Portchester Castle: Portsmouth's Hidden Gem

I say 'hidden' gem, but Portchester Castle is pretty difficult to conceal!  Located at the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour, the medieval castle is built within a former Roman fort.  I've only ever visited Portsmouth a handful of times and so I'll be the first to admit I had absolutely no idea Portsmouth was harbouring (excuse the pun) such a special place!  Honestly?  Castle ruins can be just as special as those packed full with furniture; at the very least, it paves the way for you to use your imagination.  With barely anyone around and an afternoon of non-stop sunshine, it was time to explore...

Exploring Cliveden In Ralph Lauren

The only thing better than a beautiful outfit, is a beautiful setting.  Or is it the other way around? Hmm, can we have both?!  Speaking of which, I've loved hearing over recent months about how many of you recognise some of the historic places and cities featured on A Glass Of Ice.  So, having been sent the most perfect utility dress from Ralph Lauren, I wondered what place could possibly get on a level with the brand's classic beauty?  Having wanted to explore the luxury hotel Cliveden for a while now, it seemed the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss was about ...

8 Culture-Packed Day Trips To Take From London

I mentioned at the beginning of this year my plan to cover more places on 'home turf' and so far I've kept to my word!  However it's through doing this, I've noticed a familiar question popping up both in the comment section, as well as my inbox - can these places be reached from London?  So, considering most visitors to the UK at some point find themselves in London, I've put together a brief list of culture and/or fun-packed places easily reached from the capital.  Each one has been tried and tested, enjoyed and reviewed!

6 Autumn Wardrobe Heroes To Invest In ASAP!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love dressing for the cold weather; you can go totally overboard with layering and accessorising!  Although until then, we've got to muddle through those awkward days; you know, the ones that start off freezing cold and then roast you alive by mid-afternoon?  There are a few definite fail-safes that are worth investing in ASAP,  including new jeans (but you already knew that) and other essentials.  Once you've got those basics in place, feel free to go crazy with the embellished berets and jumping on board the faux fur bag trend - if only to make me feel better about my inevitable beret-seeking online shopping sessions, oops...

Petworth House & Park | September Stroll In The South Downs

When Autumn is mentioned, a few go-to phrases come to mind: golden leaves, chunky-knit jumpers, rainy days spent tucked up indoors, hot chocolate, toffee apples and... seasonal walks!  I can appreciate just how lucky we are here in the UK to have so many options available to us when it comes to exploring all that nature has to offer.  Off the top of my head, I can think of dozens of popular trails in the South, and many of which belong to the National Trust.  One of these can be found at Petworth House and Park, a stately mansion nestled in the South Downs (housing a fine art collection).  Along with the house, there are 700 acres to explore on a quiet Autumnal afternoon.  In my opinion, the beauty of the season lies in that you don't need good weather.  In fact, the rain even contributes to the 'cosy factor' - which let's face it, suits England very well...

I think part of the appeal of places such as Petworth House and Park, is the tranquility they offer.  As the temperature drops, you can often find yourself strolling through the grounds of these places without coming across anyone for ages.  It's just you and your thoughts to the sound of the rain bashing down on your umbrella - well, unless you're visiting with someone, and then it's non-stop chatting and stopping for carrot cake (twice!).

The Marble Hall can be found near the grand staircase and is beautifully bright, even on the darkest of days.  Am I obsessed with the floor?  Yes.  As you'll most likely be able to tell from this post, it quickly became my favourite room at the mansion!   

I recently joked over on Instagram about aged moldings found in garden follies literally being my aesthetic, and so you can imagine my delight at stumbling across a Rotunda in the property's enclosed grounds!  I was planning on returning asap to check out the 'panoramic views of the South Downs' from the Pleasure Ground.  However, I've just read about how in October and November you can spot herds of deer in the park!  My advice?  Plan a visit to Petworth for the end of Autumn to catch up with friends or family; that way you get the best of what the place has to offer!

My love for historic houses, long walks and gardens is nothing new on A Glass Of Ice, but I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on that one! Do share your thoughts on this place below; will I find myself bumping into you at Petworth House and Park anytime soon?!

With love,

Gabrielle x

Mii Cosmetics: Supernova AW17 Collection

New season, new Mii Cosmetics collection!  Since my review of the brand's summer collection, Tropical Daydream, I've been obsessed with the Wide Eyed Liner.  Really, obsessed.  There always seems to be at least one staple in each collection that makes it into my can't-live-without permanent daily routine, and sure enough, it's happened again!  This season's Supernova collection is filled with the brand's flattering approach to beauty; including four long-wearing lip crémes, no-fuss liquid eyeliner and a glitter liner that screams festive parties (oops, too soon?).  So, which products from the Supernova collection have made me see stars?!

Heritage Check: The Ultimate 'Desk-To-Date' Autumn Print

As soon as the colder weather hits, I tend to retreat to a world of block colours.  Bye prints!  However, having seen endless streams of strikingly bold prints hitting shops and runways alike, I've been persuaded to at least dip my toe into the pool of prints this Autumn. If, like me, you go all out with florals/stripes/gingham in summer, and then regress to only monochrome looks from September onwards, now is the time to experiment a little.  Just a tiny bit.  To start with?  Heritage Check.  It's bold and yet subtle if wanted, pretty yet powerful and ideal for wearing from desk-to-date, and day-to-night!