Claire & The City Blog

Love Letter

I’m a tulle wearing, Valentino Rockstud loving Londoner & my blog aims to bring you all the Instagrammable corners in the city. My specialist subjects are flowers & seasonal content! So expect plenty of Halloween and Christmas deep dives!

How to write a press release and free template

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...

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Lavender Fields near London with red phone box

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...

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Pink outfits inspired by Barbie – Barbiecore style

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...

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Review of Valentino Rockstud Heels, Pumps and Sandals

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...

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Most Instagrammable Cafes and Restaurants in London

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...

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The Carrie Bradshaw Guide: How to Style a Tulle Skirt

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...

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How to Instagram Like a Pro – Part 1 of my Free Guide!

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...

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Christmas in London Instagrammable Places 2022

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...

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A Beginner’s Guide to Instagram Reels

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,...

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Free Flower festival – Chelsea in Bloom 2022 British Icons

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...

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Hiring a Photographer for Holiday or Business Trips

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...

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The Platinum Jubilee: Everything Marketers Need to Know

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...

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A Weekend in Bruges at Christmas

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...

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Marketing Calendar with Awareness Days and Seasonal Events

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...

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Interview with stylist Anna Berkeley on personal branding

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...

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How to outsource for small businesses and freelancers

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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How to get more followers on Instagram

How to get more followers on Instagram

I couldn’t help but wonder how to get more followers... Dear reader this is the NUMBER 1 most asked question about Instagram (according to Google). Can YOU believe it? Yes probs. Cos let’s face it, you’d be Snow White perfect if you’d never once considered how to get more of the F-word in your...

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Why confidence is important (and how to build it)

Why confidence is important (and how to build it)

Today I want to talk about how you (and your confidence!) are your own best assets.  My aim is that you’ll go away from this inspired to take action and tell your own story with confidence. Personal branding is a subject I’m really passionate about. Ive worked with many wonderful people over the...

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Interview with editor and stylist Samantha Harman

Interview with editor and stylist Samantha Harman

Samantha Harman is a stylist and an award-winning editor of newspapers, magazines and websites. She was the first female editor of the Bucks Free Press and the youngest ever editor of the Oxford Mail and Times. She specialises in digital transformation and currently edits Oxfordshire Living...

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Interview with Hannah Eichler

Interview with Hannah Eichler

I’ve known and worked with wonderful Hannah Eichler throughout my career as she moved from publication to publication as a journalist and I shifted from brand to brand in Public Releations. Hannah is the now the acting Deputy Editor at the MailOnline’s Fashion Finder feature and is an Associate...

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Interview with Camilla Richardson Pink Storm Social

Interview with Camilla Richardson Pink Storm Social

I met Camilla aka Pink Storm Social last week, virtually of course since we're currently in Lockdown 3! We bonded over a shared love of showing up EVEN IF we are in a global pandemic. Covid-19 has made a huge impact on all of our businesses, but we both believe that you can still stay active on...

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Interview with Karen The Organising Lady

Interview with Karen The Organising Lady

Karen, aka The Organising Lady, has built her business around her love of organisation. Turns out that one person's chore is another person's passion! Who is Karen The Organising Lady? She has over 25 years of experience as a professional organiser for a business, but then decided to go solo....

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Wardrobe Clear Out with The Organising Lady

Wardrobe Clear Out with The Organising Lady

I recently wrote a blog about personal brands and why a personal brand image so important. Basically, personal branding relates to your specific skillset and your ability to build trust and rapport with your audience to be a thought leader. And it's your biggest asset, so it's worth investing time...

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What is your personal brand and why is it important?

What is your personal brand and why is it important?

If you have a business, or are an entrepreneur or an influencer, then your personal brand is your most important asset. Personal branding relates to your specific skillset and your ability to build trust and rapport with your audience to be a thought leader. For instance, your online persona is...

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Antonia Taylor PR and Brand Strategist Interview

Antonia Taylor PR and Brand Strategist Interview

Antonia Taylor is a PR strategist focused on small businesses. She specialises in creating bespoke, effective and inspiring PR programmes, helping businesses grow with great storytelling. If you’re looking for a compelling narrative for your business or brand, then look no further than Antonia!

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Helen Perry Instagram & Marketing Specialist Interview

Helen Perry Instagram & Marketing Specialist Interview

Helen Perry is an Instagram specialist and the woman behind the @NotAboutTheKids Instagram account. She's a former BBC journalist and self-confessed social media lurker who, after attending a how-to workshop, had a lightbulb moment. Since then, she has been teaching others how to build their...

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Interview With Pandora Sykes

Interview With Pandora Sykes

In 2015 I asked Pandora Sykes if a book would be on her radar for the future, to which she answered; ‘Who. Only. Knows.’ Fast forward five years and Pandora is merely weeks away from achieving that incredible milestone with her debut book, How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?: Essays on Modern...

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Interview with Freelance PR Specialist Daisy Craydon

At the beginning of April 2020, while the UK was in the early stages of lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Captain Tom Moore (or "Captain Tom") pledged to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden by his 100th birthday. His passion for the hardworking...

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Instagram Stories for Beginners 2025 – Step by Step

Instagram Stories for Beginners 2025 – Step by Step

Instagram Stories are still one of the best ways to connect with your audience in a real, relaxed way — whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes moments, quick tips, or just your morning coffee. If you’ve ever wondered how people add filters, tag locations, or get creative with stickers, this...

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How to be confident on camera

How to be confident on camera

I know how terrifying being on camera can be. For years I watched my peers and people I admired giving confident, engaging performances in front of the camera BUT I didn’t feel like I could join in. Then one day, I joined an Instagram challenge set by Sam Burgess and it included being ‘on’ stories...

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Harry Potter Tour

Harry Potter Tour

The Harry Potter Tour at Warner Bros Studio has been on my list since it opened. I loved reading the books soooo much and not only did I write a lengthy feature called ‘Marketing and Magic’ in my University newspaper, but I also wrote my English dissertation on Harry Potter. Thanks to The...

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A Guide to a Weekend in Valencia

A Guide to a Weekend in Valencia

This is a short guide to a weekends away in Valencia. In short, it’s gorgeous, go immediately! It is a great place for a short trip with friends or as a couple as there is plenty to see and do. Valencia was a favourite place of one of my best friends Emma. She always told me how amazing it was and...

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Guide to Perissa in Santorini

Guide to Perissa in Santorini

Santorini is Instagram magic with its white glistening buildings, clear seas and pastel coloured sunsets, it is the jewel in the crown of Greece. With a flight time of around 4 hours from Gatwick, Santorini is easily placed for a week away. The resorts of Fira and Oia are THE Instagram hot spots...

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