Category Archives: shopping

4 style ideas to help you sparkle during party season*

20th December 2018
Party season is officially in full swing, but with so many occasions to attend it can often be difficult working out what to wear. So, whether it’s a New Year’s bash or a great night out with friends why not give one of these simple ideas ago? These four finishing touches will have you standing out in any crowd, whatever your style.

Fancy footwear

Whether it’s sequins, embellishment, prints or bold colours, the rule with footwear at this time of the year is the fancier the better. One of the easiest ways to feel fantastic as you head off for a night out this winter is to invest in a new pair of statement shoes. Regardless of your preferred heel height, choose a design that really speaks for itself leaving you free to pair them with a simple little black dress at a moment’s notice. Think embellished sandals, velvet mules and printed pumps. The Gucci shoes collection has some perfect designs for hitting the dance floor in.

Colourful clutches 

A simple way to add some wow factor to your favourite outfit is with an eye-catching clutch and, they were spotted all over this season’s catwalks from Valentino to Balenciaga. There are so many options when it comes to accessorising with a clutch bag; think big and relaxed hugged close to the body or small and structured. As far as colour is concerned, any hue will keep you on trend, but metallic tones and sequins work great for party season and allow you to leave the rest of your look relatively simple.

Jaw-dropping jewellery 

Ever get the feeling something is missing from your outfit? It may be time to invest in some statement jewellery. If earrings are your thing then hoops are always a great option and are perfect for dressing up any look. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some a little classier, embellished pendant earrings could be the accessory you’re looking for. Team with an off-the-shoulder dress for Old Hollywood glamour and maximum impact.

Statement make-up

It’s the oldest trick in the book but nothing adds some extra oomph to an outfit quite like a slick of statement lipstick. For this season think deep shades of plum and red depending on your skin tone. Pair it with simple eye make to make sure your look isn’t too overpowering.

Have fun with hair accessories 

It’s one of the more difficult trends to pull off but quirky hair accessories could be the perfect solution to taking your festive party outfits to the next level. This season’s trends included feathered clips, tortoiseshell slides and leather Alice bands. Max Mara even sent models down the runway wearing crystal-embellished monogrammed hair clips. Again, the key to making this look work for you is to tone everything else down. If there’s too much going on your hair accessories may overwhelm your outfit.

Posted in christmas, fashion, personal style, shopping

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Indulging my ankle boot obsession with Fashion World*

11th December 2018
If I could only wear one style of shoes for the rest of my life it would without a doubt be ankle boots, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, they are what I gravitate to and I’ve been living in the same two pairs of boots for the last couple of months. This could, of course have something to do with the fact that these are the only shoes I’ve got around to moving house with me- the perks of having my parents’ living near by is that I didn’t have to move everything at once, handy as we’ve had a couple of storage hiccups, and to be honest I haven’t really missed most of my shoe collection (although I will be glad to have them all under one roof in the new year!)

Now I’m done with my Christmas shopping- insert smug gloat here- I’ve gone back to my routine browsing of things I would quite like to own, although now all of my money has gone on Christmas, and unexpected vet bills, it really is a case of browsing only.

Today’s edition of “share my pain in lusting over things I can’t yet afford” features ankle boots (as the post title might have given away), specifically those from the magnificent collection over at fashion world.

I kind of feel I’ve covered all bases with my browsing here, from smart to casual, from day to night, I’ve fallen in love with an ankle boot for all occasions. I think my favourite pair has to be the black ones with the pearl detailing, such a pretty way to liven up an otherwise plain party dress, or for wearing just to feel expensive…and expensive they are not, costing a very reasonable £26.00 in the wide fit style, which is perfect for my flipper feet.

You’ll also find a selection of familiar brands on the fashion world website – from irregular choice to mode in pelle (which is who the delicious burgundy button detail boots are by).

What shoe style would you choose to live in?

Posted in brands I love, fashion, personal style, shoes, shopping, wish list

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The (almost) weekly wish list

23rd September 2018

Not even a month in to my new regular feature and I failed at keeping it, well, regular. The last couple of weeks have been crazy busy, and expensive with actual adulting so I suppose composing a wish list of things wasn’t top of my priorities for once.

But fear not, for I am back. Browsing has resumed just at the time some serious no spending has been implemented, and any spending that does occur will be with discount codes aplenty such as those found at Groupon

Hello Kitty Cashmere: Chinti & Parker at Selfridges | Patterned Rug: Urban Outfitters | Classic Coat: Monki | Bee Kind Breton: Sugarhill Boutique | Rose Gold Coffee Table: Habitat | Polka Dot Culottes: Joy | Green Metallic Midi Dress: Joanie Clothing | Disney Pyjamas: TruffleShuffle.com

It’s a bit of an eclectic bunch this time, with items ranging from the “in my dreams only” (Hello Kitty Cashmere anyone?) to the far more affordable (those pyjamas!)
Party wear is starting to creep on to my radar, as are ALL of the winter coats- the second the shops start releasing the Christmas chocolates I want to wear all of the sequins and all of the cosy coats.

You’ll probably notice more and more homeware on the list as time goes on too. Bob and I have found somewhere to live, and pending references going through will be moving very soon. This weekend has been a blur of white good comparisons and browsing for all of the practical things we need- the list never seems to end! Weekly wish lists may not be happening for a few weeks as we’ll be busy with moving stuff, but I’m sure once we’re settled they will resume with a vengeance, especially with Christmas slowly but surely creeping closer and the shops filling with all manner of exciting looking things already catching my eye.

What’s caught your eye recently? And where are your must-have shops for homewares? Blankets, crockery and cushions are top of our list!

Posted in brands I love, fashion, inspiration, interiors, lifestyle, personal style, shopping, Uncategorized, wish list

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The Comfiest Comfies with Hunkemoller

17th September 2018

I’m a pyjama, or “comfies” fiend. From the second I walk in the door each night I crave getting in to them, and whilst I generally try and wait until after dinner, if I know I have an extra snuggly pair available temptation often gets the better of me.

I was recently contacted by Hunkemoller who offered me a piece of my choosing from their range of sleepwear and instantly I based out my acceptance and headed on over to the nightwear section of the site.

Lace-Up Sweatpants c/o Hunkemoller

At £22.50 these sweatpants are considerably more expensive than those which I would usually buy, but you can seriously tell the difference. In real life they are a lot more marled than they appear on the website- a delightful bonus in my book. I went for the medium size, which equates to a uk 12-14 and I almost wish I had sized up again to be honest, I like my comfies super baggy, but these are the right side of slouchy and an absolute delight to wear. I have zero complaints about the quality here, and they have washed well so far- so often I think I’ve found the perfect pyjamas only to find them toddler sized after the first wash.

Hunkemoller aren’t a brand I am overly familiar with, but one I certainly want to get to know more. As well as their nightwear you’ll also find an array of lingerie, swimwear, sportswear and more, all at pretty reasonable prices when you compare to their nearest high street rivals. I’m in desperate need of some new bras and I’m going to try their range out for size…I’ll report back in due course.

Where are your favourite “comfies” from? I’m always willing to add to my collection (and my battle to instigate PJ Friday at work continues).

Posted in brands I love, lifestyle, personal style, shopping

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Hidden Fashion

11th September 2018

It feels like an absolute age since I last did an outfit post on the blog, it’s something I really want to get back to as once upon a time it was primarily what my blog was about, and I miss that. These days it’s lack of time that holds me back more than anything- house hunting and working full time mean I have very little time to grab photos, but hopefully that will change once I’ve moved, for once I even have a backlog of clothes and outfits I want to document.

Anyway, the point of that inane ramble was to really announce “TA-DA, an outfit post!”. I was recently contacted by a company called Hidden Fashion who very kindly offered to send out a couple of items. The brand are new to me, and I was impressed by how much selection they have at insanely good prices. I picked out a couple of items, one from both ends of the style spectrum and coerced Bob in to taking some photos for me over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Dress: c/o Hidden Fashion (£10!) | Shoes: Shellys London (super old)

This dress is an absolute steal at £10 – it was cheap even at it’s full price of £20! It’s a bold move away from my usual style and one I’m glad I made. I love the draped fit and cheeky split and collar details. It’s elegant whilst remaining edgy and has a touch of luxury about it thanks to the satin feel fabric. This is the perfect evening socialising dress now Autumn is creeping it’s way in, and I predict a lot of wear out of it over the coming months.

Jacket: c/o Hidden Fashion (£16) | Jeans: Waven | Trainers: Adidas at ASOS

This jacket is exactly what my casual wardrobe needed now that the heatwave has broken and there is an Autumnal nip in the air. Again it’s a crazy bargain at £16 (down from £32) and it’s quality far exceeds it’s price tag (and to be honest, expectations). This has quickly become my go-to jacket for when the skies look decidedly grey and on a cost-per-wear basis it’s essentially free already.
Have you found any hidden treasures or bargain buys lately? I’m really pleased I was introduced to Hidden Fashion and will be regularly checking the website for more pieces like these. Let me know what’s caught your eye in the comments.

Posted in brands I love, fashion, outfits, personal style, shopping

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