Columbia Road Flower Market, London

I'm lucky enough to squeeze a fair few trips in to London each year as James only lives 25 minutes outside of London, so I can always stay at his house for the night. I still find London exciting every time I head in as there is always stuff to tick off my long bucket list for things to do in London. The Big Ben, London Eye, Oxford street etc etc are all great things that everyone needs to visit at some point, but I'm more drawn to things off the beaten track these days, where there's less tourists and more of the locals. It's these undiscovered parts of London that excite me the most which led me to my trip to Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday. The flower market only takes place on Sunday's, and it starts bright and early at around 8am and goes on for most of the day. It is definitely off the beaten track in London, you'll need to take a tube to Bethnal Green (East London) and it's then only a 10 minute walk to Columbia Road, it was surprisingly easy to find. I would 100% recommend this flower market to all lovers of flowers. If you like cacti, roses, succulents and flowers in any form you are going to seriously lurrrveee this post!

You couldn't miss the flower market, but I was definitely somewhat guided by the hoards of people leaving with beautiful bunches of brown paper wrapped flowers!

There was every possible type of flower you could ever think of...

I loved this cornucopia of colours in what looked like a flower wall, I thought that the prices across the whole market were incredibly reasonable, I really don't mind paying for a really good bunch of flowers that you know haven't been wilting in a warm Tesco shop for the last 6 days...

There was something colourful on every corner!

1 bunch of every roses possible please! I didn't realise so many different colour varieties of roses existed, I absolutely loved the pastel mix bunch of roses, they were definitely a popular choice with the locals too.

Apparently giant hydrangeas are a thing? Again, these come in every colour combination you can ever think of. I'm slightly bewildered as to how you display them though as the stalks are so long! If anyone knows please tweet me or comment below!

Seriously, just look!!! I've developed such a cacti/succulent obsession over the last year as they are just so damn cute, nothing could have prepared me for this mighty little collection of cactus' at the market, and they even have coloured flowers on top! These were 3 for £5, so I scooped up a little selection and I was on my way. 

This place really is a dream for any cactus loving people!

It wasn't just like a typical florists at the market, but more like an extravagant garden centre. There was rows and rows of potted plants too, and even a selection of flower bulbs that you can plant yourself. The dream is definitely to grow my own rose and blossom bush when I have my own home!

On either side of the flower market are rows of the cutest little shops, from floristy style stores, cute cafes to premium children clothing brands. I think it may be my new favourite part of London? I just love the fact that it is still mostly untouched by tourists, and a slither of old fashioned London still lives on! 

I would recommend getting to the flower market earlier rather than later, we arrived at around 10am and it was already packed, it probably didn't help that it was such a warm day too, but if you leave it any later you really won't want to face the hoards of people, there was also loads of bunches so I don't think you have to worry about them selling out too early. I was just gutted I couldn't pick up some beautiful bunches of flowers, as I don't think they would have fared very well from a day walking around London and a 4 hour train ride home. However, my cactus' are settling well into their new home, with their colourful buds attached! I think it's time I moved to London so I can pick up some beautiful blooms from there every weekend like a real Londoner.

Have you been to the Columbia Road Flower Market before? Would you like to visit it? Do you have any other 'off the beaten track' in London suggestions?

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London Haul

My boyfriend took me to London for my 21st as i mentioned in my previous post and of course when in London you shop!! So here are a few... of my purchases from the weekend as well as a couple i have bought since arriving back at uni! Sorry in advance about the picture quality of some of these i haven't got round to using my new camera yet!

Urban Outfitters - I have been looking for a black long sleeve crop top for soo long now. You cant see on the picture but the fabric is also ribbed which adds a bit extra to a plain black top.This will look great with high waisted bottoms and a tartan scarf! I also picked up this beautiful playsuit!! Its quite summery but will be nice in the autumn with some thick tights and boots.

Tk Maxx - These were from the shoe clearance aisle for only £8. I didn't need them but I love the funky leopard print pattern and these would look great with black jeans on a casual day.

Topshop - I featured this cropped jacket in my latest ootd, but i also bought these beautiful oxblood velvet high waisted shorts which look great with this jacket. The colour is so appropriate for A/W and i will be getting lots of wear out of these. The necklace was a last minute purchase which was £10, statement jewellery is still one of my favourite things to jazz up an outfit.

Gilly Hicks - I actually think i prefer Gilly Hicks underwear as opposed to VS nowadays,i think the colours are more fun and young. I picked 5 pairs up for £20 which i'm not sure is good in comparison to other shops but i was happy with my purchases and i love the signature scent they spray them with!

Calzedonia - I am a big fan of this shop! I also have another pair which i have worn to death so when i'm in London this place always gets a visit. I love this style with the textured strips down the side,they remind me of riding style pants,these were £20 which come in a fair bit cheaper than the similar ones in Zara.

Primark - If you have ever been to Primark on Oxford street on a weekend then you will have experienced hell, it is the busiest place to be and you really cant find what you're looking for or have a pleasant browse. I had been looking for these cute muppets pjs in my size everywhere and of course the Oxford Street store pulled up trumps,these were only £10.

Leather skirt + Top - I also picked up this quilted faux leather skirt which i have seen on soo many blogs which was only £10! Another thing which will go with most colours but i picked this top to go with it and if you can see on the second photo its has a lovely ribbed texture to it,this was £6.

Boots - My current cleanser just hasn't been cutting it with removing my eye makeup so after asking for some recommendations the lovely Laura Loves suggested this Garnier one which she has likened to as a Clarins dupe so i am expecting great things from this! Since coming back to uni all my nails have decided to break off, they have never been so short boo so i decided to invest in something that can hopefully help strengthen my nails!

Models Own - The models own stall in Westfield is amazing,there is literally too much choice but i picked out the colour Emerald city which is a great glittery colour for the christmas period!

I hope you enjoyed reading! What do you think of my purchases? Do you own any of these?