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Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London


Lanzarote was always a place I'd distantly heard of, but never put much thought into. Vague memories of it being a party island, and somewhere immensely popular in the 90s, I knew very little about Lanzarote before I went. I presumed it was a hot, tropical kind of island. I was very wrong.

Lanzarote could almost be mistaken for Mars with it's orange tinted lands. It's a volcanic island and was created from these eruptions millions of years ago and formed from the remains of lava streams, leaving behind vast rocky terrain and an almost out of space look.

Credit: https://www.theurbanlist.com/
Gosh it has been a long time since I last posted. I do apologize. As you might have seen on my Instagram I've been away for the last 10 days, and in that time I have done zero work. Well everyone needs a holiday right? But my God am I behind now! I promise I'll have loads of new blog content this week, but in the mean time, I can tell you with the amount of work I have to do, I feel like I need a good drink. Which is why to kick things off again, I'm giving away an amazing cocktail kit to you.


My background isn’t in fashion or photography, yet through my blog, daily I am working in and around those fields. So any chance I have to learn more about them, new skills and tips, I’m all ears. Which is why, a workshop I went to last week was so informative and helpful. 

Top 10 London Lifestyle Blogs

I adore my blog. It's my little sanctuary zone, my own creation and something I could have never imagined would make me this happy. 

So when I woke up today and saw I had a little email in my inbox from Vuelio; Europe’s leading provider of software for communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, as well as databases of top bloggers for PRs to use, I was intrigued. So to open it up and be told I had been named one of the Top 10 London Lifestyle Bloggers was AMAZING!



Last week I was invited to Lanzarote with Thomas Cook Airlines, to join 9 other bloggers on a island adventure.

I guarantee this video will provide some laughs. It features a broken down bus on top of a volcano, me trying to drunkenly describe wine, and comparisons to moles in caves. Who wouldn't want to watch that?


On Tuesday I got to go to the launch of Harry Potter's Privet Drive at the Warner Bros Studio Tour on London. If you have no clue what I'm talking about then, the studios are where all the sets and props from the films are, which you can go round and look and interact with.

From the 27th May, the set of Privet Drive will be open to the public, but I| got a sneak peak this week, which I filmed for you guys.

Hope you enjoy, and if you love, don't forget to subscribe.




Do I see a little bit of summer peaking through? Well if this weekend here in England was anything to go by, I think it might well be on it's way. 

It does mean we will probably need to throw away our tights ladies, and let our legs see natural light for the first time in about 6 months. I don't know about you, but I get rather lazy in winter when it comes to looking after my legs. Meh, no one will see them, I think. But come summer there is no where to hide, and especially now that bikini season is upon us, as that means one thing- grooming, if you know what I mean. 

It can be a pain, and a literal one if you use a traditional razor blade, which is why I've been trying out the new Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Bikini and also the Quattro for Women razor's especially for summer. 

They invited my to come have a bit of cheeky fun with them in the name of trimming. A topiary masterclass at one of London's top florist schools; Jamie Aston. Topiary, a bush... shaping a bush... I think I love these guys already!
Statement Bomber Jacket Outfit

Good morning guys. I’m feeling rather cheerful as I type this, and I hope you are too. I’m currently sat in a hotel in Lanzarote so life is not bad at all. I’m not going to do #blessed or anything, but I am super grateful for the opportunities that come my way. Anyways I thought I’d just say that as I realise I probably don’t enough.

But for this post, I’m talking more fashion. I’ve been really inspired lately to try new things with clothes, so there’s been a resurgence in fashion blog posts. Let me know if you like that or not, as I always love your feedback.

I told you last week about a really talented fashion student I met; Katrina Wilson, so here is another piece from her collection. The fierce bomber jacket.

Statement Bomber Jacket Outfit

When I first saw this jacket I was like woah. Well I mean it is bright yellow! I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull this off. Some girls can wear anything and they just rock it. Me? Not so much. But I went to my friends house and she immediately loved it, which gave me a boost to be able to wear it, as I think it’s definitely a style that needs confidence.

Statement Bomber Jacket Outfit

Since putting it on, I’ve been obsessed with bomber jackets. Wearing casually with jeans, or a silk one with a pretty dress, it seems to work for all occasions. Plus loud, bold prints seem to be in, which I think is great. Have a bit of fun with fashion.

Statement Bomber Jacket Outfit

Again, I urge you to check out Katrina Wilson's designs as they really are fantastic, and we should definitely support up and coming talent.

And if you feel like you want to wear something a bit "out there" then my advice is to just do it. It really doesn't matter what other people think at the end of the day. If you're happy, then that's what matters.

Katrina Wilson Womenswear

Outfit Details
Leggings: Barbour
Boots: Daniel Footwear (Similar)
Bag: Chanel

Shop Bomber Jackets




Come say hi on Instagram and Twitter @laurajhyatt
Top Tips For Drinking At A Bar Alone

So my last post about traveling solo went down really well. I got so much amazing feedback and comments on here and twitter, that you guys just made me smile so much. But there were some comments from people about how they could never travel alone. Well continuing the theme I thought I’d tell you about an amazing bar I tried on Friday on my own, and give my top tips for drinking at a bar alone. 

Polo Bar, Mayfair

On Friday I was all geared up to go have some fantastic cocktails with company, but sadly my partner in crime was caught up with work, and I found myself alone at Polo Bar in Mayfair. 

Polo Bar, is the 5* Westbury Hotel's bar. It’s Art Deco in design, and takes grandeur in its stride. There are Swarovski Crystal blinds at the window and Fendi interiors. On paper is sounds quite imposing and maybe somewhere that would seem too uptight, but as soon as I walked in the mood was not like other stuffy Mayfair bars. I was genuinely warmly greeted and even the other guests were relaxed and gave off warm vibes.

Polo Bar Mayfair Cocktails

Whilst I waited for my company (before I knew I'd be alone) I ordered from the newly launched menu.

I started with the Divine. A beluga vodka, with passion fruit, lime, Galliano (a type of sweet, herbal liqueur) and saffron syrup. The drink was delicious. I real fruity mix, with just a hint of spice to cut through all the sweetness.

Now you might be wondering why there is a mini drink next to it? Well here at Polo Bar, you get a little side drink of the same cocktail, as you know when your with friends and they ask to try your drink? Well this way, they can try your drink without nicking any of yours! Genius.

Although for a solo drinker, it just meant I got extra. You don't see me complaining.

Polo Bar Mayfair Cocktails
Top Tips For Drinking At A Bar Alone

So drinking alone, can it ever be fun?


Yes definitely. Sometimes I like not having to talk to people. I like being able to just have some time to myself and think things over. Plus I've said it before, but treating myself to a good quality drink on my own, does wonders for my self esteem. I just come away feeling that much more sophisticated... even if it's only till I get home and put my Star Wars PJs on (true fact)

So here are some top tips if you are a bit nervous of drinking alone

Choosing the right venue


Not everywhere is right to drink alone in. Some places I feel uncomfortable in. I find that quieter places are easier, as the whole point of going alone is to enjoy my own company, and if I can barely here my own thoughts, there's really no point. Upmarket or low key is a tricky one, as yes, nice upmarket places like Polo Bar make it very nice to spend time in, but then some upmarket places are so pretentious you get odd looks that are just down right uncomfortable. Same with lower key places, some are too rowdy and you'll get unwanted attention, yet others like a nice country pub are great for keeping a low profile.

Polo Bar, Westbury Hotel, Mayfair

Timing

Sadly if you go to a bar late in the evening in a city, people are going to make assumptions that you want to get picked up. It's just the way the world works. Don't get me wrong, if you want to wear that slinky dress and own that bar on your own, without any intention of wanting to hook up, I'm giving you a virtual high 5 through my screen. But if you don't want to get harassed, it's probably best to go afternoon to early evening time.

Have something to do 

With all good intentions of sitting there putting the world to right in your head, being alone can mean boredom sets in sometimes. So have something to do. I wouldn't recommend whacking out a book in a bar, that's more coffee shop, but your phone, sure why not. When I've done enough sipping and thinking to myself, I like to actually use the time to answer some emails and then go back to my drink. Why not, you've got no one to tel you your on your phone to much!

Location to the bar

I have mixed opinions on this depending on what mood I'm in. If you want company, sit at the bar and strike up conversation with the bartender. I don't mean bug him/her, but ask them to explain your drink, ask them what they recommend and just little chit chat here and there. It's also good if your worried about appearances, as it draws less attention. But if you don't want to talk to anyone, grab yourself a table. It's perfectly fine to have a table to yourself (although don't grab a big one, that's just selfish).

Polo Bar, Westbury Hotel, Mayfair

Also another good thing you can do is order some nibbles. It takes away some of the awkwardness. So on Friday I ordered some smoked salmon cones. Made from London smoked salmon mousse, crème fraiche, Aquitaine caviar and chives they were really nice. Very fresh and light, and the unusual textures made for a really interesting tasting experience.

Polo Bar, Westbury Hotel, Mayfair

However this drink made my night. What a drink! This is Masterful. Millers gin infused with apricots and shaken with homemade lavender syrup, lemon, sugar and egg white. Oh lordy it was so good!

Polo Bar, Westbury Hotel, Mayfair
Top Tips For Drinking At A Bar Alone

Next was Scarlet Gem Ilegal Mezcal Joven shaken with orange marmalade, Campari and Cocchi Barolo Chinato. This ones more sour and more strong. Personally I'm a girly drinker (and I own that) so it wasn't my favourite.

Prawn Tempura, Mayfair

But the tempura prawns made up for it. They were so big, fat and juicy.

Prawn Tempura, Mayfair
Top Tips For Drinking At A Bar Alone

What if I get unwanted attention?

If you are a woman, it very well could happen. I find most men are simply just trying to strike up conversation and if you say you don't really want to be disturbed then they'll happily leave you alone. But if someone is persistent or even sits down at your table without your permission, you have to just ell them straight "I'm sorry, but I'm not looking for company right now" but if you find yourself a bit stuck, you can be more subtle and signal to the waiter/ bar staff to come over, as being alone in a bar usually means they will have clocked you.

Attitude

Finally just own it. You have every right to be there as anyone with company. Enjoy your time alone, enjoy good drinks, and enjoy your new found independence.

Top Tips For Drinking At A Bar Alone

I was certainly enjoying my time alone at Polo Bar. I can't remember what my final drink was (bad blogger) as for some reason my notes are blank for this drink. However it really was fantastic.

The Polo Bar is such a great bar, solo or not, I'd highly recommend. The staff are fantastic and will look after you.

If you want to go drink alone, but are nervous to, I'd just say go for it. The worst thing would be you hate it, and you leave. But just give it ago. You might just find you love it.

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Why it is good to travel solo

I didn’t intend to write this blog post. It just sort of happened because I posted a photo on my Instagram on Friday about enjoying going to a bar alone and the feedback was interesting. I had some people agree, others say they could never do that, and other says they wish they had the confidence to do so. This got me thinking about why its good to travel solo and the times I’ve been solo travelling and what an amazing experience it was. Not because I was in some amazing location, but because of what it does to me as a person. Confidence, independence and even self-worth.

Cropped Navy Tux with black leggings

I truly admire people who have a creative talent. To create something that makes someone else gasp and admire is an amazing gift. 

I've always been a big supporter of local and homegrown food produce as I understand that it is someones business and I'd rather give my money to Jane down at her local shop than Big Bob head of some huge supermarket chain.

But homegrown fashion? I will admit, my normal shopping habits lie in chain stores, but last year I went to Graduate Fashion Week  and was blown away with the talent. Someone actually handmade these garments. Since then I recently got talking to one of the designers who took part, Katrina Wilson and once again was amazed at her incredible gift.