PR & Marketing
My Claire & The City blog delves into the modern world in order to inspire debate about our culture. You’ll find topical features and interviews with those making waves in the industry plus my personal how-to guides and London tips and career advice.
How to Make a Pink Halloween Witches Hat
I am obsessed with Halloween! Every year I seek out the best spooky decorations in London and I love dressing up in scary costumes. It is a brilliant time of year for a proper marketing campaign. Kicking off at the end of September, you can really capitalise on Halloween throughout the whole of...
The September Issue – Autumn Social Media & Content Ideas
Welcome to September friends! This point in the year is often seen as a second New Year where we move into Autumn. In this blog post we’ll look at the value of awareness days and seasonal content plus how to use it in your marketing. What is the Autumn aesthetic for September content? September is...
Taylor Swift Free Exhibition at The V&A London – Swiftie Tips
Swifties are in for a treat this summer! Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour will be returning to Wembley in August - tips here - and now we have a new exhibition to celebrate her music, fashion, instruments and memorabilia. The iconic V&A Museum building in South Kensington is the perfect location...
Taylor Swift Walking Tour London – Camden to Hampstead
Welcome to my Taylor Swift Walking Tour for Camden Market, Primrose Hill & Hampstead Heath. I also have a Taylor Swift Walking Tour for Kensington to Notting Hill you can read here. If you’ve listened to the Lover album, you’ll know that Taylor enjoys walking Camden Market in the afternoon....
Taylor Swift Walking Tour London – Kensington to Notting Hill
Hello fellow Swifties! I have spent the last six months exploring Taylor Swift's relationship with London and gathered all of the information together to create walking tours of the city. She has been visiting London long before she was using the city in her songs. Of course there are several...
Hampstead’s Hidden Gem: Hill Garden & Pergola
Thanks to my friend Kate, I stumbled upon a magical spot in London that I had no idea existed. Kate bought me a book about Hidden London, and while I was skeptical at first—what could there possibly be in London that I don't already know about?!?—I was quickly proven wrong. Just thirty seconds...
London’s Design Museum Barbie Exhibition: Top Photo Spots and Visitor Info
Come with me to the Barbie exhibition in the Design Museum in Kensington. I was so excited to visit this special display celebrating the 65th year of the iconic Barbie brand. Expect an overload of bubblegum pink and a journey through Barbie history! I grew up with Barbie and her many wonderful...
Taylor Swift’s The Black Dog Pub London
As a very dedicated Swiftie, I've spent the last six months exploring the London locations and outfits inspired by Taylor Swift. That's where I came across the famous The Black Dog in Vauxhall which has been named in a song in her 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department. I decided to head down to...
Taylor Swift Tips for The Eras Tour Wembley London: What You Need to Know for August
I had the INCREDIBLE experience of attending Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour in June at Wembley Stadium, London! It was better than my WILDEST DREAMS! If you're planning to catch her show in August, here are tips to ensure you have the best time possible. For reference we were General Admission...
Taylor Swift’s Marketing Strategy – How She Uses Easter Eggs, Community, Momentum and Storytelling
In the last six months I’ve been studying Taylor Swift like I was doing a PHD in The Eras Tour. I’ve always been a fan, particularly Red, 1989, Reputation eras. However when I decided to create content to link in with the Eras Tour arriving in London, I realised her marketing hits an entirely...
Taylor Swift’s London: A Swiftie’s Guide to the City
Hello, Lovers! Taylor Swift is returning to London this month, and I’ve rounded up places she visits and added locations that suit each era for maximum Swiftie impact. From Camden Market to The Black Dog Pub, this guide will help you capture the perfect London snap. I’ve tried to recreate Taylor’s...
Free London Flower Festival – Best displays for Chelsea in Bloom & Belgravia in Bloom 2024
I’m pretty excited to say that Chelsea in Bloom has officially started as I spotted my first floral display yesterday at London’s Egerton Hotel. Every year the surrounding areas of Chelsea and Belgravia dress up their shops, cafes, and bars with floral themes to create the most spectacular buzz....
The Best Afternoon Tea in London – Most Instagrammable Places
The classic Afternoon Tea is a British institution. This food extravaganza is a special event, one to get dressed up for and indulge in. Think Pride and Prejudice meets Bridgerton vibes, the style is very formal, fancy and ornate. Here’s my guide to the best Afternoon Tea in London! About...
Equipment for Content Creators: Shiny Kit or No Shiny Kit?
In the realm of content creation, the question often arises: do you need all the shiny equipment to produce quality work, or can you get by with what you have at hand? We've delved into the world of DIY photography and video, as well as the benefits of professional assistance for creating stunning...
Instagrammable Places for Flowers in London
Hi I’m Claire and my specialist subject is FLOWERS. From blossom to magnolia, from rose gardens to floral filled cafes, I’ve got all the best places in London. London's got some seriously Insta-worthy spots when it comes to blooms. Whether you're a flower fanatic or just looking for a cute...
How to Create a Rainbow Easter Bookcase for Spring
Spring is just around the corner and so I have been thinking about creative content for spring. Whether that is fashion, interiors or lifestyle, spring is full of blooming flowers, brighter colours and tasty snacks. Easter is a time for renewal, so what better way to celebrate than by transforming...
How to Make a Heart Shaped Rainbow Bookcase for Valentine’s Day
For Valentine’s Day this year I wanted to transform my rainbow bookcase into a heart shaped one. Lovely! I love working with the calendar and creating seasonal content so Valentine's Day is no exception. It is the perfect time to get creative with content, whether that is food, fashion, beauty,...
Valentine’s Day in London – Instagrammable Places
Hello lovers! It is 2024 and time to gather together all of London's most romantic displays for your photos and videos. Here are the most Instagrammable Valentine's Displays from 2023 so you know what to expect. Valentine's Day is a much needed burst of joy in the middle of these bleak winter...
The Best Christmas Films and those So-Bad-They’re-Good Festive Rom Coms
My favourite Christmas films are about being really watchable, half a good storyline, cute cast, funny and re-watchable. Cos let’s face it, we’ll watch them all again next year! Although we all love the feel-good element of them, they are a solid money spinner! For example apparently each year...
Free Calendar and Awareness Dates for 2024
You might be deep into planning next year, or you might just have a quiet moment to let the dates for 2024 sink in.This Free Calendar and Awareness Dates for 2024 will mean you can shortcut your planning and get your marketing sorted quickly. As always, double check any dates as things move (and...
Christmas Decorations in London 2023 – The Most Instagrammable!
It's timeee! Mariah Carey is completely defrosted and belting out All I Want For Christmas - hurrah! London is one of my favourite places on earth for Christmas decorations. We have OTT displays, twinkling street lights, modern flashy trees, traditional bells and baubles. We have it all! From the...
When to post on social media over Christmas
My Christmas tips for social media. Christmas is the golden quarter so shoppers are looking for gifts ideas, festive fashion tips and lifestyle inspiration. Christmas is just around the corner, and for marketers and social media enthusiasts, it's the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday...
Halloween in London – Best Trick or Treating, Spooky Decorations & Instagrammable Places
Whoop it is almost Halloween! Halloween in London is so special. Every year the most spectacular houses and beautiful shops are decorated with skeletons, ghosts, spiders and witches for this super spooky season. From Kensington to Chelsea houses to restaurants and cafes. Here's the best Halloween...
London’s Most Instagrammable Places – Best Photo Locations
I’ve lived in London for over ten years and it has taken time to get to know this incredible city. There’s historic buildings, pretty palaces, beautiful neighbourhoods and iconic streets which make up this diverse city. In the age of social media, capturing picture-perfect moments at famous...
How to make a rainbow bookshelf – Instagrammable colourful bookcase using Ikea Billy Bookcase
I have always loved the idea of an aesthetically pleasing, Instagrammable rainbow bookshelf, but I was always overwhelmed by the idea of it. I was worried it would take too long, not look good enough, not have enough books, so I was TOO scared to try it. However, I have JUST started to move my...
How to write a press release and free template
Today I’m diving into the art of writing a captivating press release. Whether you're a small business owner, starting out as a PR professional I’ve got you covered. I have been writing press releases for almost 20 years and back in the day we used to fax them OR even post them out. Thankfully now...
Lavender Fields near London with red phone box
If I’d have realised how easy it was to get to Mayfield Lavender Fields, I probably would have moved in! It’s an easy journey from London with parking on site, costs £5 entry and has a red phone box in the middle of beautiful lavender! Welcome to heaven, honestly the smell is incredible and full...
Pink outfits inspired by Barbie – Barbiecore style
Pink IS so hot right now thanks to Margot Robbie and the new Barbie movie. In classic Barbie fashion, she has a full wardrobe full of high octane looks with pastel pink, hot pink and shall we say, Barbie pink leading the way. I’ve always been a fan of pink in fashion. Pale pink is lovely for...
Review of Valentino Rockstud Heels, Pumps and Sandals
I am ready to admit that I am a Valentino-a-holic - you can see this from my About Me page where it is ALL about Valentino shoes!. Ever since I saw the classic and very beautiful heeled caged pumps in black with those iconic flashy studs, I knew I had to have them. With their exquisite...
Most Instagrammable Cafes and Restaurants in London
Hello and welcome to the most Instagrammable cafes and restaurants in London. I've included Insta hot spots from all-pink favourites to more hidden gems for a luxury look. I've travelled from Notting Hill to Richmond to find the best London has to offer for photogenic foodie lovers. Most...
The Carrie Bradshaw Guide: How to Style a Tulle Skirt
I blame Sex and The City for my tulle skirt obsession - I would like a whole wardrobe of them! A grown up tutu looked so iconic on Carrie Bradshaw in those opening credits of the very fabulous TV series. And even in the follow up movies and the 'And Just Like That' programme, tulle skirts are...
Belgravia in Bloom 2023: Belgravia’s Magnificent Floral Into The Wild Displays
Welcome to Belgravia in Bloom 2023, which runs alongside the Chelsea Flower Show each year and is a hop, skip and a jump away from Chelsea in Bloom 2023 which is around the corner. Running through the are from Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Halkin Street and Eccleston Square is a mesmerising...
Chelsea in Bloom 2023 – best floral displays for Instagram
Chelsea in Bloom is spectacular every year and I love rounding up the best displays for Instagram. There's beautiful and fragrant real blooms as well as realistic fake flowers which make spectacular displays. This year, for Chelsea in Bloom 2023, the theme is Flowers on Film which is inspired by...
Instagrammable Places for Valentine’s Day 2023
Valentine’s Day in London is always a heart shaped, flower filled affair with red roses and pink petals across the capital. I love (like LOVE) when shops, florists, cafes and restaurants in London go the extra mile to make their windows extra instagrammable. Here’s a few places you can head to if...
How to Instagram Like a Pro – Part 1 of my Free Guide!
I'm so excited to share my newest (and most ambitious yet!) FREE guide with you. If you're a business, this guide will help you grow your following and brand on Instagram. My 12 Step plan will have you Instagramming like a pro in no time. This guide will help you understand the tools and the tech...
Christmas in London Instagrammable Places 2022
London comes alive at Christmas! The festive season is our speciality making it the most instagrammable place at Christmas. You'll have seen the beautiful decorations from previous years but THIS is what you can expect for Christmas in London for 2022. I've got Christmas lights, festive shops and...
Start Planning with my FREE 2023 Calendar with all awareness days!
I'm so excited to share my FREE 2023 calendar with you! Although the weather is still warm, we'll soon be well into winter, and whoosh—it will be 2023 before you know it! When you work in PR or marketing, you know that planning six months in advance is absolutely necessary. Yes, your mind is on...
Why You Need to Use Instagram Reels in your Marketing Strategy
I can hear you asking: do you have to use Instagram Reels in your marketing strategy? Why did Instagram launch Reels when they already have videos and Stories? Well, the answer can be found in the runaway success of TikTok (which was ranked as the most popular website of 2021, surpassing Google,...
What to post on Instagram after the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has been a shock. She's the only reigning monarch most of us have ever known. She represented a constant, stability in times of turmoil, a steady hand. Now the TV coverage is 24/7, it can be an overwhelming experience. I've had so many conversations with friends,...
Instagram friendly pink Jimmy Choo Cafe in Harrods London
The brand new Jimmy Choo cafe has opened their hot pink and gold doors in Harrods. It really is first class up in the sky, well in Harrods 5th floor shoe heaven anyway. This is a three month pop up so get your skates on if you want to visit. 💕 First up, it’s super pink. So if you’re fancying...
A Beginner’s Guide to Instagram Reels
Don’t know where to start with Instagram Reels? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. I promise that it’s not as complicated (or overwhelming!) as you think. Just keep reading to understand what Reels are and why you need to be making them. If you want a more detailed crash course in Reels,...
Free Flower festival – Chelsea in Bloom 2022 British Icons
Every year Chelsea in Bloom gets better and better with more elaborate floral creations to celebrate the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This year has been an absolute cracker with their British Icons theme. Here are my favourite shop displays for Chelsea in Bloom 2022: Cartier, Sloane Street, London The...
Hiring a Photographer for Holiday or Business Trips
Ever thought about hiring a pro to take shots on abroad? I took a leap of faith and decided to max out my business trip to Dubai last November by hiring a photographer for an hour. Why did I bother hiring a photographer for my Business Trip / Vacation? Last year I went to Dubai for five days for...
The Platinum Jubilee: Everything Marketers Need to Know
The 6th February 2022 kicks off the celebrations for The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II! But this is just the start of a fun-filled Royal year! Expect Union Jack flags across the country and heaps of celebrations! Queen Elizabeth II is a record breaking monarch and this year will be a...
A Weekend in Bruges at Christmas
Bruges has been on my must-visit list forever! It is the most quaint and romantic place to visit, and especially at Christmas. Bruges at Christmas transforms into a festive fairyland. There are Christmas Markets, fairy lights everywhere, huge trees in the squares, hot chocolate on every corner and...
2022 Marketing Calendar with Awareness Days and Seasonal Events
In business you’ll have busy times, quiet times and those in between. Whether you’re in a service business or a retail business, it is important to take note of the BIG stuff that matters to your customers. This includes awareness days, religious holidays AND for 2022 the Platinum Jubilee which...
Instagrammable Holiday in Lorna Luxe’s San Antonio Hotel Santorini
My week-long holiday to San Antonio Hotel in Santorini was a crowd pleaser on Instagram. I think I’ve had more DMs than Beyonce during this trip. I spotted San Antonio Hotel on Lorna Luxe’s Instagram feed YEARS ago and after madly screenshotting her every move, decided it was the perfect bouji and...
Interview with Courtney Rogers Founder of CIJ Group, PR Solutions Company
I met wonderful PR expert Courtney Rogers when I was invited to take part in CIJ Group's International Women's Day event where I chatted about overcoming confidence for a happier life. It was such an uplifting event which brought together inspirational women from all corners of life. Courtney, who...
Interview with stylist Anna Berkeley on personal branding
I have known wonderful Anna Berkeley for YEARS! We met when I was at Mamas and Papas and she was at Mother and Baby, where she was the fashion editor and stylist. Anna is body shape expert and stylist, ex-buyer for Selfridges and Prada and has been recommended by The Times and Telegraph. In this...
How to outsource for small businesses and freelancers
How to outsource? Outsourcing is a tricky issue for small businesses and freelancers. You’ve built your business up with a team of one, and now you have to start thinking about bringing other people in to support you. I know this struggle. It is real. You don’t HAVE to outsource. But if you want...
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