The Black and White(pepper)

Dress: THEWHITEPEPPER | Boots: Bertie at House of Fraser | Necklace c/o Kittenish Behaviour
Oh this dress, probably my most worn piece of 2014 so far. I love it and it will certainly earn it’s more than I would usually pay price tag.
I think it goes perfectly with these boots I snagged in the House of Fraser sale. I remember getting the press release for them and coveting them so it was shopping karma really that I eventually owned them. I’m a bit nervous wearing them in this weather because of the white leather, but I did eventually cave last Saturday before the weather became too horrible to even contemplate leaving the house.
I’ve become pretty obsessed with this necklace of late, sent to me by my blogger pal Sian from her glorious online shop I’ve worn it almost every day over recent times.
Today’s my last day at work before my back procedure. Work has been extra frantic lately and I’m glad that when I go back I should be *touch wood* fully fit and functioning. I’m a bit resentful of having to take so much time to heal, but apparently I might get to go back on reduced hours if I respond well to the surgery and do as I’m told.
I’m going to Ben’s tonight for my last weekend there in a while. Poor boy will be forced to come to mine and eat Sunday dinners cooked by my parents and stuff his face on the huge amounts of chocolate and sweets I tend to have around. I have every intention of making him wait on me hand and foot…I just need a “ring for tea” bell and I’m all set.
Have a great weekend folks. What have you been wearing non-stop lately?
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Etsy Obsession: Coco & Bloom

Etsy has long since been one of my internet obsessions. Back in the day I was crafting mad (although not especially talented at any one area) and used to spend hours on Etsy searching for inspiration. These days I browse the site for things to buy, having pretty much given up on making anything of worth to anyone. Recently I’ve come across Coco & Bloom who make the most beautiful notebooks; they also score bonus points for being made exceptionally local to me.
Lavender Hills CollectionLove Blooms CollectionTempting Fate Collection
I’ve let Jai introduce her shop in her own words as no body can sum up hand made goods better than the maker can they?
Coco & Bloom is a fabulous book boutique created by Jai Taylor from Bristol, England.  As a qualified Journalist she loves to write but, her biggest love is being creative. She was always running out of notebooks and struggled to find a beautiful notebook or journal to inspire her creative jottings. So, she let her creativity take over and hence Coco & Bloom was born. She calls herself ‘the Book Artist’ and loves the freedom of creating the most beautiful books that inspire you to write. Stunning florals and deep Turquoise is among some of her favourite patterns to use and she loves using the luxury of satin ribbon tied in a beautiful bow. A gift for yourself or a friend – Coco & Bloom Handmade Books will always be the perfect present.  Prices start at just £3.95 for a Mini Book. See her and her fabulous designer books at her next event at Winter Gardens, Weston Super Mare on the 19th and 20th of April 2014.  You can also visit her beautiful book boutique at www.cocoandbloom.etsy.com
I’m a massive fan of cute and quirky stationary and I have several of Jai’s books on my wish list. I’m also hoping to pop along to her next event on the 20th of April to say hello and make some purchases.
Fellow etsy fans, got any sellers to share? If you’re a seller yourself send me links!

New Season at Accessorize

Ok, so it’s only January and it’s dark when we leave for work and dark again when we get home at times but luckily the fashion world is always a season or two ahead so to brighten up those dull winter days we have the new Spring/Summer collections to focus on. Hurrah!
One brand I’m always excited to see the Summer collection from is Accessorize. Synonymous with the Summer Holidays and long, lazy days relaxing in the sunshine (when we get any) I can never resist a visit to Accessorize to stock up on sunnies and a new beach bag, or two.
It’s hard to believe Accessorize turns 30 this year! It’s a brand I only grew to know in my teenage years, I hadn’t actually realised it had been around longer than I had! Above are some screenshots from a video I’m going to be sharing below, highlighting some of the seasons hottest trends with key products from the collection with insider picks. Filled with fabulous beachwear, bags pefect for a Summer of festival going and of course, standout jewellery pieces this year looks like it’s going to be a big one for Accessorize and I can’t wait to start planning my S/S wardrobe and which pieces I’m going to get to finish of the look.
The video is from the recent Press Day, if any of you were lucky enough to attend tell me what you thought and what pieces in particular we should be looking out for.
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Hello Valentine: Marks and Spencer

For the first time ever I’m embracing the Valentines themed posts; sorry to those of you who ignore the day but it’s the first time I’ve ever really felt like acknowledging it and to be honest, the tasty treats I’m sharing today from Marks and Spencer are perfect as a little pick me up to you, from you.
I’m a bit of an addict to Marks and Spencer food, I’m glad I don’t actually live near a store as I’d be forever broke. These little treats won’t cost the earth though and look pretty delicious!
This is not just *any* Valentines, eh?

Forgive Quickly

Dress: Monki at ASOSBoots: New Look | Necklace: Lola & Grace | Ring: Not on The High Street

I was reluctant to post this outfit on the blog. The dress requires confidence/a good body image day to be worn properly and I think perhaps I made a mistake in buying it as those days are lately few and far between. Still, it is an awesome dress and one that had been on my radar for a while. I’m sure I’ll learn to love it, or at least to stop looking in mirrors/taking photos whilst wearing it. Good old Monki. I am a bit obsessed.

Talking of obsessed, I told you I was in love with Lola & Grace! Before Christmas I won a giveaway on twitter than involved House of Fraser vouchers and this necklace along with matching bracelet was one of my purchases. It may be quite simple but thanks to the chunky chain it packs a punch.

As for this ring, where do I start? Mum surprised me with this a couple of weeks ago and I just love it. Audrey Hepburn has long been one of my idols and from what I have read of her life (which by this point is quite a lot) and from her film roles I can deduce she was an incredibly wise woman who made a heck of a lot of valid points

This quotes remains one of my favourites, I’ve tried my best to capture it but incase I failed I’ve added it below, too.

Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.
– Audrey Hepburn
What words do you try to live by?