The City Break Essentials: New York

Packing for a city break can be a bit of a daughting task if you've never been there before and don't know what to expect so we've decided to share our essentials with you to help you along your way, specifically with summer in New York in mind...

Dainty Jewellery is a must for any city break. A chic look is easily achieved with a few simple peaces, there's no need to pack your entire jewellery box! I'll be packing my Pandora bracelets along with my beautiful new star bracelet from French Connection which has Swaroski infusions (A gorgeous gift from a lovely friend for my birthday). Of course I have to take my Statue of Liberty charm (another present - I'm so spoilt), it would be rude not to! Along with these I'll be taking a few pendant necklaces that will go with everything day or night.

A Selection of Sunglasses as believe me one pair will never be enough. If you're anything like me I'm constantly misplacing or losing mine so I find it best to take a cheaper pair (Top: Topshop, £16) as well as my more expensive Ray Bans. Sunglasses for every occasion I say!

Skincare in the sun is extremely important and often overlooked. I have ridiculously sensitive skin hence the kids suncream - honestly it's the way to go when protecting your skin from the summer heat in New York! I make sure I always carry a smaller suncream with me all day to reapply regularly. Also, when I'm on holiday I try to use BB cream to give my skin a chance to breath and enjoy the healthy benefits of the sun.

Summer Prints are an absolute must in New York. This is one of the places you can get away with wearing pretty much anything you want and I love embracing their summertime culture. I'm taking a selection of Topshop, Zara and Reiss.

Hand Luggage is extremely important. My Michael Kors is perfect as it's deceivingly large with has plenty of pockets inside to hold my passport, phone and all other travel essentials. As well as this it has a over the shoulder strap which is useful for when you're rushing for a subway. Again, it goes with everything so there's no need to pack a ton of different bags.

The Highwaisted Bikini is my best friend at the moment. If you're like me then you perhaps didn't get your bikini body ready for summer in time! I've mixed and matched my set; the top is from H&M and the bottoms are from Topshop. If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your Manhattan hotel then this is a must!

Trainers are key. In New York you walk everywhere, and I mean everywhere, which is part of the beauty of the city. Having said this it does take it's toll on your feet and a comfortable and reliable pair of trainers are going to get you a long way, for me this is my much loved pair of New Balance.

Have you got any tips for New York?! We'd love to hear from you!

Alice & Grace xo

Alice & Grace Love: bareMinerals

I've had a recent conversion and not the religious kind. I was recently in Newcastle Fenwick and decided to try the much recommended bareMinerals. I started off with one of their 'Get Started Kits' which was matched up to my skin tone. The kit costs £50 but comes with the foundation, bronzer & mineral veil (to keep make up in place), a tester size primer (which actually lasts quite a while) as well as a foundation brush, a bronzer brush & a concealer brush. In my opinion that's a hell of a lot for £50. You're also taught how to use it all, which is helpful if you're a novice like me. 

After this I was so impressed I had to go back for more & invest in some of their skin care which would compliment the use of my new foundation. My favourite piece has to be their 'Blemish Remedy' that comes with it's own little brush and costs a very reasonable £15. I can confirm it works wonders.

Since making the change to a powder foundation I can see a massive difference in my skin, it feels so much healthier. The main reason for this is that bareMinerals is completely natural & therefore a lot better for your skin than caking it in chemicals. Has anyone else tried their new skin range or fake tan? Let us know!

Alice & Grace xo

Product of the Week

I'd heard a lot about Jergens but was never convinced to invest, I have quite sensitive skin & worried it would only irritate it...Then I saw the light; I was given a sample size bottle & as soon as I applied it to my skin I knew I was a Jergens convert! Finally a moisturiser that didn't leave my skin sticky or oily! I apply it straight after showering & it sinks into my skin leaving it silky and soft.