Summer Scents

There have been so many huge fragrance launches recently that it’s been a bit hard to keep track. Here are my picks for both men and women.

For men:

Boss Bottled Night: When I first saw the ad for this, staring previously featured man of the day and lucky Scarlett’s hubby Ryan Reynolds, I was hooked. It's a seductive and sophisticated male scent.

Biotherm Force: The first male fragrance from men's skincare giant Biotherm. The smell is inspired by the union of physical and mental force, featuring top notes of fresh citrus, woody undertones as well as neroli, cardamom, absinth and patchouli.

For women:

Gucci Guilty: This fragrance is super hot. When I first smelt this one, all of my co-workers and I were addicted, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Fendi Fan di Fendi: This is definitely one for women who love to collect perfume bottles and display them beautifully in their boudoir. It’s a vibrant, sensual and addictive radiant floral fragrance with a leather base. Why is it called Fan di Fendi? Because you will be a fan of it, of course.

And for both:

Voyage d’Hermes: Don’t be fooled into thinking that this unisex fragrance is a boring one-smell suits-all. It’s a distinctly unique scent packaged in a gorgeously designed bottle. The top of my list for my next fragrance purchase!

New favourite: HuTong Dumpling Bar

I was recently introduced to HuTong Dumpling Bar, in Market Lane, for one of my friend’s birthdays, and once I find a great place I tend to go back and back. This place is no exception and I have already been back twice since first going at the start of October.

It’s made up of three different levels, the third is my favourite, and obviously everyone else loves it too because it seems impossible to get in without a booking.

Recently I blogged about how macaroons were the new cupcake- and now dumplings seem to be the next big food trend. Suddenly everyone seems to be going out for dumplings and cocktails (+ girlfriends is the best combination) and talking about different dumpling places.

My pick (which is pretty much everything I’ve tried so far)- Shao-Long Bao (dumplings with soup in them which need to be eaten in one go or you will get the liquid all over your face, as I discovered), Shanghai pan-fried dumplings, assorted vegetables, honey chicken and dry chicken and chilli if you like things spicy!