing Radley PR's meant that it was just a little bit more special than the standard Wednesday in the office (i.e in my bed or at a random coffee shop with my laptop).

P.S let's take a moment to appreciate how incredible the chocolate bomb looks? #DessertGoals

And that brings me to the end of this post. As always, a huge thanks to Radley for being mega babes in general but mainly for bringing the Floral Street bag into my life. I seriously cannot stop wearing it - mainly as a crossbody but imagine how perfect it is as a bumbag at festivals? - and can't see that changing any time soon.