Monthly Archives: June 2015

Seize The Day

22nd June 2015
I’m not feeling particularly wordy at the moment, so I won’t try and introduce this post with anything witty or funny, let’s just let the pictures do the talking and revel in the delight of one of my favourite colour combinations right now.

Top: Primark (current stock) | Skirt: Urban Outfitters sale (here) | Shoes: H&M a few years ago | Necklace: La Jewellery

You can’t really see it but this top has pretty laser cut detail around the sleeves and on the hem setting it apart from your average summer vest. At £5 I couldn’t leave this cornflower blue beauty behind in store and I instantly knew I wanted to pair it with my burnt orange bargain skirt from UO. My trust H&M gladiators which are well in to their fourth summer now completed the outfit, no matter how many other pairs of brown flat sandals I try nothing can compare to these. I’ll be gutted when they eventually give up the ghost. I pulled everything together with my La Jewellery “Carpe Diem” necklace which seems very apt for life right now.
There’s not much else I can add to this post, life is funny some times and I’ve found myself burning out physically and mentally. A few days rest and a bit of self care will go a long way though, and thankfully I have a stash of posts built up to keep the blog going (therefore keeping me occupied and distracted from a racing mind).

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Posted in jewellery, life, life stuff, outfits, shoes

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Money Matters: How I Manage Mine*

20th June 2015
These days women are more financially independent than ever, whilst retaining a unique set of challenges to managing their cash. Like it or not women still earn less than men (although this gap is closing) and are therefore less likely to save for the future. With that in mind I thought I’d share some of the ways in which I manage my personal finances, allowing me to save up for big events like moving, a holiday or even a designer handbag whilst still stashing some pennies for a rainy day (or, err things like my pension!)
1. Pocket Money: At the start of every month when I’ve been paid I withdraw a set amount of cash as my pocket money for the month and once that’s gone, it’s gone. At the moment it works out about £30 per week which has to cover everything from a coffee with a friend, lunch at work or a naughty packet of cigarettes. Having this makes sure I think twice about frittering money on takeaway lattes, posh sandwiches and all the magazines ever each week. I also give myself £50 per month for a random shopping trip with my best friend, it’s our ritual and means I still feel like I’m getting the odd treat- £50 goes a long way in hitting up Primark!
2. More is More: When it comes to my bank account it’s complicated to anyone but me. I have my main current account and off of that branches several instant access saving accounts and a cash ISA. Each pay day I transfer a set amount in to each- one is a fund for when I move out with Ben, another is a fund to pay for a holiday with Mum and another covers anything I’m going to owe on store/credit card that month. This way I can’t fritter the money away and become stuck at the end of the month, but the money is easily accessible in an emergency. I also keep what I call a “fun fund” to cover birthdays, days out and weddings. When it gets to Autumn time this gets replaced with a Christmas fund which I pay a set amount in to each month.
3. Discounts Galore: Ben and I love going out for dinner and would do so at least once a week if we could afford it. It gets pricey though and has become a rare treat whilst we both try to save. When we do go out we scour through various apps and websites (I love the voucher codes app) to get a deal on some of our favourite places. The last time we went out we found a deal for Bella Italia where you bought one main course and got another for £1. In the end two mains, a shared starter and a couple of soft drinks cost under £20!
These are just the examples I can think of off the top of my head. I’m known to be a bit obsessive over my finances (I prefer to say careful and organised!) and sometimes I do wish I could throw caution to the wind and have a splurge in Topshop! I tend to use cash for everything so I can keep track of my spends and when it came to purchasing my Mulberry bag last year it was with money I had carefully saved for goodness knows how long! I always think if the money isn’t there, don’t spend it on the basis of “but I’ll have it soon”, there’s something very satisfying about making a big purchase albeit a few months after you initially planned but knowing you saved hard and aren’t getting in to debt for it.

I’d love to know if you have any tips you’d like to share, or any insight in to how you manage your money, it can be a bit of a taboo subject but there’s no shame in talking finances. Not really.

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Posted in life, life stuff

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The Latest Watch Trends*

19th June 2015

For several years, the number of watches sold fell as people switched from looking at their wrist to find out the time to checking their mobile instead. However, in 2015, the watch is definitely back. People are once again accessorising with watches.

The industry has come up with some incredible watches, and clever marketing is boosting sales.
The use of new materials

Watchmakers are taking new materials and using them to create some great looking watches. They are borrowing from industry and turning alloys like titanium into fantastic looking and durable timepieces. Ceramic watches are also proving popular and are now available at a price point that most people can afford.

The last time watch manufacturers tried out new materials to this extent was the 80s when Swatch started the trend for plastic watches. People still want something new and different, so watches made from these new materials are selling well.

New Tech

Smart watches have been available for several years, but, so far, sales have been slow. In 2015, the Apple Watch was launched and that seems to have ignited the market.

Lower priced smart watches are selling especially well. The Asus Zen Watch is relatively inexpensive and the fact that it looks more like a traditional watch has helped too.

Fashion and Luxury Watches

Luxury watches are also proving popular. The fact that people have a little more money in their pockets is definitely helping the sales of both luxury and fashion watches.

Both men and women are taking the plunge and investing in a timeless high price piece. They are opting mostly for watches with classic looks to ensure that they do not end up looking dated.
Bold jewellery is back, which is why sales of fashion watches have been strong for 2015. Black and gold are proving particularly popular, but there is also a thirst for bling, so stone encrusted watch faces and straps are sought after too.

Back in time

In 2015, some of the bigger watchmakers have gone back to their roots. Retro is definitely back.
Watch manufacturers from across the world have decided to rework and re-launch some of their classic designs. A great example is the Cartier Tank watch. This classic oblong shaped watch was first launched in the early 20s, and the new digital version is proving popular with modern consumers.

The Glashütte Original Sixties is another example of a watch that is selling well in 2015. The legendary Spezimatic watch was a best seller in the 60s and is appealing to modern consumers too.

Used Watches

The trend for retro style watches also has more people digging out family heirlooms and getting them restored. Jewellers and watchmakers are finding that there is a lot of demand for their watch cleaning and repair services. Others are having new straps fitted and batteries replaced to give older watches a new lease of life.

Whether people are looking for watch servicing in Bishops Stortford, London or New York they are searching out good jewellers with experience of looking after watches. Once again people are willing to invest money in good watches and this is reflected in the types of watches they are buying and how they are taking care of them.

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Posted in accessories, guest post

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Simple Stripes

19th June 2015
When we recently had a mini heatwave and I finally broke in to my Summer wardobe. Heavens knows why I look so miserable in every single one of these photos, I recall having a bad day at the time but really, is there any need to put it on to the blog? Sorry about that!

Dress: H&M (last year) | Sandals: New Look (here) | Bag: New Look (which I can’t find online)

This dress was one of H&M’s £7.99 wonders last year and is such a staple. When the weather is warm there is nothing better than chucking on a simple striped dress to get in the Summer spirit! I mentioned these sandals in a recent wish list post and whilst I have so far resisted going back for more pairs it’s only a matter of time as they are seriously so comfortable. I just had to get the glittery pair, perfect for adding some subtle sparkle to an otherwise entirely dull look and I suspect I’ll be living in these when I eventually get on holiday!
Another New Look gem was this “The Little Purrmaid” tote bag which cost all of £1.99. I can’t resist a kitty pun and judging by the reaction on my instagram neither can you guys!
What do you live in when it comes to warmer days? Also, because it’s really annoying me now- how can I get clearer photos when the sun is shining? Clearly I am a blogger failure as I just can’t work it out!

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Posted in life stuff, outfits, shoes, shopping

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Summer Hair Care from Allcures *infographic*

18th June 2015
It’s a well known fact that Summer weather can be harsh on your hair. I don’t even have to leave the country for mine to start getting dry and ratty. Add in a week away in the sun with chlorine and sea salt to contend with and I’m a walking birds nest. That’s why, when I saw this infographic from allcures featuring some new to me tips for keeping your hair in top condition I couldn’t resist sharing.
I’m not sure I can stomach oysters any time soon but I tend to forget that what you eat can have a positive impact on every part of your body…pass me the carrots and kale!

I tend to wash my hair more in the Summer than in the Winter months so it was interesting (and somewhat alarming) to read that it should be the other way around. In my defense I do use less heat styling when the weather is hotting up but I think some re-thinking of my washing regime is needed. Likewise on the oil front. For some reason my hair gets greasier from May-September so adding oil in seemed counter-productive; any recommendations for something light?

How do you care for your hair in the Summer months? My split ends are crying out for your answers.

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Posted in beauty, hair, infographic

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